Summary

In this last episode of Season One, Mik and Hallah discuss the journey of becoming a writer, the emotional depth of storytelling, and the healing power of sharing personal experiences through literature. Hallah shares her transition from songwriting to novel writing, the challenges of character development, and the importance of community in the literary world. They also reflect on personal growth, especially in the context of turning 30, and how fantasy as a genre allows for deeper exploration of real-world issues. In this conversation, Hallah discusses the intricate dynamics of character development, the challenges of the writing process, and the importance of world-building in her fantasy novel. She shares insights into her creative process, including the balance between plotting and allowing characters to take control of their narratives. Hallah also offers valuable insights into self-publishing, emphasizing the supportive nature of the book community and encouraging aspiring authors to embrace their stories.

H.M. Wolfe

https://www.hmwolfe.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hm.wolfe

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/214243910-the-book-of-cin

Mentioned:

H.M. Wolfe’s editor: Caitlin Lengerich - https://www.instagram.com/chronicledbycait/ 

Summary

In this conversation, Mik and Camri Kohler explore the popularity of genres such as urban and contemporary fantasy. They delve into the challenges of publishing, the evolution of trends, and the importance of character development, particularly the appeal of flawed characters in horror. Camri shares her personal journey as a writer, the impact of place on her storytelling, and the necessity of open conversations about the realities of the publishing industry. The discussion highlights the balance between community support and the pressures of competition among writers, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and the understanding that not every project will succeed. Camri Kohler shares her journey through the writing and publishing process, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection. She discusses her experiences with small presses, the challenges of writing a trilogy, and the intricacies of character development. The dialogue also delves into the complexities of morally gray characters, the creation of a unique magic system, and the art of crafting authentic dialogue. Camri offers valuable advice for aspiring authors, encouraging them to finish their projects and embrace the journey of writing.

Topics

Camri Kohler

https://camrikohler.com/

https://www.instagram.com/camrikohler/

https://www.tiktok.com/@camrikohler?lang=en

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21985524.Camri_Kohler

Peachy: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59573222-peachy

Pared: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202094149-pared

Mentions

Rachel Kitch: https://www.rachelkitchauthor.com/

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Keywords

contemporary fantasy, urban fantasy, publishing trends, character development, horror writing, writing community, flawed characters, editing process, writing challenges, writing, publishing, small presses, character development, dialogue, morally gray characters, magic system, editing, supernatural elements, author advice

Keywords

writing, self-publishing, romance, author journey, character development, emotional connection, TikTok, community, inspiration, overcoming self-doubt

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Lana Vargas shares her journey as a writer, discussing how her hometown influences her writing, the challenges and joys of self-publishing, and the importance of character development in romance. She reflects on her early inspirations, the emotional connection to her characters, and the lessons learned throughout her writing career. Lana also emphasizes the significance of building a community on social media and the ups and downs of the self-publishing journey, including her recent re-release of 'Summer in Phoenix.'

Lana Vargas

https://linktr.ee/lana.vargas

https://www.instagram.com/authorlanavargas

https://www.tiktok.com/@authorlanavargas?_t=8dzxqivlv30&_r=1

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215736215-summer-in-phoenix

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208456791-the-darkness-that-follows-us

Summary

In this conversation, Clare Robertson shares her journey as a writer, discussing the influences of her upbringing, the themes of home and belonging in her work, and the impact of family on storytelling. She reflects on her early calling to write, the books that shaped her, and the balance between reading and writing. Clare also opens up about her writing process, the challenges of burnout, and how motherhood has influenced her creative life. Finally, she reveals the inspiration behind her debut novel, 'Some Advanced Notes on Practical Dreaming.' In this conversation, Clare Robertson discusses her journey as a writer, the evolution of her book, and the themes of mental health, female rage, and survival. She shares insights on self-publishing, genre blending, and the importance of character development, particularly focusing on her protagonist, Sam.

