Writing Break
Whether you’re polishing your first draft or chasing down a book deal, the award-winning Writing Break will keep you informed, inspired, and ready to write. For access to all episodes, join the library here: https://writingbreak.captivate.fm/support
Writing Modern Westerns: Same Frontier, Different Moral Code
Elements of Western novels are infiltrating other genres and modernizing the mythology of the Wild West. In this episode, we head out to the frontier to explore how classic Western storytelling transformed into the modern neo-Western.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
• What are the core tropes that define a classic Western?
• How are neo-Westerns reinterpreting these elements in modern settings?
• Why has moral ambiguity replaced clear-cut justice?
• Should writers should blend in or stand out to be successful?
• What are the common pitfalls when writing Westerns and neo-Westerns?<...
Writing Cozy Mystery: Murder, But Make It Charming
Want to write a cozy mystery? This episodes explores the way cozy mystery blends charming communities, amateur sleuths, and clever puzzles to create crime stories that feel suspenseful without becoming dark or graphic.
From Murder, She Wrote to modern bookstore-and-bakery mysteries, cozy stories invite readers into tight-knit communities where secrets simmer beneath the surface and clever sleuths piece together the truth.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
What defines a cozy mysteryWhy amateur sleuths are central to the genreHow setting and community become characters in the storyThe delicate balance between murder and warmthWhy cozy mysteries feel...Young Adult vs. New Adult Fiction: What Writers Need to Know
What’s the difference between Young Adult and New Adult fiction? We explore the life stages, voice, and themes that define each genre, plus publishing news on AI copyright, contracts, and book bans.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
What defines Young Adult fictionWhat defines New Adult fictionThe key differences between identity formation and life-buildingHow voice changes between YA and NAWhy authenticity matters in both genresWhy New Adult remains complicated from a publishing perspectiveCommon mistakes writers make when writing either categorySupreme Court Denies Certiorari in Thaler v. Perlmutter: AI Cannot Be an Author Under the Copyrig...
Romantic Suspense: Love in the Line of Fire
Romantic suspense blends love and danger. Learn how to balance emotional tension with high-stakes conflict, build trust between characters under pressure, and deliver satisfying dual resolutions that keep readers turning pages.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
The latest publishing news What defines the romantic suspense genreWhat readers expect from romantic suspense novelsCommon pitfalls writers should avoid when blending romance and thriller elementsSelf-Publishing Facts - The Alliance Independent AuthorsSusan Choi and Katie Kitamura among authors longlisted for Women’s prize for fiction | Women's prize for fiction | The Guardian‘These books are pushing boundaries’: winners of £30,000 Inclusive Bo...
Audience Ownership: Why Authors Can’t Rely on Platforms Anymore
In this business-focused episode, America’s Editor breaks down the major industry shifts that are changing how books are discovered, distributed, and monetized. You’ll learn what recent developments mean for working authors.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
How today's authors keep their audienceChanges in book-selling platform accessDiscoverability vs VisibilityThe future of author rightsAI training and creator compensationThe shift toward digital-first library acquisitionApple automatically downloads U2's Songs of Innocence into Your iTunes.Authors Guild Raises Concerns About Kindle’s New “Ask This Book” AI Feature - The Authors GuildBanned Books: Analysis of Censorship on Amazon.com...
Paranormal Fiction: Why the Supernatural Is Dominating the Market
In this episode of Writing Break, we take a deep dive into paranormal fiction's lasting appeal and why stories about ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural beings continue to dominate bestseller lists.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
What defines paranormal fiction and why it’s thrivingHow ghosts, vampires, and other creatures function as modern archetypesUsing the supernatural as metaphor for cultural anxieties and emotional conflictThe rise of cross-genre paranormal (romance, mystery, thriller, and more)Common pitfalls when writing paranormal fictionAn Overthinking Prompt to help you write a paranormal moment grounded in the ordinaryMore Writing Tips
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Magic & Mayhem in Your Manuscript (Clip Show #15)
Over the past couple of months, we’ve covered dystopia, utopia, action, adventure, magical realism, children’s literature, satire, and a whole lot of fantasy. This clip show puts some of those writing tip segments together for you as a literary aperitif before we begin Season 9, where we'll be talking about blending all of these flavors together to create your signature genre. I'm very much looking forward to that.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
More Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks.
