StoryADay
319 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 20 ratingsWriters write. Professional writers write a lot. The StoryADay May challenge exists to help you learn how much you're capable of writing in a month. The Write Every Day, Not "Some Day" podcast helps you figure out how to keep that commitment up for the rest of your life. Each 10-15 minute episode tackles a particular topic and gives you a writing assignment to complete before the next episode.
Music credit: Alan McPike (http://standardstrax.com)
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Episodes
StoryADay Week 2 - What We're Writing (And How)
May 12, 2024 15:54 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBIn which I talk about how StoryADay May 2024 is going (spoiler: it's going great!) and how much fun everyone is having, and the best ways to participate, even if you don't want to write a story every day. CHAPTERS: hapters [00:01:08] How Is StoryADay May 2024 going? [00:01:30] Join The Discussion [00:02:24] The Challenge Handbook Benefits [00:04:51] The Experience of StoryADay May in 2024 [00:05:10] Week 1 - Come To Your Desk [00:05:48] Week 2 - The Elements of Craft [00:08...
7 Ways To Write Flash Fiction with Windy Lynn Harris
March 30, 2024 14:07 - 54 minutes - 50.5 MBIn this revist of my interview with writer Windy Lynn Harris, we talk about Seven Ways to Write Flash Fiction, a skill that is extremely handy during the upcoming StoryADay challenge Sign up for the challenge at StoryADay.org CHAPTERS: 1:16 Flash art comes organically when being open. 6:58 Flash fiction: creative, short, under 500 words. 12:28 Be specific in short flash fiction writing. 13:05 Editing is essential for shorter pieces. 17:37 Essential aspect of storytelling, rep...
How To Write A StoryADay In May 2024
March 23, 2024 11:30 - 34 minutes - 32.9 MBIntrigued by the StoryADay Challenge but intimidated? Don't be! In this episode I explain all the rules including the most important rule: Make Your Own Rules! Sign up at https://storyaday.org/signup 00:00 History of the StoryADay Challenge 01:30 4. Give Yourself Permission To Have Fun 06:14 StoryADay May Rules 06:31 1. Make Your Own Rules 11:20 2. Don't Try To Catch Up 12:12 3. Don't Post Your Stories Online (Or Do) 13:30 4. Give Yourself Permission To Have Fun 14:47 5. Se...
BONUS Leap Day Deal Mini Episode
February 29, 2024 21:45 - 5 minutes - 5.85 MBSign up for the I, WRITER Course today and build a writing practice you can love today, not 'some day'. LEAP DAY SPECIAL $229 (regularly $497) or 54% off! https://stada.me/leapday Listening after Leap Day? It's still incredible value and you can get started today: https://stada.me/iwriternow
What We Crave
February 24, 2024 22:54 - 24 minutes - 23.7 MB“In a digital world saturated with technicolor brilliance and filtered, unobtainable beauty, modern humans seem unmoored and at sea. We crave stories to tell us who we are.” – Min Jin Lee, Best American Short Stories 2023 LINKS: StoryADay.org/what-we-crave
Shake Up Your Writing
February 10, 2024 15:00 - 14 minutes - 14.2 MBIn this on-the-road episode, I come to you fresh from a conference, full of new energy and ideas, and I encourage you to find ways to shake up YOUR practice. LINKS Critique Week https://stada.me/critique
Improving (with Groundhogs)
February 03, 2024 15:00 - 15 minutes - 15.6 MBWhat do Groundhogs have to do with getting better at skills? Oh, so much. Trust me. LINKS Friday Freebie: https://storyaday.org/friday
Fiction Matters
January 13, 2024 15:17 - 6 minutes - 7.03 MBIn which I talk about Mary Oliver and the power of words to lift us out of the everyday. I also invite you to take part in the January Challenge, a five-day exercise that will make you more decisive around your fiction and every aspect of your writing life. Sign up here:https://storyaday.org/jan-challenge
When Writing Feels Hard...
