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

Humans don't just experience their lives. We infect each other with shared memories of how it felt to be watching historic events or a baby take their first steps. We transmit meaning through emotion, through story. Getting good at telling stories isn't trivial. It isn't frivolous. And it certainly isn't selfish... Links: This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode194 The writing prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-taste

In this episode I look at goals and why it's so uncomfortable getting from where you are now to where you want to be...and how you can make it happen. Also in this episode I answer a question about whether or not it's bad to write more description than dialogue. Links:: Get The StoryADay Annual Review Bundle: https://storyaday.org/annualplan Learn how to P. A. C. E. Yourself https://storyaday.org/episode094 Take the 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

How diverse is your bookcase? In this week's #podcast I give you a nudge (and some resources) to read a little more widely. Plus: a Q&A about how to #write with passion when you're a cool cat. https://storyaday.org/episode192 Further resources at the blog ^^

Sometimes the story we tell ourselves is as important as anything else we do. What story will you tell yourself in 2021? Plus: a question, from Becky, about the challenges of moving from non-fiction writing to fiction Links Download The Planning Worksheet: http://storyaday.org/planner

What will it take to get you writing through the next few months? I have some thoughts.. Also: I answer questions about getting through the middle of a project and about conquering procrastination LINKS Your Writing Life Series: https://storyaday.org/your-writing-life-series The I, WRITER Course: https://www.storyaday.com/joiniwriter

I often talk about the middle of a story as 'the muddy middle', but I prefer Blake Snyder's label "fun and games". This week I talk about what the middle of your story has to do, why it's hard, and how you can make it easier. Resources: James Scott Bell's Write Your Novel From The Middle https://amzn.to/2I9liuE Jessica Brody's Save The Cat Writes A Novel https://amzn.to/36yixff Gwen Hayes's Romancing The Beat https://amzn.to/2UoXnug LINKS What do you need to know about the I, WRITER Course? https://storyaday.org/iwriter

In Part 2 of my interview with Angela Ackerman, co-author of The Emotion Thesaurus and host of Writers Helping Writers, we talk about how to use details to write great characters, immerse readers in your story, and even figure out your plot. Links: Writers Helping Writers: http://stada.me/whw One Stop For Writers: http://stada.me/osfw

Angela Ackerman is the co-author of the Emotion Thesaurus range of writing books and the One Stop for Writers site. In this episode I talked to her about creativity and how a big writing challenge might be just the thing you need right now. Links: Angela's post: http://stada.me/angela One Stop For Writers: http://stada.me/osfw

Should you take part in NaNoWriMo this year? Should you attend that conference or take that class? Should you buy that new writing craft book? Here's a process to get you started figuring out whether or not you're looking at a shiny object or a shiny opportunity. Links: https://storyaday.org/shiny-objects

Are you writing short stories? Why? And are you reading short stories? Which ones and again: why? LINKS: 20 Short stories to read that will make you a better writer: http://stada.me/readme Pushcart prize nominator calls for recommendations: http://stada.me/pushcart20 What are you reading? https://storyaday.org/episode185

So much of our procrastination is powered by mindset, but there's more to making writing an inevitable part of our lives than simply wishing it was true. I have some suggestions.... LINKS: Inevitable Writer article: http://stada.me/inev SWAGr Accountability post: https://stada.me/swagr 3 Day Challenge: http://stada.me/3day

September can be a time for reflection and planning ahead. I have some tips on that as well as some interesting reads from around the web. LINKS Kate Northrup, Do Less: https://katenorthrup.com/ The Good Place, The Podcast: https://stada.me/GoodPlace Writer Unboxed Titles article: https://stada.me/wutitles Romantic Gifts article: https://stada.me/gifts Srini Rao, Risk Tolerance: https://stada.me/risk

