Podcasts about writing advice

Welcome to the Kobo ReWriting Life Podcast! Alongside your regularly scheduled Kobo Writing Life podcast episode releases, we will also be featuring some highlights from our backlist. This episode features our conversation with best-selling author of "kissing books," Alexis Hall, who describes himself as a "genrequeer writer," is the author of Murder Most Actual, Boyfriend Material, Rosie Palmer Takes the Cake, A Lady for a Duke, and many, many more. Alexis, Rachel and Tara have a wonderful time chatting about Alexis' books, her Kobo Originals title, Murder Most Actual, their writing process, and much more! Best-selling author Alexis Hall joins us on the podcast this week to discuss his Kobo Originals title, Murder Most Actual, and what it was like writing her first cozy mystery. Alexis talks to us about their career as a hybrid author, the inspirations behind Murder Most Actual, and how she tries to normalize queer relationships in his writing.  Learn more on Alexis' website, follow Alexis on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and check out Murder Most Actual on Kobo.

This week I am answering a listener question from Lisa who wants to know how to know when your novel is finished. It's a great question and I'm sharing three scenarios on when you know and what you should do from there. If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to like and subscribe to the podcast and share to your lovely writer friends.  You can also find about the services I mention in the intro via this link https://www.jfgibson.com.au/store  And if you have a questions you'd like answered or a topic you'd like covered on the podcast, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/ , or reach out on my Substack https://bookishwithjodigibson.substack.com/  where you'll also find lots more on writing, publishing, and all things bookish! You can also support the podcast by buying me a coffee on https://ko-fi.com/jodigibson  Your support helps with the hosting and production costs of the show, so thank you. And, you'll get a shout out on the next episode too! Happy listening (and writing)! Jodi

In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen Kaiser and Adanna Moriarty chat with William Ramsey — true crime author, documentary filmmaker, and host of the top-ranked podcast William Ramsey Investigates. With over 1,300 episodes and five books to his name, William knows a thing or two about building a platform. He shares how he turned podcast guest spots into a thriving network, built his own show, and used it all to boost book sales and connect with new readers. He opens up about what worked (and what didn't), why authors need to be more than just writers, and how embracing new formats like podcasting and video can fuel creativity — not just promotion. Whether you're just starting out or thinking about launching a podcast of your own, this episode is packed with real-world advice, a little tough love, and plenty of inspiration for the hybrid author life.We'd like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you'd like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

Stephanie Gorton is a writer, editor, and journalist whose work has been published in a range of outlets including The New Yorker, Smithsonian, and Paris Review Daily. She has worked in editorial roles at several independent presses, and her first book came out in 2020, titled Citizen Reporters: S. S. McClure, Ida Tarbell, and the Magazine that Rewrote America. Her second book, which came out in November, is The Icon and the Idealist: Margaret Sanger, Mary Ware Dennett, and the Rivalry that Brought Birth Control to America. It's a fascinating dual biography that brings to life two complicated leaders of the birth control movement in the early 1900s, and the lasting impact of their actions and interactions. We spoke early this year, and I loved getting to hear more about Stephanie's research and writing process, especially how she thought about narrative structure and revising with feedback.

If you're writing a quiet, character-driven story — especially if it deals with questions of morality — Juror #2 is a film you must watch. The storytelling craft is rock solid, and although it's a legal drama, it's also highly nuanced with complex characters and an unbelievably intriguing plot. There's no spectacle here. It's all substance. Check out this hook: What if a juror in a murder trial realized that he is the killer? -V. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor

In this episode, I share what advice I wish I could pass on to my younger self about writing. Learn the lessons I'd share for any new writer. ------ - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

In this episode, we are joined by Canadian-born, UK-based debut author Grace Flahive, whose humorous and heart-warming speculative fiction novel, Palm Meridian, was recently published by Simon & Schuster Canada. Palm Meridian is described as "a rollicking, big-hearted story of long-lost love, friendship, and a life well-lived, set at a Florida retirement resort for queer women, on the last day of resident Hannah Cardin's life." We were so excited to be joined by Grace to discuss her writing career, her previous work in publishing, and more. Be sure to grab a copy of Palm Meridian, available on Kobo now! We spoke to Grace about her journey to becoming an author, what inspired her to write this story, how she depicted death and mortality in her novel alongside levity and humour, why she chose to focus her story on the queer community, what makes this novel speculative fiction, and much more! Follow Grace on Instagram to learn more.

