Write, Publish, and Shine

In this episode of Write, Publish, and Shine , I speak with Delphine Gauthier-Georgakopoulos , founder and editor of Raw Lit , an online, issue-based literary magazine that publishes curated lineups of prose, poetry, artwork, and hybrids. We talk about what Raw Lit is actually looking for (ahem, not shock, not unprocessed rage), why “fit” is often a voice question more than a theme question, and t...

In this episode, I’m sharing one of my Draft & Redraft sessions, The Garden Draft, recorded from a place of feeling really overfull with thoughts and feelings. Grab your writing implements before pressing play. Find more of these guided sessions on Substack at litmaglove.substack.com --- Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rach...

In this solo episode, I’m talking about short forms (flash memoir, prose poetry, and other tiny pieces) as the most genuinely doable way back to the page in a busy season. If summer looks spacious from far away but fills up fast once you’re in it, this is a small plan you can keep, plus one image-based practice you can try today. --- Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with id...

In episode 118 of Write, Publish, and Shine , I talk with Room Magazine ’s managing editor Chimedum Ohaegbu (a three-time Hugo Award–winning editor, as part of the editorial team at Uncanny Magazine ) about speculative writing, revision, and what it means to read for chemistry. We talk about what speculative writing can do that realism sometimes can’t, how a story can start with an ordinary fear (...

In episode 117 of Write, Publish, and Shine , I talk with writer Tamara Jong, author of Worldly Girls , about the long, real arc of making a book, and the stamina it takes to bring it to the finish line. We talk about the season after a debut, about learning to say no so you can make space for the work, and about the formal decisions that helped Tamara unlock the book, including “containers,” brai...

In episode 116 of Write, Publish, and Shine , I talk to the unpublished writer part of you. This may be the part that really wants to send your writing out in the world, but gets a little cagey the moment before you press submit. I move you through what I’ve been calling a soft-steadfast submission practice: a way of staying tender and steady, so submitting doesn’t require you to feel impermeable....

In episode 115 of Write, Publish, and Shine , I talk with writer and educator Rayya Liebich about what it means to keep making art in a time of unrest. We also talked about how she came to be the commissioned author for Room 48.3: Rest/Unrest , where I was issue editor. Our conversation circled on the idea of radical softness alongside rage as a way of refusing numbness and staying human-hearted....

After a longer pause than I planned, I’m back with a short mini-episode about what changed—and what I’m learning about rest. I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse from editing Room 48.3: Rest/Unrest, a reframing I keep returning to (rest and unrest are in conversation), and four grounded practices you can try this week to support your writing without burning out. --- Get my Writerly Love Letters...

Hello and welcome, luminous writers. I'm Rachel Thompson. I'm an author, a literary magazine editor, and an online writing instructor. And this is Write, Publish, and Shine —a podcast for emerging writers who want to publish and shine. After a pause, I'm back with a new season. I'm kicking things off by exploring rest and unrest as collaborators in our writing lives. How they shape our practice. O...

Dive deep into the art of revision as I share why revising is where the real magic of writing happens and how to approach it with love and enthusiasm. The episode includes practical strategies from my Revision Love Workbook . Listen for tips and exercises to help you fall in love with the revision process and hone your writing for publication. The Revision Love Workbook is a practical guide offeri...

I'm thrilled to share the final episode of our series on getting published in literary magazines! Over the past ten episodes, we've covered everything from finding inspiration in submission calls to handling rejections and staying organized. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I hope you've found valuable insights to enhance your writing and submission process. As we wrap up this serie...

Drawing from my experiences as both an editor and a writer, in this episode, I share insights on why giving your work time to breathe can lead to more profound, polished pieces. We'll explore how slowing down can actually accelerate your growth as a writer, and I'll offer practical tips on how to embrace a more patient approach to your craft. Whether you're working on a novel, short story, or pers...

In this mini-episode, “Handle Rejections However You Want,” I dive into strategies for dealing with the inevitable rejections we face as writers. Drawing from my 14 years on Room's editorial collective and my work with luminous writers, I offer insights on turning rejection into resilience. You'll learn about creating a 'wins' folder, developing a feedback filter, and even how to gamify the submis...

In this episode, I share insights on seeking the right kind of feedback for your writing, drawing from my 14 years of experience on Room 's editorial collective. Discover how to engage with a supportive writing community, polish your work before submission, and navigate the delicate balance between openness to suggestions and maintaining your creative vision. Whether you're a seasoned writer or ju...

In this episode of the Write, Publish, and Shine podcast, we’re diving into how genre immersion can elevate your writing for literary magazines. Get ready for practical tips on deeply engaging with your genre—everything from reading widely and analyzing what works for other authors to staying in the loop on the latest trends. We’ll also explore the excitement of experimenting with different forms...

Dive into the power of writing from your most profound experiences and emotions. In this episode, we explore why writing what haunts you creates more authentic, compelling work. Discover how to identify your haunting themes and embrace your unique voice with real examples from published works in literary magazines. Plus, get a writing prompt to kickstart your next piece! Listen now and unlock the...

In this episode, I dive into the art of crafting compelling writing from start to finish. We'll explore why it's crucial to maintain engagement throughout your piece, not just in the opening. I'll share strategies for keeping momentum in the middle of your work, tips for crafting effective endings, and emphasize the importance of revision in creating impactful writing. Whether you're a seasoned wr...

How to Get Published: Craft a Compelling Opening Yes, your opening matters. A strong start hooks readers and editors alike. Ensure your first few lines grab attention and set the tone for what follows. I’m sharing the third lesson from my 14 years on Room’s editorial collective. We’re diving into one of the most crucial elements of your writing: crafting compelling openings. Learn why a strong sta...

In this episode of the Write, Publish, and Shine podcast, I share valuable insights from my 14-year journey at Room Magazine. I emphasize the importance of building relationships with literary magazines and choosing the right publications for your work. I discuss the power of vulnerability in writing, encourage persistence in submissions, and offer tips for connecting with literary communities tha...

Themed submission calls can unlock buried stories, while offering a clear focus and deadlines. In this episode, I share tips for embracing themes when submitting to literary magazines and a curated list of upcoming lit mag themes and deadlines to inspire your writing. --- Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letter...

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic on many writers’ minds: the choice between pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing and enrolling in online writing courses. Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or looking to take your skills to the next level, this guide will help you understand each path’s key benefits and challenges. We'll explore everything from the struc...

In this episode, I delve into the importance and crafting of cover letters for literary magazine submissions. A cover letter is not as crucial as the quality of the writing itself—yet, it does play a significant role in making a solid first impression and demonstrating your professionalism as a writer. In a detailed breakdown of the elements of a cover letter, I outline the importance of brevity,...

Dear writers, I'm thrilled to present the 100th episode of the podcast! I have delighted in each of the conversations and episodes I've been able to share with you, and talking to writers and covering topics on how to write, publish, and shine. Thank you to the writers who listen to each episode and especially those who share what they gleaned or the little ways they were encouraged to keep going....

Memoirist Yolande House sits down with me for a book club conversation about Kae Tempest’s On Connection . It was a real pleasure to read this book alongside her and compare notes. And I hope those of you reading alongside us in our book club enjoy it. About On Connection : This is a book about connection. About how immersing ourselves in creativity can help us cultivate greater self-awareness and...

The Write, Publish, and Shine podcast, hosted by me, author and literary magazine editor Rachel Thompson, celebrates its 99th episode! I reflect on the podcast journey and past episodes, highlighting eleven essential writing tips from literary magazine editors who have been guests on the show. Listen if you need encouragement to write, publish, and shine. Editors share how and why to read deeply,...