StoryADay presents: I, WRITER - A Writing Podcast about Building a Successful Writing Practice

Hi writers! This week I'm sharing a surprising example of how writing (and writers) can help people in the real world, inspired by a project announced by Brandon Sanderson. It leads to one clear lesson about what it actually takes to build a sustainable writing life — especially if you want to write consistently, keep your momentum, and grow beyond the "solitary writer" myth. Plus: a quick writing prompt about conflict you can use right away.

A short meditation on why sustainable writing comes from small, repeatable choices. We touch on Coetzee, Tom Stoppard, and the quiet ways stories ripple outward—then land on the core: build the habit, revise bravely, and let the work be enough.

We all have that voice that whispers, "Who are you to think you can write?" In this gentle, thoughtful episode, Julie Duffy shares why those inner critics feel so convincing—and how to move past them. From celebrating small wins to journaling the negative voices into submission, she offers calm, practical ways to rebuild confidence and keep writing.

A soothing reflection on self-doubt, creative courage, and what it really takes to keep showing up for your stories.

Writing is hard — but it's even harder alone. In this episode, Julie shares why connecting with other writers is the key to overcoming blocks, staying consistent, and building a joyful writing life. Discover how community keeps you motivated, accountable, and growing as a writer.

Join the Superstars group: storyaday.org/superstars

On Day 14 of the StoryADay Challenge, how's it going? Perfectly?

Oh, you magical unicorn you. For the rest of us, I have some thoughts...

00:00 StoryADay Update - Limit Your Choice, Do Hard Things

04:51 Creating artificial limits for freedom

05:43 Recommit 05:46 Make It Public

06:44 Make It Smaller and More Specific

08:37 Have A Theme

09:24 Commit To The Prompts

10:13 Be There For Yourself Even When Its Uncomfortable

14:05 Quantity vs Quality

Join Julie from Story A Day on Day 10 of Story A Day May as she discusses using strong emotions like rage as fuel for your writing. Julie shares personal insights on transforming negative emotions into positive creative energy and how it can lead to problem-solving and positive thinking. She also highlights today's writing prompt from Patricia A. Jackson, which encourages writers to pen a story from the perspective of a banned book.

Embrace your irritation, channel it into your writing, and elevate your mood through creativity! https://storyaday.org

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

00:08...

Creativity brings its own rewards - how writing more helps you write more...

join us: https://storyaday.org

I wasn't feeling great, on Day 7 of the StoryADay Challenge, so here's what I dd to get my inspriation back....

Join us: https://storyaday.org

(and yes, episode four comes from Day 5. You didn't miss anything. I just don't do these every day)

This update from the StoryADay challenge comes on Day 5, but works for you any time you're trying to write.

 Join the challenge: https://storyaday.org

00:00 Introduction to StoryADay Challenge

00:15 Taking a Break: The Importance of Rest

01:07 Dealing with Prompts: Inspiration and Flexibility

 02:14 Community Insights: Diverse Perspectives on Prompts

05:10 Personal Reflections: Knitting and Writing

06:57 The Value of Persistence and Experimentation

08:02 dig deep into the id...

Maybe you're tired, sad, or otherwise struggling emotions when you're trying to write. What do you do, to keep going?

 I have two suggestions, today.

Find more at https//storyaday.org

On writing flash fiction to a writing prompt by F. E. Choe, the art of Flash Fiction, and the benefits of brainstorming.

Get a sneak preview of my Flash Fiction Workshop here (first 3 lessons, free!): https://stada.me/flash-preview

These mini episodes bring you in-the-moment updates from my StoryADay May challenge, in the hope that what I'm learning will also be helpful to you!

Episode 1 - In which I talk about confidence and humility as a creative person join the challenge: https://storyaday.org/

Warm up for the StoryADay May Challenge (or any writing) with these character exercises. Create your raw materials this month; write like the wind, next month!

LINKS

All the warm up tasks: https://stada.me/april-warm-ups

Get ready for StoryADay May with these warm-up tasks in April PLUS: hear about the wonderful writers who have sent us prompts for this year's challenge sign up at: https://storyaday.org

During StoryADay I like to give you meaty writing exercises disguised as prompts.

This week I'm giving you seven mini-prompts that you can use to juice up an existing work-in-progress or to spark a new one.

You can find all these prompts here: https://storyaday.org/sftw101

Playlist of YouTube Short writing prompts

Sign up for the StoryADay May Challenge here: https://storyaday.org/signup

What's life really like as a writer?

Well, the answer is as varied as the number of writers you ask, but for me, this is how things are going: Listen in, you might be inspired!

LINKS

Join Superstars + I, WRITER Course at a discount before Dec 15, 2024 https://storyaday.org/superstars

Writing Prompts: https://storyaday.org/writing-prompt-archive/

Flash Fiction Primer: https://storyaday.org/flash-fiction-essentials/

The StoryADay blog: https://storyaday.org/blog

CHAPTERS 

00:27 Bluesky/BSKY

05:16 Flash Fiction Notes

11:49 The Power Of O...

It's that time of year again, when we look back at what happened last year in our lives and what we hope to make happen next year in our writing lives. 

1-6 projects Planning Pie:

LINKS:

Register for the Annual Planning Workshop
Join the StoryADay Superstars

This week I rant about the Best American Short Story Collection...and more

00:00 20241018Podcast

06:00 Read literary fiction if you like it

07:29 Read in your chosen genre

10:38 Using Your Knowledge In Your Writing - How I Wrote A Story

14:28 Read widely

18:55 Reading from Critique Week

21:40 Book Club

How to write realistic, fascinating characters that readers adore...and what it can teach you about BEING a writer...

LINKS

One Story Challenge: https://storyaday.org/one-story-signup

This week's StoryADay podcast is about loving your writing and sharing the love! Yes, there is stuff about marketing your writing in here, but don't let that put you off. 

CHAPTERS
00:00 StADa321 - Being You
01:09 The One-Story Challenge: Show, Don't Tell Edition
08:07 Marketing

LINKS
The One-Story Challenge - Show Don't Tell Edition: https://storyaday.org/one-story-signup

Elizabeth Wheatley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethwheatley
Elizabeth Wheatley's Books: https://elisabethwheatley.com/collections/books-ebooks

Sometimes it seems like success comes easily to other people when it feels so elusive to us. But there are secrets to making it more likely you'll be one of those success stories, and that's what I'm talking about this week on the StoryADay Podcast. Whether you're a writer or not, I think you'll like this one!

LINKS:

Tell me what you're celebrating: https://storyaday.org/the-secret-to-sticking-with-it/

The StoryADay Handbook: https://storyaday.org/challenge-handbook

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Engine Of Success for Writers

01:13 Things I Learned About Motivation, from...

In which I share revelations from my recent travels to Scotland, and talk about the importance of seeing the wonder in everyday life. 

0:00 Find Wonder Everywhere

10:14 This Week's Assignment

17:49 Your gift to the world

LINKS

Leave a comment: https://storyaday.org/find-wonder-everywhere

Handbook: https://storyaday.org/challenge-handbook

This week I share what worked from StoryADay May this year, including our secret weapon, the warm up and brainstorming exercises.

00:09: Inspiration from Unlikely Sources

04:31 Encouragement from Writing Friends

07:12 Building a Supportive Writing Community

10:28 Back to Fundamentals: Improving Your Writing Practice

11:58 Warm-Up and Brainstorming Exercises

20:40 Resources and Programs for Writers

24:43 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion

LINKS

The StoryADay Challenge Handbook: https://storyaday.org/challenge-handbook

Characters need to need something. They need to want something. Otherwise, it's just a series of things happening to a character...and readers won't care.

