Today, Emily & Rachel talk about how and when to apply the story point.What you’ll learn from this episode:Using story point as a tool at different points in your processUsing the story point as the guidepost Incorporating themes before the story pointReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about overthinking vs thinking something through.What you’ll learn from this episode:When are you overthinking? What does it feel like? What should you do about it? Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about Want vs Need in character arcs.What you’ll learn from this episode:What’s a character want?What’s a character need? How do these compare to the internal goal and external goal? How do these mesh with the story point?Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the risk of plagiarism in the writing community.What you’ll learn from this episode:What feedback relationships should really be likeThe benefit vs the riskKeeping your receiptsFinding a community that you deserveReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about lowering your writing expectations with guest Rachael Herron.What you’ll learn from this episode:Why lowering your expectations can actually make you more prolificAdjusting to the discomfort of failureFinding emotional regulation in your writing processShifting your mindset to build self-trustRachael's website: https://rachaelherron.com/Check out Rachael's first draft process: http://rachaelherron.com/sfdGet on Rachael's email list: https://rachaelherron.com/write/Listen to Ink In Your Veins: https://rachaelherron.com/category/podcast/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the querying process with guest Abigail K. Perry!What you’ll learn from this episode:Exactly what a query letter is and how to structure it for your best chance at snagging an agent's attentionHow to know when you're ready to query and where to get started when you make that choiceWhy people keeping saying 'querying is hard than ever right now', and whether or not it's truePitfalls authors make in querying and how to avoid themConnect with Abby: https://www.abigailkperry.com/Resources Mentioned: Story Grid - https://storygrid.com/Author Accelerator - https://www.authoraccelerator.com/Daniel David Wallace - https://danieldavidwallace.com/Savannah Gilbo - https://www.savannahgilbo.com/The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast - https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/LitMatch podcast https://www.abigailkperry.com/podcasts/lit-matchFiction Writing Made Easy podcast - https://www.savannahgilbo.com/podcastPublisher’s Marketplace - https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about all things plot, character, process, and crime/thriller with guest Marybeth Whalen.What you’ll learn from this episode:How to use character to drive the plot of crime/thriller novelsThe individuality of every writer's processDeveloping characters through interviewsHow process changes over time, from book to book and season to seasonRead Every Moment Since now: https://marybethwhalen.com/books/every-moment-since/Get on Marybeth's newsletter: https://marybethwhalen.substack.com/Marybeth's website: https://marybethwhalen.com/Learn more about The Book Tide: https://thebooktide.substack.com/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about negative arcs.What you’ll learn from this episode:The differences between positive and negative arcsHow to shape effective negative arcsConsidering character choices and consequencesGiving characters the opportunity for changeReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about book marketing with guest Erica Birtles.What you’ll learn from this episode:The right time to start marketing your bookWhat it means to bring value to your readerHow to foster connection and engagementSpecific marketing practices for selling your bookCHECK OUT THE BOOK TRIBE: https://thebooktribe.co.uk/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about getting reader reviews!What you’ll learn from this episode:Mindset around getting reviewsReviews are for readers (not for us) Knowing your ideal readerRelying on your communityReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about beta reading!What you’ll learn from this episode:What is beta reading? When is the right time to search for beta reading? What kind of questions to askWhat to do once you get feedback returnedReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about sweet and clean romance with Victorine Lieske.What you’ll learn from this episode:What sweet and clean romance areHow to build tension and conflictThe spectrum of intimacyMarketing to readersVICTORINE's WEBSITE: https://victorinelieske.com/ VICTORINE'S NON-FICTION BOOKS: https://victorinelieske.com/books-for-writers/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the changing landscape of the publishing industry with guest Nicole Meier.What you’ll learn from this episode:the publishing paths writers have todayhow publishing has shifted over timewhat to consider when choosing a publishing pathNicole's website: https://www.nicolemeier.com/Nicole's