More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast

Season 2: Episode 3

Tune In to Relevant Feedback

Whenever we open ourselves up to critique and feedback from readers, we are likely to get some feedback that is relevant and helpful, and other feedback which is detrimental to our work. Learning how to decipher which feedback is helpful comes with time, experience, and using the principles I discuss in this week’s podcast.

If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.

More Stories Podcast Links:

▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com

▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes

▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher

▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe

Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links:

▪My author page on Amazon.

▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell

▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing

▪Words Matter on Facebook

▪Words Matter on Twitter 

We all know from experience that life has moments of beauty and grace, but it also, inevitably, has moments of ugliness, hurt, disappointment, and failure.

Those stories can be difficult for the writer: difficult to write, difficult to share, difficult to make public. These were the stories that had laid dormant for years, decades even. Some of them had never been told, except maybe to a psychologist or priest.

We don't tell true stories, either fiction or nonfiction, by ignoring or downplaying the negative, ugly, disappointing parts of life. If we write and exclude the hard stories of our experience, we are robbing our writing of emotion. Not only for the reader (who will notice this, even if they don't realize it) but also for us. We will short-circuit our own work. We will lose interest.

If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.

More Stories Podcast Links:

▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com

▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes

▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher

▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe

Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links:

▪My author page on Amazon.

▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell

▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing

▪Words Matter on Facebook

▪Words Matter on Twitter 

Season 2, Episode 1

When you've lost the joy in your creative work, here are five ways to re-ignite your creative passion:

1. Find a way to ENJOY, play with, and experiment with language.

2. Find some mindless work, play, or a hobby.

3. Go adventuring, big or small!

4. Engage in Other creativity

5. Join a New Crew.

Also, check out www.FloridaWildWriters for an announcement about a one-day writing retreat scheduled for March 25th, 2015.

If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.

More Stories Podcast Links:

▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com

▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes

▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher

▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe

Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links:

▪My author page on Amazon.

▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell

▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing

▪Words Matter on Facebook

▪Words Matter on Twitter 

I read the short story, Cop-Cop Cop, originally published in The First Line, in 2010.

Check out The First Line magazine.

Also, feel free to check out my short fiction collection: Five Stories by Eric Sheridan Wyatt, available via that link, or on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers.

Thanks for listening. Season two will start soon!! Let me know if there is anything particular you'd like to see (or, uh, hear) in the coming weeks and months.

If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.

More Stories Podcast Links:

▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com

▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes

▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher

▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe

Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links:

▪My author page on Amazon.

▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell

▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing

▪Words Matter on Facebook

▪Words Matter on Twitter 

Episode 24: The Giant, Runaway Project

Sometimes, the words take over the story and turn it into something I hadn’t anticipated. And, I’m okay with that.

01:00 February has always been my least favorite month. It’s even cold here in Florida, this week.

02:08 This February hasn’t been so bad this year, for me. More of you are listening and connecting with me. Woohoo!

03:18 Another strange week for me: the second time in a row that I’ve told you that! This week started right on plan, but then something happened to change things. I had a blog post that just grew and grew, well beyond what I had anticipated.

05:25 I did the outline for the post on Monday, by Wednesday, it was clear the amount of writing I was doing was not conducive to having a blog post this week: I was writing way too much.

08:19 I decided to lay that essay aside, and write something else for my blog, because I have self-imposed deadlines, and because I wanted to give the essay time to rest, so I could better assess it later.

09:22 Sometimes the words of my writing take over. Usually this happens for me more in fiction writing than in non-fiction. 

11:20 There are a few ways I address this our of control growth, when it happens. 1) Divide it up into independent sections/stories; 2) Write something that doesn’t fit normal “length” conventions.

13:30 I think I’m actually doing the more genuine work of my creative self, when the words surprise me and I haven’t pre-planned every single nuance of a story.

14:40 I do, however, have to guard against following unworthy tangents. Sometimes, the “surprising words” are just a distraction.

15:45 A special public thank you to Pilot Pens and Holly Houser.

17:16 This wraps Season One: if you have ideas for how the podcast can improve, please let me know as I’m contemplating and planning for Season Two, which will debut AFTER the In-Betweener Episode for next week. (I will read my story “Cop-Cop Cop” which was originally published in the magazine, The First Line, in 2010.)

The pens mentioned in this podcast:

• A silver Metropolitan Collection fountain pen
• The disposable Varsity fountain pen 
• Vanishing Point fountain pen

If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.

More Stories Podcast Links:

▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com

▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes

▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher

▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe

Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links:

▪My author page on Amazon.

▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell

▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing

▪Words Matter on Facebook

▪Words Matter on Twitter 

Having a routine and schedule is a great way to keep on track, creatively, but what do we do when the routine is disrupted? 

Show Notes:

01:10 A little good news: My story, The Outlaw, was selected for an upcoming issue of Silk Road Review.

