The Writing Pool Podcast

Well, we have come to the end of the Writing Pool Podcast, so I am ending this podcast with a quick talk about endings. Thanks for always listening and sharing your work. I am and will remain available to coach, so if you want to keep in touch, find me on my website: www.melissaclarkwrites.com The WPP insta will stay up for a little and you can DM me there, too: @thewritingpool If you're in the market for some artwork, I'm sourcing and selling art I'd keep if only I had the wall space: @mart_artmelissaclark on Insta. It's been a pleasure and an honor bringing this podcast to you.

Sometimes, often, ideas go POOF - they just disappear into thin air. Not if you have a record of them! That's why I encourage you to keep a writing notebook to capture these thoughts. Take a listen! Interested in coaching? Reach out!  www.melissaclarkwrites.com and navigate to the Writing Coaching tab.

Happy New Year! Do you know what kind of writer you are? A Dabbler? An Aspirer? In this episode, I discuss a few different kinds of writers so you can see where you stand vs. where you want to be. Interested in coaching? Just reach out: www.melissaclarkwrites.com, and navigate to the writing coaching tab for more information.

In this episode, we talk about talking. What your characters say matters, Take a listen... If you're enjoying this pod, please consider rating and reviewing it in your podcast app. Interested in coaching? Just reach out! mac@melissaclarkwrites.com Thanks for listening!

On this episode, we talk about confirmation bias, i.e. how your brain is wired to prove your thoughts right - whatever those thoughts are. So mind your thoughts! If you're interested in joining my online workshop WORD WEEK next week, here is the link to register: https://buy.stripe.com/aEU8yvdJw2gacYo4gn To find out about days and hours the course is offered, click here: https://www.melissaclarkwrites.com/coaching-2/ Thanks for listening. Please rate and review in your podcast app if you get a chance. Thank you! Insta: @thewritingpool  

My friend Michelle wrote a wonderful essay about her "wait...what?" moments in her writing process. I'm linking it here: https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/2023/11/13/a-playwrights-wait-what-approach-to-difficult-history/ideas/essay/?fbclid=IwAR2gImrRhr5UGM7hRQ6EvoL6cvy1npRIMuSdY5ulOVXRkGE8yw2hGbp5Ca8 Inspired by her essay, I've recorded today's podcast about the "wait...what?" moments we all have, or can look for. LIke what you're hearing? Please consider rating and reviewing this pod in your podcast app. It helps others like you find it. And finally, Word Week starts Dec. 11th. Will you be joining?  www.melissaclarkwrites.com/coaching-2

There's physical space and emotional space, and you need both to create! Take a listen to today's episode if this is something you struggle with. Interested in WORD WEEK? Go to www.melissaclarkwrites.com to find out more and register (navigate to the coaching tab) Insta @thewritingpool

It's up to you to find the time to write!  If you're interested in joining WORD WEEK, an online writing workshop where we meet for an hour a day 12/11-12/15, please register here: https://buy.stripe.com/28o4if8pc9ICbUkcMS Or check out my website for more information: https://melissaclarkwrites.com/coaching-2/  

On today's episode, I talk about the perils of being a Diva, a la Lauryn Hill. Say what? Listen to find out! Instagram @thewritingpool Reach out for a free 20-minute consult call: www.melissaclarkwrites.com  

On today's episode, I suggest 5 simple ways to enhance your storytelling skills. Take a listen! And then tell a story! www.melissaclarkwrites.com for more information on coaching.

You never know what will trigger your memories, so if you're considering writing a memoir, don't clean out your closet! Sort of. In this episode, I talk about memoir writing, and give a fun writing exercise to get you started on yours. Insta: @thewritingpool Contact me: www.melissaclarkwrites.com

In this episode, I outline 5 ways to write through distracting times. And boy are we living through distracting times... Follow me on Insta @thewritingpool Interested in coaching? Get in touch: www.melissaclarkwrites.com  

In this short but sweet episode, I talk about the power of "Once Upon a Time" and how you can use it to kickstart the beginning of whatever it is you're working on. I'm offering a free video recording on Beginnings. If you're interested, just go to my website www.melissaclarkwrites.com and navigate to CONTACT. Fill out your contact info, writing "Once Upon a Time" in the subject line. I'll email you a recording intended to inspire and engage. Enjoying this pod? Please consider rating and reviewing in your podcast app! I thank you!

