How To Start Writing – WN 165
Whether you’re a seasoned novelist or a newcomer to the craft, we all come to the page and need to BEGIN. It’s easy to say “Just start,” but it’s often not that simple. This week, I have some fresh encouragement and practical tips to help you start writing with confidence.
Is “Good Enough” Good Enough? – WN 164
How do you decide when to publish your creative work? Is there a point at which you say it’s “good enough”? Or do you have a tendency to polish and play around with those “last final tweaks” indefinitely? This week, we’re talking about what it means to do your best in a world where “best” is subjective and perfect doesn’t exist. Get ready!
Cynicism About Goals – WN 163
Have you ever felt hopeless, helpless, or disillusioned about goal-setting, or found yourself asking, “Why bother?” This week, we’re looking at what happens to make us feel that way, and how to set our writing lives on the path to success going forward.
Should I Self-Publish? – WN 162
Have you ever wondered if you should self-publish your book, or go through a traditional publisher? This week, we’re weighing the pros and cons of each to figure out which method is best for you.
Focus & Distraction – WN 161
Do you ever struggle to focus on your writing — even on a project you actually enjoy? Whether due to internal or external factors, distraction comes to us in many different forms, for many different reasons. This week, we’re talking about tools, strategies, and habits we writers can use to find our focus again.
Saying vs. Doing – WN 160
Have you ever noticed a disconnect in what you say you want to do, and what you actually end up doing? Because I have! This week, I’m talking about some of the reasons we might experience a gulf between our desires and our actions — and what to do about it.
Expectation vs. Reality – WN 159
This week, we’re talking about expectations and how they tint our reality and shape our experiences… and what we can REALLY expect if we want to write full-time.
On Being A Slow Writer – WN 158
No matter how much coffee I drink, I’m never able to write as quickly as I want to. This week, we’re taking a look at what it means to be a “slow writer” — and all of the baggage that comes along with it.
Consistency For Writers – WN 157
Creating consistently strengthens your command of the craft and builds trust with your audience. But if you’re anything like me, creating on a consistent basis feels impossible. Why are we like this? What do we do when we fail to live up to our own — and others’ — standards?
When Your Writing Dreams Change – WN 156
What happens when your childhood dream feels like it’s no longer achievable? What does it mean if (and when) your 5-year plan goes off the rails? Today we’re talking about what happens when our writing dreams change — and what it means for us as creators.
It’s Good To Have A Hobby – WN 155
What is writing to you — a hobby, a second job, a meditative practice? Something else? All of the above? This week, we’re talking about the role of writing in our lives and how we can feel more satisfied and fulfilled in doing what we love.
Selling Art Or Selling Out With Asa Merritt – WN 154
How should we navigate selling our creative work? I speak with Asa Merritt about pitching a project, which hill(s) to die on, and the pros and cons of telling a personal story on a commercial platform.
No One Gets To Tell You Who You Are – WN 153
This week’s episode is a really personal one — it’s all about IDENTITY, and where our identities come from. Have you ever had someone tell you that you’re not a writer, or that you’re not creative? Or that you’re not [insert label here],...
Endings Are Hard – WN 152
Why are endings so darn hard to write? Is it just because it’s difficult to wrap up all of the loose ends… or is there something more going on? What makes for a truly satisfying ending, and how do we create one?
Why Do I Write By Hand? – WN 150
Why did I ditch my laptop and start writing everything by hand? What are the benefits — and what have I learned from it about the craft of writing?
Improvised Storytelling with Cat Blackard – WN 151
If you’ve ever been curious about how live-action roleplaying game podcasts are planned, created, recorded, and produced, or if you have any interest in RPGs like D&D, Pathfinder, or improv in general, give this episode a listen. Cat is an expert in plucking meaningful narrative from a scattered story and provides tons of great advice on how to clarify your own creative work.
Reclaiming Your Voice with Kate Wallinga – Write Now 149
No matter who you are, Kate Wallinga’s story of wielding creativity to take back agency in her life will inspire and astound you.
