Writing Break

In this business-focused episode, America’s Editor breaks down the major industry shifts that are changing how books are discovered, distributed, and monetized. You’ll learn what recent developments mean for working authors. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: How today's authors keep their audience Changes in book-selling platform access Discoverability vs Visibility The future of author rights AI trai...

In this episode of Writing Break , we take a deep dive into paranormal fiction's lasting appeal and why stories about ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural beings continue to dominate bestseller lists. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: What defines paranormal fiction and why it’s thriving How ghosts, vampires, and other creatures function as modern archetypes Using the supernatural as metaphor for...

Over the past couple of months, we’ve covered dystopia, utopia, action, adventure, magical realism, children’s literature, satire, and a whole lot of fantasy. This clip show puts some of those writing tip segments together for you as a literary aperitif before we begin Season 9, where we'll be talking about blending all of these flavors together to create your signature genre. I'm very much lookin...

In this episode of Writing Break , we explore how to use comedy as a storytelling tool without sacrificing character, plot, or emotional weight. We’ll look at different types of humor on the page, what satire is meant to critique, and why timing, voice, and intention matter more than punchlines. We’ll also cover the most common mistakes writers make when trying to be funny and how to avoid turning...

In this episode of The Writing Break , we explore dystopian and utopian fiction and discuss the latest publishing news. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Dystopian vs. utopian fiction Society as the main character Common pitfalls when writing dystopia & utopia fiction Amazon’s “Ask This Book” Kindle feature and why the Authors Guild is concerned The proposed Anthropic AI settlement and what opting...

In this episode of Writing Break , we explore the Action and Adventure genre, which is all about forward motion. If you’re writing adventure novels, action scenes, or fast-paced fiction, this episode breaks down the craft behind the thrill. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: How to write a compelling adventure How pacing, escalation, setting, and hero resilience work together How to avoid action that f...

The episode opens with a look at current publishing news affecting authors, including reading behavior shifts and trends. Then we look at the three major stages of children’s literature and why understanding developmental stages matters. Perfect for writers curious about children’s books, writers who think they already understand the category, and anyone interested in how readers develop. 🛋️ Overt...

This week on Writing Break , we’re exploring how to weave the extraordinary into the ordinary without breaking the spell of magical realism. We're also discussing Amazon's increasing censorship of authors and artists. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: How it differs from fantasy and why the magic must stay unexplained Techniques to balance realism and wonder Common pitfalls that break the spell The La...

Who are you becoming as a writer? Forget making a list of New Year's resolutions; instead, write a narrative for 2026. This bonus episode includes prompts for a creative reset to prepare you for the year ahead. More Writing Tips Free Style Sheet Templates Music licensed from Storyblocks.

This Christmas Day bonus episode explores the creative power of stubbornness and includes three reflective prompts to help you close out your year with clarity and intention. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Why writers need stubbornness How it protects your voice. How it carries books across the finish line More Writing Tips The Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing Break Free Style Sheet Templates...

In the final part of our Fantasy Subgenre Series, we explore the soft side of the genre: Cozy Fantasy, Slice-of-Life Fantasy, Eco-Fantasy, Children’s Fantasy, YA Fantasy, Comical/Satirical Fantasy, Fairy-Tale Fantasy, and Fairy-Tale Retellings. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Creating stillness and gentle magic Land-based storytelling Intensity and transformation in YA Fantasy Why some readers crave...

In Part II of our Fantasy Subgenre Series, we explore the darker and more modern branches of fantasy: Dark Fantasy, Grimdark, Urban Fantasy, Contemporary/Modern Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy, Romantasy, Progression Fantasy, LitRPG, and Gamelit. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: What defines each subgenre? Why do readers love them? How does magic, character, and structure shift across newer fantasy genre...

