Podcasts about POV

Zibby chats with author Julia DeVillers about MEET ME AT WONDERLAND, a charming middle-grade rom-com set at an amusement park, inspired by Julia's real-life teen job at Chuck E. Cheese and moose-suit meet-cute that changed everything. Julia describes how a life-threating cancer diagnosis in 2022 unexpectedly led to this book's creation. She also discusses crafting authentic tween and teen voices, writing a dual POV, and the importance of showing strong, supportive relationships. Finally, she shares her personal connection to the On Being Jewish Now anthology and the joy of including a bonus chocolate mousse recipe (courtesy of Allie Rosen) in her novel.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4n6HQeyShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the how-to book you need right now, the one with “am I ready to query” and “what does my platform need to look like” and “what if no one buys my book” and “what happens if someone buys my book”. We have a great episode, talking about creating this book, writing this book and living this book—because Kate McKean is not only a very experienced agent, she has also lived the answer to all those questions and that's part of what makes it special. Follow: Kate McKean Agents and Books Also find her at agentsandbooks.com And buy this book! Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life#AmReadingKate: Madeleine Roux, A Girl Walks into the Forest (Dark, feminist and rage-y)KJ: Francesca Segal, Welcome to Glorious Tuga (not any of those above things) Alison Espach, Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance (somewhere in between)Writers and readers! KJ, here. If you love #AmWriting—and I know you do—and especially if you love the regular segment at the end of most episodes where we talk about what we've been reading, you will also love my weekly #AmReading— find it at kjdellantonia.com or kjda.substack.com or by clicking on my name on Substack, if you do that kind of thing. Your #tbr won't be sorry.Transcript below!EPISODE 453 - TRANSCRIPTKJ Dell'AntoniaWriters and readers, KJ here, if you love Hashtag AmWriting, and I know you do, and especially if you love the regular segment at the end of most episodes where we talk about what we've been reading, you will also love my weekly Hashtag AmReading email. Is it about what I've been reading and loving? It is. And if you like what I write, you'll like what I read. But it is also about everything else I've been hashtag am doing, sleeping, buying clothes and returning them, launching a spelling bee habit, reading other people's weekly emails. Let's just say it's kind of the email about not getting the work done, which I mean that's important too, right? We can't work all the time. It's also free, and I think you'll really like it. So you can find it at kjdellantonia.com or kjda.substack.com or by clicking on my name on Substack, if you do that kind of thing. Or, of course, in the show notes for this podcast, come hang out with me. You won't be sorry.Multiple Speakers:Is it recording? Now it's recording. Yay! Go ahead. This is the part where I stare blankly at the microphone. Try to remember what I'm supposed to be doing. All right, let's start over. Awkward pause. I'm going to rustle some papers. Okay. Now, one, two, three.KJ Dell'AntoniaHey, I'm KJ Dell'Antonia, and this is Hashtag AmWriting the weekly podcast about writing all the things, short things, long things, pitches, proposals. This is the podcast about sitting down and getting your work done. And I interviewed someone last week, who told me that they did not realize I did the introduction live, to which I was like, "Wait, does it sound the same to you every time?" Because I don't know, in my mind, I go off on a tangent every single time. So I am KJ Dell'Antonia, as you probably know, author of three novels and a couple of nonfiction books, and former editor at the New York Times, and, gosh, I have, I have done a bunch of things, but I'm not going to tell you about them right now, because I am really excited about my guest today, who is Kate McKean, and she is the creator of Agents and Books, which is a Substack slash, an email newsletter. For those of you that are not Substack users, you don't have to know what that is to get this, but I'm telling you fundamentally that if you're listening to my words right now, you should be signed up for that, and you're probably going to need the book that we're talking about, which is called Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life. It is excellent. It is all the books that I relied on deeply when I got into this industry, rolled up in one book, which doesn't mean you won't buy all the others, because we're writers, and that's what we do. We buy books about writing. We're supposed to right? But I feel like sometimes that's what we do, we buy books about writing, anyway. All right, I'm done introducing, Kate I'm so glad you're here. Thank you for coming.Kate McKeanI'm really happy to be here. I'm excited to chat.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, this is going to be good. So this is, this is the book that anyone who is considering traditional publishing needs as both an encouraging guide to how hard it is going to be to get to all the points that you need to get to be ready to even try to traditionally publishing, and then to the process of traditionally publishing. This is how do you know when you're finished? This is how do you know when to pitch? This is how do you pitch. This is how do you deal with the inevitable rejections when you are pitched, this is what happens next. This is the good news and the bad news and the other news and all the news. And the blurb on the front is that it is a wildly generous guide. It is from Sarah Knight, who I adore, and it is! That is, that is most accurate...Kate McKeanThank you.KJ Dell'AntoniaBlurb that I have ever read, I think, or...Kate McKeanSarah was so kind to read. I know she reads the newsletter too, and we know each other from way back when she was an editor at Simon Schuster. And I could not be more grateful that she said the kind words she did.KJ Dell'AntoniaShe's amazing, and they are and you this is a generous book. So I do have questions, but first I just have to gush for a while. So...Kate McKeanI'll take it.KJ Dell'AntoniaI have kind of an unspoken policy of being very judicious in taking writing advice of any kind from someone who has not published. And there are 100% exceptions to that. I have an amazing freelance editor who she reads and she edits and wow. But there are also people who write books about writing from a place of having written things, and that's about it. And. And you know that truly, I mean, first of all, you're, you're an agent, you've, you know, you've been in this industry, you've got masses of experience. And secondly, although this is your first published book, it is not your first finished book, it is not...Kate McKeanNot at all.KJ Dell'AntoniaEven your first pitched book. It's not the book that got you an agent. And you are so generous in sharing those experiences with people, and they're going to help.Kate McKeanI hope so. I mean, it's not lost on me that the first published book I have about writing and publishing books, and I even say it in the book. You know, I've tried to sell several picture books and several novels, and maybe I'm just not a great fiction writer. You know, it's very possible that is true. We'll find out. I don't know. I do have a picture book coming out in 2026, so one of them did eventually work. It's coming out with Sourcebooks, and I'm very excited. It's, you know, I know that people probably think, Oh, well, you're just, you're an agent. You could just, like, walk into a publisher and get a book deal like my friend. I am sorry that it's not true. If it had been true, I would have written 50,000 books by now, because I actually really, I mean, it's my job, but I also like doing it myself, but I'm not. I'm not special, you know, like I'm special and privileged because I know all the ins and outs, but I'm not. Nobody's just like rolling out the red carpet and handing me 1000's, billions of dollars to write a book.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, what I have said about about my fiction writing experience was, and I feel quite certain it was true for you as well. The thing that I had, and I will own it, is that I knew the people that I was sending my query to would look at it, because they knew who I was. That actually just meant it had to be awfully good, because it also means they're going to remember who you are. And if it sucks, they'll remember that next time. Whereas, if you don't have that particular thing and you send out a query that that sucks, the agent is not going to remember your name. So the next time you roll around and you send a better query, it's going to be fine, but the next time that writer rolls around and sends a better query. People are going to be like, well, yeah, I don't know.Kate McKeanYikes!KJ Dell'AntoniaThis was not so great.Kate McKeanYep!KJ Dell'AntoniaYikes! I got to do this again. I got to send another tactful rejection to this person that I so they're coming into it with... So it's good...Kate McKeanYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaBecause you know, people read it and it's not the slush pile and yay. And it's bad because people read it.Kate McKeanPeople, people really do think that it's who you know and publishing, and of course, that helps, like you just said.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanBut also, you don't want to send your books to your best friends. Like, Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, who my agent is—Michael Bourret at Dystel Goderich & Bourret. Jim is one of my best friends in the entire world, in my life. Like, I do not want Jim to be my agent, even though he's fantastic, because I prefer Jim as my friend. Michael and I have been friends for more than 20 years. Jim and I are much closer. And it's not like, oh, I could just throw away my friendship with Michael, but we just know each other in a way that would lend us to be able to work together really well. And I... KJ Dell'AntoniaMy agent is my friend...Kate McKeanYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaBecause she's my friend, but she was my agent first. But I have a friend, a really good friend, that I have dinner with regularly, that's an agent we ditch about, dish about, and we just have, you know, and I don't want her to be my agent, because then we couldn't talk so much smack about…Kate McKeanYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaYou know, among other things, and yeah. So yeah. I mean, I do like to to start. I like to remind people that it is actually not who you know in this it's faster to get people to read something if you have a way in, we cannot deny that. But people are actually out there looking for great things. You just have to write a great thing, which you know that's hard.Kate McKeanImpossible sometimes.KJ Dell'AntoniaOr impossible sometimes. All right, so how did you decide to do... write through it? Did it seem like kind of the obvious thing? Or did you feel like, oh, that's been done. Like, how, how did you come to this one?Kate McKeanI, I definitely started the newsletter with the idea in the back of my head that maybe this could turn into a book. Because I had, I had turned newsletters and Twitter feeds and Instagrams and all kinds of things like that into books for 20 years. So obviously that was in the back of my head. But I also knew that there are, as you said, tons of other books about writing and publishing out there, and who am I? And what different thing could I bring to the table? And so I started Agents and Books with just a clear goal of, like, writing posts that were like the nuts and bolts of publishing, so that people could have them in this one little place, you know? And it's not the only place in the world you can learn about publishing. But I was like, I want a little place where, you know, if you can click through and find out about option clauses and query letters and, you know, all the little commission rates and royalties and what's earning out and all these things that you could kind of go to one place and click around and see if you could find it, and that was the goal. And then I also ended up talking a lot about the feelings of writing, because they go hand in hand. You know, it's like you're going to write a bad query letter if you are terrified of writing a query letter, and you're going to put agents on these pedestal if you are terrified of agents that you know, like there were these magical beings that can, like, take our magic wands and bestow the power of publishing on you, like we can't... we're just people who like books like, so I wanted to demystify things. I wanted to like, share the nuts and bolts, but, and I wanted to let everybody know that everybody feels this way, like everybody is terrified, everybody hates it. You know, no one is alone and that that felt like the right tack to take in a book, because I guess I hadn't seen that before, or what hadn't, you know, come right out and said it, you know, like, here's how to write query letter, and here's how not to lose your mind while you do it.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanYou know, because the same, that's the same thing, and I thought about it for a long time, you know, to try the right pitch, honestly, for the book.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, no, I can. I mean, one glorious thing that this has going for us at the moment, even besides that, is that it is very timely and immediate. Because I can give you some things about writing query letters that are probably somewhat out. I mean, they're good, but they date quickly. So it has that. But also, you are right. I've not seen that combination of both. Here's how and here's how not to be so terrified that you screw up, and here's how to feel when they start coming back. Or, you know, here's how you're going to feel, because you really don't need me to tell you how to feel. But here's some thoughts on like how to deal with that, and the fact that it has happened to everyone, and also the fact that it has happened to you. Um, I'm that's terrible. I wish you had every single success, but also, since you didn't, I am so grateful that you put that in here.Kate McKean:I mean, my—you know—my beloved book of my heart, literary adult novel, didn't sell. And okay, it did. It didn't. I don't... I can't... I can't magically make it a book. It might be flawed. I don't know. I haven't read it in, like, four years, and I'm fine with that. Um, but I'm going to—I'll just—I'm going to... I'm going to write another one, you know? Because what are the options? Like, I really—I had a moment when my adult novel didn't sell, and I was like, I might—what if I never publish a book? Like, this was my dream. Like, since I was eight years old, I wanted to be a published author. I wanted to see my book on a shelf with my name on it, and what if I don't? Like, what if that just will never happen to me? And it kind of—you know—punched me in the stomach, and... This is telling in so many ways, of the assumptions I was making and the privilege I had and all of these things. But you know that punch in the gut could have made me stop and just be like, "Well, I'm not willing to face that, so let me decide..." Or, if I really want it that bad, I got to go do it again. And just—I'm choosing to do it again. And I cannot control if I publish any more books, except by writing them.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanAnd then that's all I can do. And then I have to hand it over to the other forces in the world to see if anybody likes it. And then, you know—I mean, people got to buy this book, like... but not—I mean, it's not going to be great if nobody buys this book, which, you know... I—it... I can only control so much of that too. But I hope people do.KJ Dell'AntoniaAt least ten people need to be sitting down and clicking right now. It's Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life, Kate McKean— is it Kian or Keen?Kate McKeanKeen.KJ Dell'AntoniaKeen. Kate McKean.Kate McKeanYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaM-C-K... you know, what if you just start with "writer"... I mean, honestly...Kate McKeanThere's only two Kate McKean's in the world on the internet. So I'm one of them.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd I feel like, if you just sort of go "agents," "books," "book," "K," you're going to come up with this. Because...Kate McKeanYep.KJ Dell'Antonia:Yeah. That's what's going to help. And the other thing that I really like about this book is the honesty about all the time that you spent not writing, and I mean, you've already said it, but, and it is true. My number one favorite, well, one of my favorite writing books, which nobody else, as far as I know, has ever read, is it's called something like “87 reasons your book won't sell” [78 Reasons Why Your Book May Never Be Published and 14 Reasons Why It Just Might]. It's, you know, and it's in its 80… and 15 why it might and the number one reason, the first reason, chapter one, is because you haven't written it yet. You can't sell that. But, I mean, yeah, proposals, fine. That's but, and that's in here if you're writing nonfiction, it's in here to talk about how to do a proposal. But even that, if you haven't written your way to a good proposal, that's not going to sell either. So...Kate McKeanAnd the fear of being late or too late, or you hang missed the bus is so tied up into that, because I'm going to be 46 this weekend, and I my first ever book will be coming out after I have turned 46 and if you had told me at 26 I would have, like, lied down on the floor and cried. That I had 20 more years to wait to get published, because I thought it was going to happen. You're not, you know, all of the bravado and the ego is you have when you're in your 20s and who's, you know, patted on the head for their whole life and told they were a good writer by every English teacher, you know, bully for me. But like the I didn't write any books, you know, like, I didn't write any books to get published until I was in my 30s, and I couldn't have spent any more time doing that because I was trying to build my career as a literary agent. And that wasn't, that wasn't on purpose. I just had to pay the rent too. So, you know, it was I didn't. I dragged my feet for many, many years, as I write about in the book, and then I had a kid, and then you get... you have so little time that you have to choose so deliberately what you do that it can sometimes make you more productive. And so when I had all the time in the world in my 20s as a single person in New York City, living the life of putting everything on credit cards and being in massive debt and not making any money in publishing, but still having buckets of time. I didn't do any meaningful work, and I didn't write a book in my MFA program. I did write a book's worth of stories and essays, but not anything that could have been published as is, and nothing that I used as a springboard for a longer piece, and that's just what happened. That's fine too.KJ Dell'Antonia:Yeah.Kate McKeanBut I'm not late. This is, this is, I needed to be this person to write this book, and then we'll see what happens next.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah. I mean, you know, you can't start any sooner than today if you're starting and but I did. I just I appreciated that this book kind of starts with, go ahead, read this book, but also finish your book. Write what you're writing, like, read it. Get ready, daydream, hope for the best, but also find a time, sit down, get some work done, which is, of course, what we say every week on the podcast, because if you don't do the work, yeah, there's nothing. There's nothing anyone can do for you. Well, I mean, I suppose you could become a famous person and then hire someone else, but that is presumably not anyone trajectory, yeah, that's, that's, that's different. That's, that's not the same thing, all right, so what? What was the hardest bit of writing this? This has got a chapter on pretty much anything anybody could imagine. How to read a book deal, how to query, how to you know, how the editors work, how books are sold, all those things. What was the toughest bit?Kate McKeanThe tough bit, honestly, was the what happens after the book sells. And because I realized that I had, I had a view of it for my seat as a literary agent, and every publisher does it a little bit differently and but I've only seen it through the eyes of the books I have sold. So I had to go and ask a lot of editors. I was like, Okay, this is what I think happens. Is this what happens like, when do you get first pass pages? And, you know, do I get? When does the index gain? You know, like, there were just questions I had. I had to make sure I had a consensus answer instead of the this is what happened to me answer, you know?KJ Dell'AntoniaRight.Kate McKeanOr this is my what I think answer. And so it just was, I had to make sure. I had to do more research about that than I anticipated, because I didn't want to make I wanted to make sure I wasn't wrong. You know? Hey, I had to make sure. But it wasn't a hard the writing process at all wasn't what I would call hard. I I'm a fastidious outliner, and I love an outline. Outline is my roadmap, like I know where I'm going in the morning I makes me happy. I'm happy to change it, if I have to, but I love it. I'm an outliner, not a pantser, and when I get going, I can go, but then there's just every other million things to do with a book, you know, like the nine times I've read, and then I recorded the audio last week, and which was so fun, but hard, very, very hard. But maybe it's a little bit like, you know, like you kind of forget the hard part after a while, but I don't have any, like, real pain points with the creation of this book. It was definitely hard. It is a lot of labor. It is a lot of time. There were many times where I was like, if I read this paragraph one more time, I will scream, but yeah, I'd do it again.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo it sounded as I as I read through it like, like, finding your structure was maybe a little more challenging than you expected it to be, because it seems like it would be pretty obvious, but then it sounds like there were things where you're like, well, maybe this goes here, or maybe it goes here. Did it surprise you how much you had to play with the structure in the editing?Kate McKeanYes, it because everything made sense when it came out of my brain.KJ Dell'AntoniaOf course.Kate McKeanYou know, like I could, it makes sense to me that this linked to that and then get... you have an editor. My editor, Stephanie Hitchcock, was wonderful. She was like, oh, yeah, this part does not make any sense. And I was like, Oh, totally. If you step out of it and look at it through somebody else's eyes, you're like, Yeah, I didn't explain anything about, you know, royalty statements or whatever, right?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, the rule is if somebody else says it doesn't make sense, you have to listen. You don't have to do what they say to do to fix it, but you do have to, you have to... Yeah, because you can't hold the reader by the hand. Say, oh, no, no, no. See what I meant...Kate McKeanYeah, yeah, yeah. And a lot of times the way I wrote the outline was kind of the way it came out of my head and it made sense, but, you know, I'm in a vacuum.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo I'm torn between talking about the writing of Write Through It and talking about, of course, the contents, which are exactly what our listeners are going to be interested in. So tell me what in here to you, sort of answers the most questions that you get as somebody who gets a lot of emailed questions about this process, because you invite them by having, having an email or having, not by having an email address, which is not an invitation to send people questions. People questions, but by having the agents and plus and books email you, you've put yourself out there as a guide for people and there, I mean, I can name only a few agents in the business that do that, and a couple of publicists, and that makes you like, you know, it gives you a certain profile, and people ask questions. So what in here answers the most questions to you?Kate McKeanI think, I personally, I would say the stuff about a platform, about the marketing stuff and platform. Everybody's worried about their platform. Everybody thinks they have to have 1000 followers on Instagram. Everybody was so worried about this. They and it's, it's shifting all the time. I mean, I hope, I hope we don't get 16 new social media platforms in the next month so that this isn't completely out of date, like things are going to change. I mean, Twitter completely changed while I was writing this book, but I but there's a lot about social media in there, yes, but there are so many other things that are your platform that people don't realize and they think that you have to have these numbers before you're allowed to write a book. And that's not how it is. That's not the rule. There isn't this, like, okay, where you get so many on this platform and so many on that add them together, it equals a book deal. Like, no, but it... the reason you need a platform is because you are going to do this marketing for your book, and that is also okay, because you are going to do it better than the publisher. A lot of you know angst about publishers don't market anything anymore, and nothing ever happens. And like they actually do, could they do more? Yes. I wish every book had a billion dollar marketing budget and 17 people to work on it, but that is not the industry we have. So...KJ Dell'AntoniaThere's not really anywhere to do this stuff anymore.Kate McKeanYeah, yeah, there's nowhere to do it.KJ Dell'AntoniaI mean the world... the world has changed.Kate McKeanYeah, there's, yeah, there's no news coverage for books, hardly anymore, you know? And algorithms are horrible, all these things. So, so if you have a way for readers to talk to you directly and get news from you directly, that's your primary marketing outlet. And so that's why you need it, not because the number equals book deal or validation or proof. It's because that's how you sell books. And it's not the only way, and it's not even a great way, but it is a way that readers need, even, I mean nonfiction 100%, it's like one of the most important things when you're writing nonfiction, and it's getting to be more important for fiction. It's just also more it's useful when you're writing fiction, but it's just not as like, don't, don't even try until you've started a TikTok or whatever.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, I just, I just finished a novel that I completely enjoyed, Welcome to Glorious Tuga by — I think her name is Francesca. It's either Sega or Segal [Francesca Segal]. And after I finished it, I thought to myself, you know, I wonder, because, because I'm a writer, readers don't do this, but Is this her first book? You know, does she? Is she somewhere where I can follow her? Because I'm kind of interested in how she did this, I'd like to, and I went to look her up. And fundamentally, this is a person with very little platform that I can see. They turned out to be British. So that is, I think, a little bit different. But there wasn't an email that I could sign up for. There wasn't... I was willing to do all those things. I was kind of jealous.Kate McKeanDefinitely, oh, definitely.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanMy wonderful assistant isn't on social media. And I'm like, Wow, what a life, that's amazing.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, so, I mean, so I there was very little point to that other than that, it's not, apparently required, and yet it's probably required of you. Sorry.Kate McKeanRight, you're not the except…, like, if you don't want to be on a specific platform, then don't do it, because you'll make bad posts.KJ Dell'AntoniaYes!Kate McKeanHate it.KJ Dell'AntoniaYes.Kate McKeanFair game, and also, if your market isn't on there, then don't go on there, or you don't prioritize that.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah. But you can still find me on TikTok, and if you would like an example of how to not do something like that. That would be it. Yeah, there's about six things that are pitiful and sad, and I regret them, and I should go take them down, but that would involve looking at them again, and that would be really embarrassing for me. So I'm not going to do it.Kate McKeanI mean, I'm not on TikTok. I do Instagram reels. They're horrible. Reels are like bad Tiktok's from three weeks ago, but doesn't whatever. It's what I have chosen to do. But if, but to the writers out there, if you hate something like you can kind of maybe opt out a specific thing, but that doesn't make you the exception to every rule, right? Like, just because it's hard doesn't mean you get to bail out because everything's hard and you got to do hard things all the time. That's life. Sorry. So yeah. And also, I want to say too, if you are unsafe on a platform. Don't be there, no, but don't that's not a question. No publisher would be like; you should really be on Twitter. And you're like, I'm a trans person. I'm not going to go on Twitter. It is not safe for me. And they'd be like...they're like, yes, cool, cool, yeah, no problem.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah…definitely not. Yeah. So okay, that that doesn't surprise me. I thought you were going to say query letters, but...Kate McKeanI was going to say query letters, but every it's, it's so much, there's always so much query letters.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah and there's others, there's, there's more of an answer to that, like...Kate McKeanYeah, yeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaYou know, there is a way to do that. There's an accessible, checklist-able, figure out, able, learnable process for that, I would argue that there is not that for social media and platform.Kate McKean100%.KJ Dell'AntoniaThat is a really is a it's constantly changing, and it's different for everyone which query letters really, they do change, but they are not different from everyone. Do not make your quality query letter different from everyone else's. That's a bad idea.Kate McKeanNo. It's so annoying. It's, it's, no one is going to be wowed by the inventiveness of your query letter, and it's like sending a singing telegram to apply for a job. You're like, No, don't. Don't do that. No one wants to hire you, if that's what you're going to do.KJ Dell'AntoniaWhat is… can you... can you give us an example of someone getting creative with a query letter, just for fun that is not going to out the person?Kate McKeanYou know, I would say that. Now, everyone is much more educated about query letters, and so the random stuff doesn't happen as often. The memorable things are people doing. And these are the general examples you'll get too. It's like writing the query letter in the voice of your character, which is like, okay, but I'm not signing your character up. I'm signing you up. I would like to talk to them please, you know? And then there's the inexplicably, inexplicably short ones that are like, here's my book. Thanks. You're like, I need context. Like, even when you go to the store to buy a book, you have context for what you're shopping for you know what section you're in. You know if it's a hardcover, paperback, whatever you have context. And if you do not give me context for a query letter, I don't know what you're talking about. And then the ones that really get me too are the ones that are like, you're probably going to hate this. I'm like, okay, cool. You just made the decision for me. Thank you. I have to make 400 decisions today, and now it's 399 Cool. Thank you.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, yeah. Okay, so get that one right. But social media, there is no recipe, but at least there is some advice in, in Write Through It. And yeah, I can't, I can't say enough about how much I suspect most of our listeners would really benefit from and love this book. If you have not, yourself, been in the industry for 20 years, and even if you have, you're going to get stuff out of this. What I got out of it, and what I desperately needed was somewhere, I think, towards the end, you talk about how, you know, 20% of the way into a draft, you're going to hate it, and then with 20,000 words to go, you're going to hate it. And I was like, yeah, yeah, I'm there. I'm hating it. We joke around the podcast that we need to create, like, a, like a book growth chart, sort of like for babies, like, oh, you hate your book. You're right on target. Feed it some solid foods next.Kate McKeanYeah, exactly.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanAnd I get a lot of when you go to write another book, you you're like, wow, yeah. And that's what did I forget. Did I ha, but I did it before. You don't know, you don't know how to write this book. You wrote that book, and it's different every time. And that's like a learning curve that you don't get to until you write your first one, whether it's published or not. But like everybody feels this way, my clients, who are graphic novelists, feel this way. My novelist, my, you know, picture book writers, like every single writer I talked to has been like, oh, how do you do this again? Whoops, I forgot.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, yeah. I like you, and I'm a fan of the outline or the blueprint, or, you know, how, however you do it. And I have just hit a point where I need to go back and redo that and that's hard. I would really much rather just chug along the path that I have set for myself. But sometimes you can't do that.Kate McKeanThat's writing too. It's like, the word count doesn't go up, and that's the metric we all want to use about our productivity. But then you have to stop for a week and do your stupid outline or whatever, and you're like, but I didn't get any work done, but you did, because then the next two weeks you can just write a billion words. And yeah, you know, you built a fire, so...KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd yet, the process is hard and slow, and also hard and slow, and even when it's fast, it's still slow, and even when it feels easy, it'll be hard later. Yeah, and I liked that. That was that that's all in here, but not in a bad way, in a Hello, this is what you have signed up for.Kate McKeanYep.KJ Dell'AntoniaIn a “Welcome” kind of way.Kate McKeanYeah, it's you're in the club. Yeah? Everybody hating writing and not being able to stop.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, yeah.Kate McKeanIt's the thing we love to hate the most.KJ Dell'AntoniaI don't hate it when it's going well, I don't, I don't hate it, but, man, it'd be nice if it were easier and faster and more like, I don't know, walk in the park, okay. But it's not. All right, well, so the book is Write Through this, I'm sorry, Write Through It, and it's wonderful, and I've said that about 56 times. So anything else that people should know about why they should go right out, I would recommend getting it in paper, because I think you're going to want to scribble on it, and I also think you're going to want to go back to it a lot. But you know, y'all do you. It's available in all the formats; apparently it was read out loud, too.Kate McKeanOut loud by me.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah!Kate McKeanI think that it's useful to have as in print. And I did write it thinking that you'd go back and forth and be like, Okay, well, today I'm writing my query letter, I've got to go to chapter three or whatever. And the other thing, the other reason I wrote this book, is that if you are a writer, and the people in your life know it, or if you're an editor or freelancer whatever, and they want to ask you questions about publishing, you can just give them the book like I literally wrote it as like a favor to my friends who are writers and editors, whose uncle corners them at the family reunion and says, ‘So I want to write a kid's book.' And you're like, ‘Okay, I would like to go talk to my cousins, but here, I — here's the book for you.' You know? KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanIt is the service I am providing through this book. And so if you want to avoid having people email you to say, can I pick your brain. Be like, oh goodness, I'm just so busy. But you know what? You should have Kate's book, and just send them a link.KJ Dell'AntoniaI love this. I love this. For all of us, it is absolutely going to fill that need. So maybe you want to have three so you can go and hand one…Kate McKeanI mean, I think good plan, it's a great idea. Just buy a case, stick it in your house.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, maybe put it in the back of your car. You never know when you're going to need this.Kate McKeanNo, I think it's a it makes a great gift for all occasions, even if they're not writers.KJ Dell'AntoniaProbably they'd like to be... everybody. Like, there's some statistic about how many people want to write a book. So, yeah, you could just do it.Kate McKeanWhat the saying? That grads, dads, and there's another one...KJ Dell'AntoniaDads, grads, and...Kate McKeanSomething like...KJ Dell'AntoniaMom! Its Moms, Dads and Grads. I know that doesn't wrap run, but that's the Book Riot podcast that, um, that I will yeah and...Kate McKeanYeah, this is a big book buying season. Is like, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation. So you know what? I think everyone...KJ Dell'AntoniaFor your graduate and your mother and your father who want to write books, I love it, all right. Well, this was fantastic. You can obviously follow Kate on Instagram. We'll throw that in the show notes, but also have multiple links to her agent's, and books, email, slash Substack, depending on how you like to consume these things you should be getting it. Yeah, that's, that's, that's that. Now, the one thing we always like to end a podcast with is asking people what they've been reading and loving lately. So I hope that's not throwing you under the bus because you can't think of anything because you've been doing this, but I bet I am wrong. So it'd be lovely if it's something people can get either now or soon, because I can see you playing out...Kate McKeanI just, I pulled… I just re-read my clients, Madeleine Roux's [inaudible] hard novel called A Girl Walks into the Forest. It is out on the same day that mine go out.KJ Dell'AntoniaOh wow!Kate McKeanI know it's very exciting. And Maddie Roux has written like 25 books. We have been together a long time, and this book is amazing, and it is dark and it is full of feminist rage, and it is has, like, a Baba Yaga character in it.KJ Dell'AntoniaAwesome.Kate McKeanAnd it's just; it's kind of the book we need right now to, like, kind of burn stuff down. So I highly recommend pre ordering it. I loved reading it again all in one place, like I read your earlier draft, but now I can see it again, and, like, I just re- read it as I also wanted to, you know, keep up with my clients work, but I wanted to read it because it was good. Like, it's just good.KJ Dell'AntoniaGreat, amazing.Kate McKeanI'm like, hugging the book right now.KJ Dell'AntoniaYou are. Yeah, no one will see, yeah I know I've been waving your book around this entire time, and no one sees any of it, but it increases our the enthusiasm level in our voice, or something. So that's fantastic. Well, I mentioned Welcome to Glorious Tuga, which is a saga about it's like a bunch of people. I don't even know how to sell it, other than it's kind of like all creatures great and small set on a tiny island where people can only get off and on for half of the year with, you know, lots of animals and lots of fam…, of people interaction and but also one protagonist who sort of brings you through. And I gosh, if I can't come up with, and I love this book, and I have, I'm having trouble coming up with a great way to sell it, but I hope somebody, I hope somebody does it, because it's super fun. So there was that, but I mentioned that in my last podcast. So I also want to add Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Alison Espach. That was her book before The Wedding People. It is vastly different. It is a single POV, first person narrative of a girl who loses her sister in a car accident at I think, the age of 13, and her ongoing and continual relationship with her sister's boyfriend who was driving at the time, which sounds really awful. But it's not sad. It's weirdly honest. It's a fantastic exploration of not just grief, but like people, and how we think and how we aren't who we think we are should be. But it is not The Wedding People. It's really different, which I found super interesting. So since y'all are writers listening to this, you might find it interesting, too. All right.Kate McKeanExcellent. That sounds great.KJ Dell'AntoniaThank you so much for talking to me and everyone out there who is listening, buy Write through it. And also keep your butt in the chair and your head in the game.Jess LaheyThe Hashtag AmWriting podcast is produced by Andrew Perilla. Our intro music, aptly titled Unemployed Monday was written and played by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their time and their creative output, because everyone deserves to be paid for their work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I'm joined by Cameron Forbes of Forbes Functions, a full-service event planning agency known for creating stylish, story-driven events for top brands, creators, and private clientsCameron launched Forbes Functions during the pandemic as a creative side hustle while working in finance. Now 26, she's become one of the most in-demand event producers in the luxury space, known for designing modern, editorial-style experiences. In the past year alone, her company has seen a 250% YOY revenue increase, with 40–50 events annually and multiple six-figure projects on the calendar for 2025.  Cameron's eye for strategy extends to social, where Forbes Functions has grown 173.7% across Instagram and TikTok thanks to behind-the-scenes storytelling and a founder-led POV. With a 30% repeat client rate and a presence in NYC, the Hamptons, and Florida, Cameron is the go-to for clients who want events that are both personal and photogenic. She also leads an all-women under-30 team, fostering a mentorship-first culture. Make sure to check out Forbes Functions: https://www.forbesfunctions.com/   Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle  