programs: https://www.nicolemeier.com/workwithmeFollow Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolemeierwrites/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about developing arcs across a series with very special guest Jennifer Armentrout.What you’ll learn from this episode:Planning flaws and change across multiple booksMeeting reader expectationsDeveloping characters through explorationBuilding romance and intimacy across multiple booksRead BORN OF BLOOD AND ASH, out now: https://jenniferlarmentrout.com/books/born-of-blood-and-ash/JENNIFER's WEBSITE: https://jenniferlarmentrout.com/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about not fiddling around with writing and getting to work with guest Eric Goebelbecker.What you’ll learn from this episode:The reasons we procrastinateHow imposter syndrome and mental hurdles play into procrastination The parallels between dog training and writingHow to get yourself past procrastinating and back to writingERIC's WEBSITE: https://ericgoebelbecker.com/ERIC's NEWSLETTER: https://newsletter.ericgoebelbecker.com/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about leaning into messy humanity.What you’ll learn from this episode:What to do when you ask "is this too much?" Not shying away from important messagesLeaning into the pieces of story that are complex and messyReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the All is Lost vs Dark Night of the Soul story structure beats. What you’ll learn from this episode:What role these two beats play in story structureThe difference between these two beats (and why they exist) How to execute them on the pageSHAPE OF ARCS class recording: https://goldenmayediting.com/arcs-recording-062024/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about how writing is not always fun.What you’ll learn from this episode:The different phases of writingHow we naturally gravitate to different parts of the processHow to take care of yourself in the different phasesDeveloping self-trust and self-beliefReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Rachel talks about spicy and erotic romance with guest Jordyn Kross.What you’ll learn from this episode:What erotic romance actually isHow to ensure your spicy/intimate scenes always have a purposeTips and tricks for writing intimate scenesJordyn's website: https://jordynkross.com/ Naughty Words for Nice Writers by Cara Bristol: https://www.amazon.com/Naughty-Words-Nice-Writers-Thesaurus-ebook/dp/B00TY0DA5OReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about making writing choices with guest Kat Caldwell.What you’ll learn from this episode:A little bit about what coaching is likeWhy making intentional writing choices is so importantThe mindset of writing book after bookKat's website: https://katcaldwell.comFollow Kat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_katcaldwell/Follow Kat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katcaldwellauthor/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about antagonists!What you’ll learn from this episode:What an antagonist actually isHow to write believable antagonistsHow antagonists are successful in their story purposeReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about shedding the shame of talking about your book with guest CC Tyler.What you’ll learn from this episode: why you feel so anxious/nervous/weird about talking about your bookhow to recognize the shame holding you backhow to accept your identity as a writerhow to take small actions to build confidence and let go of the shameCONNECT WITH CIARA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcctyler/ Website: https://www.authorcctyler.com/Read Of Faith & Flame: https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Flame-Prophecy-Sorin-Book/dp/B0CSZ8C75XReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about querying and rejection with guest Kayla Stansbury.What you’ll learn from this episode:what the querying process is really likehow to manage rejection how to strengthen mindsetReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about indie publishing and the author journey with Emilia Emerson.What you’ll learn from this episode:what it's like to be an indie authorthe chaos writing processwriting characters with mental health issuesEMILIA's WEBSITE: https://www.emiliaemerson.com/Pre-order His Tesoro now: https://a.co/d/inaF4wjReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about answering a listener question about perfectionism and the idea of doing it wrong.What you’ll learn from this episode:developing confidence for finishing an entire bookhow to learn with all the overwhelming resources out heremanaging the stress of perfectionismReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about returning from an unplanned hiatus.Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: http://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about choosing scene POV.What you’ll learn from this episode:4 questions to determine the most impactful POVsometimes you just need to choose!weaving character into scene structure Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about procrastination!What you’ll learn from this episode:Procrastination and perfectionism are two sides of the same coinThe fear at the heart of procrastinationExamining and bringing awareness to the blockThe role of rest FOR THE PROCRASTINATOR by Amie McNee: https://www.amiemcnee.com/non-fiction/p/stzcg9ak09l5jtdrgj892rnlxsy64c Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the versatility of the writing process.What you’ll learn from this episode:Is it useful to define ourselves by plotter versus pantserThe theory of craft versus the application of craft“Thinking things up” versus “Getting things down”How process changes season to season, book to book THE ARTIST'S WAY by Julia Cameron: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143129252?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_CAH7XEPJBPGZ3XC1ZBB6 Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk with author Brit KS.What you’ll learn from this episode: Brit KS's process of developing her world and charactersHow book 2 is different than book 1All the support that makes the writing journey possible  Buy RAISE HELL by Brit KS: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTYK2V5?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_R2VA0B9XDX024RG1VYTTBrit KS website: https://britks.com Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about how fear is at the heart of perfectionism with guest Jocelyn Lindsay.What you’ll learn from this episode:what might really be causing your writers blockhow perfectionism comes back to fearmindset shifts to navigate around perfectionismlearning how to be brave when it feels unsafe  Jocelyn's website: https://www.jocelynlindsay.com/Jocelyn's YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/jocelynlindsay/5 Minute Indie Insights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9XWKaAxnbJf5UJ5LQzMYlQ Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about a little rant about the self-publishing vs traditional publishing debate.What you’ll learn from this episode:how deciding what publishing path is a business decisionbusting some common myths about self-publishingit's okay to own your dreamReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about character thoughts, and whether they're show or tell.What you’ll learn from this episode:What internal processing (or interiority) actually isHow to use internal processing on the pageThe balance between showing thoughts and telling themTips to incorporate in your pages  SHOW, DON'T TELL DEMYSTIFIED WORKSHOP: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/show-tell-workshopWith a mixture of presentation, QA, published work analysis, guided visualization, and professional feedback on an excerpt from your own work, you'll gain ​​the “Show” skills to write gripping prose that leaps off the page, grabs hold of readers, and leaves them hanging onto every single word.Enroll now! https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/show-tell-workshop Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about using character movement to "show" on the page.What you’ll learn from this episode:Showing character movement without going overboardIncorporating meaning into movementQuestions to dive deeper into movement + meaningTips to incorporate in your pages  SHOW, DON'T TELL DEMYSTIFIED WORKSHOP: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/show-tell-workshopWith a mixture of presentation, QA, published work analysis, guided visualization, and professional feedback on an excerpt from your own work, you'll gain ​​the “Show” skills to write gripping prose that leaps off the page, grabs hold of readers, and leaves them hanging onto every single word.Enroll now! https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/show-tell-workshop Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the three layers of "show!" What you’ll learn from this episode: Showing the action in a sceneShowing what things mean to charactersShowing emotions without stating themHow to dive into each of the three layers and incorporate them in your proseSHOW, DON'T TELL DEMYSTIFIED WORKSHOP: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/show-tell-workshopWith a mixture of presentation, QA, published work analysis, guided visualization, and professional feedback on an excerpt from your own work, you'll gain ​​the “Show” skills to write gripping prose that leaps off the page, grabs hold of readers, and leaves them hanging onto every single word.Enroll now! https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/show-tell-workshop Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about updates from our personal lives and the Golden May business!Subscribe to our email list: https://goldenmayediting.com/subscribeCheck out our 1:1 coaching program: https://goldenmayediting.com/storymagic/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about how we hate the word "should!"What you’ll learn from this episode:How to reframe the 'shoulds' Bringing awareness to your thoughtsChanging the obligation/guilt/shame mindset Podcast mentioned: Good Inside with Dr. Becky episode How to Keep