We’ll be talking about something that can really elevate your writing: the power of subtext in storytelling. It’s one of those elements that, when done right, adds a whole new layer of meaning to your work!

Picks of the Week:

BJ: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

H: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

Mentioned in the Episode:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Breaking Bad (TV Show)

Mad Men (TV Show)

Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the tool we’ll be talking about today is Tarot! Are you curious about tarot? Using a tarot deck can be a fun way to infuse your writing life with inspiration and encouragement.

Picks of the Week:

• H: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

• BJ: A Descent into the Maelström by Edgar Allan Poe

Mentioned in the Episode:

• This Might Hurt Tarot Deck

• Modern Witch Tarot Deck

• Good Karma Tarot Deck

• The Biddy Tarot Podcast

• Guided Tarot by Stefanie Caponi

• The Ultimate Guide to Tarot by Liz Dean

• Tarot for Writers by Corinne Kenner

• Tarot for the Fiction Writer by Paula Scardamalia

• Typewriter Tarot (Creative Coven)

We’ll be gathering around our metaphorical fireplace for a fireside chat. We’ll be talking about writing like an Olympian and accepting that it never gets easy… and that’s okay. It’s all about the endurance and dedication required to keep going, no matter how long you’ve been at it.

Picks of the Week:

BJ: Signal to Noise by Eric Nylund

H: Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel

If you have your own suggestions on how to write like an Olympian, let us know by writing to us at writingwithfriendspodcast@gmail.com.

We'll be talking about commercial hooks! As writers, we often write for the love of story and for the joy of creative expression. It can be tempting to shy away from the idea of producing anything “commercial”. But for those of us who hope to publish traditionally or build a broad audience, understanding what a commercial hook is and how to write one can be the key to getting our books into the hands of real readers.

Picks of the Week:

H: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

BJ: Awakening the Heroes Within by Carol S. Pearson

Mentioned in the Episode:

Hook Examples: https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/book-hook/hook-examples/

Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the tool we’ll be talking about today is writing retreats! These structured environments dedicated to focused writing can be used like a tool to offer writers significant benefits, but also unique challenges for authors of all levels.

Picks of the Week:

BJ: The Risen Empire by Scott Westerfeld

H: Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Today, we’ll be talking to writer and teacher Luke Burkbauer. She’s an instructor with Duke’s Thompson Writing program with a wealth of knowledge about writing of all kinds. We’ll discuss academic and nonfiction writing in depth in this episode, exploring how to build confidence as an academic writer, how to develop your writerly identity, and how to use artificial intelligence ethically and creatively within academia. This episode will be a great fit for anyone currently studying or working in higher education, from a college freshman to professors grappling with how to teach writing skills, but any curious writer will benefit.

Mentioned in the Podcast:

Luke’s Scholars at Duke Profile

Luke’s Courses (page 21 and 29)

Luke’s Pick of the Week: Eye of the World (in the Wheel of Time series) by Robert Jordan, narrated by Rosamund Pike

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, narrated by Rosamund Pike

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, narrated by Rosamund Pike

Have any “sliding doors” or alternative life paths books, movies, poems, or other media that Luke could use for her course? Send us your suggestions at writingwithfriendspodcast@gmail.com.

We’ll be talking about how to use time jumps to add an interesting twist to your writing project! A time jump is when you shift the story forward or backwards in time, often with little or no explanation for why this jump has occurred. It can be as simple as skipping from one day to five years later, or jumping back in time to revisit an event that happened earlier on. Time jumps can be used to add a twist, create suspense, and even reveal new character information. But writing a great time jump can be tricky, so join us as we discuss the pros and cons of using time jump in your writing.

Picks of the Week:

BJ: Source Code (movie) directed by Duncan Jones

H: Arrival (movie) directed by Denis Villeneuve and Interstellar (movie) directed by Christopher Nolan

Mentioned in the Episode:

Aeon Timeline

Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the mindset tool we’ll be talking about today is increasing your luck surface area.

Picks of the Week:

BJ: Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

H: The Flatshare by Beth O’ Leary

Mentioned in the Episode:

Chelsea Mae Cullen Podcast Episode: How to Become The Hero of Your Own Story

James Clear Quote on Luck Surface Area