Does it matter if you write? Hell, yes. Let' s talk about that.... JOURNAL QUESTIONS 1a, How are you when you are writing? (how's your focus, your mood, your relationships?) 1b, Who does that impact? 2, Whose writing affected you most deeply in your life? 3, Who could your writing be a gift for? Not ready for a 30 Day Challenge? Try the 3 Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc/

If you haven't started writing short stories this month it's not too late! This week's podcast is a look back and a look forward at the writing prompts in StoryADay September (from writers like Tobias S. Buckell, Jonathan Maberry, Seanan McGuire, Simon Rich, Grant Faulkner, Art Taylor, and more...). Plus a short sermon on why you should finish your stories. Links: Windy Lynn Harris's Flash Fiction episode of the podcast: https://storyaday.org/episode166/

In which I compare writing to whittling, and explain why you'd much rather play Candy Crush than anything you call 'work'...and how you can use that to make your writing go more smoothly. Links: Sign up for daily prompts in September: https://storyaday.org/next-challenge/ Today's writing prompt from Mary Robinette Kowal: https://storyaday.org/05-kowal

If you want to discover your best process for writing, you might want to join us for the StoryADay September challenge. And if you want to keep that progress going all year, consider the Superstars group. LINKS: Sign up for prompts this September: http://stada.me/sept20 Find out more about the Superstars: http://stada.me/Super20

What's the most important skill in writing? Is it plot, character arcs, dialogue, description, pacing? In this episode I argue that the thing that will dictate your level of success is your state of mind. Links: Eric Platenberg: http://stada.me/eric Seth Godin: http://stada.me/seth StoryADay September Sign up: http://stada.me/sept2020

Writing is self-directed, so reaching out for support is essential. It can, however, invite unhelpful comparisons with other writers who have different strengths and who are at different stages. In this episode I explore the writing life through the lens of Martin Seligman's Positive Psychology and think about the ways we can celebrate our triumphs at every stage.

When do better when we feel better...so let's put some habits in place to help us celebrate every step we take towards our writing goals! LINKS Download the handout: https://storyaday.org/episode176 Fogg Behavioral Method episode: https://storyaday.org/episode151

Success in writing is about so much more than the external trappings (publication, adulation, recognition). Every day that you sit down to write, it's important to feel successful. This week's episode talks about some ways to do that. Writing Prompt: Write a Twitter-length story every day this week, to exercise your storytelling muscles, then tag me @storyadaymay Links: How To Write Twitter Fiction: https://storyaday.org/2016-16-twitter/

Problems with writing are often not problems with writing: they're a battle with focus and with our own insecurities. In this episode I talk about some of the ways to focus (especially if you find yourself working from home all day for the first time) and some ways to shake up your writing routine to outrun your insecurities. How do YOU create focus and motivation for your writing, especially now? Leave a comment: https://storyaday.org/episode174

There is so much information about writing out there...it can be hard to figure out what you should be working on. In this episode I walk you through one way to figure out (and focus on) your very next step. Take the 3 Day Challenge: https://www.storyaday.com/3-day-challenge Leave a comment: https://storyaday.org/episode173 Writing Prompt: Write A Seasonal Story https://storyaday.org/prompt-seasonal-story/

There is so much information about writing out there...it can be hard to figure out what you should be working on. In this episode I walk you through one way to figure out (and focus on) your very next step. Leave a comment: https://storyaday.org/episode173 Writing Prompt: Write A Seasonal Story https://storyaday.org/prompt-seasonal-story/

Part of the art of making progress in your writing is knowing what stage you're in, and what you need to study and practice, to move to the next stage. And that's what I'm talking about today. Read a StoryFest Story Sign Up For The Serious Writers' Accountability Group reminders

StoryADay's annual showcase, StoryFest 2020, is happening on June 27-28. Here's how you can get involved. How To Get Involved https://stada.me/sf20 How To Write Author Biographies and Story Summaries https://stada.me/summary

Sometimes it's as important to take an effective break from our writing as it is to keep putting words on the page. Find out how and why, in this episode. LINKS DIYMFA Summit of Awesomeness: https://members.diymfa.com/writer-igniter-summit/

In this fourth week of StoryADay May 2020 I talk about the importance of celebrating every win in your writing life. LINKS: NaNoWriMo YWP Flash Fiction Workshop with Julie Duffy: https://youtu.be/ecYq1CHqArw

We're heading into Week 3 of StoryADay May 2020. What can you do this week to make the most of all this creative energy? I have some suggestions...

