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Pat Villaceran| Building Worlds That Could Exist Without AlgorithmsThe Anti-Viral Creative StrategyPat Villaceran & James Harris (as dual guests)Headline: The Duo Building Worlds Across Continents Through Sound & StoryGuest Bio:Pat Villaceran and James Harris are the co-creators of VOL. II: KURATA, the new musical chapter from the award-winning cultural movement Hinabi Privé. Operating from two different continents, they have built a seamless creative partnership that serves as a powerful model for the future of global collaboration.Pat, the visionary architect, crafts the deep narratives and emotional frameworks. James, the sonic alchemist, translates those worlds into cinematic music and sound. Together, they are pioneering an “anti-algorithm” approach to art, focusing on depth, community, and multi-sensory experiences that stand in defiance of disposable digital content.Link:https://hinabiprive.com/https://www.instagram.com/hinabi.priveTags:Creative,Creative Writing,Guitar,Guitarist,Live Music,Music Festivals,Musician,Music Interviews,Music Production,Songwriter,Pat Villaceran & James Harris| Building Worlds That Could Exist Without Algorithms,Live Video Podcast Interview,PodcastSupport PEG by checking out our Sponsors:Download and use Newsly for free now from www.newsly.me or from the link in the description, and use promo code “GHOST” and receive a 1-month free premium subscription.The best tool for getting podcast guests:https://podmatch.com/signup/phantomelectricghostSubscribe to our Instagram for exclusive content:https://www.instagram.com/expansive_sound_experiments/Subscribe to our YouTube https://youtube.com/@phantomelectricghost?si=rEyT56WQvDsAoRprRSShttps://anchor.fm/s/3b31908/podcast/rssSubstackhttps://substack.com/@phantomelectricghost?utm_source=edit-profile-page
Gobbo, Emmy, Chac, and Drew dig into the Precurser or Ancient Alien tropes to explore some of the tools we can use to write better species! We break down the Bungie-verse elder things, Stargate's ancients, the Engineers of the Alien Universe, and touch on a few other heavy hitters! Under the Hive of Madness is a Warhammer Lore Podcast diving into the Horror and Grimdark elements of the settings, so expect some adult themes, adult language, and more than a handful of Khorney Jokes!“Its not all space lasers, some of it is just LOTS of dedicated people..." Email the show! UndertheHiveofMadness@gmail.com Join us today on Discord! Under the Hive of MadnessMERCH!Become a Patron. Find our cast through LinkTree Underthehiveofmadness.com
Welcome to Mysteries to Die For and this Toe Tag.I am TG Wolff and am here with Jack, my piano player and producer. This is normally a podcast where we combine storytelling with original music to put you at the heart of mystery. Today is a bonus episode we call a Toe Tag. It is the first chapter from a fresh release in the mystery, crime, and thriller genre.Today's featured release is Zigzag Girl by Ruth Knafo SettonTG Wolff ReviewZigzag Girl is mystery suspense. It's opening night for Magician Lucy Moon and her partners Van and Stormie, who are as close as sisters. Amid the bright lights and sparkle of illusion, murder lurks. Performing the sawing a woman illusion, Lucy lifts the lid to enter, when she finds the space is already taken. Her best friend, a black rose, a prop that has killed before—no, Lucy is not going to leave this one to the cops.Bottom line: Zigzag Girl is for you if you like your illusions, suspense, mystery twisted together with a sprinkling of Irish magic.The Zigzag Girl was released from Black Spring Crim and is promoted by Partners In Crime Tours and is available from AMAZON LINK and other book retailers.https://www.amazon.com/ZigZag-Girl-Ruth-Knafo-Setton/dp/1917788037About Ruth Knafo SettonRuthSetton.comBorn in Morocco and raised in the Lehigh Valley, Ruth Knafo Setton is the author of the novel, The Road to Fez (Counterpoint Press). Her honors include awards and fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts, PEN, CineStory, Nimrod, Cutthroat, Writer's Digest, and residencies at Hedgebrook, Yaddo, MacDowell, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. She is a multi-genre author whose fiction, creative nonfiction, screenplays, and poetry have won many awards and appeared in journals and anthologies. A former Fiction Editor of Arts & Letters, she has taught Creative Writing and Multicultural Literature at Lehigh University and on Semester at Sea.Wondering what to read after you finish Zigzag Girl? Partners in Crime Tours is your ultimate destination for all things mystery, crime, thriller, and cozy! Since 2011, they've been working to fill bookshelves with gripping and heart-pounding reads. Discover new mystery series and connectwith other fans with Partners in Crime. Look up Partners in Crime Tours on the web or your favorite social media – partnersincrimevbt.com.And Authors, whether you're looking to promote your latest thriller, discover a new mystery series, or connect with fellow fans of the genre, PICT has you covered. Check out their promotion options that come with the personal attention of a dedicated coordinator.Join us next week for the next original story in Season 9 Stuff That Can Kill You. Robert J. Binney and hairstylist extraordinaire Henry Beauchamp are back in the morgue with FLAT, where gravity is the STCKY means of murder.
