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

...and you don't have to be. This week I'm talking about the different paths available to writers, from creating a practice, to creating an empire that can run a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. ::LINKS:: John Scalzi's article: https://stada.me/scalzi The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc Stay updated with StoryADay: https://storyaday.org/signup

Generating words is sometimes what writing is all about. If you've been learning about writing for too long without writing something new, I have a challenge for you this week. ::LINKS:: The Framework: https://storyaday.org/framework The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Whether we are from within a community or an outsider, it affects how we perceive the group. That's important for characters in your writing and it's one of the topics on this week's podcast, along with mindset (of course!) and what I'm reading this month. Included: a writing prompt all about the ways your characters and your readers interact ::LINKS:: Bob Newhard: https://youtu.be/p1KbtLrBZ0k Neil Gaiman's "Orange": https://amzn.to/2GgNPb8 Podcast questions: https://storyaday.org/podcast Julie Explains Things, Simply: https://stada.me/jets 00:00 20220211 Podcast 03:43 Reading Room 06:01 Community & Communication 11:13 Julie Explains Things, Simply 13:58 Writing Prompt Transcript: https://share.descript.com/embed/IxDntQCz0Zp

When I ask people what questions they have about writing, they rarely ask about craft techniques. This week I talk about the transition from newspaper writing to fiction, making time to write and more. :LINKS:: Julie Explains Things Simply on YouTube: https://stada.me/jets 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

When a famous and accomplished writer I admire confessed to some imposter syndrome recently I knew I needed to talk about it (and the cure) this week... ::LINKS:: https://storyaday.org Transript: https://share.descript.com/view/gZJjTAnqYQs

There are so many ways to get discouraged, as a writer. Let's not allow Social Media spats to become another. This week I talk about ways to get your writing done, going a little slower, and how you can join me for a step-by-step walk through short story writing. ::LINKS:: This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode238 Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/FOv3iocYQGf The I, WRITER Course: https://stada.me/iwriter

Know you want to write, but can't get started? Why not start a fun project, just for you? :: LINKS:: This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode237 @faithbougan's tweet: https://twitter.com/FaithBoughan/status/1481844112546484225 Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-irritable Writing About Anger: https://storyaday.org/write-on-wednesday-anger/ Finding writing ideas: https://storyaday.org/finding-writing-ideas/ Breaking Writers' Block ebook: https://amzn.to/3fGItKJ The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Encouragement to see possibilities, and not be burdened by perfectionism, in the New Year. LINKS:: This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode236 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc Serious Writers' Accountability Group: https://stada.me/swagr

I saw a tweet this week, asking 'am I overly-emotional because I'm a writer, or a writer because I'm overly-emotional?" I have some thoughts... :LINKS: The tweet, from author AD Graves, that got me thinking (shared with permission) https://twitter.com/adgravesbooks/status/1471335552830033920?s=21 This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode235 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Writing your bio and summaries of your work causes authors all kinds of angst, but I have good news: you're probably trying to do too much and be too clever...and this comes to our writing lives too. It's time to strip it all back to the essentials. ::LINKS:: This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode234 Write Your Bio & Summary Workshop: https://storyaday.mykajabi.com/join-workshop

Setting writing goals for next year includes reflecting on what we've achieved in the past. In this episode I invite you to expand your definition of 'success' and talk about Stephen Sondheim. I also encourage you to see moments of frustration as signposts. ::LINKS:: Annual Planning Bundle: https://storyaday.org/annualplan/ 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

If you don't know what to write in your bio...steal! Plus a writing prompt from Michael X. Wang, author of the short story collection "Further News of Defeat" LINKS The Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/2021-day-12/ Michael X. Wang's "Further News of Defeat": https://stada.me/mxwang The 3-Day Challenge, a short story course: https://storyaday.org/3dc

You have to talk about yourself and your work. I'm sorry if that makes you uncomfortable. The good news? If you can give yourself permission, you CAN learn to do this. ::LINKS:: 3 Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc Write Your Author Bio & Story Summary Essentials Guide: https://stada.me/marketingyou

