Pen to Pod: A Writing Podcast

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive into the creative world of Kris M. Fajardo, exploring transcending themes across time and the art of retelling classics like "The Great Gatsby." Discover how Kris crafts narratives that resonate with emotional depth and innovative world-building. Don't miss this engaging discussion on character development, pacing, and the collaborative nature of writing.Follow K.M. Fajardo for more updates and insights:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krismfajardo/Website: https://kmfajardo.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KrisMFCheck our Local Heavens!! - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221244034-local-heavens

Join us as we dive into the creative world of Britney S. Lewis, author of "Blood Moon." Discover how passion and perseverance fuel her storytelling, explore the supernatural elements that define her work, and learn about her journey from Kansas to crafting compelling fantasy narratives. Whether you're a fan of paranormal tales or an aspiring writer, this episode offers insights and inspiration. Tune in for a conversation that blends creativity, identity, and the art of writing. #BloodMoon #BritneySLewis #FantasyWritinghttps://www.instagram.com/britney.s.lewis/ and check out her Linktree: https://linktr.ee/britneyslewisCheck out Blood Moon and be sure to review on Goodreads or wherever you read books

Veronica Bane talks about her journey to publication and writing her debut novel, Difficult Girls. In this episode, Mik and Veronica talk all things: process, resilience, and character creation. This is perfect for readers of Difficult Girls who want to peel back the curtain a bit more and amazing for writers who want to hear amazing writing advice from an author who has probably written some of your favorite best-selling books, as a ghostwriter. You can follow Veronica Bane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronicabane/ on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@veronicabane and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@veronicabaneCheck out her debut, Difficult Girls and make sure to read and review on Goodreads or wherever you review books.

Summary In this conversation, Mik and Camri Kohler explore the popularity of genres such as urban and contemporary fantasy. They delve into the challenges of publishing, the evolution of trends, and the importance of character development, particularly the appeal of flawed characters in horror. Camri shares her personal journey as a writer, the impact of place on her storytelling, and the necessity of open conversations about the realities of the publishing industry. The discussion highlights the balance between community support and the pressures of competition among writers, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and the understanding that not every project will succeed. Camri Kohler shares her journey through the writing and publishing process, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection. She discusses her experiences with small presses, the challenges of writing a trilogy, and the intricacies of character development. The dialogue also delves into the complexities of morally gray characters, the creation of a unique magic system, and the art of crafting authentic dialogue. Camri offers valuable advice for aspiring authors, encouraging them to finish their projects and embrace the journey of writing. Topics The Evolution Genres and Industry Trends The Rise of Contemporary Horror The Influence of Place on Writing The Allure of Unlikable Characters Navigating the Publishing Landscape The Benefits of Working with Small Presses The Journey of Writing a Trilogy Character Development Creating a Unique Magic System The Editing Process Facing Inner Demons: Supernatural Elements Crafting Authentic Dialogue The Importance of Finishing Camri Kohler https://camrikohler.com/ https://www.instagram.com/camrikohler/ https://www.tiktok.com/@camrikohler?lang=en https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21985524.Camri_Kohler Peachy: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59573222-peachy Pared: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202094149-pared Mentions Rachel Kitch: https://www.rachelkitchauthor.com/ Big Swiss by Jen Beagin Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Keywords contemporary fantasy, urban fantasy, publishing trends, character development, horror writing, writing community, flawed characters, editing process, writing challenges, writing, publishing, small presses, character development, dialogue, morally gray characters, magic system, editing, supernatural elements, author advice

Keywords writing, self-publishing, romance, author journey, character development, emotional connection, TikTok, community, inspiration, overcoming self-doubt Summary In this engaging conversation, Lana Vargas shares her journey as a writer, discussing how her hometown influences her writing, the challenges and joys of self-publishing, and the importance of character development in romance. She reflects on her early inspirations, the emotional connection to her characters, and the lessons learned throughout her writing career. Lana also emphasizes the significance of building a community on social media and the ups and downs of the self-publishing journey, including her recent re-release of 'Summer in Phoenix.' Lana Vargas https://linktr.ee/lana.vargas https://www.instagram.com/authorlanavargas https://www.tiktok.com/@authorlanavargas?_t=8dzxqivlv30&_r=1 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215736215-summer-in-phoenix https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208456791-the-darkness-that-follows-us

