In this episode we roll out Volume 5 of our Lyrically Speaking series and celebrate the musical. Join us as we explore the lyrics of classic showtunes from Broadway and beyond in this fun retrospective.

Episode highlights:

02:56              What makes a musical?

07:22               Character is King: The Musical Edition

14:52               Brown paper packages

19:05               The greatest negotiation

23:38               Sit down!

30:49               Minutes turn to hours

35:35               Tell me more

41:20               Three meals a day

In this episode we examine the MacGuffin, its history, popularization, and use in modern storytelling. We also share our Top 5 list of all-time great MacGuffins.

Episode highlights:

01:29               What is a MacGuffin?

08:27              Character is King: MacGuffin Edition

13:15               The Top 5 list of all-time great cinema MacGuffins

14:39               I know something you don’t

18:09               It’s all in the plans

21:00               To infinity…

23:50              The stuff that dreams are made of

26:00              Like an addiction

In this episode YA fantasy author Carrie Anne Noble joins us to discuss folklore, fairy tales, and how she finds new stories to tell. Carrie reveals behind-the-book details about her new novel THE SPRINGBORN, and shares the impact that her debut novel, THE MERMAID’s SISTER, had on her life. And for a little bonus content, Keira and I discuss the path she took to get her novel KEEPER OF THE LIGHT from publisher signing to pub date.

Episode highlights:

02:33          Keira’s fairy tale: Publishing KEEPER OF THE LIGHT

11:20            Character is King: Enchanted Edition

18:17            Welcome Carrie Anne Noble

20:27          The life-changing impact of THE MERMAID’S SISTER

23:15           The fairy tale vibe of THE SPRINGBORN

25:35          How THE GINGERBREAD QUEEN became a sequel

27:48          Carrie’s fresh figurative language

33:00          The inspiration of Pennsylvania

In this episode Christian author Taylor S Newport joins us to discuss her debut into the thriller genre, the perfect balance of action and integrity, and the potential to be prolific.

Episode highlights:

02:56               Astounding accomplishments of youth

04:25               Character is King: Exceptional Youth Edition

10:45               Welcome Taylor S Newport

12:53               Thrills and integrity

17:13               Writing fast and crafting a cliffhanger

20:11               A writing editor or an editing writer?

26:20               Being somewhat prolific

In this episode we ring in the New Year with a Top 5 list of resolutions for writers to engage and improve their craft in 2025.

 Episode highlights:

02:41               Who originated the idea of New Year’s Resolutions?

05:58              Character is King: Great Resolve Edition

12:25               The Top 5 list of resolutions for writers

13:10               Correspondence course

15:30               Own it!

18:05               Life gets in the way

22:12               Immersive days

23:49              The REAL reward of writing

In this episode we bask in the glow of the holiday season with a collection of classic Christmas songs and the untold stories behind the music.

Episode highlights:

02:00              How many Christmas songs are there?

05:27              Character is King: Special Christmas Edition

11:06               A merry little song

16:02               Keira’s intro to Christmas

20:37              The hymn once banned by the Catholic Church

26:33              Christmas wrapped up in a bow

31:20               A stolen song and A Very Special Christmas

36:41               A Broadway Christmas tune

42:17               Merry Christmas from The Write Note

In this episode Amazon Bestselling author Diana Rubino joins us to discuss how a love for history has inspired her to write nearly 20 historical romance and biographical novels.

Episode highlights:

01:17               Past is more than prologue

04:41              Character is King: Historic Edition

14:00              Welcome Diana Rubino

19:22               Finding comfort in biographies

23:22              Who killed President Kennedy?

28:55              Love conquers all

35:54              Feeling the weight of history

40:50              Around the World in 80 Meals

45:02              Josephine Earp: Sassy Lady of History

In this special episode Keira shares big news about her writing career.

Episode highlights:

01:19   Keira’s big news

02:51   A Smyth’s Quill – The story that landed a contract

04:24   Oliver-Heber Books: The Terms

07:05   Writing under a deadline

08:30   The best part of OHB (so far)

In this episode author and graphic artist Dineen Miller joins us to discuss creating the perfect book cover and shares the allure of writing romantic comedies.

Episode highlights:

01:10               Judging a book by the cover

05:57             Character is King: Artistic World Edition

11:29               Welcome Dineen Miller

13:40              The evolution of graphic art technology

17:14               Cover market awareness is vital

20:48             Weighing in on AI

26:30             What is the job of your book cover?

33:39             The allure of writing romantic comedies

39:06             Moments Matter – Laughter Lingers

42:15              Writing from a male perspective

In this episode we examine the most controversial story-ending trope ever devised. It was all a dream…or was it?  We look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of employing this trope and play a game of “Neat” or “Cheat” with some famous dreamy endings.

Episode highlights:

01:35               Nailing the end of a story

02:40              It was all a dream…or was it? - The controversial trope

09:46              Character is King: Dreamy Edition (or is it?)

13:26               Neat or Cheat

13:58               A dream-sharing masterpiece

18:18               Was Dickens deceptive?

20:41               The great escape…or was it?

26:40              A train, a bell, and a hole in a pocket

31:37               The midnight twist

35:25              Honorable mention