Writing in Real Life

We had an AWESOME launch party! Jennifer Beals encounters Morgan’s aunt. Morgan and Barry visit an actual bookstore to see their book in the wild. Big transitions for Leia and Luke mean Barry and Morgan have more time with the kids…and less time with the keyboards.Links:Writing in Real Life — Episode 106: The One You Can PreorderSurvey: Reading Before Bed Has Major Sleep, Health, and Lifestyle Benefits | Real SimpleMorgan is Reading: The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundBarry is Reading: The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundRate us on iTunes

It’s Pub Day for The Hive, Barry and Morgan’s book baby! #HasCassieSurfacedYet?Links:The Best Books of Fall 2019 | PEOPLE.comOrder The Hive: Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundThe Hive Launch PartyRate us on iTunes

Morgan gets good news. Morgan gets good news. A cross-country trip with a 4-year-old! Barry does something he’s never done before and feels less bad about it than you’d imagine. Mmm; dried mango.Links:Preorder The Hive: Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundBarry tweets about his writing processRate us on iTunes

An update on Morgan’s leap of faith and work(s) in progress. Writers with day jobs and the world’s opinions of such. Barry takes on the preorder system. Also: Meet the sensational character find of 2019, the villainous…TweetStorm!Links:Preorder The Hive: Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundMorgan’s Agent: Kathleen Anderson (@KAndersonbird) / TwitterThe Flash: Crossover Crisis: Green Arrow’s Perfect Shot: | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundBarry discusses Tobias Buckell and Patreon: Writing in Real Life — Episode 86: The One with Two RantsTobias Buckell’s tweet thread about day jobs for writersBarry’s tweet thread about preordersSoupy Sales' 'Green Pieces of Paper' ScandalFree Comic Book DayAuthor Susan Adrian on Preorders Scuttling a Book DealMorgan is Reading; Sweet Valley High GN: Academic All-Star? | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundBarry is Reading: Famous Men Who Never Lived by K Chess | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundRate us on iTunes

Updates on marriage and the kids. Luke figures out the Apple Watch at age 2. Is it possible to become a successful author nowadays without using or being good at social media? “Be adequate!” Remember when Twitter was fun? What’s more important: talent or networking?Links:Jamie Attenberg Twitter thread on book releases1-Star Reviews for The HiveLife Is Short and Then You Die: Mystery Writers of America Presents First Encounters with Murder | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundTeen Creeps PodcastOn Breaking Down the Barrier Between YA and Adult Fiction | Literary HubGymnastics at the 2000 Summer Olympics - WikipediaWaPo's Editor’s Note on the Bestseller List SnafuMorgan is Reading: Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundRate us on iTunes

Updates on marriage and the kids. Luke figures out the Apple Watch at age 2. Is it possible to become a successful author nowadays without using or being good at social media? “Be adequate!” Remember when Twitter was fun? What’s more important: talent or networking?Links:Space Unicorn - Parry Gripp and Brianne Drouhard - YouTubeBarry Lyga (barrylyga) on MyspaceStudy Finds Artists Become Famous Thanks to NetworkingHe’s Writing 365 Children’s Books in 365 Days, While Holding Down a Day Job - The New York TimesOpinion | I Want to Be Rich and I’m Not Sorry - The New York TimesJason Momoa's 'Dad Bod' the Envy of Dads EverywhereBarry is Reading: Dark Horse by Fletcher Knebel | Amazon | BN.comMorgan is Still Reading: The Art of Breaking Things by Laura Sibson | Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundRate us on iTunes

Morgan finishes a book! How it feels to finish a book and turn it in: Satisfaction, doubt, joy, panic, all of it. Barry tries to convince his publisher not to publish his book. Listening to music while writing: Good idea or best idea? And Barry’s feelings on reviews.Links:Barry is Reading: Equations of Life by Simon Morden | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundMorgan is Reading: The Art of Breaking Things by Laura Sibson | Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundMorgan is Also Reading: Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner | Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundRate us on iTunes

Catching up on the last year: Morgan quits her job. They have their first signing. Barry can’t run around in his underwear any more. Why is the dishwasher always running?Links:The UpsideWhere Storytelling and Pop Culture Collide - BookCon 2019Talking about The Hive: Writing in Real Life — Episode 101: The One where They Wrote a Book TogetherPreorder The Hive: Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundMorgan is a CancerBarry is a VirgoExclusive first look: The Flash joins forces with the Green Arrow in 'Crossover Crisis' | EW.comPreorder The Flash: Green Arrow’s Perfect Shot: Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundThe I Hunt Killers Movie is Coming! (Maybe. In Korean.) | Barry Lyga Dot ComThanos: Titan Consumed | Barry Lyga Dot ComWolverine: Worst Day Ever | Barry Lyga Dot ComRate us on iTunes

Barry and Morgan are happy to finally be able to talk about their book together, THE HIVE. Plus: What does Jennifer Beals have to do with this?

