Pen to the Paper Podcast

Forgive the nasaliness. Allergies suck. Anyhoo...today, let's make our rewards for hitting our goals a little bit different. Let's think outside the box. Usually, we attach material objects to our rewards when we accomplish things (you know shopping and what not). But what if we decided to reward ourselves without spending much money or non at all? Today, I want you to listen to three examples of rewarding yourself that feels good inside and out, and lasts for a while. Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff! If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

"We are not robots." Welcome to April! In today's episode, I'm teaching you how to reduce bad thoughts in your mind. Bad thoughts always pop up in our minds, especially when we're working on something. And it can derail us for a bit. One creative way to reducing those thoughts is to acknowledge them. I know we wanna run away when we see them, but if we don't acknowledge the bad and the good in our lives, we're not seeing ourselves as a complete person, and we can't learn the lessons we need to become badass creators.  I hope this helps! If so, please leave a review and share this podcast. Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff!  If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:  Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com! Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Say you've been getting started on a new journey. And it's kinda rough now.   Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

It's time to challenge yourself. It's a continuation of Episode 3.18, where I talked about avoiding shiny new object syndrome. This one goes deeper into what happens when we push through the tough parts/roadblocks/setbacks we have when creating. Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!

Hello. Raise your hand if you're guilty of shiny new object syndrome. Haven't heard of it? It's when you start on a new thing, and it's going well...and you hit that wall that you can't quite get over. When we get to parts that are tough, we have a fear of it not working out, so we let our project collect dust and start something else. I've tried so many projects, and the one main reason why I didn't keep going is simply I had a fear of working through things when it got tough, because I thought things are supposed to be easier. What's the secret? Trudging through it! We face the fear, and are not afraid of failing, and that, my friends, is a key ingredient of creating. And I have a tip on how to fix that! Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Today, let's celebrate! We're going to celebrate the small changes you make as you are creating new habits and sticking with them. When we usually start, we look at the big picture, but let's take time to look at the little steps we take to get there. It's sweeter to see each step being crossed off, and we appreciate working our way up to the finish line. Go celebrate the little thing, then the medium thing, then the big thing! PS - writing them down gives you a big picture moment. :) Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Let's stir up a debate in today's episode. What's better for journaling? Pen and paper or electronic? The answer is up to you! What you use doesn't matter, as long as you're doing it. Me? 99.9% of time, I'm using my laptop to write up my content and image info. So I use pen and paper when I journal because 1) It's relaxing for me, 2) I love to use pens because they're colorful and erasable, and 3) I am more likely to stick to my goals. So, just grab something and get to journaling! Click here to grab my 31-day journal Click here for Oprah's planner Click here for the Lovet Planners Click here for the Writual Tarot Planner Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

In this episode, I'm bringing up a common problem creators have. We've got to set boundaries. I repeat, WE'VE GOT TO SET BOUNDARIES. If you're giving your energy to others, you don't have energy for yourself to create. I am super guilty of this also. I want to be there for people, but I had to learn I can't be there if I'm not there for myself first. And yeah, sorry not sorry for taking time to create. And if people aren't respecting your boundaries, you gotta say "peace out" and keep it moving. I'm not saying it isn't easy, but it's necessary. Also, shout out to therapy for helping me get through this. Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

It's my "Pi" episode! :) Anyways, this week, I'll be your BFF. Have you felt self-doubt when it comes to creating? That what you're doing won't resonate in the world? As your BFF, I'm here to tell you that's not true, and that you are a magnificent person. Let me flip the script: if your best friend came to you and said they didn't think they're good enough, wouldn't you encourage them, and tell them they're awesome? Of course! I want you to feel confident and hyped up to know that you can do this!  If you needed any motivation to keep going, grab a piece of paper and listen to this today! Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