Summary In this conversation, Clare Robertson shares her journey as a writer, discussing the influences of her upbringing, the themes of home and belonging in her work, and the impact of family on storytelling. She reflects on her early calling to write, the books that shaped her, and the balance between reading and writing. Clare also opens up about her writing process, the challenges of burnout, and how motherhood has influenced her creative life. Finally, she reveals the inspiration behind her debut novel, 'Some Advanced Notes on Practical Dreaming.' In this conversation, Clare Robertson discusses her journey as a writer, the evolution of her book, and the themes of mental health, female rage, and survival. She shares insights on self-publishing, genre blending, and the importance of character development, particularly focusing on her protagonist, Sam. Keywords writing journey, community, cultural influences, themes of home, storytelling, influential books, genres, writing process, burnout, motherhood, practical dreaming, writing, self-publishing, dark academia, horror, mental health, character development, female rage, genre blending, revision process, world-building, writing, writing a book Clare Robertson https://www.clarerobertson.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/clareyrobwrites17/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217530263-some-advanced-notes-on-practical-dreaming?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=qkMophDryP&rank=1 Mentions Hayley Dennings - This Ravenous Fate Harper Hawthorne Amy Clarkin - Paranormal investigators in Ireland  Leigh Bardugo - Ninth House Lev Grosman - The Magicians Hank Green - An Absolutely Remarkable Thing Rachel Kitch Mikayla Kimes If you want to follow the host, you can do so at her youtube channel @mikwrites: https://www.youtube.com/@mikwrites Or on instagram @mikiswriting

Summary In this engaging conversation, Melissa Durston shares her journey from a love of nonfiction to a career in editing fantasy and paranormal fiction. She discusses the importance of networking, the various types of editing, and the differences between types of edits you can receive. Melissa emphasizes the significance of feedback styles, the challenges of pacing and subplots, and offers practical self-editing tips for aspiring authors. The discussion also touches on the critical role of the first chapter in capturing a reader's attention and the common mistakes authors make in their manuscripts. Takeaways - Storytelling can be a viable career path, even if discovered later in life. - Networking is crucial for success in the writing community. - Understanding different types of editing is essential for authors. - Self-publishing offers more control but requires thorough self-editing. - Feedback styles vary; finding the right match is important. - Active voice enhances clarity and engagement in writing. - Pacing and subplots are critical elements that need careful management. Mentions Isabel Sterling, Author Coaching: https://www.isabelsterling.com/coaching (An incredible human who offers coaching for debut and aspiring authors) Page One Writing Discord: https://discord.gg/zfWXFBGf (Melissa helps co-manage the server and a Verified Editors network to connect authors with editors.  Rebecca Thorne's Discord for cozy writers/readers: https://discord.gg/erK9NMBf (a cozy place to hang out) Rebecca Thorne: https://rebeccathorne.net/ Book Mapping: Book Mapping for Writers Jessica Brody: Self-Editing Resource Melissa Durston Website: https://www.melissaannedurston.com/ Services: https://www.melissaannedurston.com/services Threads: https://www.threads.net/@herbookologist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbookologist/

Summary In this episode of Pen to Pod, Mikayla Kimes explores the importance of setting in storytelling, emphasizing its role as a character rather than just a backdrop. She discusses how setting can enhance atmosphere, themes, and character development, using the novel 'Legendborn' as a case study. Kimes provides insights into how authors can effectively integrate setting into their narratives and offers writing exercises to help writers deepen their understanding of atmospheric settings. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn Goodreads Link Tracy Deonn's Website Resources Coulture Interview w/ Tracy Deonn Mikayla Kimes If you want to follow the host, Mikayla Kimes, you can on her YouTube channel ⁠@MikWrites⁠. On the channel she discusses her own personal writing journey and other craft topics. ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mikwrites⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/mikwrites Keywords writing, setting, atmosphere, character development, Legendborn, writing craft, author interviews, storytelling, creative writing

