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.
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Howtowrite Podcasts
Each week, co-hosts, Alida Winternheimer, author and writing coach at Word Essential, and Kathryn Arnold, emerging writer, have conversations about the craft of writing fiction. They bring diverse experiences and talents to the table from both the traditional and indie worlds. Our goal is for each episode to be a fun, lively discussion of some aspect of story craft that enlightens, as well as entertains. Sometimes we have special guests. All episodes are available in video as well. Visit www ...
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Most employees want to write a book but don’t have the time to write or don’t know where to start. This podcast will show you how to get your nonfiction book published while working a full-time job. You'll also get simple tips about launching and marketing your book.
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Do you want to learn how to write for children? The Institute of Children's Literature has taught hundreds of thousands of aspiring writers, and the director of ICL is the host of Writing for Children. Bestselling children's author Katie Davis focuses on the craft of writing for children: how to write a children’s book, how to write for children’s magazines, how to get paid, and get published. There are listener questions, with answers from the experts at the Institute, plus hard-to-find res ...
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Isabelle Taylor writes sweet, steamy fantasy Romance under Isabelle Taylor, LGBT+ Horror/Paranormal Romance under I.S. Belle, and spicy MM Romance under Chase Moorcox. She works in a bookstore in New Zealand. If your local bookstore allows dogs, PLEASE bring them in. 📕 OUT NOW! The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland: http://rachaelherron.com ❤️ Writ…
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On Using Real Pain to Bring Life to Your Work, with Daphne Fama
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30:18
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30:18In which Daphne Fama has some incredible advice on how to open a wound in your heart in order to make your book really matter. Daphne Fama was born in the American South, embedded in its tight-knit Filipino community. When she’s not writing stories about monsters and the women who love them, she’s writing about video games. And when she’s not writi…
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SWRT 329 | Staging Your Action Scenes with CC Robinson
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50:50In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn have a lively discussion with award-winning author CeCe Robinson about the art of staging action scenes in writing. Drawing from her theater background, CeCe shares insights on blocking fight scenes and how to orient readers within the physical space of a story effectively. With real…
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Take Out the Apology, with Brian Selznick
1:27:21
1:27:21
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1:27:21Brian not only writes but also illustrates his incredibly popular books—this epic interview will blow you away! Brian Selznick’s books have sold millions of copies, garnered countless awards worldwide, and have been translated into more than 35 languages. He broke open the novel form with his genre-breaking thematic trilogy, beginning with the Cald…
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In which Sacha challenges Rachael to let go of some stuff and Rachael, unsurprisingly, balks. 🏠 INK VILLAGE! Click here for the details! 🎉 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 embrac…
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Is it Intuition or Anxiety? With Elizabeth Greenwood
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36:38
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36:38How can you tell if what you’re worried about in your writing is your intuition being smart or your anxiety spiraling out of control? Don’t miss this episode to find out! Elizabeth Greenwood is the critically acclaimed author of Everyday Intuition, Love in the Time of Incarceration, and Playing Dead. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The…
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SWRT 328 | Creating Writing Rituals & Celebrations with Elizabeth Barbour
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51:37In this enlightening episode, Alida and Kathryn welcome Elizabeth Barber, a life and business coach, shamanic practitioner, and joyful ritualist, who shares her journey of transforming chaos into clarity through sacred celebrations. Elizabeth discusses her award-winning book, 'Sacred Celebrations,' and how rituals can be woven into our writing prac…
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On the Long Road to Publication, with Virginia Evans
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36:22Don’t miss this gorgeous episode in which we talk about what it takes to stay on the road to publication (and what it feels like to get there). Virginia Evans is from the northeastern United States. She attended James Madison University for her bachelor’s in English literature, as well as Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, for her master’s of phil…
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On the Benefit of Writing Retreats, with Ben C. Davies
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37:18Should you take a writing retreat? If so, how do they work? Ben and Rachael also talk about the all-consuming vortex of writing as well as battling imposter syndrome. Ben C. Davies is a Californian-based author whose debut short story collection, And So I Took Their Eye, will be published by Bridge House, July 17 2025. Originally from the UK, his s…
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SWRT 327 | Embracing The Heroine's Journey with Danielle Anderson
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1:07:54In this episode, Alida welcomes Danielle Anderson, a seasoned nonfiction book coach and editor, as we delve into the concept of the heroine's journey. Drawing from Maureen Murdoch's influential work, Danielle shares her personal experiences and insights on the internal journey women often face, contrasting it with the traditional hero's journey. Di…
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How Nat Eliason Wrote His First Fiction Book with AI Tools
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50:08A deep-dive with author Nat Eliason on writing his first novel Husk, transitioning from nonfiction to fiction, using AI for editing, and choosing self-publishing over traditional routes.