What is the difference between writing a scene and writing a summary and when should you do each? I'm sharing notes from my upcoming workshop on that topic, in this episode. Learn why it's important to write scenes not just summary. And learn when to use them. LINKS Register for the workshop: https://stada.me/workshop Take the 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc Find the story 'Escape from the Dysphesiac People' by Brandon Hobson in The Best American Short Stories 2021 https://stada.me/bass21 Million Dollar Outlines by David Farland: https://stada.me/farland (These book links help support indie bookstore Reads & Company in Pennsylvania)

Seven peices of 'advice' you NEVER need to hear again, on the topic of revision. Come with me on a myth-busting adventure. Plus a writing prompt called The Post-Modern Pop Song ::Links:: This episode: storyaday.org/episode228 3-Day Challenge: storyday.org/3dc The Writing Prompt: https://stada.me/prompt-pop

Sharing your writing with other can be fabulous, but also a scary and, occasionally, can dent a writer's confidence. This episode shows you how to give and recieve critique in a way that will make you and your writing stronger. This week's writing prompt: write a story in three sections about two characters who love each other. (at 32 minute mark) ::LINKS:: StoryADay's Critique Week: https://storyaday.org/critique

Now that you have a stack of stories, what do you do with them? There's a lot to the next part of the process, and I'm here to break it down into manageable steps for you. ::LINKS:: Superstars Full Payment: https://stada.me/superstars-full Superstars Payment Plan: https://stada.me/superstars-pp 3-Day Challenge: storyday.org/3dc

Are you avoiding your writing? It's possible you're suffering from burnout. Learn how to identify it and combat it in this episode of the StoryADay Podcast ::LINKS:: 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Gabriela Pereira of DIYMFA talks about her belief that you don't go to a workshop, you workshop writing and what that looks like in her DIYMFA community. ::LINKS:: Gabriela's free series: https://storyaday.org/diymfaworkshop Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/13-pereira/ The StoryADay 3-Day Workshop: https://storyaday.org/3dc

How is writing like a martial art or a Montesorri school? Find out in my interview with DIYMFA's Gabriela Pereira And stay tuned for my thoughts on Caroline Kim's prompt for the StoryADay Challenge ::Links:: Caroline Kim's Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/2021-day-14/ Register for Gabriela's workshop: https://storyaday.org/diymfaworkshop/

Going from week 2 to week 3 of the challenge, something wonderful happens...things start to get weird, and it becomes about 'getting it done' not 'making it good'. And that is a gift. ::LINKS:: This week's writing prompt, from Roxane Gay: https://storyaday.org/2021-day-07 The 3 Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

What are you learning about writing in this, week 1, of the StoryADay September challenge, 2021? Let's talk... PLUS my extended notes on last week's writing prompt from award-winning writer Fran Wilde.0 ::LINKS:: Join the Challenge+ https://stada.me/challengeplus Fran Wilde Prompt: https://storyaday.org/2021-day-01 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

There are so many easy excuses for not writing, not taking part in challenges, not joining groups...even when we know they'd help. In this episode I encourage you to dismantle those excuses and let yourself be a happy writer, instead. ::LINKS:: StoryADay Superstars: https://members.storyaday.org/join-superstars Writing prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-extra-help StoryADay September sign up: https://storyaday.org/signup

Writing can be a solitary act, but being a writer can't be. In this episode I celebrate all the knowledge we have at our fingertips AND the generosity of writers. Includes a writing prompt from writer Premee Mohamed. LINKS Premee Mohamed's Writing Prompt (Text) https://storyaday.org/20-mohamed/ Buy Premee Mohamed's books: https://stada.me/racpremee Join me at a 5-Day Retreat in Pennsylvania: https://stada.me/5day2021

If you're serious about your writing, doesn't it seem like you should be working on your novel or the story-you-want-to-get-published rather than messing about with writing prompts? Respectfully, no. Using writing prompts has many benefits, if you're getting good prompts and you know how to use them. :LINKS: Writing prompts: https://storyaday.org/category/inspiration/writing-prompts/ The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

