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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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 -

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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:

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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

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15:18

Querying a Literary Agent, Part 4: What Happens After...

Writing Break ·

2025/07/24

In the final installment of our four-part series on querying literary agents, we break down what to expect when a literary agent replies to your email. From form rejections and useful feedback to the coveted request for more materials, today’s episode is all about helping you navigate agent responses.Plus, in publishing news:A $44 million scam targeting writers has resulted in federal chargesFan fiction hits the bestseller lists with Dramione-inspired debutsA bestselling memoir-turned-film faces

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11:04

Querying Lit Agents, Part 3: How to Write a Query...

Writing Break ·

2025/07/17

In today’s episode of Writing Break, we’re dog-sitting, dodging deadlines, and diving deep into the dreaded query letter.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:The classic 3-part structure of a fiction query letterWhat makes a strong nonfiction pitch A breakdown of the 7 essential parts of a book proposalThe 5 most common query mistakes 🎧 Catch up on the series:Part 1: Should You Query a Literary Agent?Part 2: How to Research Literary AgentsQuerying Literary Agents, Part 2: Where the Lit Agents Are and How

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16:28

Querying Literary Agents, Part 2: Where the Lit...

Writing Break ·

2025/07/10

Today we’re (finally!) continuing our four-part series on querying literary agents. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, querying without doing your homework is like picking a random person off a dock and asking them to captain your boat across the ocean. In this episode, I'm sharing how to research literary agents and find the ones most likely to say yes to your book.🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics:Tools and databases to help you find agentsHow to vet an agent’s interests, history, and red

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09:34

Querying Literary Agents, Part 1: Big Five Dreams or...

Writing Break ·

2025/04/08

Welcome to the first installment of a four-part series on querying literary agents. In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of publishing with a Big Five publisher versus an independent press. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, traditionally publishing or submitting directly to publishers, this episode will help you clarify your publishing goals.Plus: A roundup of the latest publishing news, including the growing backlash against tech giants using books to train AI.🛋️ Overthinking

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40:42

You Like Writing Tips? We Got Writing Tips (Clip Show...

Writing Break ·

2025/03/25

It’s time for a heavy dose of writing wisdom, clipped and curated from recent episodes. Whether you’re plotting, editing, procrastinating or just looking for a creative nudge, this episode’s packed with the good stuff: smart takes, helpful reminders, and maybe a little tough love.Missed a few episodes? I’ve got you covered.Featuring:✍️ First-draft and second-draft writing advice✍️ Actionable writing tips from bestselling authors✍️ The reality of traditional publishing✍️ Plus more gems you might’ve

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12:08

High-Concept vs. Low-Concept Stories

Writing Break ·

2025/03/11

Is your story high-concept or low-concept? Understanding this difference can help you refine your pitch, strengthen your storytelling, and position your book effectively in the publishing industry.🎙️ In this episode, we’ll cover:✍️ what makes a story high-concept;✏️ what defines a low-concept story;✍️ how to tell which one you’re writing and why it matters; and✏️ examples from books and films to illustrate both concepts.As always, I’ll share the latest publishing industry news, including trends,

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18:01

Navigating the Shifting Publishing Landscape

Writing Break ·

2025/02/25

The publishing world is shifting fast, and as writers, we need to keep up. In this episode, I dive into some of the biggest changes happening in the industry right now, from how AI is reshaping publishing to restrictions that could impact book accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, understanding these changes will help you navigate publishing smarter.I also share a piece of writing advice I give to authors that I’m now following myself as I write my first book-length

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