& then write

How do we work through those trying times when we feel like we “should” be working on our manuscripts? How do we get through without letting the inner self critic win? Today I am joined by Marin Laukka – and we try and figure this out.

How do we work through those trying times when we feel like we “should” be working on our manuscripts? How do we get through without letting the inner self critic win? Today I am joined by Marin Laukka – and we try and figure this out.

Why are we so hesitant to call ourselves writers? While our paths and stories may differ, we all fall into practice one way or another, and for many of us, writing may serve a different need. Guest Shelly Sharon joins the podcast and we explore the ways we identify with, find company in, and develop a relationship with writing.  

Why are we so hesitant to call ourselves writers? While our paths and stories may differ, we all fall into practice one way or another, and for many of us, writing may serve a different need. Guest Shelly Sharon joins the podcast and we explore the ways we identify with, find company in, and develop a relationship with writing.  

Rules. They usually tend to suck the fun out of something. But what about rules for writing? Are there any? Should there be? Perhaps the bigger question is, are rules helpful? To help us sort it all out, I’m joined today by writer JP Behrens.

Having kids – for me – has been the perfect excuse to dip back into and read books aimed at younger readers again. But what is it like to write for younger readers? Today’s guest, Gina Loveless, is going to tell us all about it.

It can be tough to ride out a stretch when you have zero energy for your own creative pursuits. So what’s a writer to do? This month I lament on how I’ve been attempting to sit with struggle, knowing it will pass – and that I will return to the work I miss.

Writing is about so much more than writing. There are many other kinds of non-writing work that sometimes have to happen before we ever arrive to the page. Guest Jeremiah Timmons has a lot to share when it comes to mindset, trauma, the joy we can actually extract from our work, and the freedom of mediocrity.

It’s the oft-dreaded question: How big is your platform? Like it or not, to obtain an agent or publishing contract these days, writers need a platform. Ideally, we’d be spending any free time we have on our craft, our most precious commodity: Our words. Growing a platform can be the equivalent of a part-time job, at least. Guest Amber Brandt joins the podcast to discuss how she’s been navigating this tricky terrain.

Sometimes, the most challenging times have a lot to teach us – if we’re willing to listen. 2020 was less than kind to my writing life, but that doesn’t mean it was a total loss: I learned a few critical lessons along the way that I am bringing into 2021 – and beyond.

Have you ever thought about writing a book that could help drive your business? One that will be an important part of the ecosystem that establishes your credibility and ultimately gets you more clients? Guest host Anna Lundberg walks through some probing questions that will help you explore WHY you want to write a book, and what role it will play for your business.

Fiction writing and playwriting. Even though both often involve worldbuilding – characters, setting, plot, dialogue – there are distinct differences. How do those differences inform the process? The way the material is experienced by the reader and viewer? Today, guest hosts Denise Stephenson and Bob Mayberry explore the differences between fiction writing and playwriting.

Sometimes as writers, we make "inspiration" out to be a lot more mysterious than it really is. By adopting simple practices, we can put ourselves in the way of inspiration, and pave the way for great ideas to come in – consistently. Guest host Jennifer Locke takes us through four easy-to-adopt practices.

Not every writer aspires to be the next literary great. Some writers simply want to do what they love - WRITE - and make a living doing it, on their terms. For many, this is elusive territory, but it needn’t be. Today Anthony Moore joins the podcast to demystify the business of writing.

As writers, some stories just get under our skin. We try to write them out of our system, but sometimes we don’t quite get it on the first try... or maybe even the second. But eventually the story comes out – and at a point we have to stop tinkering and let it go. Today Michael Waddington joins the podcast to share the story behind his military legal thriller, Battlemind.

Writing a memoir is its own kind of special journey. Not only does it require that you generate material relating to your life, it asks you to come to terms with it, to make sense of it in a way that will be compelling to readers. 

The best memoirs show us all the layers, and it’s that vulnerability, that willingness to be perceived as a flawed, complex human being trying to figure it all out that results in a deep connection with the author. But how do we, as writers, do that? Today I welcome guest Mag Dimond, and we’ll talk about her journey writing her memoir.

Are you willing to receive what you most need to hear?  A-ha! moments are key for the writing process. And they often contain advice we’ve already heard ten times before – but we actually hear it this time, when we need it most.

Showing up to the page to write is no small feat. Neither is infusing your work with an engaging voice and a captivating story. But so often, writers doubt their ability to show up on the page as they are in real life. Jennifer Locke joins the podcast today, where we’ll discuss strategies for uncovering your voice and focusing in on your story.

The world is giving us the business right now. What does that mean for our creative pursuits? Our ability to show up to the page? What do we do when we just don’t have it in us? Here’s how I’m getting through the shit-show that is COVID-19.

This month, I welcome Rachel Redmond back to the podcast. Today we examine our culture’s obsession with productivity, and talk about the deeper reasons behind why we do what we do. We both believe slowing down ultimately makes us more productive - if we can allow ourselves the space and grace to do it.