The Writescast Network

A Final Conversation with Dan Schiro – Writescast 100

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Okay, so this isn't the final conversation I'll ever have with Dan Schiro, but it is the final conversation to be broadcast by the Writescast Network....

A Reader’s Perspective with Lacey – Writescast 099

04 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For the penultimate episode of Writescast Network programming, I'm joined by an avid reader who just so happens to be my wife. Over the course of our ...

Simmering Down with Sarah Smith – Writescast 098

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Smith joins the show to discuss her most recent release, SIMMER DOWN, along with what got her into writing romance in the first place, among oth...

You’re Not Your Author You featuring M.A. Hinkle – Writescast 097

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Author M.A. Hinkle discusses the importance of separating one's personal identity from one's writerly self, as well as how writers can go about surviv...

Ten Steps to Finding Happiness featuring Dr. Lindsay Weisner – Writescast 096

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Lindsay Weisner discusses her ten steps for finding happiness while pursuing one's creative endeavors.

On Letting Go featuring Laurie Scheer – Writescast 095

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After an important update on the future of the Writescast Network from host r.r. campbell, Writers' Institute Director Laurie Scheer returns to the sh...

Keeping Readers on Their Toes – Biblio Breakdown 007

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How can we keep readers on their toes? What writing exercises can you do to keep those readers tiptoeing about your pages? In this episode, Ekta Garg ...

Five Principles for Book Cover Design featuring Carol VanDenHende – Writescast 094

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Go ahead: judge a book by its cover. With author and marketer Carol VanDenHende's five principles for book cover design, you'll better understand what...

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome featuring Mary Jane Capps – Writescast 093

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Author of young adult paranormal fiction Mary Jane Capps joins us for a discussion about a truly spooky subject: impostor syndrome. What is it and how...

Five Virtues for Authorship featuring Héctor Colón – Writescast 092

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What can a champion-boxer-turned-CEO teach authors about what it takes to thrive in the world of writing? A lot, it turns out, as Héctor Colón demon...

Instagram for Authors featuring Briana Morgan – Writescast 091

25 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If a picture is worth a thousand words—and words mean everything to authors—how much is Instagram worth to those of us in the writing community? A...

Facebook for Authors featuring J. Scott Coatsworth – Writescast 090

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Author and Facebook phenom J. Scott Coatsworth joins the show to discuss what it takes to create and participate in thriving writer and reader communi...

Anti-heroes – Novel Approaches 030

11 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

She-Ra. Schitt's Creek. Geopolitics. Maggie Derrick and r.r. campbell cover a lot in this episode, and it's all in the name of helping you better writ...

YouTube for Authors featuring Meg LaTorre – Writescast 089

04 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode, R.R. Campbell interviews Meg LaTorre, who happens to be the founder of the beloved iWriterly YouTube channel.

Profiles in Encouragement 004 – R.R. Campbell, Tracey S. Phillips, Laurie Dennis, and Josie Thomas

28 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Summer drags on, and with it, uncertainty around the world. To find solace and certainty within ourselves and within the walls of our homes, we turn t...

Relaunching One’s Book featuring Dan Woll – Writescast 088

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes a book launch doesn't go as planned, but there's no need to fret.

Writing Synopses – Novel Approaches 029

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

R.R. Campbell and Maggie Derrick explore the challenge that is synopsis writing. As they discuss and debate, they borrow a few bits from the McElroy b...

The ABCs of Authorpreneurship featuring Amanda Zieba – Writescast 087

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After taking a few moments to reframe how we look at our querying statistics, Amanda Zieba joins the show to discuss the ABCs of authorpreneurship—a...

Establishing Mood – Biblio Breakdown 006

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ekta Garg explores The Ancestor by Danielle Trussoni to develop an understanding of mood: what it is, how we can develop it, and how we can maintain t...

The Law of Attraction for Writers featuring Judith Joy – Writescast 086

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Author Judith Joy explains that taking advantage of the law of attraction can do wonders to stave off the inundations of negativity that find us so of...

Tackling Second Drafts – Novel Approaches 028

10 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maggie Derrick is back! And in this episode, she and r.r. campbell fire up the metaphor machine to address the ins and outs of tackling second drafts....

Wired for Story with Lisa Cron – Writescast 085

03 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa Cron explains what it is about human consciousness that’s so wired for story, as well as how understanding these phenomena can make us better w...

Profiles in Encouragement 003 – Laurie Buchanan, Lynda Drews, Jeff Nania

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Amid social unrest, an ongoing pandemic, and the taunts of temperatures that continue to climb, it can be hard to feel as though our stories are worth...

Audiobook Production featuring Valerie Biel – Writescast 084

19 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Author Valerie Biel returns to the Writescast Network to discuss the how-tos of turning one's book into an audiobook. Thanks to this episode's sponsor...