This episode is also on the IPH YouTube podcast.5D mystic POV stories on mindfulness, educational podcasts & being yourself

Dreamworks has entered the "live action remake" arena with How to Train Your Dragon, and Earth's Mightiest Critics have a take or two on the déjà vu!Dean DeBlois returns with an update of the 2010 animated hit, which he co-directed with Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, The Wild Robot). He's riding solo this time and, depending on who you ask, the "new" version is either so faithful that it puts Disney's recent live-action efforts in their place--or renders the whole experience "toothless"!This week's EMC panel promises fire-breathing spectacle nonpareil, as our animated animation fans present both POV's with gusto!Join us for a look at the good, the bad and the repetitive. We also take your questions, comments, and SuperChats!Subscribe, like, and comment on Kicking the Seat here on YouTube, and check us out at:kickseat.comXLetterboxdBlueSkyInstagramFacebookShow LinksWatch the How to Train Your Dragon (2010) trailer.Watch the How to Train Your Dragon (2025) trailer.Bonus! Catch the "Target Audience's" take on the new How to Train Your Dragon film, with Ian and Luke's latest review!Support all of Earth's Mightiest Critics at their various outlets:Check out Mark "The Movie Man" Krawczyk's The Spoiler Room Podcast.Keep up with Jeff York's criticism and caricatures at The Establishing Shot and Pipeline Artists.Get seated with The Blonde in Front!Follow David Fowlie's film criticism at Keeping It Reel.Get educated with Don Shanahan at Every Movie Has a Lesson…...And Film Obsessive...and the Cinephile Hissy Fit Podcast.Keep up with Annie Banks at The Mary Sue....and We Got This Covered.Make Nice with Mike Crowley of You'll Probably Agree.And save your celluloid soul with Dave Canfield's Substack, "Creature Feature Preacher".

This episode is also on the IPH YouTube podcast.5D mystic POV stories on mindfulness, educational podcasts & being yourself

How does your protagonist's final choice resolve the plot, character arc and theme? In this episode, Stu and Chas focus solely on the final choices made by protagonists and how that reflects their character journey and successfully, or not, dramatises the internal. We compare and contrast different uses of narrative POV in respect to these final choices, in particular whether and when the audience is made aware of the options available to the character, the act of making the choice, and the consequences of the choice. We breakdown examples from DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES, FINDING NEMO, MICHAEL CLAYTON, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN and TALK TO ME. As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes.  CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - Opening 00:00:18 - Why Final Choices? 00:10:45 - DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES 00:19:09 - FINDING NEMO 00:28:45 - MICHAEL CLAYTON 00:53:11 - PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN 01:16:38 - TALK TO ME 01:41:45 - Key Learnings 01:50:13 - Thanks awesome patreons! RELATED EPISODES DZ-04: Catharsis and the Poist-coital Cigarette DZ-84: Choices & Decisions DZ-87: Keeping Genre Fresh DZ-33: Protagonist vs Hero DZ-58: Game of Thrones - Character Exposition DZ-34: Game of Choices LINKS MICHAEL CLAYTON by Tony Gilroy PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN by Emerald Fennell TALK TO ME by Danny Philippou & Bills Hinzman based on a concept by Daley Pearson Michael Arndt: What makes an insanely good ending Every Frame a Painting: Snowpiercer - Look Left or Right   RELATED EPISODES DZ-04: Catharsis and the Poist-coital Cigarette DZ-84: Choices & Decisions DZ-87: Keeping Genre Fresh DZ-33: Protagonist vs Hero DZ-58: Game of Thrones - Character Exposition DZ-34: Game of Choices More Draft Zero is brought to you more often by our awesome Patreons. Especially Lily, Paulo, Alexandre, Malay, Jennifer, Thomas, Randy, Jesse, Sandra, Theis, and Khrob. Please considering rating or subscribing to us on Apple Podcasts or sharing us on the Social Medias! We like finding new listeners. We are @stuwillis, @mehlsbells and @chasffisher on Twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter. BUY DRAFT ZERO MERCH via TeePublic SUBSCRIBE TO SHOT ZERO via Substack

Get ready for an episode of The Manny and Shawn Experience that's so wild, it could only happen across the pond! We're spilling ALL the tea on our epic London adventure, from our first-ever European music festival (hello, Ciara and JoJo!) to braving the thrills of Thorpe Park, and capping it off with an unforgettable night at Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour! And just when you thought it couldn't get crazier, we're diving deep into a "What the Hell is Going On in America?" POV that'll leave you speechless. Tune in NOW – you don't want to miss this!Timestamp:Show intro - (00:00)Mixtape - (3:10)Mighty Hoopla - (4:30)Thorpe Park - (19:34)What's your POV - (47:58) London Friends - (25:14)Cowboy Carter - (26:14) What's your POV - (40:51)No Kings Day Protest - (41:00)Southern Baptist Convention - (54:00)Follow us on social:Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Bluesky - @masxp23Audio streaming on Apple Podcast, Iheart Radio, YouTube Music and Amazon Music. Visual Podcast available on YouTube and Spotify. FOR BUSINESS INQUIRIES EMAIL: mannyandshawn@gmail.comThe Manny & Shawn Experience Podcast Website: https://masxp23.my.canva.site/  #LondonAdventures #MightyHoopla #ThorpePark #

The Ultimate Motorcycling Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha. Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself.    *  *  *  *  * I'm sure you've heard of Insta360, a leader in 360-degree action camera technology. Their latest just-launched 360-degree camera, Insta360 X5, shoots in ALL directions at once…and it does it in incredible 8K30 hi-resolution. This will give you epic motorcycling shots without even aiming the camera. Just hit record… focus on your ride… and then find the best angles in the edit using Insta360's mobile app. It's easy, smooth, and packed with AI tools for a faster workflow! X5 is every camera you'll need in one … you can see more of your bars with an immersive POV, or you can film unique, third-person shots of you and your bike. From morning rallies to night rides, X5's huge sensors, triple AI chip, and dedicated low-light shooting mode, deliver unmatched detail and image quality …around the clock! It's waterproof, reliable, and features Insta360's toughest-ever lenses and lens guards. And by the way, both of those are completely replaceable, so you can ride with confidence. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "ULTIMATE", available for the first 30 purchases only.  *  *  *  *  * This is a big year for the Harley-Davidson Softails, as they're brought into the 21st century with a comprehensive electronics package, a bigger motor, revised suspension, and a few more goodies. It's even bigger for the Fat Boy, as this is the 35th anniversary of the chubby-tired custom inspired by the 1949 Hydra-Glide. Literally reflecting that milestone is the chrome-drenched 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Gray Ghost, which is the newest member of the Icons Collection,  and it makes a statement like no other. Don Williams rode the Gray Ghost extensively and gives us his thoughts not just on the exquisite looks, but also on how the Fat Boy actually rides.  *  *  *  *  * The Snippet this episode is brought to you by Schuberth. In response to the market's growing demand for advanced connectivity, SCHUBERTH renewed its partnership with Cardo Systems® with the introduction of the SCHUBERTH SC EDGE based on the appreciated PACKTALK EDGE. As connectivity becomes increasingly relevant for modern motorcyclists, SC EDGE empowers riders to communicate effortlessly, enjoy their favorite music, and receive GPS directions - all while keeping their hands safely on the handlebars. Jonathan Handler gives us some insight into the new communicators that simply snap into most of the new Schuberth helmets that have been already prewired and are ready to accept the unit.  *  *  *  *  * In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with motorcycle adventurer “Itchy Boots”. Noraly Schoenmaker is an astonishing young woman who travels to incredible—and sometimes dangerous—destinations on her Yamaha Tenere. Since 2018, Noraly has ridden over 175,000 kilometers through more than 70 countries, documenting her adventures on her YouTube channel, which boasts over 2.7 million subscribers. Her engaging storytelling, fearless spirit, and love for exploring diverse cultures and landscapes inspire countless fans to embrace adventure and independence. Noraly's new book published by Atria Books is out in a couple of weeks on July 3rd. “Free Ride” is her story of heartbreak, courage, and the 20,000-mile motorcycle journey that changed her life. When the books is out you will be able to find at good bookstores and also purchased on Amazon.     *  *  *  *  * Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too!   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

This episode is also on the IPH YouTube podcast.5D mystic POV stories on mindfulness, educational podcasts & being yourself

Welcome to our new show, which is the same as the last show but about different shows! This one's about Tales of the Underworld! As always, Julia and Becca are here in the name of character, theme, and plot analysis. Goofs mandatory.Talking points include: The universality of storytelling, Andor as another layer of connecting the prequel era with the original era, time jumps as a story mechanism, redeemed in death & the danger of being complicit, use of POV shots, how Andor integrates the audience, how to craft an environment & fashion to communicate a message, complex, human characters, the insane balance of plot driven vs. character driven storytelling, and we expect you to all watch Man from U.N.C.L.E. Don't forget to leave us a review if you like the show and drop by our socials on Instagram and our Tumblr (@thebatchpod) to say hi and chat."3 Rounds" by Bisou is licensed CC BY NC 4.0.

Jak si vede český a německý průmysl? Proč potřebuje digitální transformaci? Jak a čím ho do budoucna nakopnout? Jaké lekce si odnesl z budování Twista a jeho exitu? A proč věří více private equity než veřejným trhům? Povídali jsme si s šéfem platformy RockawayQ Michalem Šmídou.Tento díl podcastu Na vlně podnikání moderuje Martin Petříček, zástupce šéfredaktora týdeníku Ekonom.

