The Way You Write

Emily Reuschel joins this episode to talk about how to take imperfect, unglamorous action to build momentum towards your goals, and how to make space for big dreams even in a small town. Emily Reuschel is a speaker, facilitator, and mentor to women who are done performing and who are ready to become. Through her immersive retreats, deep-rooted masterminds, private mentorship, and the Wild & Wa...

Maria Bowler joins this episode to discuss her book Making Time and explore how reframing our relationship with time, productivity, and creative work—from output-focused to aliveness-focused—fundamentally changes how we create and live. Maria Bowler is an author, creative coach, and retreat leader. She holds a masters in religion and the arts from Yale University, is a former magazine editor, and...

Eliza Day joins this episode to unpack visibility and entitlement wounds and how to move through fear and shame to create and relate more honestly. Eliza Day is a writer, speaker, and intuitive coach who works with people at the edge of change, helping them move through fear, shame, and internal conflict so they can create and relate more honestly. She leads group programs and private sessions cen...

Kimberly Lauren joins this episode to discuss developing characters and setting in a way that allows readers to connect with both deeply. We discuss cohesion, connecting with the senses, and how no writing you do is ever wasted. Kimberly grew up in a blended family of 15 kids, so she turned to writing to get a word in. She graduated from Lesley University with a master’s degree in fiction and runs...

In this episode, guest Alina Wells joins to discuss what it means to advocate for yourself and your writing. We cover knowing what you want from your career, protecting your creative voice, and trusting your intuition to help you set boundaries. Alina Wells is a dark fantasy author and the founder of Writing It Wells, a platform dedicated to helping writers craft emotionally powerful stories while...

In this episode, author and editor Jennia D'Lima shares her expert advice on how to make the most of in-person writing events and conferences. We discuss strategies for preparing before the event, engaging during the event, and following up afterwards. Jennia also provides practical tips on setting up an appealing table display, connecting with other attendees, and measuring success beyond jus...

Writing is not just a product that we create. It is a tool for transformation—an alchemical process of self-discovery and healing. Jaime Fleres joins this episode to share her journey with writing—from using it as a lifeline in her early years to ultimately helping others use it as a tool for healing and self-discovery. She shares tools from narrative therapy, somatic work, and nonviolent communic...

Hélène Caniac joins this episode to discuss how to set up sustainable systems of support and capacity that will serve you throughout your life. She challenges listeners to lean into pleasure, communicate needs in co-creation, and act from a space of devotion—not discipline. Find more Hélène here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/helenecanhelp/ Website: www.helenecanhelp.com Podcast: What the Hélène?!

Editor Brittany Ortega joins this episode to discuss common struggles and misconceptions in the romance genre. She shares insights for writers on timing moments of intimacy, orchestrating tension and release, and her passionate defense of the third act breakup. Get in touch with Brittany here: www.eaediting.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/eandaediting/

What do you do when a character does something completely unexpected, or that entirely derails the plot? In this quick solo episode, we reframe how to think about this experience to allow for more exploration and less frustration. Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamerrillediting/

Author Tracy Badua joins this episode to discuss the importance of diverse representation, how to raise the stakes (even in kidlit), and some of the joys and challenges of writing for young readers. Connect with Tracy here: https://www.instagram.com/tracybaduawrites/ See her books here: https://tracybadua.com/books/

What does it take to actually get an agent? Sabrina Nilsson joins this episode to share insights on how to persist in the querying process, have patience, and adjust when necessary. Follow Sabrina here: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinanilssonauthor/

Writer's block...the mysterious ailment that descends out of the blue and keeps writers from getting words on the page. In this episode, Cynthia shares 3 things that actually might be happening when writers experience "writer's block." When we can properly identify the source of the stuck experience, we can more effectively create solutions that get us out of it. Take the Authent...

This episode is for the writer who has reached burnout and doesn't know how to reconnect with their writing again. We dive into what causes burnout, how to recover, and how to set up a sustainable writing practice moving forward.

In this solo episode, Cynthia shares some personal thoughts about what it means to truly belong. Sometimes we believe that we will never find a space where we feel like we can be who we are without pretending AND be celebrated for it. This episode announces two new spaces for writers that will help them experience exactly that. Join the waitlist: https://offers.cynthiamerrillediting.com/the-collec...

6x bestselling author Pia Edberg joins this conversation about how to embody bestseller energy, trust the creative flow, and find coziness within creative winters. Take the Authentic Writer Archetype Assessment here: https://www.cynthiamerrillediting.com/assessment Connect with Pia Edberg here: IG: instagram.com/pia.edberg Website: dreambookacademy.com

In a world that pushes algorithms and trends, we can forget that being a creative isn't always about creating. Sometimes we need space to just be. When we slow down and build a foundation for the mind, body, and soul, we reclaim our creativity and our own authentic journey. To learn more about Mikaela: IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikaela.thesoulfairy/

In this episode, we dig into clarifying the vision you have for writing and publishing, releasing perfectionism, and how to keep your creative center steady when outside opinions (or harsh reviews) threaten to shake your confidence. Guest Amy Vogel joins in this conversation about courage, honesty, and remembering who you are why you write in the first place. Connect with Amy: https://www.amywvoge...

The Way You Write is all about ditching one-size-fits-all writing advice and doing what works for you. This episode goes into Cynthia's background in linguistics and how she was trained to observe language rather than judge it. Explore what it means to be "fluent" in a language, and what happens when we step away from evaluating whether our writing is "good" or "bad.&q...

If you've never worked with a writing coach or editor before, this episode gives you signs to look for that show you might benefit from it. IG: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamerrillediting/

In this episode, Cynthia breaks down the plot of Disney's Mulan using the Save the Cat plot structure. She shows how the themes are planted and developed expertly, leading in an emotionally rewarding and satisfying experience. Contact Cynthia: IG: @cynthiamerrillediting ( https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamerrillediting/ ) Email: cynthia@cynthiamerrillediting.com Website: cynthiamerrillediting....

What if having more fun with your writing wasn’t just a nice bonus, but actually a strategy that unlocks your best ideas? In this episode, I talk with coach Kari Esmail about how writers can bring more connection, play, and creativity into their writing practice. We explore the importance of connection with others, how to hold both grief and joy, and how you can start making fun an intentional hab...

When you think of plotting, do you picture pages of outlines and meticulous notes? For some writers, that structure feels reassuring—but for others, it can be stifling. In this episode, my guest Charlie March and I invite you to rethink what plotting can look like. From building a story through character, emotion, or theme to trusting your instincts when traditional methods fall flat, you’ll disco...

You've put the hard work into writing and editing your book, but now what? If you plan to self-publish, there are many decisions to make when getting your book out into the world. From design, to production, to marketing, there's a lot to think about. In this episode, I chat with graphic designer Ashton M. Smith about how indie authors can navigate each stage with confidence and make sure they put...

Writing isn't just about capturing words on the page—it's about who you're becoming in the process. In this episode with guest Rachel Warmath, we discuss how writing invites us to grow and step into the next version of ourselves. We’ll talk about creating safe, soft spaces for yourself as a writer, trusting the mystery of the process, and allowing writing to change you—not only as a storyteller, b...