Every musician warms up before practice, every athlete stretches before the game—so why are writers expected to just sit down and nail it on the first try?

In this episode, we introduce the concept of keeping a writer's sketchbook—a judgment-free zone where you warm up your creative muscles, play with ideas, and write without the pressure of perfection. Think of it like an artist's sketchbook, but for words.

Inspired by Natalie Goldberg's Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life, we explore how free-form creative exercises can help you overcome overthinking, find your flow state, and develop your authentic voice.

Get ready for us to share raw, unedited pieces from our sketchbooks (yes, really), talk about the magic of disposable creativity, and explain why letting go of perfectionism might be the best thing you do for your writing this year. One story might make you cry the other might make you think one of us is a little strange (okay, very strange).

Whether you're a plotter who gets stuck in endless planning or a pantser who needs help finding structure, this episode gives you permission to just write for the joy of it.

Grab a notebook (or open a Word doc) and let's play.

Books mentioned:

1. Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life by Natalie Goldberg
2. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
3. The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

What happens when a single conversation sparks an entire creative movement?

In this episode, we’re joined by Esther Lemmens, graphic designer, podcast host, and the visionary behind the upcoming Anthology of Hope. What began as a simple idea to document gender-diverse stories evolved into a multi-layered creative project blending interviews, art, poetry, and powerful lived experiences.

We talk about the winding road from podcast to anthology, what it’s like to hold space for other people’s stories, and how creativity often unfolds in ways we never planned. Esther shares the behind-the-scenes journey of curating deeply personal submissions, designing a visually rich book experience, and following the intuitive nudges that shaped the project.

We also wander into creative flow states, co-creation, artistic activism, and how art becomes the starting point for social change.

If you love conversations about storytelling, creative process, and building meaningful books that ripple outward into the world, you’re going to love this one.

More from Ester:

Fifty Shades of Gender Podcast

Anthology of Hope Book

💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to follow us...

1. Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourney
2. Neno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion

Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here

If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at [email protected].

Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/

Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com

🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at [email protected]

Ever wondered if you're doing this whole writing thing "wrong" because you can't stick to an outline? Or maybe you're the opposite—drowning in world-building documents while your actual manuscript sits at zero words?

In this episode, Rachel (team plotter) and Nino (team pantser) get real about their wildly different writing processes. We're breaking down what it means to be a plotter versus a pantser, why both approaches have serious pitfalls, and how to steal the best parts of each style to actually finish your book.

Join us as we talk about getting stuck in the planning phase, realizing halfway through your draft that you need to rewrite half the book, the terror of the blank page, and why turning off your internet might be the best writing advice we can give you. Plus: typewriters, mysterious writing devices from the '90s, and a website that literally deletes your work if you stop typing (terrifying but effective?).

Whether you're an outline lover or a "figure it out as you go" type, this episode will help you find your balance and stop getting in your own way.

💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to follow us...

1. Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourney
2. Neno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion

Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here

If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at [email protected].

Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/

Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com

🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at [email protected]

If you've ever thought "I'll worry about marketing later" or "I just need a website" then this episode is for you. Trust us, you'll want to grab a notebook for this one.

In this episode, we're sitting down with Maite Dalila, a brand strategist and web designer who's worked with giants like Disney, Samsung, and Nike, and now she's bringing all those corporate branding secrets to authors like you.Maite breaks down why your brand matters WAY before your book launches (yes, even before you finish writing it), and gives us her genius "ARC" framework for building an authentic author presence.

Join us as we nerd out over website examples, talk about finding your readers, and get real about why trying to appeal to everyone means you'll connect with no one. We all agree that authenticity beats perfection every single time.

This episode has some amazing visuals. Watch the video version on StoryStruck's YouTube channel @StoryStruckPodcast

More from Maite:

1. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maitedalila
2. Blog: www.itsaboutrealpeople.tumblr.com
3. Website: www.maitedalila.com
4. Email: [email protected]

💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to follow us...

1. Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourney
2. Neno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion

Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here

If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at [email protected].

Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/

Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com

🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at [email protected]

Season two of Story Struck is officially here 🎉

In this laid-back, behind-the-scenes kickoff episode, Rachel Clair and Neno Littlewood ease back into podcast life after a much-needed break and share what’s coming up this season for authors, writers, and storytellers at every stage.

From exciting new guest formats and craft-focused conversations to brand-new Story Spirals (deep-dive book discussions where we lovingly overanalyze everything), this episode is all about setting intentions, building community, and getting excited about writing again.

You’ll also hear us talk candidly about our personal writing goals for the year, short stories, querying, genre exploration, publishing realities, and why stepping away can sometimes be the most productive thing you do as a writer.

Plus: cats make surprise appearances, cozy fantasy gets some love, and we may or may not be plotting a future Substack 👀

If you’re an author looking for encouragement and honest conversations about the writing life, you've found your people.

💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to follow us... Rachel's Instagram: Instagram.com/bookboundjourney Neno's Instagram: Instagram.com/Nenoswritersrebellion

Join the Story Weavers Community https://x0azoaybcuzzwbosmdre.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/story-weavers/home?invite=696febd38fc4658fb94f1120

If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at [email protected].

Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for beta reading and editing services https://www.bookboundjourney.com

Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com

🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at [email protected]

Season One is a wrap! In this episode, we reflect on their creative journeys, the growth of our writing community, and the valuable lessons learned throughout the season. We discuss the importance of finding joy in writing, the tools and techniques that have helped them, and the significance of author friendships.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of editing and the necessity of marketing for authors. As we look forward to the next season, we are excited about new topics and guests who will continue to inspire and support this writing community.

💌 Don’t miss a thing:

Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to follow us...

Rachel's Instagram: Instagram.com/bookboundjourney

Neno's Instagram: Instagram.com/Nenoswritersrebellion

If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at [email protected].

Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for beta reading and editing services https://www.bookboundjourney.com/

Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com

🎵 Music Credits:

Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at [email protected]

#writingpodcast #writing #creativity #editing #bookmarketing #authors #storytelling #writingadvice

Raymond Foster shares his unique journey from a police officer to Uber driver to author. He discusses his latest book, 'Chasing the Surge,' which captures his experiences driving for Uber and the stories he encountered along the way.

Raymond talks about the challenges of shifting from writing academic text to writing memoir and fiction and how he's using memoir as a training ground. He emphasizes the significance of structure, editing, and the creative process, providing valuable insights for aspiring writers.

Get Chasing The Surge: Ten Thousand Rides into The American Night: https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Surge-Thousand-Rides-American/dp/1535603011

Contact Raymond at [email protected].

💌 Don’t miss a thing:

Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to follow us...

Rachel's Instagram: Instagram.com/bookboundjourney

Neno's Instagram: Instagram.com/Nenoswritersrebellion

If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at [email protected].

Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for beta reading and editing services https://www.bookboundjourney.com/

Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com

🎵 Music Credits:

Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at [email protected]

#RaymondFoster, #ChasingtheSurge, #writingjourney, #storytelling, #selfpublishing, #writingprocess, #editing, #fiction, #memoir

You won't want to miss this conversation about the resurgence of short fiction and serialized storytelling and how everyone can find their creative flow even if your neurodiverse.

In this episode, Michael Burke (author and comic book store owner) discusses his creative process for writing short and publishing his upcoming anthology 'Sinister Society,' which features six novellas centered around themes of secrets and horror. He also dives into how comic books influenced his passion for writing and reading.

Get Sinister Societies: Sic Novellas of Secrets and Horrors

https://ruadanbooks.com/product/sinister-societies-six-novellas-of-secrets-and-horrors/

Follow Michael: https://www.instagram.com/beastburke/

💌 Don’t miss a thing:

Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to follow us...

Rachel's Instagram: Instagram.com/bookboundjourney

Neno's Instagram: Instagram.com/Nenoswritersrebellion

If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at [email protected].

Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for beta reading and editing services https://www.bookboundjourney.com/

Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com

🎵 Music Credits:

Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at [email protected]

#novella #writingadvice #writinghelp #writingtips #writing #writingpodcast

Natasha Huling, an author of multiple genres, shares her journey into writing and her fascination with villains in storytelling. We dive into the psychology behind villainy, the importance of creating complex characters with rich backstories, and how personal connections can enhance the narrative.

Natasha shares how a well-crafted villain is essential for a compelling story, as they challenge the hero and add depth to the plot. We also explore the moral complexities of villainy and the need for writers to evolve their characters to meet modern storytelling expectations.

More from Natasha Huling

https://natasha-huling-author.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG1TYBZW

💌 Don’t miss a thing:

Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to follow us...

Rachel's Instagram: Instagram.com/bookboundjourney

Neno's Instagram: Instagram.com/Nenoswritersrebellion

If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at [email protected].

Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for beta reading and editing services https://www.bookboundjourney.com/

Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com

🎵 Music Credits:

Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at [email protected]

#authorproblems #authortips #writingadvice #writingtips #antagonist

In this episode, we're joined by Tammie Vecchiarelli, a spiritual mentor, intuitive, and author of Learning Who You Are: A Guide to the Clairsenses and Learning Who You Are: A Guide to the Chakras.

Tammie opens up about her journey of writing these works and how reconnecting with your intuition can transform not just your personal life, but your creative one too. We explore the intuitive writing process, the role of the chakras in creativity, and how tuning into your body can help release energetic and creative blocks.

Whether you’re a writer seeking deeper inspiration or someone craving more alignment in your day-to-day life, this conversation offers gentle, practical wisdom on trusting yourself, healing from within, and allowing your authentic voice to shine through.

More From Tammie:

https://aurorarelationshiphealing.com/

https://medium.com/@tammie_ARH

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Clair-Senses-Learning-Who/dp/B0DFVLCSTL

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Chakras-Learning-Who-You/dp/B0DFYN3FZB

💌 Don’t miss a thing:

Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to follow us...

Rachel's Instagram: Instagram.com/bookboundjourney

Neno's Instagram: Instagram.com/Nenoswritersrebellion

If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at [email protected].

Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for beta reading and editing services https://www.bookboundjourney.com/

Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com

🎵 Music Credits:

Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at [email protected]