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The Avoidance Journey and How it Changed Everything for Jen Butler
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44:32You HAVE to hear this episode. How did doing just one thing change everything for Jen Butler? Listen, and be amazed, friends. And then go be amazing, too. Jen Butler is a Barnes & Noble bestselling author, dark comedy screenwriter, and one of ISA’s Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch. Her work blends absurdity, emotional truth, and big existential questi…
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On Bringing Your Characters to Life, with Emma Knight
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36:18
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36:18Emma Knight tells us how to bring character’s to life by inhabiting their bodies to make them more real, as well as how the written word can have shocking, real-world consequences! Emma Knight is an author, journalist, and entrepreneur. Her writing about books, maternal health, and more has appeared in Literary Hub, British Vogue, The Globe and Mai…
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SWRT 326 | Writing Through Chronic Illness with Beth Biss
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43:03In this episode, Alida and Kathryn explore the intersection of writing and chronic illness with author Beth Biss. Beth shares her personal journey of navigating her health challenges while pursuing her passion for writing. We discuss the themes of identity, acceptance, and empowerment in her work, and how her experiences shape her characters and st…
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A new course about how to write a book in 4 weeks (using AI to write in your own voice): https://course.writerontheside.com/ Some thoughts on what I've been doing behind the scenes to relaunch it.
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In which we talk about nervous system regulation, Rachael’s desire for ease, and Sacha’s desire to GET HER BOOK DONE! 🏠 INK VILLAGE! Click here for the details! 🎉 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 Her…
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How to Get Over the Biggest Hurdle in Writing, with Rosie Evylin
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44:37What’s the hardest part of writing? Putting on those running shoes! Join us in this delightful chat about trusting your subconscious, leaving yourself breadcrumbs and following your joy, with Rosie Evylin. A kiwi currently living in Australia, Rosie Evylin escapes from the chaos of the world by diving into a magical world of witches and romance. Sh…
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How to Find Your Truest Voice, with Greta Morgan
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38:22Rachael's been dying to share this interview with you! No one knows voice better than Greta Morgan, and today, she shares the wisdom she's learned the hard way. Greta Morgan is a musician, songwriter, and storyteller who began her career at age 16 and has since performed worldwide. She was a touring member of Vampire Weekend, accompanied Jenny Lewi…
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SWRT 325 | Is Art Enough? with Stephanie Elizondo Griest
1:28:11
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1:28:11In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk with Stephanie Elizondo Griest, author of Art Above Everything. In this perspective changing conversation, we talk all about centering your life on art. We talk about the sometimes painful journey of being an art monk, and what it means to dedicate yourself to art creation. Join…
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How to Start Your Scenes with Dialogue, with Aime Austin
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50:49Aime Austin is the author of the Casey Cort and Nicole Long legal thriller series, weaving sharp social commentary into gripping crime fiction. Born in Brooklyn, Aime graduated from Smith College and Cornell Law School before practicing family and criminal law in Cleveland, Ohio. She now splits her time between Los Angeles and Budapest, writing thr…
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168 Running 3 Newsletters on the Side - Small Bets Discussion
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2:02:05A discussion on the weekly Small Bets yap about starting and running 3 different newsletters on the side. I also discuss the launch of my new course on https://course.writerontheside.com/
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How to Know Your Dream is Worth Pursuing, with Holly Bowen