If you're a new author seeking a traditional publishing deal it's important to learn about the industry you're wanting to be a part of. Today I'm sharing three tips on how to manage your expectations as a new author specifically if you're trad publishing.    Don't forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode. And if you have a questions you'd like answered or a topic you'd like covered on the podcast, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/, or reach out on my Substack https://bookishwithjodigibson.substack.com/ where you'll also find lots more on writing, publishing, and all things bookish! You can also support the podcast by buying me a coffee on https://ko-fi.com/jodigibson  Your support helps with the hosting and production costs of the show, so thank you.  Happy listening (and writing)! Jodi

“That thing you feel awkward about? It might be your superpower.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with author, editor, and writing mentor Deborah Ager, founder of Radiant Media Labs. Based in Maryland, Deborah helps business leaders, professionals, and creatives translate their decades of knowledge into books that clarify, inspire, and connect. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Deborah shares how her work evolved from marketing consultant to book coach—and how a single ghostwriting project opened a door she didn't expect. Now, she guides clients through a process she calls “Clarify, Storify, Amplify,” giving them the structure and strategy they need to write books that build brands, careers, and legacy. She opens up about how poetry, language precision, and her own creative practice inform her work—and how joy, not perfectionism, is the secret ingredient to finishing. Whether you're stuck at page one or polishing your manuscript, this episode is full of practical wisdom, thoughtful metaphors, and writer-to-writer solidarity. Quotable quotes “Editing is revision—but it's also revisioning.” “That thing you feel awkward about? It might be your superpower.” “Just creating can feel very good—even if no one ever sees it.” “Words have nuance. Choosing the right ones can change everything.” “Discernment will help you move forward faster.” Episode highlights From Marketing to Memoirs | How Radiant Media Labs got its start Ghostwriting to Book Coaching | The power of clarifying other people's ideas Editing as Joyful Revisioning | How to make peace with the hard parts Mindset Matters | Why joy and process go hand in hand Not Everyone Will Like It | And that's okay Knowing Your Reader | Why audience clarity changes everything The Poetry Edge | Precision of language as a business advantage Clarify, Storify, Amplify | Deborah's signature 3-part writing framework A Perfect Deborah Day | Creativity, conversation, and long walks What Deborah Reads | Essays, hybrid memoirs, and story-rich nonfiction Guilty Pleasures | Gardening, lake walks, and sharing food with wildlife Creating for Joy | Letting go of judgment and loving the process Rebels in Waiting | Discernment is the rebel's best friend Black-Eyed Peas & Greens | Deborah's go-to comfort food Dreambook Launcher | A free tool to help you start your book Links from the episode Radiant Media Labs Website (https://radiantmedialabs.com) Deborah Ager on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahager) BrandJitsu Book (https://brandjitsu.com) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

Caitlin Davies has always wanted to be a writer. It took her a long time to admit it to herself, let alone voice it aloud. She started writing as a journalist, covering stories across Europe and Africa, and now, finally, is a published author. She writes widely, switching genres and styles, releasing 6 novels and 8 narrative nonfiction books along the way. Caitlin tends to be inspired by forgotten women from history, and water. Her most recent book is 'Private Inquiries: The Secret History of Female Sleuths'. It was partly inspired by 'Queens of the Underworld' and 'Bad Girls', two books that told a history of crime from the other side of the coin - from the crooks. Caitlin has also published books about swimming in the Thames River, the Ponds on Hampstead Heath, and the history of Camden Lock. To make time to write, Caitlin has fingers in many different creative earning pies - occasionally teaching, designing and decorating sea shells for local businesses. We discuss how all this feeds into inspiration for her books. You can hear whether, as her writing seems so varied and eclectic, there is any grand plan for where it'll take her, also why she wnet back to school for reserach, and why she forgets how tricky it is writing fiction after a time away.You can get a copy of the book here - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineSupport the show - patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm sharing three tips to help you move through the murky waters of the messy middle of your novel. We'll all need to do it at some point so these 3 tips can help you through.  Apologies for the ending of this week's epiosde, I have had dramas with my podcasting software which were frustrating. The main part of the episode is fine so I decided to publish with the outro levels not 100% rather than skip this week. Thanks for listening.    Don't forget to like, share, subscribe and do all the things. You can also support the podcast by buying me a coffee on https://ko-fi.com/jodigibson  Your support helps with the hosting and production costs of the show, so thank you.  You can find more about me and my writing at www.jfgibson.com.au or on Substack just search for Jodi Gibson author! Happy listening (and writing)! Jodi

