Way-Word Writers Podcast

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In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bierce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer welcome Lisa Q. Matthews, a seasoned editor and author of cozy mysteries. The discussion explores Lisa's unique career transition from editing popular children's series like Nancy Drew and Lizzie McGuire Mysteries to writing adult cozy mysteries. Lisa shares insights into her writing process, how to manage the balance between detail-oriented editing and creative writing, and the importance of community among authors. She also touches on her latest works, her inspirations, and practical advice for aspiring writers. This candid conversation offers a deep dive into the literary world, highlighting the nuances of both the editorial and authorial sides of the publishing industry.
00:00 Welcome to Wayward Writers
00:33 Introducing Lisa Q. Matthews
01:36 From Editor to Author: Lisa's Journey
02:47 Balancing Editing and Writing
05:10 The Birth of Lady Smith and Weston
06:51 Challenges of Switching Roles
10:00 Crafting Cozy Mysteries
15:07 The Importance of Grammar and Punctuation
19:13 Different Types of Editing
21:04 Editorial Training and Acquisitions
22:16 Favorite Cozy Mystery Authors
24:03 Writing Cozy Mysteries: Challenges and Inspirations
26:59 Crafting the Perfect Mystery
27:33 The Writing Process: Outlining vs. Pantsing
31:33 Community and Support in the Writing World
34:07 Daily Writing Routine and Productivity Tips
37:38 Upcoming Releases and Future Plans

38:30 Conclusion and Farewell

L​isa Q. Matthews Website

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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by editor Foyinsi Adigbonmire from Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Children's. The discussion delves into the intricacies of creating a distinctive narrative voice, the difference between character and narrative voice, and how to balance authenticity with genre expectations. Foyinsi shares insights on her editing philosophy, the role of perspective and flow in narrative voice, and offers practical advice for writers on experimentation and finding their unique voice. The conversation also touches on current trends in publishing, particularly in young adult and middle grade fiction, and the utilization of multiple points of view. Foyinsi emphasizes the importance of practice, revision, and the art of balancing feedback while staying true to the story's essence.
00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:34 Meet Editor Foyinsi Adigbonmire
01:33 Crafting and Creativity
03:02 Creating a Distinctive Narrative Voice
05:24 Balancing Voice with Genre Expectations
07:19 Exploring Anthologies and Voice
09:12 Teaching and Developing Unique Voice
16:19 Multiple Points of View and Distinct Voices
20:51 Experimenting with Unconventional Voices
23:10 Overcoming Writing Challenges
24:16 The Role of Editing in Writing
24:38 Finding Your Unique Voice
27:18 Navigating Manuscript Submissions
32:26 Common Mistakes in Writing
35:52 Experimenting with Different Writing Styles
39:57 Encouragement for Writers
41:12 Conclusion and Farewell

​Mermaids Never Drown Anthology

Faeries Never Lie Anthology

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This episode of Way-word Writers, hosted by Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer, dives into the challenging topic of breaking up with a literary agent. The hosts, along with their personal experiences, discuss the emotional and professional aspects of ending agent relationships, whether initiated by the agent or the writer. They highlight reasons for breakups, including changes in agency ownership, misalignment of editorial needs, and shifts in career goals, emphasizing the importance of mutual growth, communication, and maintaining professional etiquette throughout the process. The conversation also covers practical advice for writers re-entering the querying phase, stressing the need for emotional readiness, professional self-assessment, and maintaining a positive outlook on one's writing career despite setbacks. This episode serves as a guide for writers facing or contemplating an agent breakup, offering strategies for handling it with grace and strategic planning for future success.
00:00 Welcome to Way-word Writers: The Agent Breakup Episode
00:19 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Agent Breakups
02:42 Nikki's Fairy Tale Agent Relationship and Its End
05:17 Heather's Perspective: The Agent's Side of Breakups
11:11 Identifying Red Flags in the Agent-Author Relationship
29:30 Navigating the Query Trenches After a Breakup
32:51 Advice for Writers on Healing and Moving Forward
39:40 Closing Thoughts: Staying Positive and Moving On

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This episode features Karen Boss, an editor at Charlesbridge Publishing, as she discusses creating standout, realistic characters in publishing. Karen, holding an MA in children's literature and an MA in higher education administration, shares insights from her extensive publishing and editorial experience, alongside personal anecdotes from her travels. The discussion includes developing deep, flawed, and emotional characters, highlighting examples from upcoming books. Tips for making characters, including non-human ones, feel fully developed are shared, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, character agency, and unique character voices. The episode also addresses common issues with manuscripts, such as solving problems too easily or characters acting unnaturally. Karen suggests various exercises for character and dialogue development, underscoring the importance of practice, revision, and being open to character evolution.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:21 Karen's Travel Adventures
02:15 Unusual Characters in Literature
06:07 Character Development in Stories
07:41 Examples of Well-Developed Characters
19:45 Deep Dive into Character Development
20:31 Methods for Developing Characters
20:37 Off-the-Page Exercises for Character Development
22:11 The Importance of Voice in Character Development
23:04 The Role of Agency in Character Development
23:48 Common Pitfalls in Character Development
25:48 The Art of Crafting Authentic Dialogue
28:58 The Impact of Dialogue on Character Development
33:41 Practical Exercises for Dialogue Development
38:16 Final Thoughts on Character and Dialogue Development

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

The Kid by Jeff Shill

La Mala Suerte Is Following Me by Ana Siqueira, Illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera

We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Troublemakers in Trousers by Sarah Albee

Flying Deep: Climb Inside Deep-Sea Submersible Alvin by Michelle Cusolito, Illustrated by Nicole Wong

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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