The Merry Writer Podcast

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Whether you write in multiple genres, different mediums, or post your work in various places: how do you retain your readers? This week, we discuss how you can potentially keep your readers reading no matter what you write. But the answer isn't as simple as you'd hope. In this episode, we cover: What retaining your readers means Figuring out your focus and ideal audience Researc...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Join us in welcoming a new guest to the show: author Danielle Harrington! Danielle is a fantasy author who writes The Wells of Power series. Book one, Keyholder, is available now. This week, we learn the ins and outs her writing. In this episode, we cover: Danielle's work-life balance How she got into writing fantasy Advice for writing plot twists and more! As always, thanks for...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Sometimes we take a break from writing and it's not intentional. Other times, it is. Regardless of why you took a break or for how long that break was, it can be difficult getting back to writing after a hiatus. This week, we discuss how to jump back into writing without burning yourself out right away. In this episode, we cover: What a writing hiatus is Rachel's tips Ari's tips...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode we are discussing what things we were willing and happy to spend money on to help our writing life!  In this episode, we cover: Editor Scrivener Courses Cover artist As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? We’re open to Author Inte...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES We all know what writing prompts are, but what about writing exercises? If you want to improve your craft, writing exercises are a great way to do so. This week, we discuss what writing exercises are and the differences between them and prompts. In this episode, we cover: Writing exercises vs. writing prompts Examples of writing exercises Why they're important As always, thanks...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Please help us welcome another author to the show, Adina Chiles! Adina is a YA Fantasy author who’s a creator and collector of fictional worlds. Her book, Secrets of a Rose, is the first title in the Royal Blood series, and is available now. In this episode, we cover: Adina's work in the YA fantasy genre How she got her literary agent Her writing routine and more! As always, tha...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's 2026, which means everything is online. It's important to promote your book on and offline, but one great way to get many eyes on your book is to run a virtual book blog tour. How does one do that? Well, that's what we're discussing this week. In this episode, we cover: What a book blog tour is What set up entails (and how long) Finding participants and working with them As...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writing can be a lonely business and there's a lot to learn when you want to become a published author. Having connections to people who understand what it's like and building communities can be really useful. So today we are talking about networking and how to do it (according to us!) :) In this episode, we cover: What is networking (according to us) Why networking can be impor...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES A few episodes ago, we touched upon book launch roadmaps. It was then we realized that we had never discussed a roadmap on the show before, so here we are. Just what is a book launch roadmap and what does it entail? This week, we discuss how to use a roadmap to streamline your self-publishing journey. In this episode, we cover: What a book launch roadmap is Why it's important Ho...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, we’re getting to know author Jill Haymaker. Jill is a contemporary western romance author with several short stories published. She writes the Montana Pines series, which currently has eight books available now. In this episode, we cover: Jill's writing inspiration Marketing tactics Her self-publishing journey and more! As always, thanks for listening. Please let us k...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES A crucial part of prepping your book for publication to ensuring it prints correctly and looks great without any errors. To check that, you need to order an author proof. This week, we discuss how to give your author proof a thorough look over to make sure it's 110% ready for publication. In this episode, we cover: What an author proof is Draft2Digital vs IngramSpark vs Amazon K...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES EDIT: Apologies for the technical issues. During the recording our connection became unstable and both myself and Rachel ended up out of Zoom for brief periods   Yes, we are back with another editing episode. For those new to writing, the editing process can be quite overwhelming, so we discuss some things that can help you get started and what to consider when editing your firs...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Unfortunately, we need to promote our books when we write them. In a digital world, social media is the way to go. But how can you take enticing book photos for your social channels? That's what we discuss this week. In this episode, we cover: Equipment and lighting to use Props you can use Editing your photos As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES We are discussing characters and how to develop them a little deeper. In this episode, we cover: Go beyond the basic archetype Beginning, middle and end Use conflict Don't forget side characters As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? We’re open to A...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, we’re getting to know Sam Weiss. Sam is a sci-fi horror author who’s been published for over ten years, drawing inspiration from 80s horror films and 90s sci-fi films. Her latest release, In the House of Root and Rot, is available now. In this episode, we cover: Sam's writing inspiration Weird book research Her self-publishing journey and more! As always, thanks for l...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES We are back with another editing episode. Today, we are discussing when to hire a professional editor. In this episode, we cover: What you need to have done Who needs to see it first Getting over perfectionism and more As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WANT TO BE A GUEST ON T...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Universal links are an excellent way to tell people where you are and what you do with one click of a button. But not as many people seem to use them often, so we decide to discuss it this week. In this episode, we cover: What universal links are What to include in your universal link How you can make universal links As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoug...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Today, we are all about the ISBNs - covering lots of things from pricing to expiry dates.   In this episode, we cover: What is it? Where to get them How many are needed Do they expire Costs Barcodes Resources Nielsen ISBN Store Bowker ISBN ISBN International Kindlepreneur (for free barcodes) Draft2Digital As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the c...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Please help us welcome our first guest of 2026, Jenna Moreci! Jenna is a dark fantasy romance author who also runs a successful YouTube channel. The first installment of her dark fantasy romance series, The Savior’s Champion, was voted one of the best books of all time by Book Depository. The latest installment, book three titled The Savior’s Army, is available for pre-order. In...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you struggle with knowing when to "finish" your writing? Are you stuck in a loop of never-ending edits? Don't worry, you're not alone - we've been there too. In this episode, we cover: Getting outside help Acknowledging procrastination Setting deadlines and more As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow,...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Reviews are precious to an author, but how can you get them? Most casual readers don't leave reviews so you'll have to seek them out. One way to do that is to reach out to book bloggers. This week, we discuss how to pitch your book to them. In this episode, we cover: What to do before pitching your book Sending your pitching After you send the pitch As always, thanks for listeni...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Just how many edit passes do you give your manuscript before sending it off to a professional editor? This is what we are discussing in today's episode! In this episode, we cover: Ari’s editing process Rachel’s editing process Our thoughts As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WA...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, we discuss some of our favorite writing craft books that help us get through our writing. We touch upon mystery, fantasy, and writing in general, plus the career side of it. In this episode, we cover: Why writing craft books are useful Rachel's recs Ari's recs Books mentioned: Howdunit Book of Poisons: A Guide for Writers by Serita Stevens & Anne Bannon Howdunit F...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES You've finished your story, edited it to within an inch of its life, and now it's time to let a professional take a look! So just what do you need to consider when choosing an editor?  In this episode, we cover: Qualifications Contracts AI clause Cost and lots more Bonus We created a bonus for our Ko-fi Members on where you can find an editor.  As always, thanks for listening. P...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES An author newsletter, or email list, is important to have for writers to connect with their readers and have a unique platform to promote their books. However, there's many pros and cons to having a list, and is it even still relevant in 2026? In this episode, we cover: What an author newsletter is and its purpose Factors and stats to think about before starting an email list Co...