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Padraic Scanlan. Padraic is an associate professor at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on the history of labor in Britain and the British empire. He's the author of three books, including Freedom's Debtors: British Antislavery in Sierra Leone in the Age of Revolutions and Slave Empire: How Slavery Made Modern Britain. His newest book, out this year, is called Rot: An Imperial History of the Irish Famine, and it offers a reinterpretation of the Irish Great Famine of the mid-1800s that shows how massive income inequality, debt, housing prices, precarious employment and more contributed to the disaster. I spoke with Padraic about how he thinks about writing for a general audience, his work with a developmental editor and why he loves editors, and his writerly inspirations.

Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2025 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting.This week, join moderator/book reviewer Mihir Wanchoo and authors Peter McLean, Janny Wurts, Tim Facciola, Beth Barany and Laura Anne Gilman for a TBRCon2025 panel on "What Writing Advice Do You Take & What Do You Leave Behind?"SUPPORT THE SHOW:- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more)- Rate and review SFF Addicts on your platform of choice, and share us with your friendsEMAIL US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS & COMMENTS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sffaddictspod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW SFF ADDICTS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MUSIC:Intro: "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Into The Grid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" by MellauSFXOutro: “⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Galactic Synthwave⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠” by Divion

Want to break into the Christmas movie market? Writer-Director-Producer Emily Ting shares how to sell your holiday script, what producers want, and why feel-good, original ideas stand out. The Christmas movie market is hotter than ever. Hallmark, Netflix, and otherer platforms are constantly looking for fresh, heartwarming scripts. But what does it really take to sell one? Award-winning writer, director, and producer Emily Ting shares her path from writing a passion project to landing a deal with Hallmark. In this episode, you'll learn why original ideas matter, how to reach producers directly, and why persistence can pay off—even if your script sits for years. For the show notes and an action checklist – go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/35-want-to-sell-your-holiday-script-start-here/ For the YouTube interview - go here: https://youtu.be/ygpCPH68ZMg

If writing advice leaves you feeling discouraged rather than inspired, you're not alone. It's normal to unintentionally use writing advice as proof that something is wrong with the way that we work. We tend to give more weight to “expert advice” than our personal lived experience of how we tell stories. This episode will help you bring a sense of neutral curiosity to all types of writing and publishing advice so you can better evaluate whether it's good advice for YOU and your unique brain. Reminder: Applications are open for the June 2025 cohort of The Confident Author Academy! This 6-month group coaching program will help you break up with burnout, write consistently, access creative flow, and put the fun back in your fiction career. Submit your application before June 12th: http://www.isabelsterling.com/academy-cohort *** The publishing industry is hard. That's why I created The Confident Author Academy. My 6-month coaching program (+ online course) helps you build the mindset & emotional resilience you need to thrive as an author. To learn more and join the June 2025 cohort go to http://www.isabelsterling.com/academy-cohort Want access to my free monthly trainings? Sign up for my newsletter by clicking here. DM me on Instagram & let me know what you thought of this episode!

Today we're joined by Justin Branch, Director of Publishing Strategy at Greenleaf Book Group. Justin plays a pivotal role in guiding authors through the early stages of publishing by customizing proposal tailored to their books' unique needs. In this episode, he tackles the most common questions and misconceptions he encounters from authors in the early stages of publishing.   This interview will equip authors with the information they need to navigate the publishing world, talk to professionals, and make informed decisions about publishing contracts.    Have a question about Greenleaf or the publishing process? Email us at contact@greenleafbookgroup.com and we're happy to chat!   More about Greenleaf: Website: greenleafbookgroup.com Brochure: greenleafbookgroup.com/brochure  Have a book you want to publish? Submit your book to Greenleaf for review: greenleafbookgroup.com/submissions Looking into the different options for publishing your book? We have a quiz for that. Take our publishing options quiz to see which might be the right fit for you. https://greenleafbookgroup.com/publishing-options Connect with us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GreenleafBookGr/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBGAustin/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenleaf-book-group 

