Best Reader Essentials Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 180 - The critical distance between the reader and the action. 27:02

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4d ago27:02

27:02

The reader is like a camera as the scene unfolds. Where should that camera be? How far away from the characters and the action? Here are thoughts on authorial distance, about the benefits of placing the camera--the reader--near or far. Plus, how Charlotte Bronte worked. Support the showBy James Thayer

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In Defense of Info Dumps: Worldbuilding Done Right 18:09

6d ago18:09

18:09

Info-dumps don’t kill stories. Bad info-dumps do. In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito discusses the concept of info dumping in writing, particularly in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. She emphasizes the importance of world building and how to effectively incorporate large chunks of information into a narrative without losing reader eng…

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Episode 179 - The critical writing techniques all in one episode. 27:15

11d ago27:15

27:15

Here are the most important fiction writing techniques boiled down to twenty-five minutes. I've talked about all these elements in prior episodes but sometimes it's useful to hear things again. This episode is a refresher. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Four Fantastic Secrets to Cozy Storytelling in Scifi & Fantasy Books (from the Fantastic Four) 35:21

14d ago35:21

35:21

Superheroes… but make it cozy. In this episode of Author Culture, I explore the Fantastic Four as a surprising model for cozy storytelling. Inside: * How world-building makes or breaks cozy vibes * Why “flat arcs” still keep readers hooked * Why coziness is about style as much as setting * Reader perception is everything If you’re writing cozy sci-…

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Episode 178 - How to make readers laugh. 27:34

19d ago27:34

27:34

We may be writing a comic novel or we may want to add humor to our thriller or romance or horror or literary novel. Humor adds a strong element to most any story. Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas: “Funny how? I mean, funny like I'm a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh?" Well, yeah. Let's see how we can make readers laugh. Support the show…

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It's Time to Finish Your Book 32:44

21d ago32:44

32:44

Writing doesn’t have to be a grind! In this episode of Author Culture, I sit down with E.J. Kitchens—author of fantasy, fairytale, and steampunk adventure with romance—to talk about her journey from reluctant writer to joyful storyteller. Elizabeth shares: * How to make writing fun again (yes, even during deadlines) * The “three Rs” every writer ne…

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Bonus Episode: Rat Kings and Emotional Support Eggs with Sabrina Imbler 1:02:46

21d ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Today's treat: an episode from our secret feed vault. If you'd like to get in on these monthly extra episodes, subscribe as a Friend or a Friend-of-a-Friend. Our guest this time is Sabrina Imbler! After catching up on Sabs' latest project—a series of interviews with federal workers fired by the Trump administration—Rachelle and Sabs partake in a ba…

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Episode 177 - The description double duty technique. 27:37

26d ago27:37

27:37

Good descriptions of characters should do double duty: they can let the reader know what the character looks like and the description can also suggest something about the character's personality. Here are examples and thoughts on double duty descriptions. Also, how Alice Walker works. Support the show…

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Episode 176 - Inventing a fabulous title. 24:47

1M ago24:47

24:47

The title is the book browser's first impression of our novel. The title should tempt the browser to pick up and open the book. Here are thoughts on how we can give our story a strong, enticing title. Also, how do famous authors edit their own manuscripts? Maybe we can learn from them the best way to self-edit our stories. Support the show…

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The Hard, Joyful Truth About Book Sales 16:15

1M ago16:15

16:15

Let’s just face that dragon head-on: one is obligated to buy our books. Not our friends. Not our families. Not random internet strangers. Not even that one person who “said they would.” And while that truth can sting a little… it can also set us free. Because now the question isn’t “How do I convince people to care?”It’s “How can I have the most fu…

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Episode 175 - Writing funny dialogue. 25:48

1M ago25:48

25:48

We can write dialogue that makes readers laugh. Here are thoughts on creating funny conversations between our characters. Plus, we don't need to have our character look into a mirror to describe herself, which has been done time and again. Here are ways to avoid the mirror. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Wizards, Starships & Magic Levels: 5 World Building Decisions That Connect With Readers 15:10

1M ago15:10

15:10

World building isn’t just about the fun, nerdy stuff (though I’m always here for that). It can also be strategic—the part where your dragons, space stations, or magic moose help you actually reach your readers. 🎙️In this Author Culture episode, I’m digging into five key world building areas where your passions and world building excitement can help…

