Write Out Loud

Buy us a coffee to support the show! That's a wrap for season two! This episode finds Matt and Christina reflecting on the highlights of season two, including favorite episodes and guest interviews. They discuss plans for season three, inviting audience input for future topics and guests. They express enthusiasm for possibly exploring diverse writing-related topics such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Last of Us, Schitt's Creek, and inviting screenwriters to share their insights. The episode concludes with a thank you for listening and an invitation for continued feedback and engagement. Episodes Mentioned Mental Health and Creativity with Big RobbAuthor Spotlight: A Conversation with Scarlett ColeBehind the Pages: Berkley Publishing’s Erin Galloway on the Art & Science of PublicitySuperheroes, Self-Publishing, and Storytelling with W.T. MeadowsThe Writing Dance: Plotting, Pantsing, and Everything in Between with Special Guest Sean DareGuest Information Erin GallowayInstagramX (formerly Twitter)FacebookScarlett ColeWebsiteInstagramX (formerly Twitter)FacebookAmazon Author ListingBig RobbWebsite/Podcast for "Chewing the Fat"InstagramX (formerly Twitter)FacebookYouTubeLinkedinWT MeadowsWebsiteInstagramX (formerly Twitter)FacebookYouTubeAmazon Author Link Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

If you're enjoying our show, won't you help us out? Buy us a coffee or drink to show your appreciation. It really does help us bring you better guests, better content, and maybe some surprises. You can do that here. In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina delve into the challenges of transitioning a great story idea into skilled execution, using the recently released Netflix movie 'Damsel' as a case study. Despite their anticipation and the cast's standout names like Millie Bobby Brown, Robin Wright, and Angela Bassett, they find 'Damsel' falls short, attributing its failings to weak writing and missed storytelling opportunities. They discuss the importance of smart characterization, effective pacing, and the balance between showing and telling in writing. Additionally, they explore strategies for writers to improve their craft, including the critique of poor works to better their understanding of storytelling techniques. The conversation emphasizes growth and learning from failure, both personally and through others, in the pursuit of better writing. Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

In this episode titled "Author Spotlight: A Conversation with Scarlett Cole", Matt and Christina invite Scarlett Cole, an acclaimed romance writer, on to talk about her history as an author. Scarlett talks about her journey from being a reader to an author, and her dual careers as a romance writer and senior vice president of strategy for a leading company. She discusses her transition from writing full-time to part-time and exploring different genres like contemporary romance and darker romances in her writing career. Scarlett speaks about her strategy in writing, emphasizing how her background in corporate strategy helped her in understanding trends in romance and applying them to her writing. She shares her experiment of writing a motorcycle club romance which she states led to higher sales than ever. Scarlett also speaks about her decision to pivot back to work, expressing how it fulfilled a part of her and ultimately helped her produce more work. Additionally, she details her focus on branding and putting out releases every 10 weeks as a part of her marketing strategy. 00:02:47 The Pivot 00:04:24 Scarlett's Background 00:09:46 Pivot to Motorcycle Club Romance and 1st Person POV 00:13:07 Scarlett References Larry Brooks's Story Engineering 00:13:47 Going Indie 00:18:21 The Success Motorcycle Club Series 00:23:35 Writing Full-time vs Part-time 00:28:08 Trusting Your Intuition 00:30:45 "The Loves We Lost" by Scarlett Cole 00:33:00 Where to Find More Scarlett Cole Scarlett's WebsiteScarlett on XScarlett on InstagramScarlett on FacebookScarlett's Facebook Fan Group - Scarlett Cole's Passionistas!Scarlett on TikTokScarlett's Amazon Page Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

