In Episode 16, we interview award-winning author, Dallas Woodburn, about the first pages of her short story collection, How to Make Paper When the World is Ending, published by Koehler Books in June. If you’re interested in knowing how to hook a reader in a single paragraph, tune into this episode to hear how Dallas crafts deft lines that pull you into her pages. As the author of five books, Dallas is no stranger to the rules of good fiction and what’s more, she surrendered to the process in such a way her words feel almost magical; and the stories beg you to read more. While we only had time to discuss four of the 16 stories in her new book, I hope it’s enough to wet your whistle and read the rest—while you camp, hit the beach or lounge. I can’t think of a more enjoyable afternoon than spending time with Dallas Woodburn’s latest book.
Page One, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview the world's master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books.
About the guest author:
Dallas Woodburn is the author of five books, both traditionally published and self-published, and editor of two national anthologies. She has also written for dozens of magazines, newspapers, websites, and 30+ books in the popular "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series. Her latest novel The Best Week That Never Happened was a #1 New Release on Amazon & an Apple Books best-seller. She received her BA in Creative Writing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California and her Master’s degree in Fiction Writing from Purdue University. She was also a John Steinbeck Fellow in Creative Writing at San Jose State University. As a successful author, coach and writing professional, Dallas has led groups and seminars at a number of national conferences, festivals, and book fairs. She is also a frequent guest speaker on TV shows, podcasts, and writing conferences. She hosts the Thriving Authors Podcast and the Thriving Authors Virtual Summit. Her latest book, a collection of short stories, How to Make Paper When the World is Thriving, was published by Koehler Books in June.
About the host:
Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup built to help authors succeed. She is the author of four historical fiction novels, and her debut novel, The Virgin's Knot,was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. Her books have been published in eleven countries and translated into nine languages. She recently finished her first YA crossover novel inspired by her nephew with Down syndrome and her love of Shel Silverstein's poetry. She lives in Marin County with her daughter and enjoys mountain biking, surfing and hiking with her dog. To learn more about her books and private writing coaching services, please visit hollylynnpayne.com.
If you have a first page you’d like to submit to the Page One Podcast, please do so here.
As an author and writing coach, I know that the first page of any book has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. So I thought to ask your favorite master storytellers how they do their magic to hook YOU.
After the first few episodes, it occurred to me that maybe someone listening might be curious how their first page sits with an audience, so I’m opening up Page One to any writer who wants to submit the first page of a book they’re currently writing.
If your page is chosen, you’ll be invited onto the show to read it and get live feedback from one of Page One’s master storytellers. Page One exists to inspire, celebrate and promote the work of both well-known and unknown creative talent.
You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players.