This week, I recap Father's Day and  my son's birthday bash, featuring a poolside moment that delivered love and heartbreak unravel in record time. I may have even glimpsed the human forms of Moose and Nemo (spoiler: they were both beefy and Italian). Speaking of Nemo, he's finally settling in—aside from the strategically placed "gifts" he's leaving around the house.I also recount my non-activity-related injury at Dave & Buster's, the reinjury at the grocery store and how one poorly prepped coffee nearly sent me to the great beyond—or at least urgent care.All that, plus the usual dose of unsolicited life lessons and questionable decisions wrapped in dad-grade storytelling.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training 00:00 The "Poppi" acquisition and winning by being different 00:30 Brands need agencies to help them “stand out” 01:30 Agency's role: From vendor to transformation partner 02:00 Transformative client results through positioning 02:50 Five tactics for agencies to help clients win differently 04:10 The "Hell Yes" framework for brand building   Pepsi just dropped $2 billion to acquire Poppi. Let that sink in. A gut-health soda brand that didn't even exist a decade ago is now a multibillion-dollar player — without some bloated VC war chest or Super Bowl ads. Why? Because they didn't just sell a drink. They sold vitality without boredom. Just like Liquid Death isn't selling water. They're selling rebellion in a can. This matters to you because your agency clients are still playing the safe game. Bland branding. Forgettable messaging. Funnel tweaks and ad spend tricks. But the world doesn't reward better. It rewards different. And that's where you come in. Your Agency's Real Role You're not here to push pixels or track conversions. You're here to make your clients matter. To help them stop blending in and start building brands that get followed, shared, and loved. In this episode we'll break down exactly how to do that—with a proven playbook called the “HELL YES” Framework. But first, let's look at what these breakout brands got right. The Big Brand Lessons (You Should Be Using) Help Clients Define What They Believe in (And What They're Against). Poppi didn't sell soda. They sold gut health. Liquid Death didn't sell water. They sold identity. Brands that break out don't try to be better. They choose to be louder about what they stand for. Build a Brand that Lives Beyond The Product. Help them create their presence in culture. What's the founders point of view? What's the audience they want to turn into a community. From reels & TikTok make sure that message is out there. Package. Reframe offer as outcomes, not service. Teach them to Create Demand. Help them post scroll-stopping content that really builds trust from someone that'll want to learn more. Help Them Become Known for Something. Your clients will need a signature method that is repeatable and has a catchy name. That's how they'll own a category. The HELL YES Framework (How to Build Brands That Get Followed) Here's the full breakdown from Jason's playbook: H – Hook with a Belief Choose a bold POV. Rally people around something real. Don't try to please everyone—draw a line. E – Elevate the Outcome Sell transformation, not tasks. Rename and reframe. “The Visibility Engine” beats “SEO setup” every time. L – Lead with Culture Get them living where the culture lives—Reels, TikTok, Shorts. Turn content into a vibe. L – Lock in Their Framework Give their offer a name. A method. A repeatable process. That's how they own a category. Y – Yield to Simplicity Kill the fluff. Be painfully clear. One offer. One CTA. No jargon. E – Engineer the Experience Make onboarding and delivery unforgettable. Brand the process. Delight people. S – Share the Wins Loud Don't just toss out metrics—tell the story. Make the transformation the headline. Real Talk: You're Sitting on the Solution You've already got the skills. The strategy. The services. What your agency really needs is a sharper positioning and a clearer method — just like Zach and Jack did. Whether you're stuck pitching work that doesn't excite you anymore or just tired of clients treating you like a vendor, the shift starts here. And if you're ready to build a brand that people don't just buy from, but believe in… Let's stop chasing better. Start building bolder. Because when your agency leads movements, not just marketing—you become unforgettable. Agency Mastermind Still feel like you're winging it? You're not alone. Most agency owners hit a plateau because they're stuck in the business, buried in decisions, and disconnected from people who get it. The agencies killing it and scaling faster found out they needed to be in the right room. Go to https://www.agencymastery360.com/agency-mastery and get access to a community of agency owners sharing their data, deals, strategies, and mindset shifts.

Welcome back to Negronis with Nord. Today, James answers viewer questions about why he doesn't think of YouTube as a social platform, and how being in a viewership rut affects your brand partnerships and what you can do about it. Also, the Fohr team is in Cannes! If you're there, shoot James a DM on Instagram. We'd love to see you. Finally, James was the first-ever guest on marketing leader Dina Fierro's new podcast “Origins of Influence,” which you can listen to on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 0:00 - Fohr's going to Cannes, LA vs NY, James on Origins of Influence Podcast03:48 - Viewer Question One: James' POV on YouTube07:06 - Viewer Question Two: The 8 Mile Method11:35 - Outro & Credits Follow Fohr on instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/fohr.co/Follow James on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesnordFollow Fohr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fohr-card/Subscribe to Fohr newsletters: https://www.fohr.co/#newsletter-popupFor press inquiries, email press@fohr.co ----About Negronis with Nord Influencers know what resonates with their followers. Brands know their product and how to sell it effectively. But we'll guess neither party spends a lot of time trying to understand the influencer marketing business. That's where this series comes in. Negronis with Nord, featuring Fohr's CEO and Founder, James Nord, will offer influencer marketing strategy, tips, and advice for anyone involved in the influencer marketing space–whether you're an entrepreneur, influencer, or content creator, brand ambassador, or marketing professional on the brand side. Cheers, and thanks for listening.

SHOW NOTES: Sexual preferences, emotional attachment, relationship advice, commitment, emotional connection, personal growth, dating challenges, confidence, relationships, self-improvement, modern dating, communication and more ... In this episode of M and Friends we debate dating, relationship, love AND sex and take ANONYMOUS QUESTIONS from women and ask a panel of men who wanted to honestly answer -even if it hurts.  #7 is one hell of a good time as well as insightful -we think women will walk away glad they listened and will have gotten what they listened for : ))) This episode is PACKED with real talk, real answers and real moments - aaaand real laughter. AS ALWAYS we hope that this real talk creates your own topic of conversations with friends and partners in life to help nurture genuine relationships, self awareness and emotional awareness ESPECIALLY in an AI WORLD. CAST: MJAIE, MIKE, MEHDI, JACKSON   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 00:59 Masturbation and Frequency 02:31 Impact of Porn on Men 06:04 Understanding Good and Bad Sex 09:58 The Concept of 'Good' and 'Bad' Pussy 14:55 The Role of Emotional Connection in Sex 20:01 Vulnerability and Relationships 24:59 Advice for Women in the Bedroom 30:00 Navigating Sexual Preferences and Experiences 33:35 The Importance of Connection in Intimacy 39:01 Kissing: The Gateway to Good Sex 44:53 Understanding Personal Hygiene and Preferences 50:41 The Role of Chemistry in Relationships 55:41 Taste and Sensation: The Experience of Intimacy 58:22 Understanding Male Perspectives on Relationships 01:00:04 The Complexity of Commitment and Cheating 01:00:59 Dating Dynamics: Age and Maturity 01:05:02 Breakups and Self-Discovery 01:06:00 The Impact of Age Differences in Relationships 01:09:57 Body Count: Perspectives and Expectations 01:15:00 Personal Hygiene and Health in Relationships 01:19:02 Expectations and Pressures on Women 01:23:00 Faking Orgasms and Emotional Attachments 01:24:14 Understanding Communication Differences Between Genders 01:27:43 The Impact of Communication Styles on Relationships 01:31:38 Exploring Attitudes Towards Anal Sex 01:35:08 The Complexity of Sexual Preferences and Relationships 01:40:39 The Importance of Self-Love and Personal Growth 01:48:29 The Influence of Social Media on Modern Relationships 01:49:30 The Importance of Commitment and Routine 01:51:17 Seeking Deeper Emotional Connections 01:54:01 Understanding Emotional Stunt and Growth 02:00:10 The Role of Past Experiences in Relationships 02:02:47 Building Confidence and Taking Action 02:10:04 Navigating Modern Dating Challenges 02:19:02 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations 02:14:59 Contact Information and Business Promotion   M and Friends is a hilarious and fiery talk show segment of Love and Lies Podcast in a round table REAL TALK setting going over fun debates, dating advice, relationship tips and sex discussions. M and her friend group and a mystery guest navigate life on each show. Rich in laughter and a feel-good time, the topics are something to consider for all. A question is taken from the listeners who seeks advice on life or love. M gives her power coaching thoughts, while the girls give their opinion and our lucky male gives a man's POV. The cast takes on one vocabulary word to see who knows it and its meaning while listeners and cast learn together! OF COURSE sex comes up A LOT and so does relationships as M is a professional sex coach. Really anything can happen here and its all captured. Let's GOOOOO!! Unplug from the pressures of the world around you and chill with M and Friends.   ABOUT LOVE AND LIES PODCAST: LIFE COACH and lighthearted host ❤M'JAIE MANGUS❤ in her provocative talk show covers topics that range from sugar daddies, suicide to success and everything in between! Guests opt in to be anonymous or not so anonymous in order to share the truth and empower listeners. SIGNATURE ANONYMOUS INTERVIEWS are modeled after Oscar Wilde's quote, “If you give a man a mask he will tell you everything”. In these interviews the guests remain anonymous and tell all. LOVE AND LIES PODCAST was inspired by Mjaie's life and love coaching practice. These episodes are NOT coaching sessions but are interviews hosted by Mjaie and with people whom she finds fascinating and feels their story will educate us, aid us in progress to understand one another while breaking down barriers as we set aside judgment for a better self and world. M and Friends is brought to you by Love and Lies Podcast and is pure entertainment for listeners as guests go over debates and advice. WANNA SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR OUR SHOW? NEED ADVICE? WANT TO CONFESS (WE KEEP IT ANONYMOUS): You may contact our studio by email:LoveAndLiesPodcast@gmail.com for more information.   Mjaie Mangus: Certified Life and Sex Coach, Behavior Specialist, Host, artist, columnist for RUNWAY Magazine    THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! SOCIAL MEDIA: *NEW: JOIN US ON LOCALS WHERE WE ARE UNCENSORED, GIVE EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENE FOOTAGE, HELP US CREATE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS, GIVE-A-WAYS, CAN BECOME A GUEST ON M AND FRIENDS AND MORE!   " Our favorite place to be with you is on LOCALS" - Mjaie   ALL SOCIAL MEDIA @ LOVE AND LIES PODCAST   ALL SOCIAL MEDIA @ MJAIE MANGUS   THANK YOU FOR LISTENIG AND WE LOVE YOU!

This episode is also on the IPH YouTube podcast.5D mystic POV stories on mindfulness, educational podcasts & being yourself

This episode is also on the IPH YouTube podcast.5D mystic POV stories on mindfulness, educational podcasts & being yourself

In this episode of The Augmented Life, Michael Tiffany sits down with Adam Greenfeld, Co-Founder at Thesis Nootropics.They unpack the science and strategy behind brain enhancement, from the early Reddit-fueled experiments that shaped Thesis, to the surprising audiences using nootropics today.Adam opens up about dopamine burnout, self-experimentation, how he evaluates if a stack is working, and why optimizing for "life experience" now beats waiting for a big exit.Whether you're deep into biohacking or just curious how to improve task switching and mental clarity, this conversation blends rigorous science, personal reflection, and practical strategies you can use today.—⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to The Augmented Life01:09 – How do you pronounce "nootropics"?02:57 – Science vs. woo: intuition as real data04:38 – Adam's seasonal approach to objectivity vs. energy05:45 – Stress, inflammation, and felt results08:05 – The limits of pharmaceutical science vs. biohacking10:02 – The original Thesis testing protocol: 2,500 participants13:26 – 130+ ingredients tested, 85% match accuracy16:26 – Why being non-precious with formulations worked18:23 – Innovation vs validation in supplement design19:39 – From biohackers to SoulCycle execs: Who uses Thesis22:48 – The “busy mother” demographic and shifting audiences24:11 – Adam's nuanced POV on Adderall over prescription26:36 – Why Stasis is for people staying on Adderall27:50 – The dopamine receptor burnout theory29:05 – The real addiction: stress and complexity31:17 – Daily stack: creatine, clomiphene, magnesium, clean eating36:34 – Hydrogen tablets, walking, ocean therapy, and woo38:40 – Still taking Thesis: 7 years, 5 days a week40:10 – Optimize for life experience, not just exit strategy43:28 – How to measure if nootropics work45:51 – Sub-perceptual vs. felt effects: a product design insight47:27 – Task switching speed: a killer metric for high performers48:22 – Where to find Adam + links to Thesis & Stasis

Marlins sweep Nationals! While Shohei Ohtani returns to pitching Memphis Grizzlies pick up a haul from the Orlando Magic while dealing Desmond Bane The guys are shocked that the 3rd best Grizzlies player went for 4 draft picks Tobin compares this situation to that of the Rudy Gobert or Mikal Bridges trade What will be the ripple effect for the teams involved and the league as a whole Show Pony continues to stress how Good Desmond Bane is, while still being baffled by his trade value Tobin gives us his POV from this weekend's Dirty Boxing event as he fights off Whale Noise instincts Shams reports HEAT in his top 3 trade destinations. We dive into this report Tobin feared HEAT were out of KD race following photo showing Jimmy Butler & Kevin Durant together in Paris Tobes explains the difference between the Jimmy Butler situation last year and KD's situation this year We get into a deeper conversation comparing the Two superstars We close the Hour out with Leroy's Game Balls and Game Bums! Leroy gives a shoutout to JJ spawn for his victory this weekend He then calls out the media for babying the Oilers in their coverage of the Stanley Cup Final Leroy Commends the Cats for being Battle tested in the finals Tobin is tickled by the Selfie he took this weekend with the GOAT We check in on the Jalen Ramsey sweepstakes as the trail has seemed to go cold Leroy explains why Chris Grier was so transparent when discussing Ramsey's situation We take some time to discuss Jon Bones Jones and his legacy

(HR.1) Father's Day Weekend proves Panthers are Oilers "Papa". Lead series 3-2 The guys recap their Father's day weekend festivities Leroy clues us in on the winner of the latest PGA tournament Panthers 1 win away from hoisting Lord Stanley after 5-2 dismantling of the Oilers Tobin details his experience calling Dirty Boxing while attempting to enjoy the Panthers Win On top of all that, Kevin Durant's preferred trade destination is revealed while Ole Tobe's is on Air We hear Brad Marchand's Goal Calls following his amazing performance The guys take a look at the odds of the Conn Smythe Trophy Winner Will Sam Bennett or Brad Marchand take it home or Will the NHL pull another fast one and go McDavid? How much did the 1 day trip to Edmonton affect the fatigue of both teams Leroy Calls back to the brutal road stretch the Cats faced early on this season Leroy breaks down his Hot Tub watching scenario as he continues to follow his tradition We get unsettling news about the status of the Panthers ceremonial Drum Banging Tobin issues rules and regulations for the tradition ahead of Game 6 We get the Real facts on the Dolphins record while banging the Drum for the Cats Tobin explains the significance of following superstitions on the road to victory Paul Maurice discusses the chemistry between Bennett & Marchand Brad discusses his highlight worthy goal The guys discuss Edmonton's troubled Goalie situation (HR.2) HEAT listed as 1 of 3 preferred destinations for Kevin Durant Marlins sweep Nationals! While Shohei Ohtani returns to pitching Memphis Grizzlies pick up a haul from the Orlando Magic while dealing Desmond Bane The guys are shocked that the 3rd best Grizzlies player went for 4 draft picks Tobin compares this situation to that of the Rudy Gobert or Mikal Bridges trade What will be the ripple effect for the teams involved and the league as a whole Show Pony continues to stress how Good Desmond Bane is, while still being baffled by his trade value Tobin gives us his POV from this weekend's Dirty Boxing event as he fights off Whale Noise instincts Shams reports HEAT in KD's top 3 trade destinations. We dive into this report Tobin feared HEAT were out of KD race following photo showing Jimmy Butler & Kevin Durant together in Paris Tobes explains the difference between the Jimmy Butler situation last year and KD's situation this year We get into a deeper conversation comparing the Two superstars We close the Hour out with Leroy's Game Balls and Game Bums! Leroy gives a shoutout to JJ spawn for his victory this weekend He then calls out the media for babying the Oilers in their coverage of the Stanley Cup Final Leroy Commends the Cats for being Battle tested in the finals Tobin is tickled by the Selfie he took this weekend with the GOAT We check in on the Jalen Ramsey sweepstakes as the trail has seemed to go cold Leroy explains why Chris Grier was so transparent when discussing Ramsey's situation We take some time to discuss Jon Bones Jones and his legacy (HR.3) Stephen A. Smith Caught Red Handed! Tobin gives us our latest headlines as we get pumped for Game 6! We take time to drink the TNT broadcast's tears as they "Weep" for the Oilers Windy reports Suns unhappy with all current offers for Kevin Durant Leroy Laughs at the arrogance of the New York Knicks We review the offers on the table for KD and determine what it will take to reel in the big fish Is acquiring Durant as simple as the HEAT giving up Kel'El Ware? Are we witnessing the new standard in the NBA in regards to managing 3 superstars Stephen A. Caught in 4k! The world renowned sports analyst is caught playing Solitaire during the NBA finals He then Lies about the timing of his unfortunate photo We discuss how bad of a look this is for him and the NBA Panthers speaking at the moment, we peak into the presser Mathew Tkachuk speaks on Bobrovsky's value and how he was told there was 50% chance he'd miss playoffs Tkachuk describes the home town support Paul M ...

