Ink in Your Veins

Ink in Your Veins

Rachael Herron

How writers actually write! You might need to be a writer, but you don't need to struggle so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Finding Your Deepest Reason for Writing, with Tiffany Yates Martin

On Finding Your Deepest Reason for Writing, with Tiffany Yates Martin

Tiffany Yates Martin always brings the real talk and also the kind talk. Here we go deep on how to get out of being stuck and not burning out while honoring exactly what we want to do. Tiffany Yates Martin has spent her entire career as an editor in the publishing industry, working with major publishers and New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors as well as indie and newer writers. She is the founder of FoxPrint Editorial (named o

Feb 20, • 53:09

On the Magic of Books that Make You Want to Write, with Sophie Berti

On the Magic of Books that Make You Want to Write, with Sophie Berti

How do you keep the magic alive when writing? Sophie Berti lives in California. Find her hiking in the foothills, chasing her kid around the beach, making tea, or on sophieberti.com. Steeped is her first novel. ❤️ Adventure 52 - Patreon🚨 Sign up to hear first about the 90 Day courses🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace

Feb 13, • 42:14

The Black Herron 29

The Black Herron 29

More thoughts about the new year, with Sacha and Rachael! ❤️ Adventure 52 - Patreon🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for lots more.✏️ Can I email you some writing help? 💥 90 Day

Feb 1, • 52:25

On Not Letting a Disability Keep You From Publishing, with Rosie Radcliffe

On Not Letting a Disability Keep You From Publishing, with Rosie Radcliffe

What do you do when life gets so challenging you're not sure what to do next? Follow what Rosie did! When a rare form of arthritis ended her career and left her in a wheelchair, Rosie Radcliffe had to shield in lockdown so embarked on fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. She wrote some dreadful ones before finding her feet, and learned a LOT from podcasts and You Tube. Her novel is set on the north west Lancashire coast, where she lives in a rural village with her long-suffering h

Jan 30, • 41:32

How to Write Suspense That Works, with Helena Echlin

How to Write Suspense That Works, with Helena Echlin

How to make suspense actually suspenseful and the power of a fuzzy outline! Helena Echlin has written for numerous publications on both sides of the Atlantic, including The Guardian and The Times. She taught at Stanford University for eight years and has recently returned to the UK, where she now teaches fiction writing for Oxford University’s Department of Continuing Education. She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children. Clever Little Thing is her most recent novel. ❤️ Adventure

Jan 23, • 26:42

The Power of Micro-Communities with Michele Tracy Berger

The Power of Micro-Communities with Michele Tracy Berger

Don't miss this chat about not only micro-communities, but how to know when you've NAILED your query letter! Michele Tracy Berger is the Eric and Jane Nord Family Professor in the Department of Religious Studies and director of the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University. She has a secondary appointment in the Department of English. In addition to being a scholar, she is also an award-winning creative writer. Much of her work explores psychological horror, especia

Jan 16, • 38:03

The Annual MONEY Episode!

The Annual MONEY Episode!

The most popular episode every year - check out what Rachael made in 2024 and how she made it! Also, what will she be changing, adapting, doing in 2025? Her words of the year are Sparkle and Bloom, so that's a hint. ❤️ Adventure 52 - Patreon🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally crea

Jan 9, • 39:35

On the Utter Joy of Having Homework Forever, with Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

On the Utter Joy of Having Homework Forever, with Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

This is an interview you will LOVE, start to finish. Get ready to be overjoyed. Elisabeth Sharp McKetta is an award-winning writer and writing teacher and a mother of two. With a PhD on the intersections between fairy tales and autobiography, as well as a seven-year streak of writing weekly poems for strangers, she teaches writing for Oxford Department for Continuing Education and for Harvard Extension School, where she won their highest teaching award. She has authored thirteen books, most rece

Jan 2, • 45:54

The Black Herron 28 (plus update!)

The Black Herron 28 (plus update!)

Let's plan for the new year with Sacha and Rachael!❤️ Adventure 52 - Patreon - http://patreon.com/rachael ✏️ Write More, Worry Less: A Year of Pressure-Free ProductivityJan 4, 2025 - CLICK HERE for the details! Don't miss the early-bird pricing, good till Dec 10th!🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfect

Dec 30, 2024 • 1:13:37

How to Build the Support You Want with Heidi McIntyre

How to Build the Support You Want with Heidi McIntyre

Support — who needs it? You do! How to get it (and how to hold open space for your writing, too). Heidi McIntyre’s journey as a writer began in college when a professor convinced her to switch majors to English, igniting her passion for storytelling. With a background in marketing consulting, Heidi spent years specializing in fresh produce, collaborating with growers, commodity boards, and industry associations to elevate their brands. Today, she channels her expertise into helping authors

Dec 19, 2024 • 48:00

The Power of Trimming Down Your Work, with Kate Mahony

The Power of Trimming Down Your Work, with Kate Mahony

Rachael’s back from swimming with the turtles - catch up with her today. And how does a writer move from flash to longer work? Find out with Kate!Kate Mahony is a long-time writer of short stories and flash fiction with an MA in Creative Writing from the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University of Wellington – Te Herenga Waka. Her work has been published in anthologies and literary journals. Her debut novel, Secrets of the Land, published by Cloud Ink Press was voted onto

Dec 12, 2024 • 29:06

The Black Herron 27

The Black Herron 27

Rachael's landing book planes and Sacha's cleaning up after an incredibly successful Kickstarter! Enjoy! 🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for lots more.✏️ Can I email you some w

Nov 30, 2024 • 47:04

Writing an Identity Not Your Own, with Alex Temblador

Writing an Identity Not Your Own, with Alex Temblador

How to write an identity not your own! Also: on inhabiting your character, on easy reading being damned hard writing, on grounding the reader in a scene, and expecting that you WILL make mistakes (and that's okay.) Alex Temblador is the Mixed Latine award-winning author of Writing An Identity Not Your Own, Secrets of the Casa Rosada and Half Outlaw. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Oklahoma and is a contributor to Living Beyond

Nov 28, 2024 • 51:29

On Slowing Down Hurry Mode with Nicole Meier

On Slowing Down Hurry Mode with Nicole Meier

On zooming out to look at character interiority and having scene goals, as well as slowing down the hurry mode. Enjoy! Nicole Meier is an author and book coach living in the Pacific Northwest. Her debut novel, The House of Bradbury, was chosen as a Best Book of 2016 by Refinery29. Her second book, The Girl Made of Clay, was named a Top Book according to Bookbub readers. The Second Chance Supper Club, was named a Best New Book 2019 by Popsugar. Her fourth novel, City of Books, is out now. Ni

Nov 21, 2024 • 35:08

How to Write with Heart, Soul, and Pen, with Robin Finn

How to Write with Heart, Soul, and Pen, with Robin Finn

On writing with heart, soul, and pen! Robin Finn, MPH, MA, is the author of the new book, Heart. Soul. Pen.: Find Your Voice on the Page and in Your Life. She is the creator and founder of Heart. Soul. Pen.® women’s writing workshops and Hot Writing™ where midlife and menopause inspire the desire to say what you mean without apologizing. Robin teaches writing for groups and organization across the U.S. Her work has appeared in national and international press including The New York Times, T

Nov 14, 2024 • 26:45

How to Embrace Not Knowing in Writing with Lauren Aliza Green

How to Embrace Not Knowing in Writing with Lauren Aliza Green

On being okay with not knowing (it's part of being human), on listening to dreams, and on "overhearing" your book. Enjoy! Lauren Aliza Green is a novelist, poet, and musician. Her debut novel, The World After Alice, is out now from Viking (US) and Penguin Michael Joseph (UK). Her chapbook, A Great Dark House, won the Poetry Society of America's Chapbook Fellowship. Her writing has appeared or is forthcoming in Lit Hub, Virginia Quarterly Review, Threepenny Review, American Short Fiction, an

Nov 7, 2024 • 46:38

The Black Herron 26

The Black Herron 26

Rachael and Sacha chat about her monumental Kickstarter and how it feels, emotionally (answer: weird!) as well as Rachael’s new book idea. 🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay

Nov 1, 2024 • 44:25

Earn Your Emotional Moments - with Julie Leong

Earn Your Emotional Moments - with Julie Leong

On earning the heightened moments in your writing. Also, you don't have to be writing to be writing! Julie Leong is a Chinese Malaysian American fantasy author who grew up across both New Jersey and Beijing, China. She studied economics and political science at Yale and works in tech, but she has always nurtured a deep love for sci-fi/fantasy beneath her corporate exterior. Julie lives in San Francisco with her husband, their rescue pup, and a magical Meyer lemon tree in the backyard

Oct 31, 2024 • 41:35

When a Pantser Turns Into a Plotter - with Ann Rose

When a Pantser Turns Into a Plotter - with Ann Rose

How to go from feeling your way through a story to actually knowing a bit about it before you start! Also - what does a cat have to do with kindness? Ann Rose is a typical Taurus—loyal but stubborn, which means being an author is perfect. While asking the private group chat for ideas on what to include in this bio, Ann was reminded that some of her greatest qualities are her awesome best friends from high school—a fact she couldn’t argue with. She loves dark chocolate, sarcasm, her family,

Oct 24, 2024 • 31:36

How to Invest in Yourself as a Writer with Rebekah Faubion

How to Invest in Yourself as a Writer with Rebekah Faubion

On being unapologetic about investing in yourself as a writer! Rachael and Rebekah also talk about the value of friends, and about writing being alive, never stagnant! Rebekah Faubion is the author of THE LOVERS, a Nora Ephron-style, sapphic rom-com coming Summer 2024 from Berkley. She is also the author of young adult horror novel LOST GIRLS coming from Delacorte Press in 2026. When she isn’t writing books that make her bi soul sing, she enjoys watching anything romantic or scary (or, bett

Oct 17, 2024 • 47:37

Using a Freelance Developmental Editor While Still Writing Your Novel with May Cobb

Using a Freelance Developmental Editor While Still Writing Your Novel with May Cobb

Using an editor AS you're writing! Don't miss this conversation about something people often wonder about but rarely talk about! May Cobb is an award-winning author of The Hunting Wives, My Summer Darlings, A Likeable Woman, and Big Woods. Her books have received attention from Book of The Month, The Today Show, and Oprah Daily and have been optioned for film/TV. She has an M.A. from San Francisco State University and her essays and interviews have appeared in The Washington Post and Good H

Oct 10, 2024 • 35:02

The Black Herron 25

The Black Herron 25

Please enjoy this episode of The Black Herron with Sacha Black and Rachael Herron! 🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for lots more.✏️ Can I email you some writing help? 💥 9

Oct 3, 2024 • 46:59

How to Quit Imposter Syndrome - with Lynne Thompson

How to Quit Imposter Syndrome - with Lynne Thompson

On how to quit imposter syndrome (yes, it’s doable!) and on giving voice to the inanimate - you’ll love this episode! Lynne Thompson served as Los Angeles’ fourth Poet Laureate, 2021-2022. Thompson is the author of four collections of poetry, Beg No Pardon, Start With A Small Guitar, Fretwork, and most recently, Blue on a Blue Palette. She serves on the Boards of Cave Canem, Poetry Foundation, Los Angeles Review of Books, and Scripps College which she lead as Board Chair, 2018-2022. Her wor

Oct 3, 2024 • 50:15

Using Intuition Like a Muscle with Tara Sim

Using Intuition Like a Muscle with Tara Sim

How to use intuition like a muscle - the more you use it the stronger it gets! Also: on shaking ideas out of your brain, and keeping the brain active when NOT thinking. Tara Sim is the author of The Dark Gods trilogy, the Scavenge the Stars duology, and the Timekeeper trilogy. She can typically be found wandering the wilds of the Bay Area, California. When she’s not chasing cats or lurking in bookstores, she writes books about magic, murder, and mayhem. We Shall Be Monsters is her most rece

Sep 26, 2024 • 31:19

What's Your Writing Expiration Date? with Natasha Daniels

What's Your Writing Expiration Date? with Natasha Daniels

What do you do with social anxiety and OCD? Write about it. Don't miss this lovely chat with Natasha and Rachael! Natasha Daniels is a child anxiety & OCD therapist, who has battled her own anxiety throughout her life. She is the author of Social Skills Activities for Kids, It’s Brave to Be Kind, Anxiety Sucks: A Teen Survival Guide, How to Parent Your Anxious Toddler, The Grief Rock, Crushing OCD Workbook for Kids and her latest, Out of My Shell, a memoir about overcoming social anxiet

Sep 19, 2024 • 34:50

How to Celebrate Everything - Ally Nikolaus

How to Celebrate Everything - Ally Nikolaus

Ally and Rachael talk about FUN and celebration as well as living (and thriving) without alcohol. Don't miss this one! Ally Nikolaus is an award-winning filmmaker and author of the upcoming memoir, I’m Gay and Drink Water. Their memoir covers six years of their life from the time they were a freshman on the University of Mississippi’s soccer team to when they came out at age twenty-four while living, working and going to school in Chicago. Alcohol consumption played a major role in Ally’s s

Sep 12, 2024 • 31:04

On Surprising Yourself with Danica Nava

On Surprising Yourself with Danica Nava

Sheer fun! Danica Nava talks about the joy of writing fanfic while young, and how to surprise yourself! Danica Nava is an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and works as an Executive Assistant in the tech industry. She has her MBA from USC Marshall School of Business. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband and daughter. The Truth According to Ember is her debut novel. You can find her on Instagram at the handle @danica_nava🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In

Sep 5, 2024 • 41:26

The Black Herron LIVE Ep 24

The Black Herron LIVE Ep 24

Please enjoy this LIVE EPISODE of The Black Herron with Sacha Black and Rachael Herron! 🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for lots more.✏️ Can I email you some writing help?

Sep 1, 2024 • 54:28

Give Your Inner Critic an Important Job with AJ Harper

Give Your Inner Critic an Important Job with AJ Harper

This is one of Rachael's favorite episodes of the year - don't miss this incredible chat with AJ Harper, author of the phenomenal Write a Must Read! AJ Harper is an editor and publishing strategist who helps authors write foundational books that enable them to build readership, grow their brand and make a significant impact on the world. As ghostwriter and as developmental editor, she has worked with newbies to New York Times bestselling authors with millions of books sold. AJ is writing pa

Aug 29, 2024 • 55:23

Write a Book Based Only on a Title with Elyssa Friedland

Write a Book Based Only on a Title with Elyssa Friedland

Why writing a book based on just a title might be a great idea! Also, keeping track of details, struggling with reveals, character building, not reading reviews and NOT killing yourself on promo - enjoy all of this with Elyssa Friedland! Elyssa Friedland is the USA Today bestselling author of six novels and one picture book. A graduate of Yale University and Columbia Law School, she has taught creative writing at Yale and at select conferences. She resides in New York City with her husband

Aug 22, 2024 • 44:13

How to Attend a Writing Conference - Solo Episode

How to Attend a Writing Conference - Solo Episode

Considering whether (or why) to go to a writing conference? Let Rachael walk you through her best tips for getting the most from one! NOW OPEN: 💥 90 Days to Done - WRITE YOUR BOOK! http://rachaelherron.com/90📚 90 Day Revision! http://rachaelherron.com/revision🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfe

Aug 17, 2024 • 32:15

The Black Herron 23

The Black Herron 23

Join us as Sacha’s getting ready to come to New Zealand and Rachael’s been setting up her Shopify store for the first time! 🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for lots more.✏

Aug 2, 2024 • 51:28

How to Set Up Author Stations to Make Writing Easier with Jessica Mehring

How to Set Up Author Stations to Make Writing Easier with Jessica Mehring

Have you ever considered making author stations in your home or office to streamline your writing process? Don't miss this amazing idea with Jessica Mehring! Jessica Mehring is a Colorado-based author of contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and creative nonfiction -- and she splits her time helping technology startups communicate without sounding like robots. She believes that story is the foundation of human relationship, and history and nature are our greatest teachers. She loves reading,

Aug 1, 2024 • 32:46

The Joy of Writing a Younger Voice with Jennifer Lane

The Joy of Writing a Younger Voice with Jennifer Lane

How can you harness the joy and fun of writing in a younger voice? Join us today to find out! Jennifer Lane was born in NSW, Australia, which is where her novels are set, but she’s lived in Wellington, New Zealand, for more than half her life, and that’s where she’s joining us from today. Her first novel, All our Secrets won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel in 2018, and her second, Miracle, published in 2022, was a New Zealand YA Award finalist. She recently fi

Jul 25, 2024 • 29:07

The Only Way Out is Through with Tasha Coryell

The Only Way Out is Through with Tasha Coryell

We often want there to be an easier way to write, but hey, how about the best, fastest way? Let’s talk about going through it. Tasha Coryell lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband, toddler, and greyhound. She holds an MFA in creative writing and a PhD in composition and rhetoric from the University of Alabama. Her book of short stories, HUNGRY PEOPLE, was published by Split Lip Press in 2018. Her debut novel, LOVE LETTERS TO A SERIAL KILLER is out now. Publisher Rocket new

Jul 18, 2024 • 38:54

Writing Powered by Spite with Ashley Poston

Writing Powered by Spite with Ashley Poston

Why shouldn’t spite be harnessed for its sheer power? Get on board this new methodology - you’ll love it! Ashley Poston (she/they) is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Dead Romantics and The Seven Year Slip. They write stories about love and friendship and ever afters. A native to South Carolina, they now live in a small grey house with their sassy cat and too many books. You can find them on the internet, somewhere, watching

Jul 11, 2024 • 49:01

3 Tips on Effective World-Building with Ken Liu

3 Tips on Effective World-Building with Ken Liu

Rachael dives into what she spent (and made) on her Kickstarter, and then has an amazing conversation with Ken Liu on world building and the Dao De Jing! Ken Liu (http://kenliu.name) is an American author of speculative fiction. A winner of the Nebula, Hugo, and World Fantasy awards, he wrote the Dandelion Dynasty, a silkpunk epic fantasy series (starting with The Grace of Kings), as well as short story collections The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories and&nbsp

Jul 4, 2024 • 50:09

The Black Herron 22

The Black Herron 22

Sacha Black and Rachael Herron talk about their next adventures! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for lots more.✏️ Can I email you some writing help? http://rachaelherron.com/write💥 90 Days to Done - WRITE YOUR

Jun 30, 2024 • 53:32

How to Find Your Writing Voice with Polly Campbell

How to Find Your Writing Voice with Polly Campbell

You are going to love this incredibly inspiring interview with Polly Cambell and her story about having Ink in Your Veins might make you cry in the best way possible. Polly Campbell is the author of You, Recharged: How to Beat Fatigue (Mostly), Amp Up Your Energy (Usually), and Enjoy Life Again, (Always), and three other books. She is the host of the Simply Write w/Polly Campbell podcast and the Polly Campbell Simply Said, podcast and her magazine art

Jun 27, 2024 • 39:27

How to Embrace the Sh*tty First Draft with Kristina Forest

How to Embrace the Sh*tty First Draft with Kristina Forest

Rachael answers some BONUS writing coaching questions and then she and Kristina Forest chat all things first draft! Kristina Forest is an author of romance books for young adults. Her novels include I Wanna Be Where You Are, Now That I've Found You, Zyla & Kai, and The Neighbor Favor. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing at The New School, and she can often be found rearranging her bookshelf. The Partner Plot is her most recent release. Find her here

Jun 20, 2024 • 39:43

How Is Neurodivergence a Superpower? with Holger Nils Pohl

How Is Neurodivergence a Superpower? with Holger Nils Pohl

An adult diagnosis of autism for Holger Nils Pohl has given him a unique view on living a full, creative life. You’ll love this gorgeous conversation! Holger Nils Pohl is an award-winning communication designer, author, keynote speaker and visual facilitator. If he’s not working, he spends his time with his wife, three kids and their zoo of pets. The Wrong Planet is now on Kickstarter at: http://holgernilspohl.com/autism and also at http://rachaelherron.com/autismBook rec: Brain Rules

Jun 13, 2024 • 41:17

How to Recover from a Hard Revision Letter with Sarah Zachrich Jeng

How to Recover from a Hard Revision Letter with Sarah Zachrich Jeng

A hard revision letter can push a writer into despair—what can we do to make sure we don’t burn out, trying to make the book better? Find out in this conversation with Sarah! Sarah Zachrich Jeng grew up in Michigan and always had a flair for the morbid and mysterious (for her dad’s thirty-fifth birthday, she wrote a short story entitled “The Man Who Died at 35”). After a brief career as an aspiring rock star, she now develops websites and writes cross-genre novels that combine suspense with

Jun 6, 2024 • 34:03

The Black Herron 21

The Black Herron 21

Sacha and Rachael talk about the wonderful success of Rachael’s Kickstarter and Sacha’s exploding sales! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for lots more.✏️ Can I email you some writing help? http://rachaelhe

Jun 2, 2024 • 39:00

Keep Doing What You WANT to Do - Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail

Keep Doing What You WANT to Do - Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail

Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail talks about using the Try Jar (genius!) and the lily pad method to keep doing what you really WANT to be doing in your writing. She's a multi-genre and multi-passionate author, writing coach, editor and storyteller. She's probably best known for her inclusive aviation histories and picture books - but she's also working on memoir and book club fiction. She loves getting lost in research, travelling, and going on adventures with her little family. It makes it all the swe

May 30, 2024 • 49:11

How Music Can Fight the Inner Critic, with Nicola Solvinic

How Music Can Fight the Inner Critic, with Nicola Solvinic

This lovely conversation had me buzzing (yes, a bee pun!). 🐝Nicola Solvinic has a master’s degree in criminology and has worked in and around criminal justice for more than a decade. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and cats, where she is surrounded by a secret garden full of beehives. The Hunter's Daughter is her debut novel. RETREAT! Writing in the Junkyard is HERE! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With

May 23, 2024 • 29:03

443 | Using a Page Turn as Cliffhanger with Airlie Anderson

443 | Using a Page Turn as Cliffhanger with Airlie Anderson

How to use the turn of a page as a cliffhanger, and hey, would you still write if you knew you weren't going to be published? Don't miss this awesome conversation today! Airlie Anderson is the author and illustrator of children’s picture books Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone, Neither, Cat’s Colors, Cat’s Seasons, and more. She grew up in California and spent a lot of time reading and drawing, as well as swimming and pretending to ride a horse. Her early influences were animation art, p

May 16, 2024 • 38:49

442 | Why You Need To Take Breaks with Candra Anaya

442 | Why You Need To Take Breaks with Candra Anaya

Savor this inspiring chat with Candra Anaya on why a break may be exactly what you need! Candra Anaya is a freelance writer best known for her monthly column, DearQueer~ Gayly Giving Advice Straight from the Heart. Candra is the gay mom you want to confess everything to, whose feedback uplifts as much as it educates straight and queer readers alike. Most recently, Candra is a featured author in Amazon's #1 Bestselling book, The Life-Changing Power of Self-Love. She authors Chapter 11, Synergize

May 9, 2024 • 43:30

441 | Avoid a Catastrophic Scrivener Fail!

441 | Avoid a Catastrophic Scrivener Fail!

In this bonus episode, Rachael talks about her near miss with Scrivener destroying a WHOLE BOOK (spoiler: they also saved it and really, it was mostly her fault). She also discusses her new online writing retreat, Lala's new venture, and answers a Patron question about whether they should outline or not! Writing in the Junkyard Retreat is HERE. Sign up to be in the drawing to win a free author website from Lala as she gets her business up and running HERE. Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually

May 2, 2024 • 30:34

440 | The Black Herron Ep 20

440 | The Black Herron Ep 20

The Black Herron strikes again! As usual, plans for world domination from Sacha Black, and Rachael Herron paddles along just trying to keep up with her! Rachael’s Kickstarter is here! http://rachaelherron.com/unstuck Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as H

Apr 30, 2024 • 53:42

439 | What’s Keeping You From Writing with Donn King

439 | What’s Keeping You From Writing with Donn King

How did Rachael’s Kickstarter end up? IT IS EXCITING! And then dive into what’s keeping you from writing with Donn King! Donn King is The Confidence Cultivator. He is a professor of communication studies (which means “a professor of standing up in front of people and saying stuff”). He’s also an author, a pastor, a speaker, and a communication coach.He started writing for a newspaper at age 14 and made part or, at times, all of his living writing for over 40 years. But when his di

Apr 25, 2024 • 52:30

438 | Getting Unstuck with Tiffany Yates Martin

438 | Getting Unstuck with Tiffany Yates Martin

This last bonus Unstuck episode with Tiffany Yates Martin will get you to ask the impossible questions, especially if you’re not sure of the answer. Tiffany Yates Martin has spent nearly thirty years as an editor in the publishing industry, working with major publishers and New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors as well as indie and newer writers. She is the founder of FoxPrint Editorial an

Apr 22, 2024 • 24:01

437 | Getting Unstuck with Anne Kemp

437 | Getting Unstuck with Anne Kemp

Anne Kemp shares the wisdom of just doing SOMETHING to get yourself the slightest bit unstuck - it all adds up! Anne Kemp is a bestselling author of romantic comedies. She loves reading (and she does it ridiculously fast, too!), gluten-free baking (because everyone needs a hobby that makes them crazy), and finding time to binge-watch her favorite shows. She grew up in Maryland but made Los Angeles her home until she encountered her own real-life meet-cute at a friend's wedding where she en

Apr 22, 2024 • 23:03

436 | Unstuck (The Inciting Incident)

436 | Unstuck (The Inciting Incident)

Trapped in a small room inside the country you’ve just moved to, unable to get out. Thank god for the bathtub. Bonus episode! Here's Rachael's Kickstarter, Unstuck! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for lot

Apr 20, 2024 • 24:43

435 | Getting Unstuck with Nicole Peeler

435 | Getting Unstuck with Nicole Peeler

Perfectionism, man. Throw it back. How? Let’s talk about getting unstuck with Nicole Peeler! Nicole D. Peeler is an essayist and novelist, as well as an associate professor of English at Seton Hill University. There she directs the MFA in Writing Popular Fiction. Nicole lives in Pittsburgh, although she's often wandering.Neck-Deep in the Dicksand Podcast! Here's Rachael's Kickstarter, Unstuck! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so

Apr 20, 2024 • 21:15

434 | Getting Unstuck with Carter Wilson

434 | Getting Unstuck with Carter Wilson

On letting go and trusting your instincts to get unstuck, bonus episode with Carter Wilson! Carter Wilson is the USA Today bestselling author of nine critically acclaimed, standalone psychological thrillers, as well as numerous short stories. He is an ITW Thriller Award finalist, a five-time winner of the Colorado Book Award, and his works have been optioned for television and film. Additionally, he is the host of the Making It Up podcast and founder of the Unbound

Apr 19, 2024 • 22:44

433 | Getting Unstuck with Jason Craig Poole

433 | Getting Unstuck with Jason Craig Poole

Special bonus episode with Jason (The Man With the Amazing Toolbox) Poole, who talks about mis-categorizing feelings of excitement with Rachael as they chat about getting unstuck! Jason Craig Poole is a prize-winning poet, teacher and musician. His work has appeared in Paterson Literary Review, Brevity Blog, Molecule and other publications. His story and music are featured in the documentary, Sons of Hālawa. When he’s not climbing the monkey bars at the playground with his son, he’s pu

Apr 18, 2024 • 16:29

432 | Getting Unstuck with Ines Johnson

432 | Getting Unstuck with Ines Johnson

Another special bonus episode, this time with the amazing and SUPER inspiring Ines Johnson! Lover of fairytales, folklore, and mythology, Ines Johnson spends her days reimagining the stories of old in a modern world. She also writes sweet western romances under the pen name Shanae Johnson. Aside from being a writer, professional reader, and teacher, Ines is a very bad Buddhist. She sits in sangha each week, and while others are meditating and getting their zen on, she’s contemplating h

Apr 16, 2024 • 20:32

431 | Getting Unstuck with Jennie Nash

431 | Getting Unstuck with Jennie Nash

Getting unstuck in a BIG way with Jennie Nash, in which Jennie is brave AF, moving forward with beautiful integrity. If you’re stuck? Listen to this one. Jennie Nash is the founder and CEO of Author Accelerator, a company on a mission to lead the emerging book coaching industry with rigorous training, high standards for certification, and ongoing support for coaches while they launch and build their businesses. Jennie’s own clients have landed top agents, six-figure book deals, and spots on

Apr 16, 2024 • 25:15

430 | Getting Unstuck with Toby Neal

430 | Getting Unstuck with Toby Neal

Award-winning, USA Today bestselling social worker turned crime novelist Toby Neal grew up on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Neal is a mental health therapist, a career that has informed the depth and complexity of the characters in her stories. Neal also writes romance under Toby Jane. Toby's memoir, Freckled: a Memoir of Growing Up Wild in Hawaii, has been widely praised. Kirkus calls Freckled, "an affecting and riveting chronicle...in a Hawaii long lost." She writes memoirs under TW Neal.&nbs

Apr 15, 2024 • 14:36

429 | Getting Unstuck with J. Thorn

429 | Getting Unstuck with J. Thorn

Ride along as Rachael's mind gets BLOWN by J. Thorn talking about luck. J. Thorn has published more than two million words and has sold over 200,000 books worldwide since 2009. He has been an official member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers, and is currently a member of the Horror Writers Association. Thorn earned a B.A. in American History from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.A. from Duquesne University. He is a husband

Apr 14, 2024 • 15:03

428 | Getting Unstuck with A. K. Mulford

428 | Getting Unstuck with A. K. Mulford

A. K. Mulford knows a lot about saving themselves (and their whole family!) from being stuck. A. K. Mulford is a bestselling fantasy author and former wildlife biologist who swapped rehabilitating monkeys for writing novels.She/they are inspired to create diverse stories that transport readers to new realms, making them fall in love with fantasy for the first time or all over again. They also write rom-coms under Ali K. Mulford. She now lives in Australia with her husband and two young human pri

Apr 12, 2024 • 25:48

427 | Getting Unstuck with KJ Dell’Antonia

427 | Getting Unstuck with KJ Dell’Antonia

KJ Dell'Antonia shares some amazing ways to get unstuck in her normal, down-to-earth, hilarious way. Here's Rachael's Kickstarter, Unstuck! KJ Dell’Antonia is a New York Times best-selling author whose novels The Chicken Sisters and In Her Boots explore the same themes she once explored as a journalist: the importance of finding joy in our families, the challenge of figuring out what makes us happy and the need to value the life we’re living more than the one in our phones and laptops, every sin

Apr 11, 2024 • 18:12

426 | Editing Audio and the Bloopers You Find

426 | Editing Audio and the Bloopers You Find

Today, Rachael’s sharing a favorite blooper from editing the audiobook Unstuck, plus, get a whole chapter on what it feels like to cull a household of stuff down to almost nothing. Rachael's Kickstarter, Unstuck! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How D

Apr 10, 2024 • 22:45

425 | Getting Unstuck with Becca Syme - Special Episode

425 | Getting Unstuck with Becca Syme - Special Episode

Becca Syme on leaving home and never going back, on what it's like to be stuck, and how to get yourself out (even if you love-trick yourself to do it). Rachael's Kickstarter, Unstuck: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rachaelherron/unstuck-an-audacious-hunt-for-home-and-happinessBecca Syme is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach with a Master's Degree in Transformational Leadership and seventeen years of experience in success coaching with writers, organizations and individuals in communication

Apr 10, 2024 • 27:58

424 | Getting Unstuck with Monna McDiarmid - Special Episode!