You have a protagonist. You have an antagonist. Who else do you have? On today's episode, I discuss characters and offer a writing exercise to help you get to know your character(s).  If you value what you're hearing, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast on your podcast app. Thank you! www.melissaclarkwrites.com  

Welcome to season 3 of The Writing Pool Podcast where I'll be teaching mini-writing courses with copious writing exercises. Today, an exercise for my memoirists in the audience. Get inspired by Anton Chekhov as you move forward with your own work. Also, a miraculous story about my missing Kindle device! www.melissaclarkwrites.com for more info about coaching. Follow me on Insta: @thewritingpool

In this final episode of the season, I talk about tipping points, using Taylor Swift as an example. What does TayTay have to do with writing? Or meeting your goals? Take a listen to find out. Next season, I'll be giving actionable items for you to work on your craft, so tune in in September for a whole new vibe. Like what you're hearing? Please consider rating and reviewing on your podcast app. I'm on Insta @thewritingpool Info on writing coaching can be found here: www.melissaclarkwrites.com and navigating to the coaching tab. 

It's fricking hot out! But the meltdown I'm talking about in this episode is the creative kind. Do you know that feeling? That meltdown feeling? In today's episode, I discuss the icky part of the writing process, and share tools you can use to lift yourself out of the meltdown mess. Like what you're hearing? Please rate and review this podcast in your podcast app. And share it with a creative friend! www.melissaclarkwrites.com Instagram: @thewritingpool

My Kindle is either having an airborne adventure right now, or has settled in with a new owner. Some thoughts on the Kindle device, inspired by my forgetfulness on a recent flight to New Jersey. Hey, if you're listening, won't you rate and review this pod in your app? Kisses. www.melissaclarkwrites.com 

I believe we should all have more ideas than we have time for. In this episode, I offer 5 ways to generate ideas. They may not all see the light, but ideas beget more ideas, and you never know which ones will stick, and when. I discuss Mind-mapping in this episode, and you can find more about it here: https://www.mindmapping.com/ Give me a follow on Insta: @thewritingpool Or reach out: mac@melissaclarkwrites.com

I recently returned from a trip to NYC, and am happy to report that stories are alive and well on Broadway. In this episode, I recap the theater I saw. Enjoying this podcast? Why not give it a review in your podcast app! I would appreciate it so much! Give a follow on Instagram @thewritingpool

In this episode, I talk about memoirs, and how identifying themes can help your words connect with your readers, rather than burdening them with a therapy session. I discuss a few memoirs including: Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy Fairyland; a Memoir of my Father by Alysia Abbot Darkness Visible; a Memoir of Madness by William Styron The offer stands -- if you're working on a memoir and want some book recommendations, shoot me an email at mac@melissaclarkwrites.com. Just write "Memoir" in the subject line, and let me know what you're writing about. Finally, if you're enjoying this pod, please consider rating and reviewing it in your podcast app! Thank you so much.

Did you know that you don't have to consider yourself a writer to write? Because some people don't know that. But I'm here to tell you: take the pressure off. Write because you want to, because you want to try, because you want to experiment. In this episode, I talk about the pure joy of writing - not to become a writer, but just to write! If you're enjoying this pod, please consider rating and reviewing it in your podcast app. Thanks a million! Follow on Instagram @thewritingpool

Hello! I'm back after skipping a week, or rather, I skipped a beat. Speaking of beats... In today's episode, I talk about using the beat sheet to organize your novel. It is a tool I used in  writing for animation, but I now use it for novel writing, too. Take a listen, try it out. If you enjoy this pod, please rate and review it in your podcast app. I appreciate the effort! Interested in coaching? Go to www.melissaclarkwrites.com and navigate to the Writing Coaching tab. Let's hop on a free call to see what you're working on, and if coaching is the right fit for you.

I'm headed back to the college where I taught for eleven years, teaching for the Animation Department. In today's episode, I talk about the fundamentals of storytelling, which is also the name of the course I'm teaching. Like what you're hearing? Please consider rating and reviewing in your podcast app. And give me a follow on the insta: @thewritingpool

Why do you want to write a book? There are so many reasons to embark on this thrilling, harrowing, electrifying journey. In this episode, I discuss the myriad reasons why you might consider doing so. What is your why? Let me know! mac@melissaclarkwrites.com Find me on Insta, too: @thewritingpool

Are you? I bet the answer is no. In today's episode, EPISODE 50! I talk about the importance of celebrating the little wins in your writing practice. Getting to THE END is a milestone, but there are many mini-milestones along the way! DM me on insta and let me know your latest wins: @thewritingpool Or get in touch via email: mac@melissaclarkwrites.com

In today's episode, I talk about artificial intelligence. Just how intelligent is it? Just how artificial is it? And why is it a striking point for the Writer's Guild? I'd love to hear your take on this wave of the future. Please email me your thoughts at: mac@melissaclarkwrites.com Interested in coaching? With words that came from your brain and not a computer? Reach out and we can have a free, 20-minute consult call to discuss your work and your goals. For more information go to: www.melissaclarkwrites.com and navigate to the writing coaching tab.

