Podcasts about fiction writers

 Submit Your Writing Win to the Courage Files for Season 4! Can we find more play in writing by lowering the stakes? This episode explores how perfectionism, pressure, productivity culture, and the need to “get it right” can slowly drain the joy out of creativity.I talk about where play naturally exists in the writing process—daydreaming, brainstorming, messy drafting—and why reconnecting with those moments might matter more than forcing constant productivity. Sometimes the path back to creativity isn't pushing harder. Sometimes it's lowering the stakes enough to let yourself explore.So if you've been feeling stuck in drafting or revision, overwhelmed by expectations, burned out by productivity culture, or guilty because writing hasn't felt fun lately… this one's for you.There's also a quick season update and information about the new Courage Files segment coming in Season Four.Timestamps: 00:00 When expectations block creativity 00:24 Welcome to Write It Scared 01:21 Season update + Courage Files 03:48 What “play” means in writing 04:43 When writing starts to feel heavy 07:23 Lowering the stakes 08:33 Reflection prompts 09:21 Closing thoughtsHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

This week's episode is a Writing Break clip show packed with writing advice across multiple genres and storytelling forms.If you've missed part of the recent genre series or just want a concentrated episode full of practical writing insight, this one pulls together some of the strongest segments from recent episodes.

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here! What happens after the book is finally out in the world—and all the noise starts creeping in? In this conversation, indie MM romance author Alex Cross joins me to talk about emotionally intense storytelling, publishing pressure, writer's block, and the challenge of protecting your creativity once readers, reviews, and big expectations enter the picture.We talk about the Fire Between Us series and its highly anticipated second installment, From Our Ashes, which released May 4th, 2026, as well as her stunning Us duet—Echoes of Us and Becoming Us. We dig into the craft, including keeping track of dual timelines, writing toxic relationships, character psychology, and messy, deeply human love stories. Alex also shares her journey into self-publishing, the realities of revising published work, navigating social media and comparison, and learning how to reconnect to why she writes in the first place.It's an honest conversation about creativity, vulnerability, and continuing to write even when fear and doubt get loud.Timestamps04:04 Meet Alex Cross08:29 Choosing a risky debut11:37 Echoes of Us19:11 Crafting dual timelines24:44 Revising published work29:49 Fire Between Us update33:30 Writing high-angst stories35:53 Writer's block + sequel struggles37:56 Reviews, doubt, and social media41:35 Boundaries and support systems44:48 Protecting the magic of writing47:26 What's next + where to find Alex To connect with Alex and read her books, go to her website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.All of Alex's books are available in KU. Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here What does it take to keep believing in a story through rejection, rewrites, and years of uncertainty?Middle grade author Shafaq Khan joins me to talk about her debut novel, Zaina: Lost and Found, a historical adventure inspired by the real-life Hippie Trail through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey in the 1970s. We discuss balancing research with fast-paced storytelling, writing about identity and belonging, and the emotional resilience required to survive the long road to publication.Shafaq also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of querying, revising after difficult feedback, finding community, and learning to trust her voice as a writer.If you're deep in the messy middle of your own writing journey, this conversation is a reminder that persistence matters—and sometimes the long road is part of becoming the writer you're meant to be.Timestamps 00:00 – Grounding Through Story 07:12 – The Premise of Zaina: Lost and Found 11:42 – Research vs. Storytelling 24:07 – Querying and Rejection 30:00 – Tough Feedback and Big Rewrites 35:12 – Learning to Trust Her Voice 41:59 – Advice for WritersLinks Mentioned:Shafaq Khan WebsiteInstagramTiktok SCBWIHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“One thing I recommend is that if you're really sure about something look it up cause you're probably wrong.” - Sue BurkeIn this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled, “Goal-Based Sci-Fi Research With Sue Burke,” host Beth Barany talks to author and translator Sue Burke on the importance of goal-based research and how it can help generate conflict in your stories and avoid clichés.ABOUT SUE BURKESue Burke is an author and translator. Her novel Semiosis was nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, John W. Campbell Memorial Award, and the Locus Best First Novel Award. Its sequels are Interference and Usurpation. She has also written the novels Immunity Index and Dual Memory, short stories, poetry, journalism, and essays, and she won the 2016 Alicia Gordon Award for Word Artistry in Translation from the American Translators Association. She was born in the Milwaukee, lived in Texas and Spain, and is now in Chicago.Website: https://sueburke.site/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burke.sueX: https://x.com/SueBurkeSpainLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sueburke/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueburkespain/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sueburke.bsky.socialRESOURCESFOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERSSign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!Support the show---♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel ChecklistHelps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing. Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!CONNECT WITH BETHvia emailvia LinkedInCREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here!What if the answer isn't forcing yourself or your story harder… but trusting the process a little longer?In this episode, I talk with author and book coach Andromeda Romano-Lax about her latest psychological thriller, What Boys Learn, the messy reality of revision, and why stepping away from a draft can sometimes be exactly what your story needs.We also dig into self-doubt, negativity bias, supportive feedback, and why writers grow by finishing more books—not by obsessing over making a single book perfect.Timestamps 00:00 Permission to Think 01:20 Meet Andromeda 08:38 Why She Turned to Thrillers 13:53 The Draft Breakthrough 21:07 Villains + Mystery Craft 25:46 Negativity Bias 28:17 Trusting the Process 32:56 Helpful Feedback 38:17 Why Writers Need More ManuscriptsTo connect with Andromeda, read her many helpful Substacks, and purchase her books, please visit her website.  She enjoys hearing from readers.You can also find her on InstagramOther links mentioned:The Career Novelist™ Podcast With Camille PagánHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

