The Writerly Bites Podcast

127: Be a Detective for a Day

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:15:21 +0000

This week, put on your deerstalker hat and be a detective for your story.

Reading rec: THE TEN-YEAR AFFAIR, by Erin Somers.

126: Trust Your Story Instincts

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:43:22 +0000

This week, we're going with our gut.

Book recommendation: A GUARDIAN AND A THIEF, by Megha Majumdar.

125: Print Your Story Out Differently, and Something Magic Happens

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:56:01 +0000

This week, try printing out your story in a different way, and you'll be amazed by what magic can happen.

Reading rec: A Guardian and a Thief, Megha Majumdar

124: Put Your Butt in the Chair

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:44:30 +0000

This week, talking about the power of staying in place and riding out the creative challenge.

Book recommendation: HAMNET, by Maggie O'Farrell.

123: Most Writers Write Past Their True Ending

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:24:56 +0000

We're talking about endings this week — and how most writers tend to charge past where their story's natural ending truly lies.

Reading rec: BOG QUEEN, by Anna North.

122: Life will Disappoint You

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:16:11 +0000

This week, we're discussing whether Lorrie Moore was right when she said "life will disappoint you" is the theme of all great literature.

Reading rec: ALL THINGS UNDER THE MOON, by Ann Y.K. Choi.

121: Everyone's Story is Complex

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:12:53 +0000

This week, we're thinking about how everyone's story is more complex than we think, and every character deserves nuance in your story.

Reading rec: FOX, by Joyce Carol Oates.

121: Make everyone's story more complex

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:23:15 +0000

This week, discover how complex everyone's story is — and how even peripheral characters in your story have their own lives to live.

Reading recommendation: FOX, by Joyce Carol Oates.

120: Imagine Yourself in the Room

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 22:55:05 +0000

This week, imagine yourself in the room that really matters in your story.

Reading recommendation: Your Steps on the Stairs, Antonio Munoz Molina.

119: My Favorite Reads of 2025

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:33:57 +0000

My favorite reads of 2025. Were any of these your favorites?

118: Cut "I thought"

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:03:31 +0000

This week, we're talking about narrative filtering, and how much of it you can lose to make your story better.

Book recommendation: FLASHLIGHT, by Susan Choi.

117: Turn the Eye Outward

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:34:30 +0000

This week, turn your narrator's eye outward and see the world around them.

Reading recommendation: THE ROSE FIELD, by Philip Pullman.

116: Cut One Weak Sentence from Every Paragraph

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:13:21 +0000

This week, cut out the weakest part of every paragraph, and your story or novel will sing.

Book recommendation: HEARTWOOD, by Amity Gaige.

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115: Revive an Old Project

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:52:47 +0000

This week, revive an old project and remember what made it shine for you.

Book recommendation: THE SAFEKEEP, Yael Van der Wouden.

114: Write from a Place of Compassion

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:25:45 +0000

This week, remember how compassion can deepen your understanding of your characters.

Book recommendation: SWEET FURY, by Sash Bischoff.

113: Make the Bad Guys Come Back

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:59:05 +0000

Just when you thought it was safe — make the bad guys come back in your story this week.

Book recommendation: LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS, Laura Ingalls Wilder.

112: Re-connect with Your Writing

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:05:28 +0000

We're back, listeners! And we're talking about how to re-connect with your writing when time and life challenges have separated you from your work.

111: Write about What Was Going on in School

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:31:29 +0000

This week, stuff was going on at your school that you didn't know about at the time. Write your way back into the memories and the discoveries.

Reading recommendation: ORBITAL, by Samantha Harvey.

110: What Wakes You in the Night?

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:42:58 +0000

This week, you've got to write about what wakes you in the night, even if it's difficult.

Reading recommendation: BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2024.

109: Make an Index Card Wall

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:55:30 +0000

This week, a way to re-discover your novel, and plan for the future of completing it.

Reading recommendation: THE HEAVEN AND EARTH GROCERY STORE, by James McBride.

108: Send a Friend Your Story

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:17:57 +0000

This week, don't delay any longer. Send your friend a draft and get some feedback.

Reading recommendation: ELEVEN HUSKIES by Philip Schott.

107: Go on a Retreat

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 19:39:50 +0000

This week, make a plan for some special writing time. Tips and thoughts about building your own writing retreat.

