The Way You Write

Guest Trevor Martins joins this episode to discuss the power of perspective in our lives and writing, and what to do when the path ahead is unclear. We discuss the stories we tell ourselves, and explore how to rewrite them to move forward with more courage, determination, and hope. Trevor Martens is an educator, editor, coach, workshop facilitator, and founder of I Help You Write Things, a support...

How do you find the readers that will become your ride or dies? Guest Nadine Shaw joins this episode to discuss creating a values-aligned brand that attracts your audience without people-pleasing, oversharing, or shutting down. Nadine Shaw is a developmental editor and writer specializing in fantasy, romance, LGBTQ+, and contemporary fiction. Since 2018, authors and writing consultants have sought...

In an attention economy where we’re rewarded for numbing out, creating art is an act of resistance. Guest Josh Czuba joins this episode to share practical tips to reset the mind, reconnect with writing, and ultimately reclaim our humanity. Connect with Josh and get his books here: joshczuba.com Take the free Authentic Writer Archetypes assessment here: https://www.cynthiamerrillediting.com/assessm...

There are many different kinds of writing mentors—and not all of them will be a good fit for you. On this episode, we explore the difference between a mentor that doesn’t get you and one who makes your work even more YOU. Check out The Studio here: https://offers.cynthiamerrillediting.com/the-studio Explore working with Cynthia here: https://www.cynthiamerrillediting.com/services

When our old piano was recently tuned, the piano tuner said something that I felt applied beautifully to writers too. Take the free assessment here: https://www.cynthiamerrillediting.com/assessment Check out The Writing Reset: https://vk6bbgakxgwdquq4tsak.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/72b6853b-5ce5-4697-90c6-92e24521543f Check out The Studio: https://offers.cynthiamerrillediting.com/the-studio

Writing is challenging, but it doesn't have to feel impossible. This episode explores what you may have tried, why it hasn't worked for you, and will show you a different path—one that is authentic, sustainable, and joyful. Join The Studio here: https://offers.cynthiamerrillediting.com/thestudio Contact me on IG @cynthiamerrillediting Or send me an email at cynthia@cynthiamerrillediting.co...

This solo episode comes to you in a rare, late-night appearance. I share two poems that I wrote years ago: the first one was written from a desire to impress, and the second from the desire to experience.

Developmental editor Victoria Jane joins this episode to discuss how to develop a character that readers want to cheer on, even those that aren’t necessarily “good.” We also chat about what it means to be a writer worth cheering for, and how sensitivity is a strength in storytelling. Connect with Victoria: https://www.instagram.com/editsbyvictoriajane/ https://www.victoriajaneeditorial.com/

Coming back after a summer break with some thoughts about the importance of setting yourself up for success instead of chasing or running after it. Take the assessment here: https://www.cynthiamerrillediting.com/assessment Find me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamerrillediting/ Send me an email: cynthia@cynthiamerrillediting.com

Emily Reuschel joins this episode to talk about how to take imperfect, unglamorous action to build momentum towards your goals, and how to make space for big dreams even in a small town. Emily Reuschel is a speaker, facilitator, and mentor to women who are done performing and who are ready to become. Through her immersive retreats, deep-rooted masterminds, private mentorship, and the Wild & Wa...

Maria Bowler joins this episode to discuss her book Making Time and explore how reframing our relationship with time, productivity, and creative work—from output-focused to aliveness-focused—fundamentally changes how we create and live. Maria Bowler is an author, creative coach, and retreat leader. She holds a masters in religion and the arts from Yale University, is a former magazine editor, and...

Eliza Day joins this episode to unpack visibility and entitlement wounds and how to move through fear and shame to create and relate more honestly. Eliza Day is a writer, speaker, and intuitive coach who works with people at the edge of change, helping them move through fear, shame, and internal conflict so they can create and relate more honestly. She leads group programs and private sessions cen...

Kimberly Lauren joins this episode to discuss developing characters and setting in a way that allows readers to connect with both deeply. We discuss cohesion, connecting with the senses, and how no writing you do is ever wasted. Kimberly grew up in a blended family of 15 kids, so she turned to writing to get a word in. She graduated from Lesley University with a master’s degree in fiction and runs...

In this episode, guest Alina Wells joins to discuss what it means to advocate for yourself and your writing. We cover knowing what you want from your career, protecting your creative voice, and trusting your intuition to help you set boundaries. Alina Wells is a dark fantasy author and the founder of Writing It Wells, a platform dedicated to helping writers craft emotionally powerful stories while...

In this episode, author and editor Jennia D'Lima shares her expert advice on how to make the most of in-person writing events and conferences. We discuss strategies for preparing before the event, engaging during the event, and following up afterwards. Jennia also provides practical tips on setting up an appealing table display, connecting with other attendees, and measuring success beyond jus...

Writing is not just a product that we create. It is a tool for transformation—an alchemical process of self-discovery and healing. Jaime Fleres joins this episode to share her journey with writing—from using it as a lifeline in her early years to ultimately helping others use it as a tool for healing and self-discovery. She shares tools from narrative therapy, somatic work, and nonviolent communic...

Hélène Caniac joins this episode to discuss how to set up sustainable systems of support and capacity that will serve you throughout your life. She challenges listeners to lean into pleasure, communicate needs in co-creation, and act from a space of devotion—not discipline. Find more Hélène here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/helenecanhelp/ Website: www.helenecanhelp.com Podcast: What the Hélène?!

Editor Brittany Ortega joins this episode to discuss common struggles and misconceptions in the romance genre. She shares insights for writers on timing moments of intimacy, orchestrating tension and release, and her passionate defense of the third act breakup. Get in touch with Brittany here: www.eaediting.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/eandaediting/

What do you do when a character does something completely unexpected, or that entirely derails the plot? In this quick solo episode, we reframe how to think about this experience to allow for more exploration and less frustration. Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamerrillediting/

Author Tracy Badua joins this episode to discuss the importance of diverse representation, how to raise the stakes (even in kidlit), and some of the joys and challenges of writing for young readers. Connect with Tracy here: https://www.instagram.com/tracybaduawrites/ See her books here: https://tracybadua.com/books/

What does it take to actually get an agent? Sabrina Nilsson joins this episode to share insights on how to persist in the querying process, have patience, and adjust when necessary. Follow Sabrina here: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinanilssonauthor/

Writer's block...the mysterious ailment that descends out of the blue and keeps writers from getting words on the page. In this episode, Cynthia shares 3 things that actually might be happening when writers experience "writer's block." When we can properly identify the source of the stuck experience, we can more effectively create solutions that get us out of it. Take the Authent...

This episode is for the writer who has reached burnout and doesn't know how to reconnect with their writing again. We dive into what causes burnout, how to recover, and how to set up a sustainable writing practice moving forward.

In this solo episode, Cynthia shares some personal thoughts about what it means to truly belong. Sometimes we believe that we will never find a space where we feel like we can be who we are without pretending AND be celebrated for it. This episode announces two new spaces for writers that will help them experience exactly that. Join the waitlist: https://offers.cynthiamerrillediting.com/the-collec...

6x bestselling author Pia Edberg joins this conversation about how to embody bestseller energy, trust the creative flow, and find coziness within creative winters. Take the Authentic Writer Archetype Assessment here: https://www.cynthiamerrillediting.com/assessment Connect with Pia Edberg here: IG: instagram.com/pia.edberg Website: dreambookacademy.com