...and it's writing.

Ep084: Making Promises

What does it mean to make promises in your book, and how does that differ from foreshadowing? In this episode, D.C. and Avery discuss both.

Ep 082 (Mini-Ep): Oh, the Agony

Why should your characters suffer? D.C. and Avery discuss how your characters' suffering translates in different genres, how it can add tension, and various ways to torment your characters.

Ep081 (Mini-Ep): ”As you know, Bob”

"As you know, this is a podcast." In this episode, D.C. and Avery discuss "as you know, Bob" conversations in your writing. Do your characters over-explain things to one another for the reader's benefit? We chat about our thoughts on the matter and our best tips for avoiding the dreaded "as you know" dialogue.

Ep080 (Mini-Ep): Chapters

D.C. and Avery discuss chapters! How long is our "ideal" chapter, how do we decide where to place chapter breaks, and our thoughts on books that disdain chapters entirely.

Ep079 (Mini-Ep): Impostor Syndrome

One of the most common maladies to strike writers: the dreaded Impostor Syndrome. We discuss what it is, how it affects us, and our best tips to combat it.
Questions to ask yourself to combat anxiety:
What is the thing you're worried about?(Example for Impostor Syndrome: "that I'm actually a bad writer")
What are some clues your worry won't come true?
If your worry doesn't come true, what will probably happen instead?
If your worry does come true, will you eventually be okay?
After answering all these, ask: How has my worry changed?

Ep078 (Mini-Ep): Running a Critique Group

Can't find any critique groups to join? In this episode, we discuss ways to start your own and some best practices for running one.Mentioned:
NaNoWriMo Forum
AbsoluteWrite Forum
Critique Group Rules Template

Ep077: Off the Rails with Bendi Barrett!

In one of our most unhinged episodes, Avery and D.C. sit down with author Bendi Barrett to discuss pen names, writing interactive fiction, the utter satisfaction of tearing dot matrix paper, and the best chapstick flavor.
Find out more about Bendi and his work here, or follow him on Twitter.
Other items mentioned:
Bar Cart Bookshelf on Twitter
Bar Cart Bookshelf Recipe: "The Rapacious" Cocktail
Twine
ChoiceScript

Ep 076 (Mini Ep): Instagram Tips

With a lot of writers currently migrating to Instagram from the bird site, we share some of our best tips and tricks for navigating and maximizing Instagram as an author.

Ep 075: Interview with Literary Agent, Chelsea Hensley!

Avery and guest host Emily chat with agent Chelsea Hensley of KT Literary. We discuss the ongoing HarperCollins Union strike, our beefs against the Game of Thrones TV show, and the realities of the query trenches from the other side.
More information about Chelsea and how to query her can be found here.
Emily's Percy Jackson podcast, Monster Donut, can be found here.

Ep 074 (Mini-Ep): Embrace Your Genre

Avery and D.C. discuss how to embrace and celebrate your work's genre instead of fighting it, as well as finding your niche and your audience.