In Part I of this three-episode Fantasy Subgenre Series, we dive into the grand-scale branches of fantasy: Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Historical Fantasy, Alternate History, Mythic Fantasy, Indigenous/Mythic-Region Fantasy, Portal Fantasy, Science Fantasy, Steampunk, and Gaslamp Fantasy. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: What defines each subgenre? Why do readers love...

Pour yourself something spiced and settle in as we revisit writing tips from this season’s genre deep dives. 🛋️ More Writing Tips The Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing Break 7 Literary Conflicts Explained (Clip Show #11) - Writing Break Free Style Sheet Templates Music licensed from Storyblocks.

If your book is “for everyone,” it’s actually for no one. In this sharp yet encouraging episode, we tackle one of the biggest hurdles for new authors: not wanting to be boxed in by genre. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Identify your book’s genre and emotional promise. Avoid the “genre blender” mistake that confuses readers. Use genre conventions as creative and marketing tools. Communicate your boo...

Your life is a story, but not every moment needs to be shared.  In this episode of Writing Break , we’re exploring memoir and creative nonfiction, the genres where truth becomes art. Learn how to shape your real experiences into stories that captivate readers, how to handle the tricky business of writing about other people, and how to balance honesty with craft. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:...

In this episode, we’ll unravel what “literary fiction” actually means, what readers expect when they open a literary novel, and how you, as a writer, can approach it without falling into the trap of pretension. We'll also look at how to build your portfolio, no matter what genre you're writing. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Why every sentence matters Balancing introspection with forward momentum i...

Just in time for Halloween, this episode explores the expectations and pitfalls of writing horror and how to write fear in any genre. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Fear in any genre The core of horror Tension as the backbone Themes and monsters Horror subgenres Global horror Pitfalls to avoid Next week, we’ll leave the monsters behind and step into Literary Fiction, the genre that insists on findi...

Gothic fiction is where beauty meets terror. In this episode, we explore how to write Gothic stories that grip readers with atmosphere, ambiguity, and desire: 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Setting as character The uncanny and the supernatural Romance entwined with ruin Gothic subgenres and global traditions Pitfalls to avoid More Writing Tips The Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing Break Music...

Good historical fiction makes the past feel as alive as the present. In this episode, we explore how to write immersive, character-driven stories that honor history without feeling like a textbook. First, we talk about the importance of writing contests. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Research as foundation, story as focus Characters as people, not historical mannequins Balancing authenticity with...

Science fiction bends natural laws with speculation grounded in possibility. In this episode, we explore the foundations of sci-fi storytelling. Plus: publishing news on new imprints, prize controversies, AI audiobooks, and why indie presses are thriving. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: The “one big lie” principle. Science as a lens to ask bigger questions. Balancing ideas with compelling characters...

This week, we journey into the realm of fantasy and uncover how to build worlds that feel alive without overwhelming your readers with exposition. Tune in for writing advice, publishing insights, and a well-deserved writing break. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Roddy Doyle’s blunt remarks about weak submissions, fonts, and page counts The role of rules when world-building The common pitfalls of fan...

In this episode, we’ll explore the chemistry, conflict, and tropes that make romance irresistible, plus hear nine hard-won lessons from debut author Esther Walker. Even if you’re not writing romance, these insights will make you a stronger storyteller and a more resilient writer. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: The default response from agents and publishers Balancing chemistry and conflict Giving o...

What makes a thriller thrilling? In this episode of Writing Break , we discuss pacing, stakes, suspense, and more. We also look at what, if anything, BookTok can do for you. Spread a little love by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing Writing Break with a fellow writer who loves a good thrill. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: The key differences between suspense and thrillers How to raise stake...

Season 8 of Writing Break sets sail with mystery and detective fiction. From archetypal sleuths to red herrings and fair-play clues, learn how to craft puzzles that keep readers guessing. Plus, the latest publishing news, including a $1.5 billion AI copyright settlement and turmoil at the Library of Congress. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Why it matters to revisit genre basics in an AI-dominated l...