OPINION: Remembering Ben Santos, fiction writer par excellence | May 14, 2026Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcher Tune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein #TheManilaTimes #KeepUpWithTheTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!If you've ever thought "I could write a book about this" while watching a reality TV show at 10pm, you're going to love this episode! Amy Mass spent years writing for TV (you might recognize "The Goldbergs" and "Last Man Standing" from her credits), and after relocating from LA to a charming small town outside Atlanta during COVID, she channeled all of that storytelling experience into her debut novel, Reality Bites, out May 12, 2026 from Harper Perennial.In this episode, Amy and I talk about what it actually looked like to make the leap from TV writer to novelist, including writing three books and two movies in four years, going out on submission, shelving her first manuscript, and finally landing a deal with a major publishing house. We also get into her writing process (she's both a pantser and a plotter), why she writes dialogue first, and how she keeps a running collection of joke scraps and character notes scattered across her phone, her laptop, and random Post-its around the house.We also talk about what it was like getting notes from her agent and her editor, and how to push back on notes without being precious about it. Her phrase "find the note behind the note" is one to hold onto! And then we get into the part that surprises most authors: how much marketing is still on you. Amy was genuinely caught off guard by how much time, energy, and social media hustle a book launch requires—even with a publicity team in your corner. 

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here! Ever hit that point in drafting or revision where you're not sure what should happen next? You might know the next big plot point, but the how-to-get-there part… that's the problem. In this solo episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I break down why the answer usually isn't inventing a brand-new conflict. More often, the next scene is already hidden inside the consequences of what just happened. We talk about cause-and-effect storytelling, tracking what changed in the previous scene, and how pressure from other characters and antagonistic forces naturally creates momentum.I also share a simple trick for getting unstuck when your brain goes blank: writing a messy reaction scene first. Plus, there's a quick update on The Courage Files coming in Season 4.Timestamps 00:00 Why Writers Get Stuck 02:07 The Courage Files Update 04:08 “What Happens Next?” 05:12 Cause-and-Effect Story Logic 05:52 Finding the Consequences 08:04 Pressure From Other Characters 09:51 The Reaction Scene TrickHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

What if your growth as a writer isn't supposed to be neat or linear?Who says it can't be chaotic as hell? AK Nevermore, author of more than 20 titles, returns to talk about messy growth, genre-hopping, indie publishing, and learning craft by doing. We dig into fear, doubt, and even spite as creative fuel, plus why not every piece of feedback deserves your attention.If you've ever felt like your process is chaotic or your career path doesn't look “right,” because it's different than another author's,  this conversation is a reminder that there's no one way to build a writing life—just the way that works for you. Timestamps 00:00 Fear as Fuel 01:31 Meet AK Nevermore 09:19 Why Indie Publishing Works for AK 16:54 Messy Process + Pantsing 21:50 Worldbuilding + Craft 26:13 Fear, Doubt, and Motivation 30:21 Redefining Success 34:32 Choosing the Right FeedbackTo connect with AK and read her work please go to her website Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“I was a science fiction reader from the beginning, and I continued to identify myself as a science fiction writer. However, a lot of my stuff would have to be classified as fantasy.” - David D. Levine In the latest How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Read, Write, Repeat with David D. Levine” host Beth Barany talks to science fiction author David D. Levine about his career path, the challenges of history research, and how he uses it in his novels, including gender throughout the ages.ABOUT DAVID D. LEVINEDavid D. Levine is the author of Andre Norton Nebula Award winning novel Arabella of Mars, sequels Arabella and the Battle of Venus and Arabella the Traitor of Mars, space-opera caper novel The Kuiper Belt Job, and over sixty SF and fantasy stories. His story “Tk'Tk'Tk” won the Hugo, and he has been shortlisted for awards including the Hugo, Nebula, Campbell, and Sturgeon. Stories have appeared in Asimov's, Analog, Clarkesworld, F&SF, Tor.com, numerous Year's Best anthologies, and his award-winning collection Space Magic.Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/david.d.levine.sfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/daviddlevine/Website: https://daviddlevine.comBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/daviddlevine.comRESOURCESGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!Support the show---♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel ChecklistHelps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing. Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!CONNECT WITH BETHvia emailvia LinkedInCREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

Submit to the Courage Files Are you worried if you're making the right moves in your author career (ads, audio, direct sales… all of it)? This episode will help you take a breath and zoom out.I'm joined by returning guest Becca Syme to talk about how publishing has changed—and why so many writers are making decisions from pressure, fear, or misread data. We dig into insights from her new book, Dear Writer, You Still Need to Quit, including why the old “gold rush” advice doesn't apply anymore, what actually matters at different stages of your publishing career, and how to make smarter, more sustainable decisions.If you've been feeling overwhelmed by all the options—or like you're behind—this conversation will help you reset and then move forward with more clarity.Timestamps 00:00 Why Becca Wrote This New Book 01:36 Meet Becca Syme 07:23 The New QuitBook + Publishing Shift 12:55 Saturation, Curation, and Discoverability 17:22 How Writers Misread Sales Data 20:39 The Five Phases of an Author Business 24:37 Investment vs. Speculation 26:36 Author Archetypes 29:24 Early Career Pressure + Market Awareness 32:22 Scaling Demand (Phase Two) 36:09 Later Career Phases 40:36 Decision Fatigue + Cost 42:06 Fear-Based Decisions 42:56 Where to Learn More Guest Bio and LinksBecca Syme holds a master's degree in transformational leadership and has been a success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) for over fifteen years. She's coached over 5,000 individual authors and creatives through her Write Better-Faster and Strengths for Writers classes & coaching cohorts: six- and seven-figure authors, major award winners, midlisters, and new authors alike. Becca is the host of QuitCast for Writers, Author of the QUIT BOOKS SERIES FOR WRITERS, and a USA TODAY Best-Selling author of cozy mysteries under the pen name R.L. SYME.WebsiteHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

