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#AmWriting

445 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 170 ratings

Entertaining, actionable advice on craft, productivity and creativity for writers and journalists in all genres, with hosts Jessica Lahey, KJ Dell'Antonia and Sarina Bowen.

amwriting.substack.com

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Episodes

42: #ThinkLikeAPirate

February 17, 2017 06:05 - 43 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ welcome Sarina Bowen back to the show to discuss piracy, and what writers can do about it. Sarina makes fighting back easy, offers up some helpful courses of action, and Jess and KJ talk about their reading this week.. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

41: #VoiceofAuthority

February 10, 2017 06:39 - 37 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ talk about that ephemeral thing, the craft of writing with authority. Tips on keeping out the wishy-washy and examples of good voices. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

40: #GettingItDone (Write More)

February 03, 2017 06:54 - 31 minutes

...in which Jess is grappling with painters in the house, and getting out to get it done. Meanwhile KJ updates us on her burn chart and extols the virtues of a treadmill desk. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

39: #WriterTaxes

January 27, 2017 17:00 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ discuss tax strategies to help you put 2016 to bed and make the whole process go easier next year. Jess shares tips from a tax accountant about how to keep your financial house in order throughout the year. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

39: #WriterTaxes

January 27, 2017 12:22 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ discuss tax strategies to help you put 2016 to bed and make the whole process go easier next year. Jess shares tips from a tax accountant about how to keep your financial house in order throughout the year. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

38: #WriterFinances

January 20, 2017 06:49 - 45 minutes

..in which Jess and KJ get frank with the financial side of writing; When do you give up your day job? How much can you/should you get paid? Plus, updates on community building efforts and KJ walks us through her burn chart. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

37: #OrganizedWriter 2

January 13, 2017 06:30 - 37 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ wrap up their discussion on organizational tools. KJ advocates building your schedule in blocks, and Jess shares the joy of spreadsheets. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

36: #OrganizedWriter 1

January 06, 2017 19:29 - 38 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ begin a deep dive into keeping your many projects organized. It all starts with comprehensive back-up SOPs, but they also have suggestions on keeping track of everything from emails to to paper files to social media. Plus, the trouble with raising goats. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

35: #ReadySetGoals 2

December 29, 2016 19:25 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ use the guidelines they set out last episode to create their own goals for 2017. KJ sets her word of the year and Jess has a book pick for finding new strategies. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

34: #ReadySetGoals

December 23, 2016 06:15 - 26 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ take aim at setting goals. What should you think about as you set those goals and what strategies can you use to achieve them. KJ also suggests assigning a personal Word of the the Year. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

33: #SnowDaysandHolidays

December 16, 2016 06:56 - 39 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ share some ideas for getting down to work when everyone else is taking days off. KJ suggests setting a definite (if abbreviated schedule) and keep a low profile, while Jess reserves certain tasks for snow days. Plus book recs for your holiday shopping list. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

32: #WriterGifts, 'Tis the Season to Write

December 09, 2016 06:46 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ offer some gift ideas for the writer in your life, or to suggest as gifts for yourself. Jess confesses a need for hard deadlines, and KJ implores you to make time to write despite the flurry of the season. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

31: #WriteWhatYouKnow, Your Experience Is Valuable

December 02, 2016 06:04 - 32 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ explain how writing what you know makes for engaging prose. KJ reviews her holiday writing goals, while Jess gives herself a pep talk, “stop thinking about it and do it!” This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

30: #NosyFamilies, Talking About Your Work

November 25, 2016 06:43 - 39 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ discuss strategies about talking (or dodging talk) about your work. KJ tells of her trials when breaking into the biz, and Jess grapples with that demoralizing “what’s next?” question that comes after your first book. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

29: #WhenToQuit, Get Your Butt Outta the Chair

November 18, 2016 06:05 - 33 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ put on brave faces and and take on the sunk costs fallacy as they hash out ways to identify when it’s actually best to walk away from a project. The benefits of re-reading and a look at how KJ’s getting on with MailChimp. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

28: #OpEd, Own Your Expertise

November 11, 2016 17:23 - 44 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ have recommendations on how to write and pitch your op-ed or essay piece. KJ has another chapter from her email list saga, and of course their weekly reading recs. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

27: #WriterFriends

November 04, 2016 05:28 - 34 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ answer a listener email about their friendship, their professional relationship, and about making and keeping writer friends. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

26: #UniTasking, Is that a Thing?

October 28, 2016 05:58 - 38 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ offer up some tips on how to stay on one task. Jess updates us on her “2,000 words a day” project, and KJ on her audience building. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

25: #ReadingTheComments, the Good the Bad and the Ugly

October 21, 2016 05:33 - 32 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ consider whether and how to respond to readers, both in life and online, who have "comments." KJ breaks down the types of readers who respond, and Jess has a story about developing a thicker skin. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

24: #AskAnAgent, A Sit-Down with Jenny Bent

October 14, 2016 11:14 - 38 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ pick the brains of Agent Jenny Bent, of The Bent Agency, about finding the right agent and getting her attention. They also discuss what you need before you start sending out queries. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

23: #FirstWords, How to Start the Day

October 07, 2016 05:30 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ discuss various strategies for picking up the thread of of the previous day’s writing, and KJ has some tips on building your audience with carrots. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

22: #OfficeWoes, Making Do with Little or No Office Space

September 30, 2016 05:21 - 32 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ offer tips for the “officially” challenged for organizing writing projects, KJ’s updates us on her adventures in audience building, and Jess sets a goal of 2,000 words a day. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

21: #BuildingAnAudience (Pretty Much What it Sounds Like)

September 23, 2016 05:04 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ answer a listener’s question about “Capturing the Wild Idea,” and KJ explains the finer points of “permission marketing.” This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

20: #AmBlogging, Should I Start a Blog?

