Use code WOW10 for 10% off the Brick! https://www.getbrick.com/WOW10

Also, we'd love to critique your pages! We review genres of all kinds. Please send 1-10 pages and a synopsis of what the chapter/read is about to mailto:[email protected]

We start with some everyday chaos (a slightly unhinged morning and fashion decisions that may or may not have made sense in the moment), then somehow end up talking about Saved by the Bell, reading burnout, and what it feels like to constantly try to keep up with books everyone says you “should” be reading.

From there, we shift into writing craft—specifically a short story critique where we break down what actually makes fiction work on the page. We get into POV, tension, pacing, word economy, narrative clarity, and how stories either hold a reader or slowly lose them without you noticing. A big part of the conversation is about why stories lose momentum and what creates that feeling of “I stopped believing this,” even if you can’t always explain why.

We also talk about satire and intent, especially how hard it is to write humor or critique something well when you don’t fully understand it—and why familiarity with your subject can make or break the work.

Overall, this episode is really about the gap between intention and execution in storytelling: what we think we’re writing versus what a reader actually experiences.

If you’re into writing fiction, storytelling craft, short story analysis, POV, tension, or reader immersion, this one goes deep into the messy, practical side of how stories actually hold together.

Use code WOW10 for 10% off the Brick! https://www.getbrick.com/WOW10

Also, we'd love to critique your pages! We review genres of all kinds. Please send 1-10 pages and a synopsis of what the chapter/read is about to [email protected]

USA Today bestselling romance author Kayla Olson joins us to talk about the realities of building a writing career, why writing romance is harder than many writers think, and what it takes to stay optimistic through the ups and downs of publishing.

In this episode, we discuss the research behind romance novels, common misconceptions about writing romance, and why the genre requires far more craft and planning than it often gets credit for. Kayla also shares her journey from working at Starbucks to becoming a bestselling author, the importance of finding the right writing community, and the green flags and red flags every writer should watch for in critique groups.

We also dive into one of the most exciting moments in an author's career: what happens when a celebrity wants to adapt your book for film or television. Kayla pulls back the curtain on book-to-screen adaptations, publishing opportunities, and navigating the business side of being an author.

Whether you're an aspiring author, querying writer, romance writer, or traditionally published author, this conversation is packed with writing advice, publishing insights, and encouragement for anyone pursuing a long-term writing career.

Topics include:
• Writing romance and romance novel research
• Publishing industry realities
• Critique groups and writing communities
• Book-to-film and book-to-TV adaptations
• Author mindset and staying motivated
• Building a sustainable writing career
• Querying, publishing, and perseverance
• Becoming a USA Today bestselling author

If you're looking for writing advice, publishing tips, author interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into the writing life, this episode is for you.

Use code WOW10 for 10% off the Brick! https://www.getbrick.com/WOW10

Also, we'd love to critique your pages! We review genres of all kinds. Please send 1-10 pages and a synopsis of what the chapter/read is about to [email protected].

In this episode, we sit down with YA Fantasy Author Dana Swift to talk about what it really takes to build a writing career beyond the page. Dana shares her experience publishing her debut novel during the pandemic and how that unexpected timing shaped her path as an author.

We dig into the lessons she learned about author marketing, building a writing platform and finding readers in a crowded publishing landscape, along with the reality of what it means to promote your work as a debut author.

Dana also breaks down how she developed a stronger understanding of story structure and plot, and why those craft foundations became essential to her growth as a writer.

Beyond craft and publishing, we explore the importance of writing community, critique partners and attending writing conferences, and how connecting with other writers can accelerate learning, career opportunities and long-term success.

Whether you’re working on your first novel or trying to grow your author career, this conversation offers insight into publishing a debut, improving your storytelling and navigating the modern writing industry.

Tune in for a candid look at the intersection of writing craft, publishing and the often-overlooked community behind successful authors.

Use code WOW10 for 10% off the Brick! https://www.getbrick.com/WOW10

Also, we'd love to critique your pages! We review genres of all kinds. Please send 1-10 pages and a synopsis of what the chapter/read is about to [email protected].

In this episode, we're sharing our current writing processes, the writing advice we've embraced (and ignored), and why what works for one author might not work for another.

We kick things off with life updates, including new hobbies, fitness adventures, and the latest progress on our writing projects. Then we dive into the craft of writing: word count goals, plotting vs. pantsing, finding inspiration, and the ongoing process of refining a writing routine that actually works.

We also discuss the books we've loved—and abandoned—our thoughts on DNFing books, the writing tools we use to stay organized, and how reading influences everything from our stories to our dream character casts.

Whether you're a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with insights on writing processes, productivity, creativity, and building habits that support your writing life.

In this episode, we’re joined by Kate Khavari to talk about the realities of building an author career in today’s publishing industry. From going viral on Threads to navigating burnout, querying with a sales record, and balancing an online presence with actually writing books, Kate shares an honest look at what being an author really feels like in 2026.

We discuss Kate’s journey from science teacher to bestselling historical mystery author, why writing communities and group chats matter more than ever, and how conferences like the Historical Novel Society conference can change your career. We also get into the pressure modern authors face online, the importance of social media for discoverability and book sales, and why so many writers are feeling burned out right now.