***See the time stamps towards the bottom for links to the upcoming books Erin mentioned in today's episode!!*** In this episode of Write Out Loud, Matt and Christina chat with Erin Galloway, Director of Publicity for Berkeley, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Galloway shares her journey into the publishing industry, from her initial interest in journalism to realizing her talent and passion for publicity in book publishing. She provides an in-depth look at the roles and responsibilities of a publicist, including the distinction between publicity and marketing within the industry. Galloway emphasizes the importance of building media relationships, strategizing campaigns for authors, and utilizing events for book promotion. She also touches on the changing landscape of media coverage, from blogging to the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The conversation includes advice for authors on working with publicists and the significance of setting realistic goals and expectations. Galloway concludes with exciting upcoming releases from Berkeley, highlighting debut and veteran authors alike, showcasing a diverse range of stories and genres. Introduction (00:00:01) Erin's Background and Career Path (00:02:05) Erin's Role as a Publicist (00:06:50) Berkley's Publishing Genres (00:09:14) The Role of Commercial Fiction (00:10:16) Difference Between Publicity and Marketing (00:12:07) Publicity Responsibilities (00:17:40) Planning and Coordination (00:23:42) The publicist's work (00:24:14) Adapting to media trends (00:25:12) Innovation in the industry (00:26:37) Measuring success in publicity (00:34:13) Collaborating with publicists (00:36:33) Selecting the right publicist (00:41:46) Reading in the publishing industry (00:44:49) Exciting Upcoming Books to Look Out For (00:47:01) "When I Think of You" by Myah Ariel"The Love of My Afterlife" by Kristy Greenwood"The Night Ends with Fire" by K.X. SongWhen I Think of You (00:47:19) The Love of My Afterlife (00:49:35) The Night Ends with Fire (00:52:27) Closing remarks (00:57:15) Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

In this podcast episode, Matt and Christina discuss the importance of authenticity and confidence in writing. They express the importance of writers finding their personal writing style and trusting their abilities, rather than trying to emulate others. In fact, by doing so, they argue that writers can boost their creativity and potentially become more commercially successful. They also advocate listening to advice from professionals, discarding what doesn't fit, and practicing writing regularly. The hosts share various anecdotes, including the stories of writers like Scarlett Cole and Kristen Ashley, who found success by staying true to their unique voices and writing styles. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 00:35 Why Aren't You Writing to Your Potential? 00:52 The Influence of Others and Confidence in Writing 01:53 The Importance of Personal Creativity 02:14 Being the First Version of Yourself 03:16 The Need for Individuality in Writing 03:38 Going Beyond Just Being Yourself 04:01 Gaining Confidence in Your Abilities 05:00 Understanding Your Writing Process 06:06 The Role of Experts and Authors in Your Writing Journey 07:08 The Importance of Trusting Your Writing Abilities 13:10 The Dilemma of Learning Mode and Procrastination 14:07 The Impact of Criticism and the Importance of Trying 16:59 The Power of Starting and Revising 18:01 The Story of Scarlet Cole: A Fan's Perspective 18:56 The Grand Pivot: Scarlet Cole's Career Shift 19:55 The Art of Writing: First Person vs Third Person 20:47 Kristen Ashley: A Self-Publishing Success Story 23:53 The Power of Authenticity in Writing 26:58 The Importance of Revising and Editing 29:48 Understanding Your Unique Writing Style 34:47 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Failure in Writing 35:43 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

In this episode of the 'Write Out Loud' podcast, hosts Tina and Matt discuss various topics related to the process of writing and storytelling. They delve into the personal workflow of different writers, tips and techniques for productive writing, the weight of research vs. improvisation, and various writing tools. They also discuss finding one's identity as a writer, understanding the audience, managing time based on personal circumstances, the importance of consistency, creativity, and breaking the rules creatively. They highlight the significance of capturing the reader's attention, maintaining the believability of the story, and the balance between research and creativity. They also suggest strategies to captivate readers, emphasizing the allure of mystery. The show concludes with a challenge for listeners to create a layer of mystery in their characters. They also discussed a Ted Talk from J.J. Abrams about The Mystery Box. One can find that by following this link. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:57 Exploring the Writing Workflow 01:11 Understanding Your Writing Process 02:39 Identifying Your Writing Style and Audience 03:57 Creating a Conducive Writing Environment 04:24 Debunking Writing Myths 04:56 The Role of Individuality in Writing 06:15 The Art of Storytelling 07:14 Breaking Writing Rules 08:21 Balancing Research and Creativity 08:48 The Importance of Believability in Writing 14:05 The Art of Starting a Story 19:45 The Mystery Box Technique 20:57 Conclusion and Contact Information Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