In this episode I share a writing prompt and lesson from my year-long email series, StoryAWeek, which you can start today,all about creating a story in which a character needs something. 

I also talk about creating suspense in creative and marketing writing, and about why it's so important to build a writing practice.

LINKS
Mary Robinette Kowal interview

StoryAWeek

StoryADay Challenge Handbook Duration: 00:23:19

In a week when a(nother) rockstar writer is falling from their pedestal, I made a case for the rest of us being brave enough to complete and release our work into the world; to flood the reading public with good options, and not worry about what might happen if we accidentally become successful.

LINKS:

Contact: https://storyaday.org/contact

The StoryADay Challenge Handbook: https://storyaday.org/challenge-handbook

Want more joy and less angst, in your writing life? 

I have some suggestions, that will helo you create and stick to a writing practice that works for you, right now.

LINKS

StoryADay Handbook: https://storyaday.org/challenge-handbook

BJ Fogg's Tiny Habits: https://amzn.to/4chLUmd (affiliate link)

Why can you write so well during challenges like StoryADay May but struggle to motivate yourself outside challenges?

In this episode I dig into why challenges work AND how you can create and refine your own processes for replicating that success in your writing life.

LINKS:

StoryADay Challenge Handbook: https://storyaday.org/challenge-handbook

Do you have a system for consistently seeking out feedback on your completed pieces?

Could that system use a few tweaks?

What is this word, 'system' I keep using (and how dare I)?

All this and more, in this week's episode...

LINKS

Critique Week: https://storyaday.org/critique

StoryADay Challenge Handbook: https://storyaday.org/challenge-handbook

In which I talk about how StoryADay May 2024 is going (spoiler: it's going great!) and how much fun everyone is having, and the best ways to participate, even if you don't want to write a story every day.

CHAPTERS:

hapters

[00:01:08] How Is StoryADay May 2024 going?

[00:01:30] Join The Discussion

[00:02:24] The Challenge Handbook Benefits

[00:04:51] The Experience of StoryADay May in 2024

[00:05:10] Week 1 - Come To Your Desk

[00:05:48] Week 2 - The Elements of Craft

[00:08:03] Week 3 - The Art of the Short Story

[00:09:10] Wish...

Sign up at StoryADay

In this revist of my interview with writer Windy Lynn Harris, we talk about Seven Ways to Write Flash Fiction, a skill that is extremely handy during the upcoming StoryADay challenge
Sign up for the challenge at StoryADay.org

CHAPTERS:
1:16 Flash art comes organically when being open.

6:58 Flash fiction: creative, short, under 500 words.

12:28 Be specific in short flash fiction writing.

13:05 Editing is essential for shorter pieces.

17:37 Essential aspect of storytelling, representing a moment.

19:32 Woman faces fear, mystery, and self-discovery.

23:27 Enjoy working o...

Intrigued by the StoryADay Challenge but intimidated? Don't be! In this episode I explain all the rules including the most important rule: Make Your Own Rules!

Sign up at https://storyaday.org/signup

00:00 History of the StoryADay Challenge

01:30 4. Give Yourself Permission To Have Fun

06:14 StoryADay May Rules

06:31 1. Make Your Own Rules

11:20 2. Don't Try To Catch Up

12:12 3. Don't Post Your Stories Online (Or Do)

13:30 4. Give Yourself Permission To Have Fun

14:47 5. Seek Out The Right Support At The Right Time

17:11 6. Dance...

Sign up for the I, WRITER Course today and build a writing practice you can love today, not 'some day'.

LEAP DAY SPECIAL $229 (regularly $497) or 54% off! https://stada.me/leapday

Listening after Leap Day? It's still incredible value and you can get started today: https://stada.me/iwriternow

"In a digital world saturated with technicolor brilliance and filtered, unobtainable beauty, modern humans seem unmoored and at sea. We crave stories to tell us who we are."