January 06, 2024 17:04 - 18 minutes - 17.9 MBIn this episode I discuss the concept of discomfort in the journey of pursuing creative endeavors and explore the different types of discomfort, such as striving to reach one's ambitions versus worrying about not having what it takes. I encourage you to embrace discomfort as a sign of growth and progress, and suggest a solid-gold way to make that less grim. I also invite you to join the Story A Day Superstars, a supportive community for writers, and announce upcoming writing challenges a...
What Are You Turning Towards, This New Year?
December 30, 2023 18:55 - 26 minutes - 25.2 MBAre you setting goals for outcomes or simply turning towards your writing more? Here are some ways I can help: Download the Short Story Framework: https://storyaday.org/ssf Take the 3-Day Challenge https://storyaday.org/3dc Sign up for the StoryAWeek Newsletter https://storyaday.org/storyaweek Take the I, WRITER Course https://stada.me/iwriternow Join the Superstars Group https://storyaday.org/superstars Coaching with Julie https://storyaday.org/writing-coaching-wit...
Celebrating 2023's Writing Triumphs
December 23, 2023 20:15 - 25 minutes - 24.2 MBin this week's episode I'm celebrating the successes of writers from the StoryADay Community, and our Superstars Group. Some of those successes are publication-related and others are more about the progress of the writers' practice. Join us. I also extend an invitation to join our Superstar group in the coming year. LINKS Join Superstars: https://members.storyaday.org/join-superstars Never Give Up (Brenda's Post) https://storyaday.org/brenda-persists This episode: https://storyaday...
300 Episodes Later...
December 16, 2023 19:06 - 25 minutes - 24 MBIn this episode I explain where the podcast has been for the past few week, talk about the workshops I've been running and talk about what's coming next for StoryADay, AND encourage you to understand the value of the work you're doing. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates 00:10 Creating Content and Workshops 02:08 Exploring the Use of AI in Writing 04:56 AI for Organizational Structures and Marketing 11:21 Reflections on Recent Events and Future Plans 11:40 StoryADay Superstars Grou...
Not If, But How
October 28, 2023 16:12 - 21 minutes - 20.5 MBI could give you a million and one tactics for fitting writing into your life...and none of them will matter a jot until you do this one simple (not easy) thing... LINKS NaNoWriMo Support Pack: https://storyaday.org/nanowrimo-essentials The Keep Writing Workbook https://stada.me/kww
How Good Do You Have To Be, As A Writer?
October 21, 2023 16:29 - 15 minutes - 14.9 MBWelcome to The StoryADay Podcast, where we explore the power of storytelling and the importance of writing every day. In today's episode, titled "How Good Is Good Enough?" I encourage you to think about the significance of our narratives and the impact they have on the world around us. Drawing inspiration from a talk by former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, I reflect on imposter syndrome, internal motivation, and the responsibility writers have to capture the essence of human e...
Lurk Your Way To Success in Publishing
September 23, 2023 15:26 - 31 minutes - 29.6 MBAre you looking to find success in the publishing world? Join me on The StoryADay Podcast as I discuss the importance of engagement in writing and publishing. In this episode titled "Lurk Your Way to Success in Publishing", I share strategies and insights that can help you achieve your goals as a writer. Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode: 1️⃣ Don't rush into building an author platform: While it's tempting to focus on social media presence and building a following, it's cruci...
Engaging Readers: Making Your Stories Pop and Connecting with Your Audience
September 09, 2023 15:17 - 22 minutes - 23.7 MBWelcome to another episode of The StoryADay Podcast! I'm your host, Julie Duffy, from Storyaday.org, and today we're diving into a topic that every writer grapples with: engaging the reader. As we explore the importance of captivating our audience, we'll also discuss the challenges that come with balancing our own creative process and the desire for validation from readers. \ Join me as we uncover strategies to make our stories irresistible and learn how to effectively engage with our re...