In this powerful closing message of the POV series, Nancy McCready reminds us that while the series may end, the Point of View from the Father never does. She challenges listeners to shift from living by external validation and appearances to becoming true, living witnesses—those who live from the inside out, guided by the Holy Spirit. Through deep spiritual integration, we become aligned in spirit, soul, and body, not just knowing about God but living in oneness with Him. Nancy emphasizes that maturity flows from dependency, and that every believer is called to live as God's holy dwelling place, moved not by emotion or external opinion, but by the inward leading of the Spirit. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/POV-18.0.pdf LINKS The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

In conversation with Mina Alyeshmerni of @Maimoun_store on why independent retail is punk, pushing against traditional fashion hierarchies, Barney's informing how she could operate in fashion, the dot com boom and when we started shopping online, supporting young growing designers and how this changes the system, championing diverse POV's, what goes into a $500 top, defining good design, what sets Maimoun apart and how not to add to the noise, the role independent fashion plays in future fashion culture and so much more

ICYMI: Hour One of ‘Later, with Mo'Kelly' Presents – PART TWO of Mo'Kelly's special in-depth coverage of the sixth straight day of protests against the ICE raids in Los Angeles with regular guest contributor Tiffany Hobbs weighing in with ‘The Viral Load' POV - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio app & YouTube @MrMoKelly

We got our favorite guest co host back with the real! Honcho Hoodlum is here to give his POV on all the city's madness! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WeLoveHipHopNetwork416 Intro Songs Rob49 - WTHelly https://open.spotify.com/track/03gyVoP8A8A3mdcGMxcHqD?si=aa6ba7e829e24b73 Big thanks to B3 from B3 Studio https://www.instagram.com/utopiarecordsca/ Thanks to Diamond Club: https://www.instagram.com/diamondclub_905/ Steamin Hot Grabba: https://www.instagram.com/steaminhotgrabba/ We Love Hip Hop: www.instagram.com/welovehiphopnetwork/ Friday: www.instagram.com/fridayrickydred/ Dusty Wallace: www.instagram.com/trappherajohn/ Prod B3: https://www.instagram.com/prod.b3/ DJ Zar: https://www.instagram.com/djzartv/

Nancy opens up a fresh view from the Book of Acts, reading from the Passion Translation and reflecting on its powerful greeting: “to the lovers of God.” This phrase isn't just poetic—it's a revelation. We are not lovers of God by striving, but by being born again through His Spirit. It's a sobering reminder that spiritual transformation is His work in us, not our own doing. She highlights the contrast and continuity in Acts—from the fast fire of Pentecost to the slow fire of Paul teaching from his home. The book begins with Jesus' instructions and ends with Paul's steady discipleship. This reveals a rhythm in God's movement: the spectacular and the steady both have a place in the maturing of His people. Nancy calls us to consider whether we are spectators of God's movement or surrendered participants in His ongoing acts. This is a call to live as living witnesses—glad-hearted, trustworthy sons—formed in the everyday, prepared for the hour we're living in, and united as His apostolic company on the earth today. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/POV-17.0.pdf LINKS The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

Today, we're doing things a little differently—our guest is a dad. Author and spoken word poet, Tanner Olson, shares his heart (and humor!) as we chat about his long journey to fatherhood and what God has taught him along the way. Tanner's words and vulnerability are profound as he reminds us to  s l o w  d o w n , notice the world around us, and that there's always hope in the midst of hardship. Oh, and he also tells us what dads actually want for Father's Day, so don't miss out.  This show is brought to you ad-free by our generous Substack community. If you'd like to support the work we do for as little as $3/month, head to coffeeandcrumbs.substack.com to join us (and get bonus episodes!). For show notes, go to coffeeandcrumbs.net/podcast. Tanner shared his POV about fatherhood; listen to this bonus episode to hear POV: You're a Single Mom. For more encouragement in your motherhood journey, check out the stories at Coffee + Crumbs. 

Have you ever felt puzzled by how trial reels actually work, or wondered what type of content actually pops off for non-followers? You're not alone! I've been experimenting with trial reels since they first launched, testing out different hooks and content styles, and I'm here to share what's really working. We'll explore why storytelling and clear elevator pitch style intros just might be the secret sauce for trial reels, plus I'll walk you through my step by step process so you can test, duplicate, and optimize your content with ease. There's no magic one size fits all code, but I'll break down exactly how to find the formula that works for you, and how to repeat it. In this episode we'll be covering:Tips for using Instagram trial reels to test content before sharing with your main feed.How to duplicate reels for both trial reels and your public Instagram feed.The importance of clear, storytelling hooks that introduce your account and vibe.Prompts and ideas for trial reels, including POV introductions and personalized captions.Testing multiple reel variations and analyzing which ones actually gain traction.Other episodes you might have missed:Episode 060: Nail Your Short Form Videos with This Simple FormulaEpisode 061: Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful ReelEpisode 063: Was That an Ad? Even the Big Brands are Making it PersonalEpisode 064: POV: They're hitting follow… Immediately.Send a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!

In this deeply personal and unscripted episode, Nancy McCready takes us behind the scenes of a season devoted to content creation at NMM—a season marked by creative resistance, spiritual agitation, and the pressing call to stay aligned with the Father. She opens up about the messy tension between productivity and dependency, and how real transition exposes our deep need to stay rooted in Him, not just inspired by Him. Nancy contrasts the flood of content, trends, and distractions vying for attention with the call to be living witnesses—those who don't just admire Jesus but embody Him. Through a powerful reading from her book From Trauma to Trust on Cross Christianity versus Cultural Christianity, and the Message Bible's introduction to Acts, she invites listeners to reject performance and imitation and embrace being made into the message itself. This episode is a sober and stirring reminder that the point of view we carry must be forged in oneness with the Father. Not everything that sparkles is light—and not every message builds the house God desires. In this pivotal time, Nancy asks: will we simply spectate, or will we step fully into our place as living witnesses? Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/POV-16.0.pdf LINKS The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

A vampire, a skinwalker, and a demon walk into a haunted house, Brian and Steve want to turn the movie off. After an unfair loss in the Korean Horror Showdown by audience vote, we're made to watch more sloppy found footage on Tubi instead of something awesome. The Monster Project is half a boring found footage, half a first person POV haunted house and neither the two shall gel. Plus there's some weird lazy racism and Christian messaging. We also get into Liquid Death acceptance, Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein trailer and Resident Evil 9 announcement.  Plus we spin the wheel for our July Showdown voting bloc.    Find Us Online-   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halloweenisforever/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/halloweenisforever Twitter: https://twitter.com/HallowForever Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@halloweenisforeverpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HalloweenIsForeverPod E-Mail: Halloweenisforeverpod@gmail.com

Where do business insight and patient experience come together?In this week's episode, Dr. Eduardo Hariton shares his POV on cost reductions, business opportunities, and what fertility tech gets right (and wrong) when designing for doctors and patients alike.We talk about:70% or 10%, differences in IVF conversion rateHow to reduce patient drop outHow to measure real IVF conversion ratesWhere Cercle fits in the fertility tech stackHow to balance human touch with scalable systems

In which I continue to speak about yang derangement syndrome from the POV of Daoist nondual animism and decolonial critical pedagogy.This is likely a 3- or 4-part series released in May, June & July/August 2025.You can see video and supportive materials on my substack, free and premium tiers and on my patreon.

 Enter the WIS Podcast Anniversary Giveaway! Point of view is one of the most important craft decisions you'll make as a writer—and one of the easiest to get tangled up in. In this episode, we're breaking down what POV actually is, why it matters, and how to use it with intention.You'll learn:The pros and cons of first, second, and third person POVWhat terms like “third person limited” and “close” really meanHow to avoid head-hopping and other common pitfallsWhen it's okay to blend POVs—and how to do it wellHow to choose the right narrative lens for your storyWhether you're just starting out or revising a draft, this episode will help you make smarter POV choices and tell your story with more clarity and confidence.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Point of View00:16 – Welcome to Write It Scared01:26 – Craft Chat: POV01:50 – Giveaway Announcement02:23 – What POV is and why it matters05:59 – First Person POV: Strengths and limitations09:05 – Second Person POV: Rare but powerful11:02 – Third Person POV: Limited, close, omniscient, and more17:46 – Blending POVs intentionally19:13 – How to choose the right POV for your story21:50 – Final thoughts and encouragement22:02 – Next week's guest and closingOther links and resources [Episode 50: How to Plan and Outline Your Novel][Episode 42: Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs] 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/ 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

In this heartfelt and raw episode, Nancy McCready speaks into the deep vacuum left by the absence of true discipleship—one that cultivates mature sons who walk in daily oneness with the Father. She reminds us that Jesus has already accomplished the victory, and now we are invited to gather the spoils by living as those who share in His life and authority. Nancy challenges the current culture of church busyness and performance, calling us to return to the Father's original desire: a people who know Him intimately, are rooted in Him, and are being steadily matured by the Spirit. This is not about hype or hurried solutions—it's about allowing the organic work of God to unfold in us, forming His real house through surrendered, obedient sons. Recorded in real time during a season of deep content creation, Nancy invites listeners to slow down, enter in for themselves, and give God their time and treasure. What He's after cannot be manufactured—it can only be received and walked out in daily obedience. This is how we fill the vacuum and become living witnesses of His unfolding move. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/POV-15.0.pdf LINKS The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

Ani toto pondělí nepřijdete o vidcast, který nabízí dvě plnohodnotná témata, rozhovor i závěrečný mišmaš. Povídat si budeme o neúspěchu Segy Saturn a dojmech ze strategie Anno 117. Naším hostem byl filosof Ivo Pezlar, který s pomocí umělé inteligence vytvořil vlastní hru. Seznam témat 00:00 - Start 13:01 - Proč neuspěla konzole Sega Saturn 40:02 - Dojmy z hraní Anno 117: Pax Romana 1:00:18 - Rozhovor s filosofem. Ivo Pezlar o své hře Truth Finder: A Quest of Logic 1:30:05 - Závěrečný mišmaš

#187: Josie is joined by The Everygirl's Senior Fashion Editor, Madeline Galassi, to break down everything you need to know about what to wear for summer 2025. From the trends that are everywhere (and the ones we're officially done pretending to like), to Real Housewives as trending styles, they're covering how to actually dress like the main character this season. Maddie gives a behind-the-scenes POV on how trends go from runway to real life, the “It-Girl” staples to pack for your next vacation, and the simple swaps that instantly elevate any outfit. Plus, they wrap up with a juicy round of FMK: fashion edition (yes, Zendaya is involved). This episode is equal parts group chat, fashion therapy, and your new summer shopping list.Shop the articles mentioned:https://theeverygirl.com/summer-capsule-wardrobe/https://theeverygirl.com/trendy-sandals/https://theeverygirl.com/fisherman-aesthetic-fashion-trend/https://theeverygirl.com/jelly-shoes-trend/https://theeverygirl.com/sardine-trend/For Detailed Show Notes visit theeverygirlpodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's one of the first choices you'll make when writing a story, consciously or not: what point of view are you writing from? First person singular? Third person limited? Omniscient? Something else? The POV can affect a reader's experience of the narrative and the worldbuilding, either subtly or dramatically -- so how do you decide what's right for this story? Kate Elliott joins us to explore the possibilities! In this episode, we look at how the point of view can shape both what you communciate about a world and how you communicate it. The POV shows the rhythms of life and can be a good way to feed worldbuilding to the reader -- but it can also expose a character's gaps in knowledge or their biases and prejudices! After all, a commoner and a noble living in same location will interact with different pieces of the world and in very different ways. That, in turn, can affect how the author thinks of the world: what we spotlight, where we might have gaps, and prompting a need to check our own biases. And on top of all of that, POV is also something with its own trends within genres and over time! So we dig into those influences as well. Transcript for Episode 156 Our Guest: Kate Elliott has been publishing science fiction and fantasy for over thirty years with a particular focus in immersive world building and epic stories of adventure & transformative cultural change. She's written epic fantasy, space opera, science fiction, Young Adult fantasy, and the Afro-Celtic post-Roman alternate-history fantasy with lawyer dinosaurs, Cold Magic, as well as two novellas set in the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. Her work has been nominated for the Nebula, World Fantasy, Norton, and Locus Awards. Her novel Black Wolves won the RT Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Epic Fantasy 2015. She lives in Hawaii, where she paddles outrigger canoes and spoils her schnauzer.

