& then write

How do we work through those trying times when we feel like we “should” be working on our manuscripts? How do we get through without letting the inner self critic win? Today I am joined by Marin Laukka – and we try and figure this out.

Why are we so hesitant to call ourselves writers? While our paths and stories may differ, we all fall into practice one way or another, and for many of us, writing may serve a different need. Guest Shelly Sharon joins the podcast and we explore the ways we identify with, find company in, and develop a relationship with writing.  

Rules. They usually tend to suck the fun out of something. But what about rules for writing? Are there any? Should there be? Perhaps the bigger question is, are rules helpful? To help us sort it all out, I'm joined today by writer JP Behrens.

Having kids – for me – has been the perfect excuse to dip back into and read books aimed at younger readers again. But what is it like to write for younger readers? Today’s guest, Gina Loveless, is going to tell us all about it.

It can be tough to ride out a stretch when you have zero energy for your own creative pursuits. So what’s a writer to do? This month I lament on how I’ve been attempting to sit with struggle, knowing it will pass – and that I will return to the work I miss.

Writing is about so much more than writing. There are many other kinds of non-writing work that sometimes have to happen before we ever arrive to the page. Guest Jeremiah Timmons has a lot to share when it comes to mindset, trauma, the joy we can actually extract from our work, and the freedom of mediocrity.  

It’s the oft-dreaded question: How big is your platform? Like it or not, to obtain an agent or publishing contract these days, writers need a platform. Ideally, we’d be spending any free time we have on our craft, our most precious commodity: Our words. Growing a platform can be the equivalent of a part-time job, at least. Guest Amber Brandt joins the podcast to discuss how she’s been navigating this tricky terrain.

Sometimes, the most challenging times have a lot to teach us – if we’re willing to listen. 2020 was less than kind to my writing life, but that doesn’t mean it was a total loss: I learned a few critical lessons along the way that I am bringing into 2021 – and beyond.

Have you ever thought about writing a book that could help drive your business? One that will be an important part of the ecosystem that establishes your credibility and ultimately gets you more clients? Guest host Anna Lundberg walks through some probing questions that will help you explore WHY you want to write a book, and what role it will play for your business.

Fiction writing and playwriting. Even though both often involve worldbuilding – characters, setting, plot, dialogue – there are distinct differences. How do those differences inform the process? The way the material is experienced by the reader and viewer? Today, guest hosts Denise Stephenson and Bob Mayberry explore the differences between fiction writing and playwriting.

Sometimes as writers, we make "inspiration" out to be a lot more mysterious than it really is. By adopting simple practices, we can put ourselves in the way of inspiration, and pave the way for great ideas to come in – consistently. Guest host Jennifer Locke takes us through four easy-to-adopt practices.

Not every writer aspires to be the next literary great. Some writers simply want to do what they love - WRITE - and make a living doing it, on their terms. For many, this is elusive territory, but it needn’t be. Today Anthony Moore joins the podcast to demystify the business of writing.

As writers, some stories just get under our skin. We try to write them out of our system, but sometimes we don’t quite get it on the first try... or maybe even the second. But eventually the story comes out – and at a point we have to stop tinkering and let it go. Today Michael Waddington joins the podcast to share the story behind his military legal thriller, Battlemind.

Writing a memoir is its own kind of special journey. Not only does it require that you generate material relating to your life, it asks you to come to terms with it, to make sense of it in a way that will be compelling to readers.  The best memoirs show us all the layers, and it’s that vulnerability, that willingness to be perceived as a flawed, complex human being trying to figure it all out that results in a deep connection with the author. But how do we, as writers, do that? Today I welcome guest Mag Dimond, and we’ll talk about her journey writing her memoir.

Are you willing to receive what you most need to hear?  A-ha! moments are key for the writing process. And they often contain advice we’ve already heard ten times before – but we actually hear it this time, when we need it most.

Showing up to the page to write is no small feat. Neither is infusing your work with an engaging voice and a captivating story. But so often, writers doubt their ability to show up on the page as they are in real life. Jennifer Locke joins the podcast today, where we’ll discuss strategies for uncovering your voice and focusing in on your story.

The world is giving us the business right now. What does that mean for our creative pursuits? Our ability to show up to the page? What do we do when we just don’t have it in us? Here’s how I’m getting through the shit-show that is COVID-19.

This month, I welcome Rachel Redmond back to the podcast. Today we examine our culture’s obsession with productivity, and talk about the deeper reasons behind why we do what we do. We both believe slowing down ultimately makes us more productive - if we can allow ourselves the space and grace to do it.

As writers, whether we decide to self-edit or hire out part of the editorial process, it’s important that we have a sense, not only of the purpose of editing, but also the different types and stages of editing. Guest Andrew Wille joins the podcast to share his expertise in this area.

