12.3K
Downloads
253
Episodes
Two chatty authors asking all the ’write’ questions. Hosted by Ari Meghlen and Rachel Poli, The Merry Writer Podcast is a fun, friendly show about all things writing and bookish.
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Last week, we talked about stretching your word count, but what if you go over your word count? It’s not always easy to cut words and certain scenes. This week, we discuss various ways you can make your manuscript shorter.
In this episode, we cover:
-
Knowing what readers need to know
-
Avoiding repetition
-
Using stronger vocabulary
-
Watching for filler words
As always, thanks for listening to The Merry Writer Podcast, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. If you still feel like you’re a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please fill in the Google Form linked on that page.
Our guest slots for 2024 are FILLED. Our Google Form is closed for the time being. Thank you all for your interest!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Patreon
If you want to support our show and show our little podcast extra love, you can do so by becoming a patron. Consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping up some goodies for just $2 a month!
Share
If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments.
CREDITS
Hosts
Music
Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0
Special Thanks
Our patrons, Kristen Poli & Plottr
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Are you an underwriter? Do you often struggle to get your word count up? Then you might enjoy this episode where we discuss what you can do to boost those word counts!
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
Want to be a guest on The Merry Writer Podcast? If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. Once you've read everything, please fill in the Google Form linked on that page if you feel you could be a good fit.
At the top of the FAQs Page will be the status as to whether the applications are currently open.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Patreon
If you want to support our show and show our little podcast extra love, you can do so by becoming a patron. Consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping up some goodies for just $2 a month!
Share
If you enjoy our podcast, please share episodes on social media to spread the word about our show.
CREDITS
Hosts
Music
Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0
Special Thanks
Our patrons, Kristen Poli & Plottr
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Writing for children is an art form all on its own. While it has the same pieces as any novel, children’s books are unique and serves a different purpose for its age group. This week, Darlene Foster joins us to discuss why writing for children is so important.
In this episode, we cover:
-
Typical themes in children’s books
-
How to make these stories age appropriate
-
How to make characters relatable for kids
-
How to make impactful children’s books
As always, thanks for listening to The Merry Writer Podcast, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
ABOUT DARLENE FOSTER
Darlene Foster grew up on a ranch in Alberta, Canada, where her love of reading inspired her to see the world and write stories. She is the author of the exciting Amanda Travels series featuring spunky Amanda Ross, a twelve-year-old girl who loves to travel. All ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another in unique destinations. When not travelling, meeting interesting people, and collecting ideas for her books, Darlene spends time with her family in Canada and in Spain with her husband and entertaining rescue dogs.
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. If you still feel like you’re a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please fill in the Google Form linked on that page.
Our guest slots for 2024 are FILLED. Our Google Form is closed for the time being. Thank you all for your interest!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Patreon
If you want to support our show and show our little podcast extra love, you can do so by becoming a patron. Consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping up some goodies for just $2 a month!
Share
If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments.
CREDITS
Hosts
Music
Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0
Special Thanks
Our patrons, Kristen Poli & Plottr
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Do you suffer from perfection? Is it hard to let your manuscript see the light of day because it's not yet "perfect?" Are you striving to be the best beyond all measure? Well, stop it!
In today's episode, we are talking about that insidious condition known as Perfectionism and ways we have been dealing with it and things you can try.
What we cover:
-
Done is better than perfect
-
It's a form of procrastination
-
Its not for YOU alone to make it "perfect"
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
Want to be a guest on The Merry Writer Podcast? If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. Once you've read everything, please fill in the Google Form linked on that page if you feel you could be a good fit.
At the top of the FAQs Page will be the status as to whether the applications are currently open.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Patreon
If you want to support our show and show our little podcast extra love, you can do so by becoming a patron. Consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping up some goodies for just $2 a month!
Share
If you enjoy our podcast, please share episodes on social media to spread the word about our show.
CREDITS
Hosts
Music
Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0
Special Thanks
Our patrons, Kristen Poli & Plottr
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
If you're a writer, then you probably have a website, right? Right? And if you have a website, then you might also have a blog. A blog is a great way to keep your website looking active and updated. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss content writers can share on their blog.
In this episode, we cover:
- Types of blog posts
- Niche(s)
- Consistency
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
We are accepting guest applications for The Merry Writer Podcast! If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. Once you've read everything, please fill in the Google Form linked on that page if you feel you could be a good fit.
Due to high interest, our guest slots for 2024 are almost filled. Applications are still open, but we may take a while to get back to you.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Patreon
If you want to support our show and show our little podcast extra love, you can do by becoming a patron. Consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snap up some goodies for as little as $1 a month!
Share
If you enjoy our podcast, please share episodes on social media to spread the word about our show.
