StoryADay presents: I, WRITER - A Writing Podcast about Building a Successful Writing Practice

The StoryADay Podcast took a sneaky wee vacation this month, but will be back in August with our monthly theme of Triumph! Keep writing, Julie

This week we take the idea of improving your writing and your writing practice. But how, exactly do you DO that?!

Do you struggle to keep records of what you read or write? Do you beat yourself up over it, because you're sure it'd make your life easier? Maybe yes, maybe no. Let's dig in to record-keeping for creative people: why it works, why it doesn't, and what to do about it! Sign up for the StoryADay Anytime Challenge: https://storyaday.org

The final -- and most important -- two things I learned (again) while writing a StoryADay in May 2023. If you'd like to be more productive, creative and fulfilled in your writing, listen in! Links: Take the 3-Day Challenge: storyaday.org/3dc

I've been writing a StoryADay in May since 2010. I've learned some things about writing, productivity, creativity, and success. I share some of them here. Links: This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode289 The 3 Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

In which i talk about what to do if you miss a day (like I did) and creative courage. Liniks: Get the prompts: https://storyaday.org/signup Take the 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc Prompts throughout the year: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

On May 12, 2023 Kathleen Porter published an opinion piece entitled "Limiting What Novelists Can Write is Bad For Readers." I think she almost entirely missed the point of the diversity movement and I am...irritated. Please join me for a walk through some terrible opinions and what YOU can do, as a sensitive, thoughtful writer, to avoid this kind of knee-jerk reaction and keep writing.

Recapping five days of writing a StoryADay in May, 2023 with Julie Duffy Catch up with the first week of StoryADay May 2023 through the experiences of founder and writer, Julie Duffy Subscribe to the daily series here: http://stada.me/2023lives 00:00 StADa287 Five Days In May 01:12 Day 1 04:40 Day 2 09:55 Day 3 13:41 Day 4 17:35 Day 5 21:21 Warp up

In which I answer questions sent in by the StoryADay Community about how to overcome their writing challenges. LINKS Sign up for the StoryADay Challenge Find out more about the Superstars group Support the podcast

In which we talk about titles, favorite stories, current author crushes and then Rachel turns the tables on me! LINKS: More about Rachel: RachelSwearingen.com Support this podcast: glow.fm/storyaday More about StoryADay: storyaday.org

Of all the reasons you should join us in attempting to write a StoryADay May the best might possibly be because: don't you want to be the kind of writer who writes? Who writes so much they get good? Who stands a chance of realizing those unreasonable-exciting dreams you're not telling anyone about? Don't you at least deserve to try? LINKS Sign up for the StoryADay Challenge: https://storyaday.org/signup

In this conversation with award-winning writer Rachel Swearingen we talk about how to build a writing practice that grows with you, the art of writing short and long fiction the importance of play, her residency in Berlin and about some of her short stories and how they came to be written. Next time we'll talk about her favorite stories of her own and the writers she admires, working in short fiction now. We also talk about the importance of community for writers, and then Rachel turns the tables on me! Rachel Swearingen is the author of "How to Walk on Water and other short stories" which received the New American Press Fiction Prize. LINKS This episode: storyaday.org/episode282 Rachel's site: rachelswearing.com Sign up for StoryADay May: storyaday.org/signup Support the podcast: glow.fm/storyaday

What to do when life won't get out of your way. We all go through seasons where other concerns pull at us (family, friends, world events). It doesn't mean you're failing as a writer if you are less productive at some times than others. And I have some thoughts on how you can stay connected to your writer self even if the words aren't flowing.

with author KB Carle we talk about what attracted her to Flash Fiction; the challenges of moving from short to novel-length fiction; how to get unstuck ; and how being a writer includes building your community. Find all the resources storyday.org/episode280

In this interview with KB Carle we talk about writing flash fiction and micro fiction, the importance of community, getting through the middle, and more LINKS: More about KB Carle: kbcarle.com

In the second part of my conversation with Gwen E. Kirby we talk about developing characters that feel real to people, about writing at this moment in time, writing about women, and the question that Gwen Kirby doesn't get asked often enough, Gwen E Kirby is the author of the fabulous debut collection of short stories Shit Cassandra Saw. has a MFA from Johns Hopkins university. PhD from the University of Cincinnati and is the Associate Director of Programs and finance for the Sewanee Writers. Conference at the University of the South where she's also teaching students about creative writing. Her writing has appeared in One Story Tin House Guernica. Smoke Long Quarterly, and many other places. LINKS Gwen's book: https://stada.me/cassandra This interview: https://storyaday.org/episode278