This week Jodi shares three things she'd do differently if she were starting out as an author right now compared to when she first published her debut novel in 2019. It's only six years, but so much has changed in the publishing landscape over that time plus experience builds wisdom.  Don't forget to like and subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode. And if you have a questions you'd like answered or a topic you'd like covered on the podcast, please email through my contact form on my website https://www.jfgibson.com.au/  or reach out on my Substack https://bookishwithjodigibson.substack.com/  where you'll also find lots more on writing, publishing, and all things bookish! You can also support the podcast by buying me a coffee on https://ko-fi.com/jodigibson  Your support helps with the hosting and production costs of the show, so thank you. And, you'll get a shout out on the next episode too! Happy listening (and writing)! Jodi

Welcome to the Kobo ReWriting Life Podcast! Alongside your regularly scheduled Kobo Writing Life podcast episode releases, we will also be featuring some highlights from our backlist. This episode features our conversation with best-selling SFF author Gail Carriger. Gail discusses her writing career, her non-fiction title, The Heroine's Journey, and how she started out as a traditionally-published author before going indie (and finding much success in the indie space)! Bestselling author Gail Carriger joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her writing career and her new non-fiction book, The Heroine's Journey. Gail started out as a traditionally published author, but once she got a taste of indie publishing she absolutely loved it. Her newest book, The Heroine's Journey, takes a look at the storytelling device by the same name and how it appears throughout the literary canon and pop culture. Gail also talks to us about her writing process, the fate of the publishing industry, and what happened when she stopped running ads for three months.  Learn more on Gail's website, check out Gail's Resources for Writers, and grab a copy of The Heroine's Journey!

Warren Lapine joins us to discuss editing the book On Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy by Roger Zelazny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creativity brings its own rewards - how writing more helps you write more... join us: https://storyaday.org

On Day 14 of the StoryADay Challenge, how's it going? Perfectly? Oh, you magical unicorn you. For the rest of us, I have some thoughts... 00:00 StoryADay Update - Limit Your Choice, Do Hard Things 04:51 Creating artificial limits for freedom 05:43 Recommit 05:46 Make It Public 06:44 Make It Smaller and More Specific 08:37 Have A Theme 09:24 Commit To The Prompts 10:13 Be There For Yourself Even When Its Uncomfortable 14:05 Quantity vs Quality

Hey everyone!This week in the CritRPG podcast we have the one, the only, the true Andrew Rowe! And let me tell you, this episode is an absolute banger! We're talking about everything from Video Games to Writing Advice, and it's easily one of my most favorite conversations I had on this pod so far.Hope you're going to enjoy it as much as I, and to see you next time!

Bestselling author and book coach Stacy Ennis joins the podcast to share her sensory-driven method for helping authors create the outline they need to write their book right the first time. By taking your time, figuring out who your "one reader" is to keep your audience and market demand top of mind, and clearing out the noise of conflicting ideas, you will build a defined road map that takes the uncertainty out of writing and allows your creativity to blossom as you draft your book.  In this conversation, Stacy breaks down exactly how to approach outlining with clarity and confidence, shares common pitfalls to avoid, and gives practical advice you can start using today.  

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm sits down with author Jenny Wilson to talk about Jenny's work in progress. They dive into Jenny's protagonist, discuss how to humanize her, look at her character growth arc, and discuss character voice modulation. For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/  

Warm up for the StoryADay May Challenge (or any writing) with these character exercises. Create your raw materials this month; write like the wind, next month! LINKS All the warm up tasks: https://stada.me/april-warm-ups  

Welcome back to Drafting the Past. I'm Kate Carpenter, and this is a podcast about the craft of writing history. In this episode, I'm joined by historian and writer Dr. Surekha Davies. Surekha is a former history professor who now writes full-time, and she can also be found speaking about history and consulting on monsters. In fact, monsters have played a major role in much of her research. Her first award-winning book was titled Renaissance Ethnography and the Invention of the Human: New Worlds, Maps, and Monsters. Her second book, which is aimed at a general audience, is out now; it's called Humans: A Monstrous History. The book looks at, as she puts it, how people “have defined the human in relation to everything from apes to zombies, and how they invented race, gender, and nations along the way.” I spoke with Surekha about how she made the switch to full-time writing, her newsletter, Notes from an Everything Historian, and how she organized what could have been an unruly book. Enjoy my conversation with Dr. Surekha Davies.