In today's episode, I'm telling you to do it daily. First off, it's not what you think. Or is it?  The real secret to making habits? Doing the thing daily. When we are practicing doing our habits daily, we're more like to stick with them. Also, the whole "doing it when you have motivation?" Sorry, it won't cut it. Believe me, I KNOW. We gotta be on it daily so we can get better. Make it a priority for yourself. I used to be all "oh, I can do this on my own time and still be consistent," but it can only work if we train our brain first to get used to it, and that's doing it daily. And, by writing them down, we see our progress and get our brains used to doing the thing! :) Plus, I've got a tip for you when you don't feel like doing the thing. Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com! Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

In today's episode, I'm helping you use journaling to see your creative progress. If you're not a writer, you're probably rolling your eyes and think there's no point to journaling. What journaling does is help establish a roadmap for you to use on your creative journey. You can come back to it when life throws you lemons, or use it to look back at your path to your accomplishment. Take a listen, and see what you need to do to get started. Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Did you start another year with a new project, and was super excited, and then a month later, your motivation dropped? Yeah, me too. The thing is, when we start something new, we might not plan how to finish it. Motivation can only take us so far, but if we don't take time to plan it, it will fall off to the side. I know your project is your baby. I get it. But, if you haven't been nurturing it (AKA working on it consistently), it's time to let go of that project. I am also guilty of holding onto projects I was supposed to finish, and I'm recording this for myself. :) It's okay. I do have a trick to sticking with it in today's episode. Hey there, get in on my newsletter! Sign up and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

You know there's a big task that must be done. But you wanna put it off. You just want it to disappear, or be done on its own magically. Sorry, but you gotta eat that frog. Today's episode is about tackling the biggest task as soon as possible. Don't put it off. If you do, it's gonna sit there and judge you. Listen to the episode, including my own struggles eating that frog, and how it builds consistency for you. Don't forget to subscribe to my weekly newsletter! Sign up for my newsletter and get free stuff! Eat that Frog! book on Amazon  If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!  Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Welcome to another episode of Pen to the Paper! In today's episode, I'm digging into developing habits. Why should we even have habits? Well, habits help us get through life looking forward to something. Think about it. If you hang out with your best friend every Friday, that's a habit. If you do sun salutations in the morning, that's a habit. Habits are things we do on a regular (usually daily) basis. It takes a while to get into a habit, but once it's locked in, we don't wanna stop.  Sign up for my newsletter and get free stuff!  If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:  Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hello to 2022! Welcome to a new year! It's good to be back with a new episode of the Pen to the Paper podcast! So, I've been working on a few tweaks to the podcast and website over the last month, and I've expanded to talk about being a creator. Now I'm helping all creators be the badasses they're meant to be. Anyhoo, today's episode is all about keeping a journal. If you're a non-writing creator, you might think having a journal won't help you become better. I'm here to tell ya, give it a try! Journaling your progress helps you to look back at how far you've come from newbie to badass. If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!  Follow me on the internet:  Website - Instagram - Twitter Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

HEY THERE! I GOT A NEW EPISODE OUT! In today's podcast, I'm pointing out writing styles that are actually myths. Here's the thing: I'm not saying all writing advice is horrible, but we need to move away from a few being the gold standard. What worked in past doesn't quite work now. They're not the end all, be all. Sign up for my newsletter and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Who out here thinks their first draft sucks?