Stories need both characters and a plot. That sounds obvious, I know...but you'd be surprised. In this week's episode, Melanie and I examine a film that, sadly, forgot to include a plot. No, really! INVITATION TO A MURDER has unfortunately fallen prey to a very common storytelling trap but the fix is super easy! To find out the problem (so you can avoid it), and the solution (if you've already erred), tune into this week's episode. Enjoy! - V. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
In this episode, Jodi and Erin Ollila discuss how business owners should use website copy strategically to sell and promote a book, whether that's a dedicated book website or a book sales page on your existing business site. Erin shares with listeners where to feature the book throughout your website for trust-building and SEO, and how blog posts and podcast show notes can drive long-term book visibility. Jodi and Erin also discuss email marketing as it relates to books, including direct sales strategies, customer data, and email list permissions best practices. Time Stamps: 00:01 — Intro + welcome Erin back 02:40 — Book page on existing site vs. separate book website 05:23 — Why keeping the book on your site supports SEO + authority 07:36 — The must-have: a dedicated book page (and where to place it) 09:31 — Where to reference the book (About page, homepage, resources) 11:46 — Use blog posts + podcast show notes to promote the book naturally 13:00 — SEO strategy: long-tail keywords + "more windows on your house" 16:44 — Why direct sales matter: upsells, funnels, customer data 23:23 — Email compliance: permission-based opt-ins + receipt email strategy 28:20 — Build a book-specific nurture sequence (before general newsletter) 29:45 — What a book page needs (keep it simple) 32:52 — Media page vs. media section on book page 35:45 — Permission to take a "B-minus approach" and improve later 39:44 — Book recommendations + where to find Erin Keywords: book sales page, book website vs sales page, author website copy, website copywriting for authors, book landing page, book page on website, how to sell a book on your website, direct book sales, selling books direct, book marketing for business owners, book funnel, book nurture sequence, email opt-in compliance, CAN-SPAM laws, customer data for authors, SEO for authors, book SEO keywords, blog posts for book marketing, podcast show notes SEO, branded keywords, author platform, about page book placement, website navigation book page, media page for authors, speaking page for authors, book page conversion rate, copywriting tips for book pages, business owners writing books, book writing for business owners Resources Mentioned: Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup Erin's podcast: Talk Copy to Me: https://erinollila.com/podcast/ About Our Guest: onversion copywriter. Copy Coach. Lover of ice cream, especially in non-dairy forms. Erin Ollila is a conversion copywriter who believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. When she's not working with big brands and small businesses to marry strategy, storytelling, and SEO, you can find her exploring southeastern MA with her family and friends. Erin graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Website: http://erinollila.com Talk Copy to me (podcast): https://erinollila.com/podcast/ Links to social media accounts: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12NfaADDVbezVb5EPLxs3sdmq6g8M9N-eDN3BnJT67v0/edit?usp=sharing
In this episode, Danielle is interviewed about her new release, Pinky Swear, by her agent and fellow author Danya Kukafka.Danielle Girard is the USA Today bestselling author of several novels, including the Annabelle Schwartzman Series and Pinky Swear. Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020.A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she's not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.Danya Kukafka is the author of the national bestseller, Notes on an Execution, which won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2023 and was named The New York Times Best Crime Novel of the Year. Notes on an Execution was an Indie Next Pick, a finalist for the Goodreads Choice Awards for fiction, and received a cover review in the New York Times Book Review. Her debut novel, Girl in Snow was also a national bestseller, an Indie Next Pick, and a B&N Discover pick. Both novels have been optioned for film and television, and her work has been published in more than a dozen languages worldwide. She works as a literary agent with Trellis Literary Management.Killer Women podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network#podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #danyakukafka #pinkyswear #emilybestlerbooks #atriabooks
In this episode, Danielle is interviewed about her new release, Pinky Swear, by her agent and fellow author Danya Kukafka. Danielle Girard is the USA Today bestselling author of several novels, including the Annabelle Schwartzman Series and Pinky Swear. Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she's not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana. Danya Kukafka is the author of the national bestseller, Notes on an Execution, which won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2023 and was named The New York Times Best Crime Novel of the Year. Notes on an Execution was an Indie Next Pick, a finalist for the Goodreads Choice Awards for fiction, and received a cover review in the New York Times Book Review. Her debut novel, Girl in Snow was also a national bestseller, an Indie Next Pick, and a B&N Discover pick. Both novels have been optioned for film and television, and her work has been published in more than a dozen languages worldwide. She works as a literary agent with Trellis Literary Management. Killer Women podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #danyakukafka #pinkyswear #emilybestlerbooks #atriabooks
USA Today bestselling author, Danielle Girard discusses her fantastic new release, PINY SWEAR. Days before her surrogate is scheduled to deliver Lexi's baby, the woman disappears. Lexi soon realizes her surrogate has been keeping secrets—ones that will threaten everything she holds dear. "Visceral, tense, and shocking…an absolute must read.—Jeneva Rose, #1 New York Times bestselling author Listen in as we chat about different forms of motherhood, the expectations society puts on women, and what special rituals she engaged in with her gal pals when she was little! https://www.mariesutro.com/twisted-passages-podcast https://www.daniellegirard.com ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Danielle Girard is the USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author of sixteen novels. Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. In addition, two of her titles have been optioned for screen. Danielle is also the creator and host of the Killer Women Podcast where she interviews the women who write today's best crime fiction. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she's not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.
Is AI here to replace novelists, steal ideas, or ruin copyright forever? Let's separate fear from facts.AI and creative writing are among the most debated topics in the publishing industry right now. Some writers are excited, while others are feeling cautious. And many are wondering what's actually true about AI, copyright law, idea theft, and querying agents.In this episode, I sit down with award-winning novelist and technologist Ana Del Valle to unpack what AI really means for fiction writers. Ana is the founder of the AI Creative Writing Academy and host of The Novelist Studio podcast, bringing both tech expertise and creative insight to this conversation.Here's what we cover:[02:54] How Ana's background in tech and fiction collided when ChatGPT launched, and why she believes we're entering a new golden era of literature.[05:56] The crucial difference between AI Assist and AI Generation, and why this distinction protects your voice, ownership, and copyright.[11:55] The truth about whether ChatGPT can steal your story ideas, plus what those scary AI lawsuits actually mean for writers.[14:38] How U.S. copyright law handles AI-created work, and why heavily editing AI-generated drafts can put writers in murky territory.[21:01] Whether you need to disclose AI use when querying agents, and how traditional publishing is already integrating AI behind the scenes.Whether you're AI-curious or AI-cautious, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make informed decisions about using AI in your writing process.Tune in now.
On this week's episode of You Are What You Read, we are joined by Tayari Jones and her new novel, which hits shelves today, Kin. Tayari is the author of five novels, including An American Marriage, which was an Oprah's Book Club selection and also appeared on Barack Obama's summer reading list and his year-end roundup. An American Marriage won the Women's Prize for Fiction, the Aspen Words Literary Prize, and an NAACP Image Award and has been published in two dozen countries. Tayari is the C.H. Candler Professor of English and Creative Writing at Emory University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Host Jason Blitman talks to Oprah's Book Club pick Tayari Jones about Kin, her long-awaited new novel, nearly a decade in the making.Conversation highlights include:
Here's something nobody tells you when you publish your first book: you're probably going to need to update it. Maybe not right away, but at some point, your industry will change, your expertise will evolve, or technology will make entire chapters obsolete—and you'll have a choice to make.Jodi Brandon from Write Publish Market is back on the podcast today, and this time we're talking about something most authors don't plan for: revising a book after it's already published. Jodi just released the third edition of her book (also titled Write Publish Market!), and she's getting honest about what prompted each revision, how to decide between updating your existing book versus writing a new one, and why treating your book like a "working document" is actually the smartest business move you can make.______________________________________________EPISODE 182.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: https://erinollila.com/revise-a-published-book-jodi-brandon/______________________________________________Get to know our guest expert, Jodi BrandonJodi Brandon is a book publishing strategist and coach for business owners and leaders, and the founder of Jodi Brandon Editorial. Jodi has used her 20+ years experience in book publishing to partner with 850+ business owners, leaders, and CEOs to write, publish, and market a book to use as a marketing asset within their business ecosystem. She is the author of Write.Publish.Market., 3rd Edition and the host of the Write Publish Market podcast.Want more of this great publishing info we've been talking about? Then buy Jodi's updated book here.To learn more about working with Jodi, visit her website and listen to her podcast. Then, connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram. Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about working with me or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and products
Commemorating John Keats with odes by John Philip Drury, Myra Shapiro, and Mark Elber. Support the show
Stephen Cavitt's bio begins by saying he's always chasing the next great story. He's been an instructor at Florida Gulf Coast University since 2018, teaching English, Creative Writing, and Interdisciplinary courses as well as advising the university's Creative Writing Club and is a Faculty Mentor with the WiSER Research Assistant Program. His sci-fi novella, The Distance Between Stars, came out in April, 2025 and was also released as a podcast audiobook. It's the first entry in what he calls the Und Wars series. It tells a story of survival after Earth is devastated by Aliens called the Und. It's told through short monologues by everyday people who escaped and are headed into space to try to start over.