If Simone Biles can get Gymnast's Block, and Simone Manuel can get Swimmer's Block, can we stop staying Writer's Block isn't real? In this episode I talk about performance, confidence, skills and why we need to start being kind to ourselves. Also includes a writing prompt that puts your character in an uncomfortable situation. :LINKS: John Burns Murdoch's Tweet Thread: https://twitter.com/jburnmurdoch/status/1420026131604979719 Babies belly-laughing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L49VXZwfup8 Animal friendships: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c0CyjhwtGg

What are you working on right now, and how do you work? Do you flit between projects or knuckle down and master each skill? That's what I'm talking about this week on the podcast. Also, I talk a little about the new Kindle Vella project... ::LINKS:: http://storyaday.org/episode216 https://storyaday.org/3dc My latest column at WriterUnboxed: https://stada.me/wu8

This week I talk about a concept you either love or hate: consistency. If you're a hater (like I was) I'm here with some new ways for you to think about consistency that will contribute to that beloved word: progress. ::LINKS:: Join the I, WRITER Course: https://stada.me/iwriter

This week I encourage you to look at your writing plans for this year and revise your goals. I also talk about putting some structure into your writing life in order to make it easier to get to the fun parts! This week's writing prompt is all about character. ::LINKS:: Annual planning documents: https://storyaday.org/annualplan Your Writing Life Series: https://stada.me/writinglifeclass

The podcast is taking a brief vacation this week but you can find a directory of hundreds of past episodes here: https://stada.me/podcast-toc

This week I share some lessons learned by the StoryADay Superstars ranging from process and habit lessons to lessons about writing topics and techniques. Share what you've learned lately in the comments at storyaday.org/episode213 ::LINKS:: This episode's comments: https://storyaday.org/episode213 This week's Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-start-at-the-end/ The Keep Writing System: https://storyaday.org/keepwriting/ Join the 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc If you'd like to support this podcast you can now Buy Me A Coffee: https://stada.me/coffee

It may seem strange after telling you to write a story a day but I think you should slow down and start thinking about maximums. What is a reasonable amount for you to write every day that you can sustain day after day? Why does this matter? :LINKS: Greg McKeown's book "Effortless" - http://stada.me/effortless Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-big-desire/ Shiny Objects Lesson: https://storyaday.org/shiny-objects/ StoryADay 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Part II of the StoryADay debrief process, which helps you assess what you learned during the challenge and what to focus on next. This process is useful after any big writing project or push, so don't skip this episode, even if you didn't take part in the StoryADay Challenge ::LINKS:: Comment on this episode here: https://storyaday.org/episode211 Get a printable version of these questions: https://storyaday.org/debrief Last week's episode: https://storyaday.org/episode210

After the challenge it's useful to capture all the lessons you learned. In this podcast I take you through an exercise for doing that, and give you the Challenge Plus version of today's writing prompt. ::LINKS:: Need a little more support as you transition out of the challenge month? Try the 3-Day Challenge. Prompts, videos, short story lessons: https://storyaday.org/3DC

Lessons from StoryADay 2021, including what happens when we keep working through the resistance...

How to keep going as we enter Week 2 of the StoryADay May challenge (hint: it's about purpose); and how to work with writing prompts. ::Links:: Writing Prompt (The Bridge): https://storyaday.org/2021-day-01 Writing Prompt (A Happy Story): https://storyaday.org/2021-day-07 Writing Prompt (Scenario): https://storyaday.org/2021-day-08 Story: The PILGRIM's Guide To Mars by Monique Cuillerier: https://www.diabolicalplots.com/dp-fiction-75a-the-pilgrims-guide-to-mars-by-monique-cuillerier/

Perfectionism is a creativity killer, and today and I'm talking about how StoryADay May can help you find a way forward. LINKS The Challenge: https://storyaday.org The Challenge+ (even more support): https://members.storyaday.org/join-challenge-plus

Writing can be a solitary activity. I made the argument that 'being a writer' is awfully hard to do, alone. If you haven't found your writing community yet, consider joining ours! LINKS StoryADay Superstars is Open for Registration Writing Prompt

Is this the year you transform yourself into a writer? Thinking about participating in StoryADay May? I have tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes info from the 12th annual StoryADay May. Make sure you're signed up: ::LINKS:: http://storyaday.org/signup https://stada.me/writer-code Be A Best Seller Summit with Emma Dhesi - http://stada.me/emma Reading Room: http://stada.me/read

