The Writing Pool Podcast

Okay, I'm a little tipsy on this episode, but I wanted to post because last week I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged about my novel, but with some time and attention I am back on track with my work-in-progress. I'm also packing up to move out for a few days while my home gets fumigated for termites, thus the wine. What are you working on? Do you find the process like a roller-coaster, too? ...

Halt! All was going swimmingly with my new novel until I realized it's not "there" yet. So, now my self-imposed deadline that was solely an illusion, is now REALLY an illusion. Can you relate? In this shorty-short episode, I talk honestly about the messy middle. www.melissaclarkwrites.com Give me a follow on Insta @thewritingpool Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com...

In this episode, I walk you through my experience of the book I'm currently writing. I love hearing about other people's processes, and I thought maybe you would, too. This new book was born as soon as I found an old yearbook from the school I attended for a semester in Montreal. Follow me on Instagram @thewritingpool  - may post a pic of my 13-year-old self from said yearbook. Interested in coach...

Episode 40! Woop-Woop! In this episode, I talk about the intangible benefits of writing... we all know the tangible ones, so let's focus on the less-spoken of ones. Essentially, writing is good for you personally and professionally. Give me a follow on insta @thewritingpool. You can find out more about private and group coaching. The April-June Accelerator group coaching program is enrolling now....

In episode 39, I talk about SO MANY THINGS, including the NEW Writing Accelerator, launching in April, my sister's missing dog, my missing dog, hail, snow, rain, momentum and consistency in your writing practice, and the like... At 8-minutes, this is one of my longer episodes! Please consider rating and reviewing this podcast in your podcast app, and sharing with your writerly or wannabe-writely f...

In this episode, I talk about ways to make the act of writing a more social experience. You don't have to go at it alone!  Enjoying the pod? Please consider rating and reviewing in your podcast app. I thank you very much. Please go to my Instagram, @thewritingpool to see pictures of the missing dog, and if you're in the L.A. area (Santa Monica/W. L.A.) please keep your eyes peeled for her. I thank...

The term "heavy lifting" is everywhere these days. In this episode, I talk about why writing never has to be a "heavy lift". It's all about your thoughts. Also, fun fact, I allegedly attended a school in Montreal the same year Kamala Harris attended the same school.  If you're enjoying this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing it on your podcast app. And follow me at Insta @thewritingpool...

Last chance to join the 3-Month Writing Accelerator, online starting 2/12/23 10am Pacific Time.  Join in the fun and get it done! Today, I'm talking about the concept of buffering. This is what you do when you don't do what you should be doing. Say what?  How do you buffer? How will you stop? In this episode, I discuss it all. Give me a follow on Insta @thewritingpool   Get full access to Melissa’...

Welcome to episode 35 of The Writing Pool Podcast! P-lease pardon the sound quality on this one! Not sure what happened or why, but it was too late to rerecord! Today's episode is all about archetypes. I hope it gives you food for thought when creating your characters. Last few weeks to signup for the 3-Month Writing Accelerator now starting Sunday, Feb. 12th. Go to www.melissaclarkwrites.com and...

Someone recently asked me what the most memorable editing/coaching project was that I worked on. In this episode, I answer that question!  Link to the project:  https://www.amazon.com/Screw-Cancer-Becoming-Molly-Kochan/dp/0578743086/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5TLNX9U4SGQF&keywords=Screw+Cancer+book&qid=1674511481&sprefix=screw+cancer+book%2Caps%2C297&sr=8-1 Podcast mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/po...

Ghosting is all the rage, but please don't do it to yourself! Your idea was born for a reason so at least TRY to see it through. In this episode, we talk about reasons your brain gives you to give up, and why you shouldn't listen! For more information on the group coaching program starting Feb. 4th, 2023 please go here: https://melissaclarkwrites.com/coaching-2/ Follow me on instagram @thewritingp...

It's Wednesday again! Hello! Are you looking for a teacher or a coach? In this episode, I talk about the differences between the two, and how both apply to my writing coaching programs.  Follow me on insta @thewritingpool, or find me online at: www.melissaclarkwrites.com   Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

It's 2023! Do you know your audacious goals yet? In this episode, I encourage you to dream BIG. Help your mind stretch and grow so it can reach the goals you plant. Happy listening, and Happy New Year. Connect with me on insta @thewritingpool Group and private coaching available, just ask! www.melissaclarkwrites.com Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I discuss structure, using the movie "The Hangover" as an example. Not exactly a holiday movie, I watched it recently and was struck by its structural cleverness!  Enjoying this podcast? Please consider rating and reviewing it in your podcast app. I thank you! Interested in writing coaching? Reach out! I have private and group coaching programs available. www.melissaclarkwrites.com...

In which I sing a little ditty from Devo, and discuss the ever-annoying feeling of decision fatigue, and ways to overcome it - not necessarily in that order. Come join my 3-month Writing Accelerator Program. (Feb-April) Together, over Zoom, we'll get your words to where they need to be - ON THE PAGE. Start 2023 with a commitment to yourself. More information and to sign up: www.melissaclarkwrites....

Happy Wednesday! In today's episode I talk about the concept of the Hammer Halo, and how to make it work FOR you instead of AGAINST you. Give me a follow on Insta @thewritingpool Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

If you're writing, you MUST be reading. In this episode, I discuss the how's and why's of consuming more books, and why I consider myself an "EOR".   Find me on Instagram @thewritingpool Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Season 2 of The Writing Pool Podcast! Ideas are wonderful, but it is not enough just to have an idea. Seeing your project to fruition takes grit and determination and draft after draft after draft... and if that's not exhausting enough, then there's trying to SELL it. In this episode, I discuss it all and explain why you owe it to yourself and society to see your idea through! If you ar...

In the Season One closer, I talk about the joy of accruing a body of work.  The Writing Pool Podcast will be on hiatus until late November while I accrue more podcast episodes! Coaching is currently closed, but please reach out if you are interested in one-on-one writing coaching, and I'll put you on a waitlist. I'll have 1 spot opening in mid-Oct., and 2 spots in November. The author mentioned in...

Writing for audio is different than writing for other mediums. In this episode, I talk about the specific skills required to write for audio, and walk you through an exercise to practice those skills. Like what you're hearing? Please rate and review this podcast on your app. I can be reached on Instagram @thewritingpool, and through my website: www.melissaclarkwrites.com Get full access to Melissa...

The flow state, or "the zone", is an enviable one. In this episode, I share ways in which you can prepare yourself to access this state, where words flow and time ceases. Your writing will thank you. Find me on Instagram @thewritingpool Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

It's easy to feel jaded when working on a writing project. In this episode, I talk about the Buddhist concept of "Beginner's Mind," and ways to inhabit it while going forward with your work. Follow The Writing Pool on Instagram: @thewritingpool Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

Today on the pod, we talk endings: circular, elliptical, and imagistic. Give them a try! Connect on Instagram: @thewritingpool, or through my website: www.melissaclarkwrites.com I offer free, 20-minute calls to see if coaching is a good fit for you and your project. Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

What is voice? And how do you find yours? Today on the pod, I talk about the connection between acting and voice, and give you permission to study others' to find your own. Like what you're hearing? Please rate and review on your podcast app. It helps other people find the show. Want to talk about coaching? Get in touch at www.melissaclarkwrites.com Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewrit...

Where to start? Beginnings are crucial to any writing project, but you won't really know your beginning until you write to your end. In this episode, I read various beginnings/first lines of iconic works and discuss what they establish for the rest of the story. Need help beginning your writing project? Reach out for a free, 20-minute call. I help writers start and finish their creative projects....