03:00 However, being published isn't an aspect of my career I actually have control over, so I don't consider publication as my measure of success.

04:35 I define success by how well I am keeping up with my macro, and micro, goals for 2015...the things I CAN influence or control.

06:10 Using the app IRUNURUN to keep track of seven area of my weekly routine and keep on top of creative balance and creative rhythm.

08:12 Our best-laid plans and finely-tuned systems sometimes aren't enough to keep us on track. (For example, there was no podcast last week...) Schedules and routines help, until they are interrupted. 

11:20 My schedule was changed last week.

12:00 I had an audio recorder with me, and I started recording some pieces that I thought I could stitch together into a different KIND of podcast last week. Which I started to do.

14:56 I thought I could pull it off...but then more disruption came.

17:00 It turns out I was physically hurt enough that when I tried to record more bits and pieces throughout the day, I had no mental capacity to form coherent thoughts.

18:30 There are times when we can't do some of the things we want to do, and that's ok. Sometimes our routine is disrupted in a legitimate way.

20:13 We have to find ways to push through, even when the routine is trashed. Just because the routine is messed up, we shouldn't just throw in the towel and give up.

21:33 We are often able to talk ourselves into some very silly ideas and behaviors, when it comes to the creative life. I've learned this about myself, and because I know this, I can find ways to address it.

23:00 Unplanned for vs. Unanticipated. Planning ahead helps us preserver against interruptions to our normal routine and schedule.

24:55 Because I've thought about it in advance, I have methods to still accomplish things even when I'm not in my normal schedule. You can, too.

27:44 We do not require perfect circumstances to do our creative work. Believing that is just a form of resistance.

Links mentioned in the show:

Silk Road Review

IRunURun

The First Line

Podcast Episode 20

The video series about Five Stories

If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.

More Stories Podcast Links:

▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com

▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes

▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher

▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe

Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links:

▪My author page on Amazon.

▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell

▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing

▪Words Matter on Facebook

▪Words Matter on Twitter 

Podcast Episode 22: You're Not Perfect, So Get Over It

Perfectionism is a kind of resistance that keeps us from creative progress.

00:56 There is a new way to support the podcast. See more at www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate

03:55 Teaching creative writing reminds me of things I need to apply to my own writing life, and that brings up the topic of perfectionism.

06:08 Tangents in our writing can be both beneficial and a drawback to our creative flow.

07:07 Being distracted by the next flashy thing can distract us. It threatens our ability to finish a work.

09:55 Find a way to keep track of tangents, so you can go back to them, but don't abandon the work in progress.

10:53 Being too focused on the current work can be a problem, too, though, if we fall into the trap of Perfectionism. It can also keep you from finishing, or sharing, your work.

12:50 If we are always improving (which we should be) we have to balance the idea of perfecting a story with the concept of "the best story I can write right now."

 14:24 I shared a story on the podcast that is far from perfect, but it was the best story I could write at the time (20 years ago). If I allowed perfectionism to control me, I would have never submitted that story and had it published, and I certainly wouldn't share it now.

15:24 For newer writers, I suggest writing more and not being too focused on making a story perfect, or even better. Not yet anyway.

16:12 For newer writers, I think it is better to make progress and improvement and then go back and improve some of the first stories based on what they have learned.

17:10 Over time, we develop more ability to discern when we've done "all we can" for a particular piece.

18:20 Thoughts? Comments? Questions? I'd love to hear from you.

Learn more about supporting the podcast at www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate

My book, Your Legacy of Words: The Workbook is a great gift for anyone in your life you wish would write down some of the stories of their lives.

More Stories Podcast Links:

▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com

▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes

▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher

▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe

Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links:

▪My author page on Amazon.

▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell

▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing

▪Words Matter on Facebook

▪Words Matter on Twitter 

Podcast Episode 21: What’s the Deal with the MFA?

Choosing to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree may be the right choice for some, but probably isn't for everyone. Here are my thoughts on the pros and cons of the MFA.

01:39 The fifth anniversary of my blog

03:28 Some of the most popular posts have been centered around the topic of the Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degree

04:50 My own path to an MFA

07:27 Misgivings and fears about pursuing an MFA

10:10 Every year, thousands of writers have a similar experience to mine: desire for structure, feedback, and community

13:00 Overview of the MFA question: some pros and cons

14:44 There ARE other ways to accomplish most of the same goals, except for an accredited degree

16:10 There is an instinct to rush into an MFA program, but it isn’t always the best option. Which is right for you?

17:29 Consider what you will do AFTER the MFA BEFORE you even start it.

19:10 If you decide the MFA path is the path for you, tackle it with everything you have. Make the most of that time.

20:00 Go into the MFA with eyes wide open. It takes more than just the program to continue a productive writing life after the program is over and the external motivation is no longer there.

23:40 What an MFA will NOT do for you.

26:00 The question, “Should I get an MFA or not?” is a valid one. Here’s what I tell people who ask me that question.