SHARE YOUR COURAGEOUS WRITING MOMENT to the Courage Files for Season 4 and Win a Free Edit  What happens when the dream you've carried for years starts to feel too heavy?Author and performer Emmy McGuire joins me to talk about the long road to her debut thriller, No One Aboard—a chilling mystery about a family and crew vanishing at sea—and what it took to keep going through rejection, burnout, and years away from writing.We dig into the craft behind her dual-timeline, multi-POV structure, as well as the emotional reality of writing: the pressure, the fear of scrutiny, and the quiet work of reconnecting with why you started in the first place.If you've been doubting yourself or your story, this is your reminder: your “why” matters more than anything.Timestamps 00:00 – Why We Write 03:19 – Emmy's Journey to Publication 07:04 – The Story Behind No One Aboard 14:54 – Craft: POV and Structure 20:00 – Navigating Doubt and Pressure 28:01 – Resetting After Burnout 34:43 – Advice for WritersBio: Emy McGuire is a full-time actor, author, playwright, and pirate. She has written a queer pirate musical, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, and toured the United States as a performer in the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy. She has a degree in theatre and creative writing from New College of Florida. No One Aboard is her debut novel, and her second one comes out in late 2026. She hopes to someday return to the sea and embrace being a real-life siren. Links:WebsiteInstagram Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

SHARE YOUR COURAGEOUS WRITING MOMENT SUPPORT THE PODCASTWe made it to Episode 100! And we are celebrating with a brand-new segment to the podcast called the Courage Files, which will launch in Season 4 (September 2026) This new segment is all about your writing wins—big, small, messy, hard-won, or quietly brave—because one of the most powerful antidotes to doubt is hearing that other writers are showing up too. If you've taken a courageous step in your writing life, I invite you to share it. With your permission, some submissions will be featured on the show.Beginning in Season 4, one submission per quarter will also be randomly selected to receive a free editorial assessment (up to 10 pages) plus a 30-minute coaching session with me!Submissions are open NOW. Here's to the first 100 and many more! Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Charlie Holmberg is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon best-selling author of over 20 novels. She sent me her book “The Shattered King,” book one of a duology, a dark fantasy with a lot of adventure, and the romance contributes to the fantasy/magic. So, while it is a slow-burn romance—placing it squarely in the romantasy genre—I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adventure with a lot of political intrigue. I was fascinated by her magic, a system in which the main character, Nym, works with a physically broken Prince Renn to heal his "aura" or "soul," thereby healing his body. As I enjoy discovering new magic systems, this was an especially nice treat. And I must say that I really enjoyed meeting Charlie at the Life, the Universe, and Everything Symposium, where this interview was recorded and discussing her journey as an author. Learn more at www.charlienholmberg.com/

We've reached the end of the first quarter of the year, and this is a perfect moment to pause and ask a far more useful question than “What did I accomplish?”Is the way I'm approaching my writing actually working for me right now?In this short solo episode, I share a gentle, guilt-free Q1 reset and reflection questions to help you course-correct, plus a behind-the-scenes look at my own writing progress — including finishing a draft, facing rejection, uncovering major plot issues, and doing the slow revision work that actually moves books forward.If your year hasn't gone as planned, don't feel like you're behind. Instead, use your reflections to create a new plan of action that makes how you approach your writing work for you! Slow and steady still counts.Timestamps00:00 Gentle Q1 check-in00:28 Why this checkpoint matters01:25 Quarter One reality check02:21 Key reflection questions04:01 Personal Q1 writing update05:00 Draft win + rejection whiplash05:27 Discovering and fixing a major logic flaw06:37 Slow, steady revision plan07:39 Your Q1 reset for Q208:50 Coaching support & next steps09:41 Final thoughtsNeed extra support?If you'd like personalized guidance, structure, or accountability as you move forward, learn more about working with me as a book coach: writeitscared.coYou don't have to figure it out alone.Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“Life is messy. Life is unpredictable, and so is creating. Make room for that. Create compassion.” - Beth BaranyIn this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Beginning, Middle, End — And Mess” host Beth Barany shares why embracing the mess in creativity can have powerful results.GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!Support the show---♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel ChecklistHelps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing. Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!CONNECT WITH BETHvia emailvia LinkedInCREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

Want to write fear that actually gets under a reader's skin—not just jump scares on the page? Start with what unsettles you.Horror and thriller author Nicole M. Wolverton joins me to discuss why discomfort can be more powerful than terror, how writing from your own fears creates unforgettable stories, and why horror can be deeply empowering during difficult times. Nicole is also very candid about the process, the realities of publishing, rejection, and the mindset she attributes to her success in publishing and marketing. Timestamps  01:10 – Meet Nicole Woolverton 03:16 – Nicole's Writing Origins 04:30 – Why We Crave Horror 05:15 – Fear, Resilience, and Difficult Times 07:15 – Her Novels and Settings 09:33 – Gastro Horror and Disgust on the Page 12:42 – What Makes Horror Truly Work 16:17 – Process: Outlining vs. Drafting 21:16 – Publishing Fears and Limbo 25:26 – “You Don't Ask, You Don't Get” 28:29 – Rejection and Redefining Success 31:06 – Advice for WritersGuest BioNicole M. Wolverton is an unapologetic fear enthusiast who writes horror and thrillers for adults and young adults. She is the author of A Misfortune of Lake Monsters (CamCat Books, 2025), The Trajectory of Dreams (Bitingduck Press, 2013), and the upcoming Meat Sweats (Horrorsmith Publishing, 2026). She also served as Editor of the menopause-themed horror anthology Bodies Full of Burning, published by Sliced Up Press. Her short fiction, creative nonfiction, and essays also appear in about 50 anthologies, magazines, and podcasts. Nicole holds a master's degree in horror and storytelling from the University of Pennsylvania; her academic interests center on building resilience through horror media and gastrohorror.LinksWebsitenicole@nicolewolverton.comHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

