My favorite reads of 2025. Were any of these your favorites?

This week, we're talking about narrative filtering, and how much of it you can lose to make your story better.

Book recommendation: FLASHLIGHT, by Susan Choi.

This week, turn your narrator's eye outward and see the world around them.

Reading recommendation: THE ROSE FIELD, by Philip Pullman.

This week, cut out the weakest part of every paragraph, and your story or novel will sing.

Book recommendation: HEARTWOOD, by Amity Gaige.

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This week, revive an old project and remember what made it shine for you.

Book recommendation: THE SAFEKEEP, Yael Van der Wouden.

This week, remember how compassion can deepen your understanding of your characters.

Book recommendation: SWEET FURY, by Sash Bischoff.

Just when you thought it was safe — make the bad guys come back in your story this week.

Book recommendation: LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS, Laura Ingalls Wilder.

We're back, listeners! And we're talking about how to re-connect with your writing when time and life challenges have separated you from your work.

This week, stuff was going on at your school that you didn't know about at the time. Write your way back into the memories and the discoveries.

Reading recommendation: ORBITAL, by Samantha Harvey.

This week, you've got to write about what wakes you in the night, even if it's difficult.

Reading recommendation: BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2024.