In this episode, Ed Morrissey, managing editor of Hot Air, reflects on his extensive career in blogging and media, discussing the evolution of the industry, the challenges of maintaining relevance, and the importance of personal integrity in writing. He shares insights on the transition from blogging to professional journalism, the significance of timely reporting, and offers advice for aspiring writers navigating today's complex media landscape. The Karol Markowicz Show is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Wednesday & Friday. See Ed's Work at Hot Air HERE #blogging #mediaevolution #journalism #writingadvice #EdMorrissey #HotAir #personalreflections #criticism #careeradvice #podcastingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textToday on The Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast, I sit down with fantasy author M.T. Solomon to discuss her latest release, "Liar Queen" – the exciting first book in an all-new fantasy trilogy! At the beginning of the episode I also give a quick update on my podcast, this channel, and life in general. We then explore her writing journey—from her dreams of being a writer that began as a young child, to an adult making that dream a reality. She opens up about the joys and challenges of writing, finding inspiration from the world around you, and the pros and cons of traditional vs. indie publishing - and how that led her to become the first author to be published by Golden Scales Publishing! You'll also hear: 

Welcome to the Kobo ReWriting Life Podcast! Alongside your regularly scheduled Kobo Writing Life podcast episode releases, we will also be featuring some highlights from our backlist. For National Poetry Month here in North America, we're re-releasing this episode from April 2020 with poet, spoken word artist, and creative writing facilitator Jasmin Kaur. Writer, illustrator, and poet Jasmin Kaur joins us on the podcast this week. Jasmin's work has been celebrated globally, and has been shared by celebrities and activists such as Jennifer Lopez, Tessa Thompson, and Reese Witherspoon. She talks to us about her journey as a writer and what it's like to know her work has had such a wide reach, how she ensures she maintains her original intentions when sharing her work, and why she feels it's so important for her to share and protect her authentic voice. Learn more on Jasmin's website and be sure to follow Jasmin's Instagram!

Were a young writer to ask me for advice, and only had one minute to listen, here is what I'd say.  Plus: how Louisa May Alcott worked.  And, avoiding the blahs and self-doubts when writing.Support the show

S21 Ep5: Crafting Tales Through Holiday Themes "Engaging with the holidays definitely feels like a way to develop world and character." -Mur Lafferty (This post went live for supporters on March 24, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!) In this episode, I dive into the significance of holidays in storytelling and how they can shape character development and plot progression. With no guest this week, I talk about my own projects, creative work and admin work both. I cover Christmas romances that evoke themes of rebirth to the complexities of Valentine's Day, and discuss how different holidays can influence narratives. Transcript Links Writer's Digest The Holiday The Last Holiday Holidate Home for the Holidays Evergreen Links See all books from Season 21 Like the podcast? Get the book! I Should Be Writing. My newsletter, The Hot Mic, and the community of Fabulists over at Patreon. Supporting either of those will get you perks like access to the discord, exclusive content, and early, ad-free episodes. Socials: Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, Focusmate Theme by John Anealio Savor I Should Be Writing tea blends Support local book stores! Station Eternity, Six Wakes, Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition and more! OR Get signed books from my friendly local store, Flyleaf Books! In case it wasn't clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet. — "Crafting Tales Through Holiday Themes" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack! Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please! CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. February 13, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 5 | murverse.com "Crafting Tales Through Holiday Themes" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

In this episode of Drafting the Past, host Kate Carpenter is joined by historian Dr. Lyndal Roper. Lyndal is a professor at the University of Oxford and the author of six books on gender, religion, witchcraft, and German history. Her newest book out this year is a history of the sixteenth-century German Peasants' War titled Summer of Fire and Blood. The book follows the movement, beliefs, hopes, and actions of the peasants in this mass uprising. I loved the opportunity to talk with Lyndal about how she wrote about such a massive and relatively obscure event for a general audience, the way her own movement across the land shaped her work, why she prefers the screen to the handwritten page, and much more.

Welcome to the Kobo ReWriting Life Podcast! Alongside your regularly scheduled Kobo Writing Life podcast episode releases, we will also be featuring some highlights from our backlist. For the fifth episode of this series, we're happy to share this interview featuring the 2019 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize winner in the Romance category, Julie Evelyn Joyce, for her book Steeped in Love. Julie Evelyn Joyce talks to us about the inspiration for prize-winning novel Steeped in Love. Julie shares how writing Gilmore Girls fan fiction taught her about craft and how a chance meeting at RWA led her to entering and winning Kobo's Emerging Writer Prize! Learn more on Julie's website and be sure to check out Julie's books on Kobo.