– Min Jin Lee, Best American Short Stories 2023

LINKS: StoryADay.org/what-we-crave

In this on-the-road episode, I come to you fresh from a conference, full of new energy and ideas, and I encourage you to find ways to shake up YOUR practice.

LINKS

Critique Week https://stada.me/critique

What do Groundhogs have to do with getting better at skills? Oh, so much. Trust me.

LINKS

Friday Freebie: https://storyaday.org/friday

In which I talk about Mary Oliver and the power of words to lift us out of the everyday.
I also invite you to take part in the January Challenge, a five-day exercise that will make you more decisive around your fiction and every aspect of your writing life.
Sign up here:https://storyaday.org/jan-challenge

In this episode I discuss the concept of discomfort in the journey of pursuing creative endeavors and explore the different types of discomfort, such as striving to reach one's ambitions versus worrying about not having what it takes.

I encourage you to embrace discomfort as a sign of growth and progress, and suggest a solid-gold way to make that less grim.

I also invite you to join the Story A Day Superstars, a supportive community for writers, and announce upcoming writing challenges and courses. Plus: a writing tip about making characters sound more realistic.

Are you setting goals for outcomes or simply turning towards your writing more?

Here are some ways I can help:

Download the Short Story Framework:

https://storyaday.org/ssf

Take the 3-Day Challenge

https://storyaday.org/3dc

Sign up for the StoryAWeek Newsletter

https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

Take the I, WRITER Course

https://stada.me/iwriternow

Join the Superstars Group

https://storyaday.org/superstars

Coaching with Julie

https://storyaday.org/writing-coaching-with-julie

  Duration: 00:26:23

in this week's episode I'm celebrating the successes of writers from the StoryADay Community, and our Superstars Group. Some of those successes are publication-related and others are more about the progress of the writers' practice. Join us. I also extend an invitation to join our Superstar group in the coming year.

LINKS
Join Superstars: https://members.storyaday.org/join-superstars
Never Give Up (Brenda's Post)
https://storyaday.org/brenda-persists
This episode: 
https://storyaday.org/epsiode301

In this episode I explain where the podcast has been for the past few week, talk about the workshops I've been running and talk about what's coming next for StoryADay, AND encourage you to understand the value of the work you're doing.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates
00:10 Creating Content and Workshops
02:08 Exploring the Use of AI in Writing
04:56 AI for Organizational Structures and Marketing
11:21 Reflections on Recent Events and Future Plans
11:40 StoryADay Superstars Group and Annual Planning Bundle
15:48 The Pressure of Milestones and Overcoming Blocks
20:19 The Importance of Writing and Encouragement<...

I could give you a million and one tactics for fitting writing into your life...and none of them will matter a jot until you do this one simple (not easy) thing...

LINKS

NaNoWriMo Support Pack: https://storyaday.org/nanowrimo-essentials

The Keep Writing Workbook https://stada.me/kww

Welcome to The StoryADay Podcast, where we explore the power of storytelling and the importance of writing every day.

In today's episode, titled "How Good Is Good Enough?" I encourage you to think about the significance of our narratives and the impact they have on the world around us. Drawing inspiration from a talk by former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, I reflect on imposter syndrome, internal motivation, and the responsibility writers have to capture the essence of human experience. Join me as we explore the value of our stories, regardless of accolades or recognition, and...

Are you looking to find success in the publishing world?

Join me on The StoryADay Podcast as I discuss the importance of engagement in writing and publishing.

In this episode titled "Lurk Your Way to Success in Publishing", I share strategies and insights that can help you achieve your goals as a writer.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

1️⃣ Don't rush into building an author platform: While it's tempting to focus on social media presence and building a following, it's crucial to prioritize the writing itself. Spend time honing your craf...

Welcome to another episode of The StoryADay Podcast! I'm your host, Julie Duffy, from Storyaday.org, and today we're diving into a topic that every writer grapples with: engaging the reader.