Reading recommendation: THE COMEDIANS, by Graham Greene.

106: Have Your Character Tell a Story

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:37:58 +0000

This week, get your character to tell a story about themselves, and discover what's truly on their mind.

Reading recommendation: REAL AMERICANS by Rachel Khong.

105: Find the Person Who Will Hold You Accountable

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:47:52 +0000

This week, find the person who is going to keep you to your writing and help you accomplish your goals. They're out there!

Reading recommendation: WANDERING STARS by Tommy Orange.

104: My Favorite Reads of 2024

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:43:28 +0000

This week, I catch up on my reading and pick my favorite reads of 2024.

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103: Don't Forget to Write

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:58:41 +0000

This week, don't let the holiday season interfere with your most fundamental creative task.

Reading recommendation: THE HUNTER, by Tana French.

102: Spark Joy with Your Writing

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 14:24:24 +0000

Get back to the joy this week with your writing.

Book recommendation: BEAR, by Julia Phillips

101: Trace the Threads of Your Story

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:44:16 +0000

This week, find the threads of your story, pick them all up and weave them together.

Book recommendation: NORTH WOODS, by Daniel Mason.

100: Begin Again

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:09:47 +0000

I'm back, writers! The Writerly Bites Podcast is resuming its weekly tips for making your writing life better, and I'm starting with the power of beginning again.

Reading recommendation: THE GOD OF THE WOODS, Liz Moore.

99: Have One Character Tell the Truth and One Character Tell Lies

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:08:31 +0000

Use an old riddle to ratchet up the conflict in your story this week.

Book Recommendation: THE GUEST, Emma Cline.

98: Try Second Person

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:47:19 +0000

This week, I'm talking about the wonderful, weird, magical re-boot that second person perspective can offer a story.

97: Watch Out for Third Person

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:48:06 +0000

This week, the perils of third person. Every tool that gives you power and control is suspect.

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96: Try Third Person

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:06:09 +0000

This week, the power, beauty, and control of writing in the third person.

Book recommendation: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.

95: Watch Out for First Person

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:33:23 +0000

Part of a mini-series about the joys and pitfalls of point of view. I'm talking about the dangers of first person perspective today.

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94: Re-think Point of View

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 12:43:25 +0000

In this week's episode, I'm beginning a short series on choosing the right point of view for your story.

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93: Interview with Rachel Cantor

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 21:46:55 +0000

Writerly Bites is back and I'm thrilled to post this interview with novelist Rachel Cantor!

Rachel Cantor is the author of the novels Half-Life of a Stolen Sister (Soho Press 2023), Good on Paper(Melville House 2016), and A Highly Unlikely Scenario (Melville House 2014). Two dozen of her stories have been published in the Paris Review, One Story, Ninth Letter, Kenyon Review, New England Review, and elsewhere. She has written about fiction for National Public Radio, the Guardian, Publishers Weekly, and other publications. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she is writing a series of middle grade and young adult books set in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

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92: My novel, MINOR PROPHETS, is now available

Mon, 08 May 2023 14:27:06 +0000

I read the first page from the novel, and leave you with a writing tip for the week. Tune in for the regular return of the podcast in weeks to come.

91: My Favorite Reads of 2022

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 22:04:02 +0000

For the last podcast episode of 2022, my favorite reads of the year. Happy holidays and see you in the new year, listeners!

90: The Magic of Showing Up

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 13:52:43 +0000

Back after a hiatus, and I'm talking about the magic of showing up for yourself and your writing.

Book recommendation: BLISS MONTAGE by Ling Ma.

89: No Place Like Home

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 13:22:06 +0000

This week, write about home: all the fraught feelings and complex associations of home.

Book recommendation: CITY OF INCURABLE WOMEN, by Maud Casey.

88: Tell a Ghost Story

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 02:26:40 +0000

Getting into the mood for halloween this week with tips for what makes ghost stories great — and why non-ghost stories can benefit from them.

Book recommendation: THE LITTLE STRANGER by Sarah Waters.

87: Tell a Story Backwards

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:37:26 +0000

Even stories that start with "Once Upon a Time" are playing with time in bold ways. Try some new ways to shake up time this week.

Book recommendation: VERY COLD PEOPLE, by Sarah Manguso.

