Writing Tips and Writerly Musings

Welcome! If you want to hear writing tips from the big names, the medium names, and everyone else, look no further. As a blogger, vlogger, and actively querying fantasy author, I am addicted to attending all the writing panels a person could possibly attend at a convention. We're talking about attending upwards of 25 hours of panels in 3 days. Fortunately for you? I love sharing my copious notes. But, I also get real. I share my writerly musings: my struggles, my failures, and... hopefully, my writing successes. Thanks for listening. Morgan Hazelwood

The Key To Morgan's Writing Progress

If I lose this key, it really doesn't go well. Ask me how I know. Note: This episode was originally recorded before the NaNoWriMo challenge imploded, but I'm still participating in a November Writing challenge with my friends. =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

12-08
05:09

Lightbulb Moment: When Writing, Pacing Has Two Limits

So often, you hear writers talking about their word goals -- how many words they want to write in a day/week/month/year. But, there's another limit we don't always think about... =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

12-01
03:58

How Does This Writing Thing Work Again?

Every time I gear up to start a new manuscript, some familiar doubts plague me. Note: This episode was originally recorded before the NaNoWriMo challenge imploded, but I'm still participating in a November Writing challenge with my friends. =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

11-10
04:36

What Type of Writing Prepper Are You?

Some people start a novel with a blank page and an idea. Some people start with 30 pages of outlines. Others have maps and diagrams and books full of world building. What sort of prepper are you? If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

11-03
07:30

Breaking a Story: Hollywood Style

Scripts aren't novels, but they can teach us a lot about pacing. =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

10-27
06:42

Ask An Editor: Longform

Editors were invited to an AMA, here are the answers to the most pressing questions from novelists. If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

10-20
09:37

The Nuts and Bolts of a Chapter

Chapters are the building block of any novel. How can you get the most out of your chapters? If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

10-13
06:44

When Plot Twists Go Bad

Some plot twists make us admire the clever creators, while others rub us the wrong way. What causes some unexpected plot developments to disappoint rather than delight -- and how do you craft a satisfying surprise? =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

10-06
08:16

From Grimm to Disney and Back Again: The Changing Fae

Early fairytales were dark warnings, before they were 'sanitized' and evolved into their Disney versions. Now, all the fairytale inspired works are going dark again. What's motivated the changing ways we view the fae? =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

09-29
07:45

Creating New Mythology From Hidden History

History can inspire new myths. How can you do this respectfully? =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

09-22
10:38

Short Stories Expanded

Writing a short story is a very different thing than writing a novel. The pacing and characters and writing techniques required a drastically different. But, sometimes, you have a short story that won't let you go. Here's tips from the pros on how to turn that short story into something longer. =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

09-15
07:56

Manuscripts Need Breathing Room

After you finish drafting a new manuscript, there are some good reasons (other than just fatigue) to let the manuscript just breathe. No. Really! =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

09-08
05:26

Finding Your Authorial Voice

You always here how there are no new stories, just new storytellers. I'm sharing notes on how to make your authorial voice distinct! =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

09-01
11:24

Antici...pation

How do you cope when waiting for news? =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

08-25
02:07

Loglines Versus Queries

The publishing industry uses a lot of terms, and none of them can quite agree on a definition. But, if you're trying to get published, you need to know the difference between a logline and a query letter. =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

08-18
03:11

Why I'm Trying To Get Traditionally Published Instead of Going Indie

Why would someone want to be traditionally published instead of dodging the massive gatekeepers and leaning into the supportive Small Press and Indie communities? (Of course, all this talk doesn't mean I'm not excited to work with small presses as well...) =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

08-11
09:00

Season 9: Trailer

Welcome back for Season 9 of "Writing Tips and Writerly Musings", with writing tips from the big names, the medium names, and everyone else, plus, of course, my own writerly musings. I'm your host, Morgan Hazelwood and this season, I'm back with tips about the publishing industry, my own writerly realizations, and craft advice from the pros! I know season 8 had a long hiatus, but I'm glad to be back and I'm happy you're here with me, whether you're new to my podcast or a long time follower. Best of luck to the other writers out there. And thanks to all of you for listening. =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! Join me Sunday afternoons for "Morgan's Lazy Sunday Afternoon 'Productivity' Sprints" on YT/Twitch, where sometimes we're productive, and sometimes we're not, but we always bring snacks. If you're looking for an agent, check out My Agent Database (https://www.patreon.com/c/MyAgentDatabase) on Patreon, where for $1/month you can have access to a spreadsheet of over 2,000 vetted agents, sorted by sub-genre, categories, and tons of other data. Also available are worksheets to fix your writing issues, submission package edits, and more. You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

08-04
00:46

How To Save a Fizzled First Draft

I've got one almost quick tip to get yourself sorted when you've got a rough draft that just kinda fizzled out... NOTE! This episode was recorded prior to the NaNoWriMo implosion. Morgan has been disassociated from NaNoWriMo since November of 2024. =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! I'm putting out content most days! Mondays: New podcast episodes here at "Writing Tips & Writerly Musings" Thursdays: The occasional blogpost sharing "Writing Tips & Writerly Musings" Sundays: Productivity Sprints on YT/Twitch You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

06-30
04:53

Writing Rituals To Try When You Can't Get Started

Have you ever wanted to sit down and write, but your focus was shot and you just kept dithering instead? One shortcut many writers have found that works for them is the use of writing rituals. =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! I'm putting out content most days! Mondays: New podcast episodes here at "Writing Tips & Writerly Musings" Thursdays: The occasional blogpost sharing "Writing Tips & Writerly Musings" Sundays: Productivity Sprints on YT/Twitch You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

06-23
06:37

A Writer's Two Worlds

In the dream world, we'd sit in front of notebooks and words would flow to the pages, never needing edits or revisions, and nothing would ever interrupt us. Unfortunately, this is the real world. Here are tips on managing to get your writing in, and ways to support your writing. Here are tips, from seasoned authors, on how to balance your personal life with a writing career. =============================== If you find my content of value, please share it with your friends! I'm putting out content most days! Mondays: New podcast episodes here at "Writing Tips & Writerly Musings" Thursdays: The occasional blogpost sharing "Writing Tips & Writerly Musings" Sundays: Productivity Sprints on YT/Twitch You can find me all over the internet (https://linktr.ee/morganHazelwood) If it fits your budget, show your support at Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood) Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

06-16
07:38

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