In this episode of the Working Writer Podcast, host Tia Levings discusses the challenges and triumphs of the writing life with author Joanna Rakoff. They explore themes of imperfection, bravery, and resilience in the creative process.

Joanna shares insights into her unconventional career path, the importance of following the reader, and her profound experience of seeing her memoir adapted into a film.

They also discuss Joanna’s upcoming book, ‘The Fifth Passenger’, and her aspirations to work in film and television. This episode is filled with valuable lessons for writers on embracing imperfection and pursuing their passions.

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• Order ⁠A Well-Trained Wife⁠
• Read Tia Levings, Writer on Substack
• Instagram: ⁠@tialevingswriter⁠⁠⁠
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Connect with Joanna Rakoff:
• ⁠Website: Joanna Rakoff
•⁠ Instagram: @joannarakoff
• Order My Salinger Year

On this episode of the Working Writer Podcast, host Tia Levings talks with poet William Bortz about the diverse ways writers can make a sustainable living.

They discuss William's journey as a working writer, including the balance between full-time work and writing, as well as the importance of discipline and intentionality in creating art. William shares insights into his poetry writing process and the impact of his challenging upbringing on his work.

The conversation also covers the cultural resurgence of poetry, pop-up poetry events, and the therapeutic nature of writing. Towards the end, William reads a poem from his upcoming book, illustrating his nostalgic themes and the depth of his craft.

• Pre-Order I Belong To Me

• Order ⁠A Well-Trained Wife⁠ 

• Read Tia Levings, Writer on Substack 

• Instagram: ⁠@tialevingswriter⁠⁠⁠ 

• TikTok : ⁠@tialevingswriter⁠⁠⁠ 

Connect with William Bortz:  

• ⁠Website: William Bortz 

•⁠ Instagram: @william.bortz 

• Order Many Small Hungerings

Join us for an insightful episode of the Working Writer Podcast! Today's guest is Shannon TL Kearns, the first openly transgender man ordained to the old Catholic priesthood.

Tia and Shannon discuss his journey from evangelical fundamentalism to becoming a pioneering figure in the Catholic Church, his transition, and how his unique experiences inform his writing and work.

Shannon also shares his thoughts on the importance of authentic storytelling, playwriting, screenwriting, and navigating the creative life through fellowships and gig work. This episode is rich with valuable insights for writers and anyone interested in spirituality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

• Order ⁠A Well-Trained Wife⁠

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• Read Tia Levings, Writer on Substack 

• Instagram: ⁠@tialevingswriter⁠⁠⁠ 

• TikTok : ⁠@tialevingswriter⁠⁠⁠ 

Connect with Shannon TL Kearns:  

• ⁠Website: Shannon TL Kearns 

• Order "In the Margins: A Transgender Man’s Journey with Scripture"! 

In this episode of the Working Writer Podcast, host Tia Levings sits down with Allison K Williams, a prolific writer, editor, and former circus performer.

They delve into the journey of creating sustainable careers in writing, emphasizing the importance of multiple drafts for polished work. Allison shares her unique experiences traveling globally, hosting writing retreats, and the significance of teaching and mentoring other writers.

They also discuss practical advice for writers, such as the necessity of retyping drafts and embedding research directly into scenes. With stories of her extensive travels, including retreats in Tuscany, Portugal, and plans for the Queen Mary 2, Allison provides invaluable insights for writers at any stage of their career.

• Order A Well-Trained Wife!

• Free Fundie Cheatsheet⁠ 

• Read ⁠What the Fundamentalist?!

• Instagram: @tialevingswriter⁠⁠ 

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Connect with Allison K Williams: 

• Website: Allison K Williams

• Order Seven Drafts!

• Twitter : @guerillamemoir

• Instagram: @guerillamemoir

Join us for a compelling episode of the Working Writer Podcast! Today we are joined by Katie Rose Guest Pryal, a speaker and author known for her work on mental health and neurodiversity.

Katie shares her journey from being a non-tenure-track college professor to a published author and speaker. The discussion covers the importance of embracing one's neurodivergence, the evolving language around mental health, and the significance of finding alignment between passion and work. Katie also delves into her career's transition from academia to writing textbooks and trade books, emphasizing the need to focus on what truly matters. 

This episode is rich with insights for writers and anyone interested in mental health and neurodiversity. 

• Order A Well-Trained Wife!

• Free Fundie Cheatsheet⁠

• Read ⁠Deconstructing Fundamentalism with Tia Levings⁠

• Instagram: @tialevingswriter⁠⁠

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Connect with Katie Rose Guest Pryal: 

• Website: Katie Rose Pryal

• Substack : https://krgpryal.substack.com/

• Instagram: @katierosepryal

• Facebook : @katieroseguestpryal

Welcome to another episode of the Working Writer Podcast! Today we are joined by guest Lisa Cooper Ellison, an expert in trauma-informed writing. In this discussion, we explore the importance of a trauma-aware approach in writing, particularly for personal stories and memoirs.