424 | Getting Unstuck with Monna McDiarmid - Special Episode!

Monna McDiarmid on what it's like to be stuck, and how to get yourself out (even if you're still stuck!)Rachael's Kickstarter, Unstuck: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rachaelherron/unstuck-an-audacious-hunt-for-home-and-happinessMonna McDiarmid is a writer, life coach and educator. She and her partner live in a tiny apartment in Yokohama, Japan and an old, wooden house in Nova Scotia, Canada. She believes in the healing power of poetry, the sea, and a roaring fire in a wood stove. Her work

Apr 9, 2024 • 20:58

423 | Getting Unstuck with Joanna Penn - Special Episode!

423 | Getting Unstuck with Joanna Penn - Special Episode!

Joanna Penn on what it's like to be stuck, and how to get yourself out. Rachael's Kickstarter, Unstuck: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rachaelherron/unstuck-an-audacious-hunt-for-home-and-happinessJoanna Penn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers writing under the name J.F. Penn. She also writes inspirational non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning creative entrepreneur and international professional speaker. Find her here: https://www.thecreat

Apr 8, 2024 • 15:53

422 | Getting Unstuck with Sacha Black - Special Episode!

422 | Getting Unstuck with Sacha Black - Special Episode!

Rachael’s Kickstarter is FINALLY LIVE! And she's freaking out. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rachaelherron/unstuck-an-audacious-hunt-for-home-and-happinessToday Rachael's talking to Sacha Black about how to get Unstuck! Sacha Black is a best selling and competition winning author, rebel podcaster, and professional speaker. She has five obsessions; words, expensive shoes, conspiracy theories, self-improvement, and breaking the rules. Sacha writes educational nonfiction books for write

Apr 3, 2024 • 19:56

421 | The Black Herron Ep 19 with Special Guest Joanna Penn

421 | The Black Herron Ep 19 with Special Guest Joanna Penn

SPECIAL GUEST STAR! Joanna Penn joins Sacha Black and Rachael for a friends’ chat about publishing, Kickstarter fun, and how to find community while maintaining boundaries. Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for l

Apr 1, 2024 • 58:07

420 | 8 Years as a Full-Time Writer - Lessons Learned

420 | 8 Years as a Full-Time Writer - Lessons Learned

It’s been 8 years since Rachael quit her day job to sail off into writing full time - what has she learned since then? Does she work hard enough? Does she write enough books? How does she feel about the market? It’s time to find out. Also: Rachael Says Write is changing - join us for just $2 here! http://rachaelherron.com/rachaelsayswrite And don’t forget to click here to find out when the moving-to-New-Zealand memoir Unstuck launches! http://rachaelherron.com/unstuck Ink In Your

Mar 29, 2024 • 44:59

419 | Write Till You Cry with Ken Guidroz

419 | Write Till You Cry with Ken Guidroz

Ken Guidroz is a debut memoirist. 14 years ago he wrote the go-to book for his profession, Beyond the 401(k). But this is his first personal work. And it is personal. It is honest. In the book, Letters to My Son in Prison, he lays out the challenges he had in his marriage, the difficulties of connecting with a son in prison, and the long road back to finding God outside the four walls of religion.Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so ha

Mar 22, 2024 • 36:38

418 | How to Survive the Post-Publishing Crash with Sarah-Jane Collins

418 | How to Survive the Post-Publishing Crash with Sarah-Jane Collins

What’s the post-publishing crash, and why aren’t we talking about it more? Sarah-Jane Collins is a writer, editor, and journalist from Meanjin (Brisbane), Australia, who moved to New York by way of Gadigal land (Sydney), and Naarm (Melbourne). Her work has appeared in the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, Meanjin, Overland, and others. She has an MFA in fiction from Columbia University. Her fiction has won the Overland Fair Australia Prize and been shor

Mar 14, 2024 • 32:16

417 | How to Not Quit Writing by Accident

417 | How to Not Quit Writing by Accident

EPIC bonus Q&A episode, featuring questions from Patrons: How do I write when I’m scared of screwing it all up? How many agents should I query? How are you supposed to afford self-publishing, if you go that way? How can I figure out what to learn next? What goes in front and back matter? Should I presell a book two? Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to

Mar 14, 2024 • 45:13

416 | How to End Your Book with Jennifer Lang

416 | How to End Your Book with Jennifer Lang

Two surprising and awesome ways to actually END your book! A California transplant in Tel Aviv, Jennifer Lang teaches writing and yoga. She's American by birth, Israeli by choice, and French by marriage. Award-winning Places We Left Behind: a memoir-in-miniature is her first book and Landed: A yogi's memoir in pieces & poses will follow in October 2024. Her essays have appeared in Under the Sun, Ascent, Hippocampus, and forthcoming in Co

Mar 7, 2024 • 34:06

415 | The Black Herron 18

415 | The Black Herron 18

In which Sacha reveals to Rachael an amazing secret that she hasn't told anyone but her partner up till NOW. Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for lots more.✏️ Can I email you some writing help? http://rachaelher

Feb 29, 2024 • 38:11

414 | Channeling the Muse with Renée Hartleib

414 | Channeling the Muse with Renée Hartleib

In which Rachael and Renée Hartleib talk about channeling the muse, but not in a weird way - more like a workaday way. Plus, why you SHOULD take a solo writing retreat! Renée Hartleib is a Canadian author, writer, editor, and writing mentor. She has published short fiction, and most recently a non-fiction book entitled Writing Your Way: A 40-Day Path of Self-Discovery. She is passionate about aiding and inspiring creatives and offers both online programs and one-on-one support for writers l

Feb 29, 2024 • 29:12

413 | How to Use a Book Launch for Social Proof with Helen B. Scheuerer

413 | How to Use a Book Launch for Social Proof with Helen B. Scheuerer

In which Rachael’s mind is blown by Helen’s launch techniques, and she might just be able to get behind doing a real-live launch next time! Helen B. Scheuerer is the bestselling fantasy author of the series, The Oremere Chronicles, Curse of the Cyren Queen and The Legends of Thezmarr. Her work has been highly praised for its strong, flawed female characters and its action-packed plots. She also publishes advice for authors with her nonfiction series, Books For Career Authors. Helen’s love o

Feb 22, 2024 • 35:17

412 | On Launching into the New with Jennifer Louden

412 | On Launching into the New with Jennifer Louden

The always-vibrant Jen Louden rocks the podcast this week with her stories of moving bravely into amazing new worlds. She’s inspiring and exciting, and you don’t want to miss this fan favorite! For 28 years and counting, best-selling author and passionate teacher Jennifer Louden has been a leading voice on self-care and creative transformation. Jen has appeared on hundreds of media platforms, including The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her insights on wellness, mindfulness, creativity, and leading a

Feb 15, 2024 • 34:42

411 | Don’t Wait Too Long to Get Writing Feedback! with Jenna Adams

411 | Don’t Wait Too Long to Get Writing Feedback! with Jenna Adams

Why you might not want to wait TOO long to get (specific, good) feedback on your writing! Jenna Adams lives in London and writes from her third-floor flat which is covered in plants. She is a regular contributor at The Book Network and Can I Stray is her first novel. Jenna is passionate about exploring mental health, consent, and codependency in her writing. You can find out more about her work on Twitter (@JennaAdamsBooks), Instagram (@jennadamsbooks), TikTok (@jennadamsbook

Feb 8, 2024 • 28:40

410 | The Black Herron Ep 17

410 | The Black Herron Ep 17

In which Rachael and Sacha talk about how 2023 went (whew!) and how they're planning for an EPIC 2024! Don't miss this one! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing.✏️ Can I email you some

Feb 1, 2024 • 58:16

409 | What Kind of Editing is ACTUALLY Essential?

409 | What Kind of Editing is ACTUALLY Essential?

Editor Damien Pitter blows Rachael’s MIND in this episode when he talks about the only way structure feels to a reader. She’s still reeling. Also on tap: what kind of editing is essential vs. skippable? And how the heck do you figure out when to hire an editor? After teaching students to understand and write stories for more than twenty years as an international educator and counselor, Damien Pitter now has a small business editing and coaching adult writers to help them find and tell their

Jan 25, 2024 • 34:33

408 | How to Lure Your Muses with Leftie Aubé

408 | How to Lure Your Muses with Leftie Aubé

Rachael talks about a shiny new idea that’s run her over with its wildness and scope and size, and then she chats with Leftie Aubé about how to enchant and beguile the muses. Don’t miss this one! Leftie Aubé is a horror writer who lives near Québec city. Her flash fiction story, CAN'T STAND IT ANYMORE, was published in the collection WHEREVER WE ROAM, where it was chosen as an honorable mention. She is the host of Leftie Aubé's Writing Podcast, where she shares her writing journey with vuln

Jan 18, 2024 • 48:00

407 | The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now

407 | The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now

Who said what, and WHY? Rachael talks with Jeff about how to write dialogue that readers will love. Also, she encourages you to join her in taking Monna McDiarmid’s course, Seven Rooms: Experiments in Delight-Taking and Peace-Making https://rachaelherron.com/sevenrooms. and if you’re a writer of color struggling to write your book, please reach out to Josee Smith on Instagram for free coaching! http://instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoachJeff Elkins is a writer, podcaster, and writing

Jan 11, 2024 • 55:07

406 | The Annual Money Episode! What I Made and How I Made it as a Writer

406 | The Annual Money Episode! What I Made and How I Made it as a Writer

The ever-popular, annual "How Much Did Money Rachael Make This Year?" episode! With multiple streams of income, Rachael made money from traditional publishing, self-publishing, audiobooks, Patreon, and (the biggest category), HUSTLE. Exactly how much? She'll tell you today! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too)You might need to be a writer, but you don't need to struggle so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, rej

Jan 4, 2024 • 30:24

405 | The Black Herron Ep 16

405 | The Black Herron Ep 16

In which Rachael and Sacha talk about Sacha’s INCREDIBLE experience at 20 Books to 50K, and how her latest launch went, as well as Rachael’s NaNoWriMo joy! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own

Jan 4, 2024 • 54:35

Ep. 403: Reality TV as a Writer’s Tool with Rachel Harrison

Ep. 403: Reality TV as a Writer’s Tool with Rachel Harrison

A good (no, a GREAT!) excuse to watch reality TV? Yep. Honestly, you're going to love this conversation with Rachel Harrison on how to make our writing stronger and have fun at the same time. Rachel Harrison is the National Bestselling author of BLACK SHEEP, SUCH SHARP TEETH, CACKLE, and THE RETURN, which was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Her short fiction has appeared in Guernica, Electric Literature's Recommended Reading, as an Audible O

Dec 28, 2023 • 33:53

Ep. 402: How Stunt Memoirs Can Change the World with Eve O. Schaub

Ep. 402: How Stunt Memoirs Can Change the World with Eve O. Schaub

Live a whole year trash-free? Oh, yeah. Eve O. Schaub and Rachael take on changing the world, one memoir at a time. Eve is chock full of incredible advice for both writing and living - don’t miss this one! Eve O. Schaub is an internationally published author and humorist. The author of Year of No Sugar (2014) and Year of No Clutter (2017); her forthcoming third family memoir is Year of No Garbage (April 22 Earth Day, 2023). She has been featured on the Dr. Oz S

Dec 21, 2023 • 42:08

Ep. 401: What’s Luck Got To Do With It? With Tori Anne Martin

Ep. 401: What’s Luck Got To Do With It? With Tori Anne Martin

Have you ever thought that it really might NOT be you? You’re going to love this episode with Tori Anne Martin about luck vs. work, and what really matters. Tori Anne Martin lives in New England where she collects pen names, tattoos, and hoodies in shades of gray and black. Previously, she collected degrees, including a doctorate in psychology where she studied interpersonal power, consent, and sexual assault. She much prefers writing romance. If you can't find her online, it's because she'

Dec 14, 2023 • 29:17

404 | Ink In Your Veins

404 | Ink In Your Veins

Yes, you ARE in the right place! Ink In Your Veins is the new name for How Do You Write (we'll be rolling it all over in the New Year). New theme song - WOO! Bonus miniepisode: How to know what book to work onHow to know when to quit working on a bookSign up for 90 Days to Done here: https://rachaelherron.com/90daystodoneSign up for 90 Day Revision here: https://rachaelherron.com/revisionRecommended: Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, by Annie Duke: https://amzn.to/46RVfhzHow Do You

Dec 13, 2023 • 23:09

Ep. 400: How to Heal a Tired Writer’s Heart with Kate Elliott

Ep. 400: How to Heal a Tired Writer’s Heart with Kate Elliott

Kate Elliott and Rachael talk about healing, bullet journaling, and (ahem) how long is TOO long a book? This episode will inspire you to not only write (a lot of words!) but also to take good care of that gorgeous writer’s heart of yours (by writing). Kate Elliott has been publishing science fiction and fantasy for over thirty years with a particular focus in immersive world building and epic stories of adventure & transformative cultural change. She’s written epic fantasy, space opera,

Dec 7, 2023 • 55:20

Ep. 399: Stocking the Word Graveyard with Sarah Hawley

Ep. 399: Stocking the Word Graveyard with Sarah Hawley

What's a word graveyard? When should you take a bath and let go of perfectionism? These are important issues, and you're going to love the answers. Sarah Hawley is an author of romance and fantasy novels. She was a winner of #RevPit 2018, and her short stories and articles have been published by Hooked, Slackjaw, the Belladonna Comedy, and Points in Case. She co-hosts the Wicked Wallflowers Club podcast about romance fiction, which was featured on Entertainment Weekly. Sarah has both a BA a

Dec 4, 2023 • 34:29

Ep. 398: The Black Herron Ep 15

Ep. 398: The Black Herron Ep 15

Feelings, Nothing More Than Stupid FEELINGSIn which Sacha and Rachael talk about the utter sheer stupidity of feelings, what they mean, and how they can (maybe?) be managed. Don’t miss this one! Heartfelt and sweary!How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair,

Nov 30, 2023 • 52:13

Ep. 397: All Ink, No Drink - with Barbara O’Neal

Ep. 397: All Ink, No Drink - with Barbara O’Neal

DON'T MISS THIS EPISODE! Internationally bestselling author Barbara O'Neal talks with Rachael about what quitting drinking has done for not only her writing but her life. It's rare to pull back these kinds of curtains as artists. Pull up a chair and your drink of choice (we won't judge, ever). And if you're looking for resources on quitting drinking, there's an AA meeting near you: https://www.aa.org/aa-around-the-world or check out The Luckiest Club here: https://www.theluckiestclub.com/Barbara

Nov 23, 2023 • 34:06

Ep. 396: How to Write 103 Books (and Counting!) with PD Workman

Ep. 396: How to Write 103 Books (and Counting!) with PD Workman

P.D. Workman is a working machine. 103 books and counting? Don't miss this! Plus: a chat with patron Jillian who has questions about Nano and morning routines! P.D. Workman is a USA Today Bestselling author, winner of several awards from Library Services for Youth in Custody and the InD’tale Magazine’s Crowned Heart award, and has published over 100 mystery/suspense/thriller and young adult books. Workman loves writing about the underdog, who the reader may love or hate. She has been praised for

Nov 17, 2023 • 37:40

Ep. 395: How to Center the Memoir Reader with Jennie Nash

Ep. 395: How to Center the Memoir Reader with Jennie Nash

Jennie Nash KNOWS memoir, and more than that, she knows how to do the most important thing of all: to center the reader. Don't miss this one! Jennie Nash is the founder and CEO of Author Accelerator, a company on a mission to lead the emerging book coaching industry with rigorous training, high standards for certification, and ongoing support for coaches while they launch and build their businesses. Jennie’s own clients have landed top agents, six-figure book deals, and spots on the New York Tim

Nov 16, 2023 • 50:31

Ep. 394: Reclaim Your Brain From Social Media with Uzma Jalaluddin

Ep. 394: Reclaim Your Brain From Social Media with Uzma Jalaluddin

Is it possible? Should we even try to detox from social media? What effect does it have on our writing if we do? Uzma Jalaluddin is the author of Ayesha at Last and Hana Khan Carries On. A high school teacher, she is also a Toronto Star columnist and a contributor to The Atlantic. Her first novel was optioned for film by Pascal Pictures and her second novel was optioned for film by Kaling International and Amazon Studios. She lives in Toront

Nov 10, 2023 • 38:49

Ep. 393: The Black Herron Ep 14

Ep. 393: The Black Herron Ep 14

Imposter Syndrome, Ahoy! Sacha Black and Rachael Herron talk about plans for the next quarter, and about how to regain yourself after suffering imposter system. Is it possible? If so, how do you start? Join us!How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, trick

Oct 31, 2023 • 1:01:07

NANO WITH ME! Time-sensitive! - Ep. 392: The Word Because with Nigar Alam

NANO WITH ME! Time-sensitive! - Ep. 392: The Word Because with Nigar Alam

Time-sensitive! Do you want to do NaNoWriMo with me? Go HERE: http://rachaelherron.com/nanowithme - we’ll write in Zoom together and have a PARTY at the end, when we all WIN NANO! Come join us! Also, enjoy this fabulous episode with an amazing writer!! Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Nigar Alam spent her childhood in Turkey, Nigeria, Italy, Kenya, Indonesia, and the United States before returning to Karachi. With an MBA and CPA, she has worked in both brand management and auditing

Oct 30, 2023 • 32:35

Ep. 391: On Owning a VERY Special Book with Qin Sun Stubis

Ep. 391: On Owning a VERY Special Book with Qin Sun Stubis

For the past 15 years, Qin Sun Stubis has been a newspaper columnist and writes poems, essays, short stories, and original Chinese tall tales inspired by traditional Asian themes. Her writing is inflected with both Eastern and Western flavors in ways that transcend geography to touch hearts and reveal universal truths. Her memoir, Once Our Lives, is her most recent release. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers

Oct 26, 2023 • 45:02

Ep. 390: Premise Vs. Plot with Sarah Adler

Ep. 390: Premise Vs. Plot with Sarah Adler

Sarah and Rachael talk about premise (whee!) vs plot (uh-oh). Also, Rachael answers mini-coach questions on finding an editor and how to actually manage Scrivener and Word documents so that you don’t get confused! Sarah Adler writes romantic comedies about lovable weirdos finding their happily ever afters. She lives in Maryland with her husband and daughter and spends an inordinate amount of her time yelling at her mischievous cat to stop opening the kitchen cabinets. Mrs. Nash’s

Oct 19, 2023 • 39:09

Ep. 389: How to Face Your Writing Fears with Ashley Wilda

Ep. 389: How to Face Your Writing Fears with Ashley Wilda

Scared? Don't be (or really, that's okay). Being scared and writing around and toward it is where the magic happens. Enjoy this conversation with Ashley! Ashley Wilda is an author living in eastern Virginia. She particularly enjoys writing young adult fiction and poetry but loves reading any work whose words sing and whisper magic to the reader. Her debut novel The Night Fox, a YA magical realism tale written in poetry and prose, comes out with Penguin Random House in 2023. In addition to writin

Oct 12, 2023 • 28:33

Ep. 388: Writing the Shadow with Joanna Penn

Ep. 388: Writing the Shadow with Joanna Penn

A really exciting episode today! Joanna Penn and I talk about her NEW writing book about The Shadow, something she's a veritable expert in. This is for you if you want to go deep with your writing (and yourself). Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She’s also an award winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. Writing the Shadow is her next non-fiction f

Oct 12, 2023 • 43:20

Ep. 387: The Magic of Post-Its with Julie Carrick Dalton

Ep. 387: The Magic of Post-Its with Julie Carrick Dalton

As a journalist, Julie Carrick Dalton has published more than a thousand articles in The Boston Globe, BusinessWeek, The Hollywood Reporter, Orion Magazine, Electric Literature, and other publications. A Tin House and Bread Loaf alum, and graduate of GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator, Dalton holds a master’s degree in literature and creative writing from Harvard Extension School. She is a frequent speaker on the topic of writing fiction in the age of climate crisis.

Oct 5, 2023 • 30:10

Ep. 386: The Black Herron Episode 13

Ep. 386: The Black Herron Episode 13

Rest is hard... but is it worth it? Today, Rachael and Sacha talk about rest (and how to do it, lol) and about the book Smart Brevity, which they both recommend. Whether they’ll put the principles into practice, though, remains to be seen. Enjoy!How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other write

Oct 1, 2023 • 58:57

Ep. 385: Find Your Book’s GPS with Katrina Kittle

Ep. 385: Find Your Book’s GPS with Katrina Kittle

Katrina Kittle’s newest novel Morning in This Broken World, released September 1, 2023 and was an Amazon First Reads pick for August. Katrina is the author of four other novels for adults—Traveling Light, Two Truths & a Lie, Kindness of Strangers, and The Blessings of the Animals—and one novel for tweens, Reasons to Be Happy. The Kindness of Strangers was a BookSense pick and was the Fiction winner for the 2006 Great Lakes Book Awards. She teaches crea

Sep 28, 2023 • 38:33

Ep. 384: When To Put Your Writing Down with Ren DeStefano

Ep. 384: When To Put Your Writing Down with Ren DeStefano

Ren DeStefano lives in Connecticut, where she was born and raised. When she’s not writing thrillers, she’s listening to true crime podcasts and crocheting way too many blankets. Learn more at laurendestefano.com and follow Ren on Instagram (@laurendestefanoauthor). How I'll Kill You is her most recent novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain i

Sep 21, 2023 • 36:47

Ep. 383: The Beauty of Lowering Your Standards with Jesse Q. Sutanto

Ep. 383: The Beauty of Lowering Your Standards with Jesse Q. Sutanto

Jesse Q Sutanto grew up shuttling back and forth between Indonesia, Singapore, and Oxford, and considers all three places her home. She has a Masters from Oxford University, but she has yet to figure out how to say that without sounding obnoxious. Jesse has forty-two first cousins and thirty aunties and uncles, many of whom live just down the road. She used to game but with two little ones and a husband, she no longer has time for hobbies. She aspires to one day find one (1) hobby. I’m Not

Sep 14, 2023 • 25:18

Ep. 382: Why to Not Show EVERYTHING with Shay Galloway

Ep. 382: Why to Not Show EVERYTHING with Shay Galloway

A writer of slightly off-kilter and historically-interested fiction and contemplative non-fiction, Shay Galloway began journaling and writing stories as soon as she knew how to hold a pencil, and before she even knew she wanted to be a writer. She studied creative writing at Utah State University and received her Bachelor’s degree in 2012. She received her MFA from Roosevelt University in 2017. Her short work has appeared in, Adanna, The Write Launch, A-Minor Magazine, The Lindenwood Review

Sep 7, 2023 • 40:06

Ep. 381: How to Start Your Book with Jennifer Herrera

Ep. 381: How to Start Your Book with Jennifer Herrera

Jennifer Herrera is a former philosophy grad student turned literary agent, who is fascinated by the stories we tell ourselves to live and the lies we cling to that sabotage our chances at a good life. She was born and raised in Northwest Ohio and now resides in Philadelphia with her husband, daughter, and cat. The Hunter is her most recent novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling autho

Aug 31, 2023 • 36:25

Ep. 380: Lessons Learned from Failing to Sell a Book with Kitty Zeldis

Ep. 380: Lessons Learned from Failing to Sell a Book with Kitty Zeldis

Born in Chadera, Israel, Kitty Zeldis is the pseudonym for an award-winning author of nine novels and over thirty-five books for children. Her essays, articles and short fiction have been published in many national and literary publications. She is also the Fiction Editor of Lilith Magazine. Zeldis lives in Brooklyn, NY. The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights is her most recent novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working write

Aug 24, 2023 • 35:44

Ep. 379: Harness Writing Sprint Power with Jenn McKinlay

Ep. 379: Harness Writing Sprint Power with Jenn McKinlay

Jenn McKinlay is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. Her work has been translated into multiple languages in countries all over the world. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband's guitars. Summer Reading is her most recent novel. Her recommended reads: 7 Figure Fiction by Theodora Taylor and Dear Writer You Need to Quit by Becca S

Aug 17, 2023 • 30:03

Ep. 378: Using Different Mediums to Help with Revision with Kristen Bird

Ep. 378: Using Different Mediums to Help with Revision with Kristen Bird

Kristen Bird lives outside of Houston, Texas with her husband and three daughters. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music and mass media before completing a master’s in literature. She teaches high school English and writes with a cup of coffee in hand. In her free time, she likes to visit parks with her three daughters, watch quirky films with her husband and attempt to keep pace with her rescue lab-mixes. I Love It When You Lie is her most recent novel. How Do You Write Podcast: E

Aug 10, 2023 • 33:50

Ep. 377: Bonus Episode - Should I Revise My Book for an Agent?

Ep. 377: Bonus Episode - Should I Revise My Book for an Agent?

What if an agent asks you to revise your book, but you're not working with them yet? Rachael has opinions! Also in this episode: * Narrative distance in memoir* When to hire an editor* How to revise a first draft * How to get an expert to review the technical aspects of a bookHow Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'l

Aug 6, 2023 • 40:00

Ep. 376: The Black Herron Episode Ep. 12

Ep. 376: The Black Herron Episode Ep. 12

In today’s 1st anniversary episode, Sacha is a terrible human being who actually went back and listened to the goals we said we had at the beginning of the year, and today, we’re measuring ourselves up against them! Rachael talks about her new book deal, and Sacha confesses to breaking her book. Don’t miss it! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the

Aug 4, 2023 • 55:49

Ep. 375: How to Celebrate Every Shot You Take with Edward Giordano

Ep. 375: How to Celebrate Every Shot You Take with Edward Giordano

Celebrating and shot-taking and AI, huzzah! MASTERCLASSES NOW OPEN! 90 Days to Done - http://rachaelherron.com/9090 Day Revision - http://rachaelherron.com/revisionEdward Giordano is a science fiction and fantasy author, originally from Indiana, but more recently moved to California with his boyfriend and their cat, Ripley. He received his B.S. from Purdue University, Indiana. He is known to talk a lot about foreign reality shows, curling, public transportation, and food.How Do You Write Podcast

Aug 3, 2023 • 56:33

Ep. 374: Why You Should Skip Ahead with Nalini Singh

Ep. 374: Why You Should Skip Ahead with Nalini Singh

Why is it a good idea to skip ahead sometimes (even when it feels awkward)? Nalini Singh shares tips about this, as well as an awesome timeline tracking tool! New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh is passionate about writing. Though she’s traveled as far afield as the deserts of China, the temples of Japan, and the frozen landscapes of Antarctica, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her most. She’s beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as a writ

Jul 27, 2023 • 34:35

Ep. 373: How to Beat Writer's Block with Jayne Ann Krentz

Ep. 373: How to Beat Writer's Block with Jayne Ann Krentz

Jayne Ann Krentz is the author of more than fifty New York Times bestsellers. She has written contemporary romantic suspense novels under that name and futuristic and historical romance novels under the pseudonyms Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick, respectively. Jayne currently lives in Seattle, WA. Sleep No More is her most recent novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want

Jul 20, 2023 • 39:34

Ep. 372: Your Writing Should Be Messy with Hanna Halperin

Ep. 372: Your Writing Should Be Messy with Hanna Halperin

Hanna Halperin is the author of Something Wild, which won the Edward Lewis Wallant Award, was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award for Debut Fiction, and was longlisted for the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. Her stories have been published in The Kenyon Review, n+1, New Ohio Review, and Joyland. She has taught fiction workshops at GrubStreet in Boston and worked as a domestic violence counselor. I Could Live Here Forever is her most recent novel. Han

Jul 13, 2023 • 37:08

Episode 371: The Black Herron Episode 11

Episode 371: The Black Herron Episode 11

Plans, planning, lovely lovely plans. Rachael backs out of an agreement (whoops!), Sacha plans world domination, and together, they chat about Rachael’s new publishing contract! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration

Jul 1, 2023 • 53:37

Ep. 370: Why You Should Write with Friends with Katlyn Duncan

Ep. 370: Why You Should Write with Friends with Katlyn Duncan

Katlyn Duncan is an award-winning, multi-published author of adult and young adult fiction, and has ghostwritten over 40 novels for children and adults. When she’s not writing, she’s obsessing over many (many) television series’, and hanging out on YouTube where she shares her writing process and all the bookish things.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips o

Jun 29, 2023 • 27:51

Ep. 369: Why Failing to Write is AWESOME (bonus episode)

Ep. 369: Why Failing to Write is AWESOME (bonus episode)

In this mini-episode, Rachael talks about why failing to hit your goals (ANY of them) is a hugely important part of being a writer. If you’re failing, here’s why you’re winning. Rachael Says Plan - Join here! - http://patreon.com/rachaelHow Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how

Jun 23, 2023 • 13:45

Ep. 368: How to Give Yourself Permission to Write with Kelcey Ervick

Ep. 368: How to Give Yourself Permission to Write with Kelcey Ervick

Kelcey Ervick is the author and illustrator of the graphic memoir, The Keeper: Soccer, Me, and the Law That Changed Women's Lives, which is her third book. Kelcey's stories, essays, and comics have appeared in The Rumpus, The Believer, Washington Post, Lit Hub, and elsewhere. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati and is a professor of English and creative writing at Indiana University South Bend. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the

Jun 22, 2023 • 36:41

Ep. 376: How to Surprise the Reader (BIG TIME) with David Ellis

Ep. 376: How to Surprise the Reader (BIG TIME) with David Ellis

David Ellis is a judge and an Edgar-award-winning author of ten novels of crime fiction, as well as eight bestselling books co-authored with James Patterson. His novels have been translated into more than ten languages worldwide. In December 2014, Dave was sworn in as the youngest-serving Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District. He lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children. Look Closer is his latest release. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of w

Jun 15, 2023 • 47:28

Ep. 366: Monna McDiarmid on Love Tricks for Writers

Ep. 366: Monna McDiarmid on Love Tricks for Writers

Monna McDiarmid is a Canadian writer and international school counselor who has lived in Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Thailand and Japan. Currently, she and her partner live in a tiny apartment in Yokohama, Japan and an old, wooden house in Nova Scotia, Canada. She believes in the healing power of poetry, the sea, and a roaring fire in a wood stove. Her work, in all her roles, is focused on helping humans learn how to be kinder to themselves. The 38 Impossible Loves of Naoko Nishizawa is her first n

Jun 8, 2023 • 56:06

Ep. 364: What Did That Rejection Letter REALLY Mean?