Writing Satire & Humor: The Sharp Edge of Comedy
In this episode of Writing Break, we explore how to use comedy as a storytelling tool without sacrificing character, plot, or emotional weight.
We’ll look at different types of humor on the page, what satire is meant to critique, and why timing, voice, and intention matter more than punchlines. We’ll also cover the most common mistakes writers make when trying to be funny and how to avoid turning clever jokes into narrative dead ends.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
The difference between humor and satireThe different types of humor in fiction Satire as social...Writing Dystopia & Utopia: Pushing the Real World to Extremes
In this episode of The Writing Break, we explore dystopian and utopian fiction and discuss the latest publishing news.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Dystopian vs. utopian fictionSociety as the main characterCommon pitfalls when writing dystopia & utopia fictionAmazon’s “Ask This Book” Kindle feature and why the Authors Guild is concernedThe proposed Anthropic AI settlement and what opting in or out means for authorsA major U.S. appeals court ruling expanding copyright termination rights worldwideThe closure of Baker & Taylor and its impact on authors, publishers, and librariesWhy the Authors Guild is condemning bot-driven book bans in TexasM...
Writing Action & Adventure: Stories in Motion
In this episode of Writing Break, we explore the Action and Adventure genre, which is all about forward motion. If you’re writing adventure novels, action scenes, or fast-paced fiction, this episode breaks down the craft behind the thrill.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
How to write a compelling adventureHow pacing, escalation, setting, and hero resilience work togetherHow to avoid action that feels repetitive or hollowMusic licensed from Storyblocks.
Writing Children’s Literature: Picture Books to Middle Grade
The episode opens with a look at current publishing news affecting authors, including reading behavior shifts and trends. Then we look at the three major stages of children’s literature and why understanding developmental stages matters. Perfect for writers curious about children’s books, writers who think they already understand the category, and anyone interested in how readers develop.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
The latest book trendsWhy writing for kids is so hardPicture books and story economyEarly readers and building confidenceMiddle grade and emotional depthWhy “books for all ages” do not existMore Writing TipsLeah Will...
Writing Magical Realism: Extraordinary in the Everyday
This week on Writing Break, we’re exploring how to weave the extraordinary into the ordinary without breaking the spell of magical realism. We're also discussing Amazon's increasing censorship of authors and artists.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
How it differs from fantasy and why the magic must stay unexplainedTechniques to balance realism and wonderCommon pitfalls that break the spellThe Latin American roots of magical realism and its global legacyA writing prompt to help you find the extraordinary in the everydayMore Writing TipsThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing BreakFree Style Sheet Templates
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Act 1 of Your Writing Year
Who are you becoming as a writer? Forget making a list of New Year's resolutions; instead, write a narrative for 2026. This bonus episode includes prompts for a creative reset to prepare you for the year ahead.
More Writing TipsFree Style Sheet TemplatesMusic licensed from Storyblocks.
Stay Stubborn: A Holiday Pep Talk for Writers
This Christmas Day bonus episode explores the creative power of stubbornness and includes three reflective prompts to help you close out your year with clarity and intention.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Why writers need stubbornnessHow it protects your voice.How it carries books across the finish lineMore Writing TipsThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing BreakFree Style Sheet Templates
Music licensed from Storyblocks.
Writing Fantasy, Part III: Whimsy, Chaos & Paradoxical Magic
In the final part of our Fantasy Subgenre Series, we explore the soft side of the genre: Cozy Fantasy, Slice-of-Life Fantasy, Eco-Fantasy, Children’s Fantasy, YA Fantasy, Comical/Satirical Fantasy, Fairy-Tale Fantasy, and Fairy-Tale Retellings.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Creating stillness and gentle magicLand-based storytellingIntensity and transformation in YA FantasyWhy some readers crave gentlenessThe paradox at the heart of enchantmentMore Writing Tips"Take This Longing" by Leonard CohenWriting Fantasy: Building Worlds That Breathe - Writing BreakThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing BreakFree Style Sheet Templates
Music licensed from Storyblocks.
Writing Fantasy, Part II: Dark Realms, Neon Cities & New Subgenres
In Part II of our Fantasy Subgenre Series, we explore the darker and more modern branches of fantasy: Dark Fantasy, Grimdark, Urban Fantasy, Contemporary/Modern Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy, Romantasy, Progression Fantasy, LitRPG, and Gamelit.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
What defines each subgenre?Why do readers love them?How does magic, character, and structure shift across newer fantasy genres?Is your magic system essential, atmospheric, metaphorical, or structural?More Writing TipsWriting Fantasy: Building Worlds That Breathe - Writing BreakThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing BreakFree Style Sheet Templates
Music licensed from Storyblocks.
