Two chatty authors asking all the ’write’ questions. Hosted by Ari Meghlen and Rachel Poli, The Merry Writer Podcast is a fun, friendly... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever thought about going to school for creative writing? This week, Jason Harris joins us to... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Today is all about regrets! We do love to pick some cheery topics. We each share our main... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you cracked the code to streamline your writing process? How about your author business? Or simply writing... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Let's get a little spicy! This week, we are sharing thoughts on adding spice to a story. In this... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writer's block is something all us writers are familiar with. Some days are easier than others, but for... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Some days, everything is annoying so we can fall back to the comfort and joy of books. But,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES No matter how many years you've been writing, there's always something new to learn. However, we can easily... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Can a deconstructed story help your own writing? In today's episode, we discuss how and why you might... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Whether you outline or plan your books or not, mind mapping is an excellent way to keep track... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you suffer from anxiety? Worried about how it might impact your writing career and not sure how... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES If you're listening to this podcast, then you're probably an avid reader. But how do you typically keep... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever received a Positive Read of your manuscript? Not sure why you might want one, check... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Character development isn't always easy. That's why we deep dive into various ways writers can get to know... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES There are many uses for writing, it doesn't always have to be about writing novels. Today, we are... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES The writing doesn’t end after the first draft! Before you send your manuscript to beta readers and editors,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week we are all about beta reading! Are you considering being a beta? Want to make the... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Regardless of whether you're a planner or pantser, do you keep track of your characters? Do you create... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever written short-form stories? If you haven't then this episode might just be for you! As always,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you tried your hand at writing middle grade but struggled making the characters come to life? Don't... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES So, just how long does it take to write a book? You know the answer, we know the... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Last week, we talked about stretching your word count, but what if you go over your word count?... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Are you an underwriter? Do you often struggle to get your word count up? Then you might enjoy... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writing for children is an art form all on its own. While it has the same pieces as... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you suffer from perfection? Is it hard to let your manuscript see the light of day because... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES If you're a writer, then you probably have a website, right? Right? And if you have a website, then... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES In this week's episode, we (try) to discuss the difference between cliches and tropes. I say try, because... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES One big decision all writers face is the matter of publishing: traditional or self? It's not an easy... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Motivation can be pretty elusive and if you are hoping to find some behind the fridge, we can... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES When was the last time you went to your library? If it's been a couple of months, go... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Let's throw in a quick disclaimer - we are not talking about THAT kind of pleasure - this... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever wanted to dabble in different genres but have always been told to stick to one?... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, we are digging into the idea of using Editing Checklists to make editing your manuscript... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Yay for 200 episodes! Thank you so much for always listening and supporting the podcast for 200 episodes.... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES What are your thoughts on dialogue? Can a novel have too much? That is today's topic Rachel and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES A new year means new goals! This week, Ari and Rachel talk about some ways you can create... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's a new year and you probably want to set off on the right foot this year. So... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Another successful podcast year is in the books! This week, we discuss some of our favorite episodes that... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES As the end of the year is in sight, we thought we'd do something a little different and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Ari and Rachel decided it would be fun to discuss if they've seen their story ideas... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Wilmar Luna is back on the show with Ari and Rachel to discuss building a horror... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's not always easy to end you novel. Sometimes we have an idea of how they'll end and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Info dumping can really slow down the pace of your story, can annoy many readers and even have... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's no secret that authors need a website, but where do you start? You can hire someone to... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Want to get your books written faster? Increasing your writing or typing speed can definitely help. This week,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you been planning a novel series? Or maybe you're ready to share it with the world but... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES For some, story ideas can be hard to come by. For others, story ideas are everywhere. For everyone,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES When it comes to writing, practice makes perfect. Everyone has a story to tell and the way you... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you write with multiple characters? Worried you might be slipping into the wrong character's head in the... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Ari is joined by author AJ Alexander who discusses the health issues that writers can face... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, Ari and Rachel are talking all about conflict! This week, we cover: Character vs Character Character vs... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES We all know that writing isn't an easy task. A great way to be consistent with it is... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's time to talk about formatting. It's not always fun but is it an important part of your... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you sometimes struggle with your ADHD and motivation when you're writing? Are you having trouble finding a... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Are you considering how to outline your novel? Whether you used to be a pantser or you have... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Middle grade novels are the link between early readers and kids continuing their reading journey to YA and... more