David Valencia, who graduated from Delview in 2020, talks about going to Douglas for Creative Writing and his year at Vancouver Film School. He is now a freelance writer writing for animated films. We talk about what inspires him, what it takes to be creative, and some of the films he has seen. David and his friend Jay have a podcast on YouTube called "Jay and Dave went to Film School". Mr. Choy joins us for this one and surprises David with a few things at the end!
Fluent Fiction - Spanish: Mystery Letters and Life's Lessons at Miraflores Beach Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/es/episode/2026-02-22-23-34-02-es Story Transcript:Es: El sol brillaba intensamente sobre la playa Miraflores en Lima.En: The sun was shining intensely over la playa Miraflores in Lima.Es: La brisa marina acariciaba con suavidad a Ximena, Mateo y Camila.En: The sea breeze gently caressed Ximena, Mateo, and Camila.Es: Habían llegado la noche anterior, ansiosos por pasar unos días tranquilos alejados de la rutina.En: They had arrived the night before, eager to spend a few tranquil days away from the routine.Es: Al amanecer, Ximena salió primero al porche de la cabaña.En: At dawn, Ximena was the first to go out onto the cabin's porch.Es: Observó la inmensidad del océano, intentando olvidar sus preocupaciones internas.En: She gazed at the vastness of the ocean, trying to forget her internal worries.Es: Fue entonces cuando lo notó: un sobre blanco, sin direcciones ni nombres.En: That's when she noticed it: a white envelope, without addresses or names.Es: Intrigada, lo recogió y lo llevó adentro.En: Intrigued, she picked it up and took it inside.Es: —Miren esto —dijo Ximena, mostrando el sobre a sus amigos.En: "Look at this," Ximena said, showing the envelope to her friends.Es: Mateo arqueó una ceja, siempre escéptico.En: Mateo raised an eyebrow, always skeptical.Es: —Probablemente sea publicidad —comentó mientras abría el sobre, revelando una carta con un mensaje enigmático: "Busca en el lugar donde el sol se baña en el agua del mar."En: "It's probably advertising," he commented as he opened the envelope, revealing a letter with an enigmatic message: "Search in the place where the sun bathes in the sea water."Es: Camila, con sus ojos llenos de curiosidad creativa, sonrió.En: Camila, with her eyes full of creative curiosity, smiled.Es: —Esto es como una historia de misterio, justo lo que necesito para mi novela.En: "This is like a mystery story, just what I need for my novel."Es: A pesar de las dudas de Mateo, Ximena sintió la necesidad de seguir las pistas.En: Despite Mateo's doubts, Ximena felt the need to follow the clues.Es: Era un escape perfecto para no pensar en su propia decisión pendiente.En: It was a perfect escape to avoid thinking about her own pending decision.Es: El primer día, exploraron la playa justo cuando el sol se iba ocultando.En: On the first day, they explored the beach just as the sun was setting.Es: Sin embargo, no encontraron nada, lo que generó tensión entre ellos.En: However, they found nothing, which created tension between them.Es: —Esto es una pérdida de tiempo —dijo Mateo—.En: "This is a waste of time," said Mateo.Es: Puede que sea solo una broma.En: "It might just be a joke."Es: —Pero, ¿qué tal si no lo es?En: "But what if it's not?"Es: —respondió Ximena, decidida a seguir.En: responded Ximena, determined to continue.Es: Camila veía la situación con ojos emocionados, tomando notas mentales para su historia.En: Camila watched the situation with excited eyes, taking mental notes for her story.Es: —Podríamos estar en el umbral de algo grande —decía, manteniendo el ánimo del grupo.En: "We could be on the brink of something big," she said, keeping the group's spirits up.Es: Al día siguiente, madrugaron y continuaron siguiendo pistas, cada una más confusa que la anterior.En: The next day, they got up early and continued following clues, each more confusing than the last.Es: Finalmente, al tercero, llegaron a una parte aislada de la playa.En: Finally, on the third day, they reached an isolated part of the beach.Es: Allí, encontraron un compartimento oculto tras unas rocas.En: There, they found a hidden compartment behind some rocks.Es: Dentro había otro sobre.En: Inside was another envelope.Es: Esta vez, al abrirlo, cada uno encontró una nota personalizada.En: This time, when they opened it, each found a personalized note.Es: Ximena leyó: "El futuro es incierto, pero tus miedos no deben decidir por ti."En: Ximena read: "The future is uncertain, but your fears should not decide for you."Es: Mateo encontró un mensaje que decía: "La belleza está en lo inesperado."En: Mateo found a message that said: "Beauty lies in the unexpected."Es: Y Camila, "La verdadera ficción nace de la vida."En: And Camila, "True fiction is born from life."Es: Confundidos pero emocionados, intentaron entender.En: Confused but excited, they tried to understand.Es: De repente, un hombre apareció.En: Suddenly, a man appeared.Es: Era un artista local.En: He was a local artist.Es: —Yo dejé las cartas —confesó, sonriendo—.En: "I left the letters," he confessed, smiling.Es: Es una obra para animar a las personas a enfrentarse a sí mismas.En: "It's a piece to encourage people to face themselves."Es: Con esa revelación, la atmósfera cambió.En: With that revelation, the atmosphere changed.Es: Ximena sintió claridad sobre su decisión.En: Ximena felt clarity about her decision.Es: Entendió la importancia de enfrentar sus miedos.En: She understood the importance of facing her fears.Es: Mateo reconsideró su necesidad de controlar todo y aceptó la incertidumbre.En: Mateo reconsidered his need to control everything and embraced uncertainty.Es: Camila quedó inspirada, lista para terminar su novela.En: Camila felt inspired, ready to finish her novel.Es: Los amigos volvían al porche de la cabaña.En: The friends returned to the cabin's porch.Es: El sol se ponía una vez más en el horizonte, pero esta vez, cada uno se sentía más ligero, como si el mar les hubiera regalado una parte de su misterio.En: The sun was setting once again on the horizon, but this time, each felt lighter, as if the sea had gifted them a part of its mystery.Es: Y así, con el rumor de las olas, los amigos se permitieron ser parte de ese vasto y enigmático océano llamado vida, listos para la próxima aventura.En: And so, with the sound of the waves, the friends allowed themselves to be part of that vast and enigmatic ocean called life, ready for the next adventure. Vocabulary Words:the sun: el solthe beach: la playathe sea breeze: la brisa marinaintensely: intensamentetranquil: tranquilosthe cabin: la cabañathe porch: el porchethe vastness: la inmensidadthe ocean: el océanointrigued: intrigadathe envelope: el sobreskeptical: escépticothe letter: la cartaenigmatic: enigmáticothe message: el mensajethe mystery: el misterioto explore: explorarthe tension: la tensiónto embrace: abrazarthe decision: la decisiónuncertain: inciertounexpected: inesperadoto face: enfrentarthe fears: los miedosthe artist: el artistato confess: confesarto encourage: animarthe atmosphere: la atmósferato reconsider: reconsiderarthe horizon: el horizonte
“Honey is the Knife: Or How I Learned to Stop Fixing Myself and Love My Bliss” is a hybrid self-help memoir by Hannah Eko. Chronicling Hannah's life as a Black woman navigating wellness and self-help culture, “Honey is the Knife” holds the pleasure of self discovery alongside the struggles. Tune in for a conversation about Hannah's spiritual journey as a seeker and writer, and how sweetness shows up as a superpower and a sharp truth spell. We also discuss Yoruba spirituality and working with deity to inform and support one's spiritual path. Dive into “Honey is the Knife” for more of Hannah's magic. Hannah Olabosibe Eko is a Nigerian-American writer, multimedia storyteller, and book doula. A graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, she holds a Master's Degree in Community and Economic Development from Penn State University, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. She is the founder of The Lit Club, a cannabis-inspired literary salon, creative community, and event series at the intersection of art, healing, and pleasure justice. Her writing has appeared in Buzzfeed, Bust magazine, Fractured Lit, Aster(ix), and elsewhere. She currently makes her home between Los Angeles, California and the universe.