In this episode, we spoke to Robert L. Slater, author and creator of the Deserted Lands series and extended Deserted Lands Universe, a sci-fi and dystopian coming-of-age series of books that follow Lizzie, the sixteen-year-old survivor of a devastating pandemic, as she navigates this dangerous new world. Robert is also the author of several short stories and novellas in the Deserted Lands universe and has plans to continue the series in a multitude of ways! We spoke to Robert about his start as a writer, his inspirations, the eerie similarities to real-world events he wrote into his novels years prior, his experiences attending conferences and conventions and connecting with other indie authors, using marketing swag to your advantage as an author, and much more. Learn more on Robert's website and the Deserted Lands website, and be sure to follow Robert on Facebook and X/Twitter.

On today's show, we have the legendary entertainment lawyer Peter Dekom. Peter Dekom significantly impacted his time at Bloom, Dekom & Hergott. He has represented remarkable clients, including George Lucas, Keenen Ivory Wayans, John Travolta, Ron Howard, and Robert Towne, as well as renowned companies like Sears and JVC. As an advisor, Peter has contributed significantly to New Mexico, helping shape the state's film incentives. You'll want to bookmark this episode and listen to it at least four times. Peter shares a wealth of valuable advice.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

In his award-winning novel Interior Chinatown, Charles Yu took a scalpel to television's tropes and stereotypes. Now he explains to us how he managed to turn that book into a brilliant, challenging TV show. Also, contributing host Nivair Gabriel tells us about science in children's books, and what it's like to push for accurate depictions of space in children's publishing. Plus she recommends great books to share with the kids in your life!

A listener seeks writing advice. How can you motivate readers to engage with a story that has an unhappy ending? Additionally, Dave's new DogKickstarter.com, tips for responding to inquiries from "civilians," and the importance of personal branding when posting on social media.Today's ShowHow to write an unhappy endingUPDATE: DogKickstarter.comQuestions from civiliansPosting politics on social mediaSummaryIn this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the importance of character wants and needs in storytelling, and how to create satisfying yet unhappy endings that resonate with audiences. In this conversation, Dave  and Brad discuss various narrative techniques in storytelling, particularly focusing on how to engage audiences through subverting expectations, making journeys worthwhile, and crafting satisfying character arcs. They also touch on the importance of unhappy endings that feel earned, using examples from popular films. Additionally, they share insights on Kickstarter strategies for comic artists, emphasizing the significance of tracking engagement and adapting to audience responses. In this conversation, Brad and Dave explore the complexities of social interactions, particularly in the context of pursuing creative careers. They discuss the importance of understanding the motivations behind casual conversations and the superficial nature of social niceties. The dialogue shifts to the challenges of engaging with audiences on social media, especially regarding political discourse, and the pitfalls of seeking validation through online engagement. They emphasize the value of building a passionate audience over merely chasing numbers, and the dangers of slacktivism, where social media activity gives a false sense of accomplishment without real-world impact.TakeawaysWriting a tragedy involves the same principles as other stories.Character Wants and Needs are crucial in storytelling.Foreshadowing can create a sense of inevitability in narratives.Emotional hooks are essential for audience engagement.Not all stories need a happy ending to be satisfying.Catharsis can come from tragic outcomes.Characters can have bittersweet endings that resonate emotionally.The choice of where to end a story defines its genre.  Cinematic guilty pleasures can be surprisingly engaging.Subverting audience expectations can enhance storytelling.The journey in a narrative is as important as the ending.Unhappy endings can be satisfying if they feel earned.Character arcs should lead to emotionally satisfying conclusions.Kickstarter strategies can significantly impact project success.Tracking engagement helps identify effective promotional channels.Building a narrative involves using the same principles for different outcomes.Friendship and collaboration can enhance creative projects.Understanding audience expectations is key to effective storytelling. You don't need to justify yourself to others.Most people are just trying to be polite.Engagement on social media doesn't always translate to meaningful connections.It's okay to keep conversations superficial with strangers.Building a passionate audience is more valuable than a large one.Political posts can alienate potential fans.Slacktivism can give a false sense of accomplishment.Focus on your brand and what you want to communicate.Real-world actions are more impactful than social media posts.Everyone is navigating life awkwardly, regardless of age.   You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