POV: Living witnesses Are we living witnesses of God's transformative power or merely offering temporary solutions? True spiritual leadership isn't about building big ministries or keeping people dependent. It's about the life of Christ Himself being nurtured and cultivated in you so you become a big, wide-open door for others to enter into oneness with the Father. Let's eradicate the vacuum of living witnesses. It's not about offering better methods for self-improvement, but passing on the very life of Christ Himself. Are you ready to be a living witness? Here we go! Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/POV-14.0.pdf LINKS The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

The gang minus one is back from their Toronto Live Show and they get right to it. They recap the live show, discuss their coulda been draft sheet, Recent impulsive buys, Dre having excessive BIG brother syndrome, getting your girl out of a tight spot, and our Neighbors come for us on this week's episode.Could Been Records (0:00)Impulsive Buys (15:15)Its been 2 weeks (23:30)Getting her out of a Pickle (34:23)Live Show Recap (40:54)FAM MAIL (50:55)Keep tagging us on videos (1:05:03)Bellzy's POV - (1:12:19) Live show Extended (1:14:30)Send us a Fam Mail HEREFollow us on social media

#613: Rachel Rodgers graduated from law school with $330,000 in student loans. Her starting salary? Just $41,000. Most people would have accepted this crushing debt-to-income ratio. They'd slowly chip away at payments for decades. Rodgers had a different plan. She deferred her loans and started her own virtual law practice in 2008 — during the recession, when jobs were scarce and most lawyers were struggling to find work.  Her mom thought she was crazy.  Her first year, she made around $65,000 in gross revenue with only $300 in overhead costs. By year two, she was earning $300,000. The key to her success wasn't cutting expenses or living on rice and beans. Rodgers focused entirely on earning more money.  We talk about the practical steps she took to scale her business.  She waited until hitting $250,000 in annual revenue before bringing on her first full-time employee — an administrative assistant who immediately paid for herself by responding to client inquiries faster than Rodgers could manage alone. Rodgers also shares insights from a CEO's perspective on what employees should know when asking for a raise.  Understand your company's goals. Know your boss's pain points. When you spot a problem, bring three solutions — not just the issue. She usually goes with whatever option her team recommends. "You are the asset," she explains. This mindset applies whether you're an entrepreneur or an employee trying to maximize your career potential. Our interview covers her transition from solopreneur to multimillion-dollar business owner, her approach to leading employees, and her philosophy on building wealth through entrepreneurship rather than cost-cutting. Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (0:00) Introduction (2:00) Rachel's $330,000 debt with $41,000 salary  (5:35) Why earning more beats cutting expenses  (6:40) Starting solo law practice during 2008 recession (9:13) Hitting $300,000 revenue in year two (11:00) Debt payments versus business reinvestment  (14:20) Small Business Bodyguard digital product success story (21:00) Virtual law offices and perfect timing decisions (24:30) Taking calculated risks  (39:00) Financial independence and Fat FIRE goals (46:00) When to hire employees  (53:00) Why opportunity costs matter more than expenses (57:00) Being invaluable employee from boss POV (1:11:00) Salary negotiation tactics (1:19:00) Building relationships with remote team members (1:21:00) Launching adult kids into financial independence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the pros and cons of writing a novel from multiple POVs—including how to avoid the #1 mistake that kills multi-POV novels.Are multiple point-of-view characters right for your story? Will they create the kind of depth that keeps readers hooked, or will they just leave you with a tangled mess of voices that never quite click together?Writing a multi-POV novel is one of the most challenging approaches to storytelling. When done well, it creates a rich, immersive experience that readers absolutely love. But when done poorly, it can completely derail your entire manuscript.In today's episode, I'll explain what it means to write a multiple-point-of-view novel, how it differs from other narrative approaches, and if it's the right choice for your story.You'll hear me talk about things like:[03:05] Why most writers confuse multiple POV with omniscient POV and how this one mistake can sabotage your entire story.[04:50] The surprising way multiple perspectives create story depth that makes readers think about your book long after finishing it (think Game of Thrones level complexity).[07:15] My favorite "secret weapon" technique that uses contrasting viewpoints to create those jaw-dropping "aha" moments readers can't stop talking about.[11:00] The #1 challenge that kills most multi-POV novels before they're even finished (hint: it's not plot structure, and it's definitely not what you think).[15:25] Five make-or-break questions to ask yourself before committing to multiple POVs (because choosing the wrong narrative approach can derail months of hard work.)If you've been wondering whether your story needs different character perspectives or if you're already writing from multiple points of view but feel overwhelmed by the nuances, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

SPONSORS: 1) GhostBed: Use Code "JULIAN" to get 10% off your new GhostBed Mattress https://ghostbed.com/julian Stream "Getting Older" by Sydney Ruth:Apple: https://open.spotify.com/track/3qG9MtWQWmmq2hdGufuR3j PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey (***TIMESTAMPS in Description Below) ~ Roya Hakakian is an Iranian American Jewish journalist, lecturer, and writer. Born in Iran, she came to the United States as a refugee and is now a naturalized citizen. She is the author of several books, including an acclaimed memoir in English called "Journey from the Land of No," "Assassins of the Turquoise Palace," and "A Beginner's Guide to America." ROYA's LINKS: X: https://x.com/RoyaTheWriter BOOK 1: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Land-No-Girlhood-Revolutionary/dp/0609810308 BOOK 2: https://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Turquoise-Palace-Roya-Hakakian/dp/0802145973 FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY INSTAGRAM (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/juliandoreypodcast/ INSTAGRAM (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://twitter.com/julianddorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 0:00 - Escaping Iran in the 70's, Ayatollah Takeover 7:25 - Tehran US Embassy Hostage Crisis, Shah of Iran Reign 17:55 - Marxist & Fascist Iranian Revolution, Hamas/Israel Protests Today, Iran Protests 30:21 - Children growing into terror motives, Israel's POV, Palestinian Suffering 40:25 - Jewish Exodus from Europe to Israel, History of Israel, Uganda Zion, Escaping Iran 50:32 - Roya's Father (9/11 Story), Israel & Palestinian Failed 2 State Solution, Kurds 1:07:54 - Israel Strategy, Bill Clinton Peace Agreement, Sadam Hussein Debacle, Water Protests 1:18:53 - AI Future w/ Wars, Iranian Regime vs US Political Machine 1:22:01 - Why Iran Wins Propaganda War, Neglect of Domestic Issues 1:28:45 - Middle East Democracy Failure Debate, Women's Rights in Middle East 1:33:04 - Global Interconnection, Threats Spreading 1:43:37 - Roya's CIA Story 1:51:48 - Isolationists vs War Hawks, Democracy vs Tyranny 2:00:21 - State of World Since 1950s, Historical Revisionism 2:15:22 - Worst American Crisis, Steven Pinker 2:20:21 - 1979 Iranian Revolution, Moment Roya turned on Iranian Revolution 2:36:09 - Escaping Iran to America, Jewish history in Iran 2:47:08 - Solution to Israel/Palestine Conflict 2:55:41 - Roya's work CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - In-Studio Producer: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 307 - Roya Hakakian Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vladimir Vladimirovič Putin. Líný diktátor, který by chtěl být mocným carem. Poví o něm vzácný host – britská novinářka Catherine Beltonová. Catherine byla roky zpravodajkou v Moskvě a teď píše pro americký deník The Washington Post. Ptá se Matěj Skalický.Všechny díly podcastu Vinohradská 12 můžete pohodlně poslouchat v mobilní aplikaci mujRozhlas pro Android a iOS nebo na webu mujRozhlas.cz.

Are we seeking a better version of self, or a crucified self that brings forth His life within us? In this episode of Tent Talk Podcast, Nancy McCready explores the difference between biblical discipleship and modern therapy. While modern therapy often focuses on self-improvement and coping mechanisms, true discipleship brings us into deep, abiding oneness with the Father. It isn't about coping better or avoiding triggers. It's about being transformed by the life of Christ within us. Are you ready to move beyond self-help to Christ-centered transformation? Here we go! Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/POV-13.0-1.pdf LINKS The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