Ep. 364: What Did That Rejection Letter REALLY Mean?

BONUS EPISODE, brought to you by Rachael’s patrons! Today, Rachael answers questions about what if you haven’t written in a while? What did that rejection letter REALLY mean? How do you structure non-fiction that isn’t memoir? And what about dual narratives? Should you write one (or two?) How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finis

Jun 1, 2023 • 21:47

Ep. 365: The Black Herron Ep 10

Ep. 365: The Black Herron Ep 10

Today Rachael and Sacha talk about what financial freedom looks like to them. And Sacha wallops Rachael with an offer she can’t refuse. BOOM, don’t miss this one!How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own

Jun 1, 2023 • 51:00

Ep. 363: Using the Blank Page as a Power Tool with Caroline Kepnes

Ep. 363: Using the Blank Page as a Power Tool with Caroline Kepnes

Caroline Kepnes is the author of You, Hidden Bodies, Providence, You Love Me, and numerous short stories. Her work has been translated into a multitude of languages and inspired a television series adaptation of You, currently on Netflix. Kepnes graduated from Brown University and previously worked as a pop culture journalist for Entertainment Weekly and a TV writer for 7th Heaven and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. She grew u

May 25, 2023 • 28:40

Ep. 362: On Making a Slide Deck of AWESOMENESS with Nikki Payne

Ep. 362: On Making a Slide Deck of AWESOMENESS with Nikki Payne

By day, Nikki Payne is a curious tech anthropologist asking the right questions to deliver better digital services. By night, she dreams of ways to subvert canon literature. She's a member of Smut U, a premium feminist writing collective, and is a cat lady with no cats. PRIDE AND PROTEST (Berkley/Penguin) is her debut novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael H

May 18, 2023 • 34:51

Ep. 361: You Might Need a Break - Emi Nietfeld

Ep. 361: You Might Need a Break - Emi Nietfeld

Emi Nietfeld is a journalist, mental health activist, and author of Acceptance: A Memoir. After graduating from Harvard College in 2015, she worked as a software engineer, an experience she wrote about in her viral New York Times essay, “After Working At Google, I’ll Never Let Myself Love a Job Again.” Her writing has appeared or is forthcoming in The Atlantic, Teen Vogue, Slate, and other publications. She lives in New York City with her family and stuffed animals.How Do You Write Podcast: Expl

May 11, 2023 • 40:34

Ep. 360: What To Do When You’re Stuck - Molly Fader

Ep. 360: What To Do When You’re Stuck - Molly Fader

You aren’t going to want to miss this amazing tip! MOLLY FADER is the award-winning author of more than 40 romance novels under the pennames Molly O'Keefe and M. O'Keefe. She grew up outside of Chicago and now lives in Toronto. The Sunshine Girls is her most recent novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to fi

May 4, 2023 • 36:19

Ep. 359: The Black Herron 09

Ep. 359: The Black Herron 09

Today, Sacha talks about her EPIC writing month and Rachael talks about her epic PUPPY (and some writing stuff). Don’t miss it! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Join Rachael's Sla

May 1, 2023 • 45:52

Ep. 358: POV Hack: Using Method Acting with Olesya Salnikova Gilmore

Ep. 358: POV Hack: Using Method Acting with Olesya Salnikova Gilmore

Olesya Salnikova Gilmore was born in Moscow, Russia, raised in the US, and graduated from Pepperdine University with a BA in English / political science, and from Northwestern University School of Law with a JD. She practiced litigation at a large law firm for several years before pursuing her dream of becoming an author. She is happiest writing historical fiction and fantasy inspired by Eastern European folklore. She lives in a wooded lakeside suburb of Chicago with her husband and daughter.&nb

Apr 27, 2023 • 32:17

Ep. 357: Am I Selling Out? Mini Episode!

Ep. 357: Am I Selling Out? Mini Episode!

How do you know if you’re selling out? Also what about Clifton Strengths? And when might I need a virtual assistant? Rachael Herron tackles all these questions and more in this mini episode brought to you by her mini-coaching patrons! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how t

Apr 26, 2023 • 27:48

Ep. 356: Katie Baird on How to Keep Believing After Rejection

Ep. 356: Katie Baird on How to Keep Believing After Rejection

Katie Baird is a Professor of Economics at the University of Washington Tacoma. Her new memoir Growing Mangos in the Desert, published by Apprentice House Press, came out in June 2022. She specializes in public economics and public policy, and for three years wrote bi-weekly columns on public affairs for Washington State’s second-largest newspaper. She has also held an elected office in Pierce County, Washington, where she lives with her husband Dave and dog Kea.How Do You Write Podcas

Apr 13, 2023 • 44:00

Ep. 355: Bonus Episode - How to Steal Writing Friends

Ep. 355: Bonus Episode - How to Steal Writing Friends

In this bonus episode, Rachael answers questions from her amazing Patrons about: How to steal writing friendsHow to get the work doneDo you need a website yet? How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own w

Apr 7, 2023 • 33:26

Ep. 354: Leslie Karst on Why You Shouldn’t Read Reviews

Ep. 354: Leslie Karst on Why You Shouldn’t Read Reviews

The daughter of a law professor and a potter, Leslie Karst waited tables and sang in a new wave rock band before deciding she was ready for a “real” job and ending up at Stanford Law School. It was during her career as a research and appellate attorney in Santa Cruz, California, that she rediscovered her youthful passion for food and cooking, at which point she once again returned to school—this time to earn a degree in culinary arts. Now retired from the law, Leslie spe

Apr 6, 2023 • 34:17

Ep. 353: The Black Herron 08

Ep. 353: The Black Herron 08

In which Sacha Black and Rachael Herron talk about* the launch of a new pen name and how Ruby Roe is faring in the world* how we're STILL reading Financial Feminist, Tori Dunlap: https://amzn.to/3DqE2Qc* how we're making the world better* the magic of 500 words of a day! Join Rachael's Slack channel, Onward Writers: https://join.slack.com/t/onwardwriters/shared_invite/zt-7a3gorfm-C15cTKh_47CEdWIBW~RKwgRachael can be YOUR mini-coach, and she’ll answer all your questions on the show! http://patreo

Apr 1, 2023 • 40:30

Ep. 352: Layla Khoury-Hanold on How to Nourish Your Inner Writer

Ep. 352: Layla Khoury-Hanold on How to Nourish Your Inner Writer

Food and lifestyle journalist Layla Khoury-Hanold has written for Food52, Food Network, Refinery29, The Chicago Tribune, VinePair, and The James Beard Foundation. Living in six countries before age 15 cultivated her obsession with food, from grape leaves at her Lebanese grandma’s table to escargots in Paris, haggis in Scotland, and fish cheeks in Indonesia. Prior to becoming a professional writer, she studied fashion marketing in Paris and worked as a PR assistant for Food Network, where no pres

Mar 30, 2023 • 42:49

Ep. 351: The Writer’s Well 2023 Catch Up with J Thorn!

Ep. 351: The Writer’s Well 2023 Catch Up with J Thorn!

J Thorn and Rachael reunite in a catchup episode that will inspire you to keep going! Don’t miss this writing duo playing their favorite hits! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing

Mar 23, 2023 • 40:20

Ep. 350: Albert Flynn DeSilver on Being Truly Okay With Your Writing

Ep. 350: Albert Flynn DeSilver on Being Truly Okay With Your Writing

Albert Flynn DeSilver is an American poet, memoirist, novelist, speaker, and workshop leader. He is the author of several books of poems, the memoir “Beamish Boy,” and “Writing as a Path to Awakening" (Sounds True, 2017). Albert received an MFA in Photography/New Genres from the San Francisco Art Institute. He worked as a California Poet in the Schools for many years and served as poet laureate of Marin County, California from 2008-2010. He has shared the stage and presented with U. S Poet Laure

Mar 16, 2023 • 44:39

Ep. 349: Fighting Shiny Object Syndrome!

Ep. 349: Fighting Shiny Object Syndrome!

In this bonus mini-episode, Rachael answers questions from her patrons about what to do when the shiny new ideas are just too shiny for their own good. Also: Can you use the 500 Words a Day Challenge to write a memoir? And: Revision tips and tricks! Rachael can be YOUR mini-coach, and she’ll answer all your questions on the show! http://patreon.com/rachael How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers wit

Mar 10, 2023 • 26:09

Ep. 348: Helen Scheuerer on How Your Calendar is Your Secret Superpower

Ep. 348: Helen Scheuerer on How Your Calendar is Your Secret Superpower

Helen Scheuerer is the fantasy author of the bestselling trilogy, The Oremere Chronicles and the Curse of the Cyren Queen quartet. Her work has been highly praised for its strong, flawed female characters and its action-packed plots. She has also published advice for authors with her debut nonfiction book, 'How To Write A Successful Series'. Helen holds a creative writing degree and a Masters of Publishing. She has been a full-time author since 2018 and now lives amidst the mountains in New Zeal

Mar 9, 2023 • 51:13

Ep. 347: Eleanor Shearer on the Power of 500 Words a Day

Ep. 347: Eleanor Shearer on the Power of 500 Words a Day

Eleanor Shearer is a mixed-race writer living in London, where she works as a Researcher at a think tank called the Institute for Government. She is Jeanette Winterson’s goddaughter. River Sing Me Home is her debut novel.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how

Feb 23, 2023 • 30:44

Ep. 346: Grant Faulkner on The Art of Brevity

Ep. 346: Grant Faulkner on The Art of Brevity

Grant Faulkner is the Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and the co-founder of 100 Word Story. He recently published The Art of Brevity: Crafting the Very Short Story. He's also published Fissures, a collection of 100-word stories; the short story collection All the Comfort Sin Can Provide; Nothing Short Of: Selected Tales from 100 Word Story (as editor); and Pep Talks for Writers: 52 Insights and Actions to Boost Your Creative Mojo. His stories have appeared in dozen

Feb 16, 2023 • 42:41

Ep. 345: May-lee Chai on Short Story Magic

Ep. 345: May-lee Chai on Short Story Magic

May-lee Chai is the author of the American Book Award–winning story collection Useful Phrases for Immigrants and ten other books. Her prize-winning short prose has been published widely, including in the New England Review, Missouri Review, Seventeen, The Rumpus, ZYZZYVA, the Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News, and the San Francisco Chronicle. The recipient of an NEA fellowship in prose, Chai is an associate professor in the Creative Writing Department at San Francisco State U

Feb 9, 2023 • 30:21

Ep. 344: Violet De Luna on How to Believe You’re a Worthy Writer

Ep. 344: Violet De Luna on How to Believe You’re a Worthy Writer

Violet De Luna is a recovering – sometimes – attorney in Miami, FL. She prefers storytelling to legalese, as well as an open heart over the analytical mind. Violet has found that when her heart and mind work as one, that's where the magic happens, and she is on a lifelong (and often unsuccessful) journey to connect them both. Her first book titled, "Walking Each Other Home" was published in January 2023. You can find her at her website www.violetdeluna.comHow Do You Write Pod

Feb 2, 2023 • 29:11

Ep. 343: The Black Herron 06

Ep. 343: The Black Herron 06

In this exciting episode, Sacha reveals her pen name to Rachael (gasp!) and they plot world domination for next year, along with their Great Plan for Learning in 2023. They talk about Happy Money, and plan to read Everything Connects, Faisal Hoque for next month’s chat. SPOILER - THEY DID NOT READ THIS because it was too boring. Don't read it. Join Rachael's Slack channel, Onward Writers: https://join.slack.com/t/onwardwriters/shared_invite/zt-7a3gorfm-C15cTKh_47CEdWIBW~RKwgRachae

Jan 31, 2023 • 57:33

Ep. 342: Peggy Orenstein on How to Start Writing Where You Can

Ep. 342: Peggy Orenstein on How to Start Writing Where You Can

Peggy Orenstein is the New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including Boys & Sex, Girls & Sex, and Cinderella Ate My Daughter. Her newly-released memoir is Unraveling: What I Learned About Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, And Making the World's Ugliest Sweater. A frequent contributor to The New York Times, Peggy has also written for such publications as The Washington Post, The Atlantic, New York,

Jan 26, 2023 • 49:19

Ep. 341: AM Mason on the Life-Changing Magic of A Good Outline

Ep. 341: AM Mason on the Life-Changing Magic of A Good Outline

A.M. Mason is an American writer living in South Korea with her husband and cat. Growing up first outside of Chicago and then in Phoenix, she loves to explore new regions and cities, always looking for supernatural lying just beneath the surface and in the shadows. She writes spicy paranormal romance and urban fantasy with dominant alpha men and strong sassy women. Her new novel, Kiss of a Hellish Prince, is out now. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcas

Jan 19, 2023 • 34:46

Ep. 340: Nat Connors on Why Crime Pays In Most Books

Ep. 340: Nat Connors on Why Crime Pays In Most Books

Nat Connors is a romantic comedy writer, medical scientist and dance teacher, and creator of the Kindletrends newsletter for genre fiction authors. Kindletrends started when Nat got fed up with trying to make sense of the Kindle Store, and wanted a no-nonsense summary of the most important information. Nat shared it with author friends, and now wants to share it with the author community as a whole. Nat works at writing every day, and uses this information to write, publish and launch their own

Jan 12, 2023 • 43:23

Ep. 339: The Annual MONEY Episode! What Did I Make and How?

Ep. 339: The Annual MONEY Episode! What Did I Make and How?

In this annual episode, Rachael reveals what she made and how in 2022. From book sales (self and trad) to teaching and Patreon, all the details are here. Enjoy! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your

Jan 5, 2023 • 28:27

Ep. 338: The Black Herron Ep 5

Ep. 338: The Black Herron Ep 5

You're gonna love this one! Sacha and Rachael talking about HOW TO FAIL by Elizabeth Day and their new project - the Book of Do!How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Join Rachael's Slack channel, Onward Writers: https://join.slack.com/

Jan 1, 2023 • 1:01:44

Ep. 337: Jasmine Guillory on How No One Will De if You Give Yourself a Break

Ep. 337: Jasmine Guillory on How No One Will De if You Give Yourself a Break

Jasmine Guillory is a New York Times bestselling author; her novels include The Wedding Date, the Reese's Book Club selection The Proposal, and By The Book. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, Bon Appetit, and Time, and she is a frequent book contributor on The Today Show. She lives in Oakland, California. Drunk on Love is her most recent release. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers

Dec 29, 2022 • 41:42

Ep. 336: Thien-Kim Lam on What You Need to Survive Criticism

Ep. 336: Thien-Kim Lam on What You Need to Survive Criticism

Thien-Kim Lam writes stories about Vietnamese characters who smash stereotypes and find their happy endings. A recovering Type-Asian, she guzzles cà phê sữa đá, PRNOUNCED caffee su dah makes art, and bakes her feelings to stay sane. Thien-Kim is also the founder of Bawdy Bookworms, a subscription box that pairs sexy romances with erotic toys. She’s been featured on Jezebel, NPR, BBC America, and Glamour. Her debut novel Happy Endings is now available, and her forthcomin

Dec 22, 2022 • 35:19

Ep. 335: Should You Use (or Lose?) the Newest Apps

Ep. 335: Should You Use (or Lose?) the Newest Apps

In this bonus episode, Rachael talks about how to use (or not use!) TikTok and Shopify, as well as sharing an email that made her heart grow three sizes. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own wo

Dec 15, 2022 • 21:39

Ep. 334: Natalia Molina on How to Rest as a Writer

Ep. 334: Natalia Molina on How to Rest as a Writer

Natalia Molina is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. She is currently serving as Interim Director of Research at the Huntington, temporarily stepping down from its Board of Governors while a search for a new director is underway. Her own research explores the intertwined histories of race, place, gender, culture, and citizenship. She is the author of the award-winning books, How Race Is Made in America:&nbs

Dec 8, 2022 • 40:03

Ep. 333: What Do You Do if Your Book Isn’t Selling?

Ep. 333: What Do You Do if Your Book Isn’t Selling?

This is a hard thing to talk about, writers. What if your beautiful book isn’t selling? What do you do next? How do you keep going? In this bonus episode, Rachael talks about what steps to take next to keep your heart hopeful and your pen full of ink. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to

Dec 1, 2022 • 22:35

Ep. 332: The Black Herron Episode 4

Ep. 332: The Black Herron Episode 4

You're going to love this one! Sacha and Rachael talk about Elizabeth Day's book, How to Fail, and their own new project, the Book of Do!How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Join Rachael's Slack channel, Onward Writers: http

Dec 1, 2022 • 58:37

Ep. 331: Ellen Joy on How to Succeed With Series

Ep. 331: Ellen Joy on How to Succeed With Series

Ellen Joy is an Amazon Best Selling author. She lives in a small New England town, between the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains. She lives with her husband, two sons, and one very spoiled puppy. Ellen writes in the early morning hours while the rest of her family is asleep. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening, or headed to the beach. She loves summer and flip-flops, running on a dirt country ro

Nov 24, 2022 • 27:35

Ep. 330: Sangu Mandanna on How to Harness ADHD as a Writing Superpower

Ep. 330: Sangu Mandanna on How to Harness ADHD as a Writing Superpower

Sangu Mandanna was four years old when an elephant chased her down a forest road and she decided to write her first story about it. Seventeen years and many, many manuscripts later, she signed her first book deal. Sangu now lives in Norwich, a city in the east of England, with her husband and kids.The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is her most recent release. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips o

Nov 17, 2022 • 39:32

Ep. 329: What Does a Traditional Publisher Want YOU To Do For Your Book?

Ep. 329: What Does a Traditional Publisher Want YOU To Do For Your Book?

In this mini-episode, Rachael talks about what a traditional publisher will expect you to do for your book’s promotion, as well as how to organize multiple POVs, and what to look for in a developmental editor! You won’t want to miss this episode! Also, don’t miss Rachael's live class coming on November 17, 2022, ➡️ How to Choose Between Traditional and Self-Publishing - What’s Right For You? Grab your spot here: https://rachaelherron.com/publishJoin my scribe of writers and get access to my 7-m

Nov 10, 2022 • 23:28

Ep. 328: Kelly Sokol on How to Expose What’s Hidden In Your Writing

Ep. 328: Kelly Sokol on How to Expose What’s Hidden In Your Writing

Kelly Sokol is the author of Breach and The Unprotected, which was featured on NPR and named one of Book Riot's 100 Must-Read Books of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood. She is a Pushcart Prize-nominated author and MFA creative writing graduate. Her work has appeared in Alpinist, UltraRunning Magazine, The Manifest-Station, Connotation Press, and more. She teaches creative writing at The Muse Writers Center. When she is not reading, writing or pare

Nov 3, 2022 • 32:42

Ep. 327: The Black Herron Episode 3

Ep. 327: The Black Herron Episode 3

Please enjoy this chat between Rachael Herron and Sacha Black (of The Rebel Author Podcast). Irreverent, cheeky, business-focused and always honest, you’re going to love this. Get access to their chats a whole month early on Patreon! http://patreon.com/rachael Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 31, 2022 • 51:05

Ep. 326: Annabel Monaghan on What If You’re Sick of Your Book?

Ep. 326: Annabel Monaghan on What If You’re Sick of Your Book?

Annabel Monaghan is the author of two Young Adult novels: A Girl Named Digit, optioned by The Disney Channel, and the sequel Double Digit. She is also the author of Does This Volvo Make My Butt Look Big?, a selection of laugh-out-loud columns that appeared in the Huffington Post, The Week, and The Rye Record. Nora Goes Off Script is her adult debut novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with

Oct 27, 2022 • 35:41

Ep. 325: Elizabeth Miki Brina on How to Know When to Go Deep

Ep. 325: Elizabeth Miki Brina on How to Know When to Go Deep

Elizabeth Miki Brina is the recipient of a Rona Jaffe Bread Loaf Scholarship and a New York State Summer Writers Institute Scholarship. She currently lives and teaches in New Orleans.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Join Rach

Oct 20, 2022 • 27:19

Ep. 324: Jalynn Harris on How to Use Revision in Our Real Lives

Ep. 324: Jalynn Harris on How to Use Revision in Our Real Lives

Jalynn Harris is a poet, educator, editor, and press founder from Baltimore, MD. She founded SoftSavagePress for the sole purpose of promoting visual and literary works by Black people. She earned her MFA from the University of Baltimore, where she was the inaugural recipient of Michael F. Klein fellowship for social justice. Her work has been featured or is forthcoming in Poem-A-Day, The Best American Poetry 2022, Transition Magazine, Little Patuxent Review, Feminist Studies, and elsewhere

Oct 13, 2022 • 30:54

Ep. 323: Jess Montgomery on the Troll Dolls Stuck in Your Writing Couch

Ep. 323: Jess Montgomery on the Troll Dolls Stuck in Your Writing Couch

Jess Montgomery is the author of the Kinship Historical Mysteries, set in 1920s Appalachian Ohio and inspired by Ohio’s true first female sheriff. Under her given name, she writes the “Level Up Your (Writing) Life” column for Writer’s Digest. She is a three-time recipient of the Individual Excellence Award in Literary Arts from Ohio Arts Council, a two-time recipient of the Montgomery County (Ohio) Arts & Cultural District (MCAD) Artist Opportunity Grant, and has been a John E. Nance Wr

Oct 6, 2022 • 38:20

Ep. 322: The Black Herron Episode 2

Ep. 322: The Black Herron Episode 2

Please enjoy this chat between Rachael Herron and Sacha Black (of The Rebel Author Podcast). Irreverent, cheeky, business-focused and always honest, you’re going to love this. Get access to their chats a whole month early on Patreon! http://patreon.com/rachael Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 1, 2022 • 57:37

Ep. 321: Bonus Episode - How to Write a Blurb that Hooks Your Reader

Ep. 321: Bonus Episode - How to Write a Blurb that Hooks Your Reader

In this special bonus episode, Rachael talks about how to write a blurb that hooks a reader, how to write a twist that shocks, how to trust your gut, and when to consider foreign translations! This episode supported by Rachael’s patrons! THANK YOU! Rachael can be YOUR mini-coach, and she’ll answer all your questions on the show for just $5/month! http://patreon.com/rachael How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want ti

Sep 29, 2022 • 25:54

Ep. 320: Juno Dawson on How Love Can Change Everything

Ep. 320: Juno Dawson on How Love Can Change Everything

The page-turning first installment in an epic fantasy trilogy, HER MAJESTY’S ROYAL COVEN follows a group of childhood friends who are also witches—and members of a covert government department protecting the world from supernatural forces. Juno Dawson is a bestselling novelist, screenwriter, and journalist. Juno’s books include the global bestsellers, This Book is Gay and Clean. She also writes for television and has multiple shows in development both in the UK and US.

Sep 16, 2022 • 29:11

Ep. 319: Alana Quintana Albertson on How a Writer Gets a TV Deal

Ep. 319: Alana Quintana Albertson on How a Writer Gets a TV Deal

Alana Quintana Albertson has written thirty romance novels, rescued five-hundred death-row shelter dogs, and danced one thousand rumbas. She lives with her husband in sunny San Diego with her two sons and too many pets. Most days, she can be found writing her next heart book in a beachfront café while sipping an oat-milk Mexican mocha or gardening with her children in their backyard orchard and snacking on a juicy blood orange. RAMÓN AND JULIETA is her most recent release. How Do You W

Sep 8, 2022 • 39:49

Ep. 318: Tara T. Green on How to Claim Space for Your Work

Ep. 318: Tara T. Green on How to Claim Space for Your Work

Tara T. Green (she/her) is professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies at the University of North Carolina where she teaches literature and gender studies courses. She is the author of Love, Activism, and the Respectable Life of Alice Dunbar-Nelson (Bloomsbury 2022), See Me Naked: Black Women Defining Pleasure During the Interwar Era (Rutgers UP, 2022), Reimagining the Middle Passage: Black Resistance in Literature, Television, and Song, (Ohio State UP, 2018) A Fatherless Child: A

Sep 1, 2022 • 28:04

Ep. 317: The Black Herron Episode 1 (Bonus Episode!)

Ep. 317: The Black Herron Episode 1 (Bonus Episode!)

Please enjoy the very first chat that Rachael Herron and Sacha Black (of The Rebel Author Podcast) have together. Irreverent, cheeky, and always honest, you’re going to love this. Get access to their chats a whole month early on Patreon! http://patreon.com/rachael Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 1, 2022 • 46:35

Ep. 316: Sarah McCraw Crow on How to Deal with Shiny Object Syndrome

Ep. 316: Sarah McCraw Crow on How to Deal with Shiny Object Syndrome

Sarah McCraw Crow is the author of the novel The Wrong Kind of Woman (Mira/HarperCollins). Her short fiction has run in Calyx, Crab Orchard Review, Good Housekeeping, and Stanford Alumni Magazine, and she’s a regular book reviewer for BookPage. She is a graduate of Dartmouth College, Stanford University, and Vermont College of Fine Arts (MFA), and she lives with her family on an old farm in New Hampshire.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestsellin

Aug 25, 2022 • 40:03

Ep. 315: Nigel Bartlett on Indie vs Traditional Publishing

Ep. 315: Nigel Bartlett on Indie vs Traditional Publishing

In this episode, Rachael talks about setting boundaries in order to be a kinder writer to ourselves, and then she and Nigel talk about indie vs trad publishing, masterminds, and how to choose what to write next! Nigel Bartlett is a freelance writer and editor who has worked for many of the best-known magazines in Australia. He lives in the inner-Sydney suburb of Redfern. Talking about King of the Road’s main character, David Kingsgrove, he says, ‘In many ways David is who I'd like to be — p

Aug 17, 2022 • 1:10:29

Ep. 314: Vanessa Hua on Moving the Body as Writing Practice

Ep. 314: Vanessa Hua on Moving the Body as Writing Practice

Vanessa Hua is a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and the author of the novel A River of Stars and a story collection, Deceit and Other Possibilities. A National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellow, she has also received a Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers’ Award, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, and a Steinbeck Fellowship in Creative Writing, as well as awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, among others. She has filed storie

Aug 5, 2022 • 28:18

Ep. 313: Erin La Rosa on How to Use Notecards to Supercharge Your Characters

Ep. 313: Erin La Rosa on How to Use Notecards to Supercharge Your Characters

Erin La Rosa has written many highly engaging... tweets, as a social media manager. But on her way to writing romance, she's also published two humorous non-fiction books, Womanskills and The Big Redhead Book. Her most recent novel is For Butter or Worse. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three daughters (one human, two felines). Find her on Twitter and Instagram @erinlarosalit and on TikTok @erinlarosawrites. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working write

Jul 28, 2022 • 38:46

Ep. 312: Sascha Rothchild on How to Write Distinct Voices

Ep. 312: Sascha Rothchild on How to Write Distinct Voices

Sascha Rothchild is an Emmy-nominated screenwriter, who has written and produced lauded shows such as GLOW, The Bold Type, The Baby-Sitters Club, and The Carrie Diaries. In 2015, she was named one of Variety's “10 TV Writers to Watch.” Rothchild has written for LA Weekly, the Los Angeles Times, Elle, and the Miami Herald, and adapted her article, "How to Get Divorced by 30" into both a memoir and a screenplay for Universal Studios. She gradu

Jul 21, 2022 • 32:24

Ep: 311: How to Stick With a Project (Long Enough to Finish It)

Ep: 311: How to Stick With a Project (Long Enough to Finish It)

In this bonus episode, Rachael Herron talks about staying enthralled with your work (even when you’re bored), how to approach a major revision, how to write a villain, and when you MIGHT want to send your book to agents, even if it’s not completely perfect yet. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair,

Jul 14, 2022 • 46:21

Ep. 310: Maddie Dawson on How Many Years it Takes to Be An Overnight Success

Ep. 310: Maddie Dawson on How Many Years it Takes to Be An Overnight Success

Maddie Dawson is the author of nine novels, including the bestselling Matchmaking for Beginners, and three non-fiction humor books about parenting, from when that used to be funny. She comes from a long line of Southern storytellers (also known as self-proclaimed bald-faced liars), but she's the only one who thought she'd try to make a living at it. She has three kids who grew up and now she lives with her husband in Guilford, Connecticut. Her most recent novel is The Magic of Found Objects

Jul 7, 2022 • 39:34

Ep. 309: Sarra Cannon on How to Follow Your Own (Productive) Road

Ep. 309: Sarra Cannon on How to Follow Your Own (Productive) Road

Sarra Cannon is the indie author of more than twenty-five Young Adult contemporary fantasy novels, including her bestselling Shadow Demons Saga. Her novels often stem from her own experiences growing up in the small town of Hawkinsville, Georgia, where she learned that being popular always comes at a price and relationships are rarely as simple as they seem. With over three-quarters of a million books sold, Sarra is also passionate about helping fellow authors learn to self-publish in a way

Jun 30, 2022 • 34:51

Ep. 308: Should a Straight Person Write a Gay Main Character?

Ep. 308: Should a Straight Person Write a Gay Main Character?

In this bonus mini-episode, Rachael Herron talks about when you should or shouldn’t write outside your own lived experience, about how to read carefully to improve your craft, and about what to look for when hiring a cover designer! These questions are brought to her by her Patrons, and you, too, can ask her any question you like! Link below! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long

Jun 23, 2022 • 26:18

Ep. 307: Deonna Kelli Sayed on How To Silence Mental Lamentation (Bonus: Bonus: Why to Be Wary of Hybrid Publishers!)

Ep. 307: Deonna Kelli Sayed on How To Silence Mental Lamentation (Bonus: Bonus: Why to Be Wary of Hybrid Publishers!)

(Bonus: Bonus: Why to Be Wary of Hybrid Publishers!)Deonna Kelli Sayed is an author, TEDx speaker, and performer based in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is the author of Paranormal Obsession: America’s Fascination with Ghosts & Hauntings, Spooks & Spirits. She is a contributor to the groundbreaking work, Love, InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American-Muslim Women and her short stories and essays are featured in numerous online journals. Deonna is curre

Jun 16, 2022 • 50:19

Ep. 306: AK Mulford - From BookTok to 7-Figures!

