In this week’s episode, Taylor and Steve discuss the long-time writing maxim of “killing your darlings.” We discuss what can qualify as a writing darling, and how to decide which of your darlings should be removed. Thanks so much for joining us again this week! If you have questions or suggestions for future shows, we’d […]

In today’s episode, we discuss the importance of description, the ultimate purpose of description, and how to avoid the two extremes of writing description in your stories. Thanks so much for joining us again this week! If you have questions or suggestions for future shows, we’d love to hear from you. You can leave your […]

In today’s episode, we discuss the importance of action and emotional beats in our stories, and how to be sure you gain maximum benefit from those beats. Thanks so much for joining us again this week! If you have questions or suggestions for future shows, we’d love to hear from you. You can leave your […]

In today’s episode, we finish what we started last week, by digging deeply into the idea of building characters for whom smarts is their secret weapon. Thanks so much for joining us again this week! If you have questions or suggestions for future shows, we’d love to hear from you. You can leave your suggestions […]

In today’s episode, Taylor shares her thoughts on the need for subject matter expertise when it comes to choosing the weapon of choice for your protagonist. The show opens with a chat about Friday the 13th (not the movie) and winds up with Ricochet Rabbit. Thanks so much for joining us again this week! If […]

In today’s episode, Taylor uses the show Deadwood as a springboard to a discussion of adding emotional depth to the villains in your stories. Thanks so much for joining us again this week! If you have questions or suggestions for future shows, we’d love to hear from you. You can leave your suggestions as comments […]

Today we have something completely different. Taylor recently purchased a new computer, but she chose a different path, (the path with a Hello Kitty USB drive). She bought an inexpensive Windows laptop for the sole purpose of setting up Linux and running it as her primary operating system. Thanks so much for joining us again […]

Do books have expiration dates? Steve read a recent blog post in which the question of expiration dates for books was raised. In this week’s show, we discuss that concept as well as Taylor’s new hobby. Thanks so much for joining us again this week! If you have questions or suggestions for future shows, we’d […]

In this week’s show, we discuss the issue of delivery dates within publishing contracts, what happens when those dates aren’t met, and the value of an agent when it comes to dealing with contract issues. Thanks so much for joining us again this week! If you have questions or suggestions for future shows, we’d love […]

In this week’s show, we begin by chatting about a recent Library event that Taylor attended, then she shares her experience in working with libraries and librarians and why they’ve been so important to her career. We also spend time sharing thoughts on how both traditionally published and indie authors can improve the chances of […]