Storystruck

In this episode, we're joined by Tammie Vecchiarelli, a spiritual mentor, intuitive, and author of Learning Who You Are: A Guide to the Clairsenses and Learning Who You Are: A Guide to the Chakras. Tammie opens up about her journey of writing these works and how reconnecting with your intuition can transform not just your personal life, but your creative one too. We explore the intuitive writing p...

What really makes a character tick? In this episode, Rachel and Neno put their psychology hats on and dig into the messy, fascinating world of character psychology including how past experiences, trauma (big-T and little-t) and belief systems shape what our characters do and why. From Katniss Everdeen’s PTSD triggers to cozy mystery sleuths coping with heartbreak, they explore how to make fictiona...

Daniel David Wallace shares his insights on writing, focusing on the importance of character development and the 'Character First' writing method. We discuss how understanding character psychology can enhance storytelling and the significance of creating relatable characters. The conversation also explores the challenges of plotting, the role of conflict in character development, and the importanc...

Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer shares her experiences and insights on how dictation can enhance your writing process, taking advantage of pockets of time to write your first draft (without being at your desk), overcoming challenges of getting started, and the health benefits of dictation. The discussion also covers the accessibility of dictation tools, the concept of the Five-Minute Fiction Club, and the...

Trisha J. Woldridge, a "pangenre chaos word witch" who shares her journey through the realms of horror and dark fantasy. She discusses her unique approach to storytelling, the emotional depth of horror, and the significance of processing trauma through literature. Trisha also delves into the concept of quiet horror, emphasizing its focus on grief and existential dread. She shares insights from her...

In this episode, we chat about the challenges of overthinking while planning our projects and writing our books. We explore how fear and self-doubt contribute to analysis paralysis and discuss various strategies to overcome these obstacles, including the use of spiritual tools, tapping into both sides of the brain at once, and the importance of play in the creative process. Ultimately, this episod...

In this episode, Troy Lambert shares his extensive journey as a writer, discussing the challenges and realities of being a full-time author. He emphasizes the importance of short stories as a tool for both practice and income, and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers on overcoming writer's block and finding markets for their work. The discussion highlights the significance of community amon...

In this episode of the Storystruck Podcast, Rachel and Neno talk to Haley Nantais to discuss the intricacies of ghostwriting and self-publishing. They explore the importance of personal stories in writing, the self-publishing process, and debunk common myths surrounding self-publishing. The conversation also delves into effective marketing strategies for self-published authors, the significance of...

In this episode of Storystruck, Deborah Morton discusses her journey into writing and editing, focusing on the importance of structural editing in storytelling. She explains the differences between structural and developmental editing, introduces the concept of the skeleton blurb, and outlines key scenes that shape a narrative. Deborah emphasizes the significance of having a strong story goal and...

In this episode, we dive into the world of romance, cultural representation, and spice levels with Krysta Pae, author of "Master of Fine Hearts." Krysta shares her journey from a young writer to a published author, emphasizing the importance of Hawaiian representation in her work. We explore the themes of love, identity, and cultural connection as Krysta discusses her inspiration and the challenge...

Rachel and Neno dive into the pervasive issue of writer's imposter syndrome, exploring its roots, effects, and strategies for overcoming it. They discuss the inherent vulnerability of writing, the importance of self-worth and trust, and how perfectionism can hinder creativity. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive writing community and introduces tapping techniques as a method to m...

In this episode of StoryStruck, Meredith Evridge, a creative writing coach, discusses their journey and the importance of clear communication in writing. They emphasize the role of a writing coach in bridging the gap between writers and their audiences, helping clients navigate their writer's ego, and providing feedback that fosters growth. The conversation explores the significance of finding the...

Tigger warning for discussions of veteran suicide and trauma in this episode. In this conversation, Allison Perry Sower shares her journey as a military family member, trauma therapist, and nonprofit founder. She discusses the impact of her brother's military service on her life, her experiences working with veterans, and the challenges of writing a memoir about her personal and professional journ...

In this conversation, Melquea, a children's book illustrator, shares her journey into the world of illustration, emphasizing the importance of diversity and representation in children's literature. She discusses her creative process, the significance of art in society, and the collaboration between authors and illustrators. Melquea highlights how her work aims to reflect the experiences of black a...

In this conversation, Rachel and Neno explore the use of tarot as a tool for storytelling and writing. They share their personal journeys with tarot, discuss the significance of the major and minor arcana, and delve into various methods of interpreting tarot cards for plot development. The discussion emphasizes the fluidity of using tarot in writing, the importance of selecting the right deck, and...

This episode features an engaging discussion with Melissa Olthoff about her newly released book, *Rise from Ruin*. We delve into the profound importance of friendship within the writing community, revealing how these connections foster creativity and support among writers. As we explore Melissa's journey into writing, she shares her experiences and the pivotal role her friends played in her develo...

In this conversation, Rachel Clair and Neno explore the impact of story in nonfiction books. They discuss how stories evoke emotions, create connections, and enhance learning experiences. The discussion highlights the psychological reasons for integrating stories into nonfiction writing, the transformative power of memoirs, and the ripple effect that impactful storytelling can have on readers' liv...

We are delighted to welcome Marisa Wolf to the Storystruck podcast, a prolific author who has written twelve novels and thirty-five short stories, including collaborations with both emerging and established science fiction authors. We delve into navigating the writing process, particularly the challenge of embracing the imperfect first draft. Then we dive into the joy of collaboration and the vita...

In this conversation, Denise Madre, an editor and sensitivity reader, discusses the intricacies of writing, editing, and the importance of sensitivity in storytelling. She emphasizes the need for writers to understand their characters deeply, especially when writing outside their own experiences. The discussion covers the role of sensitivity readers, the challenges of writing characters of color,...

Join us as we dissect the psychological dimensions of storytelling exploring the profound impact of fiction on individuals and society. We discuss how stories can serve as a means of escape, inspiration, and emotional processing. Plus we'll dive into the psychology behind storytelling, the evolution of narratives, and the importance of character development, particularly in understanding complex v...

 The episode features an engaging conversation with author Kacey Ezell, who unveils her new book, 'Magelight'. Kacey, a seasoned writer with numerous military science fiction titles to her credit, shares her journey into the fantasy genre, reflecting on how her childhood imagination fueled her passion for storytelling. The hosts, Rachel and Nino, lead Kacey through an exploration of her creative...

Writing Rituals That Actually Work (And Why Yours Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect) Struggling to make writing a habit that actually sticks? You’re not alone. In this episode of Storystruck, Rachel and Neno get real about writing rituals—what works, what doesn’t, and why it’s okay to throw out all the “rules.” From blackout poetry and fantasy playlists to grounding meditations and editing at the coffee...