“If we march into that village and we start trying to persecute people for using poison, something that's very illegal, nobody's going to talk to us. We're not going to find out where the poison came from. We're not going to be able to shut anything down. We should take the approach that people are using poison because they're desperate, because they see no other alternative.” – Andrew Stein Andrew Stein is a wildlife ecologist who spent the past 25 years studying human carnivore conflict from African wild dogs and lions in Kenya and Botswana to leopards and hyenas in Namibia. His work has long focused on finding ways for people and predators to coexist. He is the founder of CLAWS , an organization based in Botswana that's working at the intersection of cutting-edge wildlife research and community driven conservation. Since its start in 2014 and official launch as an NGO in 2020, CLAWS has been pioneering science-based, tech-forward strategies to reduce conflict between people and carnivores. By collaborating closely with local communities, especially traditional cattle herders, CLAWS supports both species conservation and rural livelihoods—making coexistence not just possible, but sustainable.…
Join hosts Matt and Tina as they discuss all things story, writing, finding your voice, and more! We'll explore writing and storytelling as a general topic, but we will also spend some time dissecting and talking about popular works like our first focus: "Heartstopper!"
Join hosts Matt and Tina as they discuss all things story, writing, finding your voice, and more! We'll explore writing and storytelling as a general topic, but we will also spend some time dissecting and talking about popular works like our first focus: "Heartstopper!"
Got something to say? Send us a text! If you haven't rated and reviewed the show, please take a moment to do so! It really helps us so much, and it's the easiest way for you to show us your love! In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina dive into the complex world of digital content ownership and explore whether we truly own the digital books we purchase. Joined by eBook and publishing expert Kelly Peterson, they discuss the implications of licenses versus ownership, censorship concerns, and ways to safeguard your digital library. The episode also delves into various platforms and retailers that offer eBooks for purchase and direct download, ensuring the longevity of the content you love. With insights into retail policies, author concerns, and cultural preservation, this conversation brings to light the often overlooked realities of digital book ownership. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 01:30 Meet Our Guest: Kelly Peterson 03:35 Understanding eBook Licensing 08:04 Amazon's Licensing Practices 10:17 Censorship Concerns and Digital Ownership 21:11 Practical Advice for Readers and Authors 23:38 Alternative eBook Sources Alternative Sources Buy direct from the author Vawn Cassidy Kobo - any DRM-free eBook Humble Bundle Gumroad Smashwords Publisher Websites Book Funnel 30:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! Take a moment to share the podcast with someone you love, like, or just think about from time to time. Leave us a review, too, will you please? In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt and Christina dive deep into the art of creating compelling villains. They discuss the elements that make villains interesting, such as depth, motivation, and the ability to evoke both love and hate. Using examples from popular media, they distinguish between different types of villains and antagonists, including the mastermind, fallen hero, and the charming manipulator. They emphasize the importance of giving villains a personal narrative, making them believe they're the hero of their own story. By creating multi-dimensional characters, writers can elevate their stories and engage their audiences more effectively. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 01:23 Villains We Love to Hate 02:24 Complexity of Villains in Literature 03:48 Understanding Villains' Motivations 06:40 Villains in Popular Culture 10:11 Antagonists vs. Villains 13:56 Archetypes of Villains 16:17 Exploring the Fallen Hero Archetype 18:59 The Charming Manipulator 20:13 The System as a Villain 21:20 Crafting Sympathetic Villains 25:03 Villains as Heroes of Their Own Stories 28:41 Final Thoughts on Villainy 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt and Christina engage in a lively discussion interrupted by their excitement over the release of Scarlett Cole's new book, ' The Oath We Take ' just released on March 27th! They revisit a previous podcast episode featuring Scarlett Cole, a successful romance writer. Scarlett shares her journey of transitioning from a senior corporate executive to a full-time writer, and later balancing both careers to find fulfillment. The conversation covers Scarlett's strategic approach to writing and her willingness to pivot to different writing styles and genres. It also explores the importance of trusting one's intuition, marketing strategies, and the need to write what one loves. Scarlett speaks candidly about her latest release, 'The Loves We Lost,' and her experiences with self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Her insights into maintaining creative energy and strategic planning provide valuable lessons for aspiring writers. 