x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Writing Break

America"s Editor

Whether you’re polishing your first draft or chasing down a book deal, the award-winning Writing Break will keep you informed, inspired, and ready to write. For access to all episodes, join the library here: https://writingbreak.captivate.fm/support

arts books

All Episodes

17:12

Magical Realism: Extraordinary in the Everyday

Writing Break ·

2026/01/08

This week on Writing Break, we’re exploring how to weave the extraordinary into the ordinary without breaking the spell of magical realism. We're also discussing Amazon's increasing censorship of authors and artists.🛋️Overthinking Couch Topics:How it differs from fantasy and why the magic must stay unexplainedTechniques to balance realism and wonderCommon pitfalls that break the spellThe Latin American roots of magical realism and its global legacyA writing prompt to help you find the extraordinary

en

04:48

Act 1 of Your Writing Year

Writing Break ·

2026/01/01

Who are you becoming as a writer? Forget making a list of New Year's resolutions; instead, write a narrative for 2026. This bonus episode includes prompts for a creative reset to prepare you for the year ahead.Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks.

en

08:59

Stay Stubborn: A Holiday Pep Talk for Writers

Writing Break ·

2025/12/25

This Christmas Day bonus episode explores the creative power of stubbornness and includes three reflective prompts to help you close out your year with clarity and intention.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Why writers need stubbornnessHow it protects your voice.How it carries books across the finish lineThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing BreakFree Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks.

en

12:12

Writing Fantasy, Part III: Whimsy, Chaos &...

Writing Break ·

2025/12/18

In the final part of our Fantasy Subgenre Series, we explore the soft side of the genre: Cozy Fantasy, Slice-of-Life Fantasy, Eco-Fantasy, Children’s Fantasy, YA Fantasy, Comical/Satirical Fantasy, Fairy-Tale Fantasy, and Fairy-Tale Retellings.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Creating stillness and gentle magicLand-based storytellingIntensity and transformation in YA FantasyWhy some readers crave gentlenessThe paradox at the heart of enchantment"Take This Longing" by Leonard CohenWriting Fantasy:

en

13:11

Writing Fantasy, Part II: Dark Realms, Neon Cities &...

Writing Break ·

2025/12/11

In Part II of our Fantasy Subgenre Series, we explore the darker and more modern branches of fantasy: Dark Fantasy, Grimdark, Urban Fantasy, Contemporary/Modern Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy, Romantasy, Progression Fantasy, LitRPG, and Gamelit.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:What defines each subgenre?Why do readers love them?How does magic, character, and structure shift across newer fantasy genres?Is your magic system essential, atmospheric, metaphorical, or structural?Writing Fantasy: Building Worlds

en

18:01

Writing Fantasy, Part I: Epic Worlds, High Realms &...

Writing Break ·

2025/12/04

In Part I of this three-episode Fantasy Subgenre Series, we dive into the grand-scale branches of fantasy: Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Historical Fantasy, Alternate History, Mythic Fantasy, Indigenous/Mythic-Region Fantasy, Portal Fantasy, Science Fantasy, Steampunk, and Gaslamp Fantasy.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:What defines each subgenre?Why do readers love them?How can you use world-building, magic systems, and narrative scope to shape your own stories?Which

en

14:48

Thankful for Genres (Clip Show #14)

Writing Break ·

2025/11/27

Pour yourself something spiced and settle in as we revisit writing tips from this season’s genre deep dives.🛋️ The Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing Break7 Literary Conflicts Explained (Clip Show #11) - Writing BreakFree Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks.

en

11:00

Pick a Lane: The Key to Reaching the Right Readers

Writing Break ·

2025/11/20

If your book is “for everyone,” it’s actually for no one. In this sharp yet encouraging episode, we tackle one of the biggest hurdles for new authors: not wanting to be boxed in by genre. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Identify your book’s genre and emotional promise.Avoid the “genre blender” mistake that confuses readers.Use genre conventions as creative and marketing tools.Communicate your book’s identity in one professional sentence.Decide when and how to blend genres.The Biggest Mistake Writers

en

15:01

Memoir & Creative Nonfiction: Truth as Narrative

Writing Break ·

2025/11/13

Your life is a story, but not every moment needs to be shared. In this episode of Writing Break, we’re exploring memoir and creative nonfiction, the genres where truth becomes art. Learn how to shape your real experiences into stories that captivate readers, how to handle the tricky business of writing about other people, and how to balance honesty with craft.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:The top 3 memoir pitfallsThe difference between memoir and creative nonfictionHow to identify the theme or

en

12:09

Writing Literary Fiction: Finding Truth in Everyday Life

Writing Break ·

2025/11/06

In this episode, we’ll unravel what “literary fiction” actually means, what readers expect when they open a literary novel, and how you, as a writer, can approach it without falling into the trap of pretension. We'll also look at how to build your portfolio, no matter what genre you're writing.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Why every sentence mattersBalancing introspection with forward momentum in your writingThe difference and similarities between literary fiction and genre fiction Giving short