Whether you’re querying, publishing, marketing your books online, or trying to recover your creativity after burnout, this episode is packed with candid publishing conversations, author advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into the modern writing life.

Topics discussed:

• Going viral on Threads as an author
• Querying in today’s publishing industry
• Author burnout and taking creative breaks
• Building a writing community online
• Historical mystery writing and the appeal of the 1920s
• The pressure of social media for authors
• Writing conferences and networking
• Balancing productivity, creativity, and rest
• Transitioning from teaching to publishing

For 10% off Brick, use our code: https://www.getbrick.com/WOW10

To have your pages critiqued on the podcast, just email 1-10 pages and a synopsis of the read to [email protected].

For 10% off the Brick, go to: https://www.getbrick.com/WOW10

The podcast episode features a live and anonymous critique of a historical crime mystery called 'The Sinners of Shoreline Drive.' The hosts also discuss their writing updates, life experiences, and the challenges of rewriting and refining their stories. They share insights on the process of self-critique, the importance of marketability, and the evolving nature of story setup. The conversation revolves around a detailed critique of two chapters from a book, focusing on what worked and what didn't work. The discussion covers the tone, suspense, character development, and storytelling techniques. The hosts also share their reading preferences and methods for coping with stress.

Takeaways

• Rewriting and refining a story can be a challenging and iterative process.
• The setup of a story is crucial and often evolves over time, requiring flexibility and adaptation. Suspense and tension need to build gradually to create an engaging reading experience.
• Character development and relatable protagonists are essential for reader engagement.

The Witches of Workshop sit down with rom-com author Rebecca Seifert to talk about the writing journey, romance novels, critique groups, and what it really takes to grow as a writer. From finding creative inspiration at a writers retreat to learning how workshops and feedback shape stronger stories, Becca shares honest insights into writing contemporary romance and building a sustainable creative life.

The conversation dives into favorite romantic comedies, beloved romance tropes, story structure, pacing, character chemistry, and why community is essential for aspiring authors. Whether you write romance, fantasy with romantic elements, literary fiction, or you simply love behind-the-scenes conversations about publishing and storytelling, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement for writers at every stage.

Topics include:
• Writing romance and romantic tension
• How critique groups improve your writing
• Story structure and crafting compelling characters
• Favorite rom-com books and movies
• Writers retreats and creative inspiration
• Advice for aspiring authors and new writers
• Finding your voice as a storyteller
• The importance of writing community

Chapters:
00:00 – The Writing Journey
07:53 – How Workshops Shape Better Writers
13:26 – Favorite Rom-Coms and Romance Tropes
29:34 – Advice for New Romance Writers

What actually makes writing good, and how do you know when your story just isn’t working?

In this episode of Witches of Workshop with award-winning Young Adult Author Leslie Lutz, we’re unpacking the real writing process: the chaos, the critique, and the moments that force you to start over. From defining literary fiction to surviving workshop feedback, we talk about what it means to be interesting on the page and why that matters more than being perfect.

We explore writing habits, creative burnout, character motivation, and why your first book might not be the one that “makes it.”

Whether you’re deep in revisions, stuck in perfectionism, or questioning your entire draft, this episode is for writers navigating the messy middle.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to make your writing more interesting (not just “better”)
• The role of workshops and constructive criticism in revision
• Why character motivation can make or break your story
• Letting go of perfectionism and the sunk cost fallacy
• Knowing when to move on from a project
• Writing habits, productivity, and creative community

✨ Perfect for fiction writers, aspiring authors, and anyone trying to finish (or fix) a novel.

Remember, if you WANT to be critiqued on the podcast, just send 1-10 pages and a synopsis to [email protected]

In this episode of The Witches of Workshop Podcast, the conversation spans writing struggles, workshop feedback, and the challenges of revising and refining a manuscript. We also dive into personal updates, including home renovations, hair transformations, and 90s nostalgia, alongside reflections on social behavior and generational differences in the age of technology.

A major focus of the episode is the writing process—particularly the difficulty of rewriting chapters, navigating self-doubt, and responding to critique. The discussion highlights how feedback shapes revision, how personal experience influences character development, and why storytelling often requires multiple rounds of restructuring to find the right balance.

Want to have your episode critiqued on the podcast? Just send 1-10 pages and synopsis to [email protected].

In this episode of The Witches of Workshop Podcast, we share writing updates, including revision progress, feedback from rejection letters, productivity habits, and the role of writing community in staying motivated.

Guest Mark Dye, an English teacher, author, and illustrator, joins to discuss his path to publication, including being signed by a literary agent after pitching at a writing conference. He shares how teaching informs his storytelling, balancing humor in fiction, and developing character-driven narratives.

Mark introduces his adult fiction novel Schoolhouse Madhouse, reads a synopsis, and participates in a live first chapter workshop with feedback focused on structure, characterization, and interiority. The group also discusses writing humor, managing ensemble scenes, and revising opening chapters for stronger impact.

Remember, to have your writing critiqued on the podcast, send 1-10 pages and a synopsis to [email protected]!