Lisa shares insights from her writing journey, highlighting the transformational power of storytelling and writing's therapeutic benefits. We discuss the developmental editing process, emphasizing patience, humility, and self-compassion. The conversation also covers practical advice for emerging writers, including starting with shorter pieces and considering fiction to maintain distance from personal trauma.

Don't miss this captivating conversation packed with golden nuggets for writers at every level. Discover the revolutionary impact of trauma-aware writing and editing, and learn how trauma-informed coaching can be your secret weapon in conquering the emotional Everest of personal narratives.

Order A Well-Trained Wife! 

Free Fundie Cheatsheet⁠ ⁠

Read Deconstructing Fundamentalism with Tia Levings

Instagram: @tialevingswriter⁠⁠ 

TikTok : @tialevingswriter⁠⁠ 

Connect with Lisa Cooper Ellison:

• Website: Lisa Cooper Ellison 

• Instagram: @lisacooperellison 

• Twitter: @LisaEllisonsPen 

• Facebook : @lisacooperellison

Join us for a brand-new installment of the Working Writer Podcast! Today, we're excited to feature Trinity McFadden, a distinguished senior literary agent with a deep commitment to promoting diverse and underrepresented voices in the publishing industry.

Trinity shared her journey from her early love of literature, through various roles in publishing, to her current impactful role in agenting where she champions innovative and untested authors.

This episode is packed with invaluable advice for both authors and industry professionals. Don't miss it!

Order A Well-Trained Wife! 

Free Fundie Cheatsheet⁠ ⁠

The Anti-Fundamentalist : tialevings.substack.com⁠⁠ 

Instagram: @tialevingswriter⁠⁠ 

TikTok : @tialevingswriter⁠⁠

Connect with Trinity McFadden:

• Website: Trinity McFadden 

• Instagram: @trinityjmcfadden

Welcome to another episode of The Working Writer Podcast! I had the fantastic opportunity to speak with Cait West, author of Rift: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy. We explored how our religious backgrounds impact our writing, touching on themes like horror in literature and the balance between creativity and darker story elements.

Cait shared her journey of faith deconstruction and finding her voice amidst patriarchal pressures. We discussed the emotional and technical sides of book publishing, the challenges of recounting personal tales, and the importance of managing emotional energy during the creative process.

Tune in to hear compelling stories of confronting past traumas, embracing healing, and the ongoing journey of personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or navigating your own path, this episode offers enlightening perspectives on harnessing your narrative amidst life's complexities.

Order A Well-Trained Wife! Free Fundie Cheatsheet ⁠⁠

The Anti-Fundamentalist : tialevings.substack.com⁠⁠

Instagram: @tialevingswriter ⁠⁠

TikTok : @tialevingswriter ⁠⁠ 

Connect with Cait West: 

• Rift : A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy 

• Website: Cait West 

• Instagram: @caitwestwrites 

• Twitter: @caitwestwrites

Bethny Ricks is the author of the memoir, FACE FORWARD : RECLAIMING HOPE WHEN EVERYTHING FALLS APART.

Face Forward is the story of how Bethny navigated failure and setbacks with unwavering faith. We talked about the importance of finding an agent who truly believes in your work and the impact of personality traits on creativity. Bethany shared her powerful journey from corporate HR to becoming a published poet, emphasizing the value of solitude, self-advocacy, and the freedom writing brings.

We also explored maintaining boundaries, the need for rest, and prioritizing genuine connections over social media metrics. Don't miss this episode; it's packed with insights on resilience, creativity, and living authentically. 

Pre-order ⁠A Well-Trained Wife⁠! 

Free Fundie Cheatsheet ⁠⁠

The Anti-Fundamentalist : tialevings.substack.com 

⁠Instagram: @tialevingswriter ⁠⁠

TikTok : @tialevingswriter ⁠⁠

Connect with Bethny Ricks:

• Face Forward : Reclaiming Hope When Everything Falls Apart 

• Website: Bethny Ricks 

• Instagram: @bethnyricks

You may want to start ironing your pajamas after this episode! Topics include: opening creative space, building more brain, time management, anchor clients, productive rest, and a quantum leap for writing.

Yi Shun Lai, author of A Suffragist’s Guide to the Antarctic, joins us to discuss her novel about an American suffragist who embarks on an Antarctic expedition during the Golden Age of exploration. Her journey evolves from a quest for equality to a fight for survival after their ship is crushed in ice.

Our conversation covers the disparities faced by writers of color, the lack of ADHD research in girls, and Yi Shun's upcoming books set in the Antarctic and Death Valley. We also delve into productivity tips, the power of a "second brain," and the impact of cultural conditioning on creativity. Don’t miss this enriching discussion—tune in to hear more!

Pre-order A Well-Trained Wife! 

Free Fundie Cheatsheet ⁠⁠

The Anti-Fundamentalist : tialevings.substack.com⁠⁠

Instagram: @tialevingswriter ⁠⁠

TikTok : @tialevingswriter ⁠⁠

Connect with Yi Shun Lai:

• A Suffragist’s Guide to the Antarctic 

• Website: Yi Shun Lai 

• Instagram: @yishunlai 

• Twitter: @gooddirt 

Mentioned Resources:

• Building A Second Brain 

• Tiago Forte