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 To all you published authors, do you read reviews left for your books? Today, we share our own... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES We've all heard of the cozy mystery genre, but did you know there's at least two more? One... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES When writing a book, it can be fun to keep track of the journey along the way. In... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's no secret Ari and Rachel love using Scrivener for their creative writing projects. This week, they decide... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Today we are discussing some of the advice we've seen floating around that is written almost as gospel,... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES As readers, one of the best ways to support authors is to leave a review of their book... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you worry your story is not exciting enough? Depending on what you write and how you want... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES In episode 217, we talked about what you should consider when agreeing to be a beta reader. We... more
Have you considered hosting guests on your blog? There are some benefits to doing this and that's what we are... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES I get it! It's a Monday and suddenly something pops up from The Merry Writer Podcast. This is a... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever wondered what it's like to set up an in-person book tour event? Have you thought... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES We are talking about marketing today and discussing the possibilities of using Influencers for book marketing, including things... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Things don't always go as planned and that includes your writing career. Your wants and desires might have... more
EPISODE SHOW NOTES Today we are talking about quitting (nope, we are not quitting writing!) But we wanted to give some... 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 Finding time to write can be hard, so what can you do to protect that writing time you've etched out... more