Words Are Hard

What's the difference between alpha and beta readers? How do editors fit into the mix? Why are we talking about pedantic spelling related to Greek words? Find out in today's episode!

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

What's a pen name? Why do writers use them? When is the right time to eat soup? Find out in today's episode!

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

In October 2025, I started an experiment: write and publish 3 books in a year. I just published my second, and I'm sharing what I've learned about the process in today's episode.

For more resources on writing quickly, check out Dean Wesley Smith's website and Kristine Katherine Rusch's website.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Character agency. It's the perfect excuse to make your characters suffer... I mean grow! Hear all about it in today's episode.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

What happens when you can't believe what a character is telling you? Answer: listen to this episode.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Feeling tropey? Check out this episode of "Why you should watch Leverage"—I mean Words Are Hard—to find out what tropes are and how to use them without falling into the cliche trap.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

I've been sitting on this episode for 2 months, waiting for time to edit it. With Ramsay and I both starting new jobs, it's been a crazy spring! But we're back from our unexpected haitus and ready to go with more writing and editing talk, starting with a discussion on beta readers! What are they? Why do you need them? How do you find them? All answered here, just for you <3

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

We may have recorded this over a month ago, but it's still relevant! While active voice is strongly preferred in writing, there are times when passive voice is an effective tool. We'll discuss those specific uses, as well as Wisconsin winters and vintage historical fiction, in today's episode.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

If you've ever felt frustrated with your writing, don't worry. It isn't just you. These are some of the most common frustrations I hear from writers, and how to address them. 

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Some big things have been going down in the world of indie publishing, but fear not! We're here to serve you the tea. In today's episode, we'll hear from Nikki of Faeblebooks, an independent bookstore in The Amana Colonies, Iowa. Tune in for news on what happened with Ingram's updates, why everyone is so upset, and what we can do about it.

Follow on Threads and Instagram @faeblebooks, or check out their website here.

You can find Nikki's free Quick Start to Wholesale Guide here!

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.