As we explore the importance of captivating our audience, we'll also discuss the challenges that come with balancing our own creative process and the desire for validation from readers. \

Join me as we uncover strategies to make our stories irresistible and learn how to effectively engage with our readers. So, grab your pen and notebook, and let's get started on this storytelling adventure!

As we kick off StoryADay September 2023 I talk about how there is more than one way to engage with your writing...and your identity as a writer. 00:00 StADa295EngageWithYourWritingPractice 00:00 Intro 00:15 How To Engage with Your Writing Practice 15:16 Strategies for StoryADay Join the challenge and find out more at https://storyaday.org

This week author Jane Friedman noticed that someone had used her name on a bunch of junk, AI-generated books about writing.

Lest you get discouraged I have some thoughts on what authors can about this.

Also in this episode: the Importance of Celebrations, and some tips for how to do that.

LINKS:

LINKS:

The Importance of Celebrations Workbook: http://stada.me/wb-celebrations

This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode294

Some Author Advocacy Groups:

The...

The StoryADay Podcast took a sneaky wee vacation this month, but will be back in August with our monthly theme of Triumph! 

Keep writing,

Julie

This week we take the idea of improving your writing and your writing practice.

But how, exactly do you DO that?!

Do you struggle to keep records of what you read or write? Do you beat yourself up over it, because you're sure it'd make your life easier? Maybe yes, maybe no. Let's dig in to record-keeping for creative people: why it works, why it doesn't, and what to do about it!

Sign up for the StoryADay Anytime Challenge: https://storyaday.org

The final -- and most important -- two things I learned (again) while writing a StoryADay in May 2023. If you'd like to be more productive, creative and fulfilled in your writing, listen in!

Links: 

Take the 3-Day Challenge: storyaday.org/3dc

I've been writing a StoryADay in May since 2010. I've learned some things about writing, productivity, creativity, and success. I share some of them here.

Links:

This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode289

The 3 Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

In which i talk about what to do if you miss a day (like I did) and creative courage.

Liniks:

Get the prompts: https://storyaday.org/signup

Take the 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Prompts throughout the year: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

On May 12, 2023 Kathleen Porter published an opinion piece entitled "Limiting What Novelists Can Write is Bad For Readers."

I think she almost entirely missed the point of the diversity movement and I am...irritated. Please join me for a walk through some terrible opinions and what YOU can do, as a sensitive, thoughtful writer, to avoid this kind of knee-jerk reaction and keep writing.

Recapping five days of writing a StoryADay in May, 2023 with Julie Duffy

Catch up with the first week of StoryADay May 2023 through the experiences of founder and writer, Julie Duffy

Subscribe to the daily series here: http://stada.me/2023lives

00:00 StADa287 Five Days In May
01:12 Day 1
04:40 Day 2
09:55 Day 3
13:41 Day 4
17:35 Day 5
21:21 Warp up

In which I answer questions sent in by the StoryADay Community about how to overcome their writing challenges.

LINKS

Sign up for the StoryADay Challenge

Find out more about the Superstars group

Support the podcast

In which we talk about titles, favorite stories, current author crushes and then Rachel turns the tables on me!

LINKS:

More about Rachel: RachelSwearingen.com

Support this podcast: glow.fm/storyaday

More about StoryADay: storyaday.org

Of all the reasons you should join us in attempting to write a StoryADay May the best might possibly be because: don't you want to be the kind of writer who writes? Who writes so much they get good? Who stands a chance of realizing those unreasonable-exciting dreams you're not telling anyone about?

Don't you at least deserve to try?

LINKS

Sign up for the StoryADay Challenge: https://storyaday.org/signup

In this conversation with award-winning writer Rachel Swearingen we talk about how to build a writing practice that grows with you, the art of writing short and long fiction the importance of play, her residency in Berlin and about some of her short stories and how they came to be written.

Next time we'll talk about her favorite stories of her own and the writers she admires, working in short fiction now. We also talk about the importance of community for writers, and then Rachel turns the tables on me!