Ep. 306: AK Mulford - From BookTok to 7-Figures!

A.K. Mulford is a bestselling fantasy author and former wildlife biologist who swapped rehabilitating monkeys for writing novels. She/they are inspired to create diverse stories that transport readers to new realms, making them fall in love with fantasy for the first time, or, all over again. She now lives in New Zealand with her husband and two young human primates, creating lovable fantasy characters and making ridiculous Tiktoks (@akmulfordauthor).How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the process

Jun 9, 2022 • 50:52

Ep. 305: Why Am I Even Writing? (Bonus mini episode!)

Ep. 305: Why Am I Even Writing? (Bonus mini episode!)

What’s the difference between rewriting and revising? And what do you do when the existential monster of WHY AM I EVEN DOING THIS rears its ugly head? Join Rachael Herron as she talks about this and some other Big Things To Think About in your writing! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks t

Jun 7, 2022 • 33:08

Ep. 304: Catherine Prendergast on How Every Writer Lies (For Truth)

Ep. 304: Catherine Prendergast on How Every Writer Lies (For Truth)

Catherine Prendergast is a Professor of English at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a Fulbright Scholar. Interviewed by NPR and New York Magazine, she has written on battles over school desegregation, anxieties over the global spread of English, and recognition of disability rights. Dr. Prendergast's previous (scholarly) books include Buying Into English (University of Pittsburgh Press, 2008) and Literary and Racial Justi

May 26, 2022 • 40:54

Ep, 303: Josephine Smith on How to Launch Your Writing Career Fast with Four Books in a Year

Ep, 303: Josephine Smith on How to Launch Your Writing Career Fast with Four Books in a Year

Rachael talks to Josephine Smith about how to launch a career, fast, and answers some bonus questions about indie publishing! Josephine Smith is a cozy mystery author with a love of hot cups of tea, tricky puzzles, and spending Sunday afternoons with a good book. She lives in Northern California with her husband, dog, and cat, and they all get along most of the time. The Hemlock Inn mysteries is her current series, featuring a charming inn, two senior citizen sidekicks, and an adorable beag

May 19, 2022 • 42:18

Ep. 302: Rudy Ruiz on How to Open Yourself to Edits

Ep. 302: Rudy Ruiz on How to Open Yourself to Edits

Rudy Ruiz is a writer of literary fiction. A native of the U.S.-Mexico border, his earliest works were published at Harvard, where he studied literature, creative writing, government and public policy, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In 2017, Rudy Ruiz was awarded the Gulf Coast Prize in Fiction. In 2020, Ruiz was a finalist for both the Texas Institute of Letters’ Best Short Story Award as well as the Texas Observer’s annual Short Story Contest. In 2020, Blackstone Publishing rele

May 12, 2022 • 41:35

Ep. 301: Isabel Cañas on The Magic of a Reading Journal

Ep. 301: Isabel Cañas on The Magic of a Reading Journal

Isabel Cañas is a Mexican-American speculative fiction writer. After having lived in Mexico, Scotland, Egypt, and Turkey, among other places, she has settled (for now) in New York City, where she works on her PhD dissertation in medieval Islamic literature and writes fiction inspired by her research and her heritage. The Hacienda, her debut novel, is billed as Mexican Gothic meets Rebecca set in Mexico after its War of Independence, featuring a haunted house behaving very badly, a hot priest, an

May 6, 2022 • 58:55

Ep. 300: Amy S. Peele on How to Keep Your Writing Top of Mind

Ep. 300: Amy S. Peele on How to Keep Your Writing Top of Mind

In this, the three-hundredth episode of How Do You Write, Rachael talks about how happy she is to be here, and shares how she turned her own writing around. Then she talks to Amy S. Peele RN, who is the award-winning, best-selling author of Cut and Match, medical mysteries with a mission and a side of humor. Before becoming a writer Amy enjoyed a fascinating 35-year career in the organ transplant field which provides an authentic backdrop to her books. She learned early on in her medical ca

Apr 28, 2022 • 49:49

Ep. 299: What’s the Difference Between a Premise and a Hook?

Ep. 299: What’s the Difference Between a Premise and a Hook?

In this bonus episode, Rachael talks about the difference between a premise and a hook, and also talks about the three legs of the stool that props up our writing! Thanks to her Patreon supporters for this episode! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get y

Apr 27, 2022 • 22:47

Ep. 298: Seressia Glass on Bringing Out the Inner Geek

Ep. 298: Seressia Glass on Bringing Out the Inner Geek

Seressia Glass is an award-winning author of romance and urban fantasy. She lives south of Atlanta with her husband, son, two attack poodles, and a bulldozer of a Cane Corso. When not writing, she likes to collect purple things, jewelry, and spends way too much time watching K-dramas and anime. The Love Con is her most recent release and is a Library Journal pick. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how

Apr 21, 2022 • 38:07

Ep. 297: John R. Rickford on the Gift of a Stroke

Ep. 297: John R. Rickford on the Gift of a Stroke

John R. Rickford is the J.E. Wallace Sterling Professor of Linguistics, emeritus, at Stanford University. He received his BA with highest honors in Sociolinguistics from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) in 1971, and his Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. He is an expert in the relation between language and ethnicity, social class and style, language variation and change, pidgin and creole languages, Caribbean and African American Vern

Apr 14, 2022 • 47:11

Ep. 296: Ashanti Anderson on Writing Multiple Genres

Ep. 296: Ashanti Anderson on Writing Multiple Genres

In this episode, Ashanti Anderson talks about how as writers we’ll always be affected by our peers and how to use different genres to feed our own, unique voices. Ashanti Anderson (she/her) is a Black Queer Disabled poet, screenwriter, and playwright. Her debut short poetry collection, Black Under, is the winner of the Spring 2020 Black River Chapbook Competition at Black Lawrence Press. Her poems have appeared in World Literature Today, POETRY magazine, and elsewhere in prin

Apr 7, 2022 • 40:40

Ep. 295: How Do You Know When Your Book is Ready?

Ep. 295: How Do You Know When Your Book is Ready?

In this bonus mini-episode brought to you by her patrons, Rachael answers questions about how to know when you’ve outgrown your editor, how do you know when your book is ready to publish, and what’s the bare minimum needed in social media! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it,

Apr 7, 2022 • 18:21

Ep. 294: Eliza Nellums on Adding Ticking Clocks to Up Your Tension

Ep. 294: Eliza Nellums on Adding Ticking Clocks to Up Your Tension

Eliza and Rachael talk about birds, maybe a bit too much, in both their writing and this podcast! Listen as they talk about upping the tension in their writing by realizing this sooner, rather than later. Raised in the Detroit suburbs, Eliza Nellums now lives with her cat outside Washington DC. Her first novel ALL THAT’S BRIGHT AND GONE was named as an Amazon Editor’s Pick for December, and was praised in the Washington Post and RealSimple Magazine. Her second novel THE BONE CAY was released in

Mar 31, 2022 • 48:12

Ep. 293: Sacha Black on Finding Your Book’s G-Spot

Ep. 293: Sacha Black on Finding Your Book’s G-Spot

Sacha Black is an author, rebel podcaster, and speaker. She has five obsessions: words, expensive shoes, conspiracy theories, self-improvement, and breaking the rules. Sacha writes books for teens and other books about the art of writing. When she's not writing, she can be found laughing inappropriately loud, sniffing musty old books, fangirling film and TV soundtracks, or thinking up new ways to break the rules. She lives in Cambridgeshire, England, with her wife and genius, gia

Mar 24, 2022 • 50:00

Ep. 292: What if My Agent Can’t Sell My Book? Bonus Episode

Ep. 292: What if My Agent Can’t Sell My Book? Bonus Episode

Join Rachael as she reports from the battle lines of Revisionlandia - fresh from getting her OWN revision letter, she talks about how to handle the emotions that come with someone else helping you with your work (real talk). Also, she answers Patrons’ questions: how to believe in yourself to keep writing, what to do when you’re querying a book but not sure if you should go back to editing it, and finally, what if my agent can’t sell my book? How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes o

Mar 17, 2022 • 52:37

Ep. 291: Kerri Maher on How to Find Your Own Community

Ep. 291: Kerri Maher on How to Find Your Own Community

On this fabulous episode, Kerri Maher talks about the way we all need community (and how to find it). She is the author of The Girl in White Gloves, The Kennedy Debutante, and, under the name Kerri Majors, This Is Not a Writing Manual: Notes for the Young Writer in the Real World. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and was a writing professor for many years. She now writes full-time and lives with her daughter and dog in a leafy suburb west of Boston, Massachusetts. Th

Mar 10, 2022 • 54:09

Ep. 290: Farah Jasmine Griffin on How to Write Your Full Self Into Your Work

Ep. 290: Farah Jasmine Griffin on How to Write Your Full Self Into Your Work

Farah Jasmine Griffin is the William B. Ransford Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, where she also served as the inaugural Chair of the African American and African Diaspora Studies Department. In her most recent book, Read Until You Understand: The Profound Wisdom of Black Life and Literature, published September 14 by W.W. Norton, Griffin pays homage to family and community through generations of Black geniuses.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore th

Mar 3, 2022 • 45:11

Ep. 289: Kit Mayquist on How to Work Backward from the Dark Moment

Ep. 289: Kit Mayquist on How to Work Backward from the Dark Moment

Kit Mayquist uses a technique not often talked about: working backward, not from the end, but from the dark moment, and it's everything. A fan of everything spooky and indulgent, Kit Mayquist is a bisexual, trans masculine writer who can be found in the historic shadows of Boston, Massachusetts, hunched over his desk with a sullen Persian cat in his lap and surrounded by antiques. He has an MA in Medieval History from the University of Iceland, and a BA from Portland State University (

Feb 24, 2022 • 40:45

Ep. 288: Sabrina Benaim on Telling the Fearless Truth

Ep. 288: Sabrina Benaim on Telling the Fearless Truth

Sabrina Benaim is a poet, storyteller, and workshop facilitator. She is one of the most-viewed spoken word poets of all time: her videos have reached more than one hundred million people. In 2017, her debut collection, Depression & Other Magic Tricks, was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist, finishing just behind Rupi Kaur's The Sun and Her Flowers. In 2020, she took part in the Heavy Hitters Festival alongside Ani DiFranco, Amber Tamblyn, and Mary Lambert. She lives in Toronto, Canada.How Do

Feb 18, 2022 • 28:27

Ep. 287: Bonus Episode - What About Paid Reviews?

Ep. 287: Bonus Episode - What About Paid Reviews?

Rachael talks about paid reviews (you might be surprised!), how to write a personal essay, how to arrive at theme, and what’s going on with women’s fiction. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 17, 2022 • 33:24

Ep. 286: Lana Harper On Hitting the NYT with a Queer Romcom!

Ep. 286: Lana Harper On Hitting the NYT with a Queer Romcom!

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word in this fresh, sizzling New York Times bestselling rom-com by Lana Harper. Lana is the author of four YA novels about modern-day witches and historical murderesses written as Lana Papović. Born in Serbia, she grew up in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria before moving to the US, where she studied psychology and literature at Yale University, law at Boston University, and publishing at Emerson College. She recently moved to

Feb 10, 2022 • 38:15

Ep. 285: Aylene Lambert  on How to Deal with an Editor’s Letter

Ep. 285: Aylene Lambert on How to Deal with an Editor’s Letter

Aylene Lambert is an emerging writer based in San Francisco. She is editing her first novel, Meet Me @ Blackbird, which explores themes of power, privilege, and gender. Aylene is driven by the stories we tell ourselves, and how to change those stories to better serve us. She is the founder of STAXstudio, where she will be teaching classes on how to shift mindsets, process emotions, and get unstuck, using a playful combination of writing and cardboard art. She believes the writing

Feb 4, 2022 • 50:25

Ep. 284: Rachel Howzell Hall on Writing Longhand as a Superpower

Ep. 284: Rachel Howzell Hall on Writing Longhand as a Superpower

You might be surprised how Rachel Howzell Hall uses longhand to spur her writing! She's the critically acclaimed author of the Amazon Charts bestseller These Toxic Things and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize-nominated And Now She’s Gone, which was also nominated for the Lefty-, Barry-, Shamus- and Anthony Awards. Also author of the Audible Originals bestseller How It Ends, Rachel is a New York Times bestselling author of The Good Sister with James Patterson, and is a former member of the board o

Jan 28, 2022 • 51:36

Ep. 283: Do You Need a Beta Reader?

Ep. 283: Do You Need a Beta Reader?

Rachael talks about the perils and the pleasures of a beta reader, as well as how to know when you’re done with the book, and whether to work on more than one project at a time! Enjoy this mini-episode brought to you by her patrons at http://patreon.com/rachael Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 2022 • 38:48

Ep. 282: Rachael’s Writing Goals for 2022 Q1

Ep. 282: Rachael’s Writing Goals for 2022 Q1

In this episode, Rachael gets granular about not only what she wants to do this year, but WHY she wants to. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 2022 • 16:09

Ep. 281: Rachael’s Annual MONEY episode!

Ep. 281: Rachael’s Annual MONEY episode!

In which Rachael breaks down what she made in 2021, and how she made it. Don’t miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 14, 2022 • 25:11

Ep. 280: Bonus Episode - Rachael and J Thorn Catch Up!

Ep. 280: Bonus Episode - Rachael and J Thorn Catch Up!

A bonus episode - Rachael Herron and J Thorn catch on this week, FIVE YEARS after they first started The Writer's Well (aka The Petal to the Metal). Enjoy the lovefest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 11, 2022 • 33:02

Ep. 279: Eva Moore on How to REALLY Use TikTok as a Writer!

Ep. 279: Eva Moore on How to REALLY Use TikTok as a Writer!

What's the big deal about TikTok? It's fun, it's sexy, and Eva Moore is doing something totally unique with it. Listen in. Eva Moore writes sexy contemporary romances featuring compelling characters finding love in the modern world. Pulling up her Chicagoland roots, she has chased adventures around the globe, with stints in France and Singapore. Eva now lives in California (at the wine end, not the movie end) with her college sweetheart and three gorgeous kiddos. She loves he

Jan 7, 2022 • 42:12

Ep. 277: Welcome the New Year with Ease Lessons by Monna McDiarmid

Ep. 277: Welcome the New Year with Ease Lessons by Monna McDiarmid

Rachael's honored to introduce you to Monna McDiarmid and her new podcast, Ease Lessons. Here's a snippet from the new show, and Rachael gets really vulnerable about her own writing in it. Enjoy! Find Ease Lessons here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 31, 2021 • 10:56

Ep. 278: A Life in Stitches is a Bestseller!

Ep. 278: A Life in Stitches is a Bestseller!

Just a quickie miniepisode here as Rachael FREAKS OUT about how well A Life in Stitches is doing, along with a chapter from her memoir! Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 24, 2021 • 15:18

Ep. 276: Jason C. Poole on the Magic of Four Thousand Weeks

Ep. 276: Jason C. Poole on the Magic of Four Thousand Weeks

Jason Craig Poole is a word nerd who wants to play in all of the literary sandboxes -- especially poetry, creative nonfiction and fiction. After years of feeling like he was STUCK, he studied how his own mind works and began assembling a writer's toolbox. Thanks to his tools, he's not stuck anymore. (But he still doesn't know how to operate a power saw.)And today we're talking about Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman! Join our 15-Day Writing Frolic here! How Do You Write Podcast: Explor

Dec 23, 2021 • 1:10:42

Ep. 275: Bonus Episode - How to Write When it’s Hard to Write

Ep. 275: Bonus Episode - How to Write When it’s Hard to Write

Rachael Herron shares tips and tricks for when writing is hard to do, as well as what to do when you lose control of a manuscript and wonder if you should just start a new book. This show is sponsored by her Patrons at the $5 level! Join Rachael’s mini-coaching tier!And don’t miss the 15-Day Frolic! - it’s the most fun you’ll have writing this year. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the b

Dec 22, 2021 • 22:53

Ep. 274: Chandra Prasad on How to Get Unstuck

Ep. 274: Chandra Prasad on How to Get Unstuck

Chandra Prasad is the author of the critically acclaimed novels On Borrowed Wings, Death of a Circus, Breathe the Sky, and Damselfly, a female-driven young adult text used both individually in classrooms and in parallel with Lord of the Flies. Prasad is also the editor of—and a contributor to—Mixed, the first-ever anthology of short stories on the multiracial experience. Being half-Asian herself, Prasad has long acknowledged the dearth of significant mixed-race characters in literature, especial

Dec 16, 2021 • 32:09

Ep. 273: Renee K. Nicholson on How to Use Story as Medicine

Ep. 273: Renee K. Nicholson on How to Use Story as Medicine

RENEE K. NICHOLSON splits her artistic pursuits between writing and dance with scholarship in narrative medicine. She is Associate Professor and Director of the Humanities Center at West Virginia University. An award-winning writer, her books include two collections of poetry, Roundabout Directions to Lincoln Center and Post Script; a memoir-in-essays, Fierce and Delicate: Essays on Dance and Illness; and the anthology Bodies of Truth: Personal Narratives on Illness, Disability, and Medicine.&nb

Dec 9, 2021 • 52:58

Ep. 272: How to Keep Writing When You’ve Lost All Hope

Ep. 272: How to Keep Writing When You’ve Lost All Hope

In this bonus mini-episode, Rachael talks to a listener about how to keep going when it feels like all hope is lost. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Join Rachael's Slack channel, Onward Writers! Hosted on Acast. See aca

Dec 7, 2021 • 28:00

Ep. 271: Cassie Roma on on How to LOVE the Blank Page

Ep. 271: Cassie Roma on on How to LOVE the Blank Page

Cassie Roma is a powerhouse in the boardroom, in front of a camera, and speaking in front of local & global audiences on business & personal topics that impassion her.Passionate about creative content, social media strategy, the influencer economy, and storytelling across mediums both emerging and traditional, Cassie has literally lived & breathed the digital revolution. All the while steering the social media & digital storytelling ships for brands like Air New Zealand, and ANZ

Dec 2, 2021 • 54:13

Ep. 270: How Do You Deal with Shiny Object Syndrome?

Ep. 270: How Do You Deal with Shiny Object Syndrome?

In this mini-episode sponsored by her amazing patrons, Rachael talks about dealing with the shiny writing projects that pop up just when they’re least needed, as well as how to decide between infinite writing possibilities, how to create resonance in the reader, dealing with overwriting tendencies. Also, how much research is enough? Want to have Rachael as your mini-coach? Go here! http://patreon.com/rachael How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestse

Nov 26, 2021 • 20:38

Ep. 269: Sarah Echevarre Smith on How to Hook and Keep Your Readers

Ep. 269: Sarah Echevarre Smith on How to Hook and Keep Your Readers

Sarah Echevarre Smith is a copywriter turned author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie’s stash of romance novels. She’s been hooked ever since. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and her adorable cat, Salem. ON LOCATION is her most recent book. How Do You

Nov 19, 2021 • 34:22

Ep. 268: Emma Brodie on How to Hit the Reset Button in Your Writing

Ep. 268: Emma Brodie on How to Hit the Reset Button in Your Writing

EMMA BRODIE has worked in book publishing for a decade, most recently as an executive editor at Little, Brown's Voracious imprint. She graduated from the Johns Hopkins University's Writing Seminars program, and is a longtime contributor to HuffPost and a faculty member at Catapult. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their dog, Freddie Mercury. Songs in Ursa Major is her debut novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author

Nov 11, 2021 • 50:15

Ep. 267: Tiffany Yates Martin on the Secret to Writing a Good Book (Truly!)

Ep. 267: Tiffany Yates Martin on the Secret to Writing a Good Book (Truly!)

Tiffany Yates Martin has spent nearly thirty years as an editor in the publishing industry, working with major publishers and New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors as well as indie and newer writers, and is the founder of FoxPrint Editorial and author of the bestseller Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing. She's led workshops and seminars for conferences and writers' groups across the countr

Nov 5, 2021 • 44:13

Ep. 266: Sara Shepard on What Your Characters Might Say at a Cocktail Party

Ep. 266: Sara Shepard on What Your Characters Might Say at a Cocktail Party

Sara Shepard is the author of over thirty novels, including the New York Times bestselling series Pretty Little Liars and the Lying Game, both of which were adapted for television on Freeform. Her latest novel is called Safe in My Arms. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, t

Oct 29, 2021 • 35:11

Ep. 265: Cecilia Gray on How To Write About the Pandemic

Ep. 265: Cecilia Gray on How To Write About the Pandemic

Cecilia Gray writes about first love, second chances, and forever friendships. She has written over twenty young-adult and romance titles. That Was Then, a pandemic midlife reboot tale, is her first contemporary mainstream novel. Cecilia used the pandemic for a midlife reboot of her own and is currently slow traveling the world with her two cats. You can read more about her work at ceciliagray.com.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rac

Oct 22, 2021 • 33:33

Ep. 264: Amber McBride on How to Write a Novel in Verse

Ep. 264: Amber McBride on How to Write a Novel in Verse

Amber McBride is an English professor at the University of Virginia and holds an MFA in poetry from Emerson College. Her poetry has been published in several literary magazines including Ploughshares and The Rumpus. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with her dog, Shiloh. Me (Moth) is her young adult debut.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here y

Oct 16, 2021 • 40:42

Ep. 263: Bella Mahaya Carter on How to Slow Down

Ep. 263: Bella Mahaya Carter on How to Slow Down

Bella Mahaya Carter is a creative writing teacher, empowerment coach, speaker, and author of an award-winning memoir, Raw: My Journey from Anxiety to Joy, and Secrets of My Sex, a collection of narrative poems. She has worked with hundreds of writers since 2008 and has degrees in literature, film, and spiritual psychology. Her poetry, essays, fiction, and interviews have appeared in Mind, Body, Green; The Sun; Lilith; Fearless Soul; Writer’s Bone; Women Writers, Women’s Books; Chic Vegan; Bad Yo

Oct 7, 2021 • 48:43

Ep. 262: J.L. Torres on How to Read Like a Writer

Ep. 262: J.L. Torres on How to Read Like a Writer

J.L. Torres is the author of The Family Terrorist and Other Stories, the novel The Accidental Native, and the poetry collection Boricua Passport. His short story collection Migrations won the inagural Tomás Rivera Book Prize and was just released from LARB Libros. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the South Bronx, he now lives in Plattsburgh, New York and teaches American literature, US ethnic literatures, and creative writing at SUNY Plattsburgh. He holds a Ph.D. from U

Sep 30, 2021 • 34:32

Ep. 261: Dr. Saumya Dave on 200 Rejections Before Success

Ep. 261: Dr. Saumya Dave on 200 Rejections Before Success

Dr. Saumya Dave is a writer, resident psychiatrist, and co-founder of thisisforHER. Her writing has been featured in The New York Times, Huffington Post, Refinery29, and others.What a Happy Family is her most recent novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and in

Sep 25, 2021 • 29:38

Ep. 260: Lexie Elliott on How to Make Your Main Character Feel Authentic

Ep. 260: Lexie Elliott on How to Make Your Main Character Feel Authentic

Lexie Elliott graduated from Oxford University, where she obtained a doctorate in theoretical physics. A keen sportswoman, she swam and played waterpolo at university, and later swam the English Channel solo. She works in fund management in London, where she lives with her husband and two sons. How to Kill Your Best Friend is her most recent release. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book

Sep 17, 2021 • 31:53

Ep. 259: How Do You Actually Fast-Draft a Novel? Bonus MiniEpisode

Ep. 259: How Do You Actually Fast-Draft a Novel? Bonus MiniEpisode

In this bonus mini-episode, Rachael talks about how to actually break free from your outline and get down to the good stuff: actually fast-drafting. How do you start? What does skeletoning your work look like? When do you know you’re ready? Don’t miss this episode, brought to you by Rachael’s awesome patrons. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insig

Sep 14, 2021 • 19:21

Ep. 258: Kristan Higgins on How to Write Forward Without Looking Back

Ep. 258: Kristan Higgins on How to Write Forward Without Looking Back

New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins has sold 4.5 million books worldwide and is published in more than two dozen languages around the world. Her two most recent novels were each selected as People magazine’s “Pick of the Week.” Kristan is also a cohost of the Crappy Friends podcast, which discusses the often complex dynamics of female friendships, with her friend and fellow writer, Joss Dey. Higgins lives in Connecticut with her family. Pack Up th

Sep 10, 2021 • 36:52

Ep. 257: Cassandra Lane on How to Parent Yourself as a Writer

Ep. 257: Cassandra Lane on How to Parent Yourself as a Writer

Cassandra Lane is a writer and editor based in Los Angeles. Lane received her MFA from Antioch University LA. Her stories have appeared in the New York Times’s Conception series, the Times-Picayune, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and elsewhere. Her debut memoir We Are Bridges was published in 2021 by Feminist Press. She is editor in chief of L.A. Parent magazine and formerly served on the board of the AROHO Foundation.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writer

Sep 3, 2021 • 31:22

Ep. 256: How To Create Plot Twists

Ep. 256: How To Create Plot Twists

In this bonus miniepisode, Rachael talks about how to create plot twists for a good mystery, and what should I do if I’m about to miss a deadline? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 1, 2021 • 18:10

Ep. 255: Lisa Scottoline on How To Demystify Writing

Ep. 255: Lisa Scottoline on How To Demystify Writing

Lisa Scottoline is the #1 bestselling and Edgar Award–winning author of thirty-three novels. She has over thirty million copies of her books in print in the United States and has been published in thirty-five countries. Scottoline also writes a weekly column with her daughter, Francesca Serritella, for the Philadelphia Inquirer, which has been adapted into a series of memoirs. She has served as President of the Mystery Writers of America and has taught a course she developed, “Justice in Fiction

Aug 28, 2021 • 37:37

Ep. 254: Laura Hankin on How to Use Your Favorite Writing to Inspire Your Own

Ep. 254: Laura Hankin on How to Use Your Favorite Writing to Inspire Your Own

Laura Hankin is the author of Happy & You Know It. She has written for publications like McSweeney's and HuffPost, while her musical comedy has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Funny or Die. She splits her time between NYC, where she has performed off-Broadway and acted onscreen, and Washington D.C., where she has sung to far too many babies. A Special Place for Women is her most recent release. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the

Aug 21, 2021 • 30:48

Ep. 253: Catriona Turner On How to Write the Miraculous in the Everyday

Ep. 253: Catriona Turner On How to Write the Miraculous in the Everyday

Catriona Turner is a writer and editor currently living in Esbjerg, Denmark. A veteran of six international moves since leaving Scotland 12 years ago, she’s also lived with her family in France, Uganda, and the Republic of Congo. At her website, The Frustrated Nester, she writes about Danish living, travel, and the expat life. She has contributed a regular column to a magazine for internationals in Denmark, and her writing has featured in anthologies about international living. Sh

Aug 13, 2021 • 44:38

Ep 252: What If I Can’t Fit Everything Into My Book?

Ep 252: What If I Can’t Fit Everything Into My Book?

In this bonus mini-episode, Rachael talk about when to have multiple POVs, and also tackles the question, What if I can’t cram everything I want to into this book? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 10, 2021 • 12:09

Ep. 251: Mark A. Alvarez II on How to Write Scars and Vulnerability

Ep. 251: Mark A. Alvarez II on How to Write Scars and Vulnerability

Mark A. Alvarez II is Hispanic-American born in Houston, Texas. He's a graduate of Texas State University, where he studied Public Relations and Mass Communications. He is a graduate of the NEW Apprenticeship, the first tech-apprenticeship program accredited by the United States Department of Labor. He is the CEO and Founder of Light Wings Promotions LLC, a digital marketing and creative branding agency based in San Antonio, Texas, where Mark currently resides. Dutybound is his first novel.&nbsp

Aug 6, 2021 • 34:07

Ep. 250: Rachael Herron and Sara Shepard in Conversation - How To Launch a Book in Strange Times

Ep. 250: Rachael Herron and Sara Shepard in Conversation - How To Launch a Book in Strange Times

From Rachael Herron's book launch, an awesome conversation between her and Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars) about what it's like to launch a book in the middle of a pandemic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 30, 2021 • 1:05:38

Ep. 249: The Best Method for Building Your Writing Platform

Ep. 249: The Best Method for Building Your Writing Platform

In this bonus mini-episode, Rachael Herron talks about what she’s found to be the best platform-building tools for writers. Also covered: Turning your book into a screenplayWhat if your book just isn’t as strong as you’d like yetHow do you handle not being historically accurate? Go HERE to get Rachael to be your mini-coach! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 23, 2021 • 23:19

Ep. 248: Patti Callahan on How to Know What Your Characters Want

Ep. 248: Patti Callahan on How to Know What Your Characters Want

Patti Callahan is a New York Times bestselling author and is the recipient of the Harper Lee Award for Distinguished Writer of the Year. She is a frequent speaker at luncheons, book clubs, and women's groups. Surviving Savannah is her most recent novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chai

Jul 15, 2021 • 35:31

Ep. 247: Amy E. Reichert on Writers and Procrastination

Ep. 247: Amy E. Reichert on Writers and Procrastination

Amy E. Reichert is an author, wife, mom, Wisconsinite, amateur chef, and cider enthusiast. She earned her MA in English Literature and serves on her library's board of directors. She's a member of Tall Poppy Writers. THE KINDRED SPIRITS SUPPER CLUB is her most recent novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get

Jul 9, 2021 • 26:41

Ep. 246: Why It’s Essential to Be Okay with Writing CRAP!

Ep. 246: Why It’s Essential to Be Okay with Writing CRAP!

