Words Are Hard

What happens when you can't believe what a character is telling you? Answer: listen to this episode. Don't forget to  sign up for my newsletter  to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Feeling tropey? Check out this episode of "Why you should watch Leverage"—I mean Words Are Hard—to find out what tropes are and how to use them without falling into the cliche trap. Don't forget to  sign up for my newsletter  to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's...

I've been sitting on this episode for 2 months, waiting for time to edit it. With Ramsay and I both starting new jobs, it's been a crazy spring! But we're back from our unexpected haitus and ready to go with more writing and editing talk, starting with a discussion on beta readers! What are they? Why do you need them? How do you find them? All answered here, just for you <3 Don't forget to sign...

We may have recorded this over a month ago, but it's still relevant! While active voice is strongly preferred in writing, there are times when passive voice is an effective tool. We'll discuss those specific uses, as well as Wisconsin winters and vintage historical fiction, in today's episode. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line ed...

If you've ever felt frustrated with your writing, don't worry. It isn't just you. These are some of the most common frustrations I hear from writers, and how to address them.  Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome...

Some big things have been going down in the world of indie publishing, but fear not! We're here to serve you the tea. In today's episode, we'll hear from Nikki of Faeblebooks, an independent bookstore in The Amana Colonies, Iowa. Tune in for news on what happened with Ingram's updates, why everyone is so upset, and what we can do about it. Follow on Threads and Instagram @faeblebooks , or check ou...

In today's episode, Ramsay and I chat with Kelly Miller with @poetsinthepines about the process of creating an anthology. You can find the anthology she worked on, Made from Midnight: a Requiem, and information about what she and the Poets in the Pines are up to at https://poetsinthepines.com/ Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line ed...

Happy Thanksgiving, two weeks late! If you've been struggling through a project and are feeling discouraged with your progress, this is the episode for you. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

If you're behind on a goal (like NaNoWriMo), here are some ways to help. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Have you ever gotten stuck in the middle of a project? In today's episode, we'll discuss 3 (plus 2) ways to get out of the murky middle. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

In today's episode, we welcome back special guest speaker Bethany Hensel to discuss writing mentors, Power Rangers, and geography. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

What do Jimi Hendrix, Wisconsin, and bears have in common? Today's theme! Join Ramsay and me as we discuss mondegreens, malapropisms, folk etymology, and how to use them in your writing. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, i...

How do you defeat writer's block? Ramsay and I discuss our favorite brain hacks and productivity tricks to get you out of your head and back into your story. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

What tools do you use to write? From writing software to gamified motivation to ambience, we've got you covered! Dabble Affiliate Link: https://www.dabblewriter.com/?via=rachael 4thewords Referral Code: NRLKG56887 Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule bui...

Looking for tips on building a writing routine? Look no further! We'll walk you through how to manage your expectations, audit your time, and set boundaries around your writing sessions. Also Ramsay suggests a new invention for nursing mothers. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, an...

Live long and celebrate collaborative storytelling! In today's episode, Ramsay and I discuss intellectual properties and copyright, the history of fandom, and why everyone should read and write fanfiction.  Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. A...

Rejection is a part of life, but it's especially a part of writing. In today's episode, we discuss a few ways to deal with rejection without wanting to burn your manuscript. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

In today's episode, we answer the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything as we discuss Narrative Techniques. Also bad Latin translations and—(not) sorry—more Tolkien. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's...

We're back for season 2! Join us as we discuss what we've been up to during our haitus, what we're going to talk about this season, and some goals for the summer. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Today's episode is brought to you by a tornado watch and Lord Byron's house guests. It also marks the start of a brief hiatus. We'll be back in about a month when Rachael's end-of-the-school-year chaos is a little more manageable. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of yo...

If you can't spell "restaurant", this is the episode for you. We'll also discuss the Icelandic language, tricks to make you a better speller, and Ramsay's use of the word of the day. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

What do Goosebumps, breakfast pizza, and Don Quixote have in common? This episode.  Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Happy National Poetry Month! Today, we're talking about all about poetic devices and Ramsay's continued obsession with Eminem. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

In today's episode: homophones, dangling modifiers, and sourdough pancakes (oh my!) Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to editor@rachaelwaldburger.com . I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

What do celebrity crushes, shredded cheese, and run-on sentences have in common? That's right: this episode! Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to editor@rachaelwaldburger.com . I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of y...