Rachel Swearingen is the author...

What to do when life won't get out of your way.

We all go through seasons where other concerns pull at us (family, friends, world events). It doesn't mean you're failing as a writer if you are less productive at some times than others. 

And I have some thoughts on how you can stay connected to your writer self even if the words aren't flowing.

with author KB Carle we talk about what attracted her to Flash Fiction; the challenges of moving from short to novel-length fiction; how to get unstuck ; and how being a writer includes building your community.

Find all the resources storyday.org/episode280

In this interview with KB Carle we talk about writing flash fiction and micro fiction, the importance of community, getting through the middle, and more

LINKS:

More about KB Carle:  kbcarle.com

In the second part of my conversation with Gwen E. Kirby we talk about developing characters that feel real to people, about writing at this moment in time, writing about women, and the question that Gwen Kirby doesn't get asked often enough,

Gwen E Kirby is the author of the fabulous debut collection of short stories Shit Cassandra Saw. has a MFA from Johns Hopkins university. PhD from the University of Cincinnati and is the Associate Director of Programs and finance for the Sewanee Writers. Conference at the University of the South where she's also teaching students a...

Gwen E Kirby is the author of the fabulous debut collection of short stories Shit Cassandra Saw. has a MFA from Johns Hopkins university. PhD from the University of Cincinnati and is the Associate Director of Programs and finance for the Sewanee Writers. Conference at the University of the South where she's also teaching students about creative writing. Her writing has appeared in One Story Tin House Guernica. Smoke Long Quarterly, and many other places.

In this conversation, we talk about the stories in her new collection, the benefit of a fantastic title, how to take an...

Today I'm talking about the struggle to get back into a writing routine after the winter holidays. I know I'm not alone in expecting that fresh start feeling to kick in, in January, but it hasn't happened for me yet. The chaos of the holidays can make it hard to get back into a routine. But, I have learned over the years as a writer, that if you want to improve, you have to take action and actually write. I have some tips that can help, and an invitation to join me in a tiny challenge later this month...

It's an end-of-year episode with a twist (hint: don't want to set New Year's Resolutions? Join the rebellious crowd!)
LINKS:
Podcast interview archive: https://stada.me/interview
Reading Room reviews: https://stada.me/read
StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

In which we talk about ways to build a writing practice even when dealing with challenges like depression and ADHD (checkboxes, spreadsheets, and stickers...oh my!); and Mary Robinette shares a great method for ramping up writing productivity after a break.

LINKS

Part 1 of this interview

Mary Robinette's Patreon

Award-winning writer, podcaster, voice actor and puppeteer Mary Robinette Kowal stopped by the StoryADay podcast to talk about the novel, writing, and why you should consider putting a pet in your stories.

10:13 Research for Writers 11:49 Writing The Other 12:34 Can a stable relationship be interesting? 14:20 On the benefits of pets in stories 25:52 Part 1 Wrap Up and Links

LINKS
MaryRobinette.com
Mary Robinette Kowal's Patreon
My Favorite Bit (10 best Fantine curses) 

Buy the book, support an indie bookstore: https://stada.me/thespareman

Nobody ever feels they've done all the writing they could have done, in a year...but that's no reason to bury your head in the sand. Let's dig for treasure, instead!

LINKS
Annual Review Bundle: https://stada.me/apb

Set and Meet Goals article: https://storyaday.org/set-and-meet-goals

With six weeks left in the year, you may be looking to do a big push or you may want to chill. I have one tip that will make either of those options (or something in the middle) work.

Also in this episode, some updates on my Tidy Desk Challenge and what's been going on around here at StoryADay recently.

LINKS

Read to write? Watch this peptalk

Want to build a slow, steady practice? What this

Want to finish one project this year? Watch this

Ready to...

In which behavioral science tells me things I do not want to hear and I issue myself a Tidy Desk Challenge. (You are welcome to join me. Post on Instagram, use #TidyDeskChallenge and tag me @storyadaymay).

