Podcast Archive
Writing Mental Health and Other Difficult Topics with Rocky Callen
Anne-Marie talks with Rocky Callen, author of A Breath Too Late, about writing about difficult topics, including suicide, suicidal ideation, and domestic violence. We cover what to consider in drafting and revision, as well as how to take care of yourself as an author.
Developmental Edits with Denise Santomauro
Anne-Marie welcomes freelance editor Denise Santomauro to dig into the when, why, and how of a developmental edit. We cover everything from different types of editing (editorial assessments, developmental edits, copyedits, proofreads) to what to expect in a contract, from how to find an editor to how to know if that editor is right for you.
Writing Retreats with Lindsay Lackey and Kristi Wright
Anne-Marie is joined by middle grade author Lindsay Lackey and KidLit Craft co-editor Kristi Wright to talk all things writing retreats! What conditions make it possible to get work done, how to plan your own writing retreat, and favorite writing retreat snacks.
Thieves' Gambit, Ep. 8: Action Scenes
Action scenes in a thriller novel need to be fast-paced, but fast-paced means more than lots of really quick actions in a row. Erin and Anne-Marie break down three different kinds of action scenes in Thieves’ Gambit to find tips and tricks for hitting the perfect sweet spot of pacing.
Thieves' Gambit, Ep. 7: Relationship Arcs
Like character arcs and story arcs, relationship arcs can span the course of the novel, explore themes, reveal and challenge the main character, and complicate plot lines. In Episode 7, Erin and Anne-Marie examine Ross’s friendship arc with Noelia and her romance arc with Devroe.
Thieves' Gambit, Ep. 6: Introducing a Big Cast of Characters
Introducing a lot of characters can lead to a muddle in readers’ minds. Erin and Anne-Marie explore why you may want to use a big cast, identify pitfalls to avoid, and break down how Kayvion Lewis introduces the nine teen thieves in Thieves’ Gambit in a way that draws readers in rather than confuses them.
Thieves' Gambit, Ep. 5: Complicated Family Relationships
In Episode 5, Erin and Anne-Marie examine the complicated family relationships in Thieves’ Gambit and explore why to use them, how to introduce them for maximum effect, and how to leverage those relationships to create more tension without taking away the main character’s agency.
Buffalo Flats: Update
We’re three episodes in, and we’re taking a holiday break! Anne-Marie and Erin share how life is in podcast land and encourage you to read Buffalo Flats during the break. Starting in Episode 4 there will be spoilers.