In this bold and boundary-breaking episode of Writer’s Talk, we explore the rebellious art of breaking grammar rules to unlock authentic voice, emotion, and rhythm on the page. From Shakespeare to Sally Rooney, discover how literary icons and contemporary authors use syntactic disruption to challenge conventions, capture character depth, and reflect cultural nuance.

We’ll dive into:

• The historical roots of grammar-breaking in literature
• How modern authors like Cormac McCarthy, Jennifer Egan, and Junot Díaz use syntax as style
• Exercises you can try to create your own rule-bending prose
• The fine line between innovation and unreadability
• Ethical and accessibility considerations when bending language

Whether you’re writing stream-of-consciousness or experimenting with fragmented dialogue, this episode will inspire you to treat grammar as a tool—not a cage.

💻 Visit www.janaewritesbooks.com to share your experimental writing.

🎧 Don’t forget to check out Shadows and Temptations (now on audiobook) and Blood and Wealth: Beginnings, available on Kindle Unlimited and in paperback.

In this episode of Writer’s Talk, I sit down with Lisa, the author of the lush and haunting Salttain Island series. We explore the inspiration behind her debut novel An Island Strange and Wild, the high-stakes sequel A Secret Deep and Savage, and the emotionally rich prequel novella A Promise Bright and Fragile.

🪴 Mentioned in this episode:

📘 An Island Strange and Wild

📙 A Secret Deep and Savage

📕 A Promise Bright and Fragile

Available now wherever books are sold!

In this episode of The Scribe Vibe with Janae, we dive deep into a transformational writing technique: journaling daily as your character for 30 days straight. Inspired by method acting, this approach helps you move beyond creating characters to embodying them—giving your writing a richer, more authentic voice. I’ll walk you through the psychology behind character immersion, how to set up your character journal, what breakthroughs to expect, and how to use these insights to level up your manuscript. Plus, I’ll share real case studies, personal stories, and a 30-day challenge to ignite your creativity.

Be sure to visit www.janaewritesbooks.com for free companion resources! And don’t forget to check out my latest audiobook Shadows and Temptations, and the novel that started it all: Blood and Wealth: Beginnings.

Next week, get ready to disrupt the rules with our upcoming episode: "Disrupting Grammar: Writing with Broken Syntax to Create New Voices."

In this laugh-and-learn episode of The Scribe Vibe with Janae, we’re diving into the unexpected but powerful connection between writing and stand-up comedy. From pacing and timing to crafting authentic dialogue, comedy has a lot more in common with storytelling than you might think—and today, we're unpacking it all.

Janae shares how comedy techniques sharpened her own writing, breaks down the core overlap between the two crafts, and brings on a special guest who blends both worlds. You’ll learn how to control narrative tempo like a seasoned comic, add punch to your dialogue, and use humor to elevate tension and emotion.

Stick around for hands-on exercises, storytelling tips you won’t find in your average writing class, and a preview of Janae’s latest releases—including her audiobook Shadows and Temptations and her new book Blood and Wealth: Beginnings.

Mentioned in this episode:

📚 www.janaewritesbooks.com

🎧 Shadows and Temptations (Audiobook available now)

📖 Blood and Wealth: Beginnings — Grab your copy today!

Call to Action:

Tried one of the comedy-writing exercises? Took a stab at stand-up? Share your experience with Janae on social or through the website! And don’t forget to subscribe, review, and tune in next time for even more writing insights.

Dive into a creative journey where storytelling meets game design! In this episode, we explore how the structured mechanics of Dungeons & Dragons can unlock fresh approaches to character creation and worldbuilding. Whether you're a lifelong D&D enthusiast or a writer looking for new narrative tools, discover how stats, classes, and backgrounds can breathe life into your characters, while spells, monsters, and planar cosmology add textured depth to your settings.

Join us as we break down:

• The art of building balanced characters using D&D’s core attributes.
• How to design immersive worlds with consistent magical systems and memorable creatures.
• Practical tips on plotting and social dynamics inspired by tabletop gameplay.

Tune in for insights, practical applications, and creative inspiration that will leave you ready to roll initiative on your next writing project!

In this spine-tingling episode of Writer’s Talk, we’re diving deep into dark fantasy with special guest Jay Burrell, author of Son of the Dragon, a haunting reimagining of Vlad the Impaler set in the gothic TTRPG world of The Harrowed Earth.

Jay joins us to talk about the creative process behind blending real-world history with unsettling fantasy, how TTRPG mechanics helped shape the story, and why Vlad's legend still captivates centuries later.

We explore the twisted magic of worldbuilding, the complexity of writing morally gray characters, and what makes The Harrowed Earth such a rich setting for both players and readers.

What if the most captivating books… had no plot at all?

In this episode, we explore the unconventional beauty of plotless storytelling—how books that defy traditional structure can still resonate deeply with readers. From emotional landscapes to lyrical prose and rich inner worlds, we break down what makes “plotless” writing work and why readers keep coming back for more.