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Episode 174 - How to ruin our story's first sentences. 25:36

2M ago25:36

25:36

A story's first sentence should make the reader ask, "What's next?" They should propel the reader into the story. Here's how to do it right and how to do it wrongly. Also, three master writers show us how to describe a setting. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Fun Can be Profound (and Just Fun) - What the Superman Movie Nails About Storytelling 20:08

2M ago20:08

20:08

In this epic Author Culture episode, Janeen sits down with her husband Stephen Ippolito (superhero super-nerd and cinematic sidekick) to tackle the newest Superman movie—and they’re both psyched and impressed by how much they liked it. In this fun, nerdy breakdown, they dig into: * A Superman portrayal that doesn’t feel flat or forced * Why the dog…

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Bonus Episode: A Beautiful Gossip Ouroboros 56:30

2M ago56:30

56:30

Surprise! In today's bonus episode, Alex Sujong Laughlin and Patrick Redford join Rachelle for some delectable morsels of gossip and not one but TWO big announcements! Try Hard premieres July 28th! Subscribe here or wherever you get your podcasts. Look out for Only If You Get Caught this fall! Get your tickets for the Normal Gossip Live tour here! …

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Episode 173 - The magic of dialogue. 23:56

2M ago23:56

23:56

Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read. Our story should have lots of it. Here's a powerful thing dialogue can do: it can reveal (that is, to show rather than tell) what a character is thinking. The character's conversation can be lively and fun, and hearing the character speak is so much stronger than reading the character's mind. Here are thoug…

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Surviving the Chaos - 5 Essentials for Conference Sanity 17:42

2M ago17:42

17:42

Writers’ conferences are amazing... and also A LOT. 😅Sensory overload, tight schedules, nonstop networking—it’s a full-on experience, especially if you're neurodivergent or prone to overwhelm. In this episode of Author Culture, I share my personal strategies for staying grounded, connected, and fully present at conferences—without melting down. Whe…

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Episode 172 - Our first fifteen pages. 25:53

2M ago25:53

25:53

The first pages of our novel should contain certain elements and avoid certain elements. Here's a list of things to include and exclude in those first pages. Plus, ways to write forceful, clear, and lovely sentences. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Low-Risk, Rule-Breaking Marketing with Special Guest J.J. Johnson 1:21:15

2M ago1:21:15

1:21:15

Don’t be afraid to rebel—just do it wisely. Too often, writers stick to the “safe” path when it comes to marketing—social posts, newsletter swaps, maybe a hopeful BookTok attempt, and then wonder why no one’s noticing. The truth? In an overcrowded market, sometimes you need to step a little outside the lines to get seen. This livestream of the Auth…

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Episode 171 - Top ten list of bad advice for writers. 29:09

2M ago29:09

29:09

In these episodes I try to set out good writing advice but a lot of bad advice is out there, so here is a list of bad advice, and the list may help us avoid writing blunders. Here are also ten dialogue mistakes, and avoiding them likely means we end up with engaging and even riveting dialogue for our characters. Support the show…

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New Release, Realm Makers Expo, and Book Haul 27:13

2M ago27:13

27:13

This one’s personal: what I’m reading, what I’m writing, and how I’m navigating the creative chaos. In this episode, I share a peek inside my current author life—including how community, covers, and conferences are playing a big part in my process right now. You’ll hear: -My upcoming release – The Veracin Blade (aka, “the book that just. WOUDN’T. E…

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Episode 170 - Writing the crowd scene. And guilt and pride. 28:09

2M ago28:09

28:09

Here are techniques for keeping focus in a scene where there is a crowd, with an example from Harper Lee. And how Margaret Mitchell worked. Plus: how can we show rather than tell about a character's guilt or pride. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Their Success Isn’t Your Failure 12:57

3M ago12:57

12:57

You are not behind. You are not too late. You are not a failure because another author just hit 100K in sales. 🎙️ In this episode of Author Culture, I get raw about mindset, marketing, and the hard-but-true fact that your worth isn’t measured by someone else’s metrics. Takeaways * A healthy mindset is key to effective book marketing. * Jealousy and…

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Episode 169 - How to find a surefire plot. 25:03

3M ago25:03

25:03

Stephen King says there is no idea dump we can visit to find a good plot. We have to create our own plots. How can we do so? Here's a discussion on creating plots. Also, if Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition can learn to write, so can we. And the critical technique of using the active sentence form. Support the show…