28:27 What DO you get from an MFA? A lot of positive things, in a convenient way.

30:12 Only you can decide if an MFA is right for you. I hope these thoughts on the MFA have helped you make a good decision.

Links:

Donate or Sponsor the Podcast

Episode 19: Finding Quality Writing Instruction

Blog: To MFA, or Not

Blog: Thinking About an MFA?

Blog: What an MFA Won’t Get You

Blog: On Time and the MFA

Queens University of Charlotte Low Residency MFA

Poets and Writers Magazine

Check out some of the authors/mentors mentioned in this episode: Ashley Warlick, Jonathan Dee, Naeem Murr, Pinckney Benedict, Fred Leebron, Elizabeth Strout. 

(Also a shout out to Ann Cummins, Dan Mueller, and Lauren Groff who I didn’t mention in the podcast, but were instrumental in my MFA.)

More Stories Podcast Links:

▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com

▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes

▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher

▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe

Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links:

▪My author page on Amazon.

▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell

▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing

▪Words Matter on Facebook

 ▪Words Matter on Twitter 

Episode 20: 15 Tips For Maintaining Creative Rhythm

I believe there is a way to minimize resistance and free us to write more often, and with a higher quality. In speaking with writing students, coaching clients, and other writers, I advocate the idea of creative rhythm. 

01:07 Today’s topic: Maintaining Creativity

02:12 The idea that writing is harder than someone thought it would be is the onset of resistance. (Reference to Episode 3)

02:58 “Creative Rhythm” helps minimize resistance, helps us write more often, and with better quality. (Reference to The Accidental Creative)

05:15 Violating the ideas of creative rhythm leads to stagnation and “writer’s block”.

06:40 Element 1: Focus (Do what works and eliminate what doesn’t/Nothing “out there” is more important than what you are working on/Establish an understanding of priorities and objectives)

08:18 Element 2: Beneficial Relationships (Seek out new sources of inspiration and reinforce those relationships you already have/Have a core group for creative accountability/Find a mentor)

10:05 Element 3: Mental and Physical Energy (Maintain a lifestyle that prioritizes writing/Take care of physical, mental, and spiritual health/Plan and prune)

11:55 Element 4: Stimuli (Look for challenges/Seek relevant stimuli/Value diversity of ideas and experiences)

13:40 Element 5: Time (Set aside actual time to WRITE/Idea time/Unnecessary creativity)

15:50 Let me know if I can help you address any of these areas, contact me, rate and review on iTunes or Stitcher if possible, share with friends, etc. 

Links:

The Accidental Creative - Todd Henry

Episode 3: Resistance is Futile

More Stories Podcast Links:

▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com

▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes

▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher

▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe

Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links:

▪My author page on Amazon.

▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell

▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing

▪Words Matter on Facebook

▪Words Matter on Twitter 

Episode 19: Finding Quality Writing Instruction

(This episode features the dulcet tones of a snoring beagle...)

In this episode I look at various options and opportunities for direct instruction of creative writing.

00:38 Welcome, Happy New Year, How’s it going with you? (Resolutions suck)

02:38 Many listeners may find themselves looking for quality writing instruction and facing doubt about our writing abilities.

04:00 Indirect vs. Direct instruction

04:37 Can writing (or any other art) actually be TAUGHT?

05:30 Do you know a single major league baseball player who never had a parent or coach teach them the fundamentals? 

06:42 Direct instruction of writing leads to improvement. (Including the golf analogy...) Instruction is breaking the elements down so they can be examined and applied.

08:28 The importance of outside feedback to the writer, accountability, and wisdom outside oneself.

09:28 Who can benefit from direct creative writing instruction?

10:07 Anyone who feels overwhelmed by all the books and articles and websites. Anyone who becomes stalled and could benefit from “another set of eyes”.

11:30 Direct instruction helps bridge the gap between what the writer intends, and what is actually on the page.

12:55 Option One: The degreed program. Masters of Fine Arts or an undergrad writing degree.

15:45 Option Two: Adult education or continuing ed.

19:33 Option Three: Online writing classes.

22:04 Option Four: One-on-one instruction

23:10 Option Five: Writer’s conferences or retreats.

24:20 Seven things to look for in a creative writing instructor: knowledgeable and able to communicate their wisdom, offer advice but not in an overbearing way that overshadows your creativity, recognizes writing as a process not a formula, values YOU as a writer, is a Goldilocks teacher (not too hard, not too soft), wants to see YOU succeed and won’t be jealous of your progress, doesn’t allow the inmates to run the asylum. 

28:00 Questions? Comments? Rate, review, share, contact me! 

More Stories Podcast Links:

▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com

▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes

▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher

▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe

Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links:

▪My author page on Amazon.

▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell

▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing

▪Words Matter on Facebook

 ▪Words Matter on Twitter 

See also:

Episode 6: Conquering the Conference with Confidence