The Writing Pool Podcast

Truths are in fiction, and fiction is in memoir... so how do you know which genre best suits your story? In this episode, I explore the thin line between fiction and memoir, and discuss the infamous James Frey debacle regarding his book, "A Million Little Pieces." Please rate and review this podcast if you're enjoying it! Please, and thank you. And come find me on Instagram: @thewritingpool Get fu...

Rejection is part of the writing process, and it sucks, but there are ways to deal with it. In this episode, I explore this painful part of a writer's life, and give you hope for that one, perfect, beautiful YES. Follow me on Insta @thewritingpool Please rate and review this pod so others can find it, too. Thank you! Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

So many people, so many opinions. Who do you listen to? How do you know? In this episode, I talk about how to navigate feedback about your work, and I connect the whole process to a game of Jenga. Like what you're hearing? Please consider rating and reviewing in your podcast app. And if you're looking for coaching, please reach out for a free, 20-minute consult call which you can schedule by going...

Let's discuss what's holding you back. Is it one of the feelings listed in the title? In today's episode, I explore what's keeping you from starting or finishing your beloved project, and offer actional items to help you get going. It's not going to write itself! Reach out if you're interested in coaching: www.melissaclarkwrites.com, or if you have an idea for a future episode: mac@melissaclarkwri...

In today's episode, I make the connection between Pad Thai, the choreographer Twyla Tharp, and writing. For more information on writing coaching, check out my website: www.melissaclarkwrites.com/coaching Books mentioned in today's episode: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Habit-Learn-Use-Life/dp/0743235274/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1657723903&sr=8-3 Amy Tan's Ted Talk: Where Does Crea...

With technology and world events, it's getting harder and harder to focus out there - especially on your writing. Here are 5 helpful ways to turn down the noise, and turn up the volume on your writing practice. Thoughts, comments, question? Reach me at mac@melissaclarkwrites.com . And please consider rating and reviewing the pod so others can find it! Thank you. Get full access to Melissa’s Substa...

Stories are everywhere! In this episode, I talk about the concept of "found poetry", and then explore ways in which you can find a story. Like what you hear? Please rate and review so others can find this pod, too!  FInd me online at www.melissaclarkwrites.com, or on Instagram @thewritingpool Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

Please allow me this mini-rant about the other C-word. Or, depending on what you think the C-word is, the other, OTHER C-word. In any case, thanks for listening. To schedule a free, 20-minute consultation go to www.melissaclarkwrites.com and navigate to the COACHING tab (Not the C-word I'm ranting about). Find me on Insta @thewritingpool Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.subs...

When writing, do you meticulously plot things out? Or do you fly by the seat of your pants? In this episode, I talk about these ways of creating and explore the pros and cons of each. If you're enjoying this podcast, please rate and review to help other listeners find it. And come say hi on Instagram: @thewritingpool Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

Though it's definitely a thrill, publishing (creating) doesn't necessarily solve all your problems. What are some deeper reasons why you're even attempting this goal in the first place? In this episode, I encourage you to investigate those reasons, because addressing them will make the process that much sweeter. Reach me at www.melissaclarkwrites.com, or on Insta: @thewritingpool Get full access t...

In this episode, I talk about the HBOmax series, "The Staircase" as an example of interesting storytelling.  I also talk about the rules of structure, and have you identify the structural beats in your own story.  Like what you're hearing? Please rate and review. Interested in writing coaching? Get in touch at www.melissaclarkwrites.com Are you watching "The Staircase"? What do you think? Let me k...

The title says it all. Part of the writing process is *not* writing. In this episode, learn how to "bathe in the pause." Interested in exploring writing coaching? Get in touch! www.melissaclarkwrites.com, or contact me on Instagram @thewritingpool   Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Melissa discusses the similarities between dogs and writing. If you like what you're hearing, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review. And if you're interested in coaching, reach out for a free, 20-minute session at www.melissaclarkwrites.com . Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I discuss the cost of not creating. I also discuss examples of not giving up. I recorded this episode weeks before Fred Savage was removed from his current television show for misconduct, but I do mention him in relation to a project of mine. Please listen and enjoy. Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

I listen to most podcasts on 1 1/2x speed. Inspired by that, I offer five ways to 1 1/2x your words. Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I encourage you to do what it takes to get the job done... even if it means getting lost in fantasy. I also encourage you to set actionable items. Follow me on Instagram @thewritingpool, or reach out on my website: http://www.melissaclarkwrites.com Like what you're hearing? Please rate and review to help others find this podcast. Thank you! Have a great week. Get full access to Me...

What are some excuses you're using for NOT starting or finishing your project? In today's episode, Melissa identifies some popular excuses and helps with tips to manage them.  You can reach Melissa at http://www.melissaclarkwrites.com, or on Instagram @thewritingpool In the future, shows will drop every Wednesday.   Get full access to Melissa’s Substack at thewritingpool.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to The Writing Pool podcast with host Melissa Clark, a writer across many mediums, including television, novels, and podcasts. I have worked as a writing coach for over 5-years. Here you'll get tips, tricks, and coaching for all your creative projects. In this episode, I introduce myself and describe my relationship with the other Melissa Clark, the NY Times Bestselling Food Author. We'll...