Audio of the livestream in which LG & special guest Egg go all in on The Griffin Reborn, Jon Connington's second POV chapter in ADwD. Support us on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meg Mitchell Moore is the author of Mansion Beach, a page-turner-y multi POV summer saga with everything you could ask for: a beach, a body, rich people behaving badly but also sometimes not behaving badly, parties, drama and just enough gender-swapped Gatsby to think hard about the meaning of the American Dream. I loved it (KJ here) and I also loved this conversation with Meg, who apparently thinks in multiple POVS and is always just as impatient as I am to feel like the book is done and wonderful when sadly it is… not. #AmReadingMeg: Audio: Great Big Beautiful Life, Emily Henry—Julia WhelanAlso mentioned: Julia Whelan's Thank You for ListeningPrint: The Road to Dalton, Shannon Bowringfrom The Book Shop of Beverly FarmsKJ: Mansion BeachWelcome to Glorious Tuga, Francesca SegalFind Meg at @megmitchellmoore on IG, or visit her website at www.megmitchellmoore.comHEY. Did you know Sarina's latest thriller is out NOW? Rowan Gallagher is a devoted single mother and a talented architect with a high-profile commission restoring an historic mansion for the most powerful family in Maine. But inside, she's a mess. She knows that stalking her ex's avatar all over Portland on her phone isn't the healthiest way to heal from their breakup. But she's out of ice cream and she's sick of romcoms. Watching his every move is both fascinating and infuriating. He's dining out while she's wallowing on the couch. The last straw comes when he parks in their favorite spot on the waterfront. In a weak moment, she leashes the dog and sets off to see who else is in his car. Instead of catching her ex in a kiss, Rowan becomes the first witness to his murder—and the primary suspect.Digital books at: Amazon | Nook | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Audible Physical books at: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | More paperback links here!New! Transcripts below!EPISODE 450 - TRANSCRIPTKJ Dell'AntoniaKJ here announcing a new series and a definite plus for paid supporters of Hashtag AmWriting. It's Writing the Book, a conversation between Jenny, who's just finished a blueprint for her next nonfiction book, and me because I've just finished the blueprint for what I hope will be my next novel. Jenny and I are both trying to quote-unquote "play big" with these next go-rounds, which is a meta effort for Jenny as that's exactly what her book is about, and we're basically coaching each other through, trading pages, thoughts and encouragement, as well as some sometimes hard-to-hear honesty about whether we're really going in the right direction. So come all in on team Hashtag AmWriting, and you'll get those Writing the Book episodes right in your pod player along with access to monthly AMAs, the book labs, first pages episodes, and come summer, we shall blueprint once again. So sign yourself up at amwritingpodcast.com.All SpeakingIs it recording? Now it's recording. Yay. Go ahead. This is the part where I stare blankly at the microphone. Try to remember what I'm supposed to be doing. Alright. Let's start over. Awkward pause. I'm gonna rustle some papers. Okay. Now one, two, three.KJ Dell'AntoniaHey, I'm KJ Dell'Antonia, and this is Hashtag AmWriting, the weekly podcast about writing all the things. Short things, long things, pitches, proposals, fiction, nonfiction, memoir, other things I'm probably not thinking of. We are the podcast about sitting down and getting your work done. And I am KJ Dell'Antonia, the author of three novels, The Chicken Sisters, In Her Boots and Playing the Witch Card, as well as a nonfiction book, How to Be a Happier Parent, former editor of The New York Times Motherlode. You've heard all this. With me today, more importantly, is Meg Mitchell Moore, who has written a book that I think you're gonna find is your summer go to. It is called Mansion Beach, and I loved it. And we'll talk about it in a second. She is also the author of Summer Stage, Vacationland, can attest to both of those great reads. The Islanders, Two Truths and a Lie, The Admissions, loved that one too. They're all great. So, anyway, lots of lots of novels in the family saga, sometimes touch of romance, beach, summer, deep, but also page turnery read genre, which is not a genre because that was too long. But, anyway, Meg, thanks for coming to chat.Meg Mitchell MooreThank you for having me. I'm so happy to be here. This is gonna be really fun.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo I've read some of your other books, obviously, and I felt like this one Mansion Beach was you sort of moving to a different this. It's a little how to describe it. You've got a lot of points of view, which you always, you often do, and a little bit of of a mystery, which actually, I've seen you do before, and then you've got a podcast going on so that you can have different people show show off what's happening. I guess I was hoping you would talk about the evolution of style, um, actually, over your whole career, sort of from, like, I'm writing a kind of a basic book with a couple of points of view and third person close, or maybe first person to these bigger, bigger stories with so much more to so much more to offer the reader. That's a really big question. Start wherever you want.Meg Mitchell MooreThat's a great question. I I don't know if it has been such an evolution. I have always written multiple points of view to the point where it makes me crazy. And I wish I could. I wish I could do one or two. I really wish I could. I've tried it. I can't do it. I just can't. My brain doesn't work that way. It's I can't do it. So even my very first novel, which I published in 2011 it was called The Arrivals, that was a much smaller story. So yes, I for sure, I've evolved plot wise, but I remember, and this was when I was brand new and did not know what I was doing, and I was just trying to figure out how to write a novel. I had so many points of view. And I remember my now agent. Maybe she was not my agent then and was becoming my agent, or maybe she was already my agent, but I remember her saying, we have to take out at least like five of these points of view. And it's still, it still has a lot. I just that's how I think those are the kind of books I like to read, usually, not always, for one thing, but it just. Must be how I think I'm always in everybody's head, and it's really hard for me to restrain that. So this book, I don't think, has any more points of view than any other. Might have fewer than some. It does have a mystery.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah it might, then some that I've read, I guess I I, I saw it as different, maybe in part because of the the use of the podcast to frame things.Meg Mitchell MooreYeah that's new. And then it's a bigger, you know, it's a bigger idea. It's a, it's not a retelling of The Great Gatsby, because I don't like to use that word, but it is inspired by The Great Gatsby. So it has definitely some bigger I was looking at bigger themes, maybe from the start. A lot of times I back my way into the themes based on what my characters are doing. I don't always start with the themes, but this time i i was looking at some of those big whether, what's the American dream and what does success mean, and how does money equate with happiness, and some of those bigger questions. And I don't always do that. I might do it in reverse, but I don't always do that first. So I do think it has bigger theme wise, it's bigger maybe plot wise, yeah. And some of the elements, some of the elements that move it along, are a little different. I was working with a new editor for the first time for this. This is my first full book with my new editor. So I think that had something to do with it too, because I think she was probably pushing me for some of those elements that don't come naturally to me, which I think ended up being good for the book.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, it's a little more thriller. Isn't exactly the right word, but there's definitely a page turning mystery in there. I know here's, this is like a so there's a page turning mystery in Mansion Beach, and the question all along for the reader, like, you know somebody is going to die. But I at least did not know who, but I had an advance, and it came as a as a digital book, so I didn't have the cover and I didn't have the blurb on the back, if a reader has those things, are they gonna know?Meg Mitchell MooreInteresting.KJ Dell'AntoniaAre they gonna know? Who it is that that dies?Meg Mitchell MooreI don't think so. I don't think so. The people I know who have read it both ways, I think have not known.KJ Dell'AntoniaThat's good.Meg Mitchell MooreIt's sort of that white lotus effect, you know, for White Lotus fans out there, where there is a mystery, and you care about the mystery, but you also it matters, but it doesn't matter as much as what's going on with everybody else. So I really like that as a framing device. I like watching it and reading it. And I tried it myself this time. I did it a little bit in two truths and a lie as well. I guess that's my only other one that has a dead body, and a lot of people are mad at me for who the person was who died, which I want. And two truths...KJ Dell'AntoniaDon't give it up.Meg Mitchell MooreNo, I won't. So that was interesting, so I hadn't tried it again, and this time I went in a little nervous, because people had been upset with me, particularly my husband. But I I still, I mean, I had the chance not to do what I did in two truths and a lie, and I still chose to. So I still, for me, it was the right thing, but it was an interesting experience. And I didn't try it again for a couple books. And this time I did also because I was playing with some of the Gatsby themes. I mean, Gatsby has three bodies, so I thought, I mean, I should have at least one, so I won't, yeah, I won't give anything away about…KJ Dell'AntoniaNo, don't.Meg Mitchell MooreWho or what or how, but I did enjoy having that as a device to propel it now that also, I don't think that was in the first draft. I don't think there was a body in the first draft. I mean, there were huge changes in this book, and I think that was one of them. I think we decided we needed the body after one draft.KJ Dell'AntoniaWow. Okay, now I'm deeply fascinated, and of course, I'm trying. So I'm trying to make this interesting and useful for those of you who haven't read the book, although you could also stop, go get the book, and read it, and then listen to this, and then it would be even better.Meg Mitchell MooreThat is true.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah. Okay, so let me just start by saying I am actually not a person who typically likes a book where your whole like, like, the question is, you know, either who died or who did it. So Lucy Foley, I've enjoyed some of those, but it's not necessarily my favorite go to genre, but the thing that made this book work great for me was exactly what you just said, that there's so much more to it. You I could see that this story would exist before you added that and that. I mean, that's so cool. And then I also, I'm not a Gatsby person, so neither of those would like, neither of those hooks is going to grab me. But what grabbed me, I think, was the different women, different versions of the American dream.Meg Mitchell MooreMm-hmm.KJ Dell'AntoniaIs that where you started?Meg Mitchell MooreI started… Yeah, I think so I would. Really, yes, I wanted to really look at notions of success, particularly for women today. You know, it's contemporary. It takes place that, you know, in the summer that is coming out, or that, if you actually match up the dates, and I think I messed up the tides and the moon in some places, but it's the summer. So yes, I was very interested in those questions. I was I wanted to have a love triangle, because I think that's interesting, and that's part of Gatsby too. So it's funny that you say you're not a Gatsby person. I think my first, another change from my first draft, was very Gatsby heavy. I think I tried to, I think it just was, I was trying too hard to to do the same thing. And…KJ Dell'AntoniaIt's kind of a reverse-gendered Gatsby.Meg Mitchell MooreIt is, yes, it's reverse gendered. But what I was doing was just, I was just trying to, I don't know what I was doing, but it was a mess. I mean, I always knew I wanted to play with Gatsby, but I tried to do it too closely. And I tried a little first person with the narrator, which that's how Gatsby is told, but I can't write him. Can't write successfully in first person. So that was a mess. And I remember that my editor probably looked at this thing and said, This is what are we doing? But what she said to me nicely was, you need to, like, don't worry so much about Gatsby at all, like you need to free yourself from those constraints, and you need to write the story. And that was the best advice, because that's when it started to come together. So it's more that Gatsby was a jumping off point, and some of those themes, I was so interested in how those themes are so relevant 100 years later, and they are, so I think I needed that as a jumping off point, but I didn't need to, you know, retell it scene by scene, or try to have the narrator feel the same, or do anything like that. And I had some missteps along the way before I figured that out.KJ Dell'AntoniaIt interests me that this doesn't seem to have taken any longer than your other books, did it?Meg Mitchell MooreUh, I felt like it took forever. My books have come out either with note with, you know, a year and then the next summer, or with two summers in between. This one has, this one has an empty summer in between. So I did need that extra writing time for this. And I remember, I always start out thinking I could do this in a year. I'll absolutely and I always hit. I'm a deadline hitter. You know, I always hit the deadlineKJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, you give them something.Meg Mitchell MooreYeah, I was a journalist for a long time. I just, I'm not late on things. I just always, I'm just, I always hit my deadlines, but it might be awful. And so this was nobody actually. I mean, it was pretty awful when I think back to that first draft, and I think that my editor and Agent thought, okay, we can do this. And I looked at it, and I looked at my schedule and my life and my brain, and I thought, I don't think I can do it very well. So we put it off for a year, which gave me not a year's writing time, but maybe six months that I hadn't had. And that made a big difference. So this one took a little longer. Same thing with vacation land. I had the exact same thing happen where I thought it was going to come out one summer, it came out the next summer, but Summer Stage and then the book coming out, if I finish it next summer, will have no extra time in between. So it kind of, I've gone both ways with it.KJ Dell'AntoniaDo you see any like consistency in why? Or it just sort of either happens that way or it doesn't?Meg Mitchell MooreI think I when I try bigger, when I try bigger books, I need more time, as it should be, but I always think I can do it. You know, I'm patience is not, is not my best quality. Impatience is my worst quality. So I find that I'm usually impatient to get something done or to hit the deadline or to put the book out, and I have to slow myself down when necessary, and vacation land. It was a different editor, same publisher, but different editor. I remember her saying, having that talk with me and saying, it will be a much better book. If we put it out the following year, it will be so much better. And she was right. So we needed that time.KJ Dell'AntoniaI so totally relate to this.Meg Mitchell MooreDo you?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, absolutely. I mean, I'm in the middle of it. Now, if anybody who's listening is also listening to our what the books are writing the books, what the books also like? It's a little mini series where one of my co-hosts is writing nonfiction and I'm writing fiction, and we're trading pages, and we're doing a weekly series of conversations. And this week's realization was, I have always known that I'm writing a story with multiple points of view, but I couldn't start it that way. I had. I had to start it with just this one protagonist. And then I thought, Oh, well, then it'll just be that, and it'll probably be really easy. Look, I've got this all planned out. I'm just gonna write. I'm just gonna, oh, I'll bet I can get, what if I got my agent a draft this summer? Hahaha, it's, you know, it's not good, but I'm so impatient. I want ...Meg Mitchell MooreRight, right. Well, I was listening to one of your to your podcast the other yesterday, and it was the one where you were talking about your story idea starting. How do you, how do you ideate the book?KJ Dell'AntoniaOh, gosh.Meg Mitchell MooreAnd you so you write a book, and then you present it to your agent, and then you sell it, right? So…KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Meg Mitchell MooreThat's your process. So I'm the opposite, where I write, I get the contract first, and then I have to write the book. And I don't know which is harder, because you don't have a built in deadline. You have your own deadlines that you said, but you're writing something that you said. Maybe this will sell, maybe it won't, I don't know, whereas I know it will eventually be published, but I also have that pressure of I have to get things in on time. So what do you think is, what's better? What's worse?KJ Dell'AntoniaI don't know. I envy your... I envy that way. I feel like that would make me feel more secure, more professional. My, my agent, doesn't… she's very against selling a book of mine, at least before I've written it, because she says, I'll, she says I might change it, and then, and then, it won't be what we sold or I won't be happy. So so I don't know if she's I think she's just against it as a general rule, but I know lots of agents that that do it, and I know a lot of of writers that do it. Sometimes I look at this and I'm like, you know, I could do a proposal. Maybe we could sell it. I could get some money. That would be lovely, right? Yeah. But...Meg Mitchell MooreI see, I see your point, and I know a lot of people think that way. I remember a long time ago when I'd either published, I think I'd published no novels. Maybe my book was about to be published, my first novel, and I heard Ann Patchett speak at a conference, and she said, she said that she would never take money for a book she hadn't written.KJ Dell'AntoniaWow.Meg Mitchell MooreAnd I remember thinking, Oh, well, if that's what Ann Patchett says, I guess that's what like, that's how the world is. But I disagree, like I disagree, because for me, first of all, she has a different life situation, but for me to keep income coming in steadily, because this is my only job, I feel like that's the way to do it. And I also feel like other industries, like my husband doesn't only get paid when he goes to the board meeting. He's getting paid every other week for his job that he does for the company that he works for. And so to try to approximate a little bit of a normal salary, I feel like that's the way to do it. But then I also see the other side, and I see why Ann Patchett wouldn't do it, because she's Ann Patchett, you know, so she can take whatever time she needs...KJ Dell'AntoniaSee that's so funny. Because I think, well, you can do this because you're Meg Mitchell Moore, and Meg Mitchell Moore is going to sell and a KJ Dell'Antonia, one of them will, and the others somewhat less, so at least that's my my record at the moment. So I guess we just all see each other differently. My co-host Sarina sells on proposal.Meg Mitchell MooreOkay, so fiction, that's fiction?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, yeah. She sold thrillers and romances that way. Okay, so she has a bigger track record. But also, I've known people, you know, I guess there's just different ways of of of doing it. And I would not say that I chose this. It chose me.Meg Mitchell MooreInteresting, but there was always that chance. I mean, my agent... If I said to my agent, I don't want to sell till I write, she would say, Great, that might be better for both of us. We'll probably sell it for more, because you might write something really good, but I just don't want to take that. I'm too impatient, you know, I'm just Yes, maybe, if, you know, maybe if I had, you know, had some big blockbuster, and then I thought, Okay, now for two years, it doesn't matter what's coming in, because I'm getting money from that book, that would be different. But, um, that's not how it works for most people.