Most writers, at one point or another, feel like a fake on some level. How can we kick these feelings of inadequacy to the curb? Today I cover some strategies for minimizing the effects of imposter syndrome. 

As writers, how do we use our words to work towards a greater good? How do we get our work off the page and into the world? Guest Diana McLean joins the podcast to discuss the intersection of writing, social justice, and spirituality.   

For many of us, community is key when it comes to our writing process. It gets you engaged, uncomfortable, and moving forward before you’re ready. When you have support, it also means you are more likely to keep going. How to best establish community? Give a listen to find out.

Part of what separates a good writer from a great writer is their ability to not only draw inspiration from a wide variety of sources - some truly unexpected places - but also their ability to pivot creatively when life decides to throw some serious curveballs. Guest Angela Santillo personifies the phrase “embracing the unexpected,” and joins me today on the podcast.

All of us encounter distractions on a daily basis. It can be difficult to achieve, let alone sustain, any kind of creative focus. So how do we minimize distractions and overwhelm? How do we create an environment where focus can be achieved in a minimal amount of time? Today I share some strategies that have helped me stay on track.

As writers, we work to establish habits, routines that serve us well. But just when you think you have this writing thing down… you discover that what served you well for one project is an absolute disaster for the next. No two writing projects are the same. How do we as writers adapt? How do we shapeshift to be the exact writer we need to be in that moment? And what do we do when we have creative loves outside of writing? How do we find balance? I welcome long-time friend, mentor, and fellow creative Denise Stephenson to the podcast today to discuss these topics.

How do we as writers find our WHY? And is this even a necessary practice when it comes to our writing?

How do we as writers develop a voice that is uniquely our own? What are some of the stumbling blocks we encounter in this process? Today I welcome fellow writer and friend, Nick Beardslee, where we tackle questions about voice, screenwriting, and collaboration.

Do you turn away from your true calling? Are you an artist at heart, but find yourself throwing your energy behind other artists, relegating yourself to the background, i.e. support staff? Today we’ll talk about how you can take charge of your true self, and begin to dismantle the limiting beliefs holding you back.

This is the first in a series of episodes about writers and the processes they utilize in their craft. How do you infuse emotion into your writing? How do you turn your inspiration into tangible work? Today’s guest, Kyle Williams, will shed some light on one way we can bring adequate emotional energy to our writing, and also how we can funnel our creativity and inspiration into a sprawling work.    

What happens when we stop clinging so hard to our ideas of how things should be, and loosen the grip of control? What happens when we can open to the magic of disruption? In short: It can transform us.

Writing isn’t a one-size-fits all endeavor. It can be a creative outlet, a form of employment, a professional pursuit – or a mix of these. However, for many, writing itself can be a healing balm, a place for self-reflection and emotional digestion. Rachel Redmond joins today’s episode to discuss the healing properties of writing.

It’s that time of year… the time of year when we’re encouraged to “make resolutions,” “set intentions,” “pick a word for the year.” These rituals can be helpful, but for many of us it feels like we’re setting ourselves up for failure. What’s a writer to do?

For many, writing is a side hustle. Maybe you’re feeling the pull to make writing your full-time gig. When do you know it’s the right time to make the leap? What are some of the considerations you need to think through?

What is manifesting, and how can it help your writing life – and life in general? This is a simple tool that can make a huge impact in all areas of your life. Join me with an open mind, and you’ll see.

How do we cultivate a “writing state of mind?”  As life becomes increasingly full, it becomes exponentially more difficult to simply sit down and write.  What’s a writer to do?  Today I welcome Jeremy Hammond to the podcast, and together we shed some light on this topic.

When it comes to super heroes, we eat up their origin stories. But I want to know, where do writers come from?  I realized I didn’t really know the origin stories of most writers I know—where did we begin, when did we know we were writers, who inspired us—and set out to learn more. I wondered if I would find any parallels between their journeys, and my own. 

Let's discuss the ways in which we talk around our writing practice, and the language we use in communication with ourselves. What kind of language have you internalized?  

How much distance is needed between you and your topic & character when either / both are based on real-life events?  When it is healing & when is it too painful to write about personal events? Today we’ll be discussing the challenges of writing about difficult events and people in our lives.  As writers, we often mine our own life for material.  This tends to be true regardless of what form you prefer to write in.  How do you navigate this?  Do you include the good, the bad, and the ugly?  Do you revise history to avoid ruffling feathers?  What are you willing to sacrifice, in terms of relationships, when it comes to sharing your history in such a public way? 

Welcome to the 1st Episode of the & then write podcast. The intention behind & then write is to engage with writers and creatives - to create a space where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired. Today's episode deals with the Fear of Being Seen, and how we procrastinate and self-sabotage when it comes to this fear. What happens when we push past that fear? What would you create if you could set aside your Fear of Being Seen?  I can't wait to hear all about it...