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Unexpected Change of Plans 01:09 Discussing Scarlett Cole's New Book 01:48 Revisiting the Episode with Scarlett Cole 02:33 Introduction to Scarlett Cole 03:42 Scarlett's Writing Journey 05:19 The Great Pivot: Balancing Writing and Career 12:19 Exploring Different Writing Styles and Genres 16:17 Transition to Indie Publishing 19:15 Client's First Novel Experience 20:44 Success of the MC Series 22:14 Marketing Strategies and Branding 26:37 Balancing Writing with a Full-Time Job 30:30 Trusting Your Intuition 33:18 New Book Release: The Loves We Lost 35:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina explore the therapeutic benefits of writing as a means to process emotions, find closure, and achieve personal growth. They discuss how journaling, fiction writing, and memoirs can be tools for self-discovery and healing. Through touching anecdotes and real-life examples of individuals who have used writing to navigate life's challenges, the hosts illustrate how storytelling transcends mere entertainment, offering profound insights and resilience. Tune in to discover how putting pen to paper can be a powerful act of courage and creativity, with transformative impacts on both writers and readers. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 01:17 The Healing Power of Writing 02:03 Personal Stories and Examples 03:19 Techniques for Therapeutic Writing 06:49 Impact of Writing on Readers 12:45 Fiction as a Healing Tool 20:10 Encouragement to Create 22:02 Conclusion and Call to Action 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! Please share this episode with someone you know who loves romance novels, Susanna Strom, or both! Also, drop by and give us a rating and a review, would you please? In this engaging episode of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt and Christina explore the essential elements of crafting a captivating first chapter. Joined by romance author Susanna Strom, they discuss the importance of 'show vs. tell' and share practical tips for grabbing readers' attention from the opening sentence. Susanna highlights her experiences and techniques in creating suspenseful and immersive beginnings, including anecdotes from her own writing journey. The episode emphasizes the significance of the editing process and offers insights into different writing styles and strategies to hook readers right from the start. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:42 Special Guest: Susan Strom 02:04 The Art of the First Chapter 03:46 Show vs. Tell: A Writing Journey 06:19 Editing: The Key to a Great Story 08:36 Writing Techniques and Tips 21:27 Susanna Strom's Writing Process 26:39 Conclusion and Farewell 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! Share the episode with someone you love! Write a review of the podcast ! It all goes a long way towards other people discovering the show you love! In this episode of Write Out Loud, Matt & Christina delve into the concept of the mystery box, specifically referencing JJ Abrams' TED Talk, 'The Mystery Box.' They discuss its application in storytelling and how it can be used to captivate an audience, using examples from shows like 'Lost,' 'Heroes,' and 'Bridgerton.' The hosts emphasize the importance of keeping some elements of a story shrouded in mystery to maintain engagement, while also occasionally providing answers to keep the audience invested. Additionally, they highlight the versatile use of the mystery box across different genres, not just mystery and thriller. The episode concludes with a call to action for writers to consider incorporating this technique into their own work and encourages viewers to check out the show 'Paradise' on Hulu. 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' Matt and Christina discuss the keys to turning a book into a bestseller. Drawing on wisdom, experience, and insights from a Threads post by ' @Editor.in.Chief.Writes ,' they emphasize the importance of storytelling, emotional resonance, and creative marketing. They argue that while technical perfection isn't necessary, an emotionally gripping narrative is crucial. The discussion also highlights how viral moments and strategic marketing can catapult a book to success, using examples like Colleen Hoover and Brandon Sanderson. Finally, they stress the importance of authors believing in their work, being proactive in their marketing efforts, and willing to put in the labor to make their dreams come true. Here's a link to the full text of the Threads post by @Editor.in.Chief.Writes . 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! Hey there! Don't forget to leave us a rating and a review! It would SO help us out! You can do it quickly and easily right on our website by clicking here! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' Matt & Christina reflect on the inspirational journey shared by author Kristen Ashley in the previous episode, highlighting her unwavering belief in herself and her passion for writing. They emphasize the importance of knowing and staying true to your own voice as a writer. The discussion transitions into the concept of 'resistance fiction,' exploring how fiction can either reinforce or rebel against the status quo. They introduce the book 'Parable of the Sower' by Octavia Butler as a hallmark of resistance fiction and invite listeners to read along and engage in a future discussion about the book's insights and its relevance to contemporary issues. 