We hit episode 100 and invites special guests Carolyn Mackler, Jon Skovron, Maggie Lehrman, and more!

Barry FINALLY gets to talk about his super-secret mystery project: THANOS! How on earth does he live with himself writing Marvel AND DC? Who is “Brick Charles?” Babysitting in the modern age. Morgan marvels at The Secret History of Twin Peaks. And an update on the I HUNT KILLERS prequel.<p> Links:• Thanos Is Getting a Book [CORRECTED]• Flash Book Series: Amazon.com• Access (Character) - Comic Vine• DC vs. Marvel - Wikipedia• Avengers Infinity Wars Eyes Record Box Office Opening With $200m Open | Deadline• We talk about microprogress: <a href="">Writing in Real Life — Episode 97: The One that’s Lucky>• If I Had More Time, I Would Have Written a Shorter Letter | Quote Investigator• Your Money: Perks galore rule the new economy of babysitting• 18 Exhaustingly Funny Tweets From Parents With A LOT Of Kids• Barry is Reading <em>One Way</em> by S.J. Morden  | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks• Morgan is Reading Freshman Dorm by Linda A. Cooney  | Amazon• Rate us on iTunes

<p>A man stupidly claims we don’t need women authors because he can write women just fine. (Dude…) Where is all the good sex in YA these days and why did it go away? Plus: Luke gives your hosts one hell of a scare and Barry has read a bunch of books for a change.<p> <strong><p>Links:</p></strong> <ul>     <li><a href=“https://twitter.com/barrylyga/status/978643701743439873”>Barry's tweet about <em>Unedited</em></a></li>    <li><a href="http://barrylyga.com/tag/the-book-that-will-kill-me/">the book that will kill me — Barry Lyga Dot Com</a></li>    <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Astonishing_Life_of_Octavian_Nothing,_Traitor_to_the_Nation,_Volume_I:_The_Pox_Party">The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party - Wikipedia</a></li>    <li><a href=“https://twitter.com/gwenckatz/status/979852671573049344”>Gwen Katz’s tweet about men writing women</a></li>    <li><a href=“https://twitter.com/whitneyarner/status/980330317247545349”>The tweet that started the flood of women writing about themselves through the eyes of male authors</a></li>    <li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/09/books/review/sex-young-adult-fiction.html">In Y.A., Where Has All the Good Sex Gone? - The New York Times</a></li>    <li><a href="https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/yasaves-a-tale-of-hashtaggery">#Yasaves: A Tale of Hashtaggery | The New Yorker</a></li>    <li><a href="https://literaryreview.co.uk/bad-sex-in-fiction-award">Literary Review’s Bad Sex in Fiction Award | Literary Review</a></li>    <li>Barry Read <em>Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier</em> by Mark Frost  | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Peaks-Dossier-Mark-Frost/dp/1250163307">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twin-peaks-mark-frost/1126160963#/">BN.com</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/twin-peaks/id1273752056?mt=11">iBooks</a> | <a href=“https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781250163301">Indiebound</a></li>    <li>Barry Read <em>Reincarnation Blues</em> by Michael Poore  | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reincarnation-Blues-Novel-Michael-Poore/dp/0399178481">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reincarnation-blues-michael-poore/1125362415#/">BN.com</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/reincarnation-blues/id1187679013?mt=11">iBooks</a> | <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780399178481">Indiebound</a></li>     <li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/writing-in-real-life/id960410567">Rate us on iTunes</a></li></ul>

The pleasures and pains of returning to old projects. What do surfing and writing have in common? We’re gonna tell you! Plus: micro-progress is real progress, and believe it or not…Barry’s reading a book!

