Fierce Womxn Writing - Inspiring You to Write More

Nana Nkweti is the author of Walking on Cowrie Shells, a book that spans genres – literary realism, horror, mystery, YA, science fiction – and features complex, fully-embodied characters. The stories aim to entertain readers while also offering a counterpoint to prevalent “heart of darkness” writing that too often depicts a singular “African” experience plagued by locusts, hunger, and tribal in-fighting.“Boisterous and high-spirited debut stories by a talented new writer.” - Kirkus ReviewsIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Keeping runnings lists on your phoneStaying engaged with the world as a writerAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her WebsiteBuy her book, Walking on Cowrie ShellsFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Close your eyes. Imagine your body. Do a complete and full inventory and think of all the things that make you you. Hone in on scars, physical and emotional. Write from the perspective from that scar, or about how you received that scar. Let that scar tell you about yourself and your life.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Yaa Gyasi - Author of Transcendent KingdomKwoya Fagin Maples - Author of MendEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 78: Jennifer Craven - Author of All That Shines and WhispersEpisode 77: Marina Carreira - Author of Save the Bathwater Episode 76: Kathleen Basi - Author of A Song for the RoadEpisode 75: Tashie Bhuiyan - Author of Counting Down With YouSupport the show

Jennifer Craven is the author of All That Shines and Whispers, a re-imagining of what happens after the credits roll on The Sound of Music. The book explores themes of betrayal, sacrifice, consequences, and redemption, set against the backdrop of Nazi-era Europe.In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:That words have power and that we can use them for positive or negative purposesHow her book was inspired by The Sound of MusicAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and WebsiteBuy her latest book, All That Shines and WhispersFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Write a story in which you are disconnected from someone society tells you you should inherently be close to. Write how you navigate the distance, remain true to yourself, and explain your choice to those who just don’t understand.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Kiersten Modglin - Author of My Husband’s SecretAshleigh Renard - Author of SwingEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 77: Marina Carreira - Author of Save the Bathwater Episode 76: Kathleen Basi - Author of A Song for the RoadEpisode 75: Tashie Bhuiyan - Author of Counting Down With YouEpisode 74: Cassandra Lane - Author of We Are BridgesSupport the show

Marina Carreira is a queer, Luso-American poet artist and the author of Save the Bathwater, a poetry collection, and the curator of Divine Feminist: An Anthology of Poetry and Art by Womxn and Non-binary Folx, both published by Get Fresh Books.“Her poet soul sings—like a Portuguese saudade—in service to safeguarding what has been lost and what should never be forgotten, “to remember it all—sweat and tears, / Luso ancestry, to run roots through/ my future great-granddaughter’s bones.” — Rigoberto GonzálezIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:The stories that you are too afraid to tellBeing part of a local writing communityAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her WebsiteBuy her book, Save the Bathwater, and the book she recently curated, Divine Feminist: An Anthology of Poetry & Art by Womxn & Non-Binary FolxFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Where or how do you locate the divine in your own life?Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:The WriteOnPoetryBabesEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 76: Kathleen Basi - Author of A Song for the RoadEpisode 75: Tashie Bhuiyan - Author of Counting Down With YouEpisode 74: Cassandra Lane - Author of We Are BridgesEpisode 73: Ellen Hagan - Author of Reckless, Glorious, Girl and Blooming FiascoesSupport the show

Kathleen Basi is the author of the new novel, A Song for the Road, a story of a womxn’s healing road trip after profound loss. "Basi's exquisite, gut-wrenching debut is filled with loss, hope, and secrets.” - Booklist In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:The brick wall that is an invitationFeeding your creativity when supporting your familyAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her Website, Facebook, and InstagramBuy her book, A Song for the RoadFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Think of a scene from your WIP. Think about the place where it is set: the smell, the sound, the way it feels on the skin and in your body. Freewrite 3-4 details you can weave into the dialogue that can be evoked in a sentence or two, so that you can weave them into your action.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Sonya Yoerg, Author of True PlacesLouise Miller, Author of The Late Bloomers’ ClubEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 74: Tashie Bhuiyan - Author of Counting Down With YouEpisode 73: Ellen Hagan - Author of Reckless, Glorious, Girl and Blooming FiascoesEpisode 72: Heather Ostman - Author of The Second Chance Home for GirlsEpisode 71: Elle Marr - Author of Lies We BurySupport the show