House while Drowning with KC DavisReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about setting goals without shame.What you’ll learn from this episode:How to determine whether your goals are from self-love or self-shameShift your mindset away from "not enough-ness" Develop goals from self-lovePair your mindset with your goal-settingReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about LGBTQ+ representation with guest host Sam Cameron.What you’ll learn from this episode:The balance between "getting it right" and perfectionismActionable steps you can take to include more diverse charactersWhether or not to stay in your laneDetermining whether your manuscript is LGBTQ+ inclusiveResources mentioned: Writing With Color - https://writingwithcolor.tumblr.com/Writing The Other - https://writingtheother.com/Check out Sam's work!Sam's website: https://truantpen.com/Take Sam's Quiz: "Is my manuscript LGBTQ+ inclusive?" - https://truantpen.com/lgbtq Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the art of self-editing with guest host Tiffany Grimes.What you’ll learn from this episode:What is self-editing?Common missteps authors make during this processStrategies and techniques to make editing less overwhelmingHow to ensure the heart of your story remains strong throughout editingCheck out Tiffany's comprehensive self-editing course, Revisions Alchemy, and don't forget to use code STORYMAGIC for $500 off!Tiffany's website: https://www.burgeondesignandeditorial.com/Tiffany's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burgeondesignandeditorial/ Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Lewis & Rachel talk about static and/or flat arcs.What you’ll learn from this episode:What static and flat arcs areWhat static/flat arcs actually do and why they're importantHow to create static arcs that work+ tons of examples! Mastering Character Arcs by Lewis JorstadLewis' Website: https://thenovelsmithy.com/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Lewis & Rachel talk about NaNoWriMo behind the scenes.What you’ll learn from this episode:NaNo check inDifferent experiences doing this challengeRevisiting your mindset, your self-belief, and your values GET YOUR TICKET TO OUR WORKSHOP: https://thenovelsmithy.com/renew-reflect/Ready to reframe your writing? Join us on December 3rd (updated date!) for Renew, Reflect, Write! With these amazing classes and the roundtable with our incredible coaches, you’ll learn to rewire your brain and create a gentle writing routine that actually gets you closer to your writing dreams.Lewis' Website: https://thenovelsmithy.com/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Lewis & Rachel talk about creating consistency in our routines.What you’ll learn from this episode:The difference between consistency and sustainability Creating harmony between your brain and your bodyAddressing the root cause of your inner criticBeginning to shift mindsetGET YOUR TICKET TO OUR WORKSHOP: https://thenovelsmithy.com/renew-reflect/Ready to reframe your writing? Join us on November 18th for Renew, Reflect, Write! With these amazing classes and the roundtable with our incredible coaches, you’ll learn to rewire your brain and create a gentle writing routine that actually gets you closer to your writing dreams.Lewis' Website: https://thenovelsmithy.com/Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about stakes and why they're important.What you’ll learn from this episode:what stakes really arestakes vs goals vs motivationsexternal and internal stakeshow to develop them Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about secondary characters.What you’ll learn from this episode:What's a secondary character? The purposes of secondary charactersTips and tricks for building super strong secondary characters Other links mentioned in the episode: Emotional Conflict Square: https://www.sophiepembroke.com/3-ways-a-conflict-square-can-fix-your-romance-novel/Our Blog on secondary characters: https://goldenmayediting.com/function-secondary-characters/ Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about low stakes stories. What you’ll learn from this episode:What is a low stakes story? Why low stakes stories are growing as a new genreStory point messages and low stakes storiesHow to make a low stakes story work for you  Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about how to come up with ideas you actually like.What you’ll learn from this episode:Reaching the root cause of why you don't like that ideaUnderstanding your inner critic voicesWays to manage perfectionism and fear of rejectionHow to move forward Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emilygoldenbooks/

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about tips to trick your inner perfectionist (aka separating thinking from implementing).What you’ll learn from this episode:how perfectionism can lead to paralysis mindset to overcome perfectionist tendenciesexercises and tips to implement into your writing processReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation?  Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emilygoldenbooks/