Gwen E Kirby is the author of the fabulous debut collection of short stories Shit Cassandra Saw. has a MFA from Johns Hopkins university. PhD from the University of Cincinnati and is the Associate Director of Programs and finance for the Sewanee Writers. Conference at the University of the South where she's also teaching students about creative writing. Her writing has appeared in One Story Tin House Guernica. Smoke Long Quarterly, and many other places. In this conversation, we talk about the stories in her new collection, the benefit of a fantastic title, how to take an idea and develop it into a story. And then in the second part of this interview we will talk more about developing characters that feel real to people, about writing at this moment in time, writing about women, and the question that Gwen Kirby doesn't get asked often enough,

Today I'm talking about the struggle to get back into a writing routine after the winter holidays. I know I'm not alone in expecting that fresh start feeling to kick in, in January, but it hasn't happened for me yet. The chaos of the holidays can make it hard to get back into a routine. But, I have learned over the years as a writer, that if you want to improve, you have to take action and actually write. I have some tips that can help, and an invitation to join me in a tiny challenge later this month... Thanks for listening. LINKS: January Challenge: https://storyaday.org/jan-challenge

It's an end-of-year episode with a twist (hint: don't want to set New Year's Resolutions? Join the rebellious crowd!) LINKS: Podcast interview archive: https://stada.me/interview Reading Room reviews: https://stada.me/read StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

In which we talk about ways to build a writing practice even when dealing with challenges like depression and ADHD (checkboxes, spreadsheets, and stickers...oh my!); and Mary Robinette shares a great method for ramping up writing productivity after a break. LINKS Part 1 of this interview Mary Robinette's Patreon

Award-winning writer, podcaster, voice actor and puppeteer Mary Robinette Kowal stopped by the StoryADay podcast to talk about the novel, writing, and why you should consider putting a pet in your stories. 10:13 Research for Writers 11:49 Writing The Other 12:34 Can a stable relationship be interesting? 14:20 On the benefits of pets in stories 25:52 Part 1 Wrap Up and Links LINKS MaryRobinette.com Mary Robinette Kowal's Patreon My Favorite Bit (10 best Fantine curses) Buy the book, support an indie bookstore: https://stada.me/thespareman

Nobody ever feels they've done all the writing they could have done, in a year...but that's no reason to bury your head in the sand. Let's dig for treasure, instead! LINKS Annual Review Bundle: https://stada.me/apb Set and Meet Goals article: https://storyaday.org/set-and-meet-goals

With six weeks left in the year, you may be looking to do a big push or you may want to chill. I have one tip that will make either of those options (or something in the middle) work. Also in this episode, some updates on my Tidy Desk Challenge and what's been going on around here at StoryADay recently. LINKS Read to write? Watch this peptalk Want to build a slow, steady practice? What this Want to finish one project this year? Watch this Ready to chill? Watch this

In which behavioral science tells me things I do not want to hear and I issue myself a Tidy Desk Challenge. (You are welcome to join me. Post on Instagram, use #TidyDeskChallenge and tag me @storyadaymay). LINKS: The StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

If you have set a writing goal for this month -- or if you have ever struggled with goals -- this is the podcast for you! My mentor said something so brilliantly simple this week that I simply HAD to share it with you...because it unlocked something about goals and our life's purpose. LINKS SWAGr post: https://stada.me/swagr

Not every period in your writing life has to be one where you're churning out new words. So what should you be doing if you're in 'The Pause'? Follow the links for a workbook that will help you figure out your next steps. LINKS The Pause - https://storyaday.org/the-pause/ The Keep Writing Workbook - the perfect prep-work while you're in The Pause: https://stada.me/kww

I've done a few challenges in my time (from StoryADay to NaNoWriMo) and I have some questions for you about how you're preparing and what you'll do instead/as well as outlining to sustain you through the month. LINKS Creative Challenge Workbook: https://stada.me/ccw StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek This episode: https://storayday.org/episode267

It's dangerous to allow rejections, acceptances, marketing budgets or any other business-related nonsense to determine your worth as a writer. So who should you be listening to? In this episode, I have some thoughts... LINKS StoryADay Critique Week: https://stada.me/critique StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

This week I read you a writing prompt. Let's get writing! LINKS: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

What do you need to do to help you soar in your writing life? Join me for a Lesson in Creative Thermodynamics! LINKS: Leave a comment: storyaday.org/a-lesson-in-creative-thermodynamics The 3-Day Challenge: storyaday.org/3dc This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode264

I'm obsessed with helping you write more and feel successful in your writing life (Yes, I was watching the E! Emmy's red carpet show this week. Thanks for the epithet, Laverne Cox!) What are you willing to do to become the writer you know you are inside? LINKS: Join the Superstars: https://stada.me/superstars

There is a lot going on in a writer's life. Make sure you are designing the one you actually want. LINKS: Fun-Size Challenge: https://storyaday.org/fun-size StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