<![CDATA[ Barry says farewell to a wonderful librarian who left us too soon. Should publishing give huge advances to former Trump Administration officials? Why do readers feel betrayed when they learn a book is part of a series? Then we talk about our collaboration and rant about the five-star rating system. Links: 2018 Teen Book Fest Stephanie Squicciarini Obituary - Irondequoit, New York | Legacy.com Publishers already contacting Hicks about book deal: report | TheHill Hope Hicks Modeled for Gossip Girl Spinoff Book Cover — Donald Trump's Press Secretary Modeled for "The It Girl" We discussed Trump killing publishing in: Writing in Real Life — Episode 90: The One with Barry’s Deep, Dark Secret Rate us on iTunes

<p>The literal pain of parenthood. Morgan still hates The Princess Bride. Act single for a better marriage. Barry talks on the phone — a lot. Do graphic novels deserve their own bestseller list? Barry explains his insane schedule. Plus: #metoo comes to kidlit.<p> <strong><p>Links:</p></strong> <ul>     <li><a href="http://www.writinginreallife.com/episodes/2015/1/21/episode-1-the-one-that-came-first?rq=episode%201">Writing in Real Life — Episode 1: The One that Came First</a></li>    <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOqRn0YeS1I">Fatal Attraction- "I Will Not Be Ignored" - YouTube</a></li>    <li>Morgan has no soul and hates <em>The Princess Bride</em>: <a href="http://www.writinginreallife.com/episodes/70?rq=princess%20bride">Writing in Real Life — Episode 70: The One in which Morgan Bites the Bullet</a> </li>    <li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/10/opinion/sunday/for-a-better-marriage-act-like-a-single-person.html">For a Better Marriage, Act Like a Single Person - The New York Times</a></li>    <li><a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/75998-comics-industry-asks-nyt-to-restore-graphic-bestseller-lists.html">Comics Industry Asks ‘NYT’ to Restore Graphic Bestseller Lists</a></li>    <li>Discussing the NYT bestseller lists: <a href="http://www.writinginreallife.com/search?q=bestseller">Writing in Real Life episodes 27-30</a></li>    <li><a href="https://www.slj.com/2018/01/industry-news/childrens-publishing-reckons-sexual-harassment-ranks/">Children’s Publishing Reckons with Sexual Harassment in Its Ranks | School Library Journal</a></li>    <li><a href="https://medium.com/@anneursu_10179/sexual-harassment-in-the-childrens-book-industry-3417048ccde2">Sexual Harassment in the Children’s Book Industry – Anne Ursu – Medium</a></li>    <li><a href="http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article200412954.html">'13 Reasons Why' author Jay Asher denies harrassment claims | The Tribune</a></li><li><a href="http://www.fearfulsymmetry.net/?p=2650">Sexual Harrassment « Dan Wells</a></li><li><a href="http://rickriordan.com/2018/02/sexual-harassment-in-the-childrens-literature-industry/">Sexual Harassment in the Children's Literature Industry | Rick Riordan</a></li><li>Barry’s blogs on hugging kids: <a href="http://barrylyga.com/2014/03/remember-that-theyre-kids/">Remember that They’re Kids — Barry Lyga Dot Com</a> | <a href="http://barrylyga.com/2014/03/male-guilt-hugs-and-more/">Male Guilt, Hugs, and More — Barry Lyga Dot Com</a></li>     <li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/writing-in-real-life/id960410567">Rate us on iTunes</a></li></ul>

<![CDATA[ We’re back! Again! Our reach is more global than we thought. Lyga’s Law of Publishing rears its ugly head again. Editors who are also writers: Threat or menace? The benefits and drawbacks of working a day job while writing. Cool new imprints! The books Morgan’s body shuts down. Plus: Luke turns one! Links: A listener wishes Barry good health The birth of Lyga’s Law of Publishing: Writing in Real Life — Episode 29: The One where Morgan Makes a Comic Book Reference Your Book Editor Just Snagged Your Spot on the Best-Seller List - The New York Times Our discussion of men writing under female pseudonyms: Writing in Real Life — Episode 87: The One with Poopy in the Potty If It Wasn't For My Corporate Office Job, I Couldn't Be a Novelist | Literary Hub Our discussion of writers being on salary at publishing houses: Writing in Real Life — Episode 73: The One where They Saw Hamilton Kwame Alexander Will Start His Own Imprint. The Name? Versify. Get It? - The New York Times Rick Riordan Presents | Rick Riordan Mack Bolan - Wikipedia Louis L'Amour - Wikipedia Urban Dictionary: sick One Year Later (Again) — Barry Lyga Dot Com Rate us on iTunes