Summary In this engaging conversation, Harper Hawthorne discusses the profound impact of her environments on her writing, the tools she uses to overcome perfectionism, and her journey back to writing after a hiatus. She shares insights on the influence of video games on creativity, the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, and the importance of building a supportive writing community. The discussion also delves into her unique approach to outlining and character development, as well as the intricacies of her world-building and magic systems in her book, Of Blood and Aether. Topics Where you live can deeply influence your writing. Using tools like FreeWrite can help overcome perfectionism. Returning to writing can be a healing journey. Video games can inspire creativity and storytelling. Self-publishing offers control but comes with challenges. Organization is key in managing writing projects. Authenticity in writing leads to more engaging stories. World-building is essential for immersive storytelling. Building a writing community can elevate your work. Mentions Free Write Traveler: https://getfreewrite.com/products/freewrite-traveler https://itch.io/ StimuWrite: https://thatclowngoddess.itch.io/stimuwrite Genshin Impact: https://genshin.hoyoverse.com/en/ Harper Hawthorne harperhawthorne.com @harperhawthorne harperhawthorne.substack.com Of Blood and Aether - Good reads Of Blood and Aether - Amazon Mikayla Kimes If you want to follow the host, Mikayla Kimes, you can on her YouTube channel ⁠@MikWrites⁠. On the channel she discusses her own personal writing journey and other craft topics. ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mikwrites⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/mikwrites

Summary In this episode of Pen to Pod, Mikayla Kimes explores the various aspects of overcoming writer's block. She categorizes writer's block into three types: mechanical, creative, and unmotivated blocks, and shares practical strategies for each. Takeaways There is no perfect answer for overcoming writer's block. Writing is an art, and the process is part of that art. Reading in your genre can help overcome mechanical blocks. Creative activities outside of writing can recharge your creative well. Changing your environment can spark new ideas. It's okay to write poorly; the first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Finding a writing buddy can provide motivation and support. Romanticizing your writing session can enhance your experience. Reflecting on what you're skipping can unlock new ideas.

Summary In this conversation, Rachel Kitch shares her journey on becoming a horror author, discussing her experiences in acrobatics, the influence of her cultural identity, and the importance of community in writing. She delves into her creative process, the themes in her work, and the significance of exploring uncomfortable dynamics in horror. Rachel also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers and emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the writing process.  *TW: THERE IS DISCUSSION & ALLUSIONS TO SEXUAL ASSAULT AND THE VERY REAL POWER DYNAMICS AT PLAY IN TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS* Topics RETIRING FROM ACROBATICS BIRACIAL IDENTITY AND EXPERIENCES OF STRADDLING TWO CULTURES INSPIRE RACHEL TO WRITE THE POWER OF FOLKLORE EXPLORING COMMON THEMES IN SOUTHEAST ASIAN AND APPALACHIAN STORIES UNSETTLING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING THEMES IN HORROR TEETH AND BODY HORROR THE STRUGGLE OF PEOPLE PLEASING WORLD BUILDING IN A LOCKED ROOM SETTING SCIENCE AND MAGIC EXPLORING THE DYNAMICS OF OBSESSION, POWER & SEXUALITY QUERYING PROCESS AND ADVICE WEB DESIGN FOR AUTHORS Rachel Kitch https://www.rachelkitchauthor.com/ https://x.com/rachelkitch https://rachelkitch.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rachkitchwrites Mikayla Kimes If you want to follow the host, Mikayla Kimes, you can on her YouTube channel ⁠@MikWrites⁠. On the channel she discusses her own personal writing journey and other craft topics. https://www.youtube.com/@mikwrites https://linktr.ee/mikwrites

Summary In this episode, Mikayla Kimes delves into the concept of writer's voice, focusing on how it intertwines with tone in writing. She discusses the importance of tone in conveying mood and attitude, using examples from the short story collection 'Vampires Never Get Old.' Mik provides practical exercises for writers to explore and identify tone in their own work, emphasizing the impact of word choice and sentence structure on the overall writing style. Takeaways - Voice is the author and character coming alive on the page. - Tone is the attitude or mood conveyed through writing. - Understanding tone helps fulfill genre expectations. - Identifying your story's tone can guide your writing process. - Word choice and sentence structure are key to establishing tone. - Reading short stories can help study writing craft effectively. - Tone can shift based on the author's intent and audience. - Practical exercises can enhance understanding of tone in writing. - Voice and tone are different but closely related concepts. Mentions Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61300301-vampires-never-get-old Zoraida Córdova - https://zoraidacordova.com/ Natalie C. Parker - https://www.nataliecparker.com/ Rebecca Roanhorse - https://rebeccaroanhorse.com/ Dhonielle Clayton - https://www.dhonielleclayton.com/

