Way-Word Writers Podcast

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Self-Care for Writers: Chiropractic Insights and Essential Oil Tips
This episode of Way-Word Writers features Dr. Erica Patton, a chiropractor who discusses the importance of self-care, especially for individuals who spend extended periods sitting and writing. Dr. Patton shares her background, her journey into chiropractic care motivated by personal experiences with migraines, and the joy of balancing work and motherhood. She offers insights into common physical challenges faced by writers, such as upper back tension, headaches, and neck pain, and suggests practical solutions including chiropractic adjustments, specific stretches, and the use of essential oils like frankincense, peppermint, and lavender for their various health benefits. The discussion emphasizes finding balance and listening to one’s body to prevent and address discomfort, with practical tips on posture, incorporating movement into one's routine, and the multifaceted benefits of essential oils in self-care practices.
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Erica Patton and Her Journey
00:25 Dr. Patton's Personal and Professional Background
01:01 Balancing Work and Family Life as a Chiropractor
01:44 The Importance of Self-Care for Writers
02:19 Common Physical Challenges for Desk Workers
02:42 Chiropractic Solutions and Self-Care Tips
05:27 Effective Stretches for Neck and Shoulder Relief
07:29 Strengthening Exercises for Better Posture
10:04 Daily Habits for Preventing Pain and Discomfort
13:01 Understanding When to Seek Chiropractic Care
15:17 The Role of Essential Oils in Self-Care
18:37 Exploring Essential Oils: Favorites and Uses
19:06 How to Apply Essential Oils Safely
19:53 Internal vs. Topical Use: A Guide to Essential Oils
20:39 Creative Ways to Use Essential Oils in Cooking and Self-Care
20:48 Essential Oils for Health and Wellness
21:23 Self-Care and Relaxation Techniques with Essential Oils
24:20 Incorporating Essential Oils into Daily Routines
26:02 Adapting Workspaces for Health: Standing Desks and Reading Postures
28:09 Finding Personalized Strategies for Movement and Self-Care
29:22 Concluding Thoughts on Self-Care and Essential Oils
STRETCHES
*Remember we are all different so LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!
Neck Stretch:
Drop ear to shoulder, try to stretch through the neck. To get a deeper stretch, take one
hand and grab the bottom of your chair. You’re going to take the other hand and pull the
head away. Then, look down towards the opposite armpit, and you’ll feel it down the
back of your neck.
Shoulder Stretch:
Go to a doorframe and make a L-shape with your arm. Place the arm up against the
doorframe and lean into it. As you keep the arm parallel to the ground, it’s going to stretch out
the pec muscle and help loosen it up.
Strengthening Exercises for Better Posture:
Do you ever get a knot between the shoulder blades? You can go up against a wall and
make cactus arm and as you bring the arms down, you want to make sure to keep the shoulders
back. You want to imagine you’re pinching a pencil between the shoulder blades. Make slow and
controlled motions as you do 10-15 reps.
Deep Deck Flexor Stretch;
Aka the “chicken exercise.” Lay down and bring your chin forward toward the ceiling
and then back in as though you’re making a double chin. Go back and forth. This will help with
all the computer and writing work.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Frankincense - (King of Oils because it does everything) a natural anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and antiviral.
Peppermint – muscle tension, nausea, upset stomach
Lavender – soothing, natural sedative
Breathe blend – asthma, breathing
Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Recipe