This week on Romance in Colour, Terri and Tati take a walk in the paranormal side with author Dani M Ward @danim.ward We talkj world building, paranomral themes, and what it takes to craft Black people at the center of it all.About Dani:Dani M. Ward is a captivating author who delves into the mysterious realms of the paranormal, weaving intricate tales that blur the lines between the known and the unknown. With a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Dani brings a unique perspective to her storytelling. Drawing upon her academic background, she creates rich, immersive worlds filled with vivid characters and haunting narratives.Balancing her creative pursuits with family life, Dani is a devoted mother of two who often finds inspiration in the everyday magic of parenting. When she's not engrossed in her writing, she savors the finer things in life: indulging in a glass of wine, exploring gourmet cuisines, or seeking out hidden culinary gems.Through her work, Dani invites readers on a journey into the paranormal, where they can explore the unexplainable while enjoying the best smut. With each page turn, she melds her passions, captivating her audience with stories that linger long after the last chapter.Follow Romance in Colour on Social MediaIG @RomanceInColourTwitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColourFollow Terri Ley at her Instagram @Author_Terri_LeyFollow Yakini on her Instagram @OurNycHomeFollow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her books here, here
Dr. Winnie M Li is an author, activist, and educator. A former filmmaker, Winnie's life and career trajectory were severely disrupted at the age of 29, when she became the victim of a violent stranger rape in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Her debut novel Dark Chapter (2017) is a fictional re-imagining of that assault and its aftermath, from the perspectives of both victim and perpetrator. Her subsequent novels Complicit (2022) and What We Left Unsaid (2025) also address the legacy of trauma, in workplaces and in families. Winnie's doctoral research at the London School of Economics explored the emotional labour of ‘public' rape survivors, and she is now an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham in the UK. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
Dr. Winnie M Li is an author, activist, and educator. A former filmmaker, Winnie's life and career trajectory were severely disrupted at the age of 29, when she became the victim of a violent stranger rape in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Her debut novel Dark Chapter (2017) is a fictional re-imagining of that assault and its aftermath, from the perspectives of both victim and perpetrator. Her subsequent novels Complicit (2022) and What We Left Unsaid (2025) also address the legacy of trauma, in workplaces and in families. Winnie's doctoral research at the London School of Economics explored the emotional labour of ‘public' rape survivors, and she is now an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham in the UK. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang
This episode is all about taking risks, not just as teachers, but also as something we can encourage in our students. To take risks and experiment can be liberating and extremely beneficial for learning. Our guest, Associate Professor Helen Marshall (School of Communication and Arts, The University of Queensland), shares with us how she fosters risk taking and a spirit of experimentation in her creative writing courses.
Sandra McDonald is an avid writer, reader, foster mom, and cat wrangler. A military veteran and veteran teacher, she is the author of several books and several dozen published short stories in magazines and anthologies. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and has won awards for stories that explore the intersections of gender, duty, and science fiction. You can sometimes find her on social media, but more likely she is stuck in a minivan in a school pickup line in Florida, scribbling story ideas on the back of store receipts.This story originally appeared in Lightspeed Magazine, July 2023.Narration by: Lucy SimpsonLucy Simpson is a caregiver, published poet, artist, and sometimes voice actor. She is winding her way through the byzantine maze that is her first novel with the invaluable assistance of the Ubergroup, which offers low-cost fine arts education for adults. Check out theubergroup.org for more. Fact: Looking Back At Genre History By Amy H SturgisSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/starshipsofa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Think you need to have it all figured out before you write a book? Think the words will just flow once you finally sit down to write? Think you can't possibly juggle a book project with everything else on your plate?Well, it's time to stop wondering and start taking action if you are actually interested in writing a book for your business.I hear so often from clients and colleagues that writing a book has been on their to do list for quite some time. And with an MFA in creative writing, I'm all too aware at the effort it takes to get a book—especially how long the process can take from ideation to an actual book in your hand.Which is why I invited a former guest back on the show to tell me all about her experience of writing a book while running a business.Jessica Lackey joins me back for another Talk Copy to Me episode (after her episode 123 appearance about building thought leadership) to talk about her new book, Leaving the Casino: Stop Betting on Tactics and Start Building a Business That Works.If you've ever wanted to take a glimpse behind the scenes to see what a book-writing process was like for someone else (or get inspo to finally sit down and write your own book), you're going to want to tune in.______________________________________________EPISODE 181.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: https://erinollila.com/writing-a-book-while-running-a-business______________________________________________Get to know Jessica Lackey, author of Leaving the Casino: Stop Betting on Tactics and Start Building a Business That WorksJessica Lackey is the founder of Deeper Foundations, a consulting and training firm that helps expert-led business owners grow and scale sustainable companies rooted in stronger business foundations. She brings a unique blend of corporate expertise and soulful business building, drawing on an MBA from Harvard Business School, a coaching certification from iPEC, and experience at McKinsey & Company and Nike, Inc. Jessica has supported over 200 entrepreneurs through her programs, blending systems thinking, operational rigor, and deep values alignment. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband.She can be reached at https://deeperfoundations.com/Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about working with me or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and products
Noah has a conversation with author Cynthia Beach about gender justice, abuse & trauma, and writing serious fiction. Cynthia talks about what led her to weave these important issues into her novel The Surface of Water, and how our stories can bring about change and transformation in ways standard approaches can't. Cynthia Beach authored The Surface of Water: A Novel (IVP, 2024) and a writing book, Creative Juices for Writers, 2nd edition. She was a longtime professor of English and Creative Writing and now serves as an Artist in Residence in Scotland. She co-founded and offers Scriptoria Workshop with Newbery winner Gary D. Schmidt. Her sequel, A Thousand Wings of Light, is forthcoming. (See CynthiaBeach.com) You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/deGP0XDbj98 Flip Side Notes: Join an upcoming Beyond the Battle online group at www.beyondthebattle.net Support Flip Side sponsor Angry Brew by using promo code FLIP at angrybrew.com or fivelakes.com to pick up some Angry Brew or Chris' Blend coffee at 10% off. Get a free month of Covenant Eyes at www.covenanteyes.com using promo code BEYOND Get a free month of Accountable2You keyword accountability: a2u.app/beyond (do not use “www”) Your recurring gifts make Noah's ministry & The Flip Side possible. Get some sweet swag by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/noahfilipiak – includes exclusive access to Noah's episode commentary, interaction, and email access. (Not tax-deductible) Tax-deductible recurring gifts can be given at www.noahfilipiak.com/give. Purchase Beyond the Battle and Needed Navigation by Noah Filipiak.