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' Matt and Christina welcome bestselling author Kristen Ashley to discuss her prolific writing career. Listeners learn about Kristen's journey from continuous rejections by traditional publishers to achieving enormous success through self-publishing, with over 90 romance novels translated into 14 languages and more than 5 million copies sold worldwide. The conversation delves into her creative process, the importance of maintaining her unique voice, and the strategic choices behind her distinctive book covers. Kristen also shares insights on writing first-person perspectives, handling rejection, and the emotional complexities of writing characters and their stories, including her recent release, ' Smooth Sailing .' You can find more Kristen Ashley on her website and all of her socials below! 🌏 kristenashley.net Instagram Facebook TikTok Pinterest Goodreads Amazon Author Page BookBub 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! This week, we bring you a replay of a previous episode from a previous season because we had a slight hiccup this week which meant we weren't able to record a new episode. Here are the show notes from the episode which aired on October 2, 2023. "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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of Write Out Loud, Matt & Christina discuss dealing with imposter syndrome now that we know how it manifests. They explore strategies to combat this debilitating mindset and emphasize the importance of recognizing one's worth and the value of unique voices in storytelling. They highlight interviews with notable creatives like Britt Marling, Zal Batmanglij, and Malcolm Gladwell, and the importance of focusing on constructive feedback. The conversation also touches on dealing with external and internal criticism, stressing the importance of continuing one's creative endeavors despite negative opinions. The episode concludes with motivational insights for aspiring authors and creators to unleash their potential and share their unique stories without fear of detractors. 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' join hosts, Matt and Christina, as they lay the groundwork for understanding imposter syndrome and its manifestations. Sharing real-life examples, they discuss how feelings of inadequacy can hinder creativity, especially in writing. Emphasizing that recognizing these feelings is a sign of readiness to grow, they highlight the importance of dealing with imposter syndrome. This episode sets the stage for practical tools and strategies, promising deeper insights in part two to help listeners level up their writing and creative pursuits. 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! Season 4 Kickoff! In the season four premiere of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Christina and Matt return with excitement for the season ahead. They preview the upcoming focus on storytelling, writing, and authoring, discussing various topics such as breaking down 'The Last of Us' screenplay, exploring resistance fiction with Octavia Butler's 'Parable of the Sower,' analyzing character development in 'The Bear,' and tackling imposter syndrome. With guest appearances and new perspectives, they promise an engaging and insightful season. The hosts also encourage listener participation and interactions through their website and social media platforms. 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! Hey, thanks for making season 3 such a success! We couldn't have done it without you! Would you mind taking a moment to rate and review the podcast , please? It SO helps us out! In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina reflect on their favorite moments and highlighted episodes from Season 3. They discuss various themes and guests, like Ted Lasso, Tom Colgan, and Ruby Dixon. They also share insights gained from their conversations with authors and industry experts including their besties at "Literally Books." Looking ahead to Season 4, they reveal plans for more guest appearances, new topics like revisiting imposter syndrome, discussing resistance fiction, and more ideas for collaboration. The episode concludes with a thankfulness for you, their listener and a brief note on holiday break and upcoming replay episodes. 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 .…
Got something to say? Send us a text! Thanks for listening to this episode, won't you share it with someone you think would love it? Also, leave us a review by heading directly to our website! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt and Christina introduce bestselling romance author Jenn Sterling. Jenn shares her journey of becoming an author, starting from when she was fired from her job and decided to pursue writing. She discusses her experiences with self-publishing, the challenges of marketing, and how she found success with her popular book 'The Perfect Game.' Jenn also talks about her break from writing, her return with the new 'Sugar Mountain' series, and her approach to balancing the art and business of writing. The conversation touches on the importance of confidence, the evolving landscape of indie publishing, and the personal and professional growth Jenn has experienced throughout her career. Find more Jenn Sterling Jenn's Website - Buy copies of her books directly from the source! Jenn's Instagram Jenn's Bluesky Jenn's Twitter/X Jenn's Facebook Jenn's TikTok Chapters 00:45 Introduction & Welcome 01:49 Introducing J. Sterling 03:49 From Being Fired to Best-selling Author 17:35 How Do You Get Seen? 21:10 The Difficulties Faced by Indie Authors 36:59 About "Worth the Fall" 48:29 Wrap Up 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 .…
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