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Is the Book Really Better Than the Movie? 11:22

3M ago11:22

11:22

In this episode, Janeen Ippolito explores the ongoing debate of book versus movie adaptations, discussing the challenges and successes of translating beloved stories to the big screen. She reflects on various adaptations, including the recent live-action version of 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and considers the perspectives of authors regarding crea…

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Honeydew Farms with Shea Couleé 56:56

3M ago56:56

56:56

It is the season 8 FINALE and we've got the iconic Shea Couleé here with us for a tale of love and ambition amongst polyamorous bee farmers. Watch Shea in IRONHEART on June 24th and follow her on Instagram here. Get your tickets for the Normal Gossip Live tour here! Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelse…

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Episode 168 - Making our first sentence sparkle. 27:17

3M ago27:17

27:17

Does our story's first sentence cause the reader to ask, "What's next?" Or does the reader say, "So what?" Here are thoughts on creating a tense, sparkling first sentence. Also, how the masters use specific, definite, and concrete details to convince the reader. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Amplify Your Writing with Action, Humor, & Mental Health 1:19:15

3M ago1:19:15

1:19:15

Need help writing stories that are as emotionally deep as they are action-packed? In this episode, Janeen and A.C. Williams explore how to bring humor, mental health, and character growth into the heat of sci-fi and fantasy plots. They offer practical tips for authors who want to write with more heart, without losing momentum or reader engagement. …

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Heartbreak Glitch Loop with Brandy Jensen 1:09:53

3M ago1:09:53

1:09:53

Our editor Brandy Jensen joins us for a good old fashioned neighborly feud. Read Brandy's essay, which she wrote for the Yale Review, called the Polycrisis here. Get your tickets for the Normal Gossip Live tour here! Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets! You can …

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Episode 167 - Revealing our character by the setting. 26:48

3M ago26:48

26:48

Our setting descriptions should do more than describe a place. They can also show the reader much about our character. Here's how to do so. Also: what's the main thing our plot needs: trouble. Here's why. And how Edna Ferber worked. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Standalone or Series: Which is Better for You? 22:29

3M ago22:29

22:29

In this episode, I discuss the decision-making process for authors considering whether to write a standalone book or a series. Rather than just giving you hard and fast answers, I offer three key questions that you can answer to figure out your next best step. These questions emphasize the importance of understanding one's creative process, genre e…

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Demented Little Tango with Vinson Cunningham 45:58

3M ago45:58

45:58

Vinson Cunningham accompanies us to a fancy private school where the parents tend to get a little too involved in the yearly fundraiser. Follow Vinson on Instagram here. Get your tickets for the Normal Gossip Live tour here! Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets! …

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Episode 166- Showing our character's thoughts. 24:30

3M ago24:30

24:30

Two mistakes can ruin our presentation of what our character is thinking: telling rather than showing, and interior monologue. Here are ways to present thoughts in a way that grabs the reader. Also, how Octavia Butler worked. And examples of wonderful character descriptions from masterful writers. Support the show…

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Secrets to Writing Sci-fi Fairytale Retellings with J.M. Hackman 42:37

3M ago42:37

42:37

In this engaging conversation, Janeen Ippolito and J.M. Hackman explore the resurgence of fairy tale retellings, particularly in the context of science fiction. They discuss the blending of genres, the challenges and rewards of writing, and the importance of character development. Hackman shares her journey as an author, her transition from portal …

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A United Nations of Red Flags with Sam Sanders 49:47

3M ago49:47

49:47

Sam Sanders returns for some gossip about a case of "accidental" love-bombing in a hostel. Follow Sam on Instagram here and check out The Sam Sanders Show for more hot takes on entertainment and culture. We recommend you start here. Get your tickets for the Normal Gossip Live tour here! Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era,…

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Episode 165 - The rule of exceptions. 28:41

4M ago28:41

28:41

Sometimes the strongest writing technique isn't the strongest in our story. Every writing rule has exceptions, and here's a discussion on when to make exceptions. Also, how to create a strong title for our novel and short story. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Can Scifi & Fantasy Be Too Serious? 16:31

4M ago16:31

16:31

In this conversation, I explore the themes of seriousness versus silliness in science fiction and fantasy, using the TV show Andor as a focal point. I discuss how the show's gritty realism contrasts with traditional world-building elements, questioning the critique biases that favor serious, “realistic” narratives over creative ones. The conversati…

