From Reserved to Ravishing: Writing Spicy Scenes that Feel True to You, with guest HR Cole (EP196)
Writer Craft Podcast
Main Topic: From Reserved to Ravishing: Writing Spicy Scenes That Still Feel True to You (with guest HR Cole) PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations. Go to for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Magic Mind...
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The Book You Were Born to Write: Legacy Crafting, Part 3 of 3 (Ep195)
Writer Craft Podcast
Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): (Valerie): hard stuff at home (sharing that with my patrons, and a little on social media) (Erick): What are you reading? Valerie: Just finished: Austin Kleon's (Rick Rubin) and Anne Abel's new book s (out in September .. She'll be on the podcast again in October). (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) by Oliver Burkeman; (Alexandra Horowitz) ; Julie Leong Erick: Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: • Tidbit #2: Segment 3 (Main Topic): Notes:...
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The Book You Were Born to Write: Where Ego Meets Soul, Part 2 of 3 (Ep194)
Writer Craft Podcast
Main Topic: Today’s episode is all about Ego Meeting Soul (the inner vs outer world of writing) In our last episode of the mini podcast series The Book You Were Born to Write, we listened for the first whispers of the book inside you. We honored that quiet knowing — the call to finally write the book that’s been circling your spirit. And today… we’re stepping into the next phase. The moment when the whisper gets louder… And fear shows up, too. Because the truth is: Wanting to be seen… and fearing that visibility… Often live side by side in the writer’s heart. ...
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The Book You Were Born to Write: Hearing the Call, Part 1 of 3 (Ep193)
Writer Craft Podcast
Today’s episode is all about Hearing the Call. That moment when the idea of writing a book stops being a far-off fantasy... and starts feeling like destiny. You might not feel ready. You might not know what you want to say yet. But if you're listening to this right now — I have a hunch that something is stirring. That stirring? That’s your soul whispering: It’s time. PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays...
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Crowdfunding Your book: Why Kickstarter Might Be the Perfect Launchpad, with guest JP Rindfleisch IX (Ep192)
Writer Craft Podcast
Main Topic: Crowdfunding Your Book: Why Kickstarter Might Be the Perfect Launchpad, with guest J.P. Rindfleisch IX PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations. Go to for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Magic Mind...
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How to Start Your Author Business on a Budget (Ep191)
Writer Craft Podcast
Main Topic: Start Your Author Business on a Budget ($0, $200, $500) Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public",...
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Staying Productive While Embracing the Chaos and Boredom of Summer (Ep190)
Writer Craft Podcast
Episode 190 of the podcast and it's June 11, 2025 as we record this. Main Topic: Embrace the Chaos and Boredom of Summer Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all...
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Using Unconventional Thinking to Tackle Creative Blocks with guest David Carson (Ep189)
Writer Craft Podcast
Using Unconventional Thinking to Tackle Creative Blocks with guest David Carson Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as...
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Book Coaching is Next-Level Book Editing (Ep188)
Writer Craft Podcast
Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations. I just...
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Anti-Hustle Culture with guest Rachel May and Emily Golden (Ep187)
Writer Craft Podcast
Main Topic: Anti-Hustle Culture with guests , book coaches and editors at Golden May Editing, and podcast hosts of the Story Magic podcast. Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to for short stories in the paranormal mystery...
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Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):
- (Accidental Stranger Book 2 out)
- Write in the Harbor (Erick teaching.) (Valerie will be at Write in the Harbor in Gig Harbor, WA this year, too!
- Host of Ghost Story Weekend for Wordcrafters. (Erick)
- wrapping up writing projects, PB out on the 15th of Accidental Stranger (plus prequel), finishing another book in Melville series "Signal Shadow" (Erick)
- client work (Valerie)
What are you reading?
- Valerie: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Life Impossible (Matt Haig) The Book of Witching (CJ Cooke)
- Erick: The Color of Magic (Terry Pratchett) The October Country (Ray Bradbury)
- Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):
- Tidbit #1: Locus magazine (sci/fi and fantasy) FANTASTIC
Tidbit #2: Query Manager (filtering, but not totally accurate--check the agent's website)
Segment 3 (Mindset-Craft-Biz Check): A previous guest said Erick and I reminded her of being on a morning radio show. I brought up the sitcom "Community," with the "Troy and Abed in the morning" tagline, and CRICKETS. Ha! Here's what I mean: https://images.app.goo.gl/rG9fff2Xko9PSAQMA
Segment 4 (Main Topic): Starts at 20:40
Can nudge an agent about submission after 6-8 weeks.
Why are you going?
Networking, learning something, building relationships, clients, creating community, make fans, building confidence,
"If you plant bulbs today, you get flowers in May."
Why don't they reach out?
Conference Buddy
Set Boundaries for yourself, and be aware of other's boundaries.
Need for brevity in questions, pitches, and elevator pitches.
Next episode:
Find Us:
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Patreons:
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE184
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)