SummaryIn this conversation, Maggie Bushway shares her experiences as a child with brain cancer and the impact it had on her life, family, and friendships. She discusses the importance of autonomy in medical decisions, the role of writing in processing emotions, and the challenges of managing chronic illness while pursuing her passion for writing. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of friendship during illness, the journey of writing a memoir, and the balance between social life and work amidst health challenges.TakeawaysMaggie felt included in her medical decisions, which empowered her.Autonomy is crucial for children facing health challenges.Friendship can provide both support and normalcy during illness.Writing serves as a powerful tool for emotional expression.Reading her father's blog helped Maggie process her past.Maggie's early writing experiences laid the foundation for her memoir.Journaling can be a helpful starting point for aspiring writers.Managing chronic illness requires careful scheduling and prioritization.Finding humor in difficult situations can aid in coping.Creative expression can take many forms, including fiction. KeywordsMaggie Bushway, childhood illness, memoir, writing, chronic illness, friendship, family dynamics, emotional processing, creative expression, support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the optYOUmize Podcast where we help entrepreneurs build the business AND life of their dreams. Get tips, tactics, stories, and inspiration from interviews with business and personal development experts and lessons from my own successes and failures so you can make more, work less, and live better. You don't have to go it alone--we're here to support and motivate you, and encourage you to keep going until you reach your goals. Follow optYOUmize Podcast with Brett Ingram: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Website Summary Brett Ingram interviews Terry Whalin, an accomplished editor and author, discussing the intricacies of writing, editing, and the publishing process. Terry shares his personal journey into writing, the importance of storytelling, and the common mistakes writers make. He emphasizes the need for authors to build their platforms and understand the realities of publishing, including the myths surrounding it. The conversation concludes with practical advice for aspiring authors on how to navigate their writing journey and achieve success. Visit https://publishingoffer.com for a special offer to get his printed book--10 Publishing Myths, Insight Every Author Needs to Succeed--for only $10 including shipping along with over $200 of free bonuses. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Writing and Editing 02:59 Terry Whalin's Journey into Writing 06:00 The Importance of Writing and Editing Skills 09:04 The Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges 12:09 Attributes of a Successful Writer 15:12 Understanding the Publishing Process 17:59 Common Mistakes Writers Make 20:49 The Myths of Publishing 23:54 Building Your Author Platform 26:59 Benefits of Writing a Book 30:02 Steps to Getting Published 33:01 Final Tips for Success #writing #publishing #personalbranding #branding #personaldevelopment #entrepreneurship #optyoumize #brettingram #entrepreneurpodcast #podmatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Kate is joined by writer and historian Dr. Rebecca Brenner Graham. Rebecca is a post-doctoral research associate at Brown University, but before that she taught high school history, an experience that we talk a lot more about in this episode. Her first book, out now, is called Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany, and it is not only a compelling history but holds valuable lessons for readers now. I also asked Rebecca to dig into her approach for publicizing a recently released book, and I think her advice will be a big help for other authors.

Welcome to the Kobo ReWriting Life Podcast! Alongside your regularly scheduled Kobo Writing Life podcast episode releases, we will also be featuring some highlights from our backlist. For the fourth episode of this series, we're happy to share this episode featuring Robert Harris from November 2016. Originally hosted at Kobo's former headquarters in Toronto (don't worry, we're still in Toronto; we've just moved!), this interview features author Robert Harris in conversation with journalist Johanna Schneller, as well as Pieter Swinkels, former Chief Content Officer at Kobo. This interview offers some insights into Robert's research process and writing routine, and we also get to hear all about his inspiration for Conclave, amongst much more! Find out more on Robert's website, follow Johanna Schneller on X/Twitter, and check out Robert's books on Kobo.