Keywords

writing journey, community, cultural influences, themes of home, storytelling, influential books, genres, writing process, burnout, motherhood, practical dreaming, writing, self-publishing, dark academia, horror, mental health, character development, female rage, genre blending, revision process, world-building, writing, writing a book

Clare Robertson

https://www.clarerobertson.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/clareyrobwrites17/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217530263-some-advanced-notes-on-practical-dreaming?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=qkMophDryP&rank=1

Mentions

Mikayla Kimes

If you want to follow the host, you can do so at her youtube channel @mikwrites: https://www.youtube.com/@mikwrites

Or on instagram @mikiswriting

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Melissa Durston shares her journey from a love of nonfiction to a career in editing fantasy and paranormal fiction. She discusses the importance of networking, the various types of editing, and the differences between types of edits you can receive. Melissa emphasizes the significance of feedback styles, the challenges of pacing and subplots, and offers practical self-editing tips for aspiring authors. The discussion also touches on the critical role of the first chapter in capturing a reader's attention and the common mistakes authors make in their manuscripts.

Takeaways

- Storytelling can be a viable career path, even if discovered later in life.

- Networking is crucial for success in the writing community.

- Understanding different types of editing is essential for authors.

- Self-publishing offers more control but requires thorough self-editing.

- Feedback styles vary; finding the right match is important.

- Active voice enhances clarity and engagement in writing.

- Pacing and subplots are critical elements that need careful management.

Mentions

Isabel Sterling, Author Coaching: https://www.isabelsterling.com/coaching (An incredible human who offers coaching for debut and aspiring authors)

Page One Writing Discord: https://discord.gg/zfWXFBGf (Melissa helps co-manage the server and a Verified Editors network to connect authors with editors. 

Rebecca Thorne's Discord for cozy writers/readers: https://discord.gg/erK9NMBf (a cozy place to hang out)

Rebecca Thorne: https://rebeccathorne.net/

Book Mapping: Book Mapping for Writers

Jessica Brody: Self-Editing Resource

Melissa Durston

Website: https://www.melissaannedurston.com/

Services: https://www.melissaannedurston.com/services

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@herbookologist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbookologist/

Summary

In this episode of Pen to Pod, Mikayla Kimes explores the importance of setting in storytelling, emphasizing its role as a character rather than just a backdrop. She discusses how setting can enhance atmosphere, themes, and character development, using the novel 'Legendborn' as a case study. Kimes provides insights into how authors can effectively integrate setting into their narratives and offers writing exercises to help writers deepen their understanding of atmospheric settings.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Goodreads Link

Tracy Deonn's Website

Resources

Coulture Interview w/ Tracy Deonn

Mikayla Kimes

If you want to follow the host, Mikayla Kimes, you can on her YouTube channel ⁠@MikWrites⁠. On the channel she discusses her own personal writing journey and other craft topics.

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mikwrites⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/mikwrites

Keywords

writing, setting, atmosphere, character development, Legendborn, writing craft, author interviews, storytelling, creative writing

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Harper Hawthorne discusses the profound impact of her environments on her writing, the tools she uses to overcome perfectionism, and her journey back to writing after a hiatus. She shares insights on the influence of video games on creativity, the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, and the importance of building a supportive writing community. The discussion also delves into her unique approach to outlining and character development, as well as the intricacies of her world-building and magic systems in her book, Of Blood and Aether.

Topics

Mentions

Harper Hawthorne

Mikayla Kimes

If you want to follow the host, Mikayla Kimes, you can on her YouTube channel ⁠@MikWrites⁠. On the channel she discusses her own personal writing journey and other craft topics.

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mikwrites⁠

⁠https://linktr.ee/mikwrites

Summary

In this episode of Pen to Pod, Mikayla Kimes explores the various aspects of overcoming writer's block. She categorizes writer's block into three types: mechanical, creative, and unmotivated blocks, and shares practical strategies for each.

Takeaways

Summary

In this conversation, Rachel Kitch shares her journey on becoming a horror author, discussing her experiences in acrobatics, the influence of her cultural identity, and the importance of community in writing. She delves into her creative process, the themes in her work, and the significance of exploring uncomfortable dynamics in horror. Rachel also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers and emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the writing process. 

*TW: THERE IS DISCUSSION & ALLUSIONS TO SEXUAL ASSAULT AND THE VERY REAL POWER DYNAMICS AT PLAY IN TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS*

Topics

Rachel Kitch

https://www.rachelkitchauthor.com/

https://x.com/rachelkitch

https://rachelkitch.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rachkitchwrites

Mikayla Kimes

If you want to follow the host, Mikayla Kimes, you can on her YouTube channel ⁠@MikWrites⁠. On the channel she discusses her own personal writing journey and other craft topics.

https://www.youtube.com/@mikwrites

https://linktr.ee/mikwrites

Summary