Whether you've been writing this month, are still thinking about jumping into the challenge, or are working on other writing, this episode is full of tips for staying motivated to write week after week, month after month. Do't skip this one!

Today the author of "Writing & Selling Short Stories & Personal Essays: the Essential Guide To Getting Your Work Published" AND frequent StoryADay participant, Windy Lynn Harris joins me to talk about Flash Fiction: what it is, 7 different ways to approach it, and how it can help your career, even if you're a novelist.

We're a week away from StoryADay May. Take the WRITER Code workshop here: https://storyaday.org/writer-code Find out more about StoryADay Superstars, our writing community: https://www.storyaday.com/superstars-2020 Today's episode is a conversation with Tammy Breitweiser whose flash fiction has been published in The Ninja Writers Monthly, Spelk, Clover and White, and Elephants Never. Her essay is in the I Wrote it Anyway anthology. You can connect with Tammy through Twitter @TLBREIT or through her medium page https://medium.com/@tammybreitweiser. Sign up for her newsletter here. In this interview she mentions Windy Lynn Harris's excellent book "Writing & Selling Short Stories & Personal Essays"

In this conversation with writer Michele Reisinger, we talk about bad advice from writing teachers, her process for placing stories with publications, what a successful writing day looks like, and how she writer in traffic!

In which I talk about prepping for StoryADay May and what to do if you're having trouble writing right now.

Premee Mohamed is an Indo-Caribbean scientist and speculative fiction writer whose first novel, "Beneath The Rising" has just been released. But I discovered her through her wonderful short stories. In this conversation we talk about what a good writing day looks like (and what to do on those other days), the inspiration for some of her stories, her writing process and how she organizes her ideas, why short stories are like tattoos, and how the phrase "it's just photons" makes writing easier. LINKS Twitter: @premeesaurus Curious Fictions: https://stada.me/cfpm Buy Her Book: https://stada.me/bkpm

In which I talk about the live writing sprints I've been running and the importance of stories in times of stress.

So we're in a pandemic. Does that mean we have to stop being creative? Quite the opposite. The world needs more art, right now.

As well as running DIYMFA, Gabriela Pereira often speaks at conferences about issues other than the writing craft, including entrepreneurship and mental illness. Today, we have a frank discussion about Gabriela's history with mental illness as one part of a very full life that also includes running a business, having a family, and being a creative person. We also talk a little about writing emotion when you struggle with your own. (If you need help and live in the US, please text HOME to 741741. In Canada, 686-868, In the UK 85258. In the UK and Ireland, call 116 123. In Australia, call 13 11 14)

As well as running DIYMFA, Gabriela Pereira often speaks at conferences about issues other than the writing craft, including entrepreneurship and mental illness. Today, we have a frank discussion about Gabriela's history with mental illness as one part of a very full life that also includes running a business, having a family, and being a creative person. We also talk a little about writing emotion when you struggle with your own. (If you need help and live in the US, please text HOME to 741741. In Canada, 686-868, In the UK 85258. In the UK and Ireland, call 116 123. In Australia, call 13 11 14)

What are we really talking about when we talk about sex? Join me for a conversation with sexuality educator Dr. Lanae St. John. We talk about how to portray true intimacy on the page (without any weird noises), how to make consent sexy, and where to find a model for your next villain. LINKS: The Mamasutra - https://www.themamasutra.net/ Read Me: A Parental Primer For 'The Talk' - https://www.amazon.com/Read-Me-Parental-Primer-Talk

