Subject: Voice hooks readers, masterclass, math of creativity

Voice hooks readers, masterclass, math of creativity

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Friday, Jan. 9, 2026

Hi Friend,

Lots of resources for you today, but first...

When the world is topsy-turvy, I ask myself: what can I do?

And my answer always comes back to being a service to myself, which means working on my creative projects and being a service to others...

which means helping other people with their very important creative projects.

I believe through art we can change the world, but more importantly we can feel better and frankly soothe the parts that need it...

By creating an emotional outlet to share what we’re feeling.

Sometimes we put into our art things that we can’t express any other way.

I’ve seen that time and time again in my own work and in the work of my clients and in the work of the stories I read and watch and listen to.

So, all this to say, you got this.

Reach out for support from me or others.

You’re not alone.

In this day and age human connections are the most valuable thing that we can cultivate.

Sit with yourself. Connect with your heart.

Sit with another person in real life and be there for each other.

Pay attention. Listen. Share.

Above all, be kind to yourself and others.

On to the resources...

🌟

There's still time to register for our Habits of Mind masterclass with Dr. Bailey Lang!

Are you a writer who knows what you need to do but can't seem to get yourself to do it?

The habits of mind masterclass on January 21st (11am PT/2pm ET) will show you how to shift your thinking patterns to support your writing practice.

With Bailey, learn the eight mental habits that successful writers use to finish their books.

Join us for 90 minutes of hands-on learning, plus live Q&A and coaching.

Registration closes soon.

To learn more and register go here:

https://bethbarany.com/habitsofmind

❤️

The Mathematics of Creativity | Why Genius Follows a Formula

I loved how this video was put together and it blew my mind how it summarized lots of what I know about creativity.

https://youtu.be/6aohcF4XBSc?si=4pyQYdbeIpnXyYo9

But he left out community and getting feedback.

So I add this quote by Steve Kotler from his recent newsletter:

"... train with peers. Solo training plateaus fast. Collaborative training compounds. Other people can see your blind spots, unearth your assumptions, and push you past your limits. In an exponential world, alliances are how you keep up."

-- Steven Kotler, stevenkotler.com, author, speaker, flow researcher

❤️

🎤

This week's podcast came from a discussion with one of my client's on story openings, voice, world building, and how to not tell too much but just enough.

Decode The Obsidian Tower’s Setting

- How To Write the Future podcast, episode 187

“By setting in this case, we are getting the scope of the world. We are learning the rules of magic in this story.” — Beth Barany

I analyze The Obsidian Tower by Melissa Caruso, showing you exactly how I works as a developmental editor and coach.

You’ll discover how character voice hooks readers, how setting creates intrigue, and how to ground your story in your character’s perspective.

Plus, I throw down a challenge for you to try. hehe

Read | Listen | Watch

❤️

187. Decode The Obsidian Tower's Setting on How To Write The Future podcast with Beth Barany

🔥 Oh! Before I sign off, be sure to check out the latest Writer's Fun Zone posts, including essential resources for writers here on my new about page.

🙌🏽 And Savannah Gilbo's 3-Day Writer Breakthrough Bootcamp starts next Monday (January 19th), which means this Sunday is your last day to sign up for it.

🎉 Have you finished your science fiction or fantasy novel for draft? If so, congratulations! And are you looking for what next? Be sure to check out our video series here to help figure out your next steps.

Happy Writing!

Best,

Beth

PS. We're already scheduling our 2026 event calendar! Wow!

Here are some of the upcoming events!

🚀 In March, Gala Russ and I will be running our first bootcamp "Find Your Creative Entrepreneur Niche" to help people who want help writers to get clear on which services you can offer that align with your skills, your interests, and that writers will gladly pay for. -- March 20-24. Registration opens Feb. 1st!

📚 I'll be teaching in Lorin Oberweger's Free Expressions: Settings that Wow Your Readers. Get on her list to get all the details. Save the dates!

April 9, 4:30pm PT
May 14, 4:30pm PT

🎙️ And I'm excited to announce that I'll be speaking at Alexa Bigwarfe's Marketing Bootcamp for Authors and Publishing Professionals, June 12-13, 2026.

🌟 If you find my resources helpful, please forward them to a friend who may need them too. Thanks!

Beth Barany
Creativity Coach for Writers

Teacher, Speaker, Workshop Facilitator
bethbarany.com

I not only teach and coach novelists, I am one too!

*Magical Tales of Romance, Mystery, and Adventure* author.bethbarany.com

Including the award-winning, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer (Book 1), and Into The Black, about Janey McCallister space station investigator (Book 1)

__________________________

❤️ - Here to empower you with core principles, mindset tools, and doable roadmaps to build your sustainable, thriving creative career on your own terms.

🚀 🐲 - Passionate about supporting science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction writers; and creative entrepreneurs serving writers.

🎬 - Filmmaker with a BIG mission: to celebrate warrior women!

Writer's Fun zone blog by and for creative writers, published by Beth Barany

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Support This Creative Entrepreneur

My mission is to support your adventure as a creative and step into your next best self.

If you want to support my mission, I invite you to:

📚 buy my books: Fiction | Nonfiction

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Or share my work with your friends. Thanks!

Beth Barany is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy novelist, and certified creativity coach for writers.

She specializes in helping writers experience clarity, so they can write, revise, and proudly publish their novels to the delight of their readers.

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The Solar System. → Carina–Sagittarius Arm in the Milky Way galaxy. Milky Way subgroup → Local Group → Local Sheet → Virgo Supercluster → Laniakea Supercluster → Local Hole → Observable universe → Universe.

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