How Does This Writing Thing Work Again?

November 10th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  4 mins 36 secs

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

Every time I gear up to start a new manuscript, some familiar doubts plague me.

Note: This episode was originally recorded before the NaNoWriMo challenge imploded, but I'm still participating in a November Writing challenge with my friends.

What Type of Writing Prepper Are You?

November 3rd, 2025  |  Season 9  |  7 mins 30 secs

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

Some people start a novel with a blank page and an idea. Some people start with 30 pages of outlines. Others have maps and diagrams and books full of world building. What sort of prepper are you?

Breaking a Story: Hollywood Style

October 27th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  6 mins 42 secs

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

Scripts aren't novels, but they can teach us a lot about pacing.

Ask An Editor: Longform

October 20th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  9 mins 37 secs

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

Editors were invited to an AMA, here are the answers to the most pressing questions from novelists.

The Nuts and Bolts of a Chapter

October 13th, 2025  |  Season 9  |  6 mins 44 secs

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

Chapters are the building block of any novel. How can you get the most out of your chapters?

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

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

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!