This week on Confessions of a Book Collector, we're joined by the brilliant Francis Spufford to talk about his genre-bending new novel set in Blitz-era London.Blending history with fantasy, Francis explores a city under pressure, where bombs fall, angels appear, and time-travelling fascists threaten the fragile course of history. At the heart of it all is Iris, a fiercely ambitious and refreshingly modern heroine navigating a world in flux.We dive into why the Blitz remains such a powerful setting, how small moments can shape the fate of history, and why writing fantasy can sometimes reveal deeper truths than realism. Francis also shares his journey from non-fiction to fiction, his love of story-driven writing, and the literary influences that shaped him, from C. S. Lewis to J. R. R. Tolkien.

“Traditionally, at least for the last 200 years, there's been a cultural divide between being in business and being a creative, which is born out of a lot of images of the starving artist and really different movements that thought being an artist is totally different from being in business.” - Beth BaranyIn this How To Write the Future podcast episode titled “Business Advice Creatives Can Actually Use” host Beth Barany shares business advice for creative entrepreneurs and creative writers. From pitching your work, filtering advice that suits you, as well as Beth sharing an early business struggle of hers, this episode will inspire you to get creative in your marketing. What is your Creative Business Style? Take the quiz!https://bethbarany.com/quiz/Risk Taking Without Desperation: Write From Trusthttps://writersfunzone.com/blog/2026/03/02/risk-taking-without-desperation-write-from-trust/GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCASTSign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/***Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany***SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYQuestions? Comments? Send us a text!---For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoeditWant to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us!CONNECT WITH BETHvia emailvia LinkedInCREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

Writing can be hard, lonely work. Talking about the struggle can release pressure and help you get back to the page—but only if you're sharing with the right people.I talk about why feelings aren't facts, how isolation keeps writers stuck, and how to build a small circle of writing trust that you can lean into when you feel stuck.Timestamps 00:00 Writing Struggle + Isolation 01:44 Listener Question About Short Stories 03:44 Why Venting Helps Writers 05:45 Feelings Aren't Facts 07:57 Choosing Who to Tell 09:48 Building a Circle of Trust 12:27 Final ThoughtsLinks to Other Episodes MentionedS2 Ep 53 How Writing Short Stories Can Make You a Stronger Novelist with Demi Michelle SchwartzS3 Ep 78 From “Am I Good Enough?” to “I Believe in My Work” with Book Coach Karmen ŠpiljakS2 Ep 54 Finding the Right Writing Community For YouHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy:Email: Stacy@writeitscared.cohttps://www.writeitscared.co/wishttps://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“ I care very much about your success and I really believe that our future is in our hands and as creatives, we have some incredible skill sets we get to bring to that.” - Beth BaranyIn this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Fun Values Check-In for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writers,” host Beth Barany shares what values are most important to her, why that matters, how values can guide the choices we make, and about an upcoming creative business training. Beth also reveals how she found inspiration for her current work in progress, something about marinating.RESOURCESFOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERSSign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCASTSign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR FICTION WRITING BY A NOVELIST AND WRITING TEACHER AND COACHSchedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

 If you've ever told yourself you're lazy, undisciplined, or just “bad at finishing,” this episode might reframe everything.In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I talk with book coach and editor Nicole Ross about how ADHD impacts a writer's mindset, motivation, and process—especially for those diagnosed later in life. We unpack the shame spiral so many writers fall into, why traditional writing advice doesn't work for everyone, and how diagnosis can open the door to self-compassion and smarter systems.We also talk about her book A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers (co-written with Kirsten Donaghey), including practical tools for overcoming paralysis, managing shiny object syndrome, and using outlines to reduce overwhelm and actually finish.If you've struggled with consistency or focus, this one is equal parts strategy and permission to be kinder to yourself.Timestamps 00:00 The Writing Advice Shame Spiral 01:41 Meet Nicole + Her Book 05:46 Late ADHD Diagnosis + Mindset Shift 13:51 Building Better Writing Systems 17:03 ADHD Creative Strengths 27:14 Motivation + Shiny Object Syndrome 32:02 Why Outlines Help 37:35 Paralysis vs. Procrastination 41:12 Final EncouragementYou can learn more about Nicole and her work here:

“In difficult days when I'm struggling with my story or I'm struggling with my creative entrepreneur business. I turn to what I know and to what I trust, which is my emotions, my breathing, my physical body, and often it's a sign I need to do a bunch of self-care.” - Beth BaranyWhat can you trust? Who do you trust? How To Write the Future host, Beth Barany asks you these questions in her latest episode, titled “Trust Your Creative Process” where she shares how learning to trust her emotions lead to understanding her creative process, plus she invites you to the Find Your Creative Entrepreneur Niche Bootcamp which Beth is co-hosting with Gala Russ.This bootcamp will provide you with support, guidance, and how to discover your strengths to help you take steps towards being a creative entrepreneur.Find Your Creative Entrepreneur Niche Bootcamp: March 20-24, 2026 online eventhttps://bethbarany.thrivecart.com/findyournicheMORE RESOURCESFOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERSGet your Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success:https://bethbarany.com/quiz/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCASTSign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR FICTION WRITING BY A NOVELIST AND WRITING TEACHER AND COACHSchedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

