When Plot Twists Go Bad

October 6th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  8 mins 16 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Some plot twists make us admire the clever creators, while others rub us the wrong way. What causes some unexpected plot developments to disappoint rather than delight -- and how do you craft a satisfying surprise?

From Grimm to Disney and Back Again: The Changing Fae

September 29th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  7 mins 45 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Early fairytales were dark warnings, before they were 'sanitized' and evolved into their Disney versions. Now, all the fairytale inspired works are going dark again. What's motivated the changing ways we view the fae?

Creating New Mythology From Hidden History

September 22nd, 2025  |  Season 9  |  10 mins 38 secs

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History can inspire new myths. How can you do this respectfully?

Short Stories Expanded

September 15th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  7 mins 56 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Writing a short story is a very different thing than writing a novel. The pacing and characters and writing techniques required a drastically different. But, sometimes, you have a short story that won't let you go. Here's tips from the pros on how to turn that short story into something longer.

Manuscripts Need Breathing Room

September 8th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  5 mins 26 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

After you finish drafting a new manuscript, there are some good reasons (other than just fatigue) to let the manuscript just breathe. No. Really!

Finding Your Authorial Voice

September 1st, 2025  |  Season 9  |  11 mins 24 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

You always here how there are no new stories, just new storytellers. I'm sharing notes on how to make your authorial voice distinct!

Antici...pation

August 25th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  2 mins 7 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

How do you cope when waiting for news?

Loglines Versus Queries

August 18th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  3 mins 11 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, publishing, query, writers, writing, writing tips

The publishing industry uses a lot of terms, and none of them can quite agree on a definition. But, if you're trying to get published, you need to know the difference between a logline and a query letter.

Why I'm Trying To Get Traditionally Published Instead of Going Indie

August 11th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  9 mins

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Why would someone want to be traditionally published instead of dodging the massive gatekeepers and leaning into the supportive Small Press and Indie communities?

(Of course, all this talk doesn't mean I'm not excited to work with small presses as well...)

Season 9: Trailer

August 4th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  46 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, trailer, writers, writing, writing tips

This season, I'll be sharing tips on editing, sending your work to agents, exploring tropes, and more.

How To Save a Fizzled First Draft

June 30th, 2025  |  Season 8  |  4 mins 53 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

I've got one almost quick tip to get yourself sorted when you've got a rough draft that just kinda fizzled out...

Writing Rituals To Try When You Can't Get Started

June 23rd, 2025  |  Season 8  |  6 mins 37 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writer's block, writers, writing, writing tips

Have you ever wanted to sit down and write, but your focus was shot and you just kept dithering instead? One shortcut many writers have found that works for them is the use of writing rituals.