Superheroes, Self-Publishing, and Storytelling with W.T. Meadows In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt Cassem and Christina welcome author W.T. Meadows to discuss his journey with writing & storytelling. Meadows shares valuable tips from his experience co-writing novels, using Kickstarter in self-publishing his novel 'Introduction Events', and so much more! He emphasizes the importance of author-audience connection, getting accurate representation in his work, and navigating diverse character experiences. Meadows also reveals ongoing projects, appearing on various digital marketplaces and future appearances in local book and comic shops in Austin, Texas. 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming W.T. Meadows 00:38 Meadows' Background and Writing Journey 01:51 Challenges and Learnings from Co-writing 15:05 The Kickstarter Experience 15:26 The Process of Writing 'Introduction Events' 26:24 The Power of Collaboration and Uplifting Others 27:06 Considering a Kickstarter for the Audiobook 29:18 Introduction to 'Introduction Events' 34:00 The Importance of Representation in Storytelling 40:20 Future Plans and Upcoming Projects 45:00 The Significance of Subtle Details and Representation 47:54 Where to Find the Book and Connect with the Meadows 49:55 Wrapping Up the Conversation Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

In this engaging episode of "The Writing Dance: Plotting, Pantsing, and Everything in Between with Special Guest Sean Dare", the conversation delves deep into different aspects of writing and storytelling. The discussion brings out the differences between 'plotting' and 'pantsing', the two primary modes in which writers create their stories. The conversation includes advice on progressing a writers' craft, the flexibility of these methods, and how adapting and figuring out what works best for each individual is the key to successful writing. The episode is full of tips and tricks to unlock creativity, beat writer's block, and optimize the writing process. This podcast episode is a boon for aspiring authors and seasoned writers alike. Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

Matt and Christina discuss the key difference between writing and storytelling. They explore the art and craft of storytelling and how it influences the process of writing. They also highlight unique techniques and elements that are specific to storytelling and how they contribute to creating engaging stories. Join them in this insightful conversation about the importance of storytelling in the world of writing. Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

In this episode, Matt and Christina discuss the importance of writing a good book as the most effective marketing tool. They discuss the significance of having a well-written book, building a fan base, and the power of word-of-mouth marketing. They also touch on the concept of the curiosity gap and the importance of engaging with readers on social media. The conversation emphasizes the need for writers to stay true to themselves and their stories, while also exploring different marketing strategies such as offering free books and personal engagement with fans. Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

In this episode, the hosts, Matt and Christina, interview Big Robb, a mental health advocate and host of the podcast "Chewing the Fat." The conversations are centered around the intertwined relationship between creativity, mental health struggles, and self-expression, with an emphasis on the necessity for open conversations on mental health. The conversation consists of introspective confessions, personal anecdotes, and advice on handling creativity blockages and dark days. The ultimate takeaway from the podcast is the reassurance that everyone experiences hardship and isn't alone in these struggles. Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

In this episode of the Write Out Loud Podcast, the Matt and Christina discuss the current state of storytelling, writing, and being an author with special guest, Michael Aspen, a fellow writer and podcaster. Together they delve into the pros and cons of self-publishing, the intricacies of quality story composition, and the impact of pacing. The discussion includes the impact of reality TV and Marvel movies on storytelling, and the challenges self-published authors face in standing out amidst a high volume of published works. The episode ends with the hosts providing valuable advice and challenges to listeners, encouraging them to write stories they would personally enjoy and to constantly hone their craft. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:35 Guest's Background and Podcast 02:57 Discussion on Writing Women Characters 05:13 State of Writing and Storytelling 05:47 Challenges in Finding Quality Books 08:47 State of the Entertainment Industry 12:26 The Impact of Streaming Services on Storytelling 20:10 The Future of High Production Quality TV Shows 20:31 The Role of Streaming Services in Storytelling 21:35 The Impact of Self-Publishing Platforms on Quality 22:14 The Challenge of Discovering New Authors 23:55 The Influence of Covid on Reading Habits 25:03 The Concept of Barrier to Entry in Writing 27:17 The Struggle to Find Quality Books Amidst the Muck 29:25 The Importance of Growth and Depth in Writing 32:13 The Art of Balancing Pacing in Storytelling 35:40 The Power of Emulating Successful Authors 38:40 The Importance of Authenticity in Writing Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