Do you see structure as freeing or stifling? I talk about that and the upcoming free WRITER Code masterclass (2021 edition) in this week's show along with a brief flash fiction writing prompt LINKS Are you taking the StoryADay May challenge this year? Sign up now: https://storyaday.org/signup Writing prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-flash-moment

There is a danger zone between our aspirations and the moment when our writing practice begins to click. You can navigate it safely if you Mind the GAP. Also: My ShortLIST for figuring out which courses and events to sign up for in the always-crowded summer of Writing Conferences and Festivals. It's an acronym-heavy episode this week, but it's all here to help you become the writer you know you're meant to be. MIND THE GAP Phase 1 - Getting Started (exciting) Phase 2 - Aaargh! (uncomfortable, danger zone) Phase 3 - Persistent progress (easy) Short LIST L - Learning I - Implementation S - Support T - Trust LINKS Shiny Object Syndrome Worksheet Deciding if you should invest in an event/course/book https://storyaday.org/shiny-objects/ Writing prompt https://storyaday.org/wow-sight

To engage with your audience there's no tool quite like an author website. Even if your social media presence is strong, it pays to have your own home on the web, and this week Nancy Fields of Fields Graphic Design is here to talk us through everything from how to set up a site, to what to put on each page. ::LINKS:: Nancy's site: https://fieldsgraphicdesign.com Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-taste

This week I invite you to think about why you do the things you do in your writing life...and how you can make some quick changes that yield big improvements. ::LINKS:: Leave a comment: https://storyaday.org/episode202 Get the 202-episode Podcast Table of Contents: https://storyaday.org/podcastlist Should You Buy The Next Book/Course Flowchart: https://storyaday.org/shiny-objects/ Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-sound

One of the first questions people ask me, as new writers, is "how can I get some feedback on my writing". In this episode I argue that might be the wrong question... Also: a writing prompt about one of the senses. ::LINKS:: Get the critique group primer: https://stada.me/vulnerable Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-smell

I look back on 200 episodes of this podcast and pull out lessons for every creative person and endeavor. Plus, a writing prompt with a pep talk. ::LINKS:: Podcast Table of Contents: https://storyaday.org/podcastlist Writing Prompt: http://storyaday.org/listpeptalk

Matthew Salesses is the author of three novels -- one written in Flash Fiction -- and the writing handbook "Craft In The Real World". In this episode we talk about writing rules, audience, how to give and receive feedback and what it was like to write a flash fiction novel. Photo credit: Grace Salesses

When Seth Godin talks about creative work, I listen. This week I talk about his new book "The Practice" and how we can rethink and build up our own creative practices. Also: if you're on the Clubhouse audio social app, you can follow me @julieduffy and join me at 4PM (Eastern US) every day next week for a creativity boost. Links: Comment on the questions in this episode: https://storyaday.org/episode198 The Practice at Amazon.com (not an affiliate link): http://stada.me/GodinPractice This week's Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/ow-achieve

In this episode I pay tribute to my writing buddy Tony Conaway; talk about Creative Wills; and organizing your writing archives and processes. ::Links:: Creative Will - http://stada.me/will Your Organizing Tips - http://stada.me/organize Tony's Tips for Revising: http://stada.me/tonyrevision A Writing Prompt: http://stada.me/tonyprompt

Why the story we tell ourselves is the most important we'll ever tell...and the impact it has on our ability to manage our inner critic, imposter syndrome and to get our work done. Dr. Julie Helmrich, psychologist and founder of Iron Psych specializes in change fluency and narrative, and is my guest this week, talking about psychological fitness for writers. Links: Dr. Helmrich's site: https://juliehelmrich.com/ Writing prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-customs

In which I talk about why we do this thing we do, and answer the top 10 questions I get asked, at StoryADay (including everything from where to put commas, to how to submit stories, to how to overcome imposter syndrome). Grab a hot beverage and settle in... Links Short Story Structure: https://storyaday.org/framework Imposter Syndrome: https://storyaday.org/imposter-syndrome/ The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc