Eat, Drink, Write. An Urban Fantasy Whiteboard

Episode 117: Themes in Fiction - Justice & The Found Family

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Come have a drink & listen as Sherry & Taylor talk about themes in fiction and urban fantasy writing.In this episode, they discuss justice and...

Episode 116: Themes & Symbols - Luck and Fate

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have a drink & listen!Tune in to this captivating podcast episode as we delve into the intricate web of luck and fate in fiction writing.  In thi...

Episode 115: Voice in Fiction

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Come have a cocktail and listen as we talk about voice in your fiction - from authorial to character to narrative voice.Discover the key elements that...

Episode 114: Writing the Synopsis - a Revamp

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Come have a cocktail and listen as we talk about writing that dreaded synopsis.Discover the key elements that make a synopsis stand out, learn how to ...

Episode 113: Writing Query Letters - Revamped

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Come have a cocktail and listen as we talk about writing query letters!Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your journey in the lite...

Episode 112: Fixing those Plot Holes

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Plot holes can be as elusive as shadowy creatures in the night, but fear not! Sherry & Taylor are armed with their quills and a treasure trove of ...

Episode 111: Uncovering Plot Holes in Your Story

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how to uncover plot holes in your work!Come have a drink & listen!Support the showSupport the show

Episode 110: Showing Vulnerability in your Characters

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how to make a badass character more vulnerable, and why you would want to!Come have a drink & listen!Support the sh...

Episode 109: We are Back - How to Get Back to Writing After a Hiatus

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

WE ARE BACK!!!In this episode, we talk about how to get back into writing after a looooong break!Come have a drink & listen!Support the show

Episode 108: Writing Strong Female Characters

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

WE ARE BACK!!!In this episode, we talk about how to write a strong female character without using the stereotypes we often see!Come have a drink &...

Episode 107: Throwing that Pitch

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about pitching to agents & publishers! We answer questions about what should be in a pitch, what you shouldn't do in...

Episode 106: Writing Conferences in the East US

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how to find writing conferences, what types of things each conference might have, how much they cost, and more! There a...

Episode 105: Worldbuilding - Magical Systems

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk more about creating magical systems and what ways you can cast magic! Come have a drink with us & listen!Support the show...

Episode 104: Writing Description in your Novel

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how to write descriptions in your novel, from character descriptions to emotional descriptions and more! Come have a dr...

Myths & Monsters 22: Haunted Dolls & The Slit-Mouthed Woman

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sit back and enjoy episode 22 of Myths & Monsters!  This month's episode talks about haunted dolls and the slit-mouthed woman!  Come have a...

Episode 103: Writing Trauma

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sherry and Taylor talk more about writing trauma.  We discuss placing the trauma pre-book as well as in the current work.  Come hav...

Episode 102: Pacing Your Novel

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about pacing. We've talked a little about this before, but we do a deep dive into the specifics in this episode! Come ha...

Episode 101: Nature Symbolism in Writing

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about nature symbolism: what it is, how to work it into your novel, and why! Come have a drink & listen!Support the show

Episode 100: Worldbuilding - adding Holidays to your Novel

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about holidays in your books.  Adding holidays can make a richer setting and history to your book as well as add to the dept...

Episode 99: World Building - How to Create Your World's History

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how to tackle writing the history of your world? Come listen as we talk about all the things you should consider when building your worl...

Episode 98: How to Write Horror

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about writing horror. Learn ways to add horror to your manuscript! Come have a drink & listen!Support the show

Myths & Monsters 21: Bunny Man & Island of Dolls

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the Bunny Man and the Island of Dolls!  Fun stuff!  Come have a drink & listen!Support the show

Episode 97: Writing Death Scenes

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about writing death scenes! Come have a drink & listen!Support the show

Episode 96: Color Symbolism - Blue & Green

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk more about color symbolism and how to incorporate it into your novel! This week is all about blue and green!  Come have a dr...

Myths & Monsters 20: Full Moon Legends & Two Halloween Monsters

31 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Halloween!!!  This episode talks about some fun full moon legends as well as two of the very first Halloween monsters!!  Come have a drink &am...

Episode 95: NaNoWriMo! It's Almost Here! Are You Ready??

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about NaNoWriMo - what it is, how to do it, and what to expect!  Come have a drink & listen!Support the show

Episode 94: Writing the Villain Monologue

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the villain monologue.  It can be a cliche, but it can also work for your novel! We talk about how to write the monolo...

Episode 93: Writing Cities

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We've all heard how cities are supposed to be "characters" in our novels.  So, how do we do that? Come have a drink & listen!Suppo...

Episode 92: The Ruler Archetype

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about the ruler archetype: what is it, how to write it, thoughts to think about when writing the ruler! Come have a drink &amp...

Myths & Monsters 19: The Vampire Scare & The Watcher

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to myths & monsters! In this episode, we talk about the northeast vampire scare from the 19th century and a house in NJ that has a "w...

Episode 91: Plot Holes - Ugh!

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about plot holes: what they are, how to find them and how to fix them! Come have a drink and listen!Support the show

Episode 90: Writing the Resolution in Fiction

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how to write the resolution, from what it is to how to do it! Come have a drink & listen!Support the show

Episode 89: Writing Mystery vs Suspense - What the Heck is the Difference?

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Come have a drink and listen as Sherry & Taylor talk about writing mystery vs suspense! What is the difference? How do you know? What is your book...

Episode 88: DragonCon - What it Can Do for Writers

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about DragonCon - the writers, the authors, the fun!!! Come have a drink & listen!Support the show

Myths & Monsters 18: The Beijing Ghost Train & Sleep Paralysis Legends

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time again - time for our monthly special episode of Myths & Monsters! This month we talk about the ghost train of Beijing and the ...

Episode 87: Writing Time Travel

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There is so much to talk about with writing time travel! In this episode, we talk about the general types of time travel with examples of each type! S...

Episode 86: How to Write a Book with a Co-Author

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss co-authoring!  How easy it is to write with someone else? Are there any tips or tricks on how to do it?  Come have a dri...

Episode 85: The Snowflake Method

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode looks deeper into the snowflake method of plotting your novel. It is an interesting concept that layers ideas/characters/concepts until y...

Episode 84: Writing the Death Theme in Fiction

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we tackle writing the theme of death in a fiction novel. There are things to consider and ways to do this that you might not have tho...

Episode 83: Plotline Archetypes - the Rest of Them!

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the remaining 4 plot types:  mistake, the lure, the race, & the gift! Come have a drink & listen as we talk ab...

Myths & Monsters 17: Necromancers & The Boggy Creek Monster

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about some fun things to add to your novels - necromancers & the Boggy Creek Monster! Come have a drink & listen!Supp...

Episode 82: Plotlines - Adventure, Transformation & Romance

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we tackle three of the "seven" plotlines for novels. There is debate about how many there are, and, obviously, many are so ...

Episode 81: Writing Emotions - Betrayal & Smugness

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how to write emotions and give specific examples of smugness and betrayal!  Come have a drink & listen!Support the...

Episode 80: Creating Your Character's Career

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why is your character's job so important? Well, think about what you feel about YOUR job. Your Characters are people, too!  Come have a drink &a...

Episode 79: The Explorer Archetype: What is it, and How to Write it?

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about the explorer archetype in fiction. We have examples, tips on how to write it, and thoughts about how to develop that exp...

Myths & Monsters 16: Black-Eyed Kids & Mirror Superstitions

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Come have a drink & listen as we talk about the black-eyed kids origin story and supersitions about mirrors!Support the show

Episode 78: Writing Character Flaws

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how to write character flaws. We discuss types of character flaws, examples of character flaws, and how to approach the...

Episode 77: How to Write Plot Twists

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about plot twists! How do you write a plot twist? We talk about plot twist tips (say that 10 times fast!) and examples to hel...

Episode 76: Writing the Masquerade in Urban Fantasy

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the masquerade in fantasy - why to write it and how to do it well! Come have a drink & listen!Support the show

Episode 75: How to Use Pinterest for Writing Novels

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we go into detail about using Pinterest to help you write your novels! It is truly invaluable!  From writing tips, to writing prompt...