LINKS:

The StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

If you have set a writing goal for this month -- or if you have ever struggled with goals -- this is the podcast for you! My mentor said something so brilliantly simple this week that I simply HAD to share it with you...because it unlocked something about goals and our life's purpose.

LINKS

SWAGr post: https://stada.me/swagr

Not every period in your writing life has to be one where you're churning out new words. So what should you be doing if you're in 'The Pause'? Follow the links for a workbook that will help you figure out your next steps.

LINKS

The Pause - https://storyaday.org/the-pause/

The Keep Writing Workbook - the perfect prep-work while you're in The Pause: https://stada.me/kww

I've done a few challenges in my time (from StoryADay to NaNoWriMo) and I have some questions for you about how you're preparing and what you'll do instead/as well as outlining to sustain you through the month.

LINKS

Creative Challenge Workbook: https://stada.me/ccw

StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

This episode: https://storayday.org/episode267

It's dangerous to allow rejections, acceptances, marketing budgets or any other business-related nonsense to determine your worth as a writer.

So who should you be listening to? In this episode, I have some thoughts...

LINKS
StoryADay Critique Week: https://stada.me/critique

StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

This week I read you a writing prompt. Let's get writing!

LINKS:

https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

What do you need to do to help you soar in your writing life? Join me for a Lesson in Creative Thermodynamics!

LINKS:

Leave a comment: storyaday.org/a-lesson-in-creative-thermodynamics

The 3-Day Challenge: storyaday.org/3dc

This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode264

I'm obsessed with helping you write more and feel successful in your writing life (Yes, I was watching the E! Emmy's red carpet show this week. Thanks for the epithet, Laverne Cox!)

What are you willing to do to become the writer you know you are inside?

LINKS:

Join the Superstars: https://stada.me/superstars

There is a lot going on in a writer's life.

Make sure you are designing the one you actually want.

LINKS:

Fun-Size Challenge: https://storyaday.org/fun-size

StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

StoryADay September is coming! What's it going to look like, this year? Tune in and find out.

PLUS I got some great advice this week on how to write a sequence that was stalling me. I'll share it in this episode.

LINKS

Sept Challenge: https://storyaday.org/fun-size

StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

Short stories and novels are different beasts, but there are skills that transfer between them, both in the craft and in the writing life.

This week I'm talking about something I learned about the writing process, in my own writng this week. You might be surprised...  

Sign up for the Fun-Sized StoryADay September Challenge: https://storyaday.org/next-challenge  

Join the StoryAWeek private newsletter here: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek

Learning about the realities of the publishing industry can free you to create your own definition of success (that may or may not include traditional publishers). Step 1 towards success is to imagine your vision. Step 2 is to turn up for your writing, something the new StoryAWeek newsletter can help with!

For industry perspective: Jane Friedman's The Hot Sheet: https://hotsheetpub.com/

Leave a comment about this episode: https://storyaday/episode259

Step into endless inspiration and creativity with StoryAWeek: https://storyaday.org/StoryAWeek 

This week I talk about the  creative boost I got from my recent travels, and how you can get a similar boost in your writing life, without even leaving home.

I also tease some of the upcoming events at StoryADay as we look towards the change in seasons.

Want more?

Join me at the Writer Unboxed OnConference 2022: https://writerunboxed.com/2022/08/05/writer-unboxed-onconference-community-focus/

Get the StoryADay Short Story Framework: https://storyaday.org/framework

Crafting a writing life isn't all about knowing where to put commas and how to develop characters. It's also about engaging with other humans. This week I'm in conversation with Larissa Sjarbaini, a high performance coach, about how to do that and why you might want to, even if you're an extreme introvert. And stay tuned for an opportunity to develop your own game plan for a writing life

LINKS

This episode: storyaday.org/episode257

Set Yourself Up For Success: storyaday.org/success-coaching

I get vulmerable and make a confession, in this episode. Can you relate?