Inner Conflict and Theme – Novel Approaches 027

12 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With help from the #WritescastChat community, guest co-host Ekta Garg and r.r. campbell discuss the intersection of inner conflict and theme. Don your...

Writing as a Parent-Professional with Sarah J. Carlson – Writescast 083

05 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah J. Carlson describes her journey to becoming a published author while also juggling her career as a school psychologist and her responsibilities...

Patience in Storytelling – Biblio Breakdown 005

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

New Biblio Breakdown host Ekta Garg explores patience in storytelling through WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens. Along the way, she offers writin...

Seven Touchstones for Writing a Mystery or Thriller (or Anything!) featuring Nick Chiarkas – Writescast 082

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is no ordinary listicle. The author of WEEPERS joins the program to discuss how to approach the page while writing a mystery or thriller ...

Emotional Wounds as Motivation – Novel Approaches 026

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In an episode one might expect to be laden with trauma, r.r. campbell and guest co-host Candice Lee have some fun discussing the intersection of emoti...

The DIY MFA with Gabriela Pereira – Writescast 081

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Not everyone has the means to enroll in a Master of Fine Arts program. The good news? Gabriela Pereira is challenging the status quo of higher educati...

Profiles in Encouragement 002 – Rita Schunk, Joy Ann Ribar, and Rose Bingham

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Writers Rita Schunk, Joy Ann Ribar, and Rose Bingham share their tales of encouragement with the rest of the global writing community.

Read Books, Get Money featuring Jennie Nash – Writescast 080

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jennie Nash reads books all day and gets paid for it, and her book by that title—along with this episode—will help you on your journey to doing th...

Writing Retellings – Novel Approaches 025

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Once upon a time, guest co-hosts Avery Ames and r.r. campbell explored the magic of writing retellings.

Big News!

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Writescast Network founder r.r. campbell shares some of the exciting developments the Writescast Network community will have to look forward to in the...

Book Launches, Middle Grade, and Chunk the Cat(!) featuring Claribel Ortega – Writescast 079

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After first tackling the ins and outs of launching a debut novel during a time of social distancing, Claribel Ortega details what went in to writing G...

Profiles in Encouragement 001 – Lisa Vihos, Ekta Garg, Larry F. Sommers

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In a time of self-isolation, quarantine, and social distancing, writers Lisa Vihos, Ekta Garg, and Larry F. Sommers have the courage to share their ta...

RevPit! – Event-isode 003

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Developmental editor and owner of Booklight Editorial Carly Hayward describes RevPit, an annual online event that offers writers the chance to win fee...

Establishing Authentic Reader Connections with Dan Blank – Writescast 078

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Stop promoting. Start connecting. Dan Blank's human-centered approach to marketing has helped countless writers forge lasting impressions, and in this...

Opening Lines – Novel Approaches 024

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Opening lines: every manuscript has one (more than one, in fact!). In this episode, the #WritescastChat community helps r.r. campbell and guest co-hos...

The Business of Being (An Author) with Laurie Buchanan – Writescast 077

06 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Laurie Buchanan contrasts the business of being with the business of doing, emphasizes the importance of developing mission and vision statements, and...

The Chicago Writers Association and the Let’s Just Write Conference – Event-isode 002

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Hoffman of the Chicago Writers Association joins us to break down the CWA and its flagship annual event, the Let's Just Write conference.

The Wisconsin Writers Association and Jade Ring Contest – Event-isode 001

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In our first-ever mini-sode, Wisconsin Writers Association president Barry Wightman discusses what the WWA and communities like it can offer writers b...

On Writing Your Passions with Joanna Hathaway – Writescast 076

21 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh off the release of STORM FROM THE EAST, book two in her GLASS ALLIANCE series, author Joanna Hathaway discusses how leaning into writing her pas...

Writing Romance – Novel Approaches 023

14 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It need not be Valentine's Day to talk writing romance; it just worked out that way this time! In this episode, guest co-host Sarah Smith and r.r. cam...

The 2020 University of Wisconsin Writers’ Institute with Laurie Scheer – Writescast 075

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With help from over half a dozen voicemails left for her at our call-in number, conference director Laurie Scheer discusses this year's upcoming Write...

Poetry, Prose, and Voice in the Void – Biblio Breakdown 004

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our manuscripts are more than words. They live and die by the feel of their prose, by the rhythm and texture of the page. In this episode, r.r. campbe...

Tropes and Clichés – Novel Approaches 022

24 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the first installment of Novel Approaches during Roaring Twenties, Part Two: Electric Boogaloo, guest co-host Maggie Derrick and r.r. campbell expl...

Traditional Publishing Non-Traditionally with Tracey S. Phillips – Writescast 074

