Conversations about the emotional process of writing with aspiring authors Sophia Dunkin-Hubby, Meghen Kurtzig, and Joanna Phoenix.
In this episode we talk about our identity as writers - how we started writing, how long it took us to feel like a writer, if writing as an identity has ever felt too small, and more.
In this episode we talk about the enneagram for the writer - what the enneagram is, the nine types, and for each one their strengths, challenges, and where they mind find support as writers.
References
Enneagram Institute - https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
Joanna’s Blog Post - Character and Plot Development With the Enneagram
http://www.joannaphoenix.com/new-blog/2021/5/25/enneagram-for-character-and-plot-development
In this episode we talk about character development - how we go about developing characters, our favorite parts, where we get stuck, and tools we use - enneagram, snowflake method.
References
Snowflake Method - https://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/articles/snowflake-method/
In this episode we talk about plot structure - feeling it's the silver bullet, how it intertwines with character development, the tools we use, the various parts, how it evolves over our revision process, and our favorite parts.
References
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master by Martha Alderson
Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need by Blake Snyd...
In this episode we talk about theme - how intimidating it can be, how hard to wrap your head around, tools for finding the theme of your book, when it comes to us in our process, the complexities, and the richness it can bring to a story.
Resources:
Story: Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee
The Plot Whisperer: The Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master by Mart...
In this episode we discuss our writing processes - how we get our ideas, how we know that an idea is one we want to write a book about, where we start, and how we start, and how it feels.
Resources:
The Snowflake Method
Scrivener - This is not an affiliate link.
In this episode we talk about revision - how we approach it, how we feel about it, and how our experience has changed over the course of our writing careers.
Resources:
Article by Heather Lazare about when to engage an editor - https://blog.nanowrimo.org/post/110906875250/tips-from-an-editor-five-times-to-say-yes
In this episode we talk about feedback - the vulnerability and other feelings associated with both receiving and giving, the different groups you might receive feedback from, and how we feel about it.
Resources:
Article by Heather Lazare about when to engage an editor - https://blog.nanowrimo.org/post/110906875250/tips-from-an-editor-five-times-to-say-yes
In our final episode of this season, we talk about writing in real life - writing routines, supporting our routines, identifying and regulating emotional expectations, rejection and feeling the pain, problem solving when we get stuck, flow, and how to train your friends and family to support you if you don't have anything to sell.
Resources:
Notebooks with smooth pages - Moleskine and Leuchtrurm1917 (these are not...
Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.
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