Join us for a fun interview with David Abzug, an instructor of game design at Bradley University. David has over 20 years of experience in the video game industry and is also a seasoned GM (Game Master for RPG games). In part one of our interview with David, we get to pick his brain about creative storytelling on the fly. How do you come up with creative and imaginative ideas in real time? We've got some tips. Did you like this episode? Don't forget to share with a friend and leave a review to help us grow our audience. Reviews help us get discovered by new listeners on the platforms.   Find us on the Web: Twitter: @geekymary & @MeliWriter  Youtube: The Writing Easy Podcast & The Creative's Tarot Bradley University Interactive Media Studies  

Writing Easy

105 - Lessons in playful storytelling with David Abzug

The "Everyday Job" or EDJ is something all writers are familiar with. How does one support themself financially when their writing makes no money? Today, we explore the perfect everyday job and figure out why older and wiser advisors often say things like, don't quit your day job.  There are pros and cons to writing full-time, and we'll dig into some of them in today's show. Did you like this episode? Don't forget to share with a friend and leave a review to help us grow our audience. Reviews help us get discovered by new listeners on the platforms.   Find us on the Web: Twitter: @geekymary & @MeliWriter  Youtube: The Writing Easy Podcast & The Creative's Tarot  

104 - Don‘t Quit Your Day Job. Or Do. Whatever.

Perfectionism isn't all it's cracked up to be. In fact, some might argue it is an addition. This week, Melissa and Mary discuss why and how perfectionism can get in the way of your writing and how to break free of thinking that no longer serves you. Out thoughts are inspired by the book, The Seven Secrets of the Prolific by Hillary Rettig.   LINKS Seven Secrets of the Prolific

103 - Perfectionism is an Addiction

Critiquing and feedback are a big part of being a writer. But it isn't easy. In this episode, we're discussing what we've learned about good critiques and confess where we've fallen short in the past. --- Bonus! Did you know we just celebrated 100 Episodes? As a thank you, we created a free Episode Guide. Woo hoo.  Hit the link below to grab your copy. Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter, so you get access to other insider sneak peeks. Writing Easy Episode Guide   Help Us Celebrate by Spreading the Word! Let's double our audience. Share this episode, or your favorite episode from the episode guide, with a friend. Just 1! That's it. Or leave us a review. It helps more writers discover the show.  Don't forget to follow us on the socials! Twitter: @geekymary @meliwriter IG: @geekymary @writewithmelis

102 - Notes on Notes

We get it. As writers, we're not always super great with the whole "talking to people" thing, but there are some lines you really shouldn't cross. We'll talk about how to be a good member of the writing community, in person, and online.   LINKS Writing Easy Episode Guide Creatable Spaces Affirmations Deck

101 - Writers Behaving Badly

It's time to get your party on. In case you didn't notice, we've hit a huge milestone - 100 episodes!!! Honestly, we can't believe we made it this long. We barely remember what we were doing when we started.  In celebration, we are interviewing each other AMA style. Let's go behind the scenes on creating the podcast, what we loved, what we've learned, and what we do when we're not sitting at the mic. Also, as an added bonus, we're giving away free copies of our Episode Guide. Woo hoo.  Link below!   LINKS Writing Easy Episode Guide Creatable Spaces Affirmations Deck   Want to Help Us Celebrate? Let's double our audience. Share this episode, or your favorite episode, with a friend. Just 1! That's it. Or leave us a review. It helps more writers discover the show.  Don't forget to follow us on the socials! Twitter: @geekymary @meliwriter IG: @geekymary @writewithmelis  

100 - A Super-Sized Centenary Celebration

Does having something to prove make you a better writer? Today, we're exploring the depths of the phenomenon known as "Imposter Syndrome".  With over 70% of people experiencing this false narrative about their talent and abilities learning how to cope in a productive way is absolutely necessary. Sometimes you need the extra push to move forward. Other times, push yourself harder doesn't work.  This is where affirmations, meditations, and a fresh perspective and voice on your writing can be a saving grace.   Like this episode? Leave us a review, hit that like button, and share with a friend. It helps more writers discover the show. (Let's overthrow the algorithm gods!) Don't forget to follow us on the socials! Twitter: @geekymary @meliwriter IG: @geekymary @writewithmelis

99 - Impostor Syndrome and Affirmations

We've all heard that editors are important but why? What does an editor actually do, and when might you need one? Today we're talking about the difference between developmental editors, copyeditors, proofreaders, and more. We'll also share some tips on how to find the editor you need.   Referenced In Your Write Mind Virtual Conference: https://inyourwritemind.setonhill.edu/   Like this episode? Leave us a review, hit that like button, and share with a friend. It helps more writers discover the show. (Let's overthrow the algorithm gods!) Don't forget to follow us on the socials! Twitter: @geekymary @meliwriter IG: @geekymary @writewithmelis

98 - Who needs editors?