The hosts are off for a brief rest. So this we're ...Returning to their second milestone for Tell the Damn Story, hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons celebrate reaching their 200th episode by diving deep into their journey of creativity and storytelling over the years. They flow from their humble beginnings discussing the craft of writing with guests, exploring the nuances of public speaking and meeting deadlines, to reflecting on significant achievements and sharing personal anecdotes. This episode is a testament to their dedication to storytelling. They reminisce about notable guests, the impact of their work on budding writers, and the global reach of their insights. Join Chris and Alex as they reflect on their rich history of podcasting, offering listeners a treasure trove of creative inspiration, valuable tips, and heartfelt stories from the world of writing and beyond.Link to a FREE adventure tale, "BLACKJACK: RISE OF THE RED STAR."Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you're enjoying these episodes, take a moment to help wet our whistle and click the link to ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brad Guigar has categorized the information shared by creative individuals into three groups. Dave Kellett has a couple of his own to contribute. Of the five, only one is useful. Identifying the others can help you avoid making some significant mistakes.Today's showTypes of information creative people shareUPDATE: Brad Guigar celebrates 25 years in comicsStory pacingSummaryIn this episode, Brad and Dave discuss the information shared among creative individuals, categorizing them into facts, marketing, and herd mentality. The discussion highlights the importance of discerning between genuine facts and marketing tactics. Dave suggests the list should include misinformation and bad actors in the creative community. In this episode, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the realities of book signings, networking, and celebrating milestones in one's career, particularly in the comic industry. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences and reflect on the mental health benefits of recognizing achievements. The conversation then shifts to writing advice, focusing on story pacing, exposition, and actionable strategies for aspiring writers to improve their craft.TakeawaysSharing information among creatives is essential for growth and learning.Facts are verifiable truths that can help guide creative decisions.Marketing often skews perceptions and can lead to poor decision-making.Herd mentality can mislead creatives into following trends without critical thinking.Misinformation can come from well-intentioned but uninformed sources.Bad actors exist in the creative community, and caution is necessary.Understanding the difference between marketing and facts is crucial for success.Social media is primarily a marketing tool for many creators.  Book signings often don't attract large crowds.Celebrating career milestones can boost mental health.Reflecting on past achievements can provide motivation.Each page of a comic should be satisfying on its own.Writers should focus on manageable story lengths.Use visuals effectively to enhance storytelling.Avoid information dumps in storytelling.Create tension through micro-tension techniques.Leave breadcrumbs for readers to follow in the narrative.     You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

It's our second "what went wrong" episode and this time we're taking a deep dive into the 2011 film, GREEN LANTERN. Even Ryan Reynolds says this one is a dud, so where did the storytelling go wrong? Tune in to find out! -V. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor

let's talk about #authortube - my thoughts on video creation, sharing book ideas, pressure to publish, writertube loneliness and more...just some reflections over the years in this community ✨ ♡ i want to disclaim that these are my opinions and they are things i, too, must work on. but i wanted to demystify some things so i hope this brings some interesting thoughts - let me know in the comments!

In this final (!) episode of the Happy Writer podcast, Marissa and Joanne chat about the past almost five years and 224 episodes of the podcast: favorite moments, what they learned, what they will (and won't!) miss, how many people tuned in, and more fun facts and stats. Also discussed: THE HAPPY WRITER book – how it came about, what changed thanks to the podcast, what's inside, what Marissa hopes readers take from it, a giveaway, and more! Show Notes: Happy Writer free downloads: https://www.marissameyer.com/the-happy-writer-book/Enter the giveaway! https://forms.gle/1sYqAJ4mV6mo55Mp9 The Happy Writer at Bookshop.orgPurchasing your books through our webstore at Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377 Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with J. Ann Thomas about her new adult gothic ghost novel, THE SPIRIT COLLECTION OF THORNE HALL. Also in this episode: the unpredictability of being a podcaster with children, how publishing can be a roller coaster of a career, creating love interests that are not perfect but are perfect for the character, using a real house and its blueprints and diagrams to keep track of ghosts (!), using real people (alive and dead) to inspire characters, character names, narrating your own audio books, and so much more!  Show Notes: Ventfort Hall Museum in Lennox, MA: https://gildedage.org/ MOMA Mourning Clothes exhibit: https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2014/death-becomes-herChild Ballads: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_Ballads The Happy Writer at Bookshop.orgPurchasing your books through our webstore at Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. Amplify MarketersOur mission is to help your message rise above the noise so it can be heard loud & clear.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377 Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Trisha Tobias about her debut gothic YA, HONEYSUCKLE AND BONE. Also discussed: creating author signatures, writing fanfiction across fandoms, writing from a place of grief and vulnerability and using writing to help process, researching a far-off setting through family and the internet, flawed and unreliable characters, militant outlining, fearing the blank page, how becoming a published author can make for a more empathetic editor, and so much more!The Happy Writer at Bookshop.orgPurchasing your books through our webstore at Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. Amplify MarketersOur mission is to help your message rise above the noise so it can be heard loud & clear.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377 Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/