Episode 74: How to Write the Love Interest Character

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the love interest archetype.  How do you write the love interest? What types of love interests are there? Do you have ...

Myths & Monsters 15: Boo Hags & Ghost Stories

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about Boo Hags, a monster from the Gullah culture! We also have a medley of ghost stories!  Don't let the Boo Hag ride ...

Episode 73: Writing Your Characters' Motivations

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about motivations. What motivates your character? What do your characters' motivations drive them to do?  Come have a d...

Episode 72: Writing Prophesies in Fiction

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how to write prophesies in fiction! There are all kinds of prophesies in fantasy, urban fantasy and main-stream fiction! F...

Episode 71: Writing Dream Sequences in Fiction

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Taylor & Sherry discuss how to write dream sequences, what to think about when crafting dream sequences in novels, what not to do...

Episode 70: Writing Rules & How to Break Them: Story Beginnings

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the "rules" of writing - what should you do, what shouldn't you do? And even more fun - how to break the...

Myths & Monsters 14: Nain Rouge and Rougarou

01 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the urban legends involving the Nain Rouge (red dwarf) and the rougarou (Cajun werewolves)!  Come have a drink & l...

Episode 69: How To Start Chapters

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how to start chapters - is there a trick to it? What should you consider?  Come have a drink and listen!Support the show

Episode 68: The Mushy Middle & How to Get Through it

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss writing the middle of your book.  This is one of the toughest things to write without getting bogged down. So how do you ...

Episode 67: Writing Great Chapter Endings

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how to end chapters! There are probably more ways to do so than you thought! Come have a drink & listen!Support the...

Episode 66: Twisting Tropes: The Brainy Character

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all know the brainy characters in books, movies and TV shows - but how do you write them? Come have a drink with us & listen!Support the show

Myths & Monsters 14: Ghouls & Living Statues

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is our 14th episode of myths & monsters! This month we talk about ghouls and a true pandemic from WWI that created living statues!  Creepy!!...

Episode 65: Writing Epilogues

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Every wonder if your novel needs an epilogue? Want to know how to write an epilogue? Come have a drink with us & listen while we discuss epilogues...

Episode 64: Creating Tension in Your Novel

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Come listen to us talk about tension in novels - it is super important, but nebulous all the same! How do you create realistic tension? What is tensio...

Episode 63: What's In A Name: Naming Your Characters

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about naming your characters. How do you name your characters? Why does it matter? What not to do when naming your characters...

Episode 62: Beta Reading

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss beta readers: how to be one and what to look for when getting ready to submit your novel.  Come have a drink and listen!S...

Episode 61: Writing the Premise - What the Heck is it Anyway??

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk all about the premise: what is it? Why have one? How to write one. Come have a drink and listen!Support the show

Myths & Monsters 13: The Number 13 & Dyatlov Pass

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this 13th episode of myths & monsters, we talk about the number 13 - is it really unlucky? Why is it a superstition?  And we discuss Pyatlov P...

Episode 60: Overview of Character Archetypes

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss character archetypes. There are hundreds of these, and we talk about some of them. Why to use character archetypes and mor...

Episode 59: How to Ship Your Characters (or How to Make Your Readers want them to!)

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about romance in your novels. We are not talking about romance novels, necessarily, but rather those relationships that might...

Episode 58: Writing Conflict in Your Novel

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how to write conflict into your book. What types of conflict are there? What is the best way to incorporate conflict? What...

Episode 57: Outlining Your Novel

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever struggled with the flow of your novel? Outlining might be the answer! We discuss types of outlines, how to outline, why to outline and m...

Myths & Monsters 12: The Loch Ness Monster & Vampires

31 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the Loch Ness monster and the origins of vampires! Come have a drink with us & listen!Support the show

Episode 56 - Creating the Sidekick - Turning Tropes Around

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the sidekick! Why have one? Why not have one? What types of sidekicks are there?  What does a sidekick do for your nov...

Episode 55 - Killing off Characters

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss killing off characters! How to do it, why to do it (and why NOT to do it)!  Sound like your cup of tea (or vodka?) Come h...

Episode 54: Making Your Reader Feel

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how to make your reader feel those deep feelings you are trying to convey.  Fear, death, anger - how is the best way to w...

Episode 53: Creating Whimsical & Fantastical Objects in your Novels

05 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about creating those special "things" that become all the rage in novels.  Think Bertie Botts Beans, the Sorting H...

Myths & Monsters 11: New Year's Superstitions & Turbull Canyon Legends

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Happy 2021!!  In this episode, we discuss New Year's superstitions and the urban legends surrounding Turbull Canyon in California!  Some fun an...

Episode 52: How to Make Your Reader Love your Character

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how to grab your reader's attention right off the bat and make them love your character! It's not so hard over t...

Episode 51: Cutting Words

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss those extra words that need to be cut from your manuscript! There are words that make your novel clunky - find out what wor...

Episode 50: From Idea to Novel - The Recipe for Writing

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how to take those wonderful bits of ideas and transform them into that book! It's a lot like cooking, and we'...

Episode 49: Chaotic Alignment - What is Your Character

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss the chaotic alignment - chaotic good, neutral and evil! It's a great place to start in working on character and develo...

Episode 48: Character Alignment - Neutral

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is about character alignment! We talk about neutral alignment this week - including neutral good and neutral evil! Character alignment ca...

Myths & Monsters 10: Werewolves & The Jersey Devil

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the special end of the month episode of Myths & Monsters, we talk about the origins of werewolves and the Jersey Devil!  Interes...

Episode 47: Character Alignment - Lawful

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about character alignment, specifically, the lawful category.  Lawful good, lawful neutral & lawful evil - what does it ...

Episode 46: Diversity in Writing

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about diversity in writing. So many fiction novels have very little diversity, and it is important to consider that. We discu...

Episode 45: Prologues - Pointing your Book in the Right Direction

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about prologues.  What are the pros and cons of prologues? Should you have one in your book? Are they really necessary?  Wh...

Episode 44: Writing Dystopian Novels

03 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how to write a dystopian novel. What are the parts of a dystopian novel? How do you explain what happened to the world ...

Myths & Monsters 9: Halloween Special Edition: The History of Halloween & The Ouija Board

31 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this Myths & Monsters podcast episode, we discuss the history of Halloween - lots of facts that we never knew!  We also talk about ouija board...

Episode 43: What is a Chapter?

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss chapters!  What is a chapter? How long should a chapter be? How many chapters should there be in a novel?  Interested? ...

Episode 42: Building Your Writer Platform

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss your author's platform.  What is an author's platform?  How do you create one?  Do you really need one?  Com...

Episode 41: Structuring the Synopsis

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about writing the synopsis. It isn't easy! There are lots of contradictory facts out there, and we discuss them here! Ho...

Mini Episode 10: The Color Yellow - A Symbolism Series

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is so fun! It discusses using color as symbolism in your novels -  in particular, the color yellow!  This is the first of a symbolism s...

Episode 40: Writing the Inciting Incident

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about one of the most important parts of your novel - the inciting incident.  How do you write it? What should it consist of?...

Myths & Monsters 8: Shadow People & Black Dogs

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about 2 myths and monsters.  First we discuss shadow people, who have been seen and reported for thousands of years.  Ever s...

Episode 39: How to Write Act I - Getting the Story Started

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the 3 Act story structure - Act I in particular! We talk about what goes into Act I, how to do it, things to think abou...

Episode 38: Chapter Titles - To Name or Not to Name: That is the Question!

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss naming your chapters! Should you name your chapters? What are the pros and cons of chapter titles? If you do name them, ho...

Mini Episode 9: Writing Techniques - Samples of Paragraph Writing

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we read some samples of our paragraph writings! These are pieces we write in order to practice our writing skills! One of us starts a...

Episode 37: Characters in Fiction - The Mentor

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the stereotypical character trope of the mentor. Aside from the hero, this is the most used character in fiction. The m...

Episode 36: Adding Gods to Fantasy Novels

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about Gods in fiction! How do you add Gods? Should you add Gods? What purpose could Gods serve in your novel? Interested?  C...