CREDITS
Hosts
Music
Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0
Special Thanks
Our patrons, Kristen Poli & Plottr
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
In this week's episode, we (try) to discuss the difference between cliches and tropes. I say try, because apparently it was a crazy day for both of us, so if you made it through to the end, good on yer!
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
Want to be a guest on The Merry Writer Podcast? If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. Once you've read everything, please fill in the Google Form linked on that page if you feel you could be a good fit.
At the top of the FAQs Page will be the status as to whether the applications are currently open.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Patreon
If you want to support our show and show our little podcast extra love, you can do so by becoming a patron. Consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping up some goodies for just $2 a month!
Share
If you enjoy our podcast, please share episodes on social media to spread the word about our show.
CREDITS
Hosts
Music
Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0
Special Thanks
Our patrons, Kristen Poli & Plottr
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
One big decision all writers face is the matter of publishing: traditional or self? It's not an easy choice, which is why Ari and Rachel are joined on the podcast this week by Wendy Simpson who discusses what the traditional publishing industry is really like.
In this episode, we cover:
- The main benefits of traditional publishing
- Benefits of having an agent
- What control the author has
- A typical publishing timeframe
- Extras authors might not know about traditional publishing
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
ABOUT WENDY SIMPSON
Wendy has been writing since the age of five and finished her first novel at fourteen. Her debut novel Tinderbox and its sequel Tarotmancer are available both in-store and online. Tinderbox made the Top 100 on the Amazon Best Sellers List in Black &African American Fantasy Fiction and is the 2022 GOLD Winner for Fantasy Foreword Reviews Indie Award. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, working in her garden, or gaming and streaming on Twitch under the handle Runic Nightshade. She shares her home with her older brother and two diva cats.
Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
We are accepting guest applications for The Merry Writer Podcast! If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. Once you've read everything, please fill in the Google Form linked on that page if you feel you could be a good fit.
Due to high interest, our guest slots for 2024 are almost filled. Applications are still open, but we may take a while to get back to you.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Patreon
If you want to support our show and show our little podcast extra love, you can do by becoming a patron. Consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snap up some goodies for as little as $1 a month!
Share
If you enjoy our podcast, please share episodes on social media to spread the word about our show.
CREDITS
Hosts
Music
Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0
Special Thanks
Our patrons, Kristen Poli & Plottr
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Motivation can be pretty elusive and if you are hoping to find some behind the fridge, we can guarantee it's not hiding there. If you struggle with feeling motivated to write, then check out today's episode.
What we cover:
- Give yourself cues
- Know what comes next
- Think small
- Spark some joy
- Use what inspires you
- Get a positive read
- Step away from social media
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. If you still feel like you’re a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please fill in the Google Form linked on that page.
Due to high interest, our guest slots for 2024 are almost filled. The form is still open for 2025, but we may take a while to get back to you. Please know we have your application on file. Thank you for your patience.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Patreon
If you want to support our show and show our little podcast extra love, you can do so by becoming a patron. Consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping up some goodies for just $2 a month!
Share
If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments.
CREDITS
Hosts
Music
Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of incompetech – Music and also Graph Paper | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0
Special Thanks
Our patrons, Kristen Poli & Plottr
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
When was the last time you went to your library? If it's been a couple of months, go ahead and plan a trip there. Libraries are useful for everyone for a number of reasons, but writers can get a lot out of it. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss how writers can use their local libraries.
In this episode, we cover:
- The library environment
- Events from the library
- Research
- Writing routine
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
We are accepting guest applications for The Merry Writer Podcast! If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. Once you've read everything, please fill in the Google Form linked on that page if you feel you could be a good fit.
Due to high interest, our guest slots for 2024 are almost filled. Applications are still open, but we may take a while to get back to you.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Patreon
If you want to support our show and show our little podcast extra love, you can do by becoming a patron. Consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snap up some goodies for as little as $1 a month!
Share
If you enjoy our podcast, please share episodes on social media to spread the word about our show.
CREDITS
Hosts
Music
Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0
Special Thanks
Our patrons, Kristen Poli & Plottr
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Let's throw in a quick disclaimer - we are not talking about THAT kind of pleasure - this episode topic is NOT about reading erotica. So get your mind out of the gutter! :p
In today's show, we are talking about reading for fun and touch on why some readers may not be doing that as much as well as why it's important to take the time to read just for the pleasure of it. Not sure what we're talking about? No problem, just give it a listen :)
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW?
If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. If you still feel like you’re a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please fill in the Google Form linked on that page.
Due to high interest, our guest slots for 2024 are almost filled. The form is still open for 2025, but we may take a while to get back to you. Please know we have your application on file. Thank you for your patience.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Patreon
If you want to support our show and show our little podcast extra love, you can do so by becoming a patron. Consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping up some goodies for just $2 a month!
Share
If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments.
CREDITS
Hosts
Music
Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0
Special Thanks
Our patrons, Kristen Poli & Plottr