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Devilish Horde of Pestilence with Nadira Goffe 1:00:50

4M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

Nadira Goffe comes with us to a shared rental house simmering with tension over roaches, cats, and a very special stew. Follow Nadira on Instagram here. Get your tickets for the Normal Gossip Live tour here! Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets! You can support N…

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Episode 164 - Design our cover? And the masters on setting details. 28:36

4M ago28:36

28:36

We are learning fiction techniques, and we are or soon will be skilled fiction writers. Does this mean we should design our own book covers? Also, Michael Chabon's terrific sense of smell. And the use of details in the haunted house. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Which Book Cover Sold Best? 26:58

4M ago26:58

26:58

In this episode, I get real about book cover designs and when it's time to make a change. While your first book cover might feel like an important statement about your work, the truth is: you're not married to it! Over time, things change. Your brand may evolve, the market shifts, and sometimes, what worked at first no longer resonates with your au…

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LARP Camp with Rebecca Jennings 48:51

4M ago48:51

48:51

Rebecca Jennings accompanies us to LARP Camp for a tale of dice, ghosts, and forbidden love. Pre-order Rebecca's book Be The Bombshell: What Love Island Teaches Us About Dating here and follow her on Instagram here. Get your tickets for the Normal Gossip Live tour here! Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and K…

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Episode 163 - The benefits of an underdog. 25:36

4M ago25:36

25:36

Having readers fall in love with our character is so important, and making our hero an underdog is a good way to do it. Here are thoughts on underdog characters. Also, I'll read a few character descriptions from master story-tellers that may make us stronger writers. Support the showBy James Thayer

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Jumpstart a Successful Editing Business (or Side Hustle) 38:50

4M ago38:50

38:50

In this conversation, special guest Sue A. Fairchild and I discuss the essential aspects of starting and running a successful editing business. We explore the importance of understanding one's purpose in editing, the necessary investments in education and time, and the critical questions aspiring editors should ask themselves. The discussion also c…

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The Most Ominous Bird with Alanna Bennett 42:47

4M ago42:47

42:47

Alanna Bennett joins us to explore what happens to you—physically and metaphysically—when you get into a fight with a magician. Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets! You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend…

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Episode 162 - The state fair plotting technique. 27:19

4M ago27:19

27:19

Our story should be like a state fair: one thing after another. Here are some ideas on state fair plotting. Plus: settings shouldn't be inert locations in our novel or short story but rather should work for our story. Here's how to get the most from our settings. Also: my experiment with AI proofreading. Support the show…

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3 Steps to Stand Out in Anthologies & Multi-Author Series 17:07

4M ago17:07

17:07

In this conversation, I discuss the challenges and strategies for authors navigating collaborative writing projects, such as anthologies and multi-author series. I emphasize the importance of maintaining a unique voice while adhering to project parameters and goals. The discussion includes practical tips for authors to set their own objectives, und…

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Reverse Heist with Jonquilyn Hill 47:49

4M ago47:49

47:49

Jonquilyn Hill hates pranks, which made her the perfect guest for today's tale of a townhouse torn apart by a prank gone wrong. Follow Jonquilyn on Instagram here and check out Jonquilyn's podcast Explain It to Me here. Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets! You c…

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Episode 161 - Ways to give readers what they want. 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

Readers want five things in a story, three of which are right in the beginning. Here's a discussion of how to deliver those five things. Plus, a character's thoughts are the least interesting aspect of a story. How can we show what a character is thinking without entering her mind? Support the showBy James Thayer

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Write Heart-Stomping, Brain-Bending Dystopian with author Laura L. Zimmerman 1:12:26

5M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

Join Laura L. Zimmerman and me in this livestream as we explore the intricate world of dystopian fiction, discuss the themes and elements that define the genre, and shamelessly discuss all things Hunger Games. We discuss what draws readers to dystopian fiction, how allegories are key to creating memorable stories, and the need for compelling second…

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Sluts for Paperwork with Yowei Shaw 54:53

5M ago54:53

54:53

Yowei Shaw joins us on [BLEEP] Island for a tale of volunteer firefighters, fancy snacks, and rampant nepotism. Follow Yowei on Instagram here and check out Yowei's podcast Proxy here. Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets! You can support Normal Gossip directly b…