LINKS

Critique Week: https://stada.me/critique

3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

I'm through caring about what publishers want. Instead, I want us to focus on writing stories that matter. And, as you might expect, I have some thoughts on how we go about doing that.

LINKS

The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Vacations can give us a much needed fresh perspective, as writers and creators, but you don't have to cross an ocean to see things a-fresh.

LINKS

StoryADay.org/episode254

Take the 3-Day Challenge: StoryADay.org/3dc

Writers don't just write for themselves, we write to be read, and with that we leave a legacy. in this episode I tell the story of two writers who left an impact on me, and invite you to think about your legacy

LINKS:
The 3-Day Challenge - https://storyaday.org/3dc
I, WRITER Waitlist - https://stada.me/iwriter

Music credits: Alan McPike, https://standardstrax.com/
Video credit: (Tony Conaway) Gary Zenker, Main Line Writers' Group (full video https://youtu.be/1R0rqla54hk)

Episode 252 - this week I bring you three different stories from the writing world that bust the myth of the lone genius writer. (Now, doesn't that make you feel better?)

We know that, in a story something must change before the protagonist can begin to conquer their problem. If you're a writer who isn't writing as much as you'd like, might I suggest that you, too, need to make a change? 

Perhaps that something is catching up on the StoryADay May 2022 Fun-Size challenge

Catch up with the fun-size challenge now: https://storyaday.org/fun-size/

StoryADay May 2022 is underway and it's time for a recap of what hundreds of writers have been up to this week.

LINKS: 

StoryADay.org

StoryADay.org/3dc

Replay of a live Q&A session with the community, recorded 30 April 2022

Links:

StoryADay.org

Why should you sign up for StoryADay May, and what happens once you do? This episode is full of trips and tricks to help you get the most out of the upcoming month of creativity, including details of the new Fun-Size Challenge

LINKS

Sign up! https://storyaday.org/signup

What if you could slide up to your desk, knowing that you were going to have a good time, with your writing? What if, when you sat down to write, the words just flowed? What's the secret ingredient that makes this possible?

LINKS

https://storyaday.org/signup

https://storyaday.org/3dc

Some early details about the new flavor of StoryADay May I'm introducing this year, and my note from the AWP 2022 Conference - an my thoughts on the state of the short story

::LINKS::

Main site: StoryADay.org

3 Day Challenge: StoryADay.org/3dc

My interview with Jane Friedman:

Here's a rundown of mistake you're probably making as a writer (plus three bonus mistakes, because we've all been there!)

Join us in the StoryADay Superstars group: https://stada.me/Superstars

Full transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/UzbdsMeiNBZ

If there is nothing happning in your writing, your stories will be boring! Avoid the trap of writing beautiful language with no plot, but injecting some conflict into your stories...and I don't mean car chases or war!  Full transcript: https://share.descript.com/embed/Wnfp8TWAI7m

...and you don't have to be.

This week I'm talking about the different paths available to writers, from creating a practice, to creating an empire that can run a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign.

::LINKS::

John Scalzi's article: https://stada.me/scalzi

The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Stay updated with StoryADay: https://storyaday.org/signup

Generating words is sometimes what writing is all about. If you've been learning about writing for too long without writing something new, I have a challenge for you this week.

::LINKS::

The Framework: https://storyaday.org/framework

The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Whether we are from within a community or an outsider, it affects how we perceive the group. That's important for characters in your writing and it's one of the topics on this week's podcast, along with mindset (of course!) and what I'm reading this month.  Included: a writing prompt all about the ways your characters and your readers interact

::LINKS:: 
Bob Newhard: https://youtu.be/p1KbtLrBZ0k 
Neil Gaiman's "Orange": https://amzn.to/2GgNPb8 
Podcast questions: https://storyaday.org/podcast 
Julie Explains Things, Simply: https://stada.me/jets

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