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, and maybe I would feel less impatient with getting this done if I weren't like, I want to get to the point where I know if we're going to sell like, I wrote a whole thing last summer, and it never got to the point that we felt like we could sell it, and I I'm sick of it. I can't write it anymore. I'm done with it. I mean, maybe I'll come back to it, but, yeah, right. And like, I've had, you know, a freelance editor at it who's really good. My agent's been at it. I finished it like three times, and apparently it still sucks. So I'm done.Meg Mitchell MooreSo that's interesting, because I always think that I would not be writing good books if I didn't know if my editor gets a very messy draft, and all of my editors have gotten bad dress and really helped me. And without that step, I don't think I would ever write a book that could even be sold. So I feel like I need to know, okay, somebody else who is better at this is going to be helping me really soon. I just need to get through it.KJ Dell'AntoniaThat's that would be amazing. I don't think my editor cares enough about me to do that. So...Meg Mitchell MooreOh, my editor would absolutely prefer a cleaner draft. Like, no question. I mean, she would be delighted if I showed it to five people and got feedback, but I'm always in a rush. So I'm like, here you're the first reader. Here you go. She's like, thank you.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, that's my agent. I'll be like, Look, I'm done it's great! and She's no... it is great, but you know what would be really great? Poor agent. Yeah, okay. So, so we're we're both impatient, but we're doing this in in very different ways. Well, now I want to hear more about that. How do you go from a first draft with no body, to a final draft where the body, it's definitely one of the things that's pushing people to turn the page. It's not the only thing. So maybe that's the good news of not having started with a body. Also, did you know whose body it was?Meg Mitchell MooreUm, we discussed because, yeah, I mean, we discussed a little bit about it. I remember thinking, Could it be this person? And here's why we wouldn't want that person. Could it be this person? So we had some discussion. I didn't write it. I once I knew who it was. I didn't write multiple versions of it. I always had that person. But, and I guess I just think of it as more of a framing device than anything, and a framing device, you can add the frame later.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Meg Mitchell MooreSo the middle was mostly what was happening, was happening, and then there was this framing device and and then there are certain things at the end that kind of came together. And I was like, Oh my gosh, this makes it all come together. But I didn't know that in the beginning. And that was so you may be late.KJ Dell'AntoniaDid you not know how the body became a body?Meg Mitchell MooreAh, that changed. There was...KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, I could see that.Meg Mitchell MooreAnd then I thought, oh my gosh, this is kind of what I needed to pull together all those themes. It was those exciting moments that really don't happen very often.KJ Dell'AntoniaOh, I bet and I mean, I can see it from the outside as a reader. It really did. It made it like your ending is one of those endings that changes the whole, your whole reading experience for the better, right? Not that it wasn't a great reading experience the whole time. You know, sometimes somebody doesn't stick the landing, and then you're like, yeah, no, I don't really want to recommend this. I mean, it was fine, right? But, and sometimes it's just great. It's like, solid. You're happy, yay. Okay, that's a good, it's a good. Yours colors the entire like, if I were somebody who would go back and reread it, would color the entire experience differently.Meg Mitchell MooreOh, Thank you!KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, which is cool, yeah, very cool.Meg Mitchell MooreNow, when I wrote Vacationland, I started with a body, and the body came out. So I had the opposite experience, where I thought I was writing a thriller. The whole time. I was like, this is going to be my thriller. There's a body. And I had it all. And to me, it made sense. It all tied up, and my different editor, but my then editor said, I like everything but the body.KJ Dell'AntoniaWow.Meg Mitchell MooreWe had to keep it was first it was a an important body, and then it was a less important body, and then it became the body of a seal, because I had to have just a scene of children looking at something they found in the water in the very beginning. And so it was a body, and then it was a seals body. This time. I got to keep my body at least.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo I love this also, because you haven't been, um, pigeonholed into a genre that involves bodies or doesn't involve bodies. Has that been a thing as you've as you've gone from book to book where people are like, well, I don't know… Meg, people don't really want you to kill people or the, you know, the opposite. Well, I don't know, people are kind of looking for some more thrills from you.Meg Mitchell MooreWell, Vacationland. I remember that editor said they don't, we don't want this from you. We want, we don't want. We want a summer book. We don't want. We're not looking for a thriller. You know, they had other thrillers. You know what? They're doing their own end of the business, too. So they definitely said that this time. I mean, I feel like I'm not pigeonholed, but categorized as beach as a beach book. But I think within beach books you can do all of those things. Yeah. So if I were to write a giant thriller that I said, I think this should come out in the fall, and it's a big book, I that's when they would probably say, I don't know if your audience, if you have the audience, right, pull that off unless the book is amazing, you know? I do feel like I need to come out in the summer to keep my readers.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, I actually love that. That beach book is a You're right. It's a pretty big genre. It encompasses a lot. It encompasses a lot of of things, the only requirement being that it's, you know, entertaining, which, as far as I'm concerned, is a book requirement anyway. But...Meg Mitchell MooreRight, right. It is interesting because my books also happen to usually take place on beaches, but not all beach books do. So it is, it has become a very big category and competitive like you also want to stand out in that category, because there are so many books with the word summer in the title or the word beach in the title, or this. Actually, this cover is a departure for me, which I love, because I feel like I have done the just the oceanscape or the main or the woman looking at the water. I've had those kinds of covers.KJ Dell'AntoniaIt's your first... It's, it's, it's a cartoony cover. I don't, I don't mean that it, you know that sounds Yeah, it's almost a romancy cover. But there's only one person. First. I'm just so you guys should, it'll, it'll be in the show notes. You should, you should take a look, because you're right. It is a departure. I see, yeah, I see what you're saying there. But this one's, it's a hardback, right?Meg Mitchell MooreYes.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah. Have all your books come out first in hardback?Meg Mitchell MooreThey have, yep.KJ Dell'AntoniaNice, cool.Meg Mitchell MooreHave yours?KJ Dell'AntoniaNo, none.Meg Mitchell MooreNone? Okay, now, what do you now…? Do you think that… that, I sometimes I feel like that's a great thing too.KJ Dell'AntoniaI go back and forth on that. My agent is bummed about it. But for me, it's frankly, much easier to, like, go out to everyone and be like, spend $18 versus be like spend $38.Meg Mitchell MooreI agree.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo I haven't minded. Oh, and I was at the Newburyport Book Festival a few years ago, and they accidentally got my second book only in hard book, because it was, it came out in hardback and paperback at the same time, which there was a moment of about six months when publishers were doing that, and then they stopped and they only had the hardback. And I was like, Oh, I don't even want anyone to buy that. Like that, isn't I would be mad if I bought a hardback...Meg Mitchell MooreRight, right.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd then the next day, I was at the store and was like, hey!?Meg Mitchell MooreRight, yeah, it's interesting, because I do actually love… because I bought your book The Chicken Sisters this weekend, in paperback, and I love, I love paperback, yeah, I love it.KJ Dell'AntoniaFor travel…?Meg Mitchell MooreLighter, yeah, and I think it is appealing. It's so interesting. I mean, I remember Emily Henry's first couple, at least, came out paperback, and then now that she can sell so well, they now they come in hardcover, but I still feel like...KJ Dell'AntoniaI look at them and I'm like, I don't want that that way. Now, I'll just buy a digital version, because I don't that's not…Meg Mitchell MooreRight? Right. It's really interesting. And I know I don't understand the sales end of it, the way that the people who are doing the job do, and the profits and the margin and all that. But I kind of feel like, why isn't everything in paperback right away? You know?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, no, I feel the same way. And and also people's, especially now we're thinking, we're talking about beach books. Some people's beach I mean, if my beach vacation is an airplane beach vacation, I might bring one hardback, maybe...Meg Mitchell MooreRight.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd maybe, probably not, because I'm a fast reader, I could easily eat that on the plane, and then there I would be. So...Meg Mitchell MooreRight.KJ Dell'AntoniaI don't know.Meg Mitchell MooreRight, yeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaI guess that's what e-readers are for.Meg Mitchell MooreThat's true.KJ Dell'AntoniaWell, I mean, gosh, I could probably talk to you about in depth, about the writing of this for about 12 hours. Because, okay, one one last thought. So listeners, Meg writes like we said, in multiple points of view. Talk to me about how you know when to change the point. You know what point of view a scene should be told from?Meg Mitchell MooreYeah, I don't. I'm it's so much. I do so much rewriting, a lot of that. I mean, I'm just thinking, I just turned in a draft yesterday of, hopefully next summer's novel, and I that is also multiple points of view. It's, I think it's mostly three, it's three adult sisters and they each have a point of view. There might be a couple little scattered things, but when I look back, I think I need to probably adjust, even in the draft I just turned in, I think I'm a little heavily weighted toward one over the other, so I don't always know. I just go on gut and instinct, and then I fix it later, which is how I do almost everything. I just go by instinct, and it's usually wrong And I change it later.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo, you'll, you'll be like, you've written a scene, and the point of view of one person, you realize, oh, either it's the other person's turn to have some more time, or I need their inner thoughts, not this person's inner thought...Meg Mitchell MooreRight. Yeah, its not very organized.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd sometimes you drop in like, you know, a kid on a beach or something, is that when you need something to happen that you that your protagonists don't know? Or just, you just feel like?Meg Mitchell MooreI think, I think it's fun. I just think it's fun sometimes to have this person you haven't heard from and you won't hear from again. But a lot I probably did. I probably do that. It probably gets taken out 80% of the time when I do that, because usually it doesn't make sense. But I just wanted to do it. I did it in my book. I just turned in and the first this scene between the a realtor and her husband, the realtor who's selling this house that these people are in. She doesn't matter to the book, but I just really wanted to write the scene of her and her husband, and I even wrote in the draft. I know this doesn't make sense, and my editor said, Yeah, this doesn't make sense. Like, you either need more of them, or they need to go. I don't know what they're...KJ Dell'AntoniaDo you ever give them away for? Like, you know, here's your pre order bonus. Read this extra scene…Meg Mitchell MooreI should do that. Maybe I'll do that. They'll do that. I have never done that, but maybe I will. But I feel like, I think it might be Anne Tyler. I remember reading an interview. Is she the one who does the strings like she has strings with different?KJ Dell'AntoniaMaybe, i don't know.Meg Mitchell MooreEvery character has a different colored string, and then she pulls down the red one because it's the red, you know, that's how she knows who she's writing. And I thought that was really cool, but I've never done it.KJ Dell'AntoniaThat sounds like a lot of work.Meg Mitchell MooreI guess.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd, like, I would need a different…I need a bulletin board. Okay.Meg Mitchell MooreYeah, I don't know where you, where I would hang it from, but it's just seems kind of nice to think, then maybe...KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah it does.Meg Mitchell MooreShe knows if she's done the right amount for everybody.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, The Chicken Sisters is alternating points of view. And I just, I just alternated. And then sometimes that was a problem, and I had to figure out, like, how to get somebody's feelings? Yeah? So....Meg Mitchell MooreYeah, it's confusing. I don't know why I do it to myself, because sometimes I'll just read a perfectly, a book that's just perfectly written in first person. I'm trying to think of an example right now, because I don't even always read that much in first person, but like, Yellowface? … Yellowface. Okay, that book was so, like, simple in a way, but I love I loved it. I thought it was brilliant, and it was all just this point of view, and...KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd didn't you occasionally get, like a newspaper article? I think...Meg Mitchell MooreMaybe, maybe.KJ Dell'AntoniaThat must have been what she did when she had something her person couldn't know.Meg Mitchell MooreYeah. I guess, yeah. I guess, technically, it would be harder to do it all from one because you how do they know everything? But I feel like I get lost, like I have trouble. I literally lose the plot, because I'm just this person's off doing something in their day that might have nothing to do with what's going on. I get really caught up in that kind of stuff, and that's what I have to edit out.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, I'm always trying not to do that. I'll sit there while I'm writing, like, No, do not let them move their coffee cup. They can move the coffee cup in a later draft, if the coffee cup is still here, if they're even still in this coffee shop, if this coffee shop even exists. But I can't seem to stop it. My my like, default mode is, you know, he said while taking a sip and burning his lip or whatever, right? Just, I can't seem to not do it.Meg Mitchell MooreYeah, but sometimes that's where you get the gold too, because you wrote all that, and maybe that one sentence is the thing that you needed. So it's just the process.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, it is. It's just the process, and it's longer than we hope and slower than we hope...Meg Mitchell MooreAlways...Always. Yes.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd more, and more revising. Well, do you have any, like, genius words about revision for people? Because it sounds like you do a lot of it.Meg Mitchell MooreI do a lot of it. I think just is so important. It's just so for me, it's so important. I just think nobody gets it right. I hope nobody gets it right the first time. Because if they do, I'm really jealous, but I think for the most part, nobody gets it right the first time. So revision is, I mean, I'd say I spent almost as much time on the revision I probably do as I do on the first draft.KJ Dell'AntoniaDo you still lie to yourself in the first draft and let yourself pretend it's going to be right?Meg Mitchell MooreOh yeah. I always think, Oh, this is the time I did it, I nailed it, and then I get my editorial letter, and it's like, great start. Here's the 700 things that you need to do now.KJ Dell'AntoniaWell, thank you. I feel better. I hope everyone else does too.Meg Mitchell MooreYeah, it's a long process.KJ Dell'AntoniaIt really is, all right. Well, this was fantastic. I really enjoyed it.Meg Mitchell MooreYeah, me too.KJ Dell'AntoniaAs we hit the end of any episode, we always like to ask people what they've been reading. So I hope I'm not springing that on you.Meg Mitchell MooreNo, I just I always have an audio book going and a regular book going on audio I just started the Emily Henry, the new Emily Henry, which I've never listened to her books. I've always read them, and I know that Julia, the famous Julia Whelan, is always her narrator, so and she's phenomenal. So I'm loving the audio version, which is just funny that I've never done it with Emily Henry before.KJ Dell'AntoniaDid you listen to Julia Whelan's book that she wrote herself?Meg Mitchell MooreMhmm.KJ Dell'AntoniaThat was so fascinating, because it really was different, like I actually read it, but I could feel the… yeah. Anyway, okay.Meg Mitchell MooreOh, you should go back and also listen. It's so it's such a good audio book.KJ Dell'AntoniaI bet.Meg Mitchell MooreYeah, it was fantastic. And then I'm reading a novel called The Road to Dalton that my friend Hannah, who owns the Book Shop of Beverly Farms in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts, phenomenal store recommended to me. So I bought it last time I was there, and it is about a bunch of people in a small town in Maine, which is my vibe immediately I was in. But it's very good. So I'm reading that. I can't, I can't remember the author, which is unusual for me, but Shannon something I think [Shannon Bowring].. But it's The Road to DaltonKJ Dell'AntoniaThat's okay. I will find it well. As everyone is gathered, I just finished Mansion Beach. I I really loved it. It was a rare book that I loved even more when I got to the end of it. And, yeah, it was amazing. And also in that, that vibe, that sort of small town Maine and yet, but this is like small island, middle of the Atlantic. Welcome to Glorious Tuga. Have you heard of this one?Meg Mitchell MooreNo. I've never heard of it.KJ Dell'AntoniaOkay, so it's a tiny island settled 300 years ago by a miscellanea of Dutch and British and and African people didn't have any locals. So that's kind of and they have formed the society. It's only open for half the year, because you can't, like, get a boat into it, because storms and currents and whatnot. So this woman has gone thinking that she's going to study the native tortoise population all Darwin, but she gets there and they're like, great. You're a vet. That's what we need. So it's kind of like all creatures great and small meets...I don't even know what it meets yet, I got to come up with that. But it's really a lot of fun. And it's very multi it's multi POV in a really interesting way, because you're with her, and then sort of whenever you kind of get a little interested in someone else, you're like, Oh, why are they doing that? Then maybe you'll switch to their POV. it's really, I really enjoyed it so, so that was fun. So those are my ranks, all right. Well, thank you so much, listeners for joining us, and thank you, Meg for joining me today. Where can people follow you? Where's the best?Meg Mitchell MooreMostly on Instagram @Meg Mitchell Moore, I'm on Facebook, but I don't use it very often and I kinda want to leave it. So…I also just read the Facebook, the Facebook memoir.KJ Dell'AntoniaOh yeah?Meg Mitchell MooreNo, I really want to leave Facebook, but also I know that they own Instagram. So anyway, Instagram is the best place to find me, and I was so happy to be here. Thank you. It was really fun.KJ Dell'AntoniaThis was super. Okay. Thanks everyone for listening, and until next week, keep your butt in the chair and your head in the game.Sarina BowenThe hashtag am writing podcast is produced by Andrew Perella. Our intro music, aptly titled unemployed Monday was written and played by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their time and their creative output, because everyone deserves to be paid for their work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

