The Merry Writer Podcast

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Motivation can be pretty elusive and if you are hoping to find some behind the fridge, we can guarantee it's not hiding there. If you struggle with feeling motivated to write, then check out today's episode. What we cover: Give yourself cues Know what comes next Think small Spark some joy Use what inspires you Get a positive read Step away from social media As always, thanks for...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES When was the last time you went to your library? If it's been a couple of months, go ahead and plan a trip there. Libraries are useful for everyone for a number of reasons, but writers can get a lot out of it. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss how writers can use their local libraries. In this episode, we cover: The library environment Events from the library Research Writing ro...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Let's throw in a quick disclaimer - we are not talking about THAT kind of pleasure - this episode topic is NOT about reading erotica. So get your mind out of the gutter! :p In today's show, we are talking about reading for fun and touch on why some readers may not be doing that as much as well as why it's important to take the time to read just for the pleasure of it.  Not sure...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever wanted to dabble in different genres but have always been told to stick to one? Sometimes, you need to branch out and do what makes you happy. This week, Ari and Rachel are joined by Chyina Powell to discuss why writing in multiple genres is a great idea. In this episode, we cover: The benefits for writers The benefits for readers Thoughts on pen names Thoughts on...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, we are digging into the idea of using Editing Checklists to make editing your manuscript a little more efficient! In this episode, we cover: Names Repeating Words Dialogue Tags POV Chapters Character Balance Senses Inconsistencies As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. Resources Wordcounter.net Word...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Yay for 200 episodes! Thank you so much for always listening and supporting the podcast for 200 episodes. We truly appreciate it. This week, Ari and Rachel answer rapid fire questions (not so rapidly) about reading and writing. 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? We are accepting gues...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES What are your thoughts on dialogue? Can a novel have too much? That is today's topic Rachel and I discuss.  In this episode, we cover: Our thoughts on too much dialogue How to achieve more of a balance in your writing 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 consi...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES A new year means new goals! This week, Ari and Rachel talk about some ways you can create writing goals for yourself. In this episode, we cover: Group/organize tasks based on their length Setting deadlines for yourself Taking breaks Taking days off 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?...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's a new year and you probably want to set off on the right foot this year. So in this episode, Ari and Rachel discuss a few ideas for keeping your Writing life organised! In this episode, we cover: Creating a writing kit Project pads or brain-dumping pads Setting a flexible routine Dividing your writing time Use working systems As always, thanks for listening, and let us know...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Another successful podcast year is in the books! This week, we discuss some of our favorite episodes that were released in 2023. (We also get completely off-topic in true Merry Writer fashion!) In this episode, we cover: Ari's favorite 2023 podcast episodes Rachel's favorite 2023 podcast episodes Off-topic rambles (mostly about food) 2023 reflections As always, thanks for listen...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES As the end of the year is in sight, we thought we'd do something a little different and today's episode discusses some of the differences Ari and Rachel have observed between American English and British English. In this episode, we cover: "Z" Extra letters Vacation vs Holiday Jam, Jelly and Jello Chips, Crisps and Fries Cookie vs Biscuit Supermarket vs Grocery Store Segue into...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Ari and Rachel decided it would be fun to discuss if they've seen their story ideas in other books at the store. Sometimes it takes us a while to get our ideas to paper and other people write and publish similar plots. 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? We are accepting gu...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Wilmar Luna is back on the show with Ari and Rachel to discuss building a horror universe. In this episode, we cover: How much world-building needs to go into a horror universe? What are the main aspects to consider when writing horror stories? How do you build an atmosphere for your horror universe? As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on th...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's not always easy to end you novel. Sometimes we have an idea of how they'll end and sometimes we don't. But did you know there are many different types of endings? In this episode, we cover: The resolved ending The unresolved ending Ambiguous ending Expanded ending Unexpected ending Tied ending As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in t...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Info dumping can really slow down the pace of your story, can annoy many readers and even have them skipping over chunks of your work. So what can you do to stop info dumping? Today, Ari and Rachel tackle this issue with some suggestions. In this episode, we cover: What is Info Dumping While drafting Deal with it in the editing phase not the drafting phase Learn your temptations...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's no secret that authors need a website, but where do you start? You can hire someone to help you or you can DIY it. This week, Pauline Wiles joins Ari and Rachel to discuss creating a professional author website. In this episode, we cover: Finding your goal and strategy for your author website Important elements that should go into your website Common mistakes to avoid Avera...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Want to get your books written faster? Increasing your writing or typing speed can definitely help. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss a few simple tips for helping to make things a little quicker. In this episode, we cover: Touch typing The right pen Shortcuts Take the type test! Resource: Try your typing speed with this online test. https://www.typing.com/student/tests As alway...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you been planning a novel series? Or maybe you're ready to share it with the world but you don't know where to start? Start here! This week, Helen Scheuerer joins Ari and Rachel to discuss launching a successful series. In this episode, we cover: How launching a series is different than launching a standalone How to plan in advance and budget Difficulties you can encounter...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES For some, story ideas can be hard to come by. For others, story ideas are everywhere. For everyone, imposter syndrome sneaks in. But do you really need unique story ideas for readers to love your book? This week, Ari and Rachel cover just that. In this episode, we cover: Tropes and themes in stories Story archetypes Character archetypes How similar ideas can be used for marketin...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES When it comes to writing, practice makes perfect. Everyone has a story to tell and the way you tell your stories are unique. But it can take some time to find your writer voice. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss how to find your writer's voice. In this episode, we cover: What a writer's voice is How to find your writer's voice When and how your voice may change over time As alwa...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you write with multiple characters? Worried you might be slipping into the wrong character's head in the middle of a scene? Don't worry, you're not alone. That's what Ari and Rachel discuss in this week's episode. In this episode, we cover: What head hopping is Why it's bad What you can do to catch it As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topi...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Ari is joined by author AJ Alexander who discusses the health issues that writers can face and ways to prevent some of them. This week, we cover: Conditions writers can develop What to look out for Why breaks are important The importance of getting up As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.   ABOUT A.J Alexan...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, Ari and Rachel are talking all about conflict!   This week, we cover: Character vs Character Character vs Nature Character vs Themselves Character vs Technology Character vs Supernatural Character vs Society   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? We are accepting...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES We all know that writing isn't an easy task. A great way to be consistent with it is to have a dedicated writing environment. But how can you turn a room into a creative space? In this episode, we cover: How to choose a room for your writing space How to minimize distractions Ways to decorate your writing space What supplies and materials to have easy access to Keeping yourself...

EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's time to talk about formatting. It's not always fun but is it an important part of your book and what do you need to consider when it comes to formatting? That's what Ari and Rachel discuss in this week's episode. In this episode, we cover: How important formatting is The standard of formatting What you need to consider And randomly throughout - things you probably shouldn't...