Tashie Bhuiyan is the 22-year-old author of Counting Down With You, a YA “own stories” novel about a Bangladeshi teenager who agrees to a fake relationship with her school’s resident bad boy when her parents are out of the country. "This 'love letter to young brown girls; explores a topic that can be taboo in desi culture: anxiety. Bhuiyan guides Karina through it with care … Hand to fans of Netflix hit Never Have I Ever."  - Booklist In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:How consuming lots of media helps her through a blockHaving a playlist for the book you’re writingAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokBuy her book, Counting Down With YouFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Look back on one of your childhood medias and think about what you loved so much about it, whether it was a character, a trope, the setting. Then, write your own version of it.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Chloe Gong, Author of These Violent DelightsMadeline Miller, Author of CirceEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 73: Ellen Hagan - Author of Reckless, Glorious, Girl and Blooming FiascoesEpisode 72: Heather Ostman - Author of The Second Chance Home for GirlsEpisode 71: Elle Marr - Author of Lies We BurySupport the show

Cassandra Lane is the author of We Are Bridges, a memoir that explores reclaiming violent family history in order to create a more free future for one’s children. “In this narrative, Lane seeks an origin story, searching for what facts are available and wondering about the legacy she is passing on. . . . A multiangled exploration of family trauma and the forging of an identity.” — Kirkus ReviewsIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Exploring your city to explore your creativityWriting in the early morning hours with candles and incenseAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her Instagram and WebsiteBuy her book, We Are BridgesFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Write about a food you loved as a child. Describe its taste, texture, smell, color, and how it felt in your mouth. Push deeper to unravel what it symbolized for you. What deep cravings does it dredge up even now?Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Reema Zaman, Author of I Am Yours: A Shared MemoirLynell George, Author of A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia E. ButlerEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 73: Ellen Hagan - Author of Reckless, Glorious, Girl and Blooming FiascoesEpisode 70: Meg Medina - Author of Merci Suárez Can’t DanceEpisode 69: adrienne maree brown - Author of We Will Not Cancel UsEpisode 63: Sonya Renee Taylor - Author of The Body is Not An ApologySupport the show

Ellen Hagan is the author of two new releases: a YA novel in verse called Reckless, Glorious, Girl, and a poetry collection called Blooming Fiascoes. Hagan is also the co-author of Watch Us Rise with Renée Watson.A gorgeous, inter-generational story of Southern women and a girl's path blossoming into her sense of self, Reckless, Glorious, Girl explores the important questions we all ask as we race toward growing up. In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Being in community and dialoguing with other artistsGetting others to use writing to tell their storiesAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookBuy her books, Reckless, Glorious, Girl and Blooming FiascoesCheck out her work at DreamYard ProjectFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Write an Ode poem. Make a list of all the things you really love. Circle one or two that really stand out to you. Write details that help the reader see what you’re writing about, and write what you want to say to that which you love.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Renée Watson, Author of Love is a RevolutionAracelis Girmay, Author of The Black MariaEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 72: Heather Ostman - Author of The Second Chance Home for GirlsEpisode 70: Meg Medina - Author of Merci Suárez Can’t DanceEpisode 69: adrienne maree brown - Author of We Will Not Cancel UsSupport the show

