It’s a craft special! We kick off with Elizabeth Gilbert’s latest (yes, the hairdresser, the church, the drugs—what is even happening), then dive into the good stuff: how to build believable, unforgettable characters using the Enneagram. Rachel walks us through types, wings, stress/safety arrows, and why intention > vibes, while Kayla talks “thisness,” denial as a human engine, and how appearance can serve plot (hi, Lani). We compare detailed character bibles vs. trusting your brain, debate how much “looks” to include, touch representation + writing to market, and share a wicked prompt: take a free Enneagram test as your character—especially your protag and your monster-in-the-house.

In this episode

• A spicy, spoiler-lite chat about Liz Gilbert’s new memoir and why readers love messy truth
• Enneagram 101 for writers: the 9 types, wings, stress/safety moves—fast and practical
• Using type arcs (unhealthy → healthy) as a built-in character transformation
• Backstory, “funny hat” details, and the “thisness” that makes scenes feel real
• Character dossiers vs. discovery writing (and how not to contradict yourself)
• Trends, MSWLs, and the trap of writing to market
• A short-story spark from Kayla you won’t forget (turquoise glitter… say no more)

Try this

Take an Enneagram quiz as your protagonist and antagonist, then outline three moments where their type drives a surprising choice.

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