Writing Easy

88 - Analysis of a Murder Book (or four)

Today we revisit Mary's experimental deep dive with four murder mystery books to see what she learned. If you're looking to write a cozy mystery or amateur sleuth novel, this is the episode for you. 

Books studied include:

* Murder on Pleasant Avenue - Victoria Thompson

* The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley

* Careless in Red - Elizabeth George

* Murphey's Law - Rhys Bowen

 

Mystery writers, what advice do you have on writing and plotting the perfect mystery novel or series? What did we miss?

87 - Making a scene

What makes a good scene? Mary and Melissa have thoughts! From beats to chapters to sequences and more, we're going to reflect on the ins and outs of writing and editing the perfect scene. If you can master the scene, you can master anything. Sort of.

Don't forget to leave us a review or follow up on social media! We love hearing about your thoughts on the show.

* @thewritingeasypodcast 

* @geekymary

* @writewithmelis

* @thecreativestarot

86 - Tarot for Writers

Let's get witchy with Tarot! Today we are talking about how Melissa uses Tarot for her writing. We'll discuss what tarot is, how to get started, creative ways for using tarot as a tool in your writing practice. 

For more on the subject, subscribe to Melissa's YouTube channel: The Creative's Tarot and learn more ways to incorporate tarot into your writing or creative life.

Great Decks for Writers

Any Rider Waite Smith Based Deck. I prefer the Modern Witch Tarot Deck - https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Witch-Tarot-Deck/dp/1454938684 

The Spread Machine & Expansion Packs - https://fablesden.com/shop

The Archetype Cards - https://www.amazon.com/Archetype-Cards-Caroline-Myss/dp/1401901840/r

Other Resources Discussed

Biddy Tarot http://www.biddytarot.com 

Learning The Tarot by Joan Bunning (Not Mary Greer, though her resources are also great) - https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Tarot-Book-Beginners/dp/1578630487/

The Reckless Deck - a D&D Character Creator and World Building Tool - https://recklessdeck.com/

 

 

 

 

85 - Let's Get Nerdy with Dungeons & Dragons

We're back! This week we're geeking out over Dungeons & Dragons and all the ways it can help writers hone their storytelling skills. From character creation to world-building to improv, there are many ways to let your imagination run free.  We're going to talk about our favorite aspects of role-playing and where to start if you're a complete newb.

 

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.naddpod.com/ - Not Another D&D Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC8zWIx8aBQme-x1nX9iZ0A - Dimension 20

https://critrole.com/ - Critical Role

https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/adventure-zone/ Adventure Zone

https://lysapenrose.com/behold-her-podcast Behold Her Podcast

https://roll20.net/ Role20

https://www.dndbeyond.com/ D&D Beyond

84 - Research & Historical Fiction with Emily Leverett

Today we are interviewing Emily Leverett, author of the Wolf and Nun books, to learn more about her process for writing medieval fantasy and romance. The Wolf and the Nun is a series of novellas set in 12th century England and France, based on the lais of Marie de France, a nun at Shaftesbury Abbey. We're thrilled to dig into Emily's research process to learn how she takes on the challenge of writing about historical figures. You can learn more about Emily by visiting her website: https://emilylavinleverett.com/ or follow her on Twitter: @Emily_Leverett

 

Have some knowledge you want to share on the podcast? Hit us up on social media! 

•  @thewritingeasypodcast 
•  @geekymary
•  @writewithmelis
•  @thecreativestarot

83 - Deadlines

The clock is ticking...are you going to make the cut? Today we're talking about deadlines. Are they friends or are they foes? How do you manage the stress of writing deadlines?  Tune in to hear Melissa and Mary share their experience and pointers on the topic.

 

Want to learn more about our thoughts on Critique Partners and Writer's Groups? Check out Episode 14 - Positive Critiquing.

 

What are your deadline hell stories? Share your tales of triumph or defeat with us on social media.

* @thewritingeasypodcast 

* @geekymary

* @writewithmelis

* @thecreativestarot

 

82 - The Skinny on Mini-Retreats

Sometimes you just need a creative vacation. This week we're talking about how to plan a mini writing retreat without even leaving your home. It's so easy, Melissa was doing one while recording this podcast. We've got tons of ideas to get you started, but just in case you need a few more, check out the mini-retreat guide by Leonie Dawson. 

 

What is a must-have on your mini-retreat? Share your tips with us on social media.

* @thewritingeasypodcast 

* @geekymary

* @writewithmelis

 

 

81 - Take a Break! Or Don't!

Life has a way of throwing you for a loop when you least expect it. This week, Mary and Melissa discuss what to happens when you just need to take a break.  Burn out is real. It sucks. But we're here to remind you that it happens to all of us. So, how do you know if it's time to rest or if you're procrastinating and avoiding something out of fear? Let's talk.

 

How do you rest? Share your tips with us on social media.

* @thewritingeasypodcast 

* @geekymary

* @writewithmelis

 

 

80 - Practice, Practice

Practice makes perfect, and this week Mary and Melissa reflect upon ways in which you can engage in deliberate practice to improve your writing.  From writing fan fiction to timed writing sessions to mimicking the greats, we have a myriad of suggestions for you to try. 

 

How do you practice? Share your writing burpees with us on social media.

* @thewritingeasypodcast 

* @geekymary

* @writewithmelis

 

Want more content on Practice?  Check out Episode 43: Critical Reading.

 

Resource: Clockify.me - A free time-tracking app for those who want to know how your writing time breaks down.

79 - Getting to Know Your Characters

Let's make some imaginary friends. This week we're talking about getting to know your characters. Learn all about Melissa and Mary's ever-evolving approach to characterization and building strong three-dimensional characters.

Books discussed:

• Mastering the Process: From Idea to Novel by Elizabeth George

Want to continue your character Masterclass? Check out these past episodes on character development.

• Episode 22: Character Wants and Needs
• Episode 24: Character Mash
• Episode 29 Shiny Unhappy People
• Episode 51: Send Me an Enneagram

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Love this episode? Be sure to let us know by leaving a rating and review of the podcast. Share this episode with your writing friends and help more people discover the joy of Writing Easy. 

 

Don't Forget! You can find Mary on Twitter and Instagram at @geekymary. You can find Melissa @writewithmelis or @thecreativestarot.

 

We're also on youtube! Search for the Writing Easy Podcast or The Creative's Tarot to find more great content for writers.