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Words Are Hard

Author: Rachael Waldburger & Ramsay Plautz

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Words are hard. We’re here to help.

Join Rachael Waldburger (editor, indie author, and English teacher) and her brother Ramsay Plautz (the extrovert in charge of keeping the conversation going) as they dive into writing and editing techniques. New episode weekly. Tangent-to-topic ratios will vary.
55 Episodes
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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.
54. The Tea on Ingram

54. The Tea on Ingram

2026-01-2059:06

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.
In today's episode, Ramsay and I chat with Kelly Miller with @poetsinthepines about the process of creating an anthology. You can find the anthology she worked on, Made from Midnight: a Requiem, and information about what she and the Poets in the Pines are up to at https://poetsinthepines.com/ 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.
Happy Thanksgiving, two weeks late! If you've been struggling through a project and are feeling discouraged with your progress, this is the episode for you. 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're behind on a goal (like NaNoWriMo), here are some ways to help. 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.
50. The Murky Middle

50. The Murky Middle

2025-10-0128:48

Have you ever gotten stuck in the middle of a project? In today's episode, we'll discuss 3 (plus 2) ways to get out of the murky middle. 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 today's episode, we welcome back special guest speaker Bethany Hensel to discuss writing mentors, Power Rangers, and geography. 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 do Jimi Hendrix, Wisconsin, and bears have in common? Today's theme! Join Ramsay and me as we discuss mondegreens, malapropisms, folk etymology, and how to use them in your writing. 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.
47. Writer's Block

47. Writer's Block

2025-09-0926:50

How do you defeat writer's block? Ramsay and I discuss our favorite brain hacks and productivity tricks to get you out of your head and back into your story. 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.
46. Writing Tools

46. Writing Tools

2025-09-0333:01

What tools do you use to write? From writing software to gamified motivation to ambience, we've got you covered! Dabble Affiliate Link: https://www.dabblewriter.com/?via=rachael 4thewords Referral Code: NRLKG56887 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.
Looking for tips on building a writing routine? Look no further! We'll walk you through how to manage your expectations, audit your time, and set boundaries around your writing sessions. Also Ramsay suggests a new invention for nursing mothers. 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.
44. Fanfiction

44. Fanfiction

2025-08-1236:51

Live long and celebrate collaborative storytelling! In today's episode, Ramsay and I discuss intellectual properties and copyright, the history of fandom, and why everyone should read and write fanfiction.  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.
43. Rejection

43. Rejection

2025-07-2930:56

Rejection is a part of life, but it's especially a part of writing. In today's episode, we discuss a few ways to deal with rejection without wanting to burn your manuscript. 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 today's episode, we answer the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything as we discuss Narrative Techniques. Also bad Latin translations and—(not) sorry—more Tolkien. 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.
41. Season 2

41. Season 2

2025-07-0127:03

We're back for season 2! Join us as we discuss what we've been up to during our haitus, what we're going to talk about this season, and some goals for the summer. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
40. Framing Devices

40. Framing Devices

2025-04-2924:03

Today's episode is brought to you by a tornado watch and Lord Byron's house guests. It also marks the start of a brief hiatus. We'll be back in about a month when Rachael's end-of-the-school-year chaos is a little more manageable. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
If you can't spell "restaurant", this is the episode for you. We'll also discuss the Icelandic language, tricks to make you a better speller, and Ramsay's use of the word of the day. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
38. Tense and POV

38. Tense and POV

2025-04-0927:22

What do Goosebumps, breakfast pizza, and Don Quixote have in common? This episode.  Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
37. Poetry

37. Poetry

2025-04-0134:37

Happy National Poetry Month! Today, we're talking about all about poetic devices and Ramsay's continued obsession with Eminem. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
In today's episode: homophones, dangling modifiers, and sourdough pancakes (oh my!) Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to editor@rachaelwaldburger.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
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