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Writers Mary and Melissa talk about how to make writing a little less stressful.
Episodes
Friday Feb 07, 2020
Friday Feb 07, 2020
This week we have a special guest, and we are so excited. Luke Elliott, fellow Seton Hill Alum, and also the co-host of the Ink to Film Podcast, brings to the show a wealth of knowledge, including insight on “Vegan” Fiction. In today’s episode, we dig deep into internal vs. external validation.
Also, join Mary on the Ink to Film Podcast, where she and Luke discuss Water for Elephants and Mary’s time as a circus clown.
Resources:
This is Why You’re Not Happy – Matthew McConaughey
Corey Mandell – Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset
All the Socials
Friday Jan 24, 2020
Friday Jan 24, 2020
Sometimes you can apply the things you learn in life to your writing practice, and sometimes you can apply the lessons you learn from your writing practice to your life!
Music: Positive and Fun by Scott Holmes
Friday Jan 17, 2020
Friday Jan 17, 2020
In this episode, we attempt to dig into a story circulating about Racism and the Romance Writers of America. We're going to talk about what happened, how the news broke, and the community backlash that was fueled by social media and message boards within the community.
This story is continually evolving. Because of that, we've included updated links in our show notes about the specifics (the formal complaints and rulings), what has transpired in the last three weeks (timeline), and some very vocal writers and publishers who made public statements against the ruling.
We also discuss why this is important to ALL WRITERS, not just those writing romance, and how to deal with the fear or discomfort of living in a world where folks may call out racism and discrimination.
Resources:
Most In-Depth Article on the RWA Crisis of 2019
https://jezebel.com/inside-the-spectacular-implosion-at-the-romance-writers-1841002358
NPR Story
Nora Roberts Statement
https://fallintothestory.com/my-pov-on-rwa/
NY Times Article
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/30/books/courtney-milan-romance-writers-america.html
Alyssa Cole Twitter Thread - which includes the original complaints and board findings that she made public and went viral on 12/24.
https://twitter.com/AlyssaColeLit/status/1209280219175100422?s=20
Friday Jan 10, 2020
Friday Jan 10, 2020
Welcome to 2020! Today on Writing Easy, Mary and Melissa discuss their writing goals for the new year.
First, we hop into the way-way back machine to look at our very first podcast and the goals that we set during that episode. How did we do? What did we learn? Listen to find out.
Then Melissa talks about the challenge of setting annual goals and why we have shifted to more flexible short-term goals with a consistent underlining vision. And Mary discusses how some of our perceived weaknesses can become an asset to your writing.
Looking for fun that silly calendar we mentioned? Check it out here: Finish Calendar by Jon Acuff.
If you enjoyed this episode, give us a review! They help other authors find the podcast. Don’t forget to follow us on all the socials - Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @writingeasypodcast.
Friday Dec 13, 2019
Friday Dec 13, 2019
Do you struggle to find the perfect gift for the writer in your life? Are you tired of people getting you socks, ties, or candles that you will never ever use? Well, today you are in luck. Mary and Melissa are channeling the holiday spirit to bring you their first-ever great gifts for writers episode. We’ve got tons of ideas to get you past the unimaginative notebook and pencils set. And if you must give a notebook, make it unique, like that waterproof notepad Mary has been eyeing.
Today’s quote was brought to you by AMY TAN, author of The Joy Luck Club, and it reminds us that our writing is also a gift.
Did you enjoy this episode, give us a review! They help other authors find the podcast. Don’t forget to follow us on all the socials - Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @writingeasypodcast
Friday Dec 06, 2019
Friday Dec 06, 2019
Welcome, Writer family! Today, we are talking about the perfect writing process. If you follow these three steps, you will be able to write a bestselling novel in 30 days or less. *But writer be warned, results are not guaranteed.
We've all fallen into the trap of believing that if we just get the right process, our writing will be both easy and perfect. In episode 32, we discussed how the idea of perfection is a false narrative. In this episode, we'll explain why finding your writing process can be an elusive dream and prevent you from doing your best work. Mary will also teach you how to golf.
If you like this episode, hit us up on the socials and leave us a rating and review! Remember, reviews help other writers discover us and help to grow our podcast family.
Saturday Nov 30, 2019
Saturday Nov 30, 2019
We're back! Happy Thanksgiving. Today we're talking about perfectionism. Are you letting the idea of perfect writing get in the way of being successful? Mary and Melissa are going to dig into the pitfalls of perfectionism and share some tips and tricks they use to circumvent their writing egos. If you're struggling with writer's block, anxiety, or fear of rejection, chances are you are letting the idea of perfect get in your way. Remember, writing is hard...
Also, Mary shares out Quote of the Week from the legendary John Cleese.
REMINDER: Don't forget to follow us on the socials and leave us a review! It's the best way to give us feedback on the show, and it helps other writers discover the podcast.
Friday Nov 15, 2019
Friday Nov 15, 2019
We’re back and today on this week’s episode of Writing Easy we are digging into an important age-old question - what does it mean to be a professional writer?
Mary and Melissa talk productivity, accountability, decorum, and how you show up in the writing community. We also get inspiration from our Quote of the Week by Agatha Christie. Join us!
Friday Nov 08, 2019
Friday Nov 08, 2019
It’s our last week focused on Pixar Rules! We made it to the end! Today we’re discussing how to write characters with strong opinions and making characters come alive. Join us as we dive into rule #6 and #13.
#6: What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?
#13: Give your characters opinions. Passive/malleable might seem likable to you as you write, but it’s poison to the audience.
Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling
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Friday Oct 25, 2019
Friday Oct 25, 2019
Another week another episode focused on Pixar Rules! We’re tackling character development and digging into ways in which we can walk in our character’s shoes. Today, we dive into rule #1, #15, and #21.
#1: You admire a character for trying more than for their successes.
#15: If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.
#21: You gotta identify with your situation/characters, can’t just write ‘cool’. What would make YOU act that way?
Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling
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