How To Be A Writer
September 02, 2023 13:00 - 19 minutes - 18.8 MBAs we kick off StoryADay September 2023 I talk about how there is more than one way to engage with your writing...and your identity as a writer. 00:00 StADa295EngageWithYourWritingPractice 00:00 Intro 00:15 How To Engage with Your Writing Practice 15:16 Strategies for StoryADay Join the challenge and find out more at https://storyaday.org
AI, Amazon & Author's Rights
August 12, 2023 16:10 - 17 minutes - 16.6 MBThis week author Jane Friedman noticed that someone had used her name on a bunch of junk, AI-generated books about writing. Lest you get discouraged I have some thoughts on what authors can about this. Also in this episode: the Importance of Celebrations, and some tips for how to do that. LINKS: LINKS: The Importance of Celebrations Workbook: http://stada.me/wb-celebrations This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode294 Some Author Advocacy Groups: The Alliance of Independent Auth...
Vacation Update
July 29, 2023 16:25 - 1 minute - 1.52 MBThe StoryADay Podcast took a sneaky wee vacation this month, but will be back in August with our monthly theme of Triumph! Keep writing, Julie
How to improve as a writer
July 08, 2023 20:09 - 22 minutes - 21.3 MBThis week we take the idea of improving your writing and your writing practice. But how, exactly do you DO that?!
Record-Keeping For Writers
July 01, 2023 15:29 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBDo you struggle to keep records of what you read or write? Do you beat yourself up over it, because you're sure it'd make your life easier? Maybe yes, maybe no. Let's dig in to record-keeping for creative people: why it works, why it doesn't, and what to do about it! Sign up for the StoryADay Anytime Challenge: https://storyaday.org
7 Things I Learned Writing A StoryADay in 2023 - Part 2
June 24, 2023 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.8 MBThe final -- and most important -- two things I learned (again) while writing a StoryADay in May 2023. If you'd like to be more productive, creative and fulfilled in your writing, listen in! Links: Take the 3-Day Challenge: storyaday.org/3dc
7 Things I Learned Writing A StoryADay in 2023
June 17, 2023 15:55 - 19 minutes - 19.1 MBI've been writing a StoryADay in May since 2010. I've learned some things about writing, productivity, creativity, and success. I share some of them here. Links: This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode289 The 3 Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc
Week 3 of StoryADay May 2023
May 20, 2023 15:11 - 12 minutes - 12 MBIn which i talk about what to do if you miss a day (like I did) and creative courage. Liniks: Get the prompts: https://storyaday.org/signup Take the 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc Prompts throughout the year: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek
A Response to Kathleen Porter's Washington Post Opinion Piece
May 13, 2023 17:04 - 26 minutes - 25.4 MBOn May 12, 2023 Kathleen Porter published an opinion piece entitled "Limiting What Novelists Can Write is Bad For Readers." I think she almost entirely missed the point of the diversity movement and I am...irritated. Please join me for a walk through some terrible opinions and what YOU can do, as a sensitive, thoughtful writer, to avoid this kind of knee-jerk reaction and keep writing.
StADa287 Five Days In May
May 06, 2023 16:28 - 22 minutes - 21.3 MBRecapping five days of writing a StoryADay in May, 2023 with Julie Duffy Catch up with the first week of StoryADay May 2023 through the experiences of founder and writer, Julie Duffy Subscribe to the daily series here: http://stada.me/2023lives 00:00 StADa287 Five Days In May 01:12 Day 1 04:40 Day 2 09:55 Day 3 13:41 Day 4 17:35 Day 5 21:21 Warp up
Your Questions About Writing
April 22, 2023 15:04 - 20 minutes - 19.7 MBIn which I answer questions sent in by the StoryADay Community about how to overcome their writing challenges. LINKS Sign up for the StoryADay Challenge Find out more about the Superstars group Support the podcast
Rachael Swearingen Interview part 2 - geeking out about stories
April 18, 2023 18:35 - 12 minutes - 12.6 MBIn which we talk about titles, favorite stories, current author crushes and then Rachel turns the tables on me! LINKS: More about Rachel: RachelSwearingen.com Support this podcast: glow.fm/storyaday More about StoryADay: storyaday.org
Why You Should Write During StoryADay May
April 15, 2023 15:52 - 19 minutes - 19.2 MBOf all the reasons you should join us in attempting to write a StoryADay May the best might possibly be because: don't you want to be the kind of writer who writes? Who writes so much they get good? Who stands a chance of realizing those unreasonable-exciting dreams you're not telling anyone about? Don't you at least deserve to try? LINKS Sign up for the StoryADay Challenge: https://storyaday.org/signup
On Writing, with Rachel Swearingen
April 08, 2023 15:09 - 21 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this conversation with award-winning writer Rachel Swearingen we talk about how to build a writing practice that grows with you, the art of writing short and long fiction the importance of play, her residency in Berlin and about some of her short stories and how they came to be written. Next time we’ll talk about her favorite stories of her own and the writers she admires, working in short fiction now. We also talk about the importance of community for writers, and then Rachel turns the...