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37:22How do you know that dream of yours is worth pursuing? And when do you take yourself seriously? When is a retreat worth it? Holly Bowen is an emerging author of young adult fantasy and contemporary women’s fiction. By the Moon is Holly’s debut novel. Holly lives in the lakeside town of Taupō, New Zealand, with her partner, two young sons, and a sad…
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SWRT 324 | The Healing Power of Nature and Memoir with Jon Lurie
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1:17:43In this episode, Alida engages in a profound conversation with Jon Lurie as we explore the healing power of nature and the intricate journey of memoir writing. Jon shares insights from his two memoirs, including his epic canoe trip along the Red River with a young man named Jose, highlighting themes of personal growth, cultural identity, and the tr…
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In which Sacha makes a truly shocking announcement! Don’t miss this one! Also mentioned: https://heidimcintyre.com/coach/ 🏠 Ink Village! Check it out here: http://rachaelherron.com/inkvillage 🎉 Unstuck is now available here: https://rachaelherronbooks.com/ Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too) Writing doesn't have to …
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How to Sell Your Book Without an Agent, with Savannah Carlisle
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34:06In which Savannah and Rachael talk about selling a book without an agent, and moving from non-fiction to fiction and using podcasts as research for jobs you haven’t had (so smart!) Savannah Carlisle writes heartwarming romance novels with idyllic beach settings. Her stories transport readers to fun and quirky small towns where friends feel like fam…
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167 Selling $125K in Books on Shopify with Phil Van Treuren
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51:51An in-depth interview with author and entrepreneur Phil Van Treuren, who shares how he built a six-figure self-publishing business selling stoic philosophy books—without relying on Amazon KDP.
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Using Insomnia as a Super Power, with Elisabeth Dini
37:25
37:25
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37:25Insomnia, helpful? Elisabeth and Rachael chat about how insomnia can be something good, instead of something dreaded, as well as how overwriting can give you exactly what you need to work with! Elisabeth Dini is a lawyer and former prosecutor of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Born in Nevada, Elisabeth cu…
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SWRT 323 | What Makes Writing Objectively Good?
1:14:28
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1:14:28In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we gather a diverse panel of writers to tackle the complex question: what makes writing objectively good? Join Alida Winternheimer, Kathryn Arnold, Mark Liebenow, Daniel Kleifgen, Liz Bird, Miriam Levi, and Monic Ductan as they explore the subjective nature of writing, the challenges of judgment, and …
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There Are No Rules with Rachel May and Emily Golden
47:18
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47:18Emily Golden and Rachel May are the founders of Golden May: https://goldenmayediting.com/ Their joint love of amazing stories and mutual fascination with writing craft evolved into a book coaching business devoted to helping tenacious writers develop the unique writing craft, process, and mindset that works for them—because every writer is differen…
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How to Reframe What Writing Success Is (and When to Do It) with Nicole Graev Lipson
45:29
45:29
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45:29Nicole and Rachael talk about what success might look like on any given (changing) day, as well as how to find trust in ourselves as writers, accessing solitude, and how taking ourselves seriously is a deep kindness. NICOLE GRAEV LIPSON is the author of the memoir-in-essays Mothers and Other Fictional Characters. Her writing has been awarded a Push…
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SWRT 322 | A Writer's Responsibility to Ghosts of the Past: Historical Fiction with J.E. Weiner
1:05:47
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1:05:47In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold sit down with J.E. Weiner, the author of the captivating novel The Wretched and Undone. This Southern Gothic tale, set in the Texas Hill Country, intertwines history and supernatural elements as it explores the immigrant experience during the American Civil War. …
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