If you're querying—or even thinking about it—this episode is going to change how you approach your pitch.In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I sit down with literary agent and author Ann Rose to talk about what actually makes a query stand out. (Spoiler: it doesn't have to be perfect. It has to be clear.) We dig into hook, stakes, market realities, why “Dexter meets Legally Blonde” works, and what happens after an agent requests a full.We also talk about imposter syndrome, the slower publishing climate, why publishing is product (even though writing is art), and why you might want to write your query—and your synopsis—before you finish your book.If you've been overthinking your pitch letter, this one will ground you fast.Timestamps 00:00 Queries Need Clarity (Not Perfection) 03:30 Ann's Path to Agenting 07:15 Her Novels + Hook Examples 19:29 The Current Publishing Climate 23:57 What Makes a Hook Work 27:46 From Full Request to Offer 30:53 Writing Is Art, Publishing Is Product 34:50 Why You Should Write the Query First 36:45 Why Synopses MatterTobias website - www.thetobiasagency.comAnn's website - www.amroseauthor.comInstagram/Threads/TikTok - totally_anntasticBooks By Ann RoseThe Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean A Hexcellent Chance to Fall in Love www.annroseauthor.comHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“Every creative project involves risk, whether you are writing a novel, creating a play, a film, or starting your own creative entrepreneur business.” -- Beth BaranyIn the this episode of How To Write the Future podcast, titled “Risk Taking Without Desperation: Write From Trust,” host Beth Barany discusses how taking risks is unavoidable in both the realm of storytelling and being a creative entrepreneur.She shares her own business growth and future plans including different ways she thinks about risks.RESOURCESFOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERSSign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCASTSign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR FICTION WRITING BY A NOVELIST AND WRITING TEACHER AND COACHSchedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

What do you do after 197 rejections … for the same book?Well, if you're author Carmela Dutra, you keep going.In this episode, Carmela shares the real story behind her debut cozy mystery, A Murder Most Foul—from querying too soon and rewriting extensively to finding the right agent after nearly 200 nos. We talk about saggy middles, tense slips, brutal feedback, and what it takes to rebuild a manuscript from the ground up.If you're struggling with self-doubt, facing a bunch of rejection, and just feeling like maybe it's time to throw in the towel—this conversation will arm you with what you need to keep going and protect your mindset!Timestamps: 04:20 Personalizing cold queries06:12 What A Murder Most Foul is about11:19 Craft struggles: saggy middles & tense slips15:44 Surviving 197 rejections18:11 Ghosting & rock bottom19:48 Finding the right agent21:42 Learning to plot23:10 Imposter syndrome (“Peggy”)28:37 Querying advice30:20 Finding time to write as a momGuest Bio:Carmela Dutra is a writer from the Bay Area who loves food trucks, family, and cozy mysteries. Her debut, A Murder Most Fowl, has been praised by Kirkus Reviews for its “serious set of crimes leavened by plenty of amusing moments,” by Criminal Element for the “juicy reasoning behind the sabotage that was almost as shocking as the murder itself,” and described as “the perfect escapist read, brimming with banter and an extra helping of fun” by New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams. She has also been featured in CrimeReads Magazine.To connect with Carmela and purchase her books, visit her website and check her blog series: An Author's Guide to Quering for hot tips!Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“Marketing and selling, especially learning how to do it in written form, is also a form of magic. It's just using words in a different way.” — Beth BaranyAre you ready to learn the skills needed to market your novel? In this episode of How To Write the Future podcast, titled “Marketing and Selling Tips for Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writers” Beth takes listeners on an encouraging journey to guide you over the fear of marketing your novel. From crafting effective marketing hooks to using emotional tropes to how your own writing can market itself. Own your fear and get marketing ready with the supportive guidance from host and award-winning science fiction and fantasy author Beth Barany. FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERSSign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCASTSign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

 Blog Post on Stakes with Examples If your story feels flat or like it's not going anywhere, check your stakes!Today, we break down what stakes really are, why “just make it worse” isn't helpful advice, and how to create meaningful consequences for your characters that keep readers emotionally invested.We'll talk personal, relational, and thematic stakes—and how to pressure-test them so your story actually holds.Timestamps 00:00 What Stakes Really Mean 01:37 Why Stakes Come from Choice 06:43 Personal + Relationship Stakes 11:09 Thematic Stakes 12:27 Pressure-Testing Your Story Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“If you start asking for feedback too soon, it can really destroy the creative process for you. It can make you doubt the direction you're going in. There's all kinds of reasons why I recommend that you get feedback after you finish your first draft.” - Beth BaranyDo you want feedback on the first page of your manuscript? Need to know if there's something just missing?In “Level Up with Writer Feedback,” this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany guides you through receiving creative writing feedback, with tips on joining local or online groups, reaching out to developmental editors, or potentially receiving feedback from Beth herself as she also explains the importance of finishing your first draft.RESOURCESGet your Page One Assessment here:https://bethbarany.com/page-one-assessment-for-novelists/FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERSSign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.https://bethbarany.com/quiz/GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCASTSign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranySHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