In today's episode, I'm going to tell you why writing a novel can be easy as pie. Yes, writing a novel takes a lot of work, but what makes it easy is by planning it out. Instead of trying to dive in and write without an outline, take time to prepare for the process of writing. I'm talking more than just the outline. I mean setting a location, scheduling time, and even your snacks. Preparation is key, and by doing this, writing a novel can be easy. Sign up for my newsletter and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hey! Here's part two of my freestyle podcast! If you missed part one, it's right below. In this part, I talk about my writing journey, and why I've come to understand the twists and turns of it all. If you're on a writing journey, I definitely feel what you're going through. And I'm here to tell ya, it will work out in the end. If you like these kind of episodes, let me know! Sign up for my newsletter and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Well hey there! So I'm still recovering from my surgery, but I'm getting better each day. And I also realized I didn't add any more podcasts for October. Whoops. So, I'm wrapping up the month with a double dose of episodes in one day! In part one, I'm just giving you all an update on me, and what I look forward to in my 40s and beyond. Check out part two where I talk about my writing journey and what I look forward to! Also, let me know if you dig these freestyle episodes! Sign up for my newsletter and get free stuff!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hello there! Let's talk about writing trends and why they might not be the best thing. Before the pandemic, it was all about writing 500 words a day, writing at sunrise, writing late at night, weekly writing groups, writing, writing, writing. And I think after we were forced to sit our asses down, it seems like these trends might have been too much to begin with. Like everything else before the pandemic, writing was kind of a hustle and grind to become great writers. And now? I think it's all about writing on your schedule and making sure it makes you happy. Of course, I want you to write consistently. But I also want you to add writing in that gets you excited to actually write. Take a listen to the latest episode to see how I've changed my beliefs about writing trends. Sign up for my newsletter and get free stuff! If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com! Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Welcome to season 3 premier episode of Pen to the Paper! In today's episode, I'm talking about audiobooks. Do you use them? I think audiobooks get a bad rap, honestly. Audiobooks can help people recall what they've heard better, and are way more convenient as you're walking to the train or shopping for groceries. But, how do audiobooks help you when it comes to writing? Listen to this episode to find out how, and a couple of apps I use to listen on the go. Past episode of why reading helps you write. If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!  Follow me on the internet:  Website - Instagram - Twitter Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com! Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hello there! I've got a bonus podcast episode for ya before I start season 3! If you've been wondering where I've been, this episode will explain that. I'll also talk about what's to come for season 3. I packed quite a bit in 30 minutes. Thanks for sticking by me through the ups and downs! Episode on my mom's MS. Link to the Hystersisters network. If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:  Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

In today's episode, let's talk about the love we have for writing! Let's celebrate how we enjoy coming up with ideas. Or how we jolt up in the middle of the night to write that dream down because we can use it for something. Or how we can spend hour glued to our laptops or notebooks writing and not get tired. Being a writer is more than sitting alone in a room. It's about making characters and scenes come to life, to have that ability to make people interested what we do. So enjoy my ode to writers and writing! If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

As you can tell from the title, today's episode is a heartfelt realization that writing isn't for you. Sure, this podcast is about helping you create writing habits and overcoming fears. But I also have to give the other side of things, including realizing that writing is not your thing. And that's okay. It's all about perspective this month. I give you some tips on when it's time to hang up your pen and paper. If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

In today's episode, it could be time to quit freelancing. Have you come to a realization that it's time to go from freelancer back to employee? That's okay. What started out exciting at first became too much to handle. And you miss the routine of office birthday cake and chatting with others about the latest show. I've felt that way. I gave freelance writing a try, and I realized it's not for me. Listen to hear the clues you should quit freelancing, and my story of how I came to this perspective. If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Oooooh wee, what a title! So, you're coming to this podcast and seeing this title and going "WTF." Why would I say something like that? Well, because you need to take a moment and see what's not working with your novel. It's okay to realize you won't be able to finish it, either due to life stuff, or you're completely stuck at a point. Today's podcast is a reminder to not be so hard on yourself if you need to drop your novel. PS - Peep my bird friends at the end! :) If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

This is the final part of the novel series! we're getting into the why and how of the story. now, when I say have a beautiful conflict and resolution, it doesn't mean it's all pretty and sunshine. what we're doing is making sure you're satisfied with the outcome, and you didn't forget anything. I've got a checklist for you to go over your story with in case you missed something. If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