In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, host Ryan Rarick, an Education Pathway Teacher and Instructional Coach, leads a discussion on authentic student engagement with guests CJ Hoyt, a math educator, and Carly Maloney, the 2024 Utah Teacher of the Year. Despite the absence of co-host Lauren Merkley due to illness, the episode explores personal experiences, strategies, and insights into maintaining high levels of student engagement throughout the school year. Key topics include the significance of curiosity and inquiry, the importance of student voice and choice, and effective engagement strategies like stations, stickers, and project-based assessments. The episode concludes with highlights from the fellows' Educator Day on the Hill at the Utah State Capitol, emphasizing the importance of teacher-legislator interactions.00:00 Introduction and Updates01:20 Meet the Guests: CJ Hoyt and Carly Maloney02:28 Discussing Authentic Student Engagement03:39 Defining and Observing Engagement09:08 Evolving Understanding of Engagement12:41 Strategies for Maintaining Engagement17:07 Quick Engagement Strategies19:21 Conclusion and Summary21:50 Live from the State Capitol: Educator Day on the Hill GUESTS ON EPISODE:Carly Maloney - 2024 Utah Teacher of the Year; Psych & English Language Development, Davis School DistrictCJ Hoyt - Middle School Math Teacher, Granite School DistrictGUESTS AT THE STATE CAPITOL: Anna Bessesen - High School Computer Science Teacher, National Board Certified - Granite School DistrictBreAnn Busboom - German and CTE Teacher, Davis School DistrictAudryn Damron - Special Education Teacher, Granite School DistrictLindsay Hinkins - District Digital Learning Specialist, Carbon School DistrictADDITIONAL RESOURCES:Albert Bandura - Social Learning Theory SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS: Want to be on the podcast? Fill out this form - Podcast Interview SurveyTeacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.orgLinkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UTInstagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_utFacebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogramEmail us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org PART OF THE SHOW Hosts:Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the YearRyan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2026 Utah ACTE Teacher of the YearExecutive Producer:Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Education Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Editor & Producer, and the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award.Info Drop Spokesperson:John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.
To the moon and beyond with poets Colleen Gibbons, Mark MacAllister, and Ruth Mota.Support the show
Essayist and fiction writer Erica Stern on writing hybrid nonfiction, weaving memoir with research and a ghost-story thread, and finding a publishing home for genre-defying work. You'll learn:What “hybrid nonfiction” can look like when memoir, research, and a fictional thread are all working toward one emotional truth.Ways to make a genre-bending draft feel cohesive, even when it's built from multiple modes and timelines.How reverse outlining can help you figure out what each section is really doing, and tighten the book's throughline in revision.Why “moving the pieces around” for a long time can be part of the process when the structure has to be discovered, not imposed.A mindset shift for writers making unconventional work: follow what the project needs first, before you worry about outcome or category.How to treat “weirdness” as an asset (not a liability) when the form is doing meaning, not just style.Practical publishing encouragement for genre-defying books: small presses can be a strong fit, and there's a growing audience for hybrid forms.What it can look like to publish without chasing “bestseller” logic, and instead focus on reaching the right readers with the best version of the book.Why writing “for the market” isn't the only path to publication—and how commitment to the story can be what ultimately helps it find a home. Resources & Links:
Valentine's Day may be all about couples, but this week's episode celebrates heartbreak, breakups, and proudly being single as a Pringle.Part 1: Getting dumped is the push psychologist Jiawen Huang needs to step outside his comfort zone.Part 2: While completing her PhD in neuroscience, Leslie Sibener is determined to fix her relationship. Jiawen Huang obtained his PhD in Psychology from Columbia University, where he studied how prior knowledge provides a scaffold for prediction and memory. He grew up in China, and did his undergrad at University College London where he scanned people watching movies in fMRI scanner. In his free time, he can be found dancing salsa, practicing Spanish, and whittling wood carvings, all of which he started doing this past year.Leslie Sibener is a neuroscientist and science communicator based in New York City. She received degrees in Neuroscience and Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and her PhD at Columbia University where she studied movement and motor learning. Now as a postdoctoral fellow at Rockefeller University, Leslie researches the mechanisms that allow specific memories to be stored for long term memory in the brain, while others are forgotten. She has always been passionate about sharing science outside of the lab. This has manifested in being the group leader the science writing group NeuWrite, a team member of Stories of WiN, and founder of Scientist on the Subway. Additionally, she has collaborated with a variety other groups, such as BioBus, Facts Machine Podcast, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, to engage the public with science.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be afraid of the very foods that are supposed to nourish you because no matter what it is you eat, you get violently ill? To be told “You look healthy”, “Drink more water”, “Sounds like stress” by doctor after doctor so many times that you start to question your own sanity? To lose your job due to your inability to tell your new employer the reason why you're sick all the time — an answer you yourself will not get for another three years? Jamie Zimmerman Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet it remains widely misunderstood and severely under-researched. This week on Pushing Limits, we take a deep dive into the life of Jamie Zimmerman, who was only recently diagnosed but has been living with endometriosis symptoms for most of her life. Join us as Jamie shares her journey to diagnosis, the challenges of being believed, and what living with endometriosis really looks like. She is a disability advocate, a yoga teacher, Development Director at a nonprofit organization in Portland, Maine supporting, empowering, and amplifying the voices of immigrant women, but would likely most identify with the role of writer. Her essays, some of which are about her chronic illness journey, have been published in multiple journals. Jamie holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Oregon State University, a Master of Science in Applied Gerontology, and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. This program was produced and hosted by Bonnie Elliott. Interview and recording assistance were provided by Jacob Lesner-Buxton. Editing was done by Denny Daughters and Dominick Trevethan. The post The Endo Game – Pushing Limits – February 13, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.
Free Video Tutorial for ScreenwritingPropaganda isn't just lying.Some of the most persuasive propaganda in history has been factually accurate. The difference lies in framing — in beginning with a verdict and arranging reality to serve it.In this episode of The Storyteller's Mission, we explore the critical difference between witnessing reality and advocating a conclusion. For writers, novelists, and storytellers, this distinction is not political — it's craft.You'll learn:The difference between a witness and an advocateHow propaganda forms through preloaded moral certaintyThe craft warning signs your story may be manipulating instead of revealingWhy flattening characters weakens moral credibilityThe responsibility of storytellers in a culture where trust is collapsingStory doesn't just entertain. It forms moral imagination.The question is not whether you have convictions.The question is whether your story trusts reality — or tries to control the outcome.