September 15, 2016 05:59 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ talk blogging, KJ tries bullet journaling and Jess needs help keeping her butt in the chair on the road (even her Mom is helping). This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

19: #AgentSecrets, Finding and Getting an Agent

September 09, 2016 05:38 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ have a few tips for finding the right agent and crafting your query; also KJ goes off the grid to get some work done and Jess recommends sleep. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

18: #WorkingMess, Harnessing the Energy of Spontaneity

September 02, 2016 05:28 - 32 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ allow themselves to work messy. KJ picks up the pieces of a frustrating week, and Jess rushes to meet a 36-hour deadline. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

17a: #OwItHurts, Taking Care of the Body While Flexing the Mind

August 25, 2016 22:39 - 21 minutes

***This is an updated episode. Sorry about the mis-fire, folks!*** ...in which Jess and KJ consider how to keep your muscles from waning as you wax poetic with pen and paper. KJ recommends getting messy with your creativity and Jess speaks to a physical trainer about staying limber in the chair. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

17: #OwItHurts, Taking Care of the Body While Flexing the Mind

August 25, 2016 22:39 - 21 minutes

***This is an updated episode. Sorry about the mis-fire, folks!*** ...in which Jess and KJ consider how to keep your muscles from waning as you wax poetic with pen and paper. KJ recommends getting messy with your creativity and Jess speaks to a physical trainer about staying limber in the chair. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

16: #FreshFallStart, Vacation Was Nice Now Back to Work

August 17, 2016 05:00 - 34 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ get ready to go back to school. Jess works on her dialogue with Aaron Sorkin and KJ recommends using the weekend to easy the little tensions of the week. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

15: #BeforeTheBook, Things You Can Do to Ensure the Success of Your Work

August 11, 2016 19:21 - 29 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ discuss identifying, building and engaging an audience that enjoys your work. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

14: #ItTakesTwo, How to Write with a Partner

August 03, 2016 05:42 - 30 minutes

...in which romance novelist Sarina Bowen returns to speak with Jess and KJ about writing with a partner from establishing a workflow, to hashing out an agreement. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

13: #HowItsDone, A Step By Step for Self-Publishing

July 27, 2016 05:28 - 41 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ speak with romance novelist Sarina Bowen about self publishing, everything from choosing a pseudonym to marketing the finished product. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

12: #MistakesWereMade, The Quest for Truth and Perfection

July 20, 2016 05:45 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ examine the spectrum of mistakes that writers can make, and they argue the merits of listening to an audiobook versus reading the book. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

11: #AmDissecting, Adding Structure to Creativity

June 22, 2016 05:49 - 31 minutes

...in which KJ works on her Moth story and her book, Jess starts a project with her son, and your assignment - take something apart. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

10: #WriteNow, Feed Your Writing, with Reading, Bouncy Balls and Silence

June 15, 2016 05:45 - 34 minutes

...in which KJ abandons her To-Do List, Jess commits to writing 1,000 words a day on her vacation; and the virtues of busying the body to free the mind. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

9: #ActuallyTypingWords, Stay in the Chair and Write Now!

June 08, 2016 05:14 - 34 minutes

...in which Jess grapples with a perennial issue, KJ warns about using friends as writing fodder, and is it always a bad idea to procrastinate? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

8: #DeadofExposure, Should You Write for Free and Great Long Reads

June 01, 2016 21:54 - 36 minutes

...in which Jess's heart acts up and KJ worries about the atrophy of certain writing muscles, and inspiration striking at the wrong time. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

7: #AmResearching, Keep Those Notes Organized, and Remember When...

May 20, 2016 05:38 - 30 minutes

...in which KJ and Jess talk about how they organize their research and wax nostalgic about their first successful pitches. #amwriting #ampitching #amprocrastinating This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

6: #AmRecommending, Tech Tools (High and Low) and A Special Contest

May 13, 2016 05:00 - 40 minutes

...in which Jess reminds us that word counts are not suggestions and KJ warns of the perils of the Butterfly Effect. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

5: #AmConferencing, Writing it Down and Making Connections

May 06, 2016 01:03 - 28 minutes

...in which Jess and KJ go into the closet (excuse the squeaky door) and discuss the values of the writers conference, and the dangers of writing in your head. #amwriting #ampitching #amprocrastinating This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

4: #AmInterviewing, The Art of the Interview and Ignoring the Inbox

April 30, 2016 00:53 - 35 minutes

…in which KJ shares her love of sheep and Jess offers some sensible sources for inspiration. #amwriting #ampitching #amprocrastinating #aminterviewing This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

3: #AmOverwhelmed, Killing Other People’s Darlings and Timing Pitches

April 23, 2016 00:57 - 31 minutes

…in which KJ struggles with killing other people’s darlings and Jess waxes rhapsodic about audiobooks. #amwriting #ampitching #amprocrastinating This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

3: #AmOverwhelmed, Killing Other People’s Darlings and Timing Pitches

April 23, 2016 00:57 - 31 minutes

…in which KJ struggles with killing other people’s darlings and Jess waxes rhapsodic about audiobooks. #amwriting #ampitching #amprocrastinating This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

2: #AmPitching, Good Strategies and Unexpected Hurdles

April 13, 2016 23:13 - 28 minutes

...in which events conspire to put KJ behind on her assignments and Jess cancels plans for building a sauna. #AmPitching #AmProcrastinating #AmWriting This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

1: #AmProcrastinating, with Frankensock and Poop

April 03, 2016 18:40 - 35 minutes

...in which Jess discusses the allure of cow manure and KJ shows off her knitting prowess. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

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