In Part Four of this novel writing series, we're making the setting a part of the story, AKA the "where."   Why? You want your reader to feel the way a character feels walking down the street, going past that coffee shop, and getting on the train. It helps get them in your character's shoes as they're out and about. So how do you that? You make the setting it's own character. I'm giving you a few tips on how to do that.   If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Today's podcast features guest writer Michelle Cox! If you're thinking of writing historical fiction, this is the perfect episode for you! Even if you aren't, this is a good way to understand getting the "when" of your story right. Michelle and I talk about the importance of nailing the accuracy when writing a historical story. And we also dig into how she handles fears, even after writing over a half-dozen books! Sit back and be ready to take some notes! A little info on Michelle Cox: Michelle Cox is the author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago’s forgotten residents. Her books have won over 50 international awards and have been praised by Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Elle, Redbook, Brit&Co., Popsuger, Buzzfeed, and many others. Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade. She lives in Chicago with her husband, three children, naughty Goldendoodle and is hard at work on her latest novel. Check out the Henrietta and Inspector Howard Series! Check out Novel Notes of Local Lore! Follow Michelle Cox on Instagram! If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Welcome to part two of the five-part novel challenge! Today's episode focuses on the what: your plot, what your story is about. Now, how do we make it so that people can't get enough of it? What you need to do is hook them in. Either by fear (OMG what's gonna happen to that person?!), intrigue (what's gonna happen next I wonder?) or even annoyance (dammit, I can't stand them. Let me see if they get what's coming to them.) I have a few tips on how you can get people to fall in love with your plot. Grab a pen and paper to take some notes! If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

This episode is Part One of a five-part series on creating your novel. I usually like to do these right when baseball starts, because it really reminds me of springtime. And I'm starting now because there's only four Wednesdays in April, so there ya go. The first part is the who of your novel: the things you need to make characters compelling and get people drawn to them and make them pleasing. What do I mean by making them pleasing? Attracting them: beyond physical, but emotionally also. I give a couple examples of creating compelling characters both good and bad so you can see even how your antagonist can hook readers in. Link for more info on Camp NaNoWriMo: https://blog.nanowrimo.org/post/644670475993333760/join-camp-nanowrimo-this-april If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Welcome to the 20th episode of the season! In today's episode, I'm giving journaling a lotta love. Remember the days of writing in our diaries, trying to figure out our thoughts in our heads? Why did we stop that as adults? Journaling can be your superpower. It can boost your confidence, help you organize your thoughts, and it's the best hype man ever. So take a listen to this quick episode, and let me know if you're journaling now as an adult, or if you stopped and wanna get back into it. If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

What do you do when someone you're close with doesn't like your book? Today's episode might hit home for some. You're working on your book, and someone wants to take a look at it. You let them, because you trust their opinion. They come back and find little things to disagree with, such as "there's so much cursing" or "you really think THAT about (insert controversial topic)?" And it's gonna make you feel defeated and have second thoughts about that book. Stop right there. Today's episode is how to deal with criticism like that. I give you three things to remember when someone wants to nitpick at your book. If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