What does it really take to build a successful novel? Kate Broad discusses leaving her romance author career to write literary fiction and how her debut novel, Greenwich, required multiple drafts and rewrites. She shares what it's like to scrap early drafts, rebuild the story from the ground up, write complex characters that are hard to like, and what she tells herself when the writing feels hard. If you need a reminder that your first draft can become something magical, that struggling is just part of the work and process of bringing a novel to fruition, and that you're not doing anything wrong, you'll enjoy our conversation. Timestamps 00:00 – Why Revision Is Where the Magic Happens 00:19 – Welcome to Write It Scared 01:29 – Meet Kate Road 03:20 – Writing Greenwich and Starting Over 05:03 – Themes of Wealth, Power, and Privilege 07:34 – Crafting Complex, Unlikable Characters 15:47 – How the Book Changed in Revision 21:40 – Self-Doubt and Staying in the Work 30:25 – Resilience and the Reality of the Writing Life 39:43 – Final ReflectionsKate Broad holds a BA from Wellesley College and a PhD in English from the CUNY Graduate Center. She is a Bronx Council on the Arts award winner for fiction, and her writing has appeared in The Rumpus, No Tokens, Electric Literature, LitHub, The Baltimore Review, and elsewhere. Her debut novel, Greenwich, was released in 2025 from St. Martin's Press and was named one of People Magazine's Best New Books, a Vanity Fair Summer Read, and an Amazon Editor's Pick for Best New Literature and Fiction. Originally from Massachusetts, she lives in the Bronx.  GREENWICH - Out now from St. Martin's Press / Macmillan!https://katebroad.comHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

How do you write a sex scene that readers actually read and not just skim? That's what today's episode is all about! Author Accelerator certified book coaches Stacy Frazer and Jennifer Larkin team up for an honest conversation about writing sex in fiction—without cringe.Stacy and Jen discuss when sex scenes belong in a story, how explicit they need to be, and how to write intimacy that deepens character and advances the plot. You'll learn how genre expectations (including YA vs. adult), consent, and emotional intent shape effective intimate scenes—and how to make intentional choices that serve your story.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 01:50 Guest: Jennifer Larkin 03:20 Do you need a sex scene in your novel? 10:04 Sex scenes in YA vs. adult 21:16 Purpose of sex scene and level of explicitness 26:20 Common mistakes 29:09 Consent on the page 35:05 When to include a sex scene Jennifer Larkin helps romance writers turn good ideas into epic stories and jagged drafts into lovable novels. Grab her free guide to writing better romance scenes at https://jenniferlarkin.kit.com/scenes.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: @jenniferlarkinbookcoachSubstack: @jenniferlarkinbookcoach Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Self-publishing isn't a shortcut nor a consolation prize. It's a publishing model that works well for some writers and not at all for others.Today, I'm joined by Libby Waterford, a prolific romance author and self-publishing educator with more than twenty books published across pen names.We break down what self-publishing actually involves: the costs writers don't always anticipate, the level of control and responsibility it requires, and how marketing, timelines, and long-term goals factor into whether it's a good fit for you.This episode is about education and understanding your options, asking questions, and making intentional decisions about your writing career based on your long-term goalsTimestamps01:43 Meet Libby Waterford05:28 Why Libby chose self-publishing after being with a traditional publisher08:47 Pros and cons of self-publishing16:38 The advantages of being your own publisher23:09 Budgeting and essential costs27:09 Marketing, ROI, and sustainability38:53 Advice for new authors41:07 What Libby's working on next and education resourcesGuest Bio:Libby Waterford is the author of Sawyer's Cove, the Reboot, and The Never A Bride Contemporary Romance Series, and under her other pen name, Elle Waters, writes steamy Small Town Gay Romance. A former president of the Connecticut Chapter of Romance Writers of America, Libby is also a self-publishing coach and instructor at the Westport Writers Workshop in Westport, Connecticut, where she teaches classes on genre fiction and self-publishing.Linkshttps://libbywaterford.com/, https://www.instagram.com/libbywritesromance/, https://ellewatersbooks.substack.com/https://westportwriters.org/ Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“ I really recommend you write your book anyway. Let it be as messy and chaotic as first drafts are.” - Beth BaranyHooking a reader in at the beginning without overwhelming them with information is essential, which is why in this How To Write the Future podcast episode, “World-Building Without Information Dumping” host Beth Barany breaks down how to draw your reader in by starting with your main character's perspective, introducing key elements and essential details gradually. MORE RESOURCES3 Powerful Techniques to Weave Backstory Into Your Novel by Beth Baranyhttps://writersfunzone.com/blog/2024/12/12/3-powerful-techniques-to-weave-backstory-into-your-novel/Where to insert backstory (Q&A)https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2024/08/12/where-to-insert-backstory-qa/Search Result Resources on Writers Fun Zonehttps://writersfunzone.com/blog/?s=podcast+world+buildingDecode The Obsidian Tower's Settinghttps://writersfunzone.com/blog/2026/01/12/decode-the-obsidian-towers-setting/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

“What does my character want?” Sounds like a simple question—until it isn't. If you've ever struggled to figure out the difference between your character's wants and needs, been confused by the language of conscious goals and unconscious goals or desires, this episode is for you! Today, we simplify things so you never get confused again!  We look at how goals create momentum on the page to inform the plot, while desires drive the character's internal change.  You'll also get practical ways to diagnose what's missing when a character feels stuck—and how to fix it.Timestamps: 01:32 Why “what does my character want?” is a loaded question 03:14 Goals vs. desires: what's the difference? 04:53 Examples of clear external goals 06:11 The messier truth of character desire 11:08 Using goals and desires to drive transformation 13:37 Practical tools for revision 15:29 Closing thoughts + book coaching note 16:37 Wrap-upHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