**QUICK NOTE** Apologies for some of the sound quality, I had some issues with my microphone EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you want... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's so easy to get wrapped up in the numbers rather than the quality of your work. This... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, Ari and Rachel are joined by author Kyle Robertson to discuss the importance of perseverance... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever seen people writing or drawing inside the books they read? They're annotating their books to... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Not all metrics are the same, especially when it comes to social media metrics. Knowing what's important and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writing doesn't always have to be creative or academic. It comes in many shapes and forms and therapeutic... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Just how useful is social media for writers? Have you found yourself wondering if it was even worth... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES We all need to do research for our novels. Some research is tedious but some is fun and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you have several books out or do you plan to write and publish more than one book?... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you create character profiles? How in-depth do you go? How well do you know your protagonist? This... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES What makes a good antagonist? Does your story need an antagonist? Justine Manzano joins Ari and Rachel to... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever thought about where your published book will be one, five, or even ten years from... more
This week Ari and Rachel are discussing when it might be time to let go of a story idea. In this... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you been torn between self-publishing and traditional publishing? We've all been there. There's a lot of decision... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week Ari and Rachel are looking at Writing and Life balance. We all want it but can... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever tried writing a screenplay before? Have you thought of turning it into a novel or... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week Ari and Rachel are discussing the four types of stories. Where does your story fall within... more
Edit: Sorry, I ended up deleting this episode. I have re-added it today. EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Ari and Rachel discuss... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, we are looking at all those bad ideas we have and why we shouldn't just... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writing a novel can be confusing, especially if you're juggling multiple story arcs in one story. Luckily, Troy... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, we are talking about foreshadowing, what it is, how it works and why you might... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Ari and Rachel discuss ways to set aside money for publishing your novel. They also discuss... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Today is all about Deus Ex Machina, what it is, why it's bad and how to avoid it! ... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever gotten stuck on your novel before? Outlining is a great way to around that. However,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, we discuss the frustrating "As You Know, Bob" trope, why we don't like it and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you tried submitting a piece of writing before and encountered a word you didn't know? This week,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Today we are talking all about habits and why making writing a habit can be quite difficult for... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Are you releasing a debut novel? Are you working on a new project and want to spread the... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Let's talk about procrastination! That weird urge to delay a task rather than just working on it. This... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Some books are broken up into chapters. Others have parts. Some have prologues at the beginning, and others... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Social media is very much in our lives now, but does it have some negative effects and should... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES If you're a writer, then you know writing a novel has multiple stages. It seems like a simple... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Happy New Year! We are now in 2023 and we thought we'd start the year talking about our... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's the end of 2022! This week, Ari and Rachel decided to share bloopers from this year's episodes.... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES So today's episode is all about pacing in a novel, things we recommend regarding pacing, things we aren't... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES If you're a reader, then you probably write book reviews... right? With 2022 coming to an end and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES As the year starts to draw to a close, Ari and Rachel are back with another fun episode... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Description can be tricky in writing sometimes. If you ever feel stuck, think of the five senses. We... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES With Christmas not too far away, people are turning their thoughts to gifts. So today, Ari and Rachel... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Auditing is a scary word, but it's easier than it seems. As with all businesses, you should audit... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, Rachel and Ari discuss some of their favourite writing (and writer) programs that they've found... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you decided to get traditionally published and don't know how to start pitching your novel? Or maybe... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you know the best time to write? Today, Rachel and Ari discuss finding the best time to... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES As writers, we can get stuck in many places when it comes to writing your novel. The first... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Are you setting up a dedicated writing space? What are some things you might want to include? Ari... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever thought of becoming an audiobook narrator but didn't know where to start? Luckily, audiobook narrator, Rachel... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writing a book is awesome but it can also be stressful, so can editing, marketing and publishing! So... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Self-publishing can cost more than you think. And, as the author, you have to be responsible for all... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Finding time to write can be hard, so what can you do to protect that writing time you've... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you love writing but have a hard time talking about it? Promoting your book can be difficult... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you lost your love of writing? Is your manuscript getting your down? Considering throwing in the towel? ... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you had some rough mental health days where you seem like you can't write or do anything... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Let's talk about all those old stories and ideas you have tucked away. Or maybe you don't keep... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you know who your target audience is for your book? How do you begin to figure it... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever considered collaborating with another author? If so, then check out today's episode where author Morgan... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you have your author bio written yet? How about a few different versions of it? This week, Ari... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Marketing may not be everyone's favourite thing to do, but there are strategies that can put you on... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you know the difference between self-publishing your book yourself or going through a vanity press? This week, Ari... more