Summary In this insightful episode, Mik and T.N. Vitus explore the multifaceted journey of writing, covering a range of topics from the transition between pantsing and meticulous outlining to the domino effect of world-building. They discuss the creation of complex characters and the development of a believable political landscape within their narratives. T.N. also shares the inspirations behind their work, Heirs of Destruction, and how they capture the classic fantasy feeling while acknowledging the temporary nature of the world they've built. The role of faith in the story is examined, alongside the joys and difficulties of self-publishing. Finally, they address the challenges of marketing on social media, offering a well-rounded perspective on the modern author's experience. Topics Covered From pantsing to meticulous outlining the domino effect of world building complex characters creating a believable political landscape Inspirations behind heirs of destruction capturing the classic fantasy feeling The temporary nature of the world The role of faith in the story challenges of marketing on social media joys and difficulties of self-publishing T.N. Vitus' Work @vitusvital_ https://www.instagram.com/vitusvital_/ https://substack.com/@vitusvital https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208474829-heirs-of-destruction Heirs of Destruction by T.N. Vitus Sacrilege by T.N. Vitus Mik Writes If you want to follow the host, Mikayla Kimes, you can on her YouTube channel @MikWrites. On the channel she discusses her own personal writing journey and other craft topics. Keywords writing, fantasy, world building, character development, self-publishing, marketing, reading, genre evolution, religion in fantasy, author interview

SUMMARY In this episode of Pen to Pod, Mikayla Kimes delves into the concept of writer's voice, sharing insights from her experiences and others. She emphasizes the importance of discovering one's unique voice through reading and writing exercises, analyzing excerpts from short stories to illustrate how voice impacts storytelling. The episode also discusses the distinction between author voice and character voice, and how emotions can shape writing. Kimes provides practical exercises for listeners to explore their own writing voice and looks ahead to future episodes. TAKEAWAYS Finding your writing voice is a journey that requires exploration. Voice is the imprint of ourselves on our writing, shaped by personal experiences. Short stories are an underrated form of writing that can enhance understanding of voice. Echoing and imitating writers you admire can help discover your own voice. Writing about something you hate can reveal your true voice and emotions. Your writing voice is a reflection of who you are as a person. Relaxation is key to writing authentically and quickly. The combination of author and character voice creates a rich narrative. Studying short story anthologies can provide diverse perspectives on voice. MENTIONS The short stories we read from are: Mirror Ball by Jack Skelley Coyotes by Zoë Rose Next solo episode we will be talking about: Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker Literary Cleveland's INKUBATOR 2024 Resources used for this episode: Lecture by Nardine Taleb, "Raising Your Voice." How to write fiction: Meg Rosoff on finding your voice How to Find Your Writing Voice: 5 Methods from Famous Writers A Surefire Technique for Finding Your Voice by Josh Sippie

Summary In this conversation, Mik and Kath Richards explore Kath's journey from New Mexico to Utah, her evolution as a writer, and the impact of her education on her craft. They discuss the nuances of genre fiction, the themes of connection and personal experience in writing, and the challenges of writing action sequences. Kath shares insights from her self-publishing journey and offers advice on marketing and building an author brand, all while promoting her debut novel, 'A Love Most Fatal.' Topics What is “literary” in genre fiction? Themes arising naturally when writing Kath’s Short Fiction The Theme of Connection and Relationships in Kath’s Work The Inevitability of Miscommunication in Relationships Difference between short fiction and longer fiction  A Love Most Fatal by Kath Richards Kath’s Writing Process Self-Publishing Marketing for Self-Published Books Vampires: The Monster Within All of Us Books, Media and Authors Mentioned Fallen by Lauren Kate: fallen angel YA romance Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson Marilyn Robinson - Literary author Kath adores Beach Read by Emily Henry  The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson Perfect Little World by Kevin Wilson Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldry  H.D. Carlton - Indie Author Greer Rivers - Indie Author Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee Twisters (2024) - new movie  Emails I Can’t Send - Sabrina Carpenter (album) Short n’ Sweet - Sabrina Carpenter (album) Kath’s Work All We Have by Kath Richards Night Swimming by Kath Richards A Love Most Fatal by Kath Richards https://www.kathrichards.com/ Resources Mentioned Kath’s Writing Discord - The Writing Team  (deadline sep 26) Travis Baldry’s Self Published Book Launch A-Z: a great resource on how to self publish Word Weavership by Sam’s Creative Cure: Membership for authors to get access to marketing templates. Mik Writes If you want to follow the host, Mikayla Kimes, you can on her YouTube channel @MikWrites. On the channel she discusses her own personal writing journey and other craft topics. Keywords writing, romance, self-publishing, MFA, genre fiction, family themes, miscommunication, action sequences, author journey, book marketing