Heather Ostman is the author of the new novel, The Second Chance Home for Girls. Told through three interwoven narrative voices, it’s a story of friendship and freedom, loss and grief, set in a halfway house for troubled teenage girls. She is also the author of the forthcoming Rhetorical Lives, a history of women activists of the 20th and early 21st centuries.“An atmospheric yet entertaining read with an enigmatic, charismatic hero that will keep readers riveted. This beguiling, slyly subversive tale puts a spiritual mystery at the heart of gritty truths.” - Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2020In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Breathing through the fear of a writing blockUsing Aristotle’s eight point arc to structure your novelAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her on Instagram, and FacebookBuy her book, The Second Chance Home for GirlsFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: How can I tell you all that cannot be said?Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Kate Chopin, Author of The AwakeningEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 71: Elle Marr - Author of Lies We BuryEpisode 69: adrienne maree brown - Author of We Will Not Cancel UsEpiosde 64: Fan Favorites - Featuring Kim Krans, Brittney Morris, Aja Black, Melissa Valentine, and Rebekah TaussigEpisode 63: Sonya Renee Taylor - Author of The Body is Not An ApologySupport the show

Elle Marr is the author of The Lies We Bury, a newly released thriller. She strives to tell powerful and compelling stories of womxn who demonstrate resilience in the face of great obstacles. She is also the author of a 2020 thriller release, The Missing Sister. “The suspenseful plot is matched by the convincing portrayal of the vulnerable Claire, who just wants to lead a normal life. Marr is a writer to watch.” - Publishers WeeklyIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Consuming art to get inspiredGiving yourself breaks and not writing every dayAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterBuy her book, Lies We BuryFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Write a scene in which a long held secret is revealed over a meal. Is the meal symbolic of the secret? How do your characters digest this new information while consuming their food? Do they even continue eating at all or do the utensils they clutch remain tools of nourishment or become weapons?Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Georgina Cross - Author of The StepdaughterA.H. Kim - Author of A Good FamilyEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 70: Meg Medina - Author of Merci Suárez Can’t DanceEpisode 69: adrienne maree brown - Author of We Will Not Cancel UsEpisode 68: Amy Solomon - Editor of Notes from the Bathroom LineSupport the show

Meg Medina is the author of Merci Suárez Can’t Dance, the sequel to the Newberry-award winning young adult novel, Merci Suárez Changes Gears. She is a New York Times bestselling Latina author of books for kids of all ages."Medina writes about the joys of multigenerational home life (a staple of the Latinx community) with a touching, humorous authenticity. Merci's relationship with Lolo is heartbreakingly beautiful and will particularly strike readers who can relate to the close, chaotic, and complicated bonds of live-in grandparents. Medina delivers another stellar and deeply moving story." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Scaring herself with trying new genresCross-pollinating when she’s feeling blockedStaying at it and keeping the emotional connection to your workAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her Website,  where you can find links to her socialsBuy her book, Merci Suárez Can’t DanceFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: On the top of the page, write “I remember.” Imagine yourself at your favorite age as a kid. Set a timer for six minutes and write a memory you have of that age. After the six minutes, stop, and ask yourself, “Why do I remember this?” And then for two minutes, write and answer that question for yourself.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Renee Watson, Author of Love is a RevolutionYamile Saied Méndez, Author of FuriaEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 69: adrienne maree brown - Author of We Will Not Cancel UsEpisode 68: Amy Solomon - Editor of Notes from the Bathroom LineSupport the show

adrienne maree brown is the author of We Will Not Cancel Us, Pleasure Activism, Emergent Strategy, Changing Worlds and the co-editor of Octavia’s Brood: Science Fiction from Social Justice Movements. Her new book, Holding Change: The Way of Emergent Strategy Facilitation and Mediation, comes out in April. She is the co-host of the How to Survive the End of the World and Octavia’s Parables podcasts.“adrienne maree brown urges us to go deep, sink down, struggle, and swim as we find language, spirit, ourselves, and each other in this time of chaos. I cannot say how grateful I am for this work of poetry and love that makes sense of my/our everyday state of confusion and shows us how we might live abolition—not as an absolute state but as a dynamic motion forward and together.” - Mimi Kim, California State University, Long BeachIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:The most valuable thing there isApplying Buddhist principles to her editing processWhat the next moves are when you feel blocked. And moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her on Instagram and her WebsiteBuy her book, We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative JusticeFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptWrite a story in which you are being called out or cancelled. Write how you would handle it, how you would want to be treated, how you would want your community to hold you accountable if you had actually done anything harmful or wrong, and what you would hope to be the outcome on the other side of it.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Mariame Kaba, author of We Do This Until We Free UsTrans activist Indya MooreEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpiosde 64: Fan Favorites - Kim Krans, Brittney Morris, Aja Black, Melissa Valentine, and Rebekah TaussigEpisode 63: Sonya Renee Taylor - Author of The Body is Not An ApologySupport the show