Writing Fantasy, Part I: Epic Worlds, High Realms & Grand-Scale Subgenres
In Part I of this three-episode Fantasy Subgenre Series, we dive into the grand-scale branches of fantasy: Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Historical Fantasy, Alternate History, Mythic Fantasy, Indigenous/Mythic-Region Fantasy, Portal Fantasy, Science Fantasy, Steampunk, and Gaslamp Fantasy.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
What defines each subgenre?Why do readers love them?How can you use world-building, magic systems, and narrative scope to shape your own stories?Which element of your world is doing the most narrative heavy lifting?If you love building worlds, bending history, or stepping through portals witho...
Thankful for Genres (Clip Show #14)
Pour yourself something spiced and settle in as we revisit writing tips from this season’s genre deep dives.
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More Writing TipsThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing Break7 Literary Conflicts Explained (Clip Show #11) - Writing BreakFree Style Sheet TemplatesMusic licensed from Storyblocks.
Pick a Lane: The Key to Reaching the Right Readers
If your book is “for everyone,” it’s actually for no one. In this sharp yet encouraging episode, we tackle one of the biggest hurdles for new authors: not wanting to be boxed in by genre.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Identify your book’s genre and emotional promise.Avoid the “genre blender” mistake that confuses readers.Use genre conventions as creative and marketing tools.Communicate your book’s identity in one professional sentence.Decide when and how to blend genres.More Writing TipsThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing BreakFree Style Sheet Templates
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Memoir & Creative Nonfiction: Truth as Narrative
Your life is a story, but not every moment needs to be shared. In this episode of Writing Break, we’re exploring memoir and creative nonfiction, the genres where truth becomes art. Learn how to shape your real experiences into stories that captivate readers, how to handle the tricky business of writing about other people, and how to balance honesty with craft.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
The top 3 memoir pitfallsThe difference between memoir and creative nonfictionHow to identify the theme or central question behind your life storyThe role of voice, reflection, and scene in turning experien...Writing Literary Fiction: Finding Truth in Everyday Life
In this episode, we’ll unravel what “literary fiction” actually means, what readers expect when they open a literary novel, and how you, as a writer, can approach it without falling into the trap of pretension. We'll also look at how to build your portfolio, no matter what genre you're writing.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Why every sentence mattersBalancing introspection with forward momentum in your writingThe difference and similarities between literary fiction and genre fiction Giving short stories and contest entries new lifeMore Writing TipsWeekly Writing Contests - Reedsy Prompts» Calls for SubmissionsThe Submission G...
Writing Horror: Fear, Gore, and the Monsters Within
Just in time for Halloween, this episode explores the expectations and pitfalls of writing horror and how to write fear in any genre.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Fear in any genre The core of horrorTension as the backboneThemes and monsters Horror subgenres Global horrorPitfalls to avoidNext week, we’ll leave the monsters behind and step into Literary Fiction, the genre that insists on finding truth in everyday life.
More Writing TipsWriting Thrillers and Suspense: Raising the Stakes - Writing BreakThese 7 Components Will Set the Perfect Pace for Your Story - Writing BreakThe...Writing Gothic Fiction: Where Beauty Meets Terror
Gothic fiction is where beauty meets terror. In this episode, we explore how to write Gothic stories that grip readers with atmosphere, ambiguity, and desire:
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Setting as characterThe uncanny and the supernaturalRomance entwined with ruinGothic subgenres and global traditionsPitfalls to avoidMore Writing TipsThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing Break
Music licensed from Storyblocks.
Writing Historical Fiction: Living in Another Time
Good historical fiction makes the past feel as alive as the present. In this episode, we explore how to write immersive, character-driven stories that honor history without feeling like a textbook.
First, we talk about the importance of writing contests.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Research as foundation, story as focusCharacters as people, not historical mannequinsBalancing authenticity with modern readabilityPitfalls to avoid, from info-dumps to anachronismsMore Writing TipsBig List of Writing Contests - NewPages.comThe Best Free Literary Contests - Winning WritersThe Ultimate List of Writing Contests in 2025 • Win Cash Prizes!Submittable Discove...