This episode is for my freelance peeps who need a bit of encouragement today. I want you to speak up and stand up for yourself, because you need to count on yourself to make it. You need to bet on yourself, and go "all in." And there's only one thing you need to do to gain that confidence, and that's raise your prices. In today's episode, I am going to tell you the three reasons why raising your prices is not only needed, but it will get people to take you more seriously. Listen now and then give yourself a raise! If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Welcome to March! It’s a great time to put the finishing touches on your WIPs, and let them see the light! But, if you’re feeling worried that people won’t like it, or the plot’s been done before, remember: that’s just fear being an asshole and trying to stop you from finishing your work.  Look, unless you copy someone else’s work word for word, you have nothing to worry about. We need your perspective and your voice. Listen to how fear tries to stop you from being great (but you won’t let that happen, right?). Click here for PitMad info!  If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com! Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hello! It has been a month since I’ve had an episode on here. Today, I’ll talk about what’s been happening with me and why I’ve been MIA, and ways you can get back into your writing goals if you’ve stopped. I also updated my website, and would love to know your feedback on the new format.   If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet:   Website - Instagram - Twitter   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Why do we have fears when we start writing? Is it because we're scared of rejection? Or is it self-doubt that our work is even worth writing? Or are we boxing ourselves in, saying we're too (insert whatever stereotype)?  How do we shake them? Hint: it will take some time, but we have to be positive. I know it sounds mushy, but hear me out. There's actually something to positive thinking. I've been trying it for a few months now, and I am starting to see some little differences. Don't expect it to change overnight, but know that it will change. If you like this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts!    Follow me on the internet: Website - Instagram - Twitter   Check out my ebook “31 No B.S. Quotes for When You Don’t Wanna F*ckin’ Write”!  Want a motivational quote FOR FREE? Sign Up Here!   Have questions, comments? Share online with the hashtag #pttppodcast or send me an email: renayle(at)pentothepaper(dot)com!   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hey there! This is the last podcast of 2020! Are you hyped to get TF outta this year? Awesome! But first, let’s be more prepared for 2021. Sure, at the beginning of 2020, we had our writing goals all together, our pens filled with ink and paper stacked to the brim, and our goals written out in pretty fonts. When the world stopped, maybe some of us used that time to finish, while others kinda went into a hole. Either way, we are going to prepare for the new year by getting things straight. Today’s episode, I’m giving you tips to set your writing goals and actually reach them in 2021. Sign up and get free goodies!  I've got a products page! check it out!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can!   Where I hang on the internet: [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hello! We’re almost at the end of 2020! Today’s episode is wrapping up my journaling practice this year. This is probably the only part of writing that I kept consistent. Journaling helped me push through anxiety, helped me understand my goals and priorities better, and it’s such a great habit. I let you know which planners I used, and how I’m continuing this practice in 2021 and ways you can incorporate it if you’re a first timer. Sign up and get free goodies!  I've got a products page! check it out!   Books I Mentioned: You Were Born for this - Chani Nicholas The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck & Guidebook The Rider Tarot Pack Focus Planner If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can!   Where I hang on the internet: [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hey there! I had big dreams of doing freelance work full-time so I can quit my old job.  Well, thanks to a pandemic, it went on hold. Why? Part of it was uncertainty, another part was I went to WFH and I had less time to work on freelancing. I was super stressed about all of that, then another job came along and I'm super happy. That also meant I had to learn new things, and freelancing was nonexistent. If you feel that way, don’t feel bad. In this episode, I’m encouraging you to be positive, even if you didn’t hit a freelance goal this year. I want us to look forward and make SMART goals for 2021. That’s Smart, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant (lol I said reasonable in the clip, just go with it), and Time-Specific. It’s less than 15 minutes of a virtual hug and prepping for the new year now.   Sign up and get free goodies!  I've got a products page! check it out! If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can! Where I hang on the internet:  [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Today I’m looking back at my novel writing progress in 2020. And there was hardly any. It was really tough for me to do any writing, and you know what? Instead of beating myself up about it, I am making a few changes so I can complete it in 2021. And if you’re feeling like you didn’t accomplish your novel writing goals, then listen to how you can also get ready for the new year.   Sign up and get free goodies!  I've got a products page! check it out!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can!   Where I hang on the internet: [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Whoo hoo! We are almost done with 2020! I tell ya, it’s been a hell of a ride! Before we dive into 2021, I wanted to take a look back at 2020 for Pen to the Paper. This week, I go over my website, podcast, and social media stats. What I liked, what needed to be improved, and what you can expect from me in the new year. And I’d love to know your writing plans for 2021, so let me know on social media! Just click either the Instagram or Twitter links below, and send me a message!   Sign up and get free goodies!  I've got a products page! check it out! If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can! Where I hang on the internet:  [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