What started as a furlough-era side project on Instagram is now a full-fledged media brand reaching over 400,000 boutique hotel obsessives — and Brandon Berkson, founder of Hotels Above Par, is just getting started. In this episode, we dive into: Brandon's unshakable obsession with boutique hotels (he used to play hotel as a kid — not kidding) How a background in PR shaped his approach to storytelling, strategy, and aesthetic curation The origin story behind Hotels Above Par — and how a single Instagram caption became the launchpad for a globally respected travel media platform Why partnering with tourism boards (not just hotels) is a win-win-win How paid partnerships, affiliate bookings, and Substack newsletters drive real revenue (this isn't just a vibes operation) Why he's bullish on newsletters, hospitality humans, and high-touch check-ins — even as AI eats media We also unpack Brandon's POV on: What most independent hotels are still getting wrong on Instagram Why newsletters are having a renaissance moment (and how hoteliers should use them) How journalists are evolving into modern creators (and what makes them more trustworthy than traditional influencers) What makes a travel giveaway actually work — and why you're probably doing it wrong This one is for the independent hoteliers fighting the good fight, the brand builders playing the long game, and the travelers who crave places with soul. Follow Hotels Above Par on Instagram Follow Brandon on LinkedIn Explore the Hotels Above Par Website Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Trump Slams Putin AND the Media Like a G! | Ep 263In this episode of "Normal World," Dave Landau, 1/4 Black Garrett, and Angela open with riffs on Michael Jordan's move to broadcasting, Trump's “very beautiful gift” comment involving Putin, and chaotic visuals featuring bowling balls, bare feet, and mohawks. A demo of Meta's new AI-powered smart glasses adds a POV twist to the studio, sparking conversation about surveillance, wearable tech, and AI creeping into everyday life. They mock Steven Seagal's ties to Russia, roast social media clout-chasers, foot pic marketplaces, and bizarre roommate stories involving stolen cars and batarangs. A heated Ghostbusters debate follows (spoiler: the all-female reboot gets torched), along with Halloween ghost-hunting plans — Ouija boards strictly off-limits. Later, they lampoon a New Orleans grandmother arrested for funding her fugitive grandson with Ozempic sales, brainstorm wildly illegal money-smuggling tactics, and wrap with a teaser for tomorrow's episode. Today's episode of "Normal World" features Mike Imbasciani. Merch Go to www.shop.blazemedia.com/collections/normal-world to shop our merch! Sponsors BlazeTV Go to www.BlazeTV.com/normalworld, promo code NORMAL, and you'll save $20 right now on our annual plan. "The Last Rodeo" Go to www.Angel.com/NORMAL to grab your seats for "The Last Rodeo"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello and welcome to the NotACast, the one true chapter-by-chapter podcast going through A Song of Ice and Fire! In this episode, Cersei has to witness another son marrying Margaery Tyrell. At least Tommen doesn't die...not yet... Next time: we head down to Dorne for "The Soiled Knight," Arys Oakheart's sole POV chapter, in which he's horny to the point of treason. We've all been there.  Emmett's twitter: twitter.com/PoorQuentyn  Manu's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManuclearBomb  Manu's patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ManuclearBomb Our patreon: www.patreon.com/NotACastASOIAF Our merch store: https://notacastasoiaf.threadless.com   Our twitter: twitter.com/NotACastASOIAF Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notacastasoiaf/