Being A Writer Even When You Don't Feel Like A Writer
March 25, 2023 11:00 - 15 minutes - 15.1 MBWhat to do when life won't get out of your way. We all go through seasons where other concerns pull at us (family, friends, world events). It doesn't mean you're failing as a writer if you are less productive at some times than others. And I have some thoughts on how you can stay connected to your writer self even if the words aren't flowing.
Getting UnStuck with KB Carle
March 18, 2023 11:00 - 25 minutes - 24.2 MBwith author KB Carle we talk about what attracted her to Flash Fiction; the challenges of moving from short to novel-length fiction; how to get unstuck ; and how being a writer includes building your community. Find all the resources storyday.org/episode280
A Conversation with KB Carle Interview Part 1
March 11, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this interview with KB Carle we talk about writing flash fiction and micro fiction, the importance of community, getting through the middle, and more LINKS: More about KB Carle: kbcarle.com
Forget the Hero's Journey - a conversation with Gwen E. Kirby Pt II
February 18, 2023 12:00 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBIn the second part of my conversation with Gwen E. Kirby we talk about developing characters that feel real to people, about writing at this moment in time, writing about women, and the question that Gwen Kirby doesn't get asked often enough, Gwen E Kirby is the author of the fabulous debut collection of short stories Shit Cassandra Saw. has a MFA from Johns Hopkins university. PhD from the University of Cincinnati and is the Associate Director of Programs and finance for the Sewanee Write...
Sh*t Cassandra Saw, an interview with author Gwen E. Kirby
February 11, 2023 15:57 - 20 minutes - 19.9 MBGwen E Kirby is the author of the fabulous debut collection of short stories Shit Cassandra Saw. has a MFA from Johns Hopkins university. PhD from the University of Cincinnati and is the Associate Director of Programs and finance for the Sewanee Writers. Conference at the University of the South where she's also teaching students about creative writing. Her writing has appeared in One Story Tin House Guernica. Smoke Long Quarterly, and many other places. In this conversation, we talk about...
Back To Writing
January 14, 2023 15:00 - 12 minutes - 12.7 MBToday I'm talking about the struggle to get back into a writing routine after the winter holidays. I know I'm not alone in expecting that fresh start feeling to kick in, in January, but it hasn't happened for me yet. The chaos of the holidays can make it hard to get back into a routine. But, I have learned over the years as a writer, that if you want to improve, you have to take action and actually write. I have some tips that can help, and an invitation to join me in a tiny challenge later ...
StADa175 Creative Rebelllion
December 24, 2022 15:10 - 16 minutes - 16.1 MBIt's an end-of-year episode with a twist (hint: don't want to set New Year's Resolutions? Join the rebellious crowd!) LINKS: Podcast interview archive: https://stada.me/interview Reading Room reviews: https://stada.me/read StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek
Where's My Butler? or Building a Writing Life, with guest Mary Robinette Kowal
December 10, 2022 12:00 - 16 minutes - 16.6 MBIn which we talk about ways to build a writing practice even when dealing with challenges like depression and ADHD (checkboxes, spreadsheets, and stickers...oh my!); and Mary Robinette shares a great method for ramping up writing productivity after a break. LINKS Part 1 of this interview Mary Robinette's Patreon
Mary Robinette Kowal discusses The Spare Man - her new sci-fi murder mystery (Pt. 1)
December 03, 2022 12:00 - 27 minutes - 26 MBAward-winning writer, podcaster, voice actor and puppeteer Mary Robinette Kowal stopped by the StoryADay podcast to talk about the novel, writing, and why you should consider putting a pet in your stories. 10:13 Research for Writers 11:49 Writing The Other 12:34 Can a stable relationship be interesting? 14:20 On the benefits of pets in stories 25:52 Part 1 Wrap Up and Links LINKS MaryRobinette.com Mary Robinette Kowal's Patreon My Favorite Bit (10 best Fantine curses) Buy the book...