Writing Science Fiction: The “One Big Leap” and Beyond
Science fiction bends natural laws with speculation grounded in possibility. In this episode, we explore the foundations of sci-fi storytelling. Plus: publishing news on new imprints, prize controversies, AI audiobooks, and why indie presses are thriving.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
The “one big lie” principle.Science as a lens to ask bigger questions.Balancing ideas with compelling characters.Avoiding common pitfalls.A tour of sci-fi’s many subgenres.More Writing TipsWhy Creators Are Scrambling to Own Their Own AudienceBloomberg - AI-narrated books gaining tractionGiller Prize Announces 2025 Longlist Amid Ongoing Financial UncertaintyPolari Prize organisers cancel book prize...
Writing Fantasy: Building Worlds That Breathe
This week, we journey into the realm of fantasy and uncover how to build worlds that feel alive without overwhelming your readers with exposition. Tune in for writing advice, publishing insights, and a well-deserved writing break.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Roddy Doyle’s blunt remarks about weak submissions, fonts, and page countsThe role of rules when world-building The common pitfalls of fantasy writingWhat takes center-stage when writing fantasyMore Writing TipsBooker prize chairman laments poor quality of entriesFree Style Sheet Templates
Music licensed from Storyblocks.
Writing Romance and 9 Lessons from a Debut Author
In this episode, we’ll explore the chemistry, conflict, and tropes that make romance irresistible, plus hear nine hard-won lessons from debut author Esther Walker. Even if you’re not writing romance, these insights will make you a stronger storyteller and a more resilient writer.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
The default response from agents and publishersBalancing chemistry and conflictGiving old tropes a fresh spinMore Writing TipsThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing BreakHow I published a novel — the 9 things I learnt the hard wayFree Style Sheet Templates
Music licensed from Storyblocks.
Writing Thrillers and Suspense: Raising the Stakes
What makes a thriller thrilling? In this episode of Writing Break, we discuss pacing, stakes, suspense, and more. We also look at what, if anything, BookTok can do for you.
Spread a little love by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing Writing Break with a fellow writer who loves a good thrill.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
The key differences between suspense and thrillersHow to raise stakes that truly matterThe secret to pacing that keeps readers hooked without burning them outPitfalls to avoid when writing thrillersThriller and suspense subgenresMore Writing TipsBlack British Book...
Writing Mystery: Planting Clues That Keep Readers Guessing
Season 8 of Writing Break sets sail with mystery and detective fiction. From archetypal sleuths to red herrings and fair-play clues, learn how to craft puzzles that keep readers guessing. Plus, the latest publishing news, including a $1.5 billion AI copyright settlement and turmoil at the Library of Congress.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Why it matters to revisit genre basics in an AI-dominated landscapeWhat readers and publishers expect from mystery and detective fictionClassic detective archetypes: from loners to gentleman sleuths to amateur nosy neighborsThe art of fair-play clues, hidden details, and red herringsHow to reverse-engineer your crimeDelivering the b...The Complete Guide to Querying Literary Agents (Clip Show #13)
In this bonus episode, we’re wrapping up Season 7 with a stitched-together master episode featuring all five segments from our Querying Literary Agent series.
Whether you're just starting your submission journey or navigating the silence after sending your pitch, this complete guide has you covered.
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Part 1: Big Five Dreams or Indie Vibes?Part 2: Where the Lit Agents Are and How to Find YoursPart 3: Writing Your Query LetterPart 4: What Happens After You Hit SendBonus: What to Do While You WaitThis episode is your one-stop-shop for understanding the querying process from be...
What to Do While Waiting to Hear Back from Agents
Querying literary agents and not hearing back can feel like shouting into the void. In this episode, recorded mid-recovery from a concussion (yes, really), we’re turning that creative purgatory into purposeful progress. If you’ve sent out queries and find yourself obsessively refreshing your inbox, this is your antidote.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Overanalyzing the querying blues and becoming better writers for it
Reclaiming control during the waiting game
Reviving your creative energy
Reading like a writer
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Querying Literary Agents, Part 4: What Happens After You Hit Send
In the final installment of our four-part series on querying literary agents, we break down what to expect when a literary agent replies to your email. From form rejections and useful feedback to the coveted request for more materials, today’s episode is all about helping you navigate agent responses.