<![CDATA[ Barry thanks the listeners for their compassion. We know you like Morgan more than Barry, but guess who likes YOU? How much baby room monitoring is too much baby room monitoring? Plus: Something is wrong with the Internet. And it’s not just us saying that. Links: Tori Amos - Streets of Philadelphia (Bruce Springsteen cover) @ Beacon Theatre, NYC1 2017 - YouTube Miami Book Fair 2017 National Book Awards “Reading for All!” Dick Robinson receives Literarian of the Year Award from President Bill Clinton at the National Book Awards | On Our Minds Molly O’Neil’s Thread on Andrew Shvarts’s Thread on Writers and Hobbies Does Barry need a hobby? We discussed in Episode 16: The One with Reality TV The Overmonitored Nursery - The New York Times Something is wrong on the internet – James Bridle – Medium Morgan Recommends Gather the Daughters by Jennie Melamed | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Rate us on iTunes

<![CDATA[ Why they’ve been AWOL. Yes, we talk about American Heart. Sorry. Also: We’re sick of Twitter. Links: The Flash: Hocus Pocus | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Navigating the choppy waters of life with a ‘threenager’ - The Washington Post We talk about The Black Witch: Writing in Real Life — Episode 88: The One where It’s All about One Thing, Really AMERICAN HEART by Laura Moriarty | Kirkus Reviews Kirkus withdraws starred review after criticism. American Heart Review: Kirkus Editor On Why They Changed It Heart of the Matter — The Horn Book Let’s talk about American Heart by Laura Moriarty. – Celeste P. – Medium A starred (for now) review: BANG by Barry Lyga | Kirkus Reviews Now Raina Telgemeier's Drama Banned In An Entire Educational District In Texas - Bleeding Cool News And Rumors Washington Parent Objects to Pixelated Genitals in Mangaman | Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Hell Is For Children - Wikipedia Have children? Here's how kids ruin your romantic relationship Denis Leary - Happiness Comes in Small Doses - YouTube Morgan is Reading: Faithful Place by Tana French | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Rate us on iTunes

<![CDATA[ A lot of parenting talk, including dance class, a quiz to determine if you’re ready for parenthood, and more. Barry goes viral. Sort of. Book doulas—yeah, they’re a thing. Why your first book has to be perfect. And how do you avoid the scourge of multitasking when you need to monotask (i.e., write)? Links: mother! (2017) - Rotten Tomatoes Are you ready for parenthood? A quiz for couples on the precipice. Barry goes “viral,” ‘90s style. (About halfway down the page, someone named “Ushgarak” posts two lists. I actually wrote both of them.) 10 Reasons why Star Wars is better than Star Trek Book doulas: the new way to push your writing into the world | Books | The Guardian Multitasking Damages Your Brain And Career, New Studies Suggest Freedom: Internet, App and Website Blocker Quitter App – Marco.org Pomodoro Technique - Wikipedia ”The prospect of being hanged focuses the mind wonderfully.”The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page: Apocrypha Is Astrology Rubbish? Don't Get Me Started - Seeker Calendar — Barry Lyga Dot Com Rate us on iTunes

<![CDATA[ Dads apparently reduce childhood obesity by just…being dads? Trump is apparently killing publishing. Barry goes on a rant about spoilers and is called out for hypocrisy, then confesses a major children’s lit sin…and proceeds to diss a book you probably love. Sorry about that. Links: EWin Calling Series Ergonomic Computer Gaming Office Chair with Pillows - CLD - ewinracing Thrifter | Spend Where it Matters UCLA Ergonomics - Tips for Computer Users More playtime with dad linked to lower obesity risk for young kids - The Washington Post Is Trump Ruining Book Sales? | New Republic Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) | Twitter Barry talks about James Baldwin: Writing in Real Life — Episode 31: The One where Harry Potter and the X-Men are the Same Spoiler Alert: Spoilers Make Things More Enjoyable - WNYC News - WNYC The Trespasser by Tana French | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Senior Management | Scholastic Inc. Why Everyone Should Read Harry Potter - Scientific American The Widow’s House by Carol Goodman | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Rate us on iTunes