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In this episode of Way​-W​ord Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie B​e​arce, and Ni​cki Jacobsmeyer discuss strategies to improve time management for writers. They cover various methods such as time blocking, day theming, and the Pomodoro technique, share personal experiences, and highlight the importance of setting goals, creating routines, and maintaining flexibility. The hosts also emphasize the significance of understanding one's strengths and boundaries, offering practical tips for overcoming procrastination and managing distractions to achieve writing goals.
00:00 Welcome to Way​-w​ord Writers
00:31 Discussing Time Management
01:24 Personal Time Management Struggles
01:53 Adapting Time Management Strategies
02:48 Handling Unexpected Events
03:58 Evaluating and Prioritizing Tasks
06:59 Defining Time Management
10:16 Starting with a Time Audit
14:21 Dealing with Distractions
16:43 Using the Pomodoro Method
20:34 Effective Time Blocking Techniques
22:02 Day Theming for Better Focus
23:35 Overcoming Procrastination
26:14 The Importance of Goal Setting
28:15 Managing Negative Emotions
28:55 Setting Priorities and Saying No
31:57 Finding Balance and Flexibility
33:20 Recommended Time Management Resources
35:29 Personalizing Your Time Management
40:44 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

​T​he Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll

​Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

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In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer are joined by the remarkable author Vicki Irwin. Vicki shares insights from her extensive experience in the book business, including her multiple roles in libraries, bookstores, and as a sales rep. She delves into her true crime writing journey, touching on her published works across various genres and her MFA in writing popular fiction. Vicki discusses the personal connections and inspirations behind her true crime books, offers valuable advice for aspiring true crime writers, and emphasizes the importance of sensitivity towards victims and their families. The conversation covers her research methods, the impact of true crime on her own family, and her cautious approach to choosing future writing projects.
*The Metropolitan Police Library is open again and you can make an appointment to research. And that leads me to police reports. Of course, there are other research sources and depending on various factors can be requested.

*The website that Dave has is LoveSisters.org

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:32 Vicki Irwin's Writing Journey
03:16 Diving into True Crime
05:37 Personal Connections to True Crime
15:25 Research and Writing Process
25:16 Balancing Motherhood and Writing
25:37 Leveraging Legal Expertise in True Crime Writing
27:05 Getting Started in True Crime Writing
32:02 Fascinating True Crime Cases and Personal Connections
41:22 Advice for Aspiring Writers

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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome ghostwriter Loren Stevens. Loren shares her journey into ghostwriting, which started with her writing her mother's biography. Her impressive resume includes over 40 books, with clients spanning diverse backgrounds and stories. Loren discusses the challenges and rewards of ghostwriting, her process for capturing a client's voice, and the importance of thorough research. She also offers insights and advice for those looking to hire a ghostwriter or become one. This episode provides an in-depth look at the ghostwriting process and the delicate balance of bringing someone else's story to life authentically.
00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:31 Introducing Ghostwriter Loren Stevens
02:06 Loren's Journey into Ghostwriting
06:24 Capturing the Client's Voice
07:56 Challenges and Rewards of Ghostwriting
11:59 Research and Authenticity in Writing
16:07 Navigating Family Dynamics and Secrets
22:03 Diving into Research
24:19 Balancing Client Expectations
25:27 Staying Motivated on Long Projects
27:11 The Art of Ghostwriting
28:38 The Importance of Setting
32:08 Handling Recognition and Contracts
34:53 Advice for Aspiring Ghostwriters
39:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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On this episode of Way-Word Writers, Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer sit down with Jess Townes, a children's author and bookseller, to discuss the emotional arc in picture books. The conversation delves into how Jess crafts her stories, drawing inspiration from reading children's books and using her experiences and memories. Jess shares insights on the importance of joining organizations for children's book writers, navigating the publishing industry, and maintaining honesty and authenticity when writing for young readers. She emphasizes the role of language and the balance of emotions in storytelling, recommending resources such as the Emotional Thesaurus and Pixar shorts for studying effective emotional delivery in narratives. The episode also touches on the challenges of tackling difficult topics in children's books, the significance of humor and levity, and the collaborative process between writers and illustrators.
00:00 Introduction to Wayward Writers
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Meet Jess Towns: Author and Storyteller
01:20 Crafting Picture Books: Jess's Journey
03:28 Emotions in Picture Books: What Works and What Doesn't
08:08 The Writing Process: From Draft to Emotional Arc
11:05 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing
29:23 Advice for Aspiring Picture Book Writers