Write Out Loud

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Season 3 Preview and Behind-the-Scenes Shoutouts
In this episode, Matt & Christina preview the upcoming third season of their podcast, discussing the exciting new guests and topics that will be covered. Highlights include conversations with wishlist guests, tackling subjects like imposter syndrome, using Kickstarter to fund your writing project, resistance fiction, and revisiting AI developments.
They also tease discussions on popular books, shows, and movies such as 'The Barbie Movie,' 'The Last of Us,' and 'The Bear.' Additionally, one of the hosts takes the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of their co-host, Matt, for his extensive efforts in editing, managing the website, and handling social media for the podcast. With their enthusiastic preparations, both hosts gear up for an engaging new season.
00:45 Introduction and Greetings
00:55 Preview of Season 3
01:24 Guest Appearances and Popular Episodes
01:48 Topics to be Covered
02:53 Special Mentions and Acknowledgements
06:56 Closing Remarks and Teasers

Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to [email protected] or [email protected]. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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Battling Burnout: Strategies for Creative Minds
In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt Cassem and Tina Trevaskis address the critical topic of burnout among creative professionals. They share personal anecdotes and discuss the definition and manifestations of burnout, particularly in the realm of writing and storytelling. The conversation incorporates a quote from Arianna Huffington, emphasizing the impact of burnout on creative problem-solving.
They offer practical advice for identifying and tackling burnout, including setting boundaries, taking breaks, and practicing self-care. The episode concludes by highlighting the importance of recognizing burnout and developing personalized strategies to overcome it.
00:45 Introduction to Write Out Loud
01:22 Topic Introduction: Burnout
02:05 Defining Burnout
05:06 Causes and Symptoms of Burnout
06:57 Strategies to Combat Burnout
10:59 Personal Experiences and Tips
16:49 The Importance of Nature and Mindfulness
21:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to [email protected] or [email protected]. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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Find out more at our website.

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TAKE ACTION: If you haven't yet, please take a moment to rate and review our little podcast wherever you get your podcasts but particularly on Apple Podcasts. It really helps others discover us. Please also share the podcast with someone who doesn't listen yet.
In this episode of Write Out Loud, we delve into the art of storytelling with author Michael Fedor, discussing his debut political thriller 'What it Takes to Kill a Bull Moose,' set in a dystopian future. Michael shares his 20-year journey of writing and revising, balancing his vision with reader expectations, and drawing inspirations from Ray Bradbury and Alan Drury.
The conversation spans themes of political reform, history, and democracy, highlighting Michael's career journey from prospective law student to English teacher to author, and his approach to infusing educational and historical insights into engaging narratives.
Additionally, Michael discusses character development, the role of AI in the future, and creating compelling story endings. The episode also touches on his upcoming sequel 'Tree of Liberty,' exploring themes of political turmoil and reform.
Chapters
00:45 Introduction

01:19 Introducing Michael Fedor

02:40 Michael’s Career Journey

03:45 How his book “How to Kill a Bull Moose” came to be

05:25 Michael’s Most Difficult Thing about Writing

07:21 Writing for Michael vs Writing for the Reader

12:04 Michael’s Switch from English Teacher to Politics

17:13 Introducing the Bull Moose Party

19:52 Teddy Roosevelt and the Bull Moose Party

22:30 AI in the Future in “How to Kill a Bull Moose”

23:30 Actors to Play Characters in “How to Kill a Bull Moose”

26:32 Crafting the Ending

29:44 Secondary Characters and Their Impact

32:31 The Protagonist as the Anchor

36:39 Awards for Michael

41:44 Wrap Up

43:09 Book 2: Tree of Liberty

46:02 Sign Off

Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to [email protected] or [email protected]. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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If you're enjoying our show, won't you help us out? Buy us a coffee or drink to show your appreciation. It really does help us bring you better guests, better content, and maybe some surprises. You can do that here.
In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina delve into the challenges of transitioning a great story idea into skilled execution, using the recently released Netflix movie 'Damsel' as a case study. Despite their anticipation and the cast's standout names like Millie Bobby Brown, Robin Wright, and Angela Bassett, they find 'Damsel' falls short, attributing its failings to weak writing and missed storytelling opportunities. They discuss the importance of smart characterization, effective pacing, and the balance between showing and telling in writing.
Additionally, they explore strategies for writers to improve their craft, including the critique of poor works to better their understanding of storytelling techniques. The conversation emphasizes growth and learning from failure, both personally and through others, in the pursuit of better writing.

Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to [email protected] or [email protected]. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

Support the show

Find out more at our website.

Got something to say? Send us a text!

DO THIS: Please, please, if you haven't done so already, please rate the podcast and leave us a review (do a short write up) of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, and more. It REALLY helps us out!
In this episode of the Write Out Loud Podcast, hosts Matt Cassem and Christina Trevaskis introduce their guest, Ruby Dixon, a renowned author known for her works in science fiction and fantasy romance or Romantasy, if you will. Ruby discusses her journey into writing, the origins of her popular series Ice Planet Barbarians, and the influences behind her works. She also delves into the creation of her latest standalone novel, Bull Moon Rising, set in a rich fantasy world involving magical artifacts, Minotaurs, and a unique societal structure.
Ruby shares insights into her writing process, the freedom of self-publishing, and how she crafts intricate worlds that captivate her readers. The episode emphasizes Ruby's distinctive storytelling style and highlights the importance of indie bookstores in the literary community. Bull Moon Rising, on shelves and e-readers tomorrow (10/15/24), promises fans another engaging adventure in Ruby's expansive universe.
Where to Find Bull Moon Rising

• Bookshop.org
• Rubydixon.com - see pages for upcoming events starting 10/15
• Ripped Bodice
• Story on the Square - comes with book plates and bookmarks*
• Pantego Books - signed copies*
  • Oct 15 - Dalworthington Gardens, TX - Meet & Greet at 6:30 PM
• Barnes & Noble
  • Oct 19 - Hulen, TX - Call ahead to reserve your copy at 817-346-2368
• Half Price Books
  • Oct 20 - Dallas, TX - Meet & Greet with Ruby - get tickets via link

While supplies last.
Chapters
00:45 Introduction to the Podcast

01:24 Introducing Ruby Dixon

04:11 How “Ice Planet Barbarians” and Self Publishing Began

09:42 Ruby’s Writing Process

20:25 Ruby Branches Out

23:14 Benefits and Drawbacks of Self Publishing

26:09 Announcing “Bull Moon Rising”

32:45 Weaving in Reality

41:32 Where to Find “Bull Moon Rising”

43:00 Wrap Up

Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to [email protected] or [email protected]. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

Support the show

Find out more at our website.