Amy Solomon is the editor of Notes From The Bathroom Line, an anthology of all new humor pieces (essays, satire, short stories, poetry, cartoons, artwork, and more) by 150 womxn and nonbinary writers in comedy. “The beautiful thing about some books is their time-capsule quality, how they perfectly preserve a cultural moment between two covers. Amy Solomon has created just such a book with Notes From the Bathroom Line, an eclectic mix of writing, art and "low-grade panic," to quote the subtitle, from a large and rowdy cast of very funny women.” -  BookPageIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Thoughtful editingFancy pens that make you happyGetting inspired by other people’s workAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her on Instagram and TwitterBuy her book, Notes From The Bathroom LineFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: What’s the story of the time you laughed the hardest?Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Catherine Cohen, author of God I Feel Modern TonightKarla Cornejo Villavicencio, author of The Undocumented AmericansEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 67: Layla AlAmmar - Author of Silence Is A SenseEpisode 66: Patricia Engel - Author of Infinite CountryEpiosde 64: Fan Favorites - Featuring Kim Krans, Brittney Morris, Aja Black, Melissa Valentine, and Rebekah TaussigSupport the show

Layla AlAmmar is the author of Silence is a Sense, a profound and life-affirming novel that follows a mute Syrian refugee grappling with her experiences during the Syrian Civil War, and as a refugee traveling through Europe as she is gradually and unwillingly drawn into the lives of her neighbors.“With gut-punching clarity, AlAmmar unpacks the complicated identity of a refugee discovering that safety is not what it seems, as she learns to find her voice in a new home.” - BooklistLayla AlAmmar is a Kuwaiti-American writer and student of Arab literature, delivering a complex and fluid book about memory, revolution, loss, and safety. AlAmmar’s debut novel, The Pact We Made, was published in 2019. She is currently pursuing a PhD on the intersection of Arab women's fiction and literary trauma theory.In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Changing your medium to get un-stuckWriting as a repository for thoughts and feelingsThe difficulty in trying to take writing adviceAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterFollow her on TwitterBuy her book, Silence is a SenseFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Take a pivotal scene in your WIP, or a scene that is giving you trouble, and try to rewrite it in several different ways. For example: straight, a dream or nightmare, someone relaying the scene to another person in a letter, or as a hallucination.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Adania Shibli, author of Minor DetailHan Kang, author of The VegetarianEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 66: Patricia Engel - Author of Infinite CountryEpiosde 64: Fan Favorites - Featuring Kim Krans, Brittney Morris, Aja Black, Melissa Valentine, and Rebekah TaussigEpisode 63: Sonya Renee Taylor - Author of The Body is Not An ApologySupport the show

Patricia Engel is the author of Infinite Country. The novel follows teenager Talia as she and her family grapple with their mixed-immigration statuses, offering an intimate perspective on an experience that so many have endured - and are enduring right now.Rich with Bogotá urban life, steeped in Andean myth, and tense with the daily reality of the undocumented in America, Infinite Country is the story of two countries and one mixed-status family - for whom every triumph is stitched with regret, and every dream pursued bears the weight of a dream deferred. Patricia Engel is also the author of Vida, which won Colombia’s national book award. She is a recipient of fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Writing by natural lightKeeping your writing appointmentsHer unique approach to revision (hint: it involves re-writing)And moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterVisit her Instagram, Twitter, or WebsiteBuy her book, Infinite CountryFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Write about a time in your life when you did what some people might consider the wrong thing for the right reasons.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Carolina De Robertis, author of The President and The FrogEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 65: Kate Hope Day - Author of In the QuickEpiosde 64: Fan Favorites - Featuring Kim Krans, Brittney Morris, Aja Black, Melissa Valentine, and Rebekah TaussigEpisode 63: Sonya Renee Taylor - Author of The Body is Not An ApologySupport the show