Have you been avoiding YouTube ads because they feel overwhelming, expensive, or just... a lot? You're not the only one overwhelmed by the idea of video advertising. But that being said—you might be making it harder than it needs to be. Whether you have zero dollars to spend or a real ad budget ready to go, there are ways to get started with YouTube advertising that meet you exactly where you are.In this Talk Copy to Me episode, Google Ads coach and Inside Google Ads podcast host Jyll Saskin Gales walks through everything a small business owner needs to know about YouTube advertising. From the simple "promote" button inside YouTube Studio to full Google Ads campaigns, Jyll breaks down the different ad types, targeting options, and what actually makes a YouTube ad work—including her two-second test for diagnosing why an ad isn't converting.______________________________________________EPISODE 180.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: https://erinollila.com/how-do-youtube-ads-work-with-jyll-saskin-gales/______________________________________________Get to know our Google and YouTube Ads expert: Jyll Saskin GalesJyll Saskin Gales is a Google Ads Coach, and the founder of the Inside Google Ads course, podcast, and bestselling book. She advises business owners, agencies, marketers and freelancers across industries, helping them get the best ROI from their marketing. Jyll worked at Google for 6 years and has an MBA from Harvard Business School.Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about working with me or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and products
Hey horror fans!! This week writer and filmmaker Matthew Robinson joins us to talk about his new genre bending thriller Good Luck Have Fun Don't Die, a modern day Twilight Zone style story that mixes AI, tech obsession, and social chaos with sharp humor and unexpected twists. Matthew shares behind the scenes stories about writing for a stacked ensemble cast, working with actors like Haley Lu Richardson and Sam Rockwell, and what it was like seeing the script transform once a director like Gore Verbinski came on board. He also talks about his breakthrough film The Invention of Lying and how co-directing with Ricky Gervais helped launch his career.Before Matthew joins the conversation we cover the latest horror news including Mike Flanagan tackling Stephen Kings The Mist and of course finish with our Mostly Horror Recommendations of the Week.If you love wild stories, clever twists, and hearing how movies get made, this is for you sooo... COME HANG OUT!!! Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram & Threads: @mostlyhorrorpodTikTok & Twitter/X: @mostlyhorrorSteve: @stevenisaverage (all socials)Sean: @hypocrite.ink (IG/TikTok), @hypocriteink (Twitter/X)Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more horror fans like you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ever wonder why your Google Ads aren't converting, even when your targeting feels spot-on? The problem might not be your ads at all—instead, it's likely your website. Why? Well, before you sink money into paid advertising, your site needs to prove it can convert visitors organically. Otherwise, you're just paying for traffic that bounces.In this episode, Google Ads strategist Olivia Lawson joins me to discuss exactly what needs to be in place before you hit that "launch campaign" button. From crystal-clear CTAs and price transparency to your entire sales process, we're covering the foundational work that determines whether your ad spend becomes profit or just expensive data. If you're considering paid ads (or already running them without seeing results), this conversation will save you serious time and money.______________________________________________EPISODE 179.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: https://erinollila.com/what-to-do-before-paying-for-google-ads______________________________________________Get to know our Google Ads expert: Olivia LawsonOlivia Lawson is a certified Google Ads strategist and proud data nerd based in Austin, Texas. She loves digging into the numbers, spotting what's working, and optimizing campaigns to make your ad spend work harder. Olivia helps small business owners feel confident in their Google Ads by creating clear, data-backed strategies that bring in more qualified leads and sustainable growth for their business.Check out Olivia's Google Ads ROI Calculator or visit her website to learn more about working with her.Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about working with me or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and products
Toby Manning joins the Coming From Left Field Podcast to discuss his book, “Mixing Pop and Politics: A Marxist History of Popular Music,” a sweeping, theory-driven history of commercial popular music from the 1950s to today. Dr. Manning traces how popular music doesn't float above politics but is shaped by – and responds to – capitalism, class struggle, race, empire, and changing economic regimes from Fordism/New Deal social democracy to neoliberalism and austerity. Rather than a narrow history of “protest songs,” he reads big-selling hits and major genres (rock and roll, Motown, soul, reggae, punk, post-punk, hip-hop, grunge, electronic dance music, contemporary pop) as expressions of dominant ideology, resistance, and contradiction inside a profit-driven culture industry. Drawing on Marxist concepts such as alienation, ideology, and dialectics, he shows how music both reflects the world and helps people imagine alternatives. Toby Manning is a British writer, journalist, critic, and educator based in London. He describes himself as a “professional music geek.” Dr. Manning was born and grew up in North Wales and lived in various parts of the UK before settling in London. He holds a PhD in English and Creative Writing from The Open University, completed in 2015, and much of his later work has developed from his doctoral research. He has written for major UK music and cultural publications such as NME, Q, Mojo, The Word, The Guardian, The Quietus , New Statesman, Red Pepper, and The Big Issue. He has also contributed to journals and essay collections, including work on The Velvet Underground and Talking Heads. Resources: Order the book: https://www.amazon.com/Mixing-Pop-Politics-Marxist-History/dp/1913462676 Twitter/X: @TobyManning Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TobyLManning/ Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6SzgjiHOtNowpny0zqkixQ?si=a0f8a7ad38f642a2 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7As7CSf79iXtQ6p8SCNODL?si=e2bebc6ec514442d https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0mki0qN9TeIxiTn8kfZH1Z?si=923e5c9ee6154dc7 Greg's Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Greg's Article on Coltrane: https://mltoday.com/coltrane-s-revolutionary-musical-journey/ Pat's Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/ mixingpopandpolitics#marxisthistoryofpopularmusic#tobymanning#popmusicandcapitalism#marxismandmusic#historyofrockandroll#punkandpolitics#hiphopandclass#popularmusicideology#fordismandculture#neoliberalismandmusic#protestmusic#musicandsocialchange#musicandalienation#politicalmusichistory#PatCummings#PatrickCummings#GregGodels#ZZBlog#ComingFromLeftField#ComingFromLeftFieldPodcast#zzblog#mltoday
Elemental tangents, with poems by Jim Nawrocki, Kay Cash-Smith, and Susan Haroutunian Cunningham.Support the show
Yale professor Elli Stern talks with us about figuring out what kind of writing we want to do after tenure—and the importance of building a team of friends and colleagues who can read drafts and provide valuable feedback. Don't forget to rate and review our show and follow us on all social media platforms here: https://linktr.ee/writingitpodcast Contact us with questions, possible future topics/guests, or comments here: https://writingit.fireside.fm/contact
A list of ten creative writing projects for the end of a unit.
Jennie Nash started Author Accelerator when she realized there was a need for more personalized, ongoing coaching to assist through the often isolating writing process. In this episode, get answers to common queries: What do writers need to excel? Is my story idea good enough? How can I better position my book in the market? Can AI help me write a book? Learn her keys to effective book coaching, giving and getting writing feedback, and the benefit of catering to your creative impulses.Jennie NashWebsite: https://jennienash.com/Social: @jennienashbookcoachGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we're here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you're ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we're here to help you.Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.comMembership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membershipWriting Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.comMary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children's book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesubWriting Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlitIrresistible Query Letters: https://amzn.to/3yg511KWriting Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRUHow to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQWriting Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0BWriting Irresistible First Pages: https://amzn.to/4gxgslqNEW! Show and Tell: https://amzn.to/4kCc4noFollow us on social:YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstoryBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodstory.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompanyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstorycoFacebook: https://facebook.com/goodstorycoSubstack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/
Wherein we share company. Place a note, cleanly, into our inbox: gwritersanon@gmail.com Peruse our booth on Facebook (Ghost Writers, Anonymous).