Plus, in publishing news:
A $44 million scam targeting writers has resulted in federal chargesFan fiction hits the bestseller lists with Dramione-inspired debutsA bestselling memoir-turned-film faces accusations of fraud and fabrication🛋️
Overthinking Couch Topics:
The 3 types of literary agent responsesHow to recognize a perso...Querying Literary Agents, Part 3: Writing Your Query Letter
In today’s episode of Writing Break, we’re dog-sitting, dodging deadlines, and diving deep into the dreaded query letter.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
The classic 3-part structure of a fiction query letterWhat makes a strong nonfiction pitch A breakdown of the 7 essential parts of a book proposalThe 5 most common query mistakes🎧 Catch up on the series:
Part 1: Should You Query a Literary Agent?Part 2: How to Research Literary AgentsMore Writing TipsQuerying Literary Agents, Part 2: Where the Lit Agents Are and How to Find Yours - Writing BreakQuerying Literary Agents, Part 1: Big...
Querying Literary Agents, Part 2: Where the Lit Agents Are and How to Find Yours
Today we’re (finally!) continuing our four-part series on querying literary agents. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, querying without doing your homework is like picking a random person off a dock and asking them to captain your boat across the ocean. In this episode, I'm sharing how to research literary agents and find the ones most likely to say yes to your book.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
Tools and databases to help you find agentsHow to vet an agent’s interests, history, and red flagsAn analog method for agent discovery that still hold upWhy being sel...Querying Literary Agents, Part 1: Big Five Dreams or Indie Vibes?
Welcome to the first installment of a four-part series on querying literary agents. In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of publishing with a Big Five publisher versus an independent press. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, traditionally publishing or submitting directly to publishers, this episode will help you clarify your publishing goals.
Plus: A roundup of the latest publishing news, including the growing backlash against tech giants using books to train AI.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
The Big Five publishers: what they offer and what you give up.Independent presses: creat...You Like Writing Tips? We Got Writing Tips (Clip Show #12)
It’s time for a heavy dose of writing wisdom, clipped and curated from recent episodes. Whether you’re plotting, editing, procrastinating or just looking for a creative nudge, this episode’s packed with the good stuff: smart takes, helpful reminders, and maybe a little tough love.
Featuring:
First-draft and second-draft writing adviceActionable writing tips from bestselling authorsThe reality of traditional publishingPlus more gems you might’ve forgotten (or ignored)More Writing TipsFree Style Sheet Templates
Music licensed from Storyblocks.
High-Concept vs. Low-Concept Stories
Is your story high-concept or low-concept? Understanding this difference can help you refine your pitch, strengthen your storytelling, and position your book effectively in the publishing industry.
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Overthinking Couch Topics:
What makes a story high-concept What defines a low-concept story How to tell which one you’re writing and why it matters Examples from books and films to illustrate both conceptsAs always, I’ll share the latest publishing industry news, including trends, controversies, and shifts that could impact authors.
More Writing Tips7 Literary Conflicts Explained (Clip Show #11) - Writing BreakNew Jersey St...Navigating the Shifting Publishing Landscape
The publishing world is shifting fast, and as writers, we need to keep up. In this episode, I dive into some of the biggest changes happening in the industry right now, from how AI is reshaping publishing to restrictions that could impact book accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, understanding these changes will help you navigate publishing smarter.
I also share a piece of writing advice I give to authors that I’m now following myself as I write my first book-length work.
More Writing TipsEight Independent Publishers Form Cooperative to Share...The Reality of Traditional Publishing, a Cautionary Tale
We all dream of making it big with our writing, but what happens when that dream doesn’t unfold the way you expect? We’ll talk about how that dream didn’t quite come true for one author. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry and for the latest publishing news.
More Writing TipsThe debate over blurbs in publishing, explained | Vox‘It’s quite galling’: children’s authors frustrated by rise in celebrity-penned titles | Children and teenagers | The GuardianNew RomanceCosy KinkThe acquisition of Text Publishing by Penguin Random House is part of a worrying trend in Australian...Inspiration vs. Perspiration: Writing, Scams, and Creative Freedom
In this episode, we bring you the latest publishing news along with a discussion on finding a balance between inspiration and hard work. I'll let you know where to access tax tips for authors and where to view sessions that took place during the Winter 2024 Book & Author Festival. I also tell you about a literary agent scam preying on authors. Plus, we discuss a significant legal victory protecting creative freedom and highlight resources for creators impacted by the Los Angeles fires.
In the second half, we explore the concept of the muse—what it means to create sp...
