Write, Publish, and Shine

Dive deep into the art of revision as I share why revising is where the real magic of writing happens and how to approach it with love and enthusiasm. The episode includes practical strategies from my Revision Love Workbook. Listen for tips and exercises to help you fall in love with the revision process and hone your writing for publication. The Revision Love Workbook is a practical guide offering over 100 pages of strategies, exercises, and advice to help writers revise their work with clarity and confidence. It covers essential elements like structure, character development, pacing, and crafting impactful endings, all designed to help writers see their work with fresh eyes and strengthen their narratives. ORDER YOUR WORKBOOK“I was amazed at how in-depth the revisions were and how supportive the language was. It pushed me (in the best way!) out of my comfort zone.” —Agata Antonow---Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---Show Notes: rachelthompson.co/113Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm thrilled to share the final episode of our series on getting published in literary magazines! Over the past ten episodes, we've covered everything from finding inspiration in submission calls to handling rejections and staying organized. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I hope you've found valuable insights to enhance your writing and submission process. As we wrap up this series, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the listeners who've joined me on this adventure. Your dedication to your craft is inspiring, and I can't wait to hear about your future successes in the literary world. Remember, your words matter, and the perfect home for your work is out there. Keep writing, keep submitting, and keep shining!Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/112Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drawing from my experiences as both an editor and a writer, in this episode, I share insights on why giving your work time to breathe can lead to more profound, polished pieces. We'll explore how slowing down can actually accelerate your growth as a writer, and I'll offer practical tips on how to embrace a more patient approach to your craft. Whether you're working on a novel, short story, or personal essay, this episode will encourage you to find value in the journey, not just the destination.Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/111Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mini-episode, “Handle Rejections However You Want,” I dive into strategies for dealing with the inevitable rejections we face as writers. Drawing from my 14 years on Room's editorial collective and my work with luminous writers, I offer insights on turning rejection into resilience. You'll learn about creating a 'wins' folder, developing a feedback filter, and even how to gamify the submission process. Remember, there's no “right way” to handle rejections—I'm here to encourage you to find what works best for you. Tune in for practical tips and a boost of confidence in your writing journey!Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/110Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share insights on seeking the right kind of feedback for your writing, drawing from my 14 years of experience on Room's editorial collective. Discover how to engage with a supportive writing community, polish your work before submission, and navigate the delicate balance between openness to suggestions and maintaining your creative vision. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable tips to help you shine in literary magazines. Join me as we explore the art of giving and receiving feedback that truly elevates your writing.Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/109Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Write, Publish, and Shine podcast, we’re diving into how genre immersion can elevate your writing for literary magazines. Get ready for practical tips on deeply engaging with your genre—everything from reading widely and analyzing what works for other authors to staying in the loop on the latest trends. We’ll also explore the excitement of experimenting with different forms and pushing boundaries. Listen for some inspiration to read and explore your chosen genre!Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/108Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the power of writing from your most profound experiences and emotions. In this episode, we explore why writing what haunts you creates more authentic, compelling work. Discover how to identify your haunting themes and embrace your unique voice with real examples from published works in literary magazines. Plus, get a writing prompt to kickstart your next piece! Listen now and unlock the stories only you can tell.Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/107Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I dive into the art of crafting compelling writing from start to finish. We'll explore why it's crucial to maintain engagement throughout your piece, not just in the opening. I'll share strategies for keeping momentum in the middle of your work, tips for crafting effective endings, and emphasize the importance of revision in creating impactful writing. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you elevate your craft and create work that truly resonates with readers. Join me as we uncover the secrets to crafting compelling everything!Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/106Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Get Published: Craft a Compelling OpeningYes, your opening matters. A strong start hooks readers and editors alike. Ensure your first few lines grab attention and set the tone for what follows.I’m sharing the third lesson from my 14 years on Room’s editorial collective. We’re diving into one of the most crucial elements of your writing: crafting compelling openings. Learn why a strong start is essential, what common pitfalls to avoid, and how to grab your reader’s attention from the first line. If you want to captivate editors and readers alike, this episode is for you! Tune in for practical tips and inspiring examples.---Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/105Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Write, Publish, and Shine podcast, I share valuable insights from my 14-year journey at Room Magazine. I emphasize the importance of building relationships with literary magazines and choosing the right publications for your work. I discuss the power of vulnerability in writing, encourage persistence in submissions, and offer tips for connecting with literary communities that resonate with your voice. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode provides essential guidance for navigating the world of literary magazine submissions.---Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/104Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Themed submission calls can unlock buried stories, while offering a clear focus and deadlines. In this episode, I share tips for embracing themes when submitting to literary magazines and a curated list of upcoming lit mag themes and deadlines to inspire your writing.---Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/103Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic on many writers’ minds: the choice between pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing and enrolling in online writing courses. Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or looking to take your skills to the next level, this guide will help you understand each path’s key benefits and challenges. We'll explore everything from the structured curriculum of MFA programs to the flexibility of online courses and discuss how each option can impact your writing career. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer picture of which path might be the right fit for your unique goals and circumstances.Check out this piece in article form to see the comparison chart and profiles for each writer who spoke with me for this episode. rachelthompson.co/articles---Get my Writerly Love Letters, sent Wednesdays and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/letters---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/102Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I delve into the importance and crafting of cover letters for literary magazine submissions. A cover letter is not as crucial as the quality of the writing itself—yet, it does play a significant role in making a solid first impression and demonstrating your professionalism as a writer. In a detailed breakdown of the elements of a cover letter, I outline the importance of brevity, relevance, and personalization. Plus, I dig into the dual audiences and what they need to know about you, dear writer.You can check out the article accompanying this episode here. When you’re there, download my FREE Guide on How to Write a Cover Letter for a Lit Mag---All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/101Just a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dear writers, I'm thrilled to present the 100th episode of the podcast! I have delighted in each of the conversations and episodes I've been able to share with you, and talking to writers and covering topics on how to write, publish, and shine. Thank you to the writers who listen to each episode and especially those who share what they gleaned or the little ways they were encouraged to keep going. This episode is a moment to reflect on where the podcast has been and where it's going and includes listeners sharing their favourite moments on the podcast and how they influenced their writing lives.All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/100—Get my Writerly Love Digest, sent most weeks and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/lettersJust a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Memoirist Yolande House sits down with me for a book club conversation about Kae Tempest’s On Connection. It was a real pleasure to read this book alongside her and compare notes. And I hope those of you reading alongside us in our book club enjoy it.About On Connection: This is a book about connection. About how immersing ourselves in creativity can help us cultivate greater self-awareness and bring us closer to each other.After we discuss the book, stick around as Yolande House also shares highlights from her disability reading list.All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/88—Get my Writerly Love Digest, sent most weeks and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/lettersJust a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Write, Publish, and Shine podcast, hosted by me, author and literary magazine editor Rachel Thompson, celebrates its 99th episode! I reflect on the podcast journey and past episodes, highlighting eleven essential writing tips from literary magazine editors who have been guests on the show.Listen if you need encouragement to write, publish, and shine. Editors share how and why to read deeply, tell your truths, and continue your creative journey with resilience and passion while connecting with the broader social and political contexts that influence your writing.All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/99—Get my Writerly Love Digest, sent most weeks and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/lettersJust a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the conversation with Amy Friend, the artist discusses her creative process, the influence of her personal experiences on her work, and the themes of loss, longing, and home that pervade her art. Her childhood experiences, growing up in a neighbourhood populated by immigrants, and the stories she heard from them deeply influenced her work. She emphasizes the importance of play, openness, and letting go of control in creating art. She also discusses her fascination with old photographs and how she uses them in her work. Friend shares her perspective on artistic community, rejection, and the role of literary magazines in fostering dialogue and inspiration.This episode is part of a deep dive into the creation of Room magazine issue 46.3, where I was the lead editor. (You can check out the full run of episodes, starting with Episode #80.) Amy Friend’s art truly resonates with me on a deep level of nostalgia and grief, and this is also because of the incredible artistry she uses with photographs, turning those difficult experiences into beauty.Even after over a decade of editing for Room, we're vibing in those themes of loss and longing. I spoke with Amy Friend about how she makes her photographs, what draws her to these themes, and how photography as a medium inherently communicates memory, loss, and absence.All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/86—WRITERLY LOVE DIGEST: Sent each week to your inbox. rachelthompson.co/lettersJust a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are playing summer reading bingo these next few months, with 24 squares representing categories of books you can read. And you are invited. Grab your card to play along with us, then choose a row, column, or diagonal line, or complete the card.Why are we, a writing community and I, an instructor of writing courses, doing this book bingo? I answer this question in the episode. Listen as I dig into some of our summer book categories, why we chose them, and how reading books in these categories will improve your writing.More episodes to check out if you are looking for a craft book in a genre new to you:Episode 68: Writerly Love Community members Jennifer Robinson and Candace Webb joined me to talk about quite the throw-back book, The Poet’s Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry, by Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux. At the time, Jen and Candace were fairly new to poetry and found that this book helped them journey into a new genre. So, listen here if you’ve been writing short stories and want to try verse.Episode 72: Another community book club chat on Voice First: A Writer’s Manifesto by Sonya Huber. Listen to our book club conversation with Writerly Love Members Louise Julig, Lina Lau, and Wendy Atwell if you need help to shake up conventional wisdom on writing craft.Episode 88: I know I’m not alone in reading and writing for connection. Kae Tempest’s On Connection helped me understand how immersing ourselves in creativity can help us cultivate greater self-awareness and bring us closer to each other. Hear me talk about the book with Yolande House.Episode 78: Author Kavita Das joined us to talk about her amazing book Craft and Conscience, an intentional journey to unpack our motivations for writing about an issue and to understand that “writing, irrespective of genre or outlet, is an act of political writing.” Dig into this vital topic for writers and a great book to read, whether you’re crossing off a bingo square or not. Listen to our conversation with Kavita Das.All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/98—Get my Writerly Love Digest, sent most weeks and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/lettersJust a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and Room contributor ViNa Nguyễn discusses their choice to deliberately write about joy as a writer who writes about grief and nostalgia.We also talked about their experimental writing and, in particular, the brilliant piece, A Nesting of Bracketed Bodies, which I published in Room's “Ghosts” issue; they also read from the work for us, so prepare your earbuds for some delightful fiction writing.All of the notes for this episode are up at rachelthompson.co/85—Get my Writerly Love Digest, sent most weeks and filled with ideas and care for you and your writing: rachelthompson.co/lettersJust a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen if you’ve been looking for books to support your writing practice, or maybe a list of books to give another writer in your life, or if you’ve been wanting to read with a community of writers, too, and need some guidance to get started.--Writerly Reading for Your SummerGet your free bingo card and play along with us for Writerly Prizes.rachelthompson.co/bookclubJust a few spots remain for Deeper Drafts, my intimate online revision course running August 10–31.If you’re ready to stop circling your drafts and finally shape them into polished, powerful pieces, this is your moment: 💎 Deeper Drafts (revision): Aug 10–31Each course is capped at just 12 writers, so you get thoughtful guidance and space to grow.Spots are filling up! Save your place at rachelthompson.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.