The Merry Writer Podcast

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you cracked the code to streamline your writing process? How about your author business? Or simply writing that first draft? This week, we discuss the Gantt Chart as a project management tool for you to use to help keep your novel writing on track. In this episode, we cover: What the Gantt Chart is and why you should try it How to use the Gantt Chart for writing How to make...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Let's get a little spicy! This week, we are sharing thoughts on adding spice to a story. In this episode, we cover: Consider your audience The Spice Chart What spice brings A little thought about healthy spice 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?...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writer's block is something all us writers are familiar with. Some days are easier than others, but for really rough days, Cory Rowe joins us on the podcast with tips and tricks to get over that hurdle. In this episode, we cover: What writer's block is Causes and symptoms of writer's block Types of writer's block Exercises you can do to get over your writer's block As always, th...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Some days, everything is annoying so we can fall back to the comfort and joy of books. But, even books can be annoying. So we present to you some of our pet peeves about books. Let's see if you agree with any of these! In this episode, we cover: Numbers and series Front matter Within the pages As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments belo...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES No matter how many years you've been writing, there's always something new to learn. However, we can easily get wrapped up in the feeling that we "know it all." This week, we discuss things seasoned writers can learn (or be reminded of) from newer writers. In this episode, we cover: Ignorance can be bliss Eagerness to learn Fearlessness Confidence  As always, thanks for listenin...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Can a deconstructed story help your own writing? In today's episode, we discuss how and why you might want to deconstruct stories. What we cover: What does deconstructing mean? Why deconstructing can help How you can deconstruct a story or movie What deconstruction isnt As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.   WANT TO...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Whether you outline or plan your books or not, mind mapping is an excellent way to keep track of happenings within your novel and your writing process. This week, we share some ways you can utilize mind mapping to stay organized. In this episode, we cover: What mind mapping is How you can create mind maps Ways to use mind mapping for your stories Ways to use mind mapping for you...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you suffer from anxiety? Worried about how it might impact your writing career and not sure how to make headway? Then check out today's podcast where we are joined by our guest author Sam Weiss, who shares her thoughts and insights into dealing with anxiety as a writer. In this episode, we cover: Possible anxiety triggers for writers How anxiety can affect your writing career...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES If you're listening to this podcast, then you're probably an avid reader. But how do you typically keep track of the books you've read and your TBR pile? This week, we discuss various places you can do so. In this episode, we cover: Online platforms Keeping track by hand What we do Creating your own tracker As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever received a Positive Read of your manuscript? Not sure why you might want one, check out today's episode where we get into that. In this episode, we cover: What is a Positive Read Why would you might want one Things to consider when giving a Positive Read As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. WANT TO BE A...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Character development isn't always easy. That's why we deep dive into various ways writers can get to know their characters on another level outside their novels. In this episode, we cover: Writing them outside their main story Putting yourself in their shoes Interviewing your characters Writing their origin story Related: Episode 216 - What Should You Include In Character Profi...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES There are many uses for writing, it doesn't always have to be about writing novels. Today, we are joined by author Frances Altman who discusses some different ways you can use writing. In this episode, we cover: Writing as therapy Writing as a hobby Writing as a career As always, thanks for listening to The Merry Writer Podcast, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. ABO...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES The writing doesn’t end after the first draft! Before you send your manuscript to beta readers and editors, take some time to self-edit your work. This week, we discuss tips to self-editing to be productive and also make it fun. In this episode, we cover: Keeping a checklist and questions to answer Reading through your manuscript out loud Change the font style, size, or color Re...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week we are all about beta reading! Are you considering being a beta? Want to make the experience good for you and the author? Then check out this episode! In this episode, we cover: Questions to ask before agreeing Be aware of timeframe Formats What the Author may want As always, thanks for listening to The Merry Writer Podcast, and let us know your thoughts in the comment...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Regardless of whether you're a planner or pantser, do you keep track of your characters? Do you create character profiles? They're fun to make, but time consuming and it can be difficult to decide what info to include in them. This week, we discuss what to add to character profiles for you (and your readers) to know. In this episode, we cover: Which characters may or may not nee...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever written short-form stories? If you haven't then this episode might just be for you! As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.   WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? Want to be a guest on The Merry Writer Podcast? If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page . Once you've read eve...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you tried your hand at writing middle grade but struggled making the characters come to life? Don't worry; Serena Labrecque joins us this week to discuss writing middle grade characters well. In this episode, we cover: The popularity of middle grade Structuring a middle grade novel Researching for a younger audience Representation in characters As always, thanks for listeni...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES So, just how long does it take to write a book? You know the answer, we know the answer - but give this episode a listen anyway, to find out why we picked it. :) As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.   WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page . If y...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Last week, we talked about stretching your word count, but what if you go over your word count? It’s not always easy to cut words and certain scenes. This week, we discuss various ways you can make your manuscript shorter. In this episode, we cover: Knowing what readers need to know Avoiding repetition Using stronger vocabulary Watching for filler words As always, thanks for lis...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Are you an underwriter? Do you often struggle to get your word count up? Then you might enjoy this episode where we discuss what you can do to boost those word counts! As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.   WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? Want to be a guest on The Merry Writer Podcast? If you would like to be conside...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writing for children is an art form all on its own. While it has the same pieces as any novel, children’s books are unique and serves a different purpose for its age group. This week, Darlene Foster joins us to discuss why writing for children is so important. In this episode, we cover: Typical themes in children’s books How to make these stories age appropriate How to make char...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you suffer from perfection? Is it hard to let your manuscript see the light of day because it's not yet "perfect?" Are you striving to be the best beyond all measure? Well, stop it!  In today's episode, we are talking about that insidious condition known as Perfectionism and ways we have been dealing with it and things you can try. What we cover: Done is better than perfect I...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES If you're a writer, then you probably have a website, right? Right? And if you have a website, then you might also have a blog. A blog is a great way to keep your website looking active and updated. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss content writers can share on their blog. In this episode, we cover: Types of blog posts Niche(s) Consistency As always, thanks for listening, and le...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES In this week's episode, we (try) to discuss the difference between cliches and tropes. I say try, because apparently it was a crazy day for both of us, so if you made it through to the end, good on yer! As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.   WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? Want to be a guest on The Merry Writer Podca...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES One big decision all writers face is the matter of publishing: traditional or self? It's not an easy choice, which is why Ari and Rachel are joined on the podcast this week by Wendy Simpson who discusses what the traditional publishing industry is really like. In this episode, we cover: The main benefits of traditional publishing Benefits of having an agent What control the auth...