The Quiet Alchemist

Avsnitt

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  How to Write a Haiku – Poetry 28.04.2025 33min

  How to write a haiku. Today we're exploring the essence of the haiku. Haikus should have strong, striking images and contain a moment of insight inspired by an observation in nature. Haikus have three lines that follow a 5-7-5 syllable count. Together we also explore exactly why haikus are so powerful in helping us appreciate each moment of life as it unfolds instead of living in the past or the future.  Today's example haikus are authored by Matsuo Bashō, Elmedin Kadric, Germain Droogen-broodt, Martin Elster, and Daniela Misso. … Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  How to Outline Your Novel 28.01.2025 31min

  The best approach to outlining your novel. Whether your outline is a loose structure or a fully-detailed story map, it needs to have two components to be successful. Together we go through exactly what your outline needs to include to make sure your resulting draft is sellable to agents and loved by readers. … Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Using Tarot Cards to Create Unique Characters – Novels 07.01.2025 43min

  How to use Tarot Cards to add depth and layers to your characters. Today we're exploring how to pull Tarot Cards to create backstory, traits, beliefs, interpersonal dynamics, and other characterization for the main characters in your novel. You'll learn exactly what Tarot Cards are and the three steps you can use to pull cards that develop your character's unique story.   Below are 21 questions to ask Tarot Cards about your character. … Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906 … 1.   How does your character perceive the world around them? What is the lens through which they look at the world? 2.   What is this character's relationship with their mother like? 3.   What is this character's relationship with their father like? 4.   What are this character's insecurities? 5.   How does this character handle conflict? 6.   Is there a gap between how this character sees themselves and how the world sees them? What is that gap like? 7.   What are this character's core values? (Pull multiple cards for this one.) 8.   Does this character experience loneliness? How does that shape their actions? 9.   What is this character like when they are in love? 10.    What does this character regret and how does that regret shape their current actions? 11.    How does this character handle failure? 12.    What is this character's relationship happiness? Are they happy? If not, do they believe happiness is even possible? 13.    How does this character define home? Do they feel they have ever found it? 14.    How does this character define love? Do they feel they have ever found it? 15.    What is this character's relationship to money? Does it control them or do they control it? 16.    What types of friendships does this character have? How does this affect their life? (Pull multiple cards for this one.) 17.    What is this character hiding? Are they hiding it well or not? 18.    How does your character feel about death? 19.    What relationship does your character have to the truth? Do they believe there is one objective truth or many valid subjective truths? 20.    How does your character define loyalty? 21.    What relationship does your character have with power and authority? Do they shun it? Do they want more of it for themselves?
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  Writing Dialogue – Novels 17.12.2024 33min

  How to write dialogue that sweeps your readers into your story. Today we're exploring the essential components of dialogue. Effective dialogue should both aid in characterization and move the plot forward. We go through the most common mistakes new and intermediate writers make when crafting character dialogue, including how to correctly format dialogue and the best way to use dialogue tags.  Today's example novel is How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang. … Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Adding Humor into Your Writing – Poetry 03.12.2024 33min

  How to make readers laugh. Today we're exploring techniques for adding humor into your writing. Together we outline four proven models borrowed from the stand-up comedy work to inject humor into your work. Long live the humorous poem!   Today's example poem is Thank You for Waiting by Simon Armitage.   …   Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Writing Consistent Characters vs Characters with Surprise, Duality and Contradiction – Novels and Short Stories 16.04.2024 20min

  How to make your characters feel so real they could walk off the page and into your world.  Today we're exploring whether consistency should be the holy grail of characterization or whether we should instead aim for writing characters that grow, change, and surprise the reader. We go through a writing exercise to break you out of cliches and take your characterization into exciting realms.   Today's example novel is The Ocean by the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.  … Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  The First Sentence – Novels and Short Stories 26.03.2024 39min

  How to make your first sentence sizzle and pop so the reader has to keep reading. Today we're exploring exactly how to craft a winning first sentence that will pull a reader into your book and never let go. I learned most of what I'm sharing today from James Patterson himself, so buckle up, it's going to be a worthwhile ride. … Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Refrains – Poetry Writing Lesson 05.03.2024 23min

  How to create incredible poems using the power of refrains. Today we dive into exactly what makes refrains such a powerful tool in poetry and how to use them effectively in your writing. Two poetry prompts are also included to help you take this tool into your hands effectively.  Today's example poem is "She Had Some Horses" by Joy Harjo. … Find Morgan's Poetry Writing Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Do We Have to Suffer for Our Art? – Novels 27.02.2024 28min