en

14:53

Writing Horror: Fear, Gore, and the Monsters Within

Writing Break ·

2025/10/30

Just in time for Halloween, this episode explores the expectations and pitfalls of writing horror and how to write fear in any genre.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Fear in any genre The core of horrorTension as the backboneThemes and monsters Horror subgenres Global horrorPitfalls to avoid Next week, we’ll leave the monsters behind and step into Literary Fiction, the genre that insists on finding truth in everyday life.Writing Thrillers and Suspense: Raising the Stakes - Writing BreakThese 7

en

12:16

Writing Gothic Fiction: Where Beauty Meets Terror

Writing Break ·

2025/10/23

Gothic fiction is where beauty meets terror. In this episode, we explore how to write Gothic stories that grip readers with atmosphere, ambiguity, and desire:🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Setting as characterThe uncanny and the supernaturalRomance entwined with ruinGothic subgenres and global traditionsPitfalls to avoidThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing BreakFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks.

en

11:19

Writing Historical Fiction: Living in Another Time

Writing Break ·

2025/10/16

Good historical fiction makes the past feel as alive as the present. In this episode, we explore how to write immersive, character-driven stories that honor history without feeling like a textbook.First, we talk about the importance of writing contests.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Research as foundation, story as focusCharacters as people, not historical mannequinsBalancing authenticity with modern readabilityPitfalls to avoid, from info-dumps to anachronismsBig List of Writing Contests -

en

18:53

Writing Science Fiction: The “One Big Leap” and Beyond

Writing Break ·

2025/10/09

Science fiction bends natural laws with speculation grounded in possibility. In this episode, we explore the foundations of sci-fi storytelling. Plus: publishing news on new imprints, prize controversies, AI audiobooks, and why indie presses are thriving.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:The “one big lie” principle.Science as a lens to ask bigger questions.Balancing ideas with compelling characters.Avoiding common pitfalls.A tour of sci-fi’s many subgenres.Why Creators Are Scrambling to Own Their Own

en

18:08

Writing Fantasy: Building Worlds That Breathe

Writing Break ·

2025/10/02

This week, we journey into the realm of fantasy and uncover how to build worlds that feel alive without overwhelming your readers with exposition. Tune in for writing advice, publishing insights, and a well-deserved writing break.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Roddy Doyle’s blunt remarks about weak submissions, fonts, and page countsThe role of rules when world-building The common pitfalls of fantasy writingWhat takes center-stage when writing fantasyBooker prize chairman laments poor quality of

en

13:21

Writing Romance and 9 Lessons from a Debut Author

Writing Break ·

2025/09/25

In this episode, we’ll explore the chemistry, conflict, and tropes that make romance irresistible, plus hear nine hard-won lessons from debut author Esther Walker. Even if you’re not writing romance, these insights will make you a stronger storyteller and a more resilient writer.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:The default response from agents and publishersBalancing chemistry and conflictGiving old tropes a fresh spinThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing BreakHow I published a novel — the 9

en

16:03

Raising the Stakes: Writing Thrillers and Suspense...

Writing Break ·

2025/09/18

What makes a thriller thrilling? In this episode of Writing Break, we discuss pacing, stakes, suspense, and more. We also look at what, if anything, BookTok can do for you.Spread a little love by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing Writing Break with a fellow writer who loves a good thrill.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:The key differences between suspense and thrillersHow to raise stakes that truly matterThe secret to pacing that keeps readers hooked without burning them outPitfalls to avoid

en

24:12

Mystery & Detective Fiction: The Puzzle at the Heart...

Writing Break ·

2025/09/12

Season 8 of Writing Break sets sail with mystery and detective fiction. From archetypal sleuths to red herrings and fair-play clues, learn how to craft puzzles that keep readers guessing. Plus, the latest publishing news, including a $1.5 billion AI copyright settlement and turmoil at the Library of Congress.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Why it matters to revisit genre basics in an AI-dominated landscapeWhat readers and publishers expect from mystery and detective fictionClassic detective

en

32:52

The Complete Guide to Querying Literary Agents...

Writing Break ·

2025/08/29

In this bonus episode, we’re wrapping up Season 7 with a stitched-together master episode featuring all five segments from our Querying Literary Agent series.Whether you're just starting your submission journey or navigating the silence after sending your pitch, this complete guide has you covered.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Part 1: Big Five Dreams or Indie Vibes?Part 2: Where the Lit Agents Are and How to Find YoursPart 3: Writing Your Query LetterPart 4: What Happens After You Hit SendBonus:

en

08:18

What to Do While Waiting to Hear Back from Agents

Writing Break ·

2025/08/21

Querying literary agents and not hearing back can feel like shouting into the void. In this episode, recorded mid-recovery from a concussion (yes, really), we’re turning that creative purgatory into purposeful progress. If you’ve sent out queries and find yourself obsessively refreshing your inbox, this is your antidote.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Overanalyzing the querying blues and becoming better writers for itReclaiming control during the waiting gameReviving your creative energyReading like a

en

147 results

Similar Podcasts

Start The Breakthrough Full Audiobook Now, Thriller Fans!

thebookvoice.com

Get Hooked On The Life-Enhancing Full Audiobook Experience!

thebookvoice.com

西四五条

主播郑捕头

Podcast Patapoe

0d0a

On Mic Podcast

Jordan Rich