Kate Hope Day is the author of In the Quick, a novel about an ambitious young astronaut whose love affair threatens the rescue of a lost crew. “I read In the Quick with wonder at the deeply imaginative world Kate Hope Day created. Feminist and thrilling, this novel centers around a precocious, brilliant character named June. I happily followed June into deep space, but I would have followed her anywhere. What a wonderful story. I highly recommend this novel.” - Ann Napolitano, New York Times bestselling author of Dear EdwardIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Changing your definition of a good writing dayWhat she does between 10pm and midnightLetting your brain think about your writing while you sleepAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterVisit her Instagram, Twitter, or WebsiteBuy her book, In the QuickFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptThis week’s writing prompt: Take a page of a piece you’re revising. Skim the page and see what words are hot, and circle those for a few paragraphs. Then make a list of those words, and step away for a few minutes. Come back and read the words again. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write about what those words might be telling you about your writing.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Katherine May, author of WinteringDanielle Geller, author of Dog FlowersEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpiosde 64: Fan Favorites - Featuring Kim Krans, Brittney Morris, Aja Black, Melissa Valentine, and Rebekah TaussigEpisode 63: Sonya Renee Taylor - Author of The Body is Not An ApologyEpisode 62: Arianna Davis - Author of What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living BoldlySupport the show

This week we hear highlights from some of your favorite episodes:Episode 15: Brittney Morris - Author of the YA novel, SlayEpisode 14: Kim Krans - Author of the graphic memoir Blossoms and Bones: Drawing a Life Back TogetherEpisode 33: Melissa Valentine - Author of the memoir, The Names of All the FlowersEpisode 39: Rebekah Taussig - Author of the memoir, Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary, Resilient, Disabled BodyEpisode 27: Aja Black - Songwriter from The RemindersFollow these WritersVisit Brittney Morris’ Twitter,  Instagram, Website, and order her books, Slay, and The Cost of KnowingVisit Kim Krans’ Instagram pages, The Wild Unknown, Kim Krans, her Website, and order her book, Blossoms and Bones: Drawing a Life Back TogetherVisit Melissa Valentine’s Website, Instagram, and Twitter, and order her book, The Names of All the FlowersVisit Rebekah Taussig’s Instagram,  Website, and order her book, Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled BodyVisit Aja Black’s Website, Instagram, or hear her new collaboration on Hungry World with Rising AppalachiaFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about The Feminist Press, which lifts up insurgent and marginalized voices from around the world to build a more just futureBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact PageEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Support the show

Sonya Renee Taylor is the author of The Body Is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love, an invitation to reconnect with the radical origins of our minds and bodies and celebrate our collective, enduring strength.“This book took my breath away. It’s an unexpected and urgent embrace of truth.” - Brené Brown, Ph.D., author of the New York Times #1 bestseller, Dare to Lead“Through lucid and courageous self-revelation, Taylor shows us how to realize the revolutionary potential of self-love.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw, legal scholar and founder and Executive Director, African American Policy Forum In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Tending to what needs to be tended so you can writeChoosing her bold book coverAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterVisit her Instagram, Website, or the Your Body Is Not An Apology InstagramBuy her book, The Body Is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-LoveFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptI suggest setting a timer for 6 or 8 minutes, putting the writing prompt at the top of your page, and free writing whatever comes to mind. Remember, the important part is keeping your pen moving. Right now we just want to write something new and see what happens.This week’s writing prompt: Imagine yourself as having gotten lost. Using five colors, four items you can see in your house right now, and one faraway location, write yourself a map back to yourself.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Octavia E. Butler, author of Kindred, Fledgling, Collected Storiesadrienne maree brown, author of Emergent Strategy and Pleasure ActivismEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 62: Arianna Davis - Author of What Would Frida Do?Episode 60: Isabel Ibañez - Author of Written in StarlightSupport the show

