Words Are Hard

Words Are Hard

Words are hard. We’re here to help. Join Rachael Waldburger (editor, indie author, and English teacher) and her brother Ramsay Plautz (the extrovert in charge of keeping the conversation going) as they dive into writing and editing techniques. New episode weekly. Tangent-to-topic ratios will vary.

Episodes

January 28, 2026 19 mins

If you've ever felt frustrated with your writing, don't worry. It isn't just you. These are some of the most common frustrations I hear from writers, and how to address them. 

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

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Some big things have been going down in the world of indie publishing, but fear not! We're here to serve you the tea. In today's episode, we'll hear from Nikki of Faeblebooks, an independent bookstore in The Amana Colonies, Iowa. Tune in for news on what happened with Ingram's updates, why everyone is so upset, and what we can do about it.

Follow on Threads and Instagram @faeblebooks, or check out their website here.

You can find N...

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December 16, 2025 30 mins

In today's episode, Ramsay and I chat with Kelly Miller with @poetsinthepines about the process of creating an anthology. You can find the anthology she worked on, Made from Midnight: a Requiem, and information about what she and the Poets in the Pines are up to at https://poetsinthepines.com/

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story ...

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December 12, 2025 26 mins

Happy Thanksgiving, two weeks late! If you've been struggling through a project and are feeling discouraged with your progress, this is the episode for you.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

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November 25, 2025 27 mins

If you're behind on a goal (like NaNoWriMo), here are some ways to help.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

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October 1, 2025 28 mins

Have you ever gotten stuck in the middle of a project? In today's episode, we'll discuss 3 (plus 2) ways to get out of the murky middle.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

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September 24, 2025 39 mins

In today's episode, we welcome back special guest speaker Bethany Hensel to discuss writing mentors, Power Rangers, and geography.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

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What do Jimi Hendrix, Wisconsin, and bears have in common? Today's theme! Join Ramsay and me as we discuss mondegreens, malapropisms, folk etymology, and how to use them in your writing.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

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September 9, 2025 26 mins

How do you defeat writer's block? Ramsay and I discuss our favorite brain hacks and productivity tricks to get you out of your head and back into your story.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

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September 3, 2025 33 mins

What tools do you use to write? From writing software to gamified motivation to ambience, we've got you covered!

Dabble Affiliate Link: https://www.dabblewriter.com/?via=rachael

4thewords Referral Code: NRLKG56887

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awes...

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August 26, 2025 32 mins

Looking for tips on building a writing routine? Look no further! We'll walk you through how to manage your expectations, audit your time, and set boundaries around your writing sessions. Also Ramsay suggests a new invention for nursing mothers.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder...

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August 12, 2025 36 mins

Live long and celebrate collaborative storytelling! In today's episode, Ramsay and I discuss intellectual properties and copyright, the history of fandom, and why everyone should read and write fanfiction. 

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

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July 29, 2025 30 mins

Rejection is a part of life, but it's especially a part of writing. In today's episode, we discuss a few ways to deal with rejection without wanting to burn your manuscript.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

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July 22, 2025 25 mins

In today's episode, we answer the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything as we discuss Narrative Techniques. Also bad Latin translations and—(not) sorry—more Tolkien.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

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July 1, 2025 27 mins

We're back for season 2! Join us as we discuss what we've been up to during our haitus, what we're going to talk about this season, and some goals for the summer.

Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

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April 29, 2025 24 mins

Today's episode is brought to you by a tornado watch and Lord Byron's house guests.

It also marks the start of a brief hiatus. We'll be back in about a month when Rachael's end-of-the-school-year chaos is a little more manageable.

Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

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April 23, 2025 19 mins

If you can't spell "restaurant", this is the episode for you. We'll also discuss the Icelandic language, tricks to make you a better speller, and Ramsay's use of the word of the day.

Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

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April 8, 2025 27 mins

What do Goosebumps, breakfast pizza, and Don Quixote have in common?

This episode. 

Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

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April 1, 2025 34 mins

Happy National Poetry Month! Today, we're talking about all about poetic devices and Ramsay's continued obsession with Eminem.

Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

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March 25, 2025 25 mins

In today's episode: homophones, dangling modifiers, and sourdough pancakes (oh my!)

Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to editor@rachaelwaldburger.com.

I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

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