Join me as I have a chat with Jan Burl, known as author jsburl, MA, is a hemorrhagic stroke survivor who lives in Northern NY. She loves family, crocheting, the mountains, dragons, gardening, writing poetry and stories, sketching and oil painting, dragons, and animals large and small. Did I mention she loves dragons? She lives with Tippy, the 4 legged star of Tippy's New Friend, a children's story series, the second being released next year. She recently finished her master's degree in Creative Writing and Poetry summa cum laude. She was inducted into Sigma Tau Delta International English Society, and The National Society of Leadership and Success. Jan is an international motivational speaker and will soon become a Life and Wellness Coach for Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Individuals, their Caregivers and loved ones. She has been a journalist winning state and US competitions. Her poetry has appeared in the Adirondack Center for Writing, Sunflower Poetry Review, Waverly Press Poetry Review, Spillwords, Prose-n-Poetry Anthology 2003, International Library of Poetry, American Poets Society, Theater of the Mind, plus more, and The BeZine, where she is an associate production editor. The stroke took her mobility, but not her creativity. Her favorite thing to tell people is, “Don't fight the journey, but sit back and enjoy the ride. Make every day an exceptional day..”
Poems and excerpts on learning about Black history, by Kevin Nance, Elizabeth Esris, Kathleen O'Toole, and Melvin Douglas Williams.Support the show
In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with poet Margo LaPierre about her poetry collection, Ajar (Guernica Editions, 2025). The poems in Ajar navigate the physical and psychological dangers of womanhood through the flattening lens of mood disorder. Psychosis isn't the opposite of reality—it's another perceptual system. If neurotypical thought measures the world in centimetres, this collection measures it in inches, gallons, amperes. Ajar celebrates radical recovery from gendered violence and psychotic paradigm shifts, approaching madness through prismatic inquiry. As time converges within us, we find new ways to heal and grow. From the emergency room to the pharmacy to the fertility clinic to the dis/comfort of home and memory, this collection humanizes bipolar psychosis.Note: These poems depict suicidality and some of the violences that worsen the risk. In Canada and the US, the suicide crisis helpline is 988 and it's available 24/7. Margo LaPierre is a writer and freelance literary editor. With multi-genre work published in The Ex-Puritan, CV2, Room, PRISM, and Arc, among others, she has won national awards for her poetry, fiction, and editing. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from UBC. Ajar is her second poetry collection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
I was asked to give a ""Master Class"" on Public Speaking/Stage Presence/Creative Writing to two different groups of 3rd graders. This is the first class (Roughly 30 3rd Graders)
As the old paradigm splinters into rage-filled, grief-stricken fragments, how can we lay the foundation for the total systemic change we so badly need?Even beyond the listeners to this podcast, it is obvious by now that there is no going back. As Oliver Kornetzke wrote in a particularly sharply written piece on Facebook back on 22nd January - before Alex Pretti was murdered by Trump's Federal Agents - what white America is not experiencing is not new, and is not a flaw in the system, it is the system. This is what he says in more detail: White Americans are not witnessing the collapse of something noble. They're witnessing the unveiling of what has always been true. The rot now visible is not a flaw in the foundation. Rather, it is the foundation. It was poured with concrete, inscribed into laws, and baked into the American mythos. The violence, the inequality, and the selective application of “justice”—none of it is a betrayal of the American promise. It is the American promise, applied unevenly by design.For centuries, Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities have lived under the weight of this system—disenfranchised, disappeared, surveilled, caged, and killed. They were told to be patient, to be peaceful, to vote harder, to “work within the system.” And when they told the unvarnished truth—that the system is the violence—they were mocked, criminalized, and ignored.Now the machinery begins to grind down those it once served, and only now does the shock begin to register. But this isn't the system breaking. It's merely the mask coming off.The laws of this land protects power and wealth. It has always protected power and wealth. The state defends itself. And democracy here has always been ornamental—used to sanctify what power had already decided. The rule of law is not impartial. It's a weapon, a performance, a convenience afforded to the privileged. The pageantry of justice is reserved for those never meant to feel its weight.What you're seeing now is not the end of the American dream. It is the truth of the American reality, finally uninterested in disguising itself. The empire is simply turning inward.Many will not want to read this. They will flinch, deflect, and rationalize. They will call me divisive, bitter, and extreme. They will attack, argue, and dismiss. And in doing so, they will only prove the point by choosing their comfort over clarity, and their denial over responsibility. Because that, too, is by design: the privilege of ignoring the truth until it shows up at your own door.So what do we do? It is a founding principle of this podcast that there is still time to turn the bus that is humanity from the edge of the cliff of species-level extinction. We believe the Egregor, the Super-Organism, the death cult of predatory capitalism... whatever you like to call it, is in its death throes. In its flailing, it might yet take us all with it, but that's not a given and in every single act of compassion, courage and community that we're seeing around the world from Greenland, to Venezuela, to Minnesota and beyond, we are building the leading edge of a new system. But we need a spiritual base to this. I genuinely think we get through only if we can lift ourselves out of our Trauma Culture and into a new way of being - an Initiation Culture fit for the twenty first century. We talk about this a lot on the podcast, and sometimes, we talk to other people who get this, and who are working explicitly towards a shift in consciousness of the whole human race. Today's episode is one of those. Our guest is Marc-John Brown who describes himself with characteristic humility, as an integration coach, transpersonal life coach, and spiritually-oriented business coach. Since 2019, he has been an apprentice of the Shipibo-Konibo tribe of the Peruvian Amazon Jungle and an ally and collaborator among multiple other living indigenous peoples. Having met him, I'd say that Marc-John is deeply connected with the spirits of the land in a way that is both profoundly wise, and deeply grounded. He is one of those who comes to Elderhood at a young age, moving through the world with dignity and humility, helping others to reach the core of what it is to be human at this moment of total transformation. Born and raised in Scotland, he has a deep spiritual connection to south America and to the indigenous peoples of that land. With his wife, Erika Huarcaya a native Peruvian of the Chanka peoples, Marc-John runs the Native Wisdom Hub, which seeks to bring people of our culture - the white, western culture that is currently eating itself alive - into authentic, enduring connection with the web of life such that we can all begin to change the way we are in the world. On a recent Substack post, Marc-John says, 'We believe that, in large part, healing happens through nervous system co-regulation between indigenous wisdom keepers and modern seekers. Building healthy relationships. Creating psychological safety. Allowing trust to grow where mistrust has festered.'So this conversation delves deeply into the nature of the trauma we experience - and how we might heal the relationships between all parts of ourselves, ourselves and each other, ourselves and the web of life. LinksNative Wisdom Hub https://www.nativewisdomhub.com/NWH on FB https://www.facebook.com/nativewisdomhub/Marc-John's Substack https://substack.com/@marcjohnbrownOliver Korntezke on FB https://www.facebook.com/okornetzkeWhat we offer—If you'd like to support us, come along and join the Accidental Gods Membership. Here, you can share in the ideas, the programme that will help you connect to the Web of Life in ways that will last—and you can come to the Gatherings half price. Or if that doesn't appeal, come along to one of the Gatherings. Or buy a subscription/Gathering for a friend... do something that feels like a good exchange of energy and minimises our connection with old economic paradigm. Remember that if any of this is difficult, contact us and we'll find something that works for you. Details below: We offer three strands all rooted in the same soil, drawing from the same river: Accidental Gods, Dreaming Awake and the Thrutopia Writing Masterclass If you'd like to join our next Open Gathering offered as part of our Accidental Gods Programme, it's 'Honouring Fear as your Mentor' on Sunday 8th February 2026 from 16:00 - 20:00 GMT - details are here. You don't have to be a member - but if you are, all Gatherings are half price.If you'd like to join us at Accidental Gods, this is the membership where we endeavour to help you to connect fully with the living web of life. If you'd like to train more deeply in the contemporary shamanic work at Dreaming Awake, you'll find us here. If you'd like to explore the recordings from our last Thrutopia Writing Masterclass
