Writing and Killing Unicorns

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Welcome back to Writing and Killing Unicorns, the podcast where we embrace the chaos of creativity—despite what it brings along. I’m your host, Nelly, and in today's episode, we're diving into a particularly frustrating aspect of being a writer: Why does inspiration always strike at the most inconvenient times?

From shower thoughts to midnight epiphanies, creative bursts have a knack for appearing when you’re least able to take advantage of them. Why does your muse wait until you’re driving, falling asleep, or attending a funeral to deliver your next big idea? In this episode, The Muse Has Terrible Timing, we explore this infuriating phenomenon and why our brains love to dish out brilliance when we can’t immediately use it.

I also share two personal anecdotes that perfectly highlight the awkward timing of creative moments. From an idea sparked at a family funeral to an unexpectedly hilarious situation during a pap smear (yes, you read that right), the stories will help you feel less alone when your creativity hits at the worst possible time.

Whether you're stuck in traffic, lying in bed, or even in the midst of a medical appointment, you'll want to tune in to hear about how creativity has a mind of its own—and why sometimes it’s best to roll with it.

Highlights:

• My experience with creative bursts during awkward moments.
• Personal insights into embracing your quirks and finding humor in uncomfortable situations.

Connect with Me:

• Follow the podcast on all podcast platforms and leave comments/reviews! 
• Feel free to email me at [email protected].
• Visit my website at thekrnelsonwriter.com
• Follow me on IG: the_krnelson

What was your "why now?" moment of creativity? 

Let me know your story! Leave a comment. I want to hear from you!

Stay creative, stay weird, and remember—your muse may not have the best timing, but it's never too late to embrace the chaos!

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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Editing—every writer’s necessary evil. In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, I sit down with author Jo Salazar to discuss one of the most painful and crucial parts of the writing process: killing your darlings. Whether it’s a beautifully written scene, a beloved character, or a line of dialogue that just doesn’t fit, knowing when to cut and how to do it can make or break a story.

Jo shares her own experiences with tough edits, offering insight into how to recognize what’s holding your story back and how to push forward without losing its heart. Along the way, she and I also dive into writing outside our comfort zones, crafting characters whose experiences differ from our own, and the art of balancing creativity with discipline.

In this episode, we discuss:
📝 What killing your darlings really means and why it’s so difficult
✂️ The first time Jo had to make a tough cut and how it shaped her writing
🔍 How to identify darlings that need to go—questions to ask yourself during edits
💔 The emotional side of editing and strategies for detaching from beloved scenes
📖 Writing characters with different lived experiences—how to approach it authentically
📌 The value of beta readers, editors, and outside feedback in shaping a story
🔄 Deciding whether to cut a scene entirely or rework it to fit the narrative
💡 Why keeping a scrap folder might save your favorite darlings for another story

And of course, I ask Jo: If she could interview any character from The Dead Weight, who would it be and what would she ask? (No spoilers, of course!)

If you’ve ever agonized over cutting a scene you love or struggled with making bold editorial choices, this episode is for you (and me, friend).

Episode Links & Resources:

📖 The Dead Weight by Jo Salazar – Amazon l goodreads

📌 Follow Jo Salazar – IG: @_jo_salazar_ 

Author Website: Jo Salazar

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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Ever found yourself staring at a blank page, knowing you should be writing but… just not doing it? You’re not alone. In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, we dive into the 10 biggest reasons writers don’t write—from procrastination to perfectionism, self-doubt to distractions—and explore real, actionable ways to push past them. Whether you're stuck in the idea phase, afraid your work won’t be good enough, or just too busy to write, this episode will help you get back on track and start putting words on the page.

If you've been waiting for a sign to stop avoiding your writing, this is it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The most common mental and practical roadblocks that keep writers from writing
✅ How perfectionism and fear of failure sabotage creativity—and how to break free
✅ Strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building writing confidence
✅ Why "finding time to write" might not be the real problem
✅ Simple habits and mindset shifts to make writing a consistent part of your life

Mentioned in This Episode:

📖 The Dead Weight by Jo Salazar

Next Episode Preview!

🔥 Special Guest Host: Jo Salazar! 🔥

Next week, we’re handing the mic over to Jo Salazar, the author of the hot new novel The Dead Weight. Jo will be diving into one of the most challenging parts of writing: killing your darlings. Have you ever struggled to cut a sentence, scene, or character you love but know it isn’t serving your story? Jo’s got you covered with practical advice on editing with purpose and making your writing stronger by letting go.

Don’t miss it—subscribe now!

Support the Show!

💬 Love this episode? Leave a review—it helps more writers find the show!
📢 Share with a fellow writer who needs a creative push
📩 Have a topic you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected].

#KeepWriting #Podcast #WritingLife #WritersBlock #KillTheUnicorns 🦄💀

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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In this Writing and Killing Unicorns episode, Nelly explores the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which involves finding beauty in life's imperfections and embracing the natural cycles of growth and decay. She shares personal stories, discusses the power of storytelling, and explores how wabi-sabi applies to the craft of writing and everyday life. Whether you're a writer struggling with procrastination or looking to appreciate existence's messy beauty, this episode is for you!

What You'll Learn:

• The meaning of wabi-sabi and how it can transform your perspective.
• Personal anecdotes about finding beauty in imperfection.
• How writers can embrace wabi-sabi to create authentic, meaningful stories.
• Tips for overcoming procrastination and the pressure of perfectionism in writing.

Next Episode Teaser:
Remember to tune in next week as Nelly tackles The 10 Reasons Writers Don’t Write. Could you be falling prey to one (or more) of these reasons? Find ways to break free from the blocks that hold so many writers back.

Connect with Karen:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @the_krnelson
• Author Website: thekrnelsonwriter.com

Don’t Forget:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with a friend who might need some wabi-sabi. And let us know: How do you find beauty in life's imperfections?

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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Welcome to the first episode of "Writing and Killing Unicorns"! In this exciting debut, we dive into the concept of "killing unicorns" in the writing realm—overcoming clichés, defying conventions, and unlocking your authentic voice. I'll share the story behind the podcast and highlight how embracing the unexpected can spark your most innovative ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, this episode is your ideal launchpad to create something extraordinary.

Be sure to follow, like, subscribe, and leave your thoughts! If you have questions or want to be featured in a future episode, contact me at [email protected]. 

I can’t wait to connect with you!

#WritingLife #PodcastLaunch #CreativeAdventure

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.