86: Break Your Story's Form

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:17:42 +0000

Try breaking all the rules of form and function in your story this week.

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85: Make a New Pair

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:42:05 +0000

This week, make a surprising odd couple with your words.

Book recommendation: INTIMACIES, by Katie Kitamura.

85: Make a New Pair

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:43:28 +0000

Put two things together that have never been smashed together before this week.

Book recommendation: INTIMACIES, by Katie Kitamura.

84: Spiral into Your Story

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 18:14:30 +0000

We're back for the fall with new weekly tips, interviews, book recommendations, and thoughts about what you can do today for your writing. This week, consider an alternative story structure.

Book recommendation: DISORIENTATION, by Elaine Hsieh Chou.

83: Remember How it Feels

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 13:43:47 +0000

Pay attention to the physical in your writing this week.

Book recommendation: The Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco

82: Write a Discovery Draft

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 18:02:34 +0000

Write a draft this week that's all about discovering what you want to write about.

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81: Interview with Valerie Lute

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:58:07 +0000

This week I'm interviewing author Valerie Lute for her favorite writing tips.

Valerie Lute is a writer whose short stories have appeared in Arts & Letters, Literary Orphans and Contrary Magazine, among others. You can find her kayaking on the Charles River, attending Shakespeare productions in Greater Boston, or online at valerielute.com.

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80: Ending Your Story, Part II

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 14:01:08 +0000

In part II of this two-part episode, I talk about finding just the right ending for your story.

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79: If the Ending Isn't There Yet, the Story Isn't Either

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:21:56 +0000

In this two-part episode, I'm talking about finding the ending for your story.

Book recommendation: SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Emily St. John Mandel.

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78: Don't Write an Origin Story

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 12:50:49 +0000

This week, on comic book hero storylines and the problems of the origin story.

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77: Two Summer Favorites

Tue, 31 May 2022 13:41:48 +0000

I'm highlighting two of my favorite episodes from last summer this week. Enjoy the summer season, writers, and see you back here in a couple of weeks!

76: Revision is Revolution

Tue, 17 May 2022 17:04:58 +0000

I'm talking about the radical possibilities of revision this week.

Book recommendation: Exhalation, by Ted Chiang

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75: Find the Dark Room

Tue, 10 May 2022 15:06:47 +0000

This week, we're searching for the dark dark room in the center of our story.

Book recommendation: ALL'S WELL by Mona Awad.

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74: Give it Structure

Tue, 03 May 2022 14:45:49 +0000

This week, talking about why a good story is like a dress on a dress form.

Book recommendation: A GHOST IN THE THROAT by Doireann Ni Ghriofa.

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73: Type it Up!

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 13:12:17 +0000

This week's episode is for the hand-writers out there, but it also has tips for if you write on the computer.

Recommendation: HOUSEKEEPING, by Marilynne Robinson.

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72: Are You Writing a Story, Or Are You Writing About a Story?

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 17:26:35 +0000

We're talking about the difference between a great concept and a great story this week.

Recommendation: Atlanta (TV series)

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71: It's All Just Vibes: Build Your Story's Mood

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 17:06:10 +0000

This week, on casting a spell, building your story's vibe, and understanding the limits of atmosphere.

Book recommendation: THE SWIMMERS by Julie Otsuka.

70: Break Your Writing Loop

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 18:00:42 +0000

Stuck in a writing rut, or traveling in loops? This week, tips for breaking out of it.

Book recommendation: TOKYO UENO STATION, by Yu Miri.

69: Interview with Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 16:41:50 +0000

I had the pleasure of speaking with author Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan for this week's episode. Cheryl is the author of several books; most recently, she is the co-editor and contributor of ANONYMOUS SEX. Learn more at http://cheryllulientan.com.

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68: Ten Minutes to a Better Five Pages

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 19:16:00 +0000

This week, get out your red pen and try some concrete exercises to make five pages of your story better.

Book recommendation: ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL, by James Herriot

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67: Interview with Hillary Jordan

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:52:27 +0000

Hillary Jordan is the author of the novels Mudbound and When She Woke as well as the digital short "Aftermirth," all published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. She also co-created and co-edited, with Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan, the groundbreaking erotica anthology Anonymous Sex, forthcoming from Scribner on February 1, 2022. Hillary’s stories have been translated into 15 languages.