Curious what copywriting trends are actually worth paying attention to in 2026? With AI tools everywhere and everyone yapping about what you "MUST" do on social media, it's hard to know what's real advice versus what's just noise. And I'm so tired of all the noise.That's why, in this episode of Talk Copy to Me, I'm joined by four other experienced copywriters to share our 2026 copywriting predictions with you. We're not just guessing here; we're recognizing patterns from our actual client work and what we see people sharing on social media.You'll hear from Rebecca Tracy, Courtney Fanning, Hannah Plourd, Sam Burmeister...and me, of course. We're talking about the rise of done-with-you offers, why AI-written content is making people cringe, how POV and voice are becoming non-negotiable, the return of long-form content, and the role of bonuses in sales. Plus, I'm sharing why I think FAQs are about to have a major moment.This is not an episode you want to miss!______________________________________________EPISODE 178.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: https://erinollila.com/copywriting-predictions-for-2026/______________________________________________Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about my VIP intensive options or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and products
A feminist romp through pop culture that illuminates how women influence and shape the economy. Taylor Swift isn't just a pop megastar. She is a working woman whose astounding accomplishments defy patriarchal norms. And while not all women can be Beyoncé or Dolly Parton or Reese Witherspoon, the successes of these trailblazing stars help us understand the central role of women in today's economy. Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy (U California Press, 2026) assesses the complex economic lives of everyday American women through the stories of groundbreakers like Taylor Swift, Misty L. Heggeness digs into the data, revealing women's hidden contributions and aspirations—the unexamined value they create by pursuing their own ambitions. She highlights the abundance of productive activity in their daily lives and acknowledges the barriers they still face. Exploring critical reforms regarding caregiving and gendered labor, this book offers advice for women to thrive in an economy that was not built for them. More about the author: Misty L. Heggeness is co-director of the Kansas Population Center, Associate Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at the University of Kansas, and former Principal Economist and Senior Advisor at the US Census Bureau. She is also creator of The Care Board, a dashboard of economic statistics built by and for caregivers that brings their economic contributions into the fold. Learn more about Swifynomics: here Learn more about Misty: here More about the host: Kailey Tse-Harlow is a Chinese-Irish writer born and raised in Boston's Chinatown. She earned her BA in Film and Television Production from Emerson College and her MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in MIT News, and she is currently at work on her debut novel with support from Tin House. Based in Cambridge, MA, Kailey lives with her partner and two cats. Alongside her writing, she works as a freelance publicist part-time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
A feminist romp through pop culture that illuminates how women influence and shape the economy. Taylor Swift isn't just a pop megastar. She is a working woman whose astounding accomplishments defy patriarchal norms. And while not all women can be Beyoncé or Dolly Parton or Reese Witherspoon, the successes of these trailblazing stars help us understand the central role of women in today's economy. Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy (U California Press, 2026) assesses the complex economic lives of everyday American women through the stories of groundbreakers like Taylor Swift, Misty L. Heggeness digs into the data, revealing women's hidden contributions and aspirations—the unexamined value they create by pursuing their own ambitions. She highlights the abundance of productive activity in their daily lives and acknowledges the barriers they still face. Exploring critical reforms regarding caregiving and gendered labor, this book offers advice for women to thrive in an economy that was not built for them. More about the author: Misty L. Heggeness is co-director of the Kansas Population Center, Associate Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at the University of Kansas, and former Principal Economist and Senior Advisor at the US Census Bureau. She is also creator of The Care Board, a dashboard of economic statistics built by and for caregivers that brings their economic contributions into the fold. Learn more about Swifynomics: here Learn more about Misty: here More about the host: Kailey Tse-Harlow is a Chinese-Irish writer born and raised in Boston's Chinatown. She earned her BA in Film and Television Production from Emerson College and her MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in MIT News, and she is currently at work on her debut novel with support from Tin House. Based in Cambridge, MA, Kailey lives with her partner and two cats. Alongside her writing, she works as a freelance publicist part-time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies
It's been nearly a year since Kash Patel took the helm of the FBI, a period New York Times reporter Emily Bazelon says has been “marred by vendettas, mismanagement and meltdowns.” The New York Times spoke to 45 current and former FBI officials, who describe a traditionally independent agency now captured and weaponized by the White House. The officials say the FBI's new emphasis on immigration, over counterterrorism and cybersecurity, is making America less safe. We'll talk to a former Los Angeles field officer and to Bazelon, whose new piece is “A Year Inside Kash Patel's F.B.I.” Guests: Emily Bazelon, staff writer, The New York Times Magazine; Truman Capote Fellow for Creative Writing and Law, Yale Law School; co-host, Slate's “Political Gabfest” Jill Fields, former supervisory intelligence analyst for violent crime in the Los Angeles field office, FBI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kristina Voegele is a professional writer and novelist with an MFA in Creative Writing who spent over a decade writing for global brands before penning her debut novel, Annie in Retrospect. Whether through her fiction or essays on personal growth and creativity, her work empowers people to reconnect with the parts of themselves they've set aside. She lives on the coast in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, daughter, and twin boys. Please check out her book at kristinavoegele.comPlease rate us on Apple and/or Spotify and subscribe to our YouTube channel This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikeyopp.substack.com/subscribe
Author Lior Torenberg unpacks her debut Just Watch Me, a darkly funny livestream novel that exposes the cost of performing pain online, and our hunger to watch.Debut author Lior Torenberg joins us to talk about Just Watch Me, a bold, internet-shaped novel that unfolds over seven days of nonstop livestreaming. Together, we dig into what it means to write fiction rooted in our current digital moment, and why stories about performance feel so urgent right now.We talk about Torenberg's path from initial concept to publication, the realities of debuting with a formally inventive novel, and the creative risks of building a narrative around livestream chats, audience participation, and escalating dares. She also walks us through the choice to compress the story into a single week, and how that story structure intensifies both tension and intimacy.In this fun conversation, we explore: