EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Ari and Rachel decided it would be fun to discuss if they've seen their story ideas in other books at the store. Sometimes it takes us a while to get our ideas to paper and other people write and publish similar plots. 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Wilmar Luna is back on the show with Ari and Rachel to discuss building a horror universe. In this episode, we cover: How much world-building needs to go into a horror universe? What are the main aspects to consider when writing horror stories? How do you build an atmosphere for your horror universe? As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT WILMAR LUNA Former video game developer, part-time author, full-time nerd. Wilmar Luna couldn't be a superhero in real life so he decided to write his own. When he's not writing about empowered female characters he can be found watching films, reading books, and playing too many video games. Website | Newsletter | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Books Link 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's not always easy to end you novel. Sometimes we have an idea of how they'll end and sometimes we don't. But did you know there are many different types of endings? In this episode, we cover: The resolved ending The unresolved ending Ambiguous ending Expanded ending Unexpected ending Tied ending 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Info dumping can really slow down the pace of your story, can annoy many readers and even have them skipping over chunks of your work. So what can you do to stop info dumping? Today, Ari and Rachel tackle this issue with some suggestions. In this episode, we cover: What is Info Dumping While drafting Deal with it in the editing phase not the drafting phase Learn your temptations Areas where info dumping usually occurs Ask yourself: does it matter Scale back When Info Dumps can work 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), but we may take a while to get back to you.   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon If you want to support our little podcast and show some 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's no secret that authors need a website, but where do you start? You can hire someone to help you or you can DIY it. This week, Pauline Wiles joins Ari and Rachel to discuss creating a professional author website. In this episode, we cover: Finding your goal and strategy for your author website Important elements that should go into your website Common mistakes to avoid Average cost of creating and keeping your website How a website can boost your author brand As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT PAULINE WILES Pauline Wiles is an indie author turned website designer who helps other authors and writers create beautiful, businesslike websites. As an author herself, she noticed others were often overwhelmed by this task. Now, she’s helping to dispel the myths around how difficult a web project should be. British by birth, Pauline is now a contented resident of California, although she admits to an occasional yearning for afternoon tea and historic homes. Website | Instagram 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Want to get your books written faster? Increasing your writing or typing speed can definitely help. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss a few simple tips for helping to make things a little quicker. In this episode, we cover: Touch typing The right pen Shortcuts Take the type test! Resource: Try your typing speed with this online test. https://www.typing.com/student/tests 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), but we may take a while to get back to you.   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon If you want to support our little podcast and show some 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you been planning a novel series? Or maybe you're ready to share it with the world but you don't know where to start? Start here! This week, Helen Scheuerer joins Ari and Rachel to discuss launching a successful series. In this episode, we cover: How launching a series is different than launching a standalone How to plan in advance and budget Difficulties you can encounter How to streamline the process Marketing tips for launching a series As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT HELEN SCHEUERER Helen Scheuerer is the fantasy author of the bestselling series, The Oremere Chronicles, the Curse of the Cyren Queen quartet and The Legends of Thezmarr. Her work has been highly praised for its strong, flawed female characters and its action-packed plots. She also publishes advice for authors with her nonfiction series, Books For Career Authors. Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a creative writing degree and a Masters of Publishing. She has been a full-time author since 2018 and now lives amidst the mountains in New Zealand where she is constantly dreaming up new stories. Website | Instagram | Book Link 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES For some, story ideas can be hard to come by. For others, story ideas are everywhere. For everyone, imposter syndrome sneaks in. But do you really need unique story ideas for readers to love your book? This week, Ari and Rachel cover just that. In this episode, we cover: Tropes and themes in stories Story archetypes Character archetypes How similar ideas can be used for marketing The "retelling" genre 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), but we may take a while to get back to you. SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon If you want to support our little podcast and show some 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES When it comes to writing, practice makes perfect. Everyone has a story to tell and the way you tell your stories are unique. But it can take some time to find your writer voice. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss how to find your writer's voice. In this episode, we cover: What a writer's voice is How to find your writer's voice When and how your voice may change over time 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you write with multiple characters? Worried you might be slipping into the wrong character's head in the middle of a scene? Don't worry, you're not alone. That's what Ari and Rachel discuss in this week's episode. In this episode, we cover: What head hopping is Why it's bad What you can do to catch it 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 snapping 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Ari is joined by author AJ Alexander who discusses the health issues that writers can face and ways to prevent some of them. This week, we cover: Conditions writers can develop What to look out for Why breaks are important The importance of getting up As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.   ABOUT A.J Alexander I'm a fantasy author working on a paranormal romance series, called 'The Council Of Twelve' series,   I have written short stories and poetry in the past. Some of my poems can be read on my blog 'Writer's Treasure Chest.   My rare free time I spend extreme reading, excessive pool swimming, and playing monster-monopoly.   My strongest support system are my sister, most of my family, my friends, and my beautiful senior Maine Coon cat.   Links Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuroraJean_A Website: https://aurorajalexander.wordpress.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aurorajeanalexander/ Books2Read: Buy link Amazon: Buy link Smashwords: Buy link 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 2023 are now filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 snapping 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0  

EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, Ari and Rachel are talking all about conflict!   This week, we cover: Character vs Character Character vs Nature Character vs Themselves Character vs Technology Character vs Supernatural Character vs Society   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 2023 are now all filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 snapping 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli   Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES We all know that writing isn't an easy task. A great way to be consistent with it is to have a dedicated writing environment. But how can you turn a room into a creative space? In this episode, we cover: How to choose a room for your writing space How to minimize distractions Ways to decorate your writing space What supplies and materials to have easy access to Keeping yourself healthy during these writing sessions 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's time to talk about formatting. It's not always fun but is it an important part of your book and what do you need to consider when it comes to formatting? That's what Ari and Rachel discuss in this week's episode. In this episode, we cover: How important formatting is The standard of formatting What you need to consider And randomly throughout - things you probably shouldn't do! 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 snapping 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you sometimes struggle with your ADHD and motivation when you're writing? Are you having trouble finding a writing routine and sticking with it? Don't worry; Jeremy Russell joins Ari and Rachel this week with tips and tricks for us all. In this episode, we cover: An example of what the ADHD thought process may look like Struggles writers with ADHD might have How to stay motivated Techniques to stay focused As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT JEREMY RUSSELL Jeremy Russell is a married, father of two young men, two cats and a new puppy. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, he always thought himself as a collector of hobbies, but as it turns out, it was hyper fixation. The two hobbies that remained constant were writing and art. 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Are you considering how to outline your novel? Whether you used to be a pantser or you have always been a plotter, today's episode is discussing one of the methods for outlining. The 7 point plot system is the method Ari uses so she's going through the different steps. In this episode, we cover: The 7 points in this outlining method Discussions about when the inciting incident should occur A tangent about montages Why Ari likes this method 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 snapping 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Middle grade novels are the link between early readers and kids continuing their reading journey to YA and beyond. But what makes middle grade so unique from other age groups? This week, Ari and Rachel discuss the many traits that go into a middle grade novel. In this episode, we cover: What middle grade novels are Themes in middle grade novels Word counts of middle grade novels 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

**QUICK NOTE** Apologies for some of the sound quality, I had some issues with my microphone EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you want to write creepy stories? Have an interest in scaring your readers? Then check out today's podcast where author A. S. McDermott joins Ari to discuss writing horror stories. This week, we cover: Characterisations of a horror story Biggest hurdles horror writers have How important locations are Book-length Standalone or series Advice for would-be horror writers Killing off your characters As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT A.S McDermott A.S. McDermott was born in England but now lives in South Carolina with his wife, kids, and assorted cats. He has been writing since he was very young but has only recently begun publishing his work. Aside from novels and short stories, he also writes screenplays and directed a short horror film called The Party (2010). When not writing, he likes to swim, watch movies and travel. Links Twitter: https://twitter.com/imaginarycinema Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7501196.A_S_McDermott Buy Link: https://books2read.com/ap/8pyjmz/AS-McDermott 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 2023 are now filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 snapping 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's so easy to get wrapped up in the numbers rather than the quality of your work. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss when word counts matter and when they don't. In this episode, we cover: Word count updates during a writing session Word count updates on social media Word counts in various genres and age groups 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, Ari and Rachel are joined by author Kyle Robertson to discuss the importance of perseverance in writers. This week, we cover: Why writers need perseverance What can affect a writer's perseverance How to avoid burn out As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT KYLE ROBERTSON Kyle Robertson is a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a marketing professional, freelance editor, and self-published author of the historical fiction thriller "The Showstopper" on Amazon. In addition to his other projects, he is a third-degree Black Belt and instructor in Tang Soo Do, an avid hiker and traveler, and lover of reading, music, games, and movies. Links Twitter: https://twitter.com/krobnovelist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krobnovelist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kylerobertsonnovelist Website: https://kylerobertsonnovelist.com/ Amazon: amzn.to/2PYC8k9 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 2023 are now filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 snapping 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever seen people writing or drawing inside the books they read? They're annotating their books to help understand the context better or just to make it look pretty. In this episode, we cover: What annotating books means Whether or not we annotate our books Different ways to annotate your books 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 snapping 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Not all metrics are the same, especially when it comes to social media metrics. Knowing what's important and where to focus your attention can be a game changer. So in today's episode, Ari and Rachel discuss Vanity Metrics. In this episode, we cover: What are vanity metrics What are active metrics Social media hierarchies The power of comments As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. 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 snapping 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writing doesn't always have to be creative or academic. It comes in many shapes and forms and therapeutic writing is one of them. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss what exactly therapeutic writing is and different ways to utilize it. In this episode, we cover: What therapeutic writing is Where and how you can add your thoughts Different ways you can express yourself through therapeutic writing As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Just how useful is social media for writers?  Have you found yourself wondering if it was even worth it?  Today writer E.A. Whyte joins Ari and Rachel to discuss just that. In this episode, we cover: The importance of social media The impact of social media Best ways to engage with followers As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT E.A WHYTE I started writing the summer between semesters of college on a whim. With one book under my belt, I knew that I'd found my calling. My dream is to become a published author but also to support new authors realize their own stories. For now, I'm a barista at a local coffee shop by day, and a writer by night. Connect With Our Guests Instagram 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES We all need to do research for our novels. Some research is tedious but some is fun and it's all too easy to keep researching and not get any writing or editing done. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss how to keep your focus when researching. In this episode, we cover: What the rabbit hole is When it's okay to go down the rabbit hole Make notes Set a timer Use placeholders in your draft As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you have several books out or do you plan to write and publish more than one book? Then you need to consider when and how to market those older books in your back catalogue. The newest one to be released may be all shiny, but don't forget to give some love to the older ones. Give this episode a listen to see what you can do and why it can be useful to market your older books. In this episode, we cover: Why marketing your earlier books is important Ways to market earlier books A few devil's advocate moments too :) 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you create character profiles? How in-depth do you go? How well do you know your protagonist? This week, Ari and Rachel discuss the pros to knowing your characters' religion. In this episode, we cover: How religion can aid in character development How religion can affect the characters, the world, and the plot Using real-world religions or creating a fictional religion Why you should research different real-world religions As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES What makes a good antagonist? Does your story need an antagonist?  Justine Manzano joins Ari and Rachel to discuss all things antagonistic! This week, we cover: Defining an antagonist Different types of antagonists How important they are to a story As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT JUSTINE MANZANO Justine Manzano is the author of the YA Urban Fantasy series Keys and Guardians, and YA Contemporary novel Never Say Never. A freelance editor, she lives in the Bronx, NY with her husband, son, and chaotic puppy. She can usually be found on her website, www.justinemanzano.com, and she’s on all the usual social media haunts. If you’ve looked in all these places and can’t find her, she’s probably off reading fanfiction. She’ll be back soon. Links Twitter: https://twitter.com/justine_manzano Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justine_manzano/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justine_manzano1229 Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Order-Key-Justine-Manzano/dp/B09MGFQQ4N/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=Justine+Manzano&qid=1638238863&sr=8-10 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-order-of-the-key-justine-manzano/1136575285?ean=9798985327304 Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/mvokx2 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 snapping 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever thought about where your published book will be one, five, or even ten years from now? It might be collecting dust on someone's bookshelf or someone may be rereading it for the sixth time. Join Ari and Rachel this week as we discuss the longevity of books. In this episode, we cover: What longevity means The long-lasting impact your book may have to readers How writing is a learning experience for readers and writers 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

This week Ari and Rachel are discussing when it might be time to let go of a story idea.   In this episode, we cover: - Sunk Cost Fallacy - How much have you grown as a writer - Time is finite - How many stories do you have   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have all the guests for 2023 but we are accepting applications for 2024 guests. If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.   Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you been torn between self-publishing and traditional publishing? We've all been there. There's a lot of decision making when it comes to writing a novel and a lot of that comes from the business side. Luckily, McKenzie Burns joins Ari and Rachel this week to discuss the benefits of self-publishing. In this episode, we cover: How McKenzie chose self-publishing over traditional Tools, programs, and resources you need when self-publishing Where you can self-publish your books The Benefits of self-publishing What you need to know about the business of self-publishing  As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT MCKENZIE BURNS McKenzie Burns is a multi-genre author from the suburbs of Chicago with a passion for writing stories that involve diverse cultures, witty banter, and women who don’t take no for an answer. Her spare time is spent drinking copious amounts of coffee and scouring Spotify for obscure music. Website | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter Buy links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   This week Ari and Rachel are looking at Writing and Life balance. We all want it but can we really have it?  What can we do to help us catch the elusive "balance."   In this episode, we cover: - Using dead time - Prioritisation - Delegation - Don't worry about the completion - Use timers   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have all the guests for 2023 but we are accepting applications for 2024 guests. If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.   Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever tried writing a screenplay before? Have you thought of turning it into a novel or vice versa? If so, Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, and Loyd Auerbach join Ari and Rachel this week to discuss screenplays and novels. In this episode, we cover: Why turn your unproduced screenplay into a novel The process of changing a screenplay into a novel What skills are needed for this process What challenges can arise during this process Creating a voice with three writers As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT RICH HOSEK Rich has written for numerous television series with his writing partner Arnold Rudnick including, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Star Trek: Voyager, and The New Addams Family for which they won a Leo Award for Best Writing for Comedy or Variety. More recently he has been focusing his efforts on novels and short stories. He is a fan of Legos and Doctor Who now that there is a Doctor Who Lego set, his life is complete. Be sure to check out his other novels at RichHosek.com, his short story fiction podcast, Bedtime Stories for Insomniacs at BedtimeStories.studio, and follow him on Twitter @RichHosek and on Facebook @WrittenByRichHosek. ABOUT ARNOLD RUDNICK Arnold studied film and accounting at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, then moved to Los Angeles, where he worked in feature development at Paramount Pictures and Gary Lucchesi Productions. Arnold and Rich have collaborated on numerous scripts for film and television, including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Star Trek: Voyager and The New Addams Family. He has also written children’s books, including ESPete: Sixth Grade Sens—which won a silver medal in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and Reader’s Favorite Awards and was a pick in Danny Brassell’s Lazy Readers Book Club—and Little Green. He and his wife live in Los Angeles, California. ABOUT LOYD AUERBACH Loyd Auerbach, MS, is a world-recognized paranormal expert with thousands of media appearances and the author or coauthor of nine paranormal books and one on publishing and publicity. He is President of the Forever Family Foundation (since 2013, and Director of the Office of Paranormal Investigations (since 1989). He is on faculty at Atlantic University and JFK University (National University) and teaches online Parapsychology courses through the Rhine Education Center. He is on the Board of Directors of the Rhine Research Center and the advisory board of the Windbridge Institute. He is a past president of the Psychic Entertainers association, and besides working as a parapsychologist, he performs as professional mentalist Professor Paranormal (and occasional chocolatier). Follow him @profparanormal on Twitter, and catch his bi-weekly Q&A live streams on Facebook. Connect With Our Guests Website Amazon Goodreads Readers Favorite 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli 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

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   This week Ari and Rachel are discussing the four types of stories.  Where does your story fall within these four?   In this episode we cover: - What the four types of stories are - Simple-Simple stories - Simple-Complex stories - Complex-Simple stories - Complex-Complex stories   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have all the guests for 2023 but we are accepting applications for 2024 guests. If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.   Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

Edit: Sorry, I ended up deleting this episode. I have re-added it today.   EPISODE SHOW NOTES   This week, Ari and Rachel discuss organizing multiple novels. As writers, we tend to have too many ideas and decide to write a few simultaneously.   Here are some tips and tricks for keeping your notes organized.   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have all the guests for 2023 but we are accepting applications for 2024 guests. If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.   Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   In today's episode, we are looking at all those bad ideas we have and why we shouldn't just discard them.  Let's try and turn some bad ideas into good ideas!   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We currently have all the guests for 2023, but we are happy to start accepting applications for 2024 guests! If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping 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.   Music:   Credit Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writing a novel can be confusing, especially if you're juggling multiple story arcs in one story. Luckily, Troy Lambert joins Ari and Rachel to discuss how to handle multiple novel plots and story arcs. This week, we cover: The benefits of having multiple story arcs in one book The difference and similarities between multiple plots and subplots The best way to weave plots together Organizational tips to keep track of your many plotlines As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. ABOUT TROY LAMBERT Troy Lambert is a freelance writer, author, editor, and the education lead for Plottr. The author of over 25 novels, he lives, works, and plays in the mountains of Idaho with his wife and two very talented dogs. Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authortroy/ Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Harvested-Boucher-Mystery-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B07P7RYHG2 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 2023 are filled. Applications are still open (for 2024), 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 Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of http://www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   In today's episode, we are talking about foreshadowing, what it is, how it works and why you might want to make sure you have some in your story!   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon If you want to show our little podcast some extra love, please consider popping over to our Patreon Page where you can 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.   Music: Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   This week, Ari and Rachel discuss ways to set aside money for publishing your novel. They also discuss what you should save for and when to begin saving.   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   Today is all about Deus Ex Machina, what it is, why it's bad and how to avoid it!    As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping 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.   Music: Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   Have you ever gotten stuck on your novel before? Outlining is a great way to around that. However, outlining isn't for everyone. This week, we go over some different novel outlining methods you can try.   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   In today's episode, we discuss the frustrating "As You Know, Bob" trope, why we don't like it and what you should do instead.   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   Have you tried submitting a piece of writing before and encountered a word you didn't know? This week, we're going over some brief vocab words everyone should know within the writing industry.   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   Today we are talking all about habits and why making writing a habit can be quite difficult for some writers and what things you can do to try and help.   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please consider popping over to our Patreon Page and snapping 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   Are you releasing a debut novel? Are you working on a new project and want to spread the word? This week, we're discussing ways writers can get podcast interviews.   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   Let's talk about procrastination!  That weird urge to delay a task rather than just working on it.  This can be a big thing with writers so in today's episode we cover what it is, why it can happen and how we can fix it.   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   Some books are broken up into chapters. Others have parts. Some have prologues at the beginning, and others have epilogues. There's some debate about whether these chapters are needed. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss the pros and cons of having prologues and epilogues in your books. As always, thanks for listening. Share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

EPISODE SHOW NOTES   Social media is very much in our lives now, but does it have some negative effects and should we sometimes consider a break?  Rachel and Ari discuss when to step away from social media.   As always, thanks for listening, share your answers to the questions in the comments or over on social media.   Want to be a Guest? We have opened up guest applications for 2023.  If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read the 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.  Please note we may take a while to get back to you due to our workload.    Support the Podcast:   Patreon Want to support our show and show our little podcast some extra love, then please 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.   Music:   Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0