You guys, I’m excited. I have my first guest on the podcast, and it’s the lovely and talented XIMXIA! While I’ve listened to (almost) any genre of music, I didn’t know much about electro pop. By chance, I read about XIMXIA (pronounced shem-shee-ya) on matchmaker.fm, a site that connects podcasters to guests. After hearing “Anywhere But Here” a bajillion times, I totally needed to have her on the pod. Technical glitches aside (because Dumpster Fire 2020), this episode digs into the process she goes through to keep her pen to the paper. I found out it’s similar to a novel writer! She also goes into how to find the groove when writing a song, the benefits of writing solo vs. a group, and thoughts on the music industry and female songwriters, and much more.  I had so much fun doing this! Also, I just said whatevs and jumped right in without any intro (LOL), so I added it here. She is such a breeze to talk to! I literally wanted to talk for hours and hours about writing and life. I hope to have her back again! Be sure to check out her new song and video “Anywhere But Here,” which is linked below! Listen to “Anywhere But Here” on Spotify! Follow XIMXIA on Instagram! Sign up and get free goodies!  I've got a products page! check it out! If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can! Where I hang on the internet:  [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

This might be the shortest episode of this (short) podcast history, but it is the most impactful: do not edit while you’re writing.  You’re going to lose your groove, and may also want to redo your WIP (work in progress). Don’t lose your momentum! Listen to me remind you about that for the first half, and get details about products I have on my website to motivate you and help you create a website.  Sign up and get free goodies!  I've got a products page! check it out! If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can! Where I hang on the internet:  [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hello again! We’re almost done with 2020! Can you believe it! November is also National Novel Writing Month, AKA NaNoWriMo. This is where writers sprint to write a novel in 30 days. Whether you’re doing that challenge, or reaching any other goal, fear will creep up and try to stop you. But, instead of ignoring it, what if you acknowledged it? I’m giving you a couple reasons why you should in this episode. Sign up and get free goodies!  I've got a products page! check it out!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can!   Where I hang on the internet:  [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hello there! We are closing in on the end of October, and in this episode, I’m giving you reasons why you should add a journaling practice if you are freelancing or novel writing. It’s important to set goals when you’re writing, but there’s an added benefit of journaling about your progress. You see how far you’ve come, and what you did to overcome any obstacles.  Sign up for some free goodies!  Check out my NEW products page! If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can! Where I hang on the internet: [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hey there! So I’ve been telling you about the best journaling techniques and how they help you become a better writer. In today’s podcast, I’m going to tell you why I started journaling and how it has not only helped me expand my writing, but also helped me mentally. It’s a little deep but so worth it.    Sign up for some free goodies!  Check out some positive affirmations on my Etsy page!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can!   Where I hang on the internet: [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper] Music: "Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hey there! I know you wanna get started on a journaling practice, and that’s great! But you think you’re short on time, and wanna use your computer to write your thoughts down. I gotta stop you there. Using an actual pen and paper to journal forces you to slow down with your thoughts, and you process them better. This quick episode is me stating my case on writing in a journal.   Sign up for some free goodies!  Check out some positive affirmations on my Etsy page!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can! Where I hang on the internet: [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Hello lovelies! Do you journal? Or would you rather not take the time to write your thoughts out? Let me tell you: journaling has a lot of benefits. You feel better getting things out, and it helps you get into a writing habit. But, what if you're not the "dear diary" type who doesn't have the time to write paragraph after paragraph? Not to worry! In this episode, I give you different techniques you can use to start a journal practice. And you can do this 5 minutes a day! Give one (or all) of these a try, and do them everyday.  Sign up for some free goodies!  Check out some positive affirmations on my Etsy page!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can! Where I hang on the internet:  [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Look, I know this freelance writing career seems like a bit much in the beginning. There are so many moving parts to juggle! And it’s easy to start with a content company to get paid. But is it worth it? In today’s episode, I talk about my experience and why you need to work your ass off and do this on your own (but content creation companies are okay). Get Started with CopyPress! Sign up for some free goodies!  Check out some positive affirmations on my Etsy page!   If you liked this episode, please give it a review on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and now Amazon Podcasts! I wanna reach as many listeners as I can!   Where I hang on the internet: [Pen to the Paper] Email: [renayle@pentothepaper.com] | Instagram: [pentothepaper81] | Twitter: [pentothepaper]   Music: "Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License