The Act Break

Our hosts exchanged reading assignments and discuss their thoughts on the chosen works.  (Contains Spoilers for The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin and Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.)  Transcript for this episode. Find us! Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast Twitter: @theactbreak_ Ko-Fi: theactbreakpodcast Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

Characterization is a cornerstone of a good story. This week, author Kim Chance returns to talk about ways to build out realistic and compelling characters.  Transcript for this episode. Find Kim Chance! Website: kimchance.com Instagram: @kimwritesbooks TikTok: @kimwritesbooks Find us! Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast Twitter: @theactbreak_ Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

Who doesn't love a trusty sidekick, a reluctant adventure companion, or the quick-witted comic relief? This episode is all about the backup, the supporting roles, the ones our heroes wouldn't make it without.  Transcripts for this episode. Find us! Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast Twitter: @theactbreak_ Ko-Fi: theactbreakpodcast Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

Walking the line between chasing dreams and handling the business of everyday life is a challenge everyone struggles with at one time or another. Professional life juggler, Lily Hammer, joins in to talk about ways to make the struggle a bit more manageable.  Transcript  for this episode. Find:Lily Hammer (Kate) Website: lilyhammerwriting.com Instagram: @lilyhammerwriting Twiter: @lilyham...

Pacing is an important part of story telling. In this episode, our hosts discuss what it is, what elements can affect it, and even a few practical applications they use to help evaluate their own story pacing. Transcript for this episode. Find us! Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast Twitter: @theactbreak_ Ko-Fi: theactbreakpodcast Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

From fairy tales, hard magic systems or the mystery of the mystical arts, magic often plays a large role in fantasy writing. Fellow fantasy writer Greta Valentine joins to talk about some of the ways we can use the wonder of magic in our stories.  Transcript for this episode. Find Greta Valentine: Instagram: @greta.valentine.writes Find us! Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast Twitter: @theactbrea...

D id N ot F inish. Some books we just have to put down. There are lots of reasons not to finish a book and while that might not sit well for some readers, for others it's just the sort of self-care needed. Whether it's the choices of the author, or the fickle nature of being a mood reader, Karli and Jamie discuss reasons they DNF books.   Transcript for this episode. Find us! Instagram: @thea...

Author and internet friend, A.P. Thayer, joins in to discuss success, fame, how they can be linked, what aspects are within our control, and personal philosophies of success.  Transcript for this episode.  Find A.P. Thayer:   Website: https://www.apthayer.com   Instagram: @apthayer   Twiter: @APThayer   Find us!  Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast   Twitte...

Midnight movies, underground films, cult films: What are they? How does a film become a cult classic? With their strange offbeat styles, box office bombs, and avid fan bases, Karli and Jamie have fun discussing this slice of cinema.  Transcript for this episode.  Find us!  Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast   Twitter: @theactbreak_   Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

For hosts Karli and Jamie, writing romance in relationships can feel strange, so they called in a ringer. Long time internet friend and author of Devil’s Breath, Lang Johnson joins in a chat about how she got started, the romance genre, and trope preferences.  Transcript of this Episode.  Find Lang Johnson: Instagram: @writer_langjohnson TikTok: @author_langjohnson   Find us! Ko-Fi:...

Turnabout's fair play. In this episode get to know host, Jamie Redact, as Karli get's the honest answers about Jamie's reading, writing, and where her true motivations lie. Transcript for this episode.  Find us!  Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast   Twitter: @theactbreak_   Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

Get to know host, K.C. Ash, on a whole new level as Jamie asks some tough questions about the hows and whys of her reading preferences and writing career.   Transcripts for this episode. Find us!  Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast  Twitter: @theactbreak_ Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

Unlikable characters are a part of life and a part of stories. Whether the writer means them to be that way or not, unlikable characters can be found in all stories; but maybe sometimes being unlikable can be a good thing?   Transcripts for this episode. Find us!  Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast   Twitter: @theactbreak_   Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

Returning for a second season, Karli and Jamie kick things off by talking about how they are handling their creative outlook in 2022. They also reminisce about what they expected from the "writer life" when they started and how different the expectations are now.   Transcripts for this episode.  Find us!  Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast  Twitter: @theactbreak_  Websit...

What a long strange trip it’s been! Jamie and Karli are wrapping up another year of National Novel Writing Month, as well as their first season of podcasting. From achievements unlocked to unmet expectations, they’ll look back at the ride that was the year of 2021.

With all the busyness of National Novel Writing Month and Thanksgiving, this week’s episode is a silly break from the regular. The Act Break is joined by our familiar friend A.P. Thayer and first time guest Lily Hammer, a.k.a Kate. Karli is doling out the hard questions in a rousing game of 'Would You Rather?'  

You finished your manuscript! Congratulations! You've accomplished something remarkable but the work's not over. The Act Break is joined again by author and freelance editor Kim Chance, to talk about what we have to do after the drafting phase is over. 

Critique partners and alpha readers and beta readers, oh my! This week A.P. Thayer is back and he is talking with Jamie and Karli all about the importance of getting constructive criticism, not only to toughen our skin as writers but to help make our writing better. This episode also touches on some expectations of critique partners and the differences between these assorted feedback friends.

Being a writer is not always sunshine and unicorns. The insightful and uplifting Greta Valentine joins our hosts to discuss the blood, sweat, tears, long nights and longer revisions as well as the reasons it's so important to find some enjoyment and fulfillment along the way. 

Yes, it's that time of year again and National Novel Writing Month is here. Whether participating in the infamous NaNoWriMo or just starting a new project, this episode is meant to encourage and prepare anyone setting out on that endeavor with some renewed vigor.

Target audience, subject matter and expectations, there is a lot to be said about the many differences in the categories of Young Adult and Adult books. Jamie and Karli are joined by author Kim Chance, writer of the YA duology Keeper and Seeker, to discuss expectations as a reader or writer in these genres. There might even be a little talk of that strange new breed, New Adult... 

The Name of the Wind, A Wise Man's Fear, A Slow Regard for Silent Things… those Patrick Rothfuss books we love and crave more of. In this episode, your hosts dive into the world of Pat’s creation and despite their efforts, only skim the surface of this epic fictional world.

We all have that LIST. (No, not the one of people who've wronged you.) The list of books we feel we ought to have read by now. Jamie and Karli rattle off their ShouldReads TBR (To Be Read) lists and why they’re still eager to get to them even after all this time. 

As much of the writing community prepares for a season of new projects, fresh drafting and more revisions, Karli and Jamie are joined by the ever prepared and well-organized Rylee Joss. Rylee has a plethora of resources to share and tips for planning out your stories. As writing events such as NaNoWriMo loom on the horizon, this episode is meant to fill your ear holes with ideas and help you set u...

From found family or family by choice to band of misfits or a rag tag group of ruffians, many readers love this trope. Every trope has its drawbacks though. Whether you love it or lump it, found family has grown in popularity in recent years.