This solo episode comes to you in a rare, late-night appearance. I share two poems that I wrote years ago: the first one was written from a desire to impress, and the second from the desire to experience.

Developmental editor Victoria Jane joins this episode to discuss how to develop a character that readers want to cheer on, even those that aren’t necessarily “good.” We also chat about what it means to be a writer worth cheering for, and how sensitivity is a strength in storytelling.

Connect with Victoria:

https://www.instagram.com/editsbyvictoriajane/

https://www.victoriajaneeditorial.com/

Coming back after a summer break with some thoughts about the importance of setting yourself up for success instead of chasing or running after it.

Take the assessment here: https://www.cynthiamerrillediting.com/assessment

Find me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamerrillediting/

Send me an email:

[email protected]

Emily Reuschel joins this episode to talk about how to take imperfect, unglamorous action to build momentum towards your goals, and how to make space for big dreams even in a small town.

Emily Reuschel is a speaker, facilitator, and mentor to women who are done performing and who are ready to become. Through her immersive retreats, deep-rooted masterminds, private mentorship, and the Wild & Waking podcast —she guides wild & waking women back to the voice of their own knowing.

https://www.instagram.com/emilyreuschel/

https://open.spotify.com/show/4kQ6k3C6YmKp6EY58URPH6?si=397aebab13cf43fe

Maria Bowler joins this episode to discuss her book Making Time and explore how reframing our relationship with time, productivity, and creative work—from output-focused to aliveness-focused—fundamentally changes how we create and live.

Maria Bowler is an author, creative coach, and retreat leader. She holds a masters in religion and the arts from Yale University, is a former magazine editor, and has taught creative writing at the university level. Canadian by birth, she now lives in the Driftless region of the US with her family. Her first book, Making Time, is out now.

Connect with Maria here:

Website: www.mariabowler.com

IG: instagram.com/mariaevbowler

Get her book: https://www.mariabowler.com/makingtime

Take the assessment: https://mariabowler.myflodesk.com/alivenessaudit

Eliza Day joins this episode to unpack visibility and entitlement wounds and how to move through fear and shame to create and relate more honestly.

Eliza Day is a writer, speaker, and intuitive coach who works with people at the edge of change, helping them move through fear, shame, and internal conflict so they can create and relate more honestly. She leads group programs and private sessions centered on self-trust and expression.

Follow Eliza here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/elizadaylight/

Website: https://www.elizaday.love/

Kimberly Lauren joins this episode to discuss developing characters and setting in a way that allows readers to connect with both deeply. We discuss cohesion, connecting with the senses, and how no writing you do is ever wasted.

Kimberly grew up in a blended family of 15 kids, so she turned to writing to get a word in. She graduated from Lesley University with a master’s degree in fiction and runs Talk Wordy to Me, an online community of 15,000 book enthusiasts. She nurtures writers through her mentorship program, Storyheart Studio. As a former magazine editor, audiobook narrator, and small-press publicist, she's worked behind the scenes in publishing and has been recognized with Society of Professional Journalists awards. Her non-fiction has been published in The Elephant Journal, No Sidebar, Utah Valley Magazine, and Scary Mommy. When she's not writing, you can find her wrangling her three kids (and bunnies and chickens) or curled up in bed with a good book or BBC drama.

To connect with Kimberly:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/talkwordytome_/

In this episode, guest Alina Wells joins to discuss what it means to advocate for yourself and your writing. We cover knowing what you want from your career, protecting your creative voice, and trusting your intuition to help you set boundaries.

Alina Wells is a dark fantasy author and the founder of Writing It Wells, a platform dedicated to helping writers craft emotionally powerful stories while building sustainable writing lives. Through her educational content and resources, she supports authors in strengthening both the foundations of their storytelling and their relationship with the creative process.

Known for translating complex writing concepts into clear, practical guidance, Alina shares insights on craft, storytelling psychology, sustainability, and the realities of the writing life—helping writers move from uncertainty to clarity and create stories that genuinely connect with readers.Drawing on her background as a developmental editor, she brings a deep understanding of story structure, character arcs, and narrative momentum to the conversations she leads within the writing community.When she isn’t creating resources for writers, Alina is developing her dark fantasy novel, Star-Crossed, the first book in an upcoming series where magic, fate, and tragic romance collide.

Connect with Alina here:

https://www.instagram.com/writingitwells/

In this episode, author and editor Jennia D'Lima shares her expert advice on how to make the most of in-person writing events and conferences. We discuss strategies for preparing before the event, engaging during the event, and following up afterwards. Jennia also provides practical tips on setting up an appealing table display, connecting with other attendees, and measuring success beyond just book sales. Whether you're a seasoned author or attending your first event, this episode is full of actionable insights to help you make the most of your in-person networking and marketing opportunities.

Jennia D'Lima is passionate about everything related to the publishing industry and has written or edited for academic work, newspapers, university presses, and everything in between. She loves connecting with her authors and sees each project as a unique and exciting collaboration. In addition to editing, she is a book awards judge, an author, the creative nonfiction expert at NAIWE, and the host of the Writing and Editing podcast.

Connect with Jennia:

Website: jenniaedits.com

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

Writing is not just a product that we create. It is a tool for transformation—an alchemical process of self-discovery and healing. Jaime Fleres joins this episode to share her journey with writing—from using it as a lifeline in her early years to ultimately helping others use it as a tool for healing and self-discovery. She shares tools from narrative therapy, somatic work, and nonviolent communication to encourage and guide writers through self-discovery and healing.

Connect with Jaime here:

Website: JaimeFleres.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimefleres1/

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

Get her books: https://www.whalesongcreative.com/jaime-fleres-books

Jaime Fleres is a former college professor of writing, author, transformational depth guide, and the founder of Whale Song Creative, where she and her team have supported hundreds of authors in writing, editing, and publishing books that meaningfully impact lives. Jaime’s approach is shaped by more than two decades at the intersection of writing, psycho-spiritual healing, and soul-based initiatory work. She is a trained Shamanic Astrologer, certified Integrative Somatic Healing Therapist, initiated Shamanic Priestess, sound healer, embodied movement practitioner, and intuitive guide, weaving these in service of helping others reclaim their voice, agency, and creative essence.She is the author of Birth Your Story, Honoring the Whole, and The Author Adventure, and serves as a threshold companion for highly sensitive, soulful, and intelligent creatives navigating moments of deep transition.