In this bonus miniepisode, Rachael talks about how to get better about being okay writing truly crappy first drafts. Also, she talks about marketing from a trad perspective, as well as marketing memoir when your platform might be a little wobbly! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 8, 2021 • 29:51

Ep. 245: Karen White on How to Leave Yourself Clues In Your Writing

Ep. 245: Karen White on How to Leave Yourself Clues In Your Writing

Karen White is the New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-five novels, including the Tradd Street series, Dreams of Falling, The Night the Lights Went Out, Flight Patterns, The Sound of Glass, A Long Time Gone, and The Time Between. She is the coauthor of multiple books with New York Times bestselling authors Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig. She grew up in London but now lives with her husband and two dogs near Atlanta, Georgia. The

Jul 2, 2021 • 35:40

Ep. 244: Sanjena Sathian on How to Make Every Word Count

Ep. 244: Sanjena Sathian on How to Make Every Word Count

A Paul and Daisy Soros fellow, Sanjena Sathian is a 2019 graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop. She has worked as a reporter in Mumbai and San Francisco, with nonfiction bylines for The New Yorker, The New York Times, Food & Wine, The Boston Globe, and The San Francisco Chronicle. Gold Diggers is her debut novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you

Jun 25, 2021 • 34:55

Ep. 243: Emma Straub on How to Finish Your Book

Ep. 243: Emma Straub on How to Finish Your Book

Emma Straub is the New York Times-bestselling author of four novels, All Adults Here, Modern Lovers, The Vacationers and Laura Lamont's Life in Pictures, and the short story collection Other People We Married. Her books have been published in twenty countries. She and her husband own Books Are Magic, an independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long

Jun 18, 2021 • 38:42

Ep. 242: Jennifer Craven on How to Get the Words On the Page

Ep. 242: Jennifer Craven on How to Get the Words On the Page

Jennifer Craven is the author of "A Long Way From Blair Street" and "All That Shines and Whispers," both works of historical fiction. In addition to her novels, she had bylines in various publications including the Washington Post, HuffPost, Motherly, Today's Parent and more. When she's not writing, she teaches fashion merchandising at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael H

Jun 11, 2021 • 26:47

Ep. 241: Ilana Masad on How to Chase Emotional Obsession

Ep. 241: Ilana Masad on How to Chase Emotional Obsession

Ilana Masad is a fiction writer, essayist, and book critic whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, the Paris Review, NPR, BuzzFeed, Catapult, StoryQuarterly, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, as well as several others. All My Mother’s Lovers is Masad’s debut novel.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to wri

Jun 4, 2021 • 28:38

Ep. 240: Kathryn Nicolai on Focusing on the Good in Life and Writing

Ep. 240: Kathryn Nicolai on Focusing on the Good in Life and Writing

Kathryn Nicolai is the creator of the enormously successful podcast Nothing Much Happens and the author of the book of the same name. Nicolai is an architect of coziness, writing soothing stories that both ease the reader into peaceful sleep and teach the principals of mindfulness so that waking hours likewise become sweet and serene. She leans on her years of experience as a yoga and meditation teacher to seamlessly blend storytelling with brain training techniques that build better sleep

May 27, 2021 • 32:23

Ep. 239: Kirsty Capes on Using Tips from Screenwriters to Write Novels

Ep. 239: Kirsty Capes on Using Tips from Screenwriters to Write Novels

Kirsty Capes works in publishing and, as a care leaver, is an advocate for better representation for care-experienced people in the media. She recently completed her PhD which investigates female-centric care narratives in contemporary fiction, under the supervision of 2019 Booker prize-winner, Bernardine Evaristo. Careless is her first novel.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you

May 21, 2021 • 34:03

Ep. 238: Meghan Scott Molin on How To Write When Life is Just Too Busy

Ep. 238: Meghan Scott Molin on How To Write When Life is Just Too Busy

Meghan Scott Molin comes to writing by way of a Masters in Architecture, a minor in Opera, a professional career as a barn manager, and five years crash course as a mother. She currently resides in Colorado with her fellow zookeeper (husband), sons, horse, adopted stray cats, and corgi. She is an avid lover of everything nerdy from Wars to Trek, Hobbits, Who, and beyond. When she's not writing, she's cooking, dreaming of travel, coveting more corgis, and listening to audiobooks while hangin

May 13, 2021 • 30:43

Ep. 237: Kristin Beck on How to Shut Up Your Inner Editor

Ep. 237: Kristin Beck on How to Shut Up Your Inner Editor

Kristin Beck first learned about World War II from her grandmother, who served as a Canadian army nurse, fell in love with an American soldier in Belgium, and married him shortly after VE Day. Kristin thus grew up hearing stories about the war, and has been captivated by the often unsung roles of women in history ever since. A former teacher, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington and a Master's in Teaching from Western Washington University. Kristin lives

May 7, 2021 • 23:47

Ep. 236: Kathleen West On Deliberately Writing Scenes You Won’t Use

Ep. 236: Kathleen West On Deliberately Writing Scenes You Won’t Use

Kathleen West's novels, Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes and Are We There Yet?, have been best books picks by Real Simple, Newsweek, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Good Morning America, Pop Sugar, and the New York Post. A teacher for 20 years before she published her first novel, Kathleen is particularly interested in the topics of motherhood, ambition, competitive parenting, and the elusiveness of work-life balance. She is a life-long Minnesotan and lives in Minneapolis with her fa

Apr 30, 2021 • 30:38

Ep. 235: Nancy Stohlman on Why Writing Short is So Exciting

Ep. 235: Nancy Stohlman on Why Writing Short is So Exciting

Nancy Stohlman is the author of four books of flash fiction including Madam Velvet’s Cabaret of Oddities (a finalist for a 2019 Colorado Book Award), The Vixen Scream and Other Bible Stories (2014), and The Monster Opera (2013). She is the creator of The Fbomb Flash Fiction Reading Series and FlashNano in November. Her craft book, Going Short: An Invitation to Flash Fiction, is forthcoming from Ad Hoc Fiction in 2020. She teaches writing and rhetoric at th

Apr 23, 2021 • 46:12

Ep: 234: Should I Write a Book Proposal?

Ep: 234: Should I Write a Book Proposal?

Bonus mini-episode, brought to you by my mini-coached Patrons! Question include: Should I write a book proposal? What’s fictionalized memoir, anyway? And how can I learn to revise my book? Books mentioned: Moonglow, Michael Chabon - https://amzn.to/3dmmg3ZHow Should a Person Be, Sheila Heti - https://amzn.to/3dm81fHDept. of Speculation, Jenny Offill - https://amzn.to/3abGUlhFor revision: Story Engineering, Larry Brooks - https://amzn.to/3gi8RfcAnatomy of Story, John Truby - https:

Apr 19, 2021 • 15:45

Ep: 233: Why Your Writing Goals Don't Matter That Much!

Ep: 233: Why Your Writing Goals Don't Matter That Much!

YES, you should have writing goals. But here’s why they don’t (actually) matter that much. And it’s going to blow your mind. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2021 • 18:17

Ep. 232: Sonya Lalli on Using Romance Beats in Mainstream Fiction

Ep. 232: Sonya Lalli on Using Romance Beats in Mainstream Fiction

Sonya Lalli is a Canadian writer of Indian heritage. She studied law in her hometown of Saskatoon and at Columbia University in New York, and later completed an MA in creative writing and publishing at City, University of London. Sonya has a black belt in tae kwon do and loves travel, yoga, and cocktail bartending. She lives in Toronto with her husband.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the boo

Apr 9, 2021 • 28:11

Ep. 231: Deanna Raybourn on Why Being a Writing Magpie is a Great Thing

Ep. 231: Deanna Raybourn on Why Being a Writing Magpie is a Great Thing

New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Deanna Raybourn is a 6th-generation native Texan. She graduated with a double major in English and history from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of one, Raybourn makes her home in Virginia. Her novels have been nominated for numerous awards including five RITAs, two RT Reviewers' Choice awards, the Agatha, two Dilys Winns, a Last Laugh, and three du Mauriers. An Unexpected Peril is her most

Apr 2, 2021 • 52:31

Ep. 230: Erika Robuck on the Magic of YouTube Research

Ep. 230: Erika Robuck on the Magic of YouTube Research

Erika Robuck is the national bestselling author of Hemingway’s Girl, Call Me Zelda, Fallen Beauty, The House of Hawthorne, and Receive Me Falling. She is a contributor to the anthology Grand Central: Postwar Stories of Love and Reunion, and to the Writer’s Digest Essay Collection, Author in Progress. She writes satire (#Hockeystrong) as E. Robuck.Her latest novel, The Invisible Woman, is about real-life superwoman of WWII, OSS/SOE agent Virginia

Mar 26, 2021 • 30:10

Ep. 229: Chang-rae Lee on Slowing Down While Writing

Ep. 229: Chang-rae Lee on Slowing Down While Writing

Chang-rae Lee is the author of Native Speaker, winner of the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award for first fiction, as well as On Such a Full Sea, A Gesture Life, Aloft, and The Surrendered, winner of the Dayton Peace Prize and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. My Year Abroad is his new novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll

Mar 19, 2021 • 30:20

Ep. 228: Jasmine Mans on Harnessing Play to Expose the Truth

Ep. 228: Jasmine Mans on Harnessing Play to Expose the Truth

Jasmine Mans is a Black American poet and artist from Newark, New Jersey. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison, with a B.A. in African American Studies. Her debut collection of poetry, Chalk Outlines of Snow Angels, was published in 2012, and BLACK GIRL, CALL HOME, just out, is a love letter to the wandering Black girl, and a vital companion to anyone on a journey to find truth, belonging, and healing. Mans is the resident poet at the Newark Public Libr

Mar 12, 2021 • 33:14

Ep. 227: Elly Griffiths on Writing in the Garden

Ep. 227: Elly Griffiths on Writing in the Garden

Elly Griffiths was born in London in 1963. Her first crime novel The Crossing Places is set on the Norfolk coast where she spent holidays as a child and where her aunt still lives. Her interest in archaeology comes from her husband, Andrew, who gave up his city job to retrain as an archaeologist. She lives in Brighton, on the south coast of England, with her husband and two children. The Postscript Murders is her most recent novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working

Mar 5, 2021 • 26:39

Ep. 226: What’s a Hybrid Press and What Should I Watch Out For?

Ep. 226: What’s a Hybrid Press and What Should I Watch Out For?

In this episode, Rachael dives deeply into hybrid presses. What’s the difference between them and assisted self-publishing? Or vanity presses? How can you tell the difference, and most importantly, how can you protect yourself from being scammed? How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay

Mar 1, 2021 • 25:18

Ep. 225: What Do You Actually MEAN When You Say to Write Fast and Badly?

Ep. 225: What Do You Actually MEAN When You Say to Write Fast and Badly?

In this episode, Rachael Herron answers questions from her Patreon supporters. What does a crappy draft actually look like, for real? Also, we talk about making sure stories move forward in a real way when constrained by historical facts, how to incorporate beta reader feedback if it’s all over the place, and why we flip away from our manuscripts when we’re “thinking” about them. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want

Feb 26, 2021 • 31:09

Ep. 224: Abigail Dean on Writing (Very Deliciously) Dark

Ep. 224: Abigail Dean on Writing (Very Deliciously) Dark

How do you write dark? Like, REALLY dark? Abigail Dean tells us. Abigail Dean works as a lawyer for Google, and before that was a bookseller. She lives in London, and is working on her second novel. Girl A is her first novel, just out in the United States after a competitive international auction that saw the book sell in 25 territories. It’s been optioned for TV rights for a limited series with Johan Renck, the Emmy winner from HBO’s critical and commercial hit “Chernobyl,” attached to dir

Feb 19, 2021 • 36:20

Ep. 223: Janna Ruth on Transforming Trauma into Art

Ep. 223: Janna Ruth on Transforming Trauma into Art

In 2016, Janna Ruth's plans for the new year was one submission to an agent. By the end of the year, she had won a writing competition with German publisher Ueberreuter and was deep in the throes to publish a second novel with a group of self-publishers. That novel, a modern fairy tale retelling with mental health topics, went on to win the SERAPH Phantastikpreis. Since then, Janna has published more than fifteen books in German and English. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of wor

Feb 12, 2021 • 37:48

Ep. 222: Lisa Gardner on How To Keep Moving Forward With Your Story

Ep. 222: Lisa Gardner on How To Keep Moving Forward With Your Story

Lisa Gardner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-three suspense novels, including The Neighbor, which won Thriller of the Year from the International Thriller Writers. An avid hiker, traveler, and cribbage player, she lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with her family. Before She Disappeared is her latest stand alone novel. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on h

Feb 5, 2021 • 38:28

Ep. 221: How Do I Even START Writing My Book? Bonus Episode

Ep. 221: How Do I Even START Writing My Book? Bonus Episode

In this bonus miniepisode, Rachael talks about how to start writing your book when it’s all you want to do and you’re still not doing it. Also: how to lay groundwork in a first novel in a series for the next book without letting down the reader, how to deal with a revision letter, and how to use a foreign language in context! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here

Feb 5, 2021 • 24:43

Ep. 220: Rachel Lynn Solomon on Speeding up the Slow and Slowing Down the Fast

Ep. 220: Rachel Lynn Solomon on Speeding up the Slow and Slowing Down the Fast

Rachel Lynn Solomon writes, tap dances, and collects red lipstick in Seattle, Washington. She is the author of the YA novels Today Tonight Tomorrow, You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone, Our Year of Maybe, and We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This (June 2021). She will also tell anyone who'll listen that it really doesn't rain that much in Seattle, where she lives with her husband and tiny dog. Her newest novel is The Ex Talk.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of wor

Jan 29, 2021 • 27:59

Ep. 219: Ashley Audrain on Getting Work Done During Lockdown

Ep. 219: Ashley Audrain on Getting Work Done During Lockdown

Ashley Audrain previously worked as the publicity director of Penguin Books Canada. Prior to Penguin, she worked in public relations. She lives in Toronto, where she and her partner are raising their two young children. The Push is her first novel.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair

Jan 22, 2021 • 34:46

Ep. 218: Ricardo Fayet on Finding the Perfect Editor

Ep. 218: Ricardo Fayet on Finding the Perfect Editor

Ricardo Fayet is one of the four founders of Reedsy, a marketplace connecting authors to the world’s top publishing talent—from editors to cover designers, book marketers, author website designers, and literary translators. He’s the author of several Reedsy Learning courses on book marketing and a regular presenter at several prestigious writers’ conferences: NINC, RWA Australia, and The Self Publishing Show Live, among others. He's also currently finishing his very first book on marketing. In h

Jan 15, 2021 • 31:05

Ep: 217: Show Me the Money, 2020 Edition

Ep: 217: Show Me the Money, 2020 Edition

Every year, Rachael Herron talks you through what she made over the previous year and how she made it because she firmly believes there’s not enough transparency in publishing. In 2020, she made $186,000, and here’s how she did it. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and ins

Jan 8, 2021 • 28:38

Ep. 216: Heid E. Erdrich on Writing Poetry in the Dark

Ep. 216: Heid E. Erdrich on Writing Poetry in the Dark

Heid E. Erdrich is the author of seven collections of poetry. Her writing has won fellowships and awards from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Bush Foundation, the Loft Literary Center, and First People's Fund, and she has twice won a Minnesota Book Award for poetry. She was also the editor of the 2018 anthology New Poets of Native Nations, which was the recipient of an American Book Award from the Before Columbu

Jan 7, 2021 • 37:59

Ep. 215: Jeff Elkins on Making Dialogue Really WORK in Your Book!

Ep. 215: Jeff Elkins on Making Dialogue Really WORK in Your Book!

Jeff Elkins is the author of twelve novels and leads the writing team for an innovative technology company that simulates difficult conversations for professionals to practice. In the Fall of 2020, Jeff began a new business, DialogueDoctor.com, that helps writers defeat mono-mouth by coaching them to build engaging characters and write realistic dialogue that will pull readers into their work and keep them reading over multiple books. Jeff lives outside of Baltimore in the United States with his

Dec 18, 2020 • 1:06:39

Ep. 214: Bonnie Tsui on Finding Flow in Writing (and in the Water)

Ep. 214: Bonnie Tsui on Finding Flow in Writing (and in the Water)

Bonnie Tsui is a journalist and longtime contributor to The New York Times. She is the author of American Chinatown, winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature and a San Francisco Chronicle bestseller. Her new book, Why We Swim, was published by Algonquin Books in April 2020; it was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, a Boston Globe bestseller, and an L.A. Times Book Club pick and bestseller. Her first children’s book, Sarah & the Big Wave, about big-wave women

Dec 11, 2020 • 37:49

Ep. 213: Melissa Storm on Writing with OCD

Ep. 213: Melissa Storm on Writing with OCD

Melissa Storm is a New York Times and multiple USA Today bestselling author of Women’s Fiction, Inspirational Romance, and Cozy Mysteries. Despite an intense, lifelong desire to tell stories for a living, Melissa was “too pragmatic” to choose English as a major in college. Instead, she obtained her master’s degree in Sociology & Survey Methodology—then went straight back to slinging words a year after graduation anyway. She loves books so much, in fact, that she married fellow author Falcon

Dec 4, 2020 • 53:47

Ep. 212: Bryan Washington on How Much Setting Matters

Ep. 212: Bryan Washington on How Much Setting Matters

Bryan Washington is a National Book Award 5 Under 35 honoree, and winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize, the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence, and The New York Times Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award. His new book, Memorial,is the book he wanted to read, the one he didn’t see out in the world. Something that was funny and sexy and yet at times startlingly emotional, featuring people of color, queer people of color, living their lives and dealing with break-ups and falling in love

Nov 27, 2020 • 34:25

Ep. 211: How to Write Dialogue for Characters Very Unlike Yourself

Ep. 211: How to Write Dialogue for Characters Very Unlike Yourself

In this mini-episode, Rachael Herron answers how to write dialogue for characters who aren’t like you at all, as well as how to breathe life into an old, almost-dead book, and what the heck is the difference between a collection of essays and a non-chronological memoir? How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in t

Nov 25, 2020 • 20:34

Ep. 210: Pam Rosenthal on Not Letting the Page Know You’re Afraid

Ep. 210: Pam Rosenthal on Not Letting the Page Know You’re Afraid

Pam Rosenthal has written award-winning sexy historical romance and award-winning brainy BDSM erotica, as well as occasional essays and reviews for Salon.com, the SF Chronicle, Dearauthor.com, and Socialist Review. She stands behind the quality of her product, but confesses that her writing process has been more than a little bit fraught. Currently, she's looking toward making peace with that process, while she continues to work with her husband and longtime creative partner at their copyediting

Nov 20, 2020 • 44:04

Ep. 209: Matt Haig on Literally Writing the Multiverse

Ep. 209: Matt Haig on Literally Writing the Multiverse

Matt Haig is the author of the internationally bestselling memoir Reasons to Stay Alive and Notes on a Nervous Planet, along with six novels, including How To Stop Time, and several award-winning children’s books. His work has been translated into thirty languages, and his brand new book is The Midnight Library. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'

Nov 13, 2020 • 36:47

Ep. 208: CJ Cooke on the Thrills of Contemporary Gothic Horror

Ep. 208: CJ Cooke on the Thrills of Contemporary Gothic Horror

C. J. Cooke is an award-winning poet and novelist published in twenty-three languages. She teaches creative writing at the University of Glasgow, where she also researches the impact of motherhood on women’s writing and creative writing interventions for mental health. The Nesting is her most recent release. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insigh

Nov 6, 2020 • 34:37

Ep. 207: Donna Baier Stein’s Surprising Tip for Getting Into the Voice of a Character

Ep. 207: Donna Baier Stein’s Surprising Tip for Getting Into the Voice of a Character

Donna Baier Stein is the author of The Silver Baron's Wife (PEN/New England Discovery Award, Foreword Reviews Winner), Sympathetic People (Iowa Fiction Award Finalist), Letting Rain Have Its Say, and Scenes from the Heartland: Stories Based on Lithographs by Thomas Hart Benton (Foreword Reviews Finalist). A Founding Editor of Bellevue Literary Review, she founded and publishes Tiferet Journal. She has received a Bread Loaf Scholarship, Johns Hopkins University Fellowship, and other awards.&

Oct 30, 2020 • 35:19

Ep. 206: Do You Need a Writing Mentor? Or a Pen Name?

Ep. 206: Do You Need a Writing Mentor? Or a Pen Name?

Rachael Herron tackles some difficult questions in this mini episode: Do you need a writing mentor? Or a pen name? How DO you write in a year like 2020, anyway? And what’s the best way to hack your way to a productive writing day? How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and insp

Oct 29, 2020 • 38:54

Ep. 204: Vicki Pettersson on How Yoga Helps Her Write Lots of Books

Ep. 204: Vicki Pettersson on How Yoga Helps Her Write Lots of Books

Vicki Pettersson is a NYT & USA Today bestseller of ten traditionally published novels - 9 fantasies and 1 really mean cat-and-mouse thriller - and she's a Las Vegas native who worked as a showgirl for a decade in order to pursue her writing goals during the day. She now hosts a new channel on YouTube for aspiring authors, providing tools, tips, and strategies for a successful career while staying sane. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers w

Oct 23, 2020 • 50:35

Ep. 205: Kati Gardner on Planning for Writers

Ep. 205: Kati Gardner on Planning for Writers

Kati Gardner is a recovering actor, wife, and mom. She is a childhood cancer survivor and amputee who writes books about disability and kissing. Originally from Atlanta, she now lives and writes in Raleigh, North Carolina. She’s the author of Brave Enough and Finding Balance. You can find her on Twitter at @AuthorKati or on Instagram at AuthorKatiGardner.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book y

Oct 23, 2020 • 54:00

Ep. 203: Alexis Henderson on How To Write Books, Not Just Beginnings

Ep. 203: Alexis Henderson on How To Write Books, Not Just Beginnings

Alexis Henderson is a speculative fiction writer with a penchant for dark fantasy, witchcraft, and cosmic horror. Her debut novel is The Year of the Witching. She grew up in one of America's most haunted cities, Savannah, Georgia, which instilled in her a life-long love of ghost stories. Currently, Alexis resides in the sun-soaked marshland of Charleston, South Carolina.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron.

Oct 2, 2020 • 29:33

Ep. 202: Anjanette Delgado on the Magic of Preproduction in Novel Writing

Ep. 202: Anjanette Delgado on the Magic of Preproduction in Novel Writing

Anjanette Delgado is a Puerto Rican writer and journalist. She is the author of The Heartbreak Pill (Simon and Schuster, 2008), 2009 winner of the Latino International Book Award, and of The Clairvoyant of Calle Ocho (Kensington Publishing & Penguin Random House, 2014). Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies, as well as in The Kenyon Review, Pleiades, Vogue, The New York Times ("Modern Love"), The Hong Kong Review, NPR, and HBO, among others. A Bread Loaf Conference alumni, she won an

Sep 24, 2020 • 42:29

Ep. 201: How Do You Know When You're Overcomplicating Your Book?

Ep. 201: How Do You Know When You're Overcomplicating Your Book?

Bonus mini-episode, brought to you by my Patrons at the $5+ levels! Including: Will I lose the humor in my dark comedy if I move to thriller? How should I sensitively write dialect? How can I know when I’m overcomplicating my book? Join now! http://patreon.com/rachael Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 23, 2020 • 18:40

Ep. 200: Edward Giordano Helps Rachael Celebrate 200 Episodes!

Ep. 200: Edward Giordano Helps Rachael Celebrate 200 Episodes!

Edward Giordano is a Science Fiction & Fantasy author, podcaster, curler, off-key singer, pop music lover and avid Big Brother fan. The aim of his fiction is inclusiveness and exploring ideas that have remained unchallenged. Ed lives in Oakland with his boyfriend and their cat, Ripley. When he isn't watching curling bonspiels on YouTube or obsessively listening to podcasts, he is desperately trying to scavenge words together for his next fiction project.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the

Sep 18, 2020 • 50:41

Ep. 199: Becca Syme on Maximizing Your Strengths as a Writer

Ep. 199: Becca Syme on Maximizing Your Strengths as a Writer

R.L. Syme is a USA Today best-selling author of small-town romance and cozy mystery. She writes small-town romance as Becca Boyd and cozy culinary mysteries as R.L. Syme. As Becca Syme, she is the creator and founder of the Better-Faster Academy. She teaches the popular Write Better-Faster course for several years as well as Strengths for Writers, and is the author of the Dear Writer You Need to Quit series. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling

Sep 11, 2020 • 1:03:49

Ep. 198: Joshua Bennett on Making Sure There's Blood in Your Writing

Ep. 198: Joshua Bennett on Making Sure There's Blood in Your Writing

Poet, performer, and scholar Joshua Bennett is the author of the just released book of poetry, Owed, which speaks to the expansive range of registers within the world of Black aesthetics and experience: the joy, rage, love, terror, and awe that gives a world within a world all its shape and tenor. He received his PhD in English from Princeton University, and is currently Mellon Assistant Professor of English and Creative

Sep 4, 2020 • 29:47

Ep. 197: Can I Write a Main Character Outside my Race?

Ep. 197: Can I Write a Main Character Outside my Race?

Today in this mini-episode, Rachael talks about whether it’s a good idea to write outside your race, as well as what to do when you’re bored stiff by your own book. And what about virtual retreats? How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flo

Aug 28, 2020 • 30:19

Ep. 196: Lan and Harlan Margaret Van Cao on Co-Writing their Mother-Daughter Memoir

Ep. 196: Lan and Harlan Margaret Van Cao on Co-Writing their Mother-Daughter Memoir

Lan Cao is the author of Monkey Bridge and The Lotus and the Storm, and most recently of the scholarly work Culture in Law and Development: Nurturing Positive Change. She is a professor of law at the Chapman University School of Law, and an internationally recognized expert specializing in international business and trade, international law, and development. She has taught at Brooklyn Law School, Duke University School of Law, University of Michigan L

Aug 21, 2020 • 51:28

Ep.195: Ivuoma Okoro on Changing Forms to Get Better at Plotting

Ep.195: Ivuoma Okoro on Changing Forms to Get Better at Plotting

Ivuoma Okoro is the writer, producer, and performer of the narrative fiction podcast Vega: A Sci-Fi Adventure!. The show is stylized storytelling, where she, as a colorful narrator, talks to listeners directly as she leads them through the tale of a bounty huntress of the fantasy future. After launching the show in late 2018, Vega won “Best Writing of a New Spoken Word Production” and “Best Performance of a New Spoken Word” in the 2019 Audioverse Awards. In addition to that, Ivuoma was invited t

Aug 14, 2020 • 35:34

Ep. 194: Should You Hire an Editor Before Submitting Queries to Agents?

Ep. 194: Should You Hire an Editor Before Submitting Queries to Agents?

In this bonus episode, Rachael answers your questions, including: Should you hire an editor before sending out agent queries? What are some great memoirs and why should writers read them? Do I need specialized tax help as a writer? Don't miss Ines Johnson's writer's channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClivO7XAP2GCRRz-7Bm3NhwHow Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you lo

Aug 12, 2020 • 21:40

Ep. 193: Vikram Chandra on a New App to Keep Your Writing Organized

Ep. 193: Vikram Chandra on a New App to Keep Your Writing Organized

Vikram Chandra’s latest book is Geek Sublime: The Beauty of Code, the Code of Beauty. He has also written the novels Sacred Games and Red Earth and Pouring Rain and the short story collection Love and Longing in Bombay. In July 2018, Netflix released a series based on Sacred Games. In 2019, this series was included in The New York Times’ list of The 30 Best International TV Shows of the Decade. His honours include a Guggenheim fellowship, the Commonwealth Writers Prize (Eurasia), the Crossword P

Aug 7, 2020 • 42:51

Ep. 192: KJ Dell'Antonia on Dissecting Other Writing to Improve Your Own

Ep. 192: KJ Dell'Antonia on Dissecting Other Writing to Improve Your Own

KJ Dell’Antonia is the author of the viral New York Times essay Why I Didn’t Answer Your Email, the former editor of the Times’ Motherlode blog, the co-host of the #AmWriting podcast and the author of the book How to Be a Happier Parent. Her debut novel, The Chicken Sisters, is a timely, humorous exploration of the same themes she focuses on in her journalism: the importance of finding joy in our families, the challenge of figuring out what makes us happy and the need to value the people in fron

Jul 31, 2020 • 40:50

Ep. 191: How Do You Keep From Getting Distracted While Writing?

Ep. 191: How Do You Keep From Getting Distracted While Writing?

Miniepisode with Rachael! How do you keep writing when your brain won’t sit still? Also, would you recommend Scribe? What about those sites that promise to promote your book for you? How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Join

Jul 24, 2020 • 30:48

Ep. 190: Anthony Moore on Capturing Ideas as they Arrive

Ep. 190: Anthony Moore on Capturing Ideas as they Arrive

Anthony Moore is an author, speaker, and one of the top 100 writers on the entire Medium.com platform. In the past 3 years, he’s gone from virtually zero readers, subscribers, and income to 45,000+ Medium followers, 75,000+ email subscribers, and a 6-figure writing business. His book What Extraordinary People Know: How To Cut the Busy B.S. and Live Your Kick-Ass Life (Sourcebooks) hit bookshelves in 2019, and his book Wealthy Writers: How To Go Viral, Get Followers, and Get Rich Writing has been

Jul 17, 2020 • 24:15

Ep. 189: Steven Rowley on When You Get To Call Yourself A Writer

Ep. 189: Steven Rowley on When You Get To Call Yourself A Writer

Steven Rowley is the author of The Editor and the national bestseller Lily and the Octopus, which has been translated into nineteen languages. He has worked as a freelance writer, newspaper columnist, and screenwriter. Originally from Portland, Maine, Rowley is a graduate of Emerson College. He lives in Palm Springs, CA.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain

Jul 10, 2020 • 33:58

Ep. 188: Elizabeth Kay on Taking Off Her Editor’s Hat to Write a Bestseller

Ep. 188: Elizabeth Kay on Taking Off Her Editor’s Hat to Write a Bestseller

Elizabeth Kay works in the publishing industry under a different name. She lives in London and has a first-class degree in English literature.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Join Rachael's Slack channel, Onward Writers! Host

Jul 3, 2020 • 18:51

Ep. 187: Eddie King on Why There’s No Right Way of Writing

Ep. 187: Eddie King on Why There’s No Right Way of Writing

Eddie King is an author, screenwriter, and television presenter. Born and raised in Hampstead, London, he spent many years working in the film industry as a producer and script consultant on large-budget Hollywood productions. He is a prominent ambassador of American country music across Europe and co-hosts a weekly primetime television series where he interviews some of Nashville's biggest stars. Eddie has written five novels, all in the contemporary romance genre. His first book, ‘Spoilt For C

Jun 26, 2020 • 39:12

Ep. 186: Ines Johnson on Wanting More After Finding Success

Ep. 186: Ines Johnson on Wanting More After Finding Success

Lover of fairytales, folklore, and mythology, Ines Johnson spends her days reimagining the stories of old in a modern world. She writes books where damsels cause the distress, princesses wield swords, and moms save the world. Aside from being a full time author and professional reader, Ines Johnson is a seasoned educator. She's taught college level courses and workshops in screenwriting, story development and plotting, and media history. A lifelong learner (read: academic addict), she holds a Ba

Jun 19, 2020 • 52:18

Ep. 185: Should I Look for an Agent for my Debut or Self-Publish It? (Bonus! How To Be an Anti-Racist)

Ep. 185: Should I Look for an Agent for my Debut or Self-Publish It? (Bonus! How To Be an Anti-Racist)

Ep. 185: Should I Look for an Agent for my Debut or Self-Publish It? (Bonus! How To Be an Anti-Racist)Rachael answers Tuomas's question about what to do when you want to be a hybrid author, with a foot in both camps - trad- and self-publishing.Also - if you're white, what you can do to be anti-racist AS A WRITER! This goes beyond allyship (centering BIPOC voices) and activism (protesting, donating to BIPOC-led organizations) Anti-racism is the act of opposing ALL white supremacy including the ra

Jun 12, 2020 • 27:29

Ep. 184: Should You Build a Mailing List While Still Writing Your First Book?