Who, what, when, where, and why? It's that last question - why - that we focus on today. If writing is so hard, why do we do it? In today's episode, Mary and Melissa press pause to more deeply explore this seemingly simple and direct question. And hopefully, we inspire you to identify what you get out of writing, so that you have the motivation to keep going when things get a little tough.  Referenced: The Weight of Gold - Trailer The Weight of Gold - Panel Discussion w/ Michael Phelps Like this episode? Leave us a review, hit that like button, and share with a friend. It helps more writers discover the show. (Let's overthrow the algorithm gods!) Don't forget to follow us on the socials! Twitter: @geekymary @meliwriter IG: @geekymary @writewithmelis

98 - Why Do I Write?

You've heard us say it, time and time again. Writing is hard. But why? Why does it take so long to get good at writing? Today, Mary and Melissa talk about all the work that goes into becoming a writer and some of the unrealistic expectations we put on ourselves.    Like this episode? Leave us a review, hit that like button, and share with a friend. It helps more writers discover the show. (Let's overthrow the algorithm gods!) Don't forget to follow us on the socials! Twitter: @geekymary @meliwriter IG: @geekymary @writewithmelis

97 - Writing is Hard

What goes into a name? How do you find that perfect name for a character? What are your favorite resources for untraditional first and last names? Mary and Melissa tell all about their character naming experiences and drop a few of their go-to tips and tricks for completing this essential task without resorting to swiping names from household products in your living room.   Resources The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook The Fantasy Name Generator The Baby Name Wizard Behind The Name Forbears.io  

95 - We're Naming Names

Is it possible to hack your brain and make writing easier by adopting a few simple habits? Today, Mary and Melissa explore the advice on a video circulating the Writing Reddit boards called "How to Trick Your Brain to Like Doing Hard Things". This video summarizes a lot of content from The Book Atomic Habits by James Clear. We also reference the following book: Art and Fear: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/187633.Art_and_Fear.   Like this episode? Leave us a review, hit that like button, and share with a friend. It helps more writers discover the show. (Let's overthrow the algorithm gods!)

94 -Building Good Writing Habits

Hey friend! We need to talk about setting some boundaries. That may sound scary, but Mary and Melissa talk about the incredible benefits of setting boundaries in your writing life. As a bonus, we'll explore the six types of boundaries that exist and how you can use them to create conflict for your characters and your stories.    Resources: The Screenwriting Life Podcast: Episode 44 Setting Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab IG: @NedraTawwab   Love this episode? Don't forget to drop us a review, share the episode with friends, or give us a thumbs up! You can also follow us on the socials: Twitter: @geekymary & @melissaannlong  

93 - Setting Boundaries for Writing

It’s time for part 2 of our interview with the amazingly talented Jay Smith, writer and producer of multiple audio dramas. Today, he explains the nuances of radio dramas and techniques he’s used along the way to create great stories.  ----------- Check out his work and podcasts here at jaysmithaudio.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!  Resources www.Freesound.org  

92 - Audio Dramas with Jay Smith (Pt. 2)

They say everything old becomes new again, and that is certainly true with radio plays turned podcasts. Our guest today is Jay Smith, an amazingly talented writer and producer of multiple audio dramas. He explains how to get started in narrative podcasting including, the difference between writing fiction and writing audios, telling serialized stories, and collaborating with actors and crew.  ----------- Check out his work and podcasts here at jaysmithaudio.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!    Referenced: Bombs Always Beep by Kc Wayland

91 - Audio Dramas with Jay Smith (Pt. 1)

Writers Mary and Melissa talk about how to make writing a little less stressful.

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Writing Easy

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