The Merry Writer Podcast
Two chatty authors asking all the ’write’ questions. Hosted by Ari Meghlen and Rachel Poli, The Merry Writer Podcast is a fun, friendly show about all things writing and bookish.
Episodes
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Last week, we talked about stretching your word count, but what if you go over your word count? It’s not always easy to cut words and certain scenes. This week, we discuss various ways you can make your manuscript shorter.
In this episode, we cover:
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Knowing what readers need to know
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Avoiding repetition
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Using stronger vocabulary
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Watching for filler words
As always, thanks for listen...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Are you an underwriter? Do you often struggle to get your word count up? Then you might enjoy this episode where we discuss what you can do to boost those word counts!
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?
Want to be a guest on The Merry Writer Podcast? If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Writing for children is an art form all on its own. While it has the same pieces as any novel, children’s books are unique and serves a different purpose for its age group. This week, Darlene Foster joins us to discuss why writing for children is so important.
In this episode, we cover:
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Typical themes in children’s books
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How to make these stories age appropriate
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How to make characters relat...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Do you suffer from perfection? Is it hard to let your manuscript see the light of day because it's not yet "perfect?" Are you striving to be the best beyond all measure? Well, stop it!
In today's episode, we are talking about that insidious condition known as Perfectionism and ways we have been dealing with it and things you can try.
What we cover:
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Done is better than perfect
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It's a form o...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
If you're a writer, then you probably have a website, right? Right? And if you have a website, then you might also have a blog. A blog is a great way to keep your website looking active and updated. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss content writers can share on their blog.
In this episode, we cover:
- Types of blog posts
- Niche(s)
- Consistency
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts o...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
In this week's episode, we (try) to discuss the difference between cliches and tropes. I say try, because apparently it was a crazy day for both of us, so if you made it through to the end, good on yer!
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?
Want to be a guest on The Merry Writer Podcast? If you would like to be consi...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
One big decision all writers face is the matter of publishing: traditional or self? It's not an easy choice, which is why Ari and Rachel are joined on the podcast this week by Wendy Simpson who discusses what the traditional publishing industry is really like.
In this episode, we cover:
- The main benefits of traditional publishing
- Benefits of having an agent
- What control the author has
- A typical publishing tim...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Motivation can be pretty elusive and if you are hoping to find some behind the fridge, we can guarantee it's not hiding there. If you struggle with feeling motivated to write, then check out today's episode.
What we cover:
- Give yourself cues
- Know what comes next
- Think small
- Spark some joy
- Use what inspires you
- Get a positive read
- Step away from social media
As always, thanks for listening, and let us kn...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
When was the last time you went to your library? If it's been a couple of months, go ahead and plan a trip there. Libraries are useful for everyone for a number of reasons, but writers can get a lot out of it. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss how writers can use their local libraries.
In this episode, we cover:
- The library environment
- Events from the library
- Research
- Writing routine
As always, thanks f...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Let's throw in a quick disclaimer - we are not talking about THAT kind of pleasure - this episode topic is NOT about reading erotica. So get your mind out of the gutter! :p
In today's show, we are talking about reading for fun and touch on why some readers may not be doing that as much as well as why it's important to take the time to read just for the pleasure of it. Not sure what we're talking about? No probl...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Have you ever wanted to dabble in different genres but have always been told to stick to one? Sometimes, you need to branch out and do what makes you happy. This week, Ari and Rachel are joined by Chyina Powell to discuss why writing in multiple genres is a great idea.
In this episode, we cover:
- The benefits for writers
- The benefits for readers
- Thoughts on pen names
- Thoughts on author branding
As always...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
In today's episode, we are digging into the idea of using Editing Checklists to make editing your manuscript a little more efficient!
In this episode, we cover:
- Names
- Repeating Words
- Dialogue Tags
- POV
- Chapters
- Character Balance
- Senses
- Inconsistencies
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
Resources
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Yay for 200 episodes! Thank you so much for always listening and supporting the podcast for 200 episodes. We truly appreciate it.
This week, Ari and Rachel answer rapid fire questions (not so rapidly) about reading and writing.
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?
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
What are your thoughts on dialogue? Can a novel have too much? That is today's topic Rachel and I discuss.
In this episode, we cover:
- Our thoughts on too much dialogue
- How to achieve more of a balance in your writing
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?
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
A new year means new goals! This week, Ari and Rachel talk about some ways you can create writing goals for yourself.
In this episode, we cover:
- Group/organize tasks based on their length
- Setting deadlines for yourself
- Taking breaks
- Taking days off
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?
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
It's a new year and you probably want to set off on the right foot this year. So in this episode, Ari and Rachel discuss a few ideas for keeping your Writing life organised!
In this episode, we cover:
- Creating a writing kit
- Project pads or brain-dumping pads
- Setting a flexible routine
- Dividing your writing time
- Use working systems
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this ...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Another successful podcast year is in the books! This week, we discuss some of our favorite episodes that were released in 2023. (We also get completely off-topic in true Merry Writer fashion!)
In this episode, we cover:
- Ari's favorite 2023 podcast episodes
- Rachel's favorite 2023 podcast episodes
- Off-topic rambles (mostly about food)
- 2023 reflections
As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your...
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
As the end of the year is in sight, we thought we'd do something a little different and today's episode discusses some of the differences Ari and Rachel have observed between American English and British English.
In this episode, we cover:
- "Z"
- Extra letters
- Vacation vs Holiday
- Jam, Jelly and Jello
- Chips, Crisps and Fries
- Cookie vs Biscuit
- Supermarket vs Grocery Store
- Segue into the square footage of homes
- S...
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?
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...
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