  Is the trope of the tortured artist really helping our art? Or hindering it? For hundreds of years all over the globe, one concept has existed – artists must suffer greatly to make great art. Together we explore whether we really need pain, grief, or heartbreak to create the most amazing writing that we are capable of. Today's example author is Elizabeth Gilbert.  … Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Monologue as Form – Short Stories 20.02.2024 27min

  How to master this unique and truncated form of writing: the monologue story. The monologue story is a seldom-seen form of writing, but it is worthwhile getting to know. Today we explore how to conquer this rare format in order to craft compelling and deliciously surprising monologue stories.  Today's example short story is "East on Houston" from Glory Goes and Gets Some: Stores by Emily Carter. . . . Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  "After" Poems – Poetry 06.02.2024 19min

  How to write an "after" poem that builds off of another writer's work without ripping them off. Today we explore the tough tightrope of "after" poems. Let's find a space where we find inspiration within another poem in order to create a larger link of intertextuality without writing something so similar that it infringes on the other poem.  Today's example poem is "Everything Will Be Taken Away" by Morgan Parker. … Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Could You Benefit from a Pen Name? – Novels 23.01.2024 27min

  How a pen name can be used in a vast variety of ways to advance your writing career. We explore the many, many reasons authors have hidden behind pen names throughout history and how using one might benefit your career in today's modern writing environment. This is one of my favorite episodes so far, so let's dive in! Today's example novel is Indiana by George Sand (who was really Amantine Lucille Aurore). … Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Poetry as Therapy (Self-Love) – Poems 16.01.2024 23min

  How writing poetry can be a form of healing therapy. We explore two different exercises for using writing poetry to tap into a deep well of self-love. Your resulting poems can be used as powerful pieces to submit to literary magazines and journals all over the world.  Today's example novel is Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou. . . . Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Prose Poem Format – Poems 03.01.2024 22min

  How do you know when your poem could benefit from being in pose format? Today we dive into the history of the most mysterious poetic format – the prose poem. Together we explore when this form can be utilized to effectively advance the purposes of your poem. Our example poem is "Intact Woman" by Victoria Redel. Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Personification – Short Stories 14.11.2023 19min

  How to use personification to create impactful metaphors and memorable characters in your fiction. Today we explore personification as a tool for our writing that is valuable yet can be used too heavily. We'll learn how to strike the right balance to make this tool work for our writing, rather than against it. Our example short story is "There will come soft rains" by Ray Bradbury. . . . Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Line Breaks – Poetry 07.11.2023 23min

  How to create hidden half-meanings, dynamic rhythms, and layers of context with your poetic line breaks. Today we're exploring how to artfully master line breaks in order to create rich meaning and poetic music. Our example poem is "Edge" by Sylvia Plath. . . . Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Asking Your Characters Questions – Novels 31.10.2023 23min

  How to create characters that feel like they could walk off the page and out into the world. Today we explore the process of asking your characters a specific set of questions in order to render them with more depth and detail. My challenging, strike-to-the-heart set of questions for you to ask your characters will make your characters feel more real in your fiction. Our example set of questions and answers comes from Morgan Liphart's WIP, A New Sun. . . . Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Fresh Language Only – Poetry 24.10.2023 20min

  How to eliminate stale and uncompelling language from your writing. Today we learn how to utilize an editing process that removes all dead language from your poem and replaces it with the freshest language you can muster in order to take your writing to the next level. Our example poem is "At Fifty I Am Startled to Find I Am in My Splendor" by Sandra Cisneros. Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Releasing Expectations – Poetry 17.10.2023 19min

  How does releasing expectations you've placed on yourself and your poem help you to create better work? Today we dive into the process of crafting a new poem and explore a way of writing that fully lets go. Our example poet is Ha Jin. . . . Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906
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  Your Novel, Yourself – Novels 03.10.2023 28min

  How does the process of writing a novel transform you as a person? Morgan's theory is that we write novels in order to become more healed and whole. Does this theory hold water with your favorite novelists? We'll explore this and so much more in today's episode. Our example novel is The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. . . . Find Morgan's Poetry Masterclass on how to get published here: https://poetry-masterclass.thinkific.com/courses/poetry-masterclass Find Morgan's poetry chapbook, Barefoot and Running, here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-and-running-morgan-liphart/1138411141?ean=9781735957906