Ep. 184: Should You Build a Mailing List While Still Writing Your First Book?

Should you build a mailing list or reader following while you're still working on your first book? How do you find a community of writers? (Hint, join my Slack channel, link below!) And how should you write transitions between scenes? All this and more, in this episode with Rachael Herron!How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on h

May 29, 2020 • 23:42

Ep. 183: Jennie Nash on Harnessing the Power of Jealousy

Ep. 183: Jennie Nash on Harnessing the Power of Jealousy

Jennie Nash is the founder of Author Accelerator, a business that has trained more than 50 book coaches to support writers through the entire creative process of completing a book. Jennie started her career on staff at Random House and has spent 30 years on all sides of the publishing industry. In her time as a book coach, her clients have landed top New York agents and book deals with houses such as Scribner, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette. Jennie is the author of 9 books, 5 of which were p

May 22, 2020 • 42:48

Ep. 182: How to Allow Yourself to Suck and Fix it Later

Ep. 182: How to Allow Yourself to Suck and Fix it Later

Ep. 182 Miniepisode: How to Allow Yourself to Suck and Fix it Later Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2020 • 11:47

Ep. 181: Jeni McFarland on Writing by Hand

Ep. 181: Jeni McFarland on Writing by Hand

Jeni McFarland holds an MFA in Fiction from the University of Houston, where she was a fiction editor at Gulf Coast Magazine. She’s an alum of Tin House, a 2016 Kimbilio Fellow, and has had short fiction published in Crack the Spine, Forge, and Spry, which nominated her for the storySouth Million Writers Award. She was also a finalist for the 2015 Gertrude Stein Writers Award in Fiction from the Doctor T. J. Eckleburg Review. She has lived in Michigan and the San Francisco Bay Area with her husb

May 8, 2020 • 24:07

Ep. 180: Melanie Abrams on Bringing the Conflict

Ep. 180: Melanie Abrams on Bringing the Conflict

Melanie Abrams is the author of the novels Playing and Meadowlark. She is an editor and photographer and currently teaches writing at the University of California, Berkeley. She lives in Oakland, California, with her husband, writer Vikram Chandra, and their children.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair

May 1, 2020 • 23:55

Ep. 179: Should You Get an MFA?

Ep. 179: Should You Get an MFA?

Bestselling author (and teacher) Rachael Herron talks about why you should (or shouldn't) get an MFA in writing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 27, 2020 • 14:55

Ep. 178: Jennifer Louden on Why Bother

Ep. 178: Jennifer Louden on Why Bother

JENNIFER LOUDEN is a personal growth pioneer who helped launch the concept of self-care with her first bestseller, The Woman’s Comfort Book. Since then, she’s written six additional books on wellbeing and whole living, including The Woman’s Retreat Book and The Life Organizer, with close to a million copies of her books in print in nine languages. Jennifer has spoken around the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and has appeared on hundreds of TV programs, radio shows, and podcasts—including Oprah. Jenni

Apr 24, 2020 • 33:19

Ep. 177: How to do Revision Passes to Save Your Sanity

Ep. 177: How to do Revision Passes to Save Your Sanity

How to do Revision Passes to Save Your SanityRachael Says Write! JOIN HERE! 90 Days to Done90 Day RevisionHow Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Join Rachael's Slack channel, Onward Writers: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri

Apr 17, 2020 • 21:27

Ep. 176: Katie Forrest on Time Management for Writers During a Crisis

Ep. 176: Katie Forrest on Time Management for Writers During a Crisis

Katie Forrest is the author of Time Management for Writers, a tried and tested system that introduces the Three Zones of Focus and the ADAPT Framework for Productivity. She is the author of 16 fiction books split across two pen names, and is a fan of cacti, curry and cuddles. She lives in England with her husband, daughter and puppy.You can connect with Katie at katieforrest.com or join her Facebook group, Time Management for Writers with Katie Forrest.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore

Apr 10, 2020 • 28:22

Ep. 175: Mini-Episode - How to Keep Going

Ep. 175: Mini-Episode - How to Keep Going

Ep. 175: Mini-Episode - How to Keep Going Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 3, 2020 • 16:32

Ep. 174: Rachael on Getting Your Writing Done When Life is Distracting

Ep. 174: Rachael on Getting Your Writing Done When Life is Distracting

Ep. 174: Rachael on Getting Your Writing Done When Life is DistractingCrazy times call for crazy (or totally sensible, whatever) solutions.The Roost laptop holder (way more expensive than I remembered, but still worth it): https://amzn.to/2J2af3K Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 20, 2020 • 21:08

Ep. 173: Chanel Cleeton on Planning Life vs. Planning a Book

Ep. 173: Chanel Cleeton on Planning Life vs. Planning a Book

Chanel Cleeton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana and When We Left Cuba. Originally from Florida, Chanel grew up on stories of her family's exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England where she earned a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London

Mar 13, 2020 • 23:08

Ep. 172: Tara East on Interviewing as a Superpower for Writing

Ep. 172: Tara East on Interviewing as a Superpower for Writing

Tara East has four degrees in communications and is currently completing her doctorate in Creative Writing. She is the author of a time-travelling novella, When Bell Met Bowie, and a mystery novel, Every Time He Dies (currently holding a solid 4.83 stars on goodreads!). She also has a blog, a YouTube channel, and a podcast because TV is boring. (The exceptions being Outlander and Fargo). How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herro

Mar 6, 2020 • 29:44

Ep. 171: What To Do With a Revision Letter (and where are the memoirists?) Bonus MiniEpisode

Ep. 171: What To Do With a Revision Letter (and where are the memoirists?) Bonus MiniEpisode

Ep. 171: What To Do With a Revision Letter (and where are the memoirists?) Bonus Mini-Episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 2, 2020 • 14:12

Ep. 170: Maya Hughes on the Wonders of Scrivener

Ep. 170: Maya Hughes on the Wonders of Scrivener

Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! She's a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life. She's the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also works full time. Some of her favorite things are cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until she can't breathe, traveling with her family and Jeff Goldblum. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestse

Feb 28, 2020 • 31:28

Ep. 169: Juliet Blackwell on Getting the Words on the Page

Ep. 169: Juliet Blackwell on Getting the Words on the Page

Juliet Blackwell is the New York Times bestselling author of several novels based in France, including The Vineyards of Champagne, The Lost Carousel of Provence, Letters from Paris and The Paris Key. She also writes the Witchcraft Mystery series and the Haunted Home Renovation series. As Hailey Lind, Blackwell wrote the Agatha-nominated Art Lover's Mystery series. A former anthropologist, social worker, and professional artist, Juliet is a California native who has spent time in Mexico, Spain, C

Feb 21, 2020 • 37:52

Ep. 168: Tommy Arnold and Micah Epstein on the Fascinating Similarities Between Visual Artists and Writers

Ep. 168: Tommy Arnold and Micah Epstein on the Fascinating Similarities Between Visual Artists and Writers

TOMMY ARNOLD: Tommy Arnold is a digital illustrator whose work showcases the athleticism, prowess, and power of the human figure in fantastic and futuristic settings. He doesn’t believe in talent and has spent a lot of time exploring the mental landscape that artists inhabit while they draw and paint, in order to better understand what’s possible and pass it on. His work has been featured in Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art, Communication Arts, American Illustration, and at

Feb 7, 2020 • 56:59

Ep. 167: Podcasts I Love - Bonus Mini-episode

Ep. 167: Podcasts I Love - Bonus Mini-episode

Rachael took a flight and listened to three podcast that may change the whole way she lives (and she loves that!). She shares them here. Food, We Need to Talk, all episodesTen Percent Happier, episode #221The Happiness Lab, Mistakenly Seeking Solitude Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 4, 2020 • 17:05

Ep. 166: Nancy Richardson Fischer Share the BEST Tip for Ensuring Scene Flow

Ep. 166: Nancy Richardson Fischer Share the BEST Tip for Ensuring Scene Flow

Nancy Richardson Fischer is the author of two YA novels, When Elephants Fly, and The Speed of Falling Objects, which published in October 2019. She’s also written multiple sport autobiographies and Star Wars books for LucasFilm. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband Henry and their Vizsla, Boone.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain

Jan 31, 2020 • 31:46

Ep. 165: How Do You Start Your Own Writing Group? Bonus mini-episode!

Ep. 165: How Do You Start Your Own Writing Group? Bonus mini-episode!

Say you want out of a certain writer’s organization (cough cough). How would you go about starting one? What do you need to consider? This week's mini-episode tells you how to start! (No Friday episode this week, as I'm on retreat.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 2020 • 9:35

Ep. 164: Aime Austin on Avoiding Headhopping in Fiction

Ep. 164: Aime Austin on Avoiding Headhopping in Fiction

Aime Austin is the author of the Casey Cort Crime Fiction Series. Casey is almost always in trouble. Aime’s full time job? Rescuing her. Good thing Aime’s got experience. She practiced family and criminal law in Cleveland, Ohio for several years—so she has the skills for the job. When Aime isn’t rescuing Casey from herself, she’s raising her son or traveling between Budapest and Los Angeles.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author

Jan 17, 2020 • 39:51

Ep. 163: How to Start Novel Revision & How to Avoid Shiny New Object Syndrome - Bonus Mini-episode!

Ep. 163: How to Start Novel Revision & How to Avoid Shiny New Object Syndrome - Bonus Mini-episode!

Just how do you start to think about revising your book? And what if you’re being carried away with shiny new thoughts every time you turn around? Here’s what to do! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 16, 2020 • 12:43

Ep. 162: Show Me The Money, 2019 Edition

Ep. 162: Show Me The Money, 2019 Edition

Rachael talks about not only how much she made in 2019, but how authors need to be thinking about their finances, and gives recommendations on how to start today to fix your financial situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 10, 2020 • 37:45

Ep. 161: Rachael on the RWA Debacle

Ep. 161: Rachael on the RWA Debacle

Rachael shares her personal opinions on what happened with the RWA implosion, and what has to happen next. Mentioned: https://twitter.com/RomancingNope/status/1211025913128902657 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 1, 2020 • 16:34

Ep. 160: How Do You Use Tarot as Tool for Writing Even if You’re Non-Woo-woo? Bonus episode!

Ep. 160: How Do You Use Tarot as Tool for Writing Even if You’re Non-Woo-woo? Bonus episode!

Rachael talks about how she uses her tarot decks to uncover her own subconscious knowledge, and how you can, too Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 27, 2019 • 12:29

Ep. 159: Steff Green on Writing Prolifically and Joyfully

Ep. 159: Steff Green on Writing Prolifically and Joyfully

Steff Green is a USA Today bestselling author of the paranormal, gothic, dark, and fantastical. Steff received the 2017 Attitude Award for Artistic Achievement, and was a finalist for a 2018 Women of Influence award. Her books are enjoyed by thousands of readers all over the world. When she's not writing, you can find her hanging out with her husband and cat horde, or tearing up the mosh pit at a heavy metal show. Steff is the author of How to Rock Self Publishing, and the founder of t

Dec 20, 2019 • 35:01

Ep. 158: Should You Plan to Self-Publish AND Seek Agent Representation? And Are Retreats for Introverts? Bonus Episode

Ep. 158: Should You Plan to Self-Publish AND Seek Agent Representation? And Are Retreats for Introverts? Bonus Episode

Ep. 158: Should You Plan to Self-Publish AND Seek Agent Representation? And Are Retreats for Introverts? Bonus Episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 19, 2019 • 10:02

Ep. 157: Daniel Willcocks on Writing Fast and Getting into Flow

Ep. 157: Daniel Willcocks on Writing Fast and Getting into Flow

Daniel Willcocks is an international bestselling author and podcaster of dark fiction. He is one quarter of digital story studio, Hawk & Cleaver, co-producer of iTunes-busting 'The Other Stories' podcast, as well as the host of the 'Great Writers Share' podcast.Residing in the UK, Dan's work explores the catastrophic and the strange. His stories span the genres of horror, post-apocalyptia, and sci-fi, and his work has seen him collaborating with some of the biggest names in the independent p

Dec 13, 2019 • 29:36

Ep. 156: Jeremy Spillman on Taking Nashville Songwriting to a Novel

Ep. 156: Jeremy Spillman on Taking Nashville Songwriting to a Novel

Kentucky born and bred, Jeremy Spillman moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue his dream of success as a songwriter at 24. It would be five years before he landed his first cut by a major label artist and signed a publishing deal. Since then, Jeremy has had songs recorded by Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan and many more. Spillman lives with his wife and four sons south of Nashville, TN. He considers his role as a father the most important in his life. When he’s n

Dec 6, 2019 • 32:53

Ep. 155: Blog vs. Memoir and Couch to 5k for Writing - Bonus Episode

Ep. 155: Blog vs. Memoir and Couch to 5k for Writing - Bonus Episode

Ep. 155: Blog vs. Memoir and Couch to 5k for Writing - Bonus EpisodeHow do you decide if writing a blog is for you if you're writing memoir? Are blogs even still a thing? And how do you boost your reading and writing comprehension like runners do with Couch to 5k? (Bonus fireplace insert question!) Thanks for Lorajean, Erin, and Catriona for today's questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 5, 2019 • 12:22

Ep. 154: How Do You Keep Writing When No One is Reading You Yet? Bonus Mini-Episode

Ep. 154: How Do You Keep Writing When No One is Reading You Yet? Bonus Mini-Episode

How Do You Keep Writing When No One is Reading You Yet? Bonus Mini-EpisodeYeah, writing alone while you're unpublished is so difficult. How do you keep your spirits up? How do you keep believing in yourself when you're spending hours, weeks, months, and years doing something that has nothing to show for it yet? Listen along as Rachael Herron answer's Leftie's question on this mini-episode of How Do You Write. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 28, 2019 • 14:15

Ep. 153: Marianne Power on Writing Truth and Shame in Memoir

Ep. 153: Marianne Power on Writing Truth and Shame in Memoir

Marianne Power is a writer and journalist who lives in London. Her first book, Help Me: How self-help did NOT change my life,, is about a year long quest to change her life by following the rules of a different self-help book each month for a year, is being published in more than 29 countries and is being optioned for a television series. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to

Nov 22, 2019 • 36:31

Ep. 152: NaNoWriMo Crash - Bonus Episode

Ep. 152: NaNoWriMo Crash - Bonus Episode

What if your NaNoWriMo novel (or any of your writing) is crashing? Does it mean you should give up writing and get a job in finance? Or move to Antarctica where there are no writing devices at all (this is what I've been told, anyway...)? Listen to find out! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks

Nov 20, 2019 • 7:53

Ep. 150: Shamim Sarif on Marrying Characters to Plot, Organically

Ep. 150: Shamim Sarif on Marrying Characters to Plot, Organically

As an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and film director, Shamim Sarif has built a career on creating powerful female protagonists—and in doing so, has earned legions of fans around the world. Her latest novel, THE ATHENA PROTOCOL, is an all-female contemporary action thriller that will be released by HarperCollins in October 2019 as the first in a YA series. The book is currently being developed as a film franchise. An accomplished speaker, Shamim has spoken at TED events worldwi

Nov 15, 2019 • 29:22

Ep. 151: Rachael on How to Start Sentences, How to Word Sprint, and Taking on Draft Passes (Mini-Episode)

Ep. 151: Rachael on How to Start Sentences, How to Word Sprint, and Taking on Draft Passes (Mini-Episode)

How Do You Write BONUS EPISODE: This mini-episode brought to you by $5 and up Patreons. You too can use me as a writing coach on retainer - join here! http://patreon.com/rachael Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 15, 2019 • 14:12

Ep. 149: Adrienne Bell on Writing Hella Words in 2020

Ep. 149: Adrienne Bell on Writing Hella Words in 2020

Adrienne Bell is the author of over a dozen action-packed romantic comedies. Her love of story structure led her to create Plot MD, a system for crafting compelling stories. She also is the co-host of the weekly podcast, The Misfit's Guide to Writing Indie Romance, with Eliza Peake. Adrienne lives with her family on the far edge of the San Francisco Bay Area where she spends her downtime reading, watching nerdy television, and scrolling through Disneyland fan sites.Her new venture in 2

Nov 8, 2019 • 32:39

Ep. 148: Rachael on Making Changes

Ep. 148: Rachael on Making Changes

Rachael goes on vacation and talks about some big, new decisions. She's stopping an income stream, and trying some others. Listen in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 2019 • 22:35

Ep. 147: Amy Rigby on Memoir Writing, Songwriting, and Tending Bar

Ep. 147: Amy Rigby on Memoir Writing, Songwriting, and Tending Bar

AMY RIGBY is a songwriter, musician and performer. Her most recent album The Old Guys was voted one of the top 100 albums of 2018 in the Pazz & Jop US music critics’ poll. Her memoir Girl To City is newly out She plays her songs all over the world and writes online at diaryofamyrigby.wordpress.com. She lives with her husband and sometime duet partner Wreckless Eric in New York’s Hudson Valley. When she isn’t touring, she pours beer and sells books at The Spotty Dog in Hudson.How Do You Write

Oct 11, 2019 • 35:53

Ep. 146: Jennifer Loudon on Writing and Your Emotional Immune System

Ep. 146: Jennifer Loudon on Writing and Your Emotional Immune System

Jennifer Louden is a personal growth pioneer who helped launch the concept of self-care with her first best-selling book The Woman’s Comfort Book. Since then, she’s written six additional books on well-being and whole living, with a million copies of her books in print in nine languages. Jennifer has spoken around the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and has written a national magazine column for Martha Stewart magazine. Plus, she’s been profiled or quoted in dozens of major magazines, two of Brené Bro

Oct 4, 2019 • 28:29

Ep. 145: J.L. Brown on Finding Your Own Voice as a Writer

Ep. 145: J.L. Brown on Finding Your Own Voice as a Writer

J. L. Brown is the author of the Jade Harrington novels, Don’t Speak, Rule of Law, and The Divide, and the short story, Few Are Chosen. She lives with her family in Seattle, where she is working on her next novel. A member of Mystery Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America Northwest, Sisters in Crime, and Puget Sound Sisters in Crime, you can find her on Twitter @jl_brownauthor and on her website.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Ra

Sep 27, 2019 • 24:04

Ep. 144: Katie Forrest on Character Quirks

Ep. 144: Katie Forrest on Character Quirks

Katie Forrest is an indie author who writes fiction under two pen names and writes on time management for authors, and more, at www.katieforrest.com How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Join Rachael's Slack channel, Onward W

Sep 20, 2019 • 29:25

Ep. 143: Abdi Nazemian on Being in a TV Writers' Room

Ep. 143: Abdi Nazemian on Being in a TV Writers' Room

Abdi Nazemian is the author of Like a Love Story and The Authentics. His novel, The Walk-In Closet, won the Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Debut Fiction. His screenwriting credits include the films The Artist's Wife, The Quiet, and Menendez: Blood Brothers, and the television series The Village and Almost Family. He has been an executive producer and associate producer on numerous films, including Call Me By Your Name, Little Woods, The House of Tomorrow and Scotty and the Secret History of Holl

Sep 13, 2019 • 40:45

Ep. 142: Lamar Giles and His Brilliant Dialogue Craft Tip

Ep. 142: Lamar Giles and His Brilliant Dialogue Craft Tip

Lamar Giles writes novels and short stories for teens and adults. He is the author of the Edgar Award nominees Fake ID and Endangered, as well as the novels Overturned, Spin, The Last Last-Day-of-Summer, and the forthcoming Not So Pure and Simple. He is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books and resides in Virginia with his wife.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on

Sep 6, 2019 • 25:51

Ep. 141: Samantha Downing on 10 Years to Overnight Success

Ep. 141: Samantha Downing on 10 Years to Overnight Success

Samantha Downing is the author of the USA Today and #1 International Best Seller, My Lovely Wife. She was born and raised in Marin County, California and now lives in New Orleans, where she is furiously typing away on her next thrilling standalone. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the

Aug 30, 2019 • 26:10

Ep. 140: Mindy McGinnis on Creating a Snow Globe of Writing Efficiency

Ep. 140: Mindy McGinnis on Creating a Snow Globe of Writing Efficiency

Mindy McGinnis is an Edgar Award-winning novelist who writes across multiple genres, including post-apocalyptic, historical, thriller, contemporary, mystery, and fantasy. While her settings may change, you can always count on Mindy’s books to deliver grit, truth, and an unflinching look at humanity and the world around us.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll ga

Aug 23, 2019 • 29:10

Ep. 139: Alexandra Villasante on Staying Connected to Your Characters

Ep. 139: Alexandra Villasante on Staying Connected to Your Characters

Alexandra Villasante has always loved telling stories—though not always with words. She has a BFA in Painting and an MA in Combined Media (that’s art school speak for making work out of anything). Born in New Jersey to immigrant parents, Alex has the privilegio of dreaming in both English and Spanish. When she’s not writing, painting or chasing chickens around the yard, Alexandra plans conferences and fundraisers for non-profits. She lives with her family in the semi-wilds of Pennsylvania. You c

Aug 2, 2019 • 26:10

Ep. 138: Hannah Shaw on Writing Your Passion (and Kittens!)

Ep. 138: Hannah Shaw on Writing Your Passion (and Kittens!)

Hannah Shaw is an award-winning kitten rescuer, humane educator, and unwavering animal advocate who has dedicated her life to protecting the tiniest and most vulnerable felines. Her project, Kitten Lady, provides educational media, training resources, and instructional workshops that help individuals and animal shelters learn how to save the lives of kittens--in a fun and engaging format. Hannah is the author of Tiny But Mighty (Penguin Random House, 2019) and the forthcoming children's book Kit

Jul 26, 2019 • 31:32

Ep. 137: M.G. Hennessey on When Not to Revise

Ep. 137: M.G. Hennessey on When Not to Revise

M.G. Hennessey loves Star Wars, the San Francisco Giants, strawberry ice cream, and dancing. She mentors teens at the Lifeworks program/LA LGBT Center, and volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for L.A. foster kids. She's also the dean of Camp Transcend Family Camp and an organizer of the Gender Odyssey LA conference. A supporter of the Transgender Law Center, Gender Spectrum, and the Human Rights Campaign, she lives in Los Angeles with her family. How Do You Write Podcast: Explo

Jul 19, 2019 • 31:34

Ep. 136: Aileen Erin on The Second Act

Ep. 136: Aileen Erin on The Second Act

USA Today Bestselling author Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd—from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), geeks out on Tolkien’s linguistics, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband and daughter in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating

Jun 28, 2019 • 25:31

Ep. 135: Aime McNee on the Joy of Writing Community

Ep. 135: Aime McNee on the Joy of Writing Community

Amie McNee is a writer, speaker and a mentor who writes 16th century historical fiction. Using her medieval degree, which specialised in sex culture, her stories explore the power of the feminine. She has written and spoken about creative living and creative community for over six years, and she is called to create spaces where artists can feel safe and seen. On instagram, she documents her own personal journey as a writer, a vulnerable, behind the scenes insight into the life of an unpublished

Jun 21, 2019 • 23:30

Ep. 134: Ella Barnard on Connecting With Readers

Ep. 134: Ella Barnard on Connecting With Readers

Ella Barnard works with writers who are ready to become authors. She is the host of the Author Like a Boss podcast and owners of the Author Boss Academy. She enjoys helping people write a great story, find their ideal readers, build their author brand, and publish their books. Her superpower is doing all that in a way that is practical, effective, and fun.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book

Jun 7, 2019 • 29:38

Ep. 133: Jill Hedgecock on Using a Muse Board

Ep. 133: Jill Hedgecock on Using a Muse Board

Jill Hedgecock is an award-winning and internationally-published author. She writes book review columns for both Books ‘N Pieces Magazine and a local East San Francisco entertainment newspaper, The Diablo Gazette. Her short stories, personal essays and nonfiction pieces have appeared in multiple anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. Rhino in the Room, her debut novel, was published in September 2018 and her second novel, Between Shadow's Eyes will be rel

May 31, 2019 • 33:38

Ep. 132: Julie Schooler on Finding Your Writing Sparkle

Ep. 132: Julie Schooler on Finding Your Writing Sparkle

Julie Schooler is an author of 7 books and mama of 2 beautiful tiny humans. Her Easy Peasy books provide simple and straightforward information on parenting topics. The Nourish Your Soul series shares delicious wisdom to feel calmer, happier and more fulfilled. Julie lives with her family in New Zealand, a small, magnificent country at the bottom of the world where you may find her trying to bake the world’s best chocolate brownie. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working

May 24, 2019 • 28:06

Ep. 131: Rachael on How to Write Your Book in 90 Days!

Ep. 131: Rachael on How to Write Your Book in 90 Days!

Rachael Herron is a huge believer in writing fast so that you get a product that you can revise into the book of your heart. In this episode, she goes over exactly how you do that, including how to actually get the work done. If you’re not finishing books, you need to listen to this episode! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writ

May 17, 2019 • 28:13

Ep. 130: Barbara Poelle on What an Agent Looks For

Ep. 130: Barbara Poelle on What an Agent Looks For

Barbara Poelle began her publishing career as a freelance copywriter and editor before joining the Goodman Agency in 2007, but feels as if she truly prepared for the industry during her brief stint as a standup comic in Los Angeles. She has found success placing thrillers, literary suspense, Young Adult and upmarket fiction and is actively seeking her next great client in those genres, but is passionate about anything with a unique voice. Barbara also writes the column Funny You Should Ask, in W

May 10, 2019 • 37:42

Ep. 129: Nancy Warren

Ep. 129: Nancy Warren

Nancy Warren is the USA Today Bestselling author of more than seventy novels in romance and cozy mystery. Her current series is called The Vampire Knitting Club. She splits her time between Bath in the UK and Victoria, British Columbia.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and insp

May 3, 2019 • 34:07

Ep. 128: Beth Barany on the Importance of Play in Writing

Ep. 128: Beth Barany on the Importance of Play in Writing

Beth Barany is an award-winning novelist, master neuro-linguistic programming practitioner, and certified creativity coach for writers. She specializes in helping writers experience clarity, so they can write, revise, and proudly publish their novels to the delight of their readers. Her courses are packed with useful hands-on information that you can implement right away. She runs Barany School of Fiction, an online school for fiction writers and a 12-month group coaching program to help them ge

Apr 5, 2019 • 25:13

Ep. 127: W.L. Hawkin on the Magic of Writing

Ep. 127: W.L. Hawkin on the Magic of Writing

W. L. Hawkin writes “edgy urban fantasy with a twist of murder.” Her Hollystone Mysteries series features a coven of Vancouver witches who solve murders using their wits and ritual magic, along with a little help from the gods. Wendy is also a published blogger, book reviewer, Indie publisher, and poet, with a background in Indigenous Studies and English literature. She loves mythology and magic, and is currently studying Druidry and mediumship. A blow-in from Ontario, she’s made British Co

Mar 29, 2019 • 34:47

Ep. 126: Hank Phillipi Ryan on How to Keep Pacing Tight

Ep. 126: Hank Phillipi Ryan on How to Keep Pacing Tight

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is on-air investigative reporter for Boston's WHDH-TV, winning 34 EMMYs and dozens more journalism honors. The nationally bestselling author of 11 mysteries, Ryan's also an award-winner in her second profession—with five Agathas, three Anthonys, two Macavitys, the Daphne, and the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her novels are Library Journal's Best of 2014, 2015 and 2016. Hank’s current book is psychological thriller TRUST ME, an Agatha Nominee, and also named a Best Thriller by Ne

Mar 22, 2019 • 40:22

Ep. 125: Valerie Francis on Genre Conventions

Ep. 125: Valerie Francis on Genre Conventions

Valerie Francis is an author and Certified Story Grid Editor. She has published fiction for both women (love stories for busy women) and children (middle grade fantasy), and is currently working on her first thriller. As a bona fide story nerd, her passion for the craft of storytelling led her to become a Certified Story Grid Editor in 2017. Her non-fiction credits include a Story Grid Guide to Bram Stoker’s Dracula (publication TBA) and regular articles for the Fundamental Fridays co

Mar 15, 2019 • 37:02

Ep. 124: Lara Zielin on How To Write A Better Story for Your Life

Ep. 124: Lara Zielin on How To Write A Better Story for Your Life

Are you ready to write a better story for yourself? Author Your Life is the oh-heck-yeah transformation that can happen when you literally put pen to paper and write the life you want to have. Lara Zielin is a published author, editor, and the founder of Author Your Life. Her debut young-adult novel Donut Days was selected to the Lone Star Reading List, and her romance novel And Then He Kissed Me (written as Kim Amos) was nominated for a Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award. Her magazine article

Mar 8, 2019 • 41:21

Ep. 123: Tricia Bruce on Not Shying Away from the Hard Stuff

Ep. 123: Tricia Bruce on Not Shying Away from the Hard Stuff

Tricia Bruce, Ph.D. is an accomplished sociologist of religion and award-winning author. Her work intersects the sociological and cultural implications of religion, social change, organizations, social movements, immigration, and race. Dr. Bruce is a regular television and radio commentator on a wide variety of contemporary sociological topics including religion, Catholicism, social trends, family, gender, and more.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselli

Mar 1, 2019 • 27:37

Ep. 122: Katrin Schumann on Finding the Moment of Bliss in Writing

Ep. 122: Katrin Schumann on Finding the Moment of Bliss in Writing

Katrin Schumann is the author of the novel, The Forgotten Hours, and numerous nonfiction books. She has been awarded fiction residencies from the Vermont Studio Center, the Norman Mailer Writers Colony, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. Schumann teaches writing at GrubStreet in Boston and was an instructor in PEN's Prison Writing Program. She lives in Boston and Key West, where she is the program coordinator for the Key West Literary Seminar. For more information, visit www.katrinsc