PLUS, I’m joined by special guest J.S. Gold, author of the Sanhedrin Chronicles, to talk about his approach to crafting immersive, character-driven narratives that don’t follow the typical story arc. We’ll discuss what inspires him, the challenges of writing without a rigid plot, and how his book invites readers to reflect deeply on meaning, power, and legacy.

Whether you're a writer curious about experimenting beyond the three-act structure or a reader who loves literary fiction that makes you feel, this episode is for you.

🔗 Visit www.janaewritesbooks.com for more writing insights

🎧 The Shadows and Temptations audiobook is now available

📖 My latest release Blood and Wealth is coming to Kindle Unlimited (eBook) and paperback via Barnes & Noble, Kindle, and Draft2Digital April 2nd

What if the key to your next breakthrough story idea isn’t in your outline—but in your dreams?

In this episode of The Scribe Vibe with Janae, we’re exploring the wild, mystical world of lucid dreaming and how writers can use it as a tool for creativity, clarity, and inspiration. From the neuroscience behind lucid dreams to the step-by-step techniques to start having them, you’ll learn how to unlock your subconscious, solve plot problems in your sleep, and even talk to your characters inside the dream world.

✨ Plus:

• Shadows and Temptation, Janae’s fantasy academy book, is now available as an audiobook
• Her newest release Blood and Wealth: Beginnings hits Kindle Unlimited on April 2nd
• And next week’s episode? “The Art of Writing Books with No Plot (But Readers Still Love Them)”

Get cozy, grab your dream journal, and prepare to meet your muse in the dreamscape.

In this episode of The Scribe Vibe, we explore how to incorporate supernatural elements into your writing without falling into common tropes or heavy-handed techniques. From creating cursed objects to building haunted settings, we delve into the power of suggestion and subtlety in crafting truly eerie stories. Plus, we provide a writing exercise, analyze examples from iconic literature, and discuss common pitfalls to avoid in supernatural fiction. Tune in for tips on how to make your supernatural elements both haunting and memorable. Don't forget to share your supernatural writing samples with us on social media!

Music isn’t just background noise—it’s a powerful creative tool that can fuel inspiration, shape characters, and enhance the emotional depth of your writing. In this episode of The Scribe Vibe, we dive into how different types of music influence storytelling, from crafting character playlists to setting the perfect atmosphere for your scenes.

🎶 Topics Covered:

• The science behind music and creativity
• How to build character-specific playlists
• Using music to create immersive settings and moods
• Genre-specific musical inspiration for fantasy, romance, thrillers, and more
• Practical tips for integrating music into your writing routine

Whether you’re a writer who swears by film scores or someone looking to enhance their writing process through sound, this episode will give you the tools to make music an essential part of your craft.

🔊 Tune in and let’s create the ultimate writing soundtrack!

📍 Stay connected for updates:

🌐 Website: www.janaewritesbooks.com

💖 Patreon: www.patreon.com/JanaeWritesIt

🎙 Next Week’s Episode: “Cursed Objects and Haunted Settings: Writing the Supernatural with Subtlety” – Don’t miss it!

Some characters make our blood boil, yet we can’t stop reading about them! In this episode of The Scribe Vibe with Janae, we’re diving deep into the world of unlikable characters—what makes them so compelling, why readers love to hate them, and how they drive some of the best stories in fiction. From Cersei Lannister’s ruthless ambition to Amy Dunne’s chilling genius, we’ll break down why these characters linger in our minds long after the final page. Plus, I’ll share your favorite “love-to-hate” characters from this week’s listener poll!

Stick around for tips on crafting a compelling unlikable character in your own writing, and don’t forget to send in your thoughts for a chance to be featured in a future episode!

📩 Want to be part of the show? Email me at [email protected] or [email protected].

📚 Learn more about me and my books at www.janaewritesbooks.com.

🎧 Support the podcast on www.Patreon.com/Janaewritesit.

And as always—Writing is a journey, not a race!

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In this episode of The Scribe Vibe, we delve into the fascinating world of astrology and how it can transform your writing process. From using zodiac signs to build dynamic characters to mapping your plot with the twelve astrological houses, you'll discover how the stars can guide your storytelling. We’ll explore the natural harmony and tension between the zodiac’s elements—Fire, Earth, Air, and Water—and how you can apply these traits to create compelling character dynamics, subplots, and emotional arcs. Plus, I’ll share tips for avoiding common pitfalls and show you how to use planetary aspects to deepen your characters’ relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, this episode will provide a unique framework for creating stories that resonate with depth, tension, and growth. Tune in for practical advice and a writing prompt that will ignite your creativity!

Don't forget to check out more examples and resources on my Patreon at www.patreon.com/janaewritesit, and visit my website for updates at www.janaewritesbooks.com.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.