Arianna Davis is the author of What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly, an exploration of the feminist icon’s signature style, outspoken politics, and boldness in love and art, even in the face of pain and heartbreak. She is also the Digital Director at Oprah Magazine."A modern take on a woman who was modern beyond her time. Arianna Davis's book paints a colorful picture of the strength, courage, and love that uplifted Frida Kahlo through her many tragedies. This comprehensive look into Frida's life leads me to think that we could all learn a lesson or two from Frida." - Nina Garcia, editor-in-chief of ElleIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Translating your creative energy into wordsNurturing creativity by spending time in natureAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterVisit her Instagram, Twitter, Website, or Oprah Magazine where she worksBuy her book, What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living BoldlyFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptI suggest setting a timer for 6 or 8 minutes, putting the writing prompt at the top of your page, and free writing whatever comes to mind. Remember, the important part is keeping your pen moving. Right now we just want to write something new and see what happens.This week’s writing prompt: If someone in history who is no longer with us were suddenly with you again, what would you say to them or what message would you want to write down and have them read behind you?Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Brit Bennett, author of The Vanishing HalfElizabeth Acevedo, author of The Poet XEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 60: Isabel Ibañez - Author of Written in StarlightEpisode 59: Stephanie Big Eagle - Author of Thunderbird RisingSupport the show

Isabel Ibañez is the author of Written in Starlight, a YA novel that continues the story of Woven in Moonlight, where Catalina, the rightful heiress to the Inkasisa throne, has been abandoned in the Yanu jungle, and needs to find her way back to her power and her home.“Packed with growing pains, adventure, and self-realization, Written in Starlight is an important, entertaining tale about community and resistance.” – Foreword ReviewsIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Finishing the book so that you have something to editReturning to writing after years in graphic designAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterVisit Isabel’s Instagram, or her WebsiteBuy her new YA novel, Written in StarlightFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptI suggest setting a timer for 6 or 8 minutes, putting the writing prompt at the top of your page, and free writing whatever comes to mind. Remember, the important part is keeping your pen moving. Right now we just want to write something new and see what happens.This week’s writing prompt: Choose an Enneagram personality type and write about their point of view as they are experiencing a jungle setting on their very first day.Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Stacey Lee, author of Outrun the MoonZoraida Córdova, author of Labyrinth LostEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 59: Stephanie Big Eagle - Author of Thunderbird RisingEpisode 58: Timneisha Greene Kim - Author of Athena’s Quest: A Lesbian’s Quest for NormalityEpisode 56: Mia Mercado - Author of Weird But Normal Support the show

Stephanie Big Eagle is the author of Thunderbird Rising, a memoir about reconnecting, resilience, and empowerment.In this episode, we discuss their writing process, and:Writing from your heart and your passionFinding the right agent and publisherAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterVisit Stephanie’s Website and TikTokBuy her memoir, Thunderbird RisingFollow the PodcastVisit the podcast’s WebsiteFollow the HostSlide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on InstagramFollow our PartnersLearn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all childrenBecome an AdvertiserUse my Contact Page or hit me up on InstaThis Week’s Writing PromptI suggest setting a timer for 6 or 8 minutes, putting the writing prompt at the top of your page, and free writing whatever comes to mind. Remember, the important part is keeping your pen moving. Right now we just want to write something new and see what happens.This week’s writing prompt: What experiences in your own life, whether from a dream, a vision, or everyday reality, had such a profound effect on you that it forever changed your life and your perspective on your identity? How would you describe it so that your audience is there with you in that moment, experiencing it with you, and feeling the shift it created within you?Explore Womxn AuthorsIn this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:Winnie Mandela, author of Part of My Soul Went With HimJoy Harjo, author of Crazy BraveEnsure the Podcast ContinuesLove what you’re hearing? Show your appreciation and become a Supporter with a monthly contribution.Check Out More Womxn AuthorsEpisode 58: Timneisha Greene Kim - Author of Athena’s Quest: A Lesbian’s Quest for NormalityEpisode 57: Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite - Authors of One of the Good OnesEpisode 56: Mia Mercado - Author of Weird But Normal Episode 54: Sarah Gottesdiener - Author of The Moon BookSupport the show