Character Needs
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
Release Date: 07/20/2024
The State of AI, for Writers - an update
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
In the light of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America organization's statement on AI and eligibility for the Nebula Awards, I recorded this bonus episode of the podcast to give you my perspective on where we are and where we're headed, regarding AI and the creative arts and, well, civilization as a whole. For more like this, subscribe and follow along at StoryADay.org And please share this with a friend.
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How One “No Thanks” Got Me Writing Again (And Back to My Novel)
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
A story got accepted… and another came back not accepted — and I’m weirdly thrilled. Here’s why embracing rejection can strengthen your consistent writing habits, PLUS: a holiday writing prompt to keep you writing in December. Links: StoryADay Podcast episode 109: The 3-Day Challenge:
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What If Your Writing Could Help Someone?
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
Hi writers! This week I’m sharing a surprising example of how writing (and writers) can help people in the real world, inspired by a project announced by Brandon Sanderson. It leads to one clear lesson about what it actually takes to build a sustainable writing life — especially if you want to write consistently, keep your momentum, and grow beyond the “solitary writer” myth. Plus: a quick writing prompt about conflict you can use right away.
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The Work Is the Point: Refining Your Writing Life for the Long Haul
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
A short meditation on why sustainable writing comes from small, repeatable choices. We touch on Coetzee, Tom Stoppard, and the quiet ways stories ripple outward—then land on the core: build the habit, revise bravely, and let the work be enough.
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Silencing the Mean Voice: How Writers Can Quiet Self-Doubt and Keep Creating
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
We all have that voice that whispers, “Who are you to think you can write?” In this gentle, thoughtful episode, Julie Duffy shares why those inner critics feel so convincing—and how to move past them. From celebrating small wins to journaling the negative voices into submission, she offers calm, practical ways to rebuild confidence and keep writing. A soothing reflection on self-doubt, creative courage, and what it really takes to keep showing up for your stories.
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Why Writer’s Block Is Real — and How Community Helps You Beat It
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
Writing is hard — but it’s even harder alone. In this episode, Julie shares why connecting with other writers is the key to overcoming blocks, staying consistent, and building a joyful writing life. Discover how community keeps you motivated, accountable, and growing as a writer. Join the Superstars group: storyaday.org/superstars
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Day 14 - Do Hard Things, Build A Creative Life - A StoryADay Update
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
On Day 14 of the StoryADay Challenge, how's it going? Perfectly? Oh, you magical unicorn you. For the rest of us, I have some thoughts... 00:00 StoryADay Update - Limit Your Choice, Do Hard Things 04:51 Creating artificial limits for freedom 05:43 Recommit 05:46 Make It Public 06:44 Make It Smaller and More Specific 08:37 Have A Theme 09:24 Commit To The Prompts 10:13 Be There For Yourself Even When Its Uncomfortable 14:05 Quantity vs Quality
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Day 10 - Fueled by Rage - A StoryADay Update
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
Join Julie from Story A Day on Day 10 of Story A Day May as she discusses using strong emotions like rage as fuel for your writing. Julie shares personal insights on transforming negative emotions into positive creative energy and how it can lead to problem-solving and positive thinking. She also highlights today's writing prompt from Patricia A. Jackson, which encourages writers to pen a story from the perspective of a banned book. Embrace your irritation, channel it into your writing, and elevate your mood through creativity! 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update 00:08 Harnessing Rage for...
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Day 8 - Creativity Begets Creativity - A StoryADay Update
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
Creativity brings its own rewards - how writing more helps you write more... join us: https://storyaday.org
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Day 7 - Finding Writing Inspiration on Difficult Days - A StoryADay Update
StoryADay: a writing podcast about building a successful writing practice
I wasn't feeling great, on Day 7 of the StoryADay Challenge, so here's what I dd to get my inspriation back.... Join us: https://storyaday.org
info_outlineCharacters need to need something. They need to want something. Otherwise, it's just a series of things happening to a character...and readers won't care.
In this episode I share a writing prompt and lesson from my year-long email series, StoryAWeek, which you can start today,all about creating a story in which a character needs something.
I also talk about creating suspense in creative and marketing writing, and about why it's so important to build a writing practice.