Feb 22, 2019 • 24:41

Ep. 121: Dharma Kelleher on the Pain and Pleasure of Process

Ep. 121: Dharma Kelleher on the Pain and Pleasure of Process

As one of the few transgender authors in crime fiction, Dharma Kelleher writes gritty novels with a progressive bent, including the Jinx Ballou bounty hunter series and the Shea Stevens outlaw biker series. Her work has appeared on Shotgun Honey and in the upcoming Murder-A-GoGo’s anthology. She is a former journalist and a member of Sisters in Crime, the International Thriller Writers, and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She lives in Arizona with her wife and three feline overlords. &

Feb 15, 2019 • 35:07

Ep. 120: Carter Wilson on Upping the Pace

Ep. 120: Carter Wilson on Upping the Pace

USA Today and #1 Denver Post bestselling author Carter Wilson has written five critically acclaimed, standalone psychological thrillers, as well as numerous short stories. He is a two-time winner of both the Colorado Book Award and the International Book Award, and his novels have received multiple starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal. His sixth novel, The Dead Girl in 2a, will be released in July 2019 from Poisoned Pen Press. Carter lives in Erie, Colorado in a

Feb 8, 2019 • 27:10

Ep. 119: Win Charles is Delightful

Ep. 119: Win Charles is Delightful

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Win Charles has defied the odds by becoming an author. Her memoir I, Win is an amazing story of how she remembers her life through the years of having a condition called “CP”. As a competitor in the Kona IronMan Triathlon, CEO of her own jewelry design company, and motivational speaker, Win Charles truly is an inspiration to many. Today Win Charles tours the country, speaking to schools and institutions to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and living a full life no m

Feb 1, 2019 • 36:09

Ep. 118: Eve O. Schaub on Finding the Time To Write the Truth

Ep. 118: Eve O. Schaub on Finding the Time To Write the Truth

Serial memoirist Eve O. Schaub lives with her family in Vermont and enjoys performing experiments on them so she can write about it. During 2011 Eve wrote a blog about her family’s attempt to live and eat for a year without any added sugar in their food, which became the book Year of No Sugar. She has been a guest on the Dr. Oz Show, and FOX and Friends, and has appeared in numerous print and online outlets. She considers not hyperventilating on national television one of her greatest accomplish

Jan 18, 2019 • 33:24

Ep. 117: Barbara Samuel on Finding and Keeping Inspiration

Ep. 117: Barbara Samuel on Finding and Keeping Inspiration

Barbara Samuel (also known as Barbara O’Neal) is the bestselling author of more than 40 books. In 2012, she was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall Of Fame, and she has won seven RITA awards. Her books have been published in more than a dozen countries, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Brazil, and Australia/New Zealand. One of her women’s fiction titles, The Lost Recipe for Happiness (written as Barbara O’Neal) went back to print eight times, and her book How to Bake a Perfect Life

Jan 11, 2019 • 29:51

Ep. 116: Rachael’s 2018 Recap (The Money Episode)

Ep. 116: Rachael’s 2018 Recap (The Money Episode)

As is her annual tradition, Rachael breaks down the money she made and how she made it. 2018 was her best year yet as a self-employed writer for more reasons than just writing. Listen to find out what she made and how she did it! Trigger warning: real feelings are mentioned honestly. It’s not all about the money. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain i

Jan 7, 2019 • 35:29

Ep. 115: Jim Heskett on Juggling the Writer’s Life

Ep. 115: Jim Heskett on Juggling the Writer’s Life

Jim Heskett was born in the wilds of Oklahoma, raised by a pack of wolves with a station wagon and a membership card to the local public swimming pool. He fell in love with writing at the age of fourteen with a copy of Stephen King's The Shining. Poetry became his first outlet for teen angst, then later screenplays, and eventually, short fiction and long fiction as a hybrid author. In between, he worked a few careers that never successfully tickled his creative toes, and hasn't ever forgotten ab

Dec 28, 2018 • 35:33

Ep. 114: Rachael reads Alexis Bonogofsky

Ep. 114: Rachael reads Alexis Bonogofsky

Alexis Bonogofsky is a fourth-generation Montanan, community organizer, goat and sheep rancher, and freelance writer and photographer, who lives and works along the Yellowstone River in southeastern Montana. Her writing and photography can be found on her website East of Billings and various news outlets and magazines including Mountain Journal, Montana Quarterly and Truthout. In 2014, Alexis was awarded the Cultural Freedom Fellowship from the Lannan Foundation in Santa Fe. Article by Alex

Dec 21, 2018 • 30:32

Ep. 113: Rachael on Facebook Live

Ep. 113: Rachael on Facebook Live

Rachael answers questions about the writing life, including a really hard one - what can you do when a significant other breaks your writing heart? How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Dec 14, 2018 • 39:34

Ep. 112: Tasha L. Harrison on Keeping a Writing Journal

Ep. 112: Tasha L. Harrison on Keeping a Writing Journal

Tasha L. Harrison is a romance and erotica author, freelance editor, and creative entrepreneur who is dedicated to helping new and aspiring word makers become authors.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Hosted on Acast. See aca

Dec 7, 2018 • 39:09

Ep. 111: Kristen Lepionka

Ep. 111: Kristen Lepionka

Kristen Lepionka is the Shamus Award-winning author of the Roxane Weary mystery series. She grew up mostly in a public library and could often be found in the adult mystery section well before she was out of middle school. Her writing has been selected for Shotgun Honey, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Grift, and Black Elephant. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her partner and two cats.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want

Nov 30, 2018 • 37:05

Ep. 110: Marion Roach Smith

Ep. 110: Marion Roach Smith

Marion Roach Smith is the author of four mass-market books. A former staffer at The New York Times, she has been a commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered and a talk show host on Sirius Satellite Radio. She currently runs a writing lab and teaches memoir worldwide. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get

Nov 24, 2018 • 40:58

Ep. 109: Sophie Littlefield, Finally!

Ep. 109: Sophie Littlefield, Finally!

Called a “writing machine” by the New York Times and a “master storyteller” by the Midwest Book Review, Sophie Littlefield has written dozens of novels for adults and teens. She has won Anthony and RT Book Awards and been shortlisted for Edgar, Barry, Crimespree, Macavity, and Goodreads Choice Awards. She writes historical fiction under the name Sofia Grant and her latest novel, THE DAISY CHILDREN (William Morrow, August 2018) explores a little-known disaster in a small Texas town. How Do Y

Nov 16, 2018 • 35:04

Ep. 108: Rachael on Revision

Ep. 108: Rachael on Revision

In this week’s episode, Rachael talks about revision in the form of a free chapter from her book, Fast-Draft Your Memoir. Learn all her tips and tricks for LOVING revision instead of dreading it like the beast it isn’t. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to

Nov 9, 2018 • 34:43

Ep. 107: Carly Gelsinger

Ep. 107: Carly Gelsinger

Carly Gelsinger lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two (soon to be three!) daughters. She teaches memoir and loves helping people tell their stories. She is the author of Once You Go In: A Memoir of Radical Faith.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get

Nov 1, 2018 • 30:04

Ep. 106: Alanna Okun

Ep. 106: Alanna Okun

Alanna Okun is a senior editor at Vox.com and the author of The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater, an essay collection about crafting available now from Flatiron/Macmillan. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, NPR, BuzzFeed, Apartment Therapy, and The Hairpin, among others, and she's appeared on TODAY, Good Morning America, and many other local and national TV and radio programs.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herro

Oct 19, 2018 • 30:59

Ep. 105: Jessica Strawser

Ep. 105: Jessica Strawser

Jessica Strawser is editor-at-large at Writer’s Digest, where she was editorial director for nearly a decade. She’s the author of the book club favorites Almost Missed You and Not That I Could Tell, a Book of the Month selection and Barnes & Noble Best New Fiction pick for March 2018 (both St. Martin’s Press). Her third novel, Forget You Know Me, is forthcoming in February 2019. She has written for The New York Times Modern Love, Publishers Weekly and others, and is a popular conference spea

Oct 12, 2018 • 40:37

Ep. 104: Kilby Blades on Getting it All Done

Ep. 104: Kilby Blades on Getting it All Done

Kilby Blades is a multi-award-winning author of smart, contemporary romantic fiction. A digital marketer by day, by night she writes dynamic characters out of tantalizingly complex predicaments. Through a mix of dry wit and blatant humor, her unforgettable plots are peppered with colorful characters and witty repartee. Critics laud her "feminist romance", noting empowered heroines and multi-dimensional heroes who are their partners’ loudest cheerleaders. Kilby is also the author of Marketin

Sep 21, 2018 • 32:41

Ep. 103: Clare Lydon on the Freedom Found in the Writer’s Life

Ep. 103: Clare Lydon on the Freedom Found in the Writer’s Life

Clare Lydon is a London-based writer of contemporary lesbian romance. She’s a No.1 best-seller on lesbian fiction charts around the globe, and if you’re a sucker for romance, prepare to fall head over heels in love.When she’s not writing, Clare enjoys playing the guitar badly, watching far too many home improvement shows (then never taking ANY action), as well as eating Curly Wurlys. In her next life, she’d like to come back as Rayna James. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa

Sep 13, 2018 • 29:43

Ep. 102: Writing Q&A with Rachael

Ep. 102: Writing Q&A with Rachael

Rachael takes questions from listeners on all aspects of writing - when should you leave your day job? When should you hire an editor? Does having a big social media platform really matter? Should you start a Patreon campaign? How do you establish a writing habit? How do you know when you’re making your writing better or just different? How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to fi

Aug 31, 2018 • 33:28

Ep. 101: Rachael Talks About a Little Bit of Everything

Ep. 101: Rachael Talks About a Little Bit of Everything

Today, Rachael shares the latest personal news, as well as her first Facebook Live, in which readers and writers peppered her with questions about all aspects of life. Enjoy! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Hosted on A

Aug 24, 2018 • 45:29

Ep. 100: Orna Ross on Capturing and Keeping Inspiration

Ep. 100: Orna Ross on Capturing and Keeping Inspiration

Orna Ross is an award winning novelist, poet, creative facilitator and self-publishing advocate. She is Founder-Director of the Alliance of Independent Authors and has repeatedly been named “one of the 100 most influential people in publishing” (The Bookseller). Born and raised in Ireland, she now lives in England, dividing her life between London, for her “the best city in the world”, and one of the most creative spots outside the capital, St Leonard’s on Sea.How Do You Write Podcast: Explore t

Aug 17, 2018 • 39:13

Ep. 099: Laura Morelli on Writing Historical Fiction and How to Take Care of Yourself as a Writer

Ep. 099: Laura Morelli on Writing Historical Fiction and How to Take Care of Yourself as a Writer

Laura Morelli is a hybrid author of fiction and non-fiction. She holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University and has taught college students in the United States and Europe. She is the creator of the Authentic Arts guidebook series that includes Made in Italy and Made in France. She has been a columnist for National Geographic Traveler and Italy Magazine, and has also developed lessons for TED-Ed.As a historical novelist, Laura has published the award-winning novels The Gondola Maker and T

Aug 3, 2018 • 40:14

Ep. 098: Toby Neal is Completely Inspiring

Ep. 098: Toby Neal is Completely Inspiring

Toby Neal was born to hippie surfer parents and grew up on Kauai in Hawaii. She read at four; wrote and illustrated her first story at five. Holding degrees in psychology, human services, social work and creative writing, Toby is passionate about empowering writers. She has published over thirty novels in a variety of genres, with many more in the works. The Lei Crime Series is a multi-volume, million+ selling police procedural mystery series situated in the Hawaiian Islands. Toby also has a lin

Jul 28, 2018 • 57:02

Ep. 097: Rose Lerner on the Rush of Being in the Flow of Writing

Ep. 097: Rose Lerner on the Rush of Being in the Flow of Writing

Rose Lerner discovered Georgette Heyer when she was thirteen, and wrote her first historical romance a few years later. Her writing has improved since then, but her fascination with all things Regency hasn't changed. Rose’s most recent story, about a female soldier in Washington’s army and her spy ex, appears in Hamilton’s Battalion alongside stories by Courtney Milan and Alyssa Cole. Her Lively St. Lemeston series has been featured in NPR’s 2016 Book Concierge and Publishers Weekly’s Best Books

Jul 21, 2018 • 41:11

Ep. 096: Kirsty Logan Talks About Doing What We Like

Ep. 096: Kirsty Logan Talks About Doing What We Like

Kirsty Logan is a fiction writer, book reviewer, freelance editor, and writing mentor for WoMentoring. She also volunteers at Oxfam Books. She’s had four books published, two novels and two short story collections. Her writing has been translated into Japanese and Spanish, recorded for radio and podcasts, exhibited in galleries, and distributed from a vintage Wurlitzer cigarette machine.She’s 34 and lives in Glasgow, where she mostly hangs out with her wife Annie and their rescue dog Rosie, read

Jul 14, 2018 • 42:03

Ep. 095: Rachael’s Mid-Year Update

Ep. 095: Rachael’s Mid-Year Update

Rachael talks about how the first six months of 2018 have shaped-up, career-wise, and she discusses the most exciting things that have occurred. She hasn’t gotten as much writing done as she would have liked, but she has a new plan to change that. Will it work? Have a listen to find out! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers

Jul 6, 2018 • 23:46

Ep. 094: Leesa Renee Hall on Writing Half a Million words in 365 Consecutive Days

Ep. 094: Leesa Renee Hall on Writing Half a Million words in 365 Consecutive Days

Leesa Renee Hall is an author, facilitator, social historian, and creative word artist. After writing half a million words over 365 consecutive days, Leesa helps spiritual leaders use the art of self-inquiry to question their unconscious biases so they create truly inclusive communities, companies, and corporations. Leesa is on the Advisory Committee for Awarepreneurs, and her tips have been featured in American Express OPEN, Globe & Mail, and Inc. Magazine, along with television, radio, and

Jun 29, 2018 • 43:58

Ep. 093: Jeffrey Foucault on Writing a Lot of Sentences to Achieve Clarity

Ep. 093: Jeffrey Foucault on Writing a Lot of Sentences to Achieve Clarity

Singer-songwriter Jeffrey Foucault talks about being simple and clear in your writing in order to find your own voice. Jeffrey Foucault is an American songwriter and record producer whose work marries the influence of American country, blues, rock 'n' roll, and folk music. He has released four full-length solo albums under his own name and two full-band lyrical collaborations with poet Lisa Olstein, under the moniker Cold Satellite. Foucault has toured extensively in the United States, Cana

Jun 22, 2018 • 50:10

Ep. 92: Brenda Wilhelmson on Saying Yes

Ep. 92: Brenda Wilhelmson on Saying Yes

Brenda Wilhelmson talks about saying yes and opening the door to opportunity when there's no good reason not to. Journalist-turned-memoirist Wilhelmson won an IPPY for her unflinching memoir “Diary of an Alcoholic Housewife.” She’s working on her second memoir, “Thank You Ashely Madison,” which can be previewed at www.thankyouashley.blogspot.com. Brenda has written for CNN, Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, and Chicago Reader. She lives with her two sons in a Chicago suburb.How Do You Write

Jun 15, 2018 • 29:42

Ep. 091: R.L. Merrill Talks Facing Conflict with Characters

Ep. 091: R.L. Merrill Talks Facing Conflict with Characters

Once upon a time... A teacher, tattoo collector, mom, and rock 'n' roll kinda gal opened up a doc and starting purging her demons. Several self-published books and a debut gay romance with Dreamspinner Press later, R.L. Merrill is still striving to find that perfect balance between real-life and happily ever after. You can find her lurking on social media where she loves connecting with readers, educating America’s youth, being a mom taxi to two busy kids, in the tattoo chair trying desperately

Jun 15, 2018 • 34:06

Ep. 090: E.J. Russell on Shifting into the Right Brain

Ep. 090: E.J. Russell on Shifting into the Right Brain

E.J. Russell–-grace, mother of three, recovering actor–-writes romance in a rainbow of flavors. Count on high snark, low angst and happy endings. Reality? Eh, not so much. E.J. lives in rural Oregon, enjoys visits from her wonderful adult children, and indulges in good books, red wine, and the occasional hyperbole. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insi

Jun 1, 2018 • 26:09

Ep. 089: Emilia Zeeland Talks Character Building

Ep. 089: Emilia Zeeland Talks Character Building

Emilia Zeeland talks about batch writing, how to brainstorm story when you're stuck, and character building on this episode. Emilia Zeeland is a Young Adult sci-fi writer and author of The STAR Academy Series. The first is the unsound theory and the second one will be available tomorrow, and it’s called the Truth Hunters. Even though she holds an international business degree and two Masters, Zeeland’s heart is full of love for speculative fiction. Her own stories include coming-of-age tales, de

May 25, 2018 • 32:42

Ep. 088: Nathan Van Coops on Finding the Writer's Hook

Ep. 088: Nathan Van Coops on Finding the Writer's Hook

Nathan Van Coops talks tacos, time travel, and finding his hook as a writer. Nathan Van Coops lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, on a diet comprised mainly of tacos. He enjoys old planes, motorcycles, and Volkswagens; and contends that there is such a thing as "dressy" flip-flops. He is the author of the time travel adventure series, In Times Like These, and the young adult steampunk adventure series, The Skylighter Adventures. Learn more at nathanvancoops.com. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore t

May 18, 2018 • 25:43

Ep. 087: Adrienne Bell, Plot MD

Ep. 087: Adrienne Bell, Plot MD

Adrienne Bell, Plot MD, is the master of structure. Adrienne Bell is the author of over a dozen action-packed romances including the bestselling contemporary Second Service series and the new Exiles of the Realm paranormal series. She loves nothing more than writing quirky heroines with a knack for finding trouble and the hardheaded heroes who help them fight their way out of it. Passionate about storytelling, she also runs Plot MD. Adrienne lives with her husband and sons on the far edge of the

May 11, 2018 • 29:44

Ep. 086: Tessa Dare is Awesome

Ep. 086: Tessa Dare is Awesome

Tessa Dare talks to Rachael about being her own stenographer. Tessa is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels and five novellas. Her books have won numerous accolades, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award (twice) and the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence. Booklist magazine named her one of the “new stars of historical romance,” and her books have been contracted for translation in more than a dozen languages. A librari

May 5, 2018 • 38:44

Ep. 085: Rachael Herron Talks About Addiction

Ep. 085: Rachael Herron Talks About Addiction

Newly sober and happy about it, Rachael shares openly about what got her to stop drinking. This isn’t your normal writing podcast - instead, today’s episode is about honesty and what that means to our writing. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own wo

Apr 27, 2018 • 21:53

Ep. 084: Nikki Woolfolk

Ep. 084: Nikki Woolfolk

Nikki Woolfolk is a Professional Chocolatier, Author and active member of Sister in Crime, Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America. Nikki enjoys pulling readers into a humor-filled into a spectacular cogged and geared world. While sought after for her informative Chocolate Tasting sessions at conventions, Nikki also uses her polymath talents to pen articles on the craft of writing, apply her computer science training to her New Adult Blerd Grrl series (Now That Your Joystick’s

Apr 6, 2018 • 37:27

Ep. 083: Priscilla Oliveras

Ep. 083: Priscilla Oliveras

PRISCILLA OLIVERAS writes sweet contemporary romance with a Latinx flavor. Proud of her Puerto Rican-Mexican heritage, she strives to bring authenticity to her novels by sharing her Latinx culture with readers. Her debut release, His Perfect Partner, and the second book in her Matched to Perfection series, Her Perfect Affair, both earned Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Since earning an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, she serves as English adjunct f

Mar 30, 2018 • 29:37

Ep. 082: Nina MacLaughlin on Wood and Words

Ep. 082: Nina MacLaughlin on Wood and Words

Nina MacLaughlin grew up in Massachusetts. She earned a B.A. in English and Classical Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, then worked for about eight years at the Boston Phoenix, the award-winning alternative newsweekly. In 2008, she quit her journalism job to work as a carpenter’s assistant. Her experience leaving her deskjob to learn the carpentry trade is the subject of her first book, Hammer Head: The Making of a Carpenter, and she continues to pursue both building and writing. Her

Mar 23, 2018 • 26:26

Ep. 081: Morgan Daimler

Ep. 081: Morgan Daimler

Morgan Daimler is the author of more than 2 dozen non-fiction and fiction books focusing on Irish Mythology and paganism, has been published in a variety of different magazines and journals, and also blogs regularly. She writes for the UK-based Moon Books, an imprint of John Hunt Publishing, where she is the author of the best-selling 'Pagan Portals the Morrigan'. She has also self-published an urban fantasy/paranormal romance series called 'Between the Worlds' which incorporates aspects of Celt

Mar 17, 2018 • 25:17

Ep. 080: Jill Baguchinsky on Being Fearless

Ep. 080: Jill Baguchinsky on Being Fearless

Jill Baguchinsky remembers staring down the bones of prehistoric beasts during a trip to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City when she was six. That visit spurred a lifelong fondness for paleontology that inspired the first draft of MAMMOTH, her upcoming young adult contemporary novel. Jill lives in Florida with a couple of very strange cats. If she's not writing, she's probably goofing off at Disney World, pretending she can knit, or buying more books than she can possibly re

Mar 9, 2018 • 25:44

Ep. 079: RJ Theodore is Simply Delightful

Ep. 079: RJ Theodore is Simply Delightful

Rekka, who writes as R J Theodore, is a multi-talented creative from New England. By day she is a graphic designer, and by the pre-dawn light she works on her Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Steampunk genre novels. She enjoys all forms of artistic expression, napping with her cats, and cooking. Her novel FLOTSAM releases on March 27, 2018. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish

Mar 2, 2018 • 38:39

Ep. 078: Robyn Kelly Talks About Being a Man in a Woman's World

Ep. 078: Robyn Kelly Talks About Being a Man in a Woman's World

Rob Kellet, writing as Robyn Kelly, talks to Rachael about imposter syndrom, the worst advice he ever got from Rachael, and about the joy of revision.  Rob Kellett is the self-published author of the “Best Laid” series, which he describes as a rom-Dom-com written under his pseudonym Robyn Kelly.  He hopes to earn enough money with his writing to buy a tweed jacket with leather patches on the elbows to really live the fantasy writer’s life.   Since he doesn’t have any aspirations of being a full-

Feb 23, 2018 • 31:58

Ep. 077: Alex Courcier on the Future of Writing

Ep. 077: Alex Courcier on the Future of Writing

In this episode, the tables are turned on Rachael as she gives an informational interview to Alex Courcier, an upcoming and inspiring 21-year-old writer. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 16, 2018 • 44:36

Ep. 076: Rachael Herron talks about her new book, Fast-Draft Your Memoir

Ep. 076: Rachael Herron talks about her new book, Fast-Draft Your Memoir

Rachael's new book, Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours is about writing quickly while still creating a compelling narrative arc out of the story only YOU can tell. Enjoy two free chapters of the audiobook in this episode! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it,

Feb 9, 2018 • 30:42

Ep. 075: Joanna Penn talks about The Healthy Writer

Ep. 075: Joanna Penn talks about The Healthy Writer

With her coauthor, Dr. Euan Lawson, Joanna Penn has just come out with a new book on living the writer’s life healthily - enjoy! Joanna Penn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers under J.F.Penn. She also writes inspirational non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning creative entrepreneur and international professional speaker. Her site, TheCreativePenn.com is regularly voted one of the top 10 sites for writers and self-publishers. How Do You Write Podcast: Explo

Feb 2, 2018 • 38:20

Ep. 074: Alex Dolan on Crafting Characters

Ep. 074: Alex Dolan on Crafting Characters

Alex Dolan talks about the nature of media consumption and how it's reflected in today's prose. Alex Dolan is the author of THE EUTHANIST and THE EMPRESS OF TEMPERA. He is also the host of "Thrill Seekers," part of Authors on the Air Global Radio Network, which reaches three million listeners worldwide. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime, and has been an executive committee member of the San Francisco Bay Area's Litquake festival. In addition, he has recorded f

Jan 26, 2018 • 45:40

Ep. 073: Fábio M. Barreto on Overcoming the Fear of Finding the Best Words

Ep. 073: Fábio M. Barreto on Overcoming the Fear of Finding the Best Words

Fábio M. Barreto talks about translation, writing in English, and how he sold the very first novel he ever wrote. Fábio M. Barreto is a fiction and science fiction author and translator. He was a movie journalist for 20 years in Brazil. His debut novel "Filhos do Fim do Mundo" was awarded best novel of the year in Brazil, in 2013. He teaches two online creative writing class and hosts a writing podcast called "Gente Que Escreve", both in Brazilian Portuguese. As a translator, he has worked with

Jan 19, 2018 • 40:10

Ep. 072: Rachael on 2017 Achievements (and Failures) and 2018 Goals

Ep. 072: Rachael on 2017 Achievements (and Failures) and 2018 Goals

2017: The Ups and Downs In this episode, Rachael Herron goes over all her 2017 achievements and ALSO all her failures! She talks about money, what she made and how she made it because she really believes in transparency on the financial side of writing. She also talks about what she got done and what she left undone. She talks about her burnout and how she’s addressing it in 2018, and she makes plans for the future!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 5, 2018 • 27:16

Ep. 071: Zach Bohannon on Getting Out of the Writing Chair Occasionally

Ep. 071: Zach Bohannon on Getting Out of the Writing Chair Occasionally

Zach Bohannon talks about cowriting, the new Scrivener, launch plans and mailing lists. Zach is a horror, science fiction, and fantasy author. His breakout post-apocalyptic zombie series, Empty Bodies, was a Amazon #1 bestseller. In addition, he is also the co-owner of Molten Universe Media, where he co-writes with author J. Thorn. The duo also host a unique retreat for authors called Authors on a Train. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, daughter, and German shepherd. He loves hockey, heavy m

Dec 15, 2017 • 32:22

Ep. 070: Liz Fenton on Authoring Books with Her Best Friend

Ep. 070: Liz Fenton on Authoring Books with Her Best Friend

Liz Fenton talks about writing novels with her best friend and how to be careful about becoming too emotionally attached to your writing. Liz has written four novels, including THE GOOD WIDOW with Lisa Steinke, her best friend of over 25 years.  Her next book, GIRLS NIGHT OUT, releases this summer. She lives in San Diego with her husband, two children and five rescue dogs.  How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how

Dec 8, 2017 • 31:51

Ep. 069: Jeff and Will on Sharing a Podcast and Writing and Life

Ep. 069: Jeff and Will on Sharing a Podcast and Writing and Life

Jeff Adams and Will Knauss talk about not fearing your editor and various methods to deal with self-doubt and resistance. Jeff and Will are husbands, authors and podcasters based in Northern California. They write gay romances, sometimes together and other times separately. Jeff also writes young adult LGBT fiction. Together they host "Jeff & Will's Big Gay Fiction Podcast," a weekly show devoted to gay romance literature and the pop culture they love. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the proce

Dec 1, 2017 • 48:09

Ep. 068: Antonia Murphy on Humor and Truth in Memoir

Ep. 068: Antonia Murphy on Humor and Truth in Memoir

Antonia Murphy talks about her memoir, Dirty Chick, and various gross things that happen on a farm that might kill you. Antonia is the founder and director of The Bach (rhymes with "catch,") an ethical escort agency in Whangarei, New Zealand. A San Francisco native, she now lives on a small New Zealand farm with her partner Patrice and their combined brood of six kids. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to w

Nov 17, 2017 • 38:08

Ep. 067: Lorena Hughes On Trusting Yourself as a Writer

Ep. 067: Lorena Hughes On Trusting Yourself as a Writer

In this episode, Lorena Hughes talks about finding your own truth and determining what’s right for your writing by listening to yourself. Lorena was born and raised in Ecuador until moving to the U.S. at 18. She has a degree in fine arts and mass communication & journalism from The University of New Mexico. Her previous work has won first place at the 2011 Southwest Writers International Contest in the historical fiction category, earned an honorable mention at the 2012 Soul-Making Keats Literar

Nov 10, 2017 • 27:51

Ep. 066: Veronica Wolff on Remembering What You Love

Ep. 066: Veronica Wolff on Remembering What You Love

Bestselling author Veronica Wolff talks about finding your writing community, about treadmill desks, and about how to remember what you love about the project you’re writing right now. Veronica Wolff is the bestselling author of over a dozen books, spanning several genres for both adults and kids. Penguin Books published her first thirteen titles, some of which were also translated into German and Portuguese. Her first book, MASTER OF THE HIGHLANDS, a time travel romance inspired by real events

Nov 3, 2017 • 31:39

Ep. 065: Michelle Spiva on How to Grab Your Reader Instantly

Ep. 065: Michelle Spiva on How to Grab Your Reader Instantly

In this episode, the amazing Michelle Spiva shares the 5 essential things she does to make sure her books are the ultimate page turners. Define, harness, and propel your unique creative brilliance. That’s what you'll discover during an encounter with Michelle Spiva. With an MBA-Finance, MAPsych, Masters of Divinity (Education Concentration), and 20+ years’ experience as a psychotherapist and Corporate Finance strategist, Michelle’s approach to all things publishing and personal management is rel

Oct 27, 2017 • 44:59

Ep. 064: Chloe Adler on Not Limiting Yourself in Your Writing

Ep. 064: Chloe Adler on Not Limiting Yourself in Your Writing

Chloe Adler talks about changing tastes in writing (and avocados), keeping it fresh, and not limiting yourself in your writing. Chloe Adler lives in foggy Northern California under an assumed name with her dead fish Larry and a bouncy bunny rabbit named Fred. Prior to her infamous writing career Chloe was an overachiever, amassing a slew of unimpressive letters after her name. The trouble is that the five people who know what the letters mean, don’t really care. Her first paranormal romance seri

Oct 20, 2017 • 29:00

Ep. 063: Ryan J. Pelton on Why Editing as You Go Can Be a Viable Option

Ep. 063: Ryan J. Pelton on Why Editing as You Go Can Be a Viable Option

Ryan J. Pelton talks about revising as you go (at which Rachael gasps) and what it means to be a Hard Hat Creative. Ryan is a pastor, writer, and founder of Rock House Publishing. Ryan has written fourteen non fiction and fiction titles (under R.J. Pelton) on a variety of subjects and in multiple genres. In December 2016, Ryan launched a popular podcast to help writers with the craft (The Prolific Writer). When not making up stories in his head, Ryan can be found chasing around three hyper boys,