There's a persistent myth that if writing feels hard, you're doing it wrong. This conversation with debut novelist Charlene Wang gently dismantles that idea. We talk honestly about messy drafts, perfectionism, long revision timelines, and the quiet persistence it takes to keep going when doubt creeps in.Charlene shares her path to publishing I'll Follow You, including years of revision, mindset shifts, and learning to trust the process even when progress felt slow. If you've ever wondered whether struggle means failure, this episode offers reassurance that struggle is often part of becoming the writer you're meant to be.Timestamps: 01:27 Welcome + meet Charlene Wang 02:47 Charlene's path to becoming a writer 05:11 Talking about I'll Follow You 08:22 The realities of drafting and revision 14:43 Research and character development 20:29 Plotting, pantsing, and everything in between 21:38 Navigating self-doubt 24:33 Tools for sticking with the work 26:12 Productivity, perspective, and patience 29:18 Becoming a writer over time 36:26 Advice for writers in the thick of it 38:03 What Charlene is working on nowLinks mentionedLeigh Bardugo's Ted Talk: The Art of DiscomfortIra Glass The GapCharlene's debut novel, I'll Follow You, is out now.You can learn more and connect with her at charlenewangauthor.com or on Instagram @charleneshiyiHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“Do your research, read widely in the genre, and don't limit yourself to strict rules; go ahead and create something new. That would be cool.” - Beth BaranyIn this How To Write the Future podcast episode, “Fantasy Steampunk: Do You Need Magic?” host Beth Barany answers a listener's question on whether magic is needed as an element to a steampunk novel. She dives into how to understand what genre you are writing, how to work using your instincts, plus why it can be exciting to create something completely new and unique by combining genres and elements. RESOURCESFOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERSSign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCASTSign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR FICTION WRITING BY A NOVELIST AND WRITING TEACHER AND COACHSchedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

Send us a text"Perhaps I must pick me up/ Perhaps I must carry me home gently." How do artists survive in a world gone mad? How can we find ways to hold space for ourselves and for others? Can our art really be a safe space for us to both fall apart and piece ourselves back together?In the first Journey of an Artist of 2026, Emmeline tackles these questions and more with one of DFW's most beloved poets, River. River shares how various art forms have served as coping mechanisms for her over the years--from her poetry to her visual art--and how creation is not only a response to, but an antidote to destruction. She also shares two poems from her beautiful book of poetry, Still River.To learn more about River, or to follow River's artistic journey, find her on Instagram. You can also grab any of her books at her next live show!For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

“By setting in this case, we are getting the scope of the world. We are learning the rules of magic in this story.” — Beth BaranyIn this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Decode The Obsidian Tower's Setting,” host Beth Barany analyzes The Obsidian Tower by Melissa Caruso, showing you exactly how she works as a developmental editor and coach. You'll discover how character voice hooks readers, how setting creates intrigue, and how to ground your story in your character's perspective. Plus, Beth throws down a challenge for you to try.RESOURCESThe Obsidian Tower (Rooks and Ruin Book 1) by Melissa Caruso: https://books2read.com/u/b5NqYAFOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERSSign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCASTSign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/HOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

What happens when you stop trying to make your story palatable—and start making it true?Today, I'm joined by author Ivette Diaz for a powerful conversation about writing hopeful dystopian stories, the importance of representation on the page, and choosing integrity over marketability. We talk about writing through hard seasons, navigating self-doubt, and why community—not competition—is what sustains a writing life.If you've ever wondered whether your story belongs, felt pressure to soften your voice, or needed a reminder that you are doing enough, this episode is for you.Guest Bio: Ivette N Diaz is an author of dystopian sci-fi/fantasy novels, an entrepreneur, and a daydreamer who, through the gift of storytelling, strives to provide an element of hope in each story and help each person realize the unique purpose for their life. She has published Rise of Power, Choices of Power, and Struggles of Power, all part of the I Am Chronicles series. Her short story, Taino: An Untold Story, is featured in the Flame Tree Publishing Anthology Beyond & Within: Latin American Shared Stories, edited by V. Castro.To connect with Ivette and read her work:Website: ivettendiaz.comInstagram & Threads: @ivettendiazauthorHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“Go ahead and base your sci-fi entirely on your own imagination, whatever science that you want to integrate into your story. And make it feel real.“ —Beth BaranyHow Much Science in Your Sci-Fi Stories? That's the question from a listener Beth Barany is answering in this How To Write the Future podcast episode. She answers whether you can base your novel entirely on your imagination, whether studying science is necessary, plus she invites you to get in touch with any questions that are niggling you about your science fiction writing. ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCASTThe How To Write The Future podcast is for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to write positive futures and successfully bring those stories out into the marketplace. Hosted by Beth Barany, science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. We cover tips for fiction writers and get curious about the future of humanity.ABOUT BETH BARANYBeth Barany, an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist, teaches novelists how to write, edit, and publish their books as a coach, teacher, consultant, and developmental editor.RESOURCESFOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERSSign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

Draft It Scared Group CoachingReal Talk: Writer to WriterAre you afraid of being judged for what you write? You're not alone. Me too. And in this episode, I get personal by sharing my writing updates, how publishing a short story felt exposing, and how I'm learning to navigate the fear of being seen for what I write.We also talk about changes to the podcast and setting writing intentions for 2026 that align with your life, not work against it. Timestamps: 00:00 Personal reflection 01:23 Easing into the new year 02:02 The fear of being seen 03:53 Writing update 07:55 Writing intentions for 2026 10:48 Reflection + next steps 11:33 ClosingLinks Mentioned:Draft It Scared Group CoachingThe Leave Still Fallow: An Anthology of Queer LoveBig Thinking Publishing Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

“ It's essentially a marketplace. You want to shop around. You want to make sure that this person has a good reputation and you want to talk off the record in confidence with other writers.”— Beth BaranyFinished your novel and ready to land a literary agent? In this How To Write the Future episode, Beth Barany shares how to research reputable agents, start smart conversations with fellow writers, evaluate fit, and communicate professionally—so your submissions stand out and your interests align.RESOURCESGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranySHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2025 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

In this end-of-year bonus episode, Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill reflect on the past year of reading, writing, and podcasting — and look ahead to what's coming next.They discuss the books that shaped their thinking, Bernard Cornwell's The Winter King, Tolkien, Roman history, Churchill biographies, audiobooks, and the reality of trying to finish novels before Christmas.A thoughtful, funny, and honest conversation for readers, writers, and anyone who loves historical fiction and historical adventure.