Are you writing a series but aren't sure how to start? Then check out today's episode where author Helen Scheuerer... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you know what a book publicist is? Do you know how they can help you as an... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever created an Ideal Reader? This is a specific marketing technique and in today's episode it's... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever tried writing diverse characters and didn't know where to start? Or maybe you want to... more
QUICK NOTE: Apologies for the sound quality at the start, I was having issues with my mic. It does get... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Are you interested in being a fantasy author? This week, author I. L. Cruz joins Ari to discuss... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Today, we discuss the concept of adding pictures to your novel and the different forms these can take. ... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever come across a secondary character in your novel that doesn't need to be there? Or... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES When you have finished your manuscript, is it a good idea to let family and close friends read... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever thought about writing craft books? Or do you read them and haven't quite found the... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES We are back with a Marketing episode today, when we ask "Should You Offer Your Books For Free?" ... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writing can be a lonely job and there are many other writers who have similar setbacks with their... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you find yourself getting tired throughout the day, and struggling to make good decisions? You might be... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever thought about writing a series of books but thought it might be too daunting to... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Today on the show we are going through the different things you should and could include in your... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you get distracted while you're trying to write? There could be a few reasons for that whether... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you prefer chapter numbers or chapter titles? Today we discuss giving your chapters titles and why some... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Deadlines... we either love them, hate them, or wave to them as they whoosh by. Do you set... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Not always an easy topic, but today we are looking at the concept of Trigger Warnings in novels. ... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Can you believe The Merry Writer Podcast has reached 100 episodes? We truly appreciate all the shares, listens,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES As we teeter on the cusp of triple digits for our episodes, we decided to discuss some tips... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever been stuck on writing descriptions in your novels? Maybe you info-dump or don't add enough? In... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you want to try something different for 2022? Then how about writing contests? Don't worry, Rachel and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES When you first begin to write, it's typical to see what others do and you try to get... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Today we are discussing whether writers should share their writing journey with the world and what might the... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Hey, everyone! Are you prepping to launch your debut novel in 2022 but don't know where to start?... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES We are finally in 2022 and in our first episode of the year, we are laying out our... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Another year has come and gone! Listen to our many screw-ups from 2021. As always, thanks for listening and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES As Christmas is approaching we decided we would do another round of Would You Rather, "Christmas Edition". Play... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Get to know more about the host of The Merry Writer Podcast, Ari Meghlen! In this week's episode,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES As we are heading towards the end of the year, we decided to do something a little different. ... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you want to write science fiction, but don't know what to include? Maybe you don't want to... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES We are back with another character-drive episode, today we discuss the issues of creating Mary Sue characters and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES How do you continue writing your novels? Do you sit down and type? Or do you have writing... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES If you caught last week's show where writer Tobias Salem joined the show to discuss world-building, you might... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writers, have you ever considered worldbuilding? Then certainly give this episode a listen! This week, Ari and Rachel talk... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever suffered from imposter syndrome? Or maybe you don't and haven't realised it? In today's episode... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Depending on the genre you're writing, research has to be done. It doesn't matter if you're writing fiction... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Ari and Rachel discuss characters and their different motivations and how these motivations can affect your... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writers, have you ever considered writing science fiction? Then certainly give this episode a listen! This week, Ari and... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Is your plan to make writing a career? Do you want to take your writing more seriously? Then... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES There are many things you can include in your author newsletter and yet, we sometimes run out of... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Want to try writing a larger cast of characters? Feel like a singular main character just isn't enough... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you have a ton of writing projects that you don't know what to do with? Or maybe... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, author Chris Harvey joins Ari and Rachel, and shares this thoughts and experiences with using the... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES The first draft is always the messiest. Therefore, editing the first draft is always the hardest. This week,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Your mindset can play a big part in your writing journey, so in today's episode we look at... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Depending on the genre you're writing, research has to be done. It doesn't matter if you're writing fiction or non-fiction. This... more