In this episode, I talk about the Kate DiCamillo quote from the L.A. Times Festival of Books I attended the other week. It really resonated for me, and I hope it does for you, too. Do you trust that your story is smarter than you are? Interested in a free, 20-minute Zoom chat to discuss your work-in-progress? Just reach out through my website: www.melissaclarkwrites.com

In today's episode, I'm still riding the literary high of the L.A. Times Festival of Books. I also discuss other wonderful festivals, fairs and conferences that I've attended as speaker and participant. Have you been to any writing festivals? Would love to hear about it. Get in touch at: mac@melissaclarkwrites.com Interested in writing coaching? Reach out for a free, 20-minute consultation:  www.melissaclarkwrites.com and navigate to the coaching tab.

In this episode, I talk about how arguing for your limitations is a futile exercise and yet we all do or have done it. So what's a writer to do? Flip the script! Insta: @thewritingpool www.melissaclarkwrites.com

Hello! Hear me out... I don't believe in writer's block, but I DO believe in fear - a very powerful emotion. Take a listen! See what you think. Interested in coaching past your fears? Reach out at: www.melissaclarkwrites.com Give me a follow on Insta @thewritingpool

In today's episode, I talk about different kinds of characters and how to best incorporate them into your story. Who's in your cast? I'm also back with a fun writing exercise. Follow @thewritingpool on Instagram Or get in touch via my website: www.melissaclarkwrites.com Please consider rating and reviewing this podcast in your podcast app. I thank you!

Okay, I'm a little tipsy on this episode, but I wanted to post because last week I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged about my novel, but with some time and attention I am back on track with my work-in-progress. I'm also packing up to move out for a few days while my home gets fumigated for termites, thus the wine. What are you working on? Do you find the process like a roller-coaster, too?  www.melissaclarkwrites.com

Halt! All was going swimmingly with my new novel until I realized it's not "there" yet. So, now my self-imposed deadline that was solely an illusion, is now REALLY an illusion. Can you relate? In this shorty-short episode, I talk honestly about the messy middle. www.melissaclarkwrites.com Give me a follow on Insta @thewritingpool

In this episode, I walk you through my experience of the book I'm currently writing. I love hearing about other people's processes, and I thought maybe you would, too. This new book was born as soon as I found an old yearbook from the school I attended for a semester in Montreal. Follow me on Instagram @thewritingpool  - may post a pic of my 13-year-old self from said yearbook. Interested in coaching? Reach out and receive a free, 20-minute consultation. mac@melissaclarkwrites.com  

Episode 40! Woop-Woop! In this episode, I talk about the intangible benefits of writing... we all know the tangible ones, so let's focus on the less-spoken of ones. Essentially, writing is good for you personally and professionally. Give me a follow on insta @thewritingpool. You can find out more about private and group coaching. The April-June Accelerator group coaching program is enrolling now. Earlybird pricing available until 3/10. And hey, if you're feeling up to it, please rate and review this podcast in your app! That would be a very tangible way to make this podcaster happy! Thank you!

In episode 39, I talk about SO MANY THINGS, including the NEW Writing Accelerator, launching in April, my sister's missing dog, my missing dog, hail, snow, rain, momentum and consistency in your writing practice, and the like... At 8-minutes, this is one of my longer episodes! Please consider rating and reviewing this podcast in your podcast app, and sharing with your writerly or wannabe-writely friends. Check out my instagram @thewritingpool  

In this episode, I talk about ways to make the act of writing a more social experience. You don't have to go at it alone!  Enjoying the pod? Please consider rating and reviewing in your podcast app. I thank you very much. Please go to my Instagram, @thewritingpool to see pictures of the missing dog, and if you're in the L.A. area (Santa Monica/W. L.A.) please keep your eyes peeled for her. I thank you for this, too. www.melissaclarkwrites.com

The term "heavy lifting" is everywhere these days. In this episode, I talk about why writing never has to be a "heavy lift". It's all about your thoughts. Also, fun fact, I allegedly attended a school in Montreal the same year Kamala Harris attended the same school.  If you're enjoying this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing it on your podcast app. And follow me at Insta @thewritingpool www.melissaclarkwrites.com for more info.