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66: Don't Run Away from the Story that Scares You

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:04:31 +0000

This week, face the story that scares you.

Book recommendation: BUNNY by Mona Awad.

65: Show What Your Character Loves

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 17:18:52 +0000

In honor of Valentine's Day, I'm thinking about showing the big loves and little loves of your character in your fiction.

Book recommendation: LOOKER by Laura Sims.

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64: Writers Love Having Written

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 13:55:13 +0000

This week, I'm admitting the best kept secret of many writers.

Book recommendation: MIDDLEMARCH, by George Eliot. Join me in reading Middlemarch in 2022!

63: Walk One Block to the Left

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:59:15 +0000

This week, take a small step in the other direction and look around you.

Book recommendation: FIGHT NIGHT, by Miriam Toews.

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62: You Don't Have to Be Everything

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 16:45:41 +0000

Today's tip: you don't have to be every kind of writer.

Book recommendation: MILK BLOOD HEAT by Dantiel Moniz.

61: Dialogue is Like a Horse Race

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 14:38:41 +0000

This week, let's talk about all the horses you in the dialogue horse race.

Book recommendation: BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2021

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60: Embrace the Unexpected

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:37:05 +0000

Take your story in an unexpected direction this week.

Book recommendation: THE BOOK OF FORM AND EMPTINESS, by Ruth Ozeki.

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59: Make Writing Resolutions That Will Stick

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:36:14 +0000

This week, I'm offering tips for making a writing plan for 2022 that you'll actually stick to.

Book recommendation: BOOK OF THE LITTLE AXE, by Lauren Francis-Sharma.

58: Two Favorite Episodes in One

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:54:20 +0000

This week, I'm including two of my past favorite episodes from the year, and wishing you all a happy new year! I'll be back in 2022 with more tips, interviews, and ways to get you writing better.

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57: Make a Holiday Plan for Writing

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 15:10:16 +0000

This week, I'm here for you and your writing! Let's make a writing plan that makes it through the holidays.

Book recommendation: I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS, by Iain Reid.

56: Write the Scene You've Been Avoiding

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:49:07 +0000

This week, write the scene you've been saving because you doubted your ability to write it.

Book recommendation: FALLING IN LOVE WITH HOMINIDS, by Nalo Hopkinson.

55: Interview with Thea Lim

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 20:42:59 +0000

This week, I talk with author Thea Lim about using genre to break open the possibilities of story.

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54: Art is About Making Choices

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 15:06:36 +0000

Think about what you're choosing to say and what you're choosing not to say in your work this week.

Book recommendation: MATRIX, by Lauren Groff.

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53: Don't Neglect the Middle

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:28:57 +0000

This week, give the least-loved portion of your story some much-needed attention.

Book recommendation: FIRST BUDDHIST WOMEN, collected by Susan Murcott.

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52: One Hour is Just for Writing

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:30:26 +0000

This week, book a date with your writing, and don't let anything else get in the way.

Book recommendation: A TALE FOR THE TIME BEING, by Ruth Ozeki

51: Have You Earned That Ending?

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 16:02:53 +0000

This week, we dive into the language of the writing workshop. Have you earned that ending?

Book recommendation: OUR MAN IN HAVANA, Graham Greene

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50: All the Bad Advice I've Gotten

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:45:54 +0000

It's the 50th episode and I'm doing something different to celebrate. This week, a rundown of some of the bad advice I've gotten.

Book recommendation: THE ASH FAMILY, by Molly Dektar.

49: Creativity is Putting Two Things Together

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:39:26 +0000

This week I'm offering a working definition of creativity: putting two things together that haven't been together before.

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48: Remember the Excitement

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 13:29:47 +0000

This week, I'm talking about getting back to the joy of reading and writing.

Book recommendation: HARLEM SHUFFLE, by Colson Whitehead.

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47: Draw from Another Story

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 14:23:59 +0000

This week, I'm talking about drawing from another source text to enrich your story.

Book recommendation: A SEPARATION, by Katie Kitamura.

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46: Mix the Bitter and the Sweet

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:12:37 +0000

This week, add something sweet to your most bitter story moments, and add something bitter to the most sweet.

Book recommendation: PEACES, by Helen Oyeyemi.

45: Schedule Time for Nothing

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:48:14 +0000

This week, I'm talking about the value of nothing for creating something.

Book recommendation: TO BE A MAN, Nicole Krauss.

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44: Really?

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 17:13:38 +0000

This week, I'm asking a crucial bubble-bursting question of my writing: really?

Book recommendation: THE THIRD RAINBOW GIRL, by Emma Copley Eisenberg.

43: Let Music Make the Mood

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:26:11 +0000

This week, I'm talking about using music not just to set the mood in your writing, but to build worlds and atmospheres.

Book recommendation: the television show "Detectorists."

42: Find the Missing Ingredient

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 13:14:57 +0000

This week, I'm talking about finding the missing strange spice in your almost-finished story.

Book recommendation: SEVERANCE, by Ling Ma.

41: Cut the "As" Clause

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:34:27 +0000

Getting into the nitty-gritty of revision this week, I'm talking about removing an awkward construction from your writing.

Book recommendation: THE SEARCHER, by Tana French.

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40: Have the Courage to Try Again

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 00:26:53 +0000

It's the 40th episode! And I'm talking about gathering your courage to try again in your writing.

Book recommendation: THE FIVE WOUNDS, by Kirstin Valdez Quade.

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39: Seek and Destroy Your Weakest Sentence

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 13:09:13 +0000

This week, we're starting a mini series on revision. I'm talking about making a game out of the process of destroying your weakest sentences.

Book recommendation: Trust Exercise, by Susan Choi.

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38: Build the Beats of Your Story

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 13:34:41 +0000

This week, I'm talking about finding the "beats" of your story -- those moments of crucial emotional change.

Book recommendation: MOUTHFUL OF BIRDS by Samanta Schweblin.

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37: Respect Your Work and Organize It

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 14:13:10 +0000

I'm talking about valuing your writing work this week - and that means keeping it organized so you can make the most of your writing time.

Book recommendation: ALL MY PUNY SORROWS, Miriam Toews.

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36: Betray Someone

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 13:49:55 +0000

This week, think about getting your character to betray someone in your story. Book recommendation is Jack Kerouac's BIG SUR.

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35: Interview with Arif Anwar

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:00:21 +0000

This week, I talk with novelist Arif Anwar, whose debut novel THE STORM was published in 2018.

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34: Scene-ify Your Story

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 18:02:36 +0000

This week, find the exposition and talky introspection in your story, and turn it into a scene for huge improvements.

Book recommendation: The Sisters Brothers, by Patrick DeWitt.

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33: Take a Step Closer to Your Character

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 16:31:59 +0000

This week, I'm talking about getting closer to your character's experience, instead of thinking about them from the outside.

Book recommendation: THE MERCIES, by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

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32: Plagiarize Just a Little

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 23:21:33 +0000

This week, I'm encouraging a little plagiarism. Just kidding! But the act of copying the sentences you love can be a great way of getting in the right rhythm for your own writing.

Book recommendation: REAL LIFE, by Brandon Taylor.

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31: Turn Off the Lights

Tue, 25 May 2021 15:02:43 +0000

This week, take a step into the darkness and let your story's possibilities unfold.

Book recommendation: I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS, by Iain Reid.

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30: Interview with Laura Hankin

Tue, 18 May 2021 16:50:57 +0000

This week, I chat with Laura Hankin about her favorite tips for building characters. Laura's second novel, A SPECIAL PLACE FOR WOMEN, is now available! Learn more at https://www.laurahankin.com.

You can Subscribe at Apple Podcasts. Please rate and review the podcast there; it really helps the podcast grow.

Email me at writerlybitespodcast[at]gmail.com with your writing questions and your favorite writing tips, which I'd love to address in future episodes.

29: Speak in a Different Voice

Tue, 11 May 2021 13:19:14 +0000

This week, consider what narrative voice will serve your story best, and try something new.

Book recommendation: ANNIHILATION, by Jeff Vandermeer.

You can subscribe at Apple Podcasts. Please rate and review the podcast there; it really helps the podcast grow.

Email me at writerlybitespodcast@gmail.com with your writing questions and your favorite writing tips, which I'd love to address in future episodes.

28: Let Go of What's Holding You Back

Tue, 04 May 2021 13:43:07 +0000

This week, let go of the things getting in the way of your writing.