“Learning how to write fiction-- most people never learn in school, so we're learning as adults and therefore we're gonna have a huge learning curve.” - Beth BaranyIn this How to Write the Future podcast episode, “Writing Consistently: Facts and Myths,” host Beth Barany shares the common misconceptions about writing consistently, plus tips on how to find the rhythm of writing that suits and works for your writing style and a bit about her own writing journey. GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCASTSign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranySHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2025 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

Don't believe you're cut out to be a writer? Think again. Cozy mystery author Iris Applewood talks about how personal challenges and a whole lot of curiosity shaped her path to writing cozy mysteries and what she's learned about the genre.We explore the creation of her magical town, Serenity Falls, how community is a character, and discuss what to do when your “whodunit” isn't so clear. It's a grounded, encouraging conversation about following your heart and finding joy in the mystery of creating novels.Timestamps: 01:23 Meet Iris Applewood 02:44 Draft It Scared announcement 04:13 Iris's writing journey 13:04 Writing process + challenges 17:57 Community as a character 19:36 Storytelling challenges 19:56 Internal narratives 20:34 First manuscript struggles 24:56 Plotting vs. pantsing 26:55 Building a routine 27:47 Turning real-life into a story 31:05 Creative vulnerabilityTo connect with Iris and read her books, please visit her website: https://irisapplewood.com/Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Info on Group Book Coaching with Write It ScaredWorking on a rom-com? This conversation with bestselling author Kate Archer is packed with craft insights and the best mindset support!We get into what makes humor land, how to keep your characters authentic, and how to keep conflict fresh in a genre built on familiar beats.Kate also shares how she built her writing life, the routines that keep her grounded, and the strategies she uses to push past fear, resistance, and the inner critic. It's an honest, encouraging look at the realities of writing comedy, staying consistent, and showing up for your creativity.Timestamps: 01:23 Meet Kate Archer 03:58 Kate's writing journey 07:32 Why Regency romcoms resonate 12:27 Crafting humor that feels true 22:23 Writing from the servant's perspective 22:43 Revision + learning through mistakes 25:04 The power of a writing schedule 27:43 Overcoming psychological blocks 33:46 The struggle + joy of writing 36:14 Advice for aspiring writers 41:14 Final thoughts + where to find KateLinks:Visit Kate at: https://www.facebook.com/ and https://katearcher.weebly.com/ or get in touch at katearcherauthor@yahoo.com. Check out Kate's books here Draft It Scared Small Group Book Coaching Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Melissa Bank, who passed away in 2022, was a fabulous writer and an incredible person. We met a few times in person, out here in Southern California when we were both speakers at the Literary Guild, and in NYC when I traveled there for conferences. She came on the show a couple of times, for Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing and The Wonder Spot. Her output was modest though her books became bestsellers. She received an MFA from Cornell University and won the Nelson Algren Award for short fiction from the Chicago Tribune. I'll always remember when I asked her to talk about how to write a novel, she said, “I don't know how to write a novel.” What she knew how to do, she was, was write stories. Stories became chapters and chapters become a book. If you've never read these two books, check them out. My guess is you will become a fan. For more information on Writers on Writing and to become a supporter, visit our Patreon page. For a one-time donation, visit Ko-fi. You can find hundreds of past interviews on our website. You can help out the show and indie bookstores by buying books at our bookstore on bookshop.org. It's stocked with titles by our guest authors, as well as our personal favorites. And on Spotify, you'll find an album's worth of typewriter music like what you hear on the show. It's perfect for writing. Look for the artist, Just My Type. Email the show at writersonwritingpodcast@gmail.com. We love to hear from our listeners! (Recorded on October 7, 2007) Host: Barbara DeMarco-BarrettHost: Marrie StoneMusic: Travis Barrett (Stream his music on Spotify, Apple Music, Etc.) 

Nicholas Binge has lectured in creative writing, co-hosts the 'Binge Reading Book Club' podcast, and has just published his 4th book. It's called 'Extremity'.It follows up the success of 'Professor Everywhere', which won the Proverse Prize for Literature, 'Dissolution', and the bestselling, 'Ascension'. 'Extremity' is a time-travelling police procedural. It follows Julia Torgrimsen, brought out of retirement to investigate the murder of a billionaire she once worked with. When she finds the body... there's an identical one right next to it.We discuss how this book came to be a novella - does the idea dictate the form? Also, you can hear why he found it tricky becoming a full-time writer, why he always tries to celebrate the small wins, and about his winding path to publication.This episode is sponsored by IngramSpark. Try it now at ingramspark.com/learnmoreSupport the show at - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutineGet a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineGet the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.com@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits some of her most memorable conversations with acclaimed non-fiction writers Lisa Taddeo, Malcolm Gladwell, Anne Lamott, Maria Konnikova, and Alain de Botton. This anniversary collection captures the insight, candor, and wisdom of five extraordinary thinkers whose work continues to shape how we see ourselves and the world around us.For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.