Last chance to join the 3-Month Writing Accelerator, online starting 2/12/23 10am Pacific Time.  Join in the fun and get it done! Today, I'm talking about the concept of buffering. This is what you do when you don't do what you should be doing. Say what?  How do you buffer? How will you stop? In this episode, I discuss it all. Give me a follow on Insta @thewritingpool  

Welcome to episode 35 of The Writing Pool Podcast! P-lease pardon the sound quality on this one! Not sure what happened or why, but it was too late to rerecord! Today's episode is all about archetypes. I hope it gives you food for thought when creating your characters. Last few weeks to signup for the 3-Month Writing Accelerator now starting Sunday, Feb. 12th. Go to www.melissaclarkwrites.com and navigate to the writing coaching tab for more info. Find me on insta @thewritingpool. Questions, comments about archetypes? Send me an email mac@melissaclarkwrites.com

Someone recently asked me what the most memorable editing/coaching project was that I worked on. In this episode, I answer that question!  Link to the project:  https://www.amazon.com/Screw-Cancer-Becoming-Molly-Kochan/dp/0578743086/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5TLNX9U4SGQF&keywords=Screw+Cancer+book&qid=1674511481&sprefix=screw+cancer+book%2Caps%2C297&sr=8-1 Podcast mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dying-for-sex/id1495392900 Interested in coaching? Get in touch: www.melissaclarkwrites.com Let's bond on Insta: @melissaclark30  

Ghosting is all the rage, but please don't do it to yourself! Your idea was born for a reason so at least TRY to see it through. In this episode, we talk about reasons your brain gives you to give up, and why you shouldn't listen! For more information on the group coaching program starting Feb. 4th, 2023 please go here: https://melissaclarkwrites.com/coaching-2/ Follow me on instagram @thewritingpool

It's Wednesday again! Hello! Are you looking for a teacher or a coach? In this episode, I talk about the differences between the two, and how both apply to my writing coaching programs.  Follow me on insta @thewritingpool, or find me online at: www.melissaclarkwrites.com  

It's 2023! Do you know your audacious goals yet? In this episode, I encourage you to dream BIG. Help your mind stretch and grow so it can reach the goals you plant. Happy listening, and Happy New Year. Connect with me on insta @thewritingpool Group and private coaching available, just ask! www.melissaclarkwrites.com

In this episode I discuss structure, using the movie "The Hangover" as an example. Not exactly a holiday movie, I watched it recently and was struck by its structural cleverness!  Enjoying this podcast? Please consider rating and reviewing it in your podcast app. I thank you! Interested in writing coaching? Reach out! I have private and group coaching programs available. www.melissaclarkwrites.com and navigate to the coaching tab. Instagram: @thewritingpool

In which I sing a little ditty from Devo, and discuss the ever-annoying feeling of decision fatigue, and ways to overcome it - not necessarily in that order. Come join my 3-month Writing Accelerator Program. (Feb-April) Together, over Zoom, we'll get your words to where they need to be - ON THE PAGE. Start 2023 with a commitment to yourself. More information and to sign up: www.melissaclarkwrites.com under COACHING tab.

Happy Wednesday! In today's episode I talk about the concept of the Hammer Halo, and how to make it work FOR you instead of AGAINST you. Give me a follow on Insta @thewritingpool

If you're writing, you MUST be reading. In this episode, I discuss the how's and why's of consuming more books, and why I consider myself an "EOR".   Find me on Instagram @thewritingpool

Welcome to Season 2 of The Writing Pool Podcast! Ideas are wonderful, but it is not enough just to have an idea. Seeing your project to fruition takes grit and determination and draft after draft after draft... and if that's not exhausting enough, then there's trying to SELL it. In this episode, I discuss it all and explain why you owe it to yourself and society to see your idea through! If you are enjoying this pod, please subscribe and rate. It takes listeners like you to help get it into the algorithm. Visit my website at www.melissaclarkwrites.com

In the Season One closer, I talk about the joy of accruing a body of work.  The Writing Pool Podcast will be on hiatus until late November while I accrue more podcast episodes! Coaching is currently closed, but please reach out if you are interested in one-on-one writing coaching, and I'll put you on a waitlist. I'll have 1 spot opening in mid-Oct., and 2 spots in November. The author mentioned in today's episode is Jean Hanff Korelitz: https://www.amazon.com/Jean-Hanff-Korelitz/e/B001HCV342?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1664377413&sr=8-2 Please follow me on Instagram @thewritingpool Thanks for listening, and see ya in late November for Season Two! www.melissaclarkwrites.com