Book recommendation: A CHILDREN'S BIBLE, by Lydia Millet.

You can subscribe at Apple Podcasts. Please rate and review the podcast there; it really helps the podcast grow.

27: Just Play

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 13:03:03 +0000

This week, open up your story to playful discovery.

Book recommendation: HOW MUCH OF THESE HILLS IS GOLD, by C Pam Zhang.

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26: Plant a Seed

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 21:20:31 +0000

This week, think about what seeds to drop in your story, and how to let them flower.

Book recommendation: DANGEROUS LAUGHTER, by Steven Milhauser.

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25: Interview with Ann Y.K. Choi

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:54:19 +0000

This week, writer Ann Yu-Kyung Choi talks about a fascinating technique for inhabiting your characters.

You can subscribe at Apple Podcasts. Please rate and review the podcast there; it really helps the podcast grow.

24: Write by Hand

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 15:12:53 +0000

Try stepping away from the computer this week and discover the ancient magic of writing by hand.

Book recommendation: The Upstairs House, Julia Fine.

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23: Don't Use the Verb "To Be"

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:11:55 +0000

This week, try stretching your verbs and banning "to be" from your vocabulary.

Book recommendation: The Lost Book of Adana Moreau, Michael Zapata

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22: Get to the Fireworks Factory

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:20:03 +0000

This week, make sure your story fulfills its promises and gets to the fireworks factory.

Book recommendation: LONG BRIGHT RIVER, Liz Moore

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21: Find What's Fragile

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 17:44:34 +0000

This week, explore what is fragile in your character's life.

Book recommendation: Before and After the Book Deal, by Courtney Maum

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20: Interview with Kirstin Allio

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 14:40:17 +0000

This week, I chat with novelist Kirstin Allio about using a musical technique to improve your revision.

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19: Use the ABDCE Method

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 16:24:53 +0000

This week, try using a classic five-act structure to give your story some shape.

Book recommendation: Leave the World Behind, by Rumaan Alam

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18: Try a Roving Perspective

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 14:29:40 +0000

This week, I'm talking about switching up your point of view.

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17: Self-Doubt Doesn't Create Anything

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 16:41:26 +0000

This week, I'm offering some tough love to writers and talking about how self-doubt doesn't get things written.

Book recommendation: the Best American Short Stories Series

You can subscribe at Apple Podcasts. Please rate and review the podcast there; it really helps the podcast grow.

16: Don't Punch Down

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 15:52:17 +0000

This week, take some advice from comedians and don't punch down.

Book recommendation: CHEMISTRY, by Weike Wang.

You can subscribe at Apple Podcasts. Please rate and review the podcast there; it really helps the podcast grow.

15: Interview with Iva, Vocalist, Songwriter, and Composer

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 15:56:31 +0000

This week, I talk with Iva, a vocalist, songwriter, and composer. You can learn more about Iva's music at ivavoice.com.

You can subscribe at Apple Podcasts. Please rate and review the podcast there; it really helps the podcast grow.

14: Sketch Your Lean Layer

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 19:07:31 +0000

This week, think about sketching the lean layer of your story.

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13: Give a Gift No One Wants

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:50:06 +0000

This week, I'm talking about giving a gift that no one wants to your characters.

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12: Find the Strangest Sentence

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 14:16:07 +0000

This week, we're finding the strangest sentence in your writing and using it as a launching pad for more powerful, unusual writing.

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11: Things Could Have Gone Another Way

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:08:19 +0000

This week, consider roads not taken in your narrative.

Book recommendation: Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller.

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10: Interview with Rachel Lyon

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 14:38:02 +0000

This week, I chat with writer Rachel Lyon and get her tip for finding the body in your fiction.

You can subscribe at Apple Podcasts. Please rate and review the podcast there; it really helps the podcast grow.

9: Make a Weekly Scene Goal

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 14:28:51 +0000

This week, make a plan for what scenes you'll write in your story.

Book recommendation: FAREWELL, MY LOVELY by Raymond Chandler.

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8: Sink into Detail

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 16:23:34 +0000

This week, sink into the details of your story and its world.

Book recommendation: HOUSE OF MIRTH by Edith Wharton.

You can subscribe at Apple Podcasts. Please rate and review the podcast there; it really helps the podcast grow.