StoryADay September is coming! What's it going to look like, this year? Tune in and find out. PLUS I got some great advice this week on how to write a sequence that was stalling me. I'll share it in this episode. LINKS Sept Challenge: https://storyaday.org/fun-size StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

Short stories and novels are different beasts, but there are skills that transfer between them, both in the craft and in the writing life. This week I'm talking about something I learned about the writing process, in my own writng this week. You might be surprised... Sign up for the Fun-Sized StoryADay September Challenge: https://storyaday.org/next-challenge Join the StoryAWeek private newsletter here: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

Learning about the realities of the publishing industry can free you to create your own definition of success (that may or may not include traditional publishers). Step 1 towards success is to imagine your vision. Step 2 is to turn up for your writing, something the new StoryAWeek newsletter can help with! For industry perspective: Jane Friedman's The Hot Sheet: https://hotsheetpub.com/ Leave a comment about this episode: https://storyaday/episode259 Step into endless inspiration and creativity with StoryAWeek: https://storyaday.org/StoryAWeek

This week I talk about the creative boost I got from my recent travels, and how you can get a similar boost in your writing life, without even leaving home. I also tease some of the upcoming events at StoryADay as we look towards the change in seasons. Want more? Join me at the Writer Unboxed OnConference 2022: https://writerunboxed.com/2022/08/05/writer-unboxed-onconference-community-focus/ Get the StoryADay Short Story Framework: https://storyaday.org/framework

Crafting a writing life isn't all about knowing where to put commas and how to develop characters. It's also about engaging with other humans. This week I'm in conversation with Larissa Sjarbaini, a high performance coach, about how to do that and why you might want to, even if you're an extreme introvert. And stay tuned for an opportunity to develop your own game plan for a writing life LINKS This episode: storyaday.org/episode257 Set Yourself Up For Success: storyaday.org/success-coaching

I get vulmerable and make a confession, in this episode. Can you relate? LINKS Critique Week: https://stada.me/critique 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

I'm through caring about what publishers want. Instead, I want us to focus on writing stories that matter. And, as you might expect, I have some thoughts on how we go about doing that. LINKS The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Vacations can give us a much needed fresh perspective, as writers and creators, but you don't have to cross an ocean to see things a-fresh. LINKS StoryADay.org/episode254 Take the 3-Day Challenge: StoryADay.org/3dc

Writers don't just write for themselves, we write to be read, and with that we leave a legacy. in this episode I tell the story of two writers who left an impact on me, and invite you to think about your legacy LINKS: The 3-Day Challenge - https://storyaday.org/3dc I, WRITER Waitlist - https://stada.me/iwriter Music credits: Alan McPike, https://standardstrax.com/ Video credit: (Tony Conaway) Gary Zenker, Main Line Writers' Group (full video https://youtu.be/1R0rqla54hk)

Episode 252 - this week I bring you three different stories from the writing world that bust the myth of the lone genius writer. (Now, doesn't that make you feel better?)

We know that, in a story something must change before the protagonist can begin to conquer their problem. If you're a writer who isn't writing as much as you'd like, might I suggest that you, too, need to make a change? Perhaps that something is catching up on the StoryADay May 2022 Fun-Size challenge Catch up with the fun-size challenge now: https://storyaday.org/fun-size/

StoryADay May 2022 is underway and it's time for a recap of what hundreds of writers have been up to this week. LINKS: StoryADay.org StoryADay.org/3dc

Replay of a live Q&A session with the community, recorded 30 April 2022 Links: StoryADay.org

Why should you sign up for StoryADay May, and what happens once you do? This episode is full of trips and tricks to help you get the most out of the upcoming month of creativity, including details of the new Fun-Size Challenge LINKS Sign up! https://storyaday.org/signup

What if you could slide up to your desk, knowing that you were going to have a good time, with your writing? What if, when you sat down to write, the words just flowed? What's the secret ingredient that makes this possible? LINKS https://storyaday.org/signup https://storyaday.org/3dc

Some early details about the new flavor of StoryADay May I'm introducing this year, and my note from the AWP 2022 Conference - an my thoughts on the state of the short story ::LINKS:: Main site: StoryADay.org 3 Day Challenge: StoryADay.org/3dc My interview with Jane Friedman: storyaday.org/episode099

Here's a rundown of mistake you're probably making as a writer (plus three bonus mistakes, because we've all been there!) Join us in the StoryADay Superstars group: https://stada.me/Superstars Full transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/UzbdsMeiNBZ

If there is nothing happning in your writing, your stories will be boring! Avoid the trap of writing beautiful language with no plot, but injecting some conflict into your stories...and I don't mean car chases or war! Full transcript: https://share.descript.com/embed/Wnfp8TWAI7m