It's season two! We're back! This episode is focused on Christina interviewing Matt. They discuss topics such as why they read and write, impactful books and authors, and the best piece of writing advice they've received. They hope to connect with their audience and leave a thumbprint on the souls of their readers through their writing. And they hope you will too! Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

We are putting the final touches on this first season of the podcast, and we are sharing a little glimpse of what's to come in the future. Heartstopper is the muse with which we kicked off this endeavor, but going forward, there won't be discussion based on Heartstopper anymore (Yay for some of you!). What's to come? Listen and find out! Or read the transcript. Either way! Join us for more fun stuff to come in Season Two which will kick off January 1st in 2024! Until then, you may have the occasional fun episode drop as a surprise! Who knows what can happen between now and then? Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

This week we step back to chat with Christina Trevaskis, my co-host and the genius behind this operation. Christina has achieved remarkable feats in the book selling industry in diverse ways, and she brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to the table. During the podcast, we take the opportunity to become better acquainted with Christina's journey, her methodology, and even gain some valuable tips on how to approach our own writing. If you have any questions for us, please visit our website and leave us a voicemail. You have the option to remain anonymous, and if you prefer not to have your voice featured on the podcast, simply let us know. We will acknowledge that we are addressing your question. We are eager to learn what you want to know! We are interested in hearing your thoughts, feedback, and more! Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

This week we deep dive into the portrayal of relationships using "Heartstopper" as the reference point once again. We're coming to a close on using "Heartstopper," so if you're annoyed that we keep talking about it, hang in there. We also throw in a little "Shameless" plug too. Ultimately, we're here to help inspire you to build a toolkit that makes you a better writer than you were before...by even as little as 10%! That's improvement! So tell us what you want to hear? Tell us what you'd like for us to discuss? We're listening! How might you get in touch? You can always head over to the website (writeoutloudpod.com) and leave us a voicemail or you can click the "Be a Guest" button to sign up to be a guest! Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

It's another week, and this week we're discussing some of the small, easily-missed details you might have spotted if you're eagle-eyed enough to catch them! These are the little things that add so much to the story but stay out of the way of the story itself. This week's episode was based on a number of details discussed in Tessa Fahey's Buzzfeed article titled "33 Tiny Heartstopper Details." So thank you, Tessa, for the assist this week! Additionally, we have another challenge this week for the writers in the listening audience with regards to just that type of thing...the little details in your story that make all the difference. Take a moment to share your favorite parts of the episode with us on social media where you'll find us listed as @Writeoutloudpod wherever you do your social media thang! Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

During this week's episode, we discuss the variations between book and screen (mostly about Heartstopper). We are taking a look at the rationale behind why writers will sometimes differ particularly when they're the same person to write both the book and screen play. We would love to have your voice added to our podcast, so sign up to be a guest or just leave us a voicemail that we might play during one of the episodes by visiting our website at writeoutloudpod.com! You can find Christina at @Bookmatchmaker on Instagram, and you can find all my socials at https://cassem.omg.lol Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

Joining us this week is special guest and "Heartstopper" super fan, Rania Gollakner! Rania comes to share her perspective on the things that have made "Heartstopper" so amazing for her, what she got out of the writing and storytelling that Alice Oseman does so well, and to share with us her wishes for what Alice will do next! We appreciate the support, and if you would like to be a guest on the podcast, join us by going to the website (writeoutloudpod.com) and clicking the "Be a Guest!" button. You can submit your information there, and we will reach out to discuss the appearance if we feel like it would be a great fit! If you haven't already, please give us a rating on Apple Podcasts and Google Play and wherever else you get your podcasts. Also, share the podcast with a friend or family member that you think might enjoy it as well! Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

We start off a little differently this week with a brief detour around what happened when Matt decides to ask AI about Heartstopper, and things, well, don’t go as well as the AI overlords may have hoped. We then talk about the use of villains in your story to highlight, compare, contrast, and illuminate things. Enjoying the podcast? Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts! It’s so helpful! Want to be a guest on the pod? Head to our website at writeoutloudpod.com and click the “Be a Guest!” link! pSScRanATXrPq8bKeaI4 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.