It's Annual Review Time!
November 26, 2022 16:46 - 12 minutes - 12.7 MBNobody ever feels they've done all the writing they could have done, in a year...but that's no reason to bury your head in the sand. Let's dig for treasure, instead! LINKS Annual Review Bundle: https://stada.me/apb Set and Meet Goals article: https://storyaday.org/set-and-meet-goals
6 Weeks of Creativity
November 19, 2022 14:51 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBWith six weeks left in the year, you may be looking to do a big push or you may want to chill. I have one tip that will make either of those options (or something in the middle) work. Also in this episode, some updates on my Tidy Desk Challenge and what's been going on around here at StoryADay recently. LINKS Read to write? Watch this peptalk Want to build a slow, steady practice? What this Want to finish one project this year? Watch this Ready to chill? Watch this
StADa270 Tidy Desk Challenge
November 12, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MBIn which behavioral science tells me things I do not want to hear and I issue myself a Tidy Desk Challenge. (You are welcome to join me. Post on Instagram, use #TidyDeskChallenge and tag me @storyadaymay). LINKS: The StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek
StADa269 - Goals Disrupt
November 05, 2022 14:54 - 22 minutes - 21.6 MBIf you have set a writing goal for this month -- or if you have ever struggled with goals -- this is the podcast for you! My mentor said something so brilliantly simple this week that I simply HAD to share it with you...because it unlocked something about goals and our life's purpose. LINKS SWAGr post: https://stada.me/swagr
Are You in The Pause? - Episode 268
October 23, 2022 02:29 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBNot every period in your writing life has to be one where you're churning out new words. So what should you be doing if you're in 'The Pause'? Follow the links for a workbook that will help you figure out your next steps. LINKS The Pause - https://storyaday.org/the-pause/ The Keep Writing Workbook - the perfect prep-work while you're in The Pause: https://stada.me/kww
StADa267 - Prepping for NaNoWriMo
October 15, 2022 10:07 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBI've done a few challenges in my time (from StoryADay to NaNoWriMo) and I have some questions for you about how you're preparing and what you'll do instead/as well as outlining to sustain you through the month. LINKS Creative Challenge Workbook: https://stada.me/ccw StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek This episode: https://storayday.org/episode267
Who Do You Listen To?
October 08, 2022 14:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBIt's dangerous to allow rejections, acceptances, marketing budgets or any other business-related nonsense to determine your worth as a writer. So who should you be listening to? In this episode, I have some thoughts... LINKS StoryADay Critique Week: https://stada.me/critique StoryAWeek Newsletter: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc
A Writing Prompt
October 01, 2022 15:20 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBThis week I read you a writing prompt. Let's get writing! LINKS: https://storyaday.org/storyaweek
Soaring
September 24, 2022 14:44 - 12 minutes - 12.4 MBWhat do you need to do to help you soar in your writing life? Join me for a Lesson in Creative Thermodynamics! LINKS: Leave a comment: storyaday.org/a-lesson-in-creative-thermodynamics The 3-Day Challenge: storyaday.org/3dc This episode: https://storyaday.org/episode264
I'm Obsessed! Are You?
September 17, 2022 18:17 - 25 minutes - 24.1 MBI'm obsessed with helping you write more and feel successful in your writing life (Yes, I was watching the E! Emmy's red carpet show this week. Thanks for the epithet, Laverne Cox!) What are you willing to do to become the writer you know you are inside? LINKS: Join the Superstars: https://stada.me/superstars