Forgiving Yourself – Write Now 148
In this episode I’m asking why might creatives we hold onto regrets? What are we punishing ourselves for? Why do we spend so much time and energy focusing on our regrets and what purpose might they serve?
What Are You Balancing? – Write Now 147
What is your ideal balance or imbalance? What would it take to actually get there? What can you drop in your life that does not feed your purpose?
My Top 10 Tools For Writing – Write Now 146
In this episode, I break down my writing process, tool-by-tool.
Collaborative Storytelling with Erik Saras and Dan Lovley – Write Now 145
I’m joined by two of the co-creators of the sci-fi audio drama, Marsfall: Eric Saras and Dan Lovley. They discuss their process for writing their series collaboratively.
When You’re Not Okay – Write Now 144
Times get tough and sometimes I am not okay. I haven’t been okay for a while. Maybe you can say the same. Maybe we can get through it together.
Interpreting Your Circumstances – WN 143
I’ve been thinking a lot about our circumstances lately, and how we interpret what we are going through, and how that interpretation informs a huge part of our self-identity and self-worth as writers and creators. What would we do, and who would we become, if we interpreted our situation(s) a little bit differently?
No Rules, Just Write – WN 142
Are there any absolutely universal writing rules? In this week’s episode, we’re taking a look at not only writing advice but the context surrounding it.
Regaining Your Magic with Tomi Adeyemi – WN 141
I’m starting 2022 with an interview with the AMAZING Tomi Adeyemi, author of Children of Blood & Bone and all-around incredible individual. We’re talking about getting un-stuck from writer’s block, what it means to be a successful author, the sensory/aesthetic experience of writing, and more. (And Midori loudly plays with a plastic bag in the background!) You won’t want to miss it.
The Bulletproof Writer – WN 140
We’re constantly trying to move toward being better writers — but how do we make ourselves bulletproof against life? Is one particular system or another the answer… or is it, as we fear, impossible?
Taking Down Hustle Culture with Amie McNee – WNP 139
Are you ready to take on the Hustle Culture? Then tune in to this week’s episode, where I get to interview fellow podcaster, novelist, and journal enthusiast Amie McNee! Together, we’ll talk about transforming the narrative, choosing yourself, and finding your creative stride. Don’t miss out!
Getting Into Flow – WNP 138
Have you ever experienced that magical moment when the words pour from your fingers and send you into a timeless creative zone? That’s what I call flow, and this week’s episode explores what it is and how to get there.
Creative Input & Output – WNP 137
Where do our ideas come from? How intentional are we about curating our input and inspiration — and how does it affect our creative output? Today, we’re exploring different types of creative input and how what we pay attention to affects our art.
Making Your Own Opportunities – WNP 136
If you’ve ever wasted time waiting for the perfect creative opportunity to come along, then you need to listen to today’s episode! In it, we talk about what it takes to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating our own!
Too Afraid To Create – WNP 135
Like all creatives, I deal with the fear that comes with producing new things—and I don’t always deal with it well. This fear is the reason I haven’t created a solo episode in weeks, and it might just be the reason why you’re stuck in a creative rut right now. So tune in, and let’s tackle the fear together!
Creativity & Survival with Charlie Jane Anders – WNP 134
Charlie Jane Anders has a list of publication credits as long as my arm, so you can imagine my excitement when she agreed to let me interview her! Join us as we talk about her new books, her experience writing for TV, her past in journalism, and more!
Judgment & Acceptance with Rebecca Wiener McGregor – WNP 133
Is your fear preventing you from releasing your creativity into the world? Then you’ll want to check out the recent interview with my friend and mentor, Rebecca Wiener McGregor! Rebecca is a transformational hypnotist, love amplifier, and all-around life coach, and she’s ready to shed some light on our fears as creators. It’s an insightful interview that you shouldn’t ignore!
Doing All The Things with David S. Dear – WNP 132
Have you ever wanted to write an audio drama but didn’t know where to begin? Then you need to join me as I interview fellow audio dramatist David S. Dear! David is the creator of A Ninth World Journal, and we discuss everything from plotting an audio drama, where to find inspiration, how to use elements of theater, and more!