We talk about the pillars of a writing life, why Gabriela wanted to create a do-it-yourself DIYMFA, and that old favorite: Imposter Syndrome. Join me for a wide-ranging conversation with DIYMFA.com's Gabriela Pereira. She is a speaker, podcast host for DIY MFA Radio, and author of the book DIY MFA: Write with Focus, Read with Purpose, Build Your Community. To find out more about DIYMFA's flagship course (enrolling new students now) go to https://members.diymfa.com/sdsd/

Sometimes what used to work for us no longer works. In this podcast I talk about the benefits and downsides of your writing commitments, I encourage you to scare yourself, and I revisit the subject of habits, and check in to see how you're getting on. Also: I preview some coming changes to the podcast LINKS: The StoryADay Short Story Framework, in case you want to write a story today but aren't sure how to get started: https://storyaday.org/framework The StoryADay 3 Day Challenge, in case you need a little extra accountability and you work best with a curriculum: https://storyaday.org/3DC

Listening and reading are wonderful things, but what if they are holding you back from writing and finishing stories? We learn writing by writing. Isn't it time you stop stalling? LINKS "Listening" by Bob DeRosa on Escape Pod: https://stada.me/listening The 3 Day Challenge: https://stada.me/3dc Don't forget you can tell your Alexa speaker to play the StoryADay Podcast by enabling the skill one time in your Alexa app then saying "Alexa, play the StoryADay podcast"

Today I'm going to show you a system for delighting readers (and editors), so that you get great reviews and raving fans who will share your work with other readers who also love what you're writing. Links: https://stada.me/ssf - The StoryADay Short Story Framework

Here at the end of January, I take a mini look back at the first month of the decade and talk about writing habits, reading habits, Alexa skills, Medium and more. [1:20] My Short Story Reading Challenge, The Bradbury Method, my method. [9:30] Good luck to the NYC Midnight contestants [10:00] New ways to access StoryADay content - Medium & Alexa [10:55] 10th Anniversary [11:46] The StoryADay Podcast [14:00] February's theme at StoryADay and what's special about Leap Day Links: If you want to know more about Alexa skills, contact Raphael Schaad on LinkedIn Here's a list of my favorite stories from January 2020

It's not a character flaw. If your resolutions have slipped and you haven't kept up all those big plans you made for this year (already!), it's not that you're a loser. It might just be that you haven't built the behaviors into your day in the best way. This week I apply the Fogg Behavioral Method to real writers' problems and help them troubleshoot (and fix!) the most common sticking points. Free downloads: https://stada.me/openingsreport https://stada.me/creativitybundle https://stada.me/writerquiz

Languages evolve from the cultures that produce them, which offers a fertile world for writers to explore, whether you are writing contemporary, realistic fiction or futuristic and fantasy worlds. This week I talk with Seumas MacDonald a linguist and ConLang (constructed languages) expert, about language, culture and how you might think about using linguistics in your fictional worlds. [LINKS] Do you already think about spoken language in your writing? What was your 'aha moment' from this podcast? Join the discussion: https://stada.me/151

Tiny Wins (a combination of Tiny Habits and Epic Wins) and how you can use them to reinforce your good habits, along with an explanation of Stanford University researcher BJ Fogg's Behavioral Method -- a framework that explains why we do what we do (and sometimes don't!) LINKS https://storyaday.org/episode150

In which I give you a peek into what I'm working on at StoryADay and encourage you to take a clear-eyed look at how far you've come, and what's next for you. LINKS: Annual Review Worksheet: https://stada.me/annualreview

A title is the sizzle that sells your story, but too many writers still struggle with this important part of the writing process. Today's podcast helps you level up your title game. LINKS: Get the free download: https://stada.me/500titles Get Tobias S. Buckell's It's All Just A Draft (clicking this Amazon affiliate link helps support this podcast) https://amzn.to/2PH31Fu

This week's podcast features a clip from an episode from two years ago, in which I talked about the different cycles in a writing life. And I apologize in advance for making you crave some freshly baked bread...