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Episodes
Writers Mary and Melissa talk about how to make writing a little less stressful.
Episodes
Thursday Jul 25, 2019
Thursday Jul 25, 2019
Today Mary and Melissa continue their segment featuring Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling. Way back in 2012 Director and Pixar storyboard artist Emma Coats tweeted out 22 tips for storytelling, and since then they have gone viral and become an essential part of the writer's canon. Each week, we do a deep dive of one of the tips, tricks, and tools shared and discuss how we use them in our writing practice.
This week, #7: "Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front."
Resources:
Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling
Hit us up on the socials, and let us know what you think! @writingeasypodcast on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
If you enjoyed the episode, give us a review. It helps other new and established writers find us.
Thursday Jul 18, 2019
Thursday Jul 18, 2019
Today Mary and Melissa start a new segment featuring Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling. Way back in 2012 Director and Pixar storyboard artist Emma Coats tweeted out 22 tips for storytelling, and since then they have gone viral and become an essential part of the writer's canon. Each week, we will do a deep dive of one of the tips, tricks, and tools shared and discuss how we use them in our writing practice.
First up, #11: "Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, a perfect idea, you'll never share it with anyone."
Resources:
Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling
Hit us up on the socials, and let us know what you think! @writingeasypodcast on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
If you enjoyed the episode, give us a review. It helps other new and established writers find us.
Friday Jul 12, 2019
Friday Jul 12, 2019
Mary and Melissa are hitting the road and talking about cons (aka writing conventions). Find out where we are headed this summer, what cons are our favorites, and the pros and cons (pun intended) of going big or staying home. How do you find a con? What do you do to prepare? We’ve got tips to help writers at all stages of their career.
Plus this week’s quote reminds us how powerful an evocative description can be in your writing.
Resources: Here are a few of the genre based cons mentioned.
- San Diego Comic-Con – TV, Film, Media, Books, Comics, etc.
- Romance Writers of America Annual Conference – Moves annually, all Romance Genres, includes an awards ceremony
- Nebulas (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Annual Conference) Moves every two years. (Science Fiction, includes awards ceremony)
- In Your Write Mind – Hosted by Seton Hill’s Writing Popular Fiction Alumni (All Genres)
- Murder and Mayhem – Mystery and Crime Writers conference in Chicago each year.
Don’t forget to like us, rate us, and share us.
Follow us on all the socials:
@writingeasypodcast on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Friday Jul 05, 2019
Friday Jul 05, 2019
Today we revisit our GOOOOAAAAALLLS conversation six months into the year. Often we obsess over hitting our goals and rarely pause to consider if we should still pursue those goals we set six months, one year, or even three years ago. In this episode, Melissa shares her challenge of letting go of a goal mid-year. And Mary talks about why she sets short-term weekly goals instead of yearly goals to satisfy her ADHD brain. Lastly, how do you avoid being flighty by changing your goals all the time?
RESOURCES (inspiration & wisdom on assessing your goals)
Who is Meg LaFauve, and why do we keep talking about her?
Neil Gaiman's advice for creatives
Socials!
Like us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @writingeasypodcast.
Hit us up with a rating and review to help others discover the podcast!
Thursday Jun 27, 2019
Thursday Jun 27, 2019
This week Mary and Melissa explore the concept of writer's critiques and debate their usefulness. We'll explore the standard way of giving feedback, discuss why it's not always so helpful, and brainstorm how we can make it better (one writer's group at a time). But first, a fun "Cold-Open". We give you a taste of our behind-the-scenes action.
Thursday Jun 20, 2019
Thursday Jun 20, 2019
Thursday Jun 06, 2019
Thursday Jun 06, 2019
This week, Mary and Melissa get advice from Oprah. Then we dive into the topic of spending money.
Writers often struggle with investing in themselves because writing is inherently a low-cost activity. At its core, all you need is a pen and paper. Maybe a computer and an internet connection.
Because you can do a lot with just the essentials --and because it can take years for most writers to make a profit--we often feel guilty about spending money on our writing. This week, Melissa's giving you permission to spend money--with a few guidelines. After all, you've got to spend money to make money.
Resources
Scrivener
Thursday May 30, 2019
Thursday May 30, 2019
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Working on a difficult script with a very heavy subject matter.
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How do you dig deep enough to tell an authentic story about the tragedy/trauma without pulling yourself into a depression?
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One on One: Meg LeFauve - advice for young filmmakers (and writers)
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Bird by Bird: Some Advice About Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Thursday May 23, 2019
Thursday May 23, 2019
In Episode 8 we talked about when it's a good time to start a new project. Now we talk about how to get going.
"The most important thing in writing is to have written; I can fix a bad page. I can't fix a blank one." -Nora Roberts
- Pantsing vs. Plotting (vs. Plotzing)
- Pressure test your outline
- Test drive your characters
- Sour cream and maple syrup?
References:
Turns out the Chuck Wendig blog post was a Tweet:
https://twitter.com/ChuckWendig/status/601823878193745921
But you should read Terrible Minds, his blog, regardless. Here's a great example:
http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2018/09/12/trust-in-the-process/
The Ezra Klein Show: I build a world with fantasy master N.K. Jemisin
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/the-ezra-klein-show/e/55964162
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Don't forget to rate and review in iTunes!
Thursday May 16, 2019
Thursday May 16, 2019
Melissa shares some things she's learned about how to sell yourself when you're an introvert.
Quote of the Week:
"You begin by always expecting good things to happen." Tom Hopkins
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/tom_hopkins_183077
Other stuff:
- How not to get $300,000 6:10
- Observing people in the wild 9:16
- Have a genuine interest 12:00
- Social Media isn't always the devil 14:30
- Pitching isn't so bad 18:20
- Wonder Woman! 23:50
- Generals in LA 24:00
- Build your Story 26:00
References
How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
(This book is a classic and really tells you everything you need on this topic)
Carole Kirschner - https://www.carolekirschner.com
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