Oct 12, 2017 • 25:02

Ep. 062: Donika Kelly on How to Bring Physicality Into Your Work

Ep. 062: Donika Kelly on How to Bring Physicality Into Your Work

Donika Kelly is a delightful ball of energy who is more prone to stability when it comes to her writing than any cliched poet’s angst, and it’s lovely to listen to her talk about how she stays inspired to do her best work. Donika Kelly is the author of BESTIARY (Graywolf 2016), winner of the 2015 Cave Canem Poetry Prize, long listed for the National Book Award (2016), and a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award (2017), She’s also the author of the chapbook AVIARIUM (500 Places 2017). A Cave Canem

Oct 6, 2017 • 27:47

Ep. 061: Olivia Dunn on What it Means to Do Two More Drafts

Ep. 061: Olivia Dunn on What it Means to Do Two More Drafts

Olivia Dunn talks to Rachael Herron about the best and worst writing advice she ever got (which turns out to the be the same thing, on writing two more drafts) on this episode of How Do You Write. Listen or watch now! Olivia Dunn is a Visiting Assistant Professor of writing at Skidmore College and a creative writing instructor at the Arts Center of the Capital Region. She holds an MFA from the University of Iowa’s Nonfiction Writing Program. She’s happy to be back in the Capital Region, where sh

Sep 28, 2017 • 29:44

Ep. 060: Rachael Herron with 3 Writing Tips You've Never Heard Before

Ep. 060: Rachael Herron with 3 Writing Tips You've Never Heard Before

Rachael Herron gives 3 tips to help you get to the page, daily. These are tips she doesn't see many other people talking about, and she wants to share them with you. Listen or watch now! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Hosted on

Sep 12, 2017 • 32:18

Ep. 059: Amy Bernhard On Getting a Little Uncomfortable with Our Writing (While Still Finding Joy)

Ep. 059: Amy Bernhard On Getting a Little Uncomfortable with Our Writing (While Still Finding Joy)

Amy Bernhard talks about finding the new joy in the process of writing and about putting ourselves in situations in which we feel a little uncomfortable, in order to have something new to write about. Amy is a writer whose essays appear in The Rumpus, VICE Magazine, Redivider, upstreet, The Toast, Ninth Letter, The Iowa Review, and The Colorado Review, among others. She presently teaches creative writing and literature at the University of Texas-Arlington and The University of Iowa.  She holds a

Sep 1, 2017 • 23:20

Ep. 058: Karen Dionne on Not Being Afraid to Try New Things in Your Writing

Ep. 058: Karen Dionne on Not Being Afraid to Try New Things in Your Writing

Karen Dionne talks to Rachael about her FABULOUS new book (Rachael loved it) and what it's like when a writer really has a room of her own (the answer might surprise you!).  Karen Dionne is the author of the dark psychological suspense novel The Marsh King’s Daughter (June 2017, G.P. Putnam’s Sons), and three other novels. She is co-founder of the online writers community Backspace, the organizer of the Salt Cay Writers Retreat, and a member of the International Thriller Writers, where she serve

Aug 26, 2017 • 25:58

Ep. 057: Rachael Herron on Why You Should be a Liar and a Thief

Ep. 057: Rachael Herron on Why You Should be a Liar and a Thief

Rachael Herron was born to lie — and guess what? It’s a hallmark of many creative types. Turns out, dissembling is actually good for your creative brain. Caught in a lie? Blame your creativity! On this episode, Rachael gives you on of her Patreon essays - learn scientific reasons for this boost that comes from lying and gain inspiration from one of the best deadly sins. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to

Aug 17, 2017 • 39:13

Ep. 056: Fiona Maazel on Pushing Yourself In Your Writing

Ep. 056: Fiona Maazel on Pushing Yourself In Your Writing

Fiona Maazel is author of the novels A Little More Human (2017), Woke Up Lonely (2013); and Last Last Chance (2008). Maazel is winner of a 2017 Guggenheim Fellowship and the Bard Prize for Fiction. Her stories have appeared in Conjunctions, Harper’s, Ploughshares, Tin House, and Best American Short Stories 2017. She has taught in the creative writing programs at Brooklyn College, NYU, Adelphi, Princeton, Syracuse, Columbia, and the University of Leipzig, Germany, and is currently the Director of

Aug 10, 2017 • 37:35

Ep. 055: Rachael Johns on Plotting vs Pantsing vs Her Own Method

Ep. 055: Rachael Johns on Plotting vs Pantsing vs Her Own Method

Rachael Johns is an English teacher by trade, a mum 24/7, a chronic arachnophobic, and a writer the rest of the time. She rarely sleeps and never irons. A lover of romance and women’s fiction, Rachael loves nothing more than sitting in bed with her laptop and electric blanket and imagining her own stories. Rachael has finaled in a num­ber of competitions, including the Australian Romance Readers Awards. Jilted (her first rural romance) won Favourite Australian Contemporary Romance in 2012 and Th

Jul 27, 2017 • 48:23

Ep. 054: Alisha Rai on Editing Sex Scenes

Ep. 054: Alisha Rai on Editing Sex Scenes

Alisha Rai writes hot and emotionally complex contemporary romance novels and is frequently sought as a speaker on topics such as love in the digital age, sex positivity, and inclusive representation in romance and media. She is the first author to have an indie-published book appear on Washington Post's annual Best Books list. Her books have also won the RT Reviewers Choice Award and have received critical attention and rave reviews from sources such as Library Journal, USA Today, BookRiot, Was

Jul 13, 2017 • 35:01

Ep. 053: Rachael Wants to Know What Next?

Ep. 053: Rachael Wants to Know What Next?

In this episode, Rachael takes her birthday week and the midyear to talk about what's next on the horizon and confesses the crime she tried to commit in Canada.  How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv

Jul 6, 2017 • 22:04

Ep 052: Elizabeth Greenwood on Being Bold in Your Writing Career

Ep 052: Elizabeth Greenwood on Being Bold in Your Writing Career

Elizabeth Greenwood is the author of PLAYING DEAD: A Journey Through the World of Death Fraud, a nonfiction book about people who have faked their deaths. Her writing has appeared in The Believer, Rhapsody, O Magazine,Guernica,VICE and the digital editions of The New Yorker, The Atlantic and Esquire.  She teaches creative nonfiction at Columbia University.  How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the boo

Jun 29, 2017 • 31:26

Erika T. Wurth on Fitting What You’re Writing to the Best Form

Erika T. Wurth on Fitting What You’re Writing to the Best Form

Erika T. Wurth’s published works include a novel, Crazy Horse’s Girlfriend and two collections of poetry, Indian Trains and One Thousand Horses Out to Sea. Her collection of short stories, Buckskin Cocaine is forthcoming. A writer of both fiction and poetry, she teaches creative writing at Western Illinois University and has been a guest writer at the Institute of American Indian Arts. She is Apache/Chickasaw/Cherokee and was raised outside of Denver. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the proces

Jun 22, 2017 • 36:09

Ep. 050: Jessica Abel on Working on One Project At a Time

Ep. 050: Jessica Abel on Working on One Project At a Time

Cartoonist and writer Jessica Abel is the author of Growing Gills, Out on the Wire, La Perdida, and two textbooks about making comics, Drawing Words & Writing Pictures and Mastering Comics. Abel’s new new science fiction comics series, Trish Trash: Rollergirl of Mars debuted in November 2016. She is Chair of the Illustration Program at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and lives with her family in Philadelphia. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestsell

Jun 15, 2017 • 36:59

Ep. 049: Sherry Thomas on How to Craft a Character Through Pain

Ep. 049: Sherry Thomas on How to Craft a Character Through Pain

Sherry Thomas is one of the most acclaimed historical romance authors writing today, winning the RITA Award two years running, and appearing on innumerable "Best of the Year" lists, including those of Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Dear Author, and All About Romance. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and sons. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to fi

Jun 9, 2017 • 36:58

Ep. 048: Monica Leonelle on Writing Faster with Dictation

Ep. 048: Monica Leonelle on Writing Faster with Dictation

Monica Leonelle has written over half a million words of fiction spread across several genres and series, most notably her young adult urban fantasy and paranormal romance series, Waters Dark and Deep. Monica also writes about indie publishing at ProseOnFire.com. Her most recent nonfiction series, Growth Hacking for Storytellers, has helped thousands of writers write faster, become better storytellers, and find their way to success. She’s also the creator of the Breakout Author Masterclass. Moni

Jun 1, 2017 • 26:29

Ep. 047: Rachael Herron on How She Steals Characters from Real Life

Ep. 047: Rachael Herron on How She Steals Characters from Real Life

How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own words flowing.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 25, 2017 • 22:47

Ep. 046 Michelle Gonzales on Not Waiting To Be Found

Ep. 046 Michelle Gonzales on Not Waiting To Be Found

Punk writer, Michelle Cruz Gonzales is the author of The Spitboy Rule: Tales of a Xicana in a Female Punk Band, a book about her days in the groundbreaking female punk band, Spitboy. Gonzales has contributed to Hip Mama Magazine, and published in anthologies and literary journals. She teaches English and creative writing at Las Positas College and lives in Oakland with her son, husband, and three Mexican dogs. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling au

May 18, 2017 • 26:25

Ep. 045: Sara Ramsey on How to get Unstuck in Your Writing

Ep. 045: Sara Ramsey on How to get Unstuck in Your Writing

Sara Ramsey is a historical romance author with great taste in Champagne, bad taste in movies, and a serious love for journals and washi tape. Her award-winning historical romances feature plenty of devious dukes, daring ladies, and happily ever afters. Sara has called both Iowa and San Francisco home, but she's currently wandering the globe while writing novels and searching for the perfect cup of tea. Find out more about her work at www.sararamsey.com. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the pro

May 11, 2017 • 32:00

Ep. 044: Bethany Herron on Weird Travel Writing

Ep. 044: Bethany Herron on Weird Travel Writing

Bethany Herron has had short works of nonfiction and fiction published in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, PEEQ, and the anthology Bad-Ass Faeries: It’s Elemental. In her professional life, she's been a grant writer for nine years, crafting hundreds of proposals on tight deadlines. Before that, she put her English degree to use working at a small publishing house in Oakland. She's also put over 100,000 miles on her pickup truck Tach, crossing the country on backroads, and racked up even more mileag

May 4, 2017 • 32:16

Ep. 043: Rachael in Venice

Ep. 043: Rachael in Venice

Live from Venice, Rachael talks about her writing retreat, both the one she led for sixteen writers, and the private writing retreat she had alone after they left. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 27, 2017 • 19:19

Ep. 042: John Gaspard

Ep. 042: John Gaspard

John Gaspard is the author of the Eli Marks mystery series The Ambitious Card, The Bullet Catch, The Miser’s Dream and The Linking Rings), from Henery Press. He has also written two popular books on low-budget filmmaking: Fast Cheap and Under Control and Fast, Cheap and Written That Way. In real life, John is not a magician, but he has directed six low-budget features that cost very little and made even less – no small trick. His blog, “Fast, Cheap Movie Thoughts” has been named “One of the 50 B

Apr 6, 2017 • 30:07

Ep. 041: Sheree L. Greer

Ep. 041: Sheree L. Greer

A Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, Sheree L. Greer founded The Kitchen Table Literary Arts Center to showcase and support the work of ancestor, elder, and contemporary women writers of color. The author of two novels, Let the Lover be and A Return to Arms, and the short story collection, Once and Future lovers, Sheree recently published a writing guide for student writers, Stop Writing Wack Essays. She is a VONA alumn with work featured on Very Smart Brothas, AutoStraddle, Ms. Fit Magazine, and Hype

Mar 30, 2017 • 26:27

Ep. 040: Antonia Crane

Ep. 040: Antonia Crane

Antonia Crane is a writer, Moth Slam winner, and writing instructor in Los Angeles. She is the author of the memoir, “Spent” (Barnacle Books, Rare Bird, 2014). She has written for The New York Times, Quartz: Atlantic Media, The Toast, Playboy, Cosmopolitan, Salon, and lots of other places. Her screenplay, “The Lusty” co-written with Silas Howard about the Exotic Dancers Union is a recipient of the San Francisco Film Society/ Kenneth Rainin Foundation Screenwriter’s Grant, 2015.  She is at work o

Mar 23, 2017 • 44:36

Ep. 039: Gigi Pandian

Ep. 039: Gigi Pandian

USA Today bestselling author Gigi Pandian spent her childhood being dragged around the world by her cultural anthropologist parents, and now lives outside San Francisco with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the garden. A cancer diagnosis in her thirties taught her that life’s too short to waste a single moment. Gigi writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mysteries, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and locked-room mystery short stories. Her fiction has been awarded the Malice Domestic

Mar 16, 2017 • 28:00

Ep. 038: Jason Gurley

Ep. 038: Jason Gurley

Jason Gurley is the author of Greatfall, The Man Who Ended the World, and other novels and stories. His bestselling self-published novel Eleanor was acquired by Crown Publishing and reissued in 2016. His work has appeared in Lightspeed Magazine and numerous anthologies. He lives and writes in Oregon. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other

Mar 9, 2017 • 24:08

Ep. 037: Kate Maruyama

Ep. 037: Kate Maruyama

Kate Maruyama‘s novel Harrowgate was published by 47North. Her short work has appeared in Arcadia, Stoneboat and Controlled Burn and is now featured in two new anthologies, Phantasma: Stories and Winter Horror Tales as well as on The Rumpus, Salon and The Citron Review among other journals. She teaches at Antioch University Los Angeles in the BA and MFA Programs and for inspiration2publication.com as well as for Writing Workshops Los Angeles. She writes, teaches, cooks and eats in Los Angeles wh

Mar 2, 2017 • 25:54

Ep. 036: Anna Doogan

Ep. 036: Anna Doogan

Anna Doogan is a writer, dancer, and mother of three. Her writing has also appeared in Hip Mama, The Literary Kitchen, and Arcadia Magazine’s Online Sundries. She was the winner of the 2015 Hip Mama Uncensored/Unchaste Readers Writing Contest for her short story, “Fires.” She lives in Portland, Oregon. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from othe

Feb 23, 2017 • 19:30

Ep. 035: Adrienne Bell

Ep. 035: Adrienne Bell

Adrienne Bell is a wife and a mother of two. She’s lived her whole life in Northern California. She has a deep, abiding love of all things Disneyland and Supernatural, and is the author of One Lucky Night, as well as the Second Service and The Sinner Saints series. Hook, her new book from the Exiles of the Realm just came out on Feb 14th, 2017. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to

Feb 16, 2017 • 25:08

Ep. 034: Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo

Ep. 034: Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo

Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo was named a 2012 Los Angeles Central Library ALOUD Newer Poet and the 2013 Poets & Writers California Writers Exchange poetry winner. Her poetry manuscript, Built with Safe Spaces, is inspired by her grandmother, Los Angeles, and the Arizona borderlands. In August 2011 she volunteered as a desert aid worker with the Tucson-based humanitarian organization, No More Deaths, which informed many of her borderland poems. In Los Angeles, she is the creator and curator of the quar

Feb 9, 2017 • 19:15

Ep. 033: Lisa Marie Rollins

Ep. 033: Lisa Marie Rollins

Lisa Marie Rollins is poet, playwright, theater director and dramaturg. She was a CALLALOO Journal London Writing Workshop Fellow, is an alumni in Poetry of VONA Writing Workshop and was a Poet in Residence at June Jordan’s Poetry for the People at U.C. Berkeley. Her writing is published in Other Tongues: Mixed-Race Women Speak Out, River, Blood, Corn Literary Journal, Line/Break, As/Us Literary Journal,The Pacific Review and others. Currently, she is finishing her new manuscript of poems, Compa

Feb 2, 2017 • 33:26

Ep. 032: Honorée Corder

Ep. 032: Honorée Corder

Honorée Corder is the author of 20 books, including You Must Write a Book, and Prosperity for Writers. She is also Hal Elrod’s business partner in The Miracle Morning book series. Honorée coaches business professionals, writers, and aspiring non-fiction authors who want to publish their books to bestseller status, create a platform, and develop multiple streams of income.  How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how

Jan 26, 2017 • 27:21

Ep. 031: Gwenda Bond

Ep. 031: Gwenda Bond

Gwenda Bond writes YA and children’s fiction. Her novels include the Lois Lane series, which bring the iconic comic book character front and center in her own YA novels, and the Cirque American series, about daredevil heroines who discover magic and mystery lurking under the big top. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in Publishers Weekly, Locus Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and many other publications. She has an MFA in writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She lives in a hundred-y

Jan 19, 2017 • 24:15

Ep. 030: Aya de Leon

Ep. 030: Aya de Leon

Aya de Leon directs the Poetry for the People program at UC Berkeley. Kensington Books published her debut feminist heist novel, UPTOWN THIEF, in July 2016. Her writing and performance work has received acclaim in the Village Voice, Washington Post, Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, SF Bay Guardian and the East Bay Express. A graduate of Harvard College, with an MFA from Antioch University, Aya has been an artist in residence at Stanford University, a Cave Canem poetry fellow, and a slam

Jan 12, 2017 • 32:45

Ep. 029: New Year Goals with Rachael

Ep. 029: New Year Goals with Rachael

Special New Year's episode! I intend to make this an annual episode, and I loved recording this because it made me sit and really think. In this episode, I go back over last year's goals and whether I hit them or not. I talk about my goals for 2017 (big! awesome! also do less!), including some open, frank talk about financials. Enjoy! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? H

Jan 5, 2017 • 26:31

Ep. 028: Mridu Khullar Relph

Ep. 028: Mridu Khullar Relph

Mridu Khullar Relph is the founder of The International Freelancer. She has written for The New York Times, TIME, CNN, ABC, The Christian Science Monitor, Ms., Marie Claire, and many more in a career spanning over 13 years. My assignments have required her to trek up and down the tsunami-ravaged coast of India, live with Tibetan nuns, interview coffin makers in Ghana, learn how mobile phones are designed in the US, and much more. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers

Dec 21, 2016 • 35:27

Ep. 027: Joanna Penn

Ep. 027: Joanna Penn

J.F.Penn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers on the edge, as well as bestselling non-fiction for authors published under Joanna Penn. Joanna’s site for writers, TheCreativePenn.com has been voted one of the Top 10 sites for writers three years running. She is a professional speaker on creative entrepreneurship, digital publishing and internet marketing, and was voted one of The Guardian UK Top 100 creative professionals 2013. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the

Dec 15, 2016 • 33:48

Ep. 026: Dani Shapiro

Ep. 026: Dani Shapiro

Dani Shapiro is the bestselling author of the memoirs Still Writing, Devotion, and Slow Motion, and five novels including Black & White and Family History. Her work has appeared in many places including The New Yorker, Granta, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and has been broadcast on “This American Life”. Dani was recently Oprah Winfrey’s guest on”Super Soul Sunday.” She has taught in the writing programs at Columbia, NYU, The New School and Wesleyan University; A contributing editor

Dec 9, 2016 • 28:19

Ep. 025: Janine Bajus

Ep. 025: Janine Bajus

Janine Bajus is an internationally known Fair Isle knitter, designer, and teacher. Her goal is to provide the information that people need to knit their own stranded garments, whether traditional or wild, subdued or saturated, from a pattern or self-designed. Her hands-on workshops in custom color knitting are known for Janine's unstoppable can-do attitude and step-by-step methods. Her book, The Joy of Color, is available now! How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers wi

Dec 2, 2016 • 24:43

Ep. 024: Tien Chiu

Ep. 024: Tien Chiu

Tien Chiu is a weaver, a dyer and a couture seamstress. She’s also a writer. In addition to writing articles for Handwoven and Complex Weavers Journal, she’s written a gorgeous book, titled Master Your Craft: Strategies for Designing, Making, and Selling Artisan Work, which has just come out from Schiffer Publishing. How Do You Write Podcast: Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain in

Nov 18, 2016 • 34:43

Ep. 023: J. Thorn

Ep. 023: J. Thorn

J. Thorn has published over one million words and has sold more than 170,000 books worldwide. He is an official, active member of the Horror Writers Association and a member of the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. J. is a contributor to disinformation.com and a staff writer for HeavyPlanet.net as well as a founding board member of the Author Marketing Institute. He earned a B.A. in American History from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.A. from Duquesne University. He has spent the

Nov 11, 2016 • 20:15

Ep. 022: Greta Beekhuis

Ep. 022: Greta Beekhuis

Greta Beekhuis, is an author, knitter of complex mathematical equations, word nerd, physics junkie, voracious reader, and open wheel racer. Her first novel was recently released, Remembering the Way: A novel about a life in science.  Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspiration to get your own word

Nov 3, 2016 • 22:42

Ep. 021: Grant Faulkner

Ep. 021: Grant Faulkner

Grant Faulkner was born and raised in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He earned a B.A. in English from Grinnell College and an M.A. in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. In 2011, Faulkner co-founded 100 Word Story, an online literary journal that publishes stories that are exactly 100 words long. In 2012, he became Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), taking over from founder Chris Baty (who can be heard on Episode 15). He lives in Berkeley, California, with his wi

Oct 27, 2016 • 26:57

Ep. 020: Holly Robinson

Ep. 020: Holly Robinson

Novelist, journalist and celebrity ghost writer Holly Robinson is the author of the memoir The Gerbil farmer’s Daughter and many novels including most recently Folly Cove, from Penguin.  Her articles and essays appear frequently in The Huffington Post, More, Parents, Redbook and dozens of other newspapers and magazines. She and her husband have five children and a stubborn Pekingese. They divide their time between Massachusetts and Prince Edward Island, and are crazy enough to be fixing up old h

Oct 20, 2016 • 20:47

Ep. 019: Larissa Brown

Ep. 019: Larissa Brown

Larissa Brown writes books - about Vikings and about knitting - as well as creating designs for hand knitters. Her first novel was Beautiful Wreck and her second novel JUST launched and is called So Wild a Dream. She lives in Portland with her husband and son. Explore the processes of working writers with bestselling author Rachael Herron. Want tips on how to write the book you long to finish? Here you'll gain insight from other writers on how to get in the chair, tricks to stay in it, and inspi

Oct 14, 2016 • 28:16

Ep. 018: Julia Skott

Ep. 018: Julia Skott

Julia Skott is a journalist and writer in Sweden. She’s published two non-fiction books called Body Panic and Shut Up I’m Counting. She also produces podcasts about knitting and romance literature and is working on a novel or two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 6, 2016 • 24:58

Ep. 017: Jennifer Baker

Ep. 017: Jennifer Baker

Jennifer Baker received her MFA from The New School’s graduate program in Creative Writing. She works as a production editor, and contributes to Bustle.com, and is the social media director and a writing instructor for Sackett Street Writers' Workshop. Jennifer is a panel organizer for We Need Diverse Books, a non-profit organization that sprang to life from the #WeNeedDiverseBooks media campaign to increase minority representation (of all kinds) in literature. She is also the creator and host o

Sep 29, 2016 • 24:51

Ep. 016: Dana Kaye

Ep. 016: Dana Kaye

Dana Kaye received her B.A. in Fiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago. After college, she worked as a freelance writer and book critic. This experience has been crucial to her publicity career: She is known for her innovative ideas and knowledge of current trends. She frequently speaks on the topics of social media, branding, and publishing trends, and her commentary has been featured on websites like The Huffington Post, Little Pink Book, andNBC Chicago. She is also the author of Your Bo

Sep 22, 2016 • 31:06

Ep. 015: Chris Baty

Ep. 015: Chris Baty

Chris Baty accidentally founded National Novel Writing Month in 1999, and oversaw the event's growth from 21 friends to more than 300,000 writers in 90 countries. Chris now serves as a Board Member Emeritus for NaNoWriMo, and spends his days teaching classes at Stanford University's Writer's Studio, giving talks about writing and creativity, helping companies with content strategy, and endlessly revising his own novels. He's the author of No Plot? No Problem! and the co-author ofReady, Set, Nove

Sep 15, 2016 • 29:16

Ep. 014: Cat Rambo

Ep. 014: Cat Rambo

Cat Rambo lives, writes, and edits in the Pacific Northwest. Her work has appeared in such places as Asimov's, Weird Tales, and Strange Horizons. She was the fiction editor of award-winning Fantasy Magazine and appeared on the World Fantasy Award ballot in 2012 for that work. Her story "Five Ways to Fall in Love on Planet Porcelain" was a 2012 Nebula Award finalist. She has worked as a programmer-writer for Microsoft and a Tarot card reader, professions which, she claims, both involve a certain

Sep 8, 2016 • 19:53

Ep. 013: Clara Parkes

Ep. 013: Clara Parkes

Over a decade ago, Clara Parkes abandoned San Francisco's high-tech hubbub to build a quieter creative life on the coast of Maine. Since then, she has become a trusted voice in the knitting community. Her most recent book, Knitlandia, has taken a well-earned position on the New York Times bestseller list for Travel. "Clara Parkes is the MFK Fisher of knitting: unflinching, all-seeing, mysterious--and also kind," writes Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner of Mason-Dixon Knitting. She is also the publishe

Sep 1, 2016 • 29:07

Ep. 012: Courtney Gillette

Ep. 012: Courtney Gillette

Courtney Gillette is an essayist and reviewer, reviewing books for Lambda Literary since 2010. She co-hosts The Hustle reading series, helps behind the scenes at BinderCon, and has served as a judge for the Lambda Literary Awards. In 2013, her work was chosen by A.M. Homes for The Masters Review, and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Most recently she was one of ten finalists for the BuzzFeed Emerging Writers Fellowship. She lives in Brooklyn with one bookseller and three cats. Hosted on Acast. Se

Aug 25, 2016 • 19:48

Ep. 011: Kim Werker

Ep. 011: Kim Werker

Kim Werker is a writer and freelance editor who tries to make something – anything – every day. Many of those things are awful; some are not. She runs a project called Mighty Ugly, leading workshops and lecture-conversations to help people embrace the hard parts of creativity so they can have more fun making stuff and trying new things. Her latest book is Make It Mighty Ugly: Exercises and Advice for Getting Creative Even When It Ain't Pretty. She has written six crochet books and recently helpe

Aug 18, 2016 • 33:52

Ep. 10: Morgan Jerkins

Ep. 10: Morgan Jerkins

Morgan Jerkins discusses her writing process. She lives and writes in New York.  She graduated from Princeton University with an AB in Comparative Literature, specializing in nineteenth century Russian literature and postwar modern Japanese literature, and she has an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars. She speaks six languages. Currently, she’s a contributing editor at Catapult and a Book of the Month judge. On the freelance side, her work has appeared in The New Yorker, Vogue, The New Yo

Aug 12, 2016 • 19:39

Ep. 009: Raina J. Leon

Ep. 009: Raina J. Leon

Dr. Raina J. León was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was introduced to poetry by her mother from a young age. She holds multiple degrees, and she’s been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Her work has appeared in over 50 literary magazines and journals, and her published poetry collections include: Canticle of Idols (2008) and Boogeyman Dawn (2013) which was was a finalist for the Naomi Long Madgett Prize. Her third book, sombra : (dis)locate, will be published this year. León i

Aug 4, 2016 • 19:30

Ep. 008: Nayomi Munaweera

Ep. 008: Nayomi Munaweera

Nayomi Munaweera's debut novel, Island of a Thousand Mirrors was long-listed for the Man Asia Prize and won the Commonwealth Regional Prize for Asia . It was short-listed for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature and the Northern California Book Prize. The New York Times called the book "luminous" and Publisher's Weekly has compared her voice to that of Michael Ondatjee and Jhumpa Lahiri. Nayomi’s second novel, What Lies Between Us has been one of the most anticipated releases of 2016, having

Jul 28, 2016 • 18:46

Ep. 007: Arisa White

Ep. 007: Arisa White

This episode: ARISA WHITE is a Cave Canem fellow, Sarah Lawrence College alumna, an MFA graduate from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and author of the poetry chapbooks Disposition for Shininess, Post Pardon, and Black Pearl. She was selected by the San Francisco Bay Guardian for the 2010 Hot Pink List and is a member of the PlayGround writers’ pool; her play Frigidare was staged for the 15th Annual Best of PlayGround Festival. A native New Yorker, living in Oakland, California, Arisa

Jul 21, 2016 • 24:07

Ep. 006: Wendy Ortiz

Ep. 006: Wendy Ortiz

Wendy C. Ortiz is a Los Angeles native. She is the author of Excavation: A Memoir (Future Tense Books, 2014), Hollywood Notebook (Writ Large Press, 2015), and the forthcoming Bruja (Civil Coping Mechanisms, Oct. 31, 2016). Her work has been profiled or featured in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Review of Books, The Rumpus, and the National Book Critics Circle Small Press Spotlight blog. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Hazlitt, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, The Nervous Breakdown, Fanzine,

Jul 14, 2016 • 18:59

Ep. 005: Esmé Weijun Wang

Ep. 005: Esmé Weijun Wang

Esmé Weijun Wang is an award-winning author and advocate. At esmewang.com, she provides resources that assist aspiring and working writers in developing resilience on the path to building a creative legacy. Wang’s emphasis on resilience originates from her own experiences as a writer, having learned the importance of adapting to difficult times from living with schizoaffective disorder and late-stage Lyme disease. She studied creative writing and psychology at Yale and Stanford, and received her

Jul 7, 2016 • 13:24

Ep. 004: Adrienne Celt

Ep. 004: Adrienne Celt

Adrienne Celt was born in Seattle, WA and has lived in a great many places since then. (A non-exhaustive list: Iowa, California, Chicago, and St. Petersburg, Russia.) Currently, she resides in Tucson, AZ where she welcomes the summer rainstorms as distractions from the fact that there is no ocean for hundreds of miles. Her debut novel The Daughters (W.W. Norton/Liveright 2015) won the 2015 PEN Southwest Book Award and was named a Best Book of the Year by NPR. Her writing has also been recognized

Jun 30, 2016 • 19:33

Ep. 003: Adrienne Martini

Ep. 003: Adrienne Martini

Adrienne Martini, author of Sweater Quest and Hillbilly Gothic (Free Press), talks to Rachael about her writing process.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 23, 2016 • 19:16

Ep 002: Cari Luna

Ep 002: Cari Luna

Cari Luna, author of The Revolution of Every Day and winner of the Oregon Book Award for Fiction, tells us about her process.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 18, 2016 • 17:43

Ep 001: Rachael Herron

Ep 001: Rachael Herron

In this inaugural episode, Rachael Herron presents the format for upcoming shows by interviewing herself about her own process. How do you write a book? She tells you how she writes hers, and gives some tips and tricks about how she gets the work done. This is a weekly, short podcast for writers about the process of writing, so settle in and enjoy the first show.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 8, 2016 • 13:09

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