Surviving Burnout with K.B. Wagers – WNP 131
Want to talk about Science Fiction? Then I’ve got the perfect interview for you! Join me as I interview the one and only Kate (K.B.) Wagers, author of the Indranan War trilogy, the Farian War trilogy, and more! It’s a show you won’t want to miss!
Dormant Creativity with Lee Shackleford – WNP 130
There’s nothing quite like a deep conversation with a good friend, and that’s why I’m excited to bring you this week’s episode! In it, I get to talk with Lee Shackleford, the creator of RELATIVITY, about loss, the burnout of creativity, and how to accept ourselves for who we are. Don’t miss it!
Hooks & Characters with Kate Brauning – WNP 129
This week, I had the honor to sit down with Kate Brauning, one of the developmental editors at Dovetail Fiction, the creator of the Breakthrough Writers’ Boot Camp, and the author of several YA novels with an unusual twist. If you’re an author or writer of any capacity, then you need to listen to this interview!
Honoring the Dreamer with Marguerite Croft- WNP 127
Join us this week as we sit down with author and fellow audio-dramatist Marguerite Croft to talk about honoring the Dreamer in our lives and stories. We’ll also talk about her work with Point Mystic, as well as what it means to figure out what you want from your life, and to be surrounded by people who support you. Tune in today!
Fun Is Better Than Perfect with Jimmie Bise, Jr. – WNP 126
This week, I get to interview my good friend, author Jimmie Bise, Jr.! We talk about the uncertainty and fear involved in claiming the title of “Writer”, starting and giving up on projects, and the necessary but often overlooked element of fun in our craft. It’s an interview you won’t want to miss!
Procrastination – WNP 125
Procrastination and laziness often go hand-in-hand, but those labels do not define you or the work you do. Today, we’re exploring the various ways we procrastinate, where our procrastination comes from, and how we can take time to own our “laziness” and put it to work!
Episode 124: Beautifully Broken with Sean Howard
I’m going to be honest — I have not been okay lately. And maybe you haven’t either. So I sat down with my good friend Sean Howard to talk about mental health among creators, why it’s okay to ask for help, and how we’re all “Beautifully Broken.”
Starting Ugly with David duChemin – WNP 123
David duChemin, the best-selling author of such titles as Start Ugly and The Problem With Muses, is joining us today to talk about his creative process, why creativity isn’t about making masterpieces, and the wisdom of letting yourself “start ugly” and seeing where it goes. It’s an interview you won’t want to miss!
It’s Not Too Late – WNP 117
Have you ever felt like you’re too old to start, too late, or that you’ve missed your chance? Do you have regrets about not writing, publishing, or creating sooner or earlier in life? This week’s episode will help you take the pressure off as Sarah explains why it’s NOT too late for you as a creator.
Motivation To Write – WNP 093
Are you feeling unmotivated to write or create? You’re not alone. In this episode we dive into what motivates us and why we tend to lose it in the first place. It’s time to get your motivation back!
10 Harmful Creativity Myths – WNP 092
There are tons of lies floating around about creativity and creative writing, and from them, I’ve compiled ten myths that it’s time we expose and expel once and for all. Ready? Let’s bust some myths.
How To Develop Themes in Your Writing – WNP 090
This week we’re focusing on the literary element of theme. Theme can be expressed on purpose or by accident, and added to your work while you’re creating it or afterward. How can we be intentional about the themes in our work — and why should we be?
What Should I Write Next? – WNP 082
“Which one of these projects should I write next?” If that question frequently floats around in your head, this episode is for you. I’ll help you decipher which projects to tackle and when!
Writing as Leadership – WNP 081
You’re a writer — but do you think of yourself as a leader? In today’s episode we talk about the 3 keys to being a successful leader through your writing.
My Creative Process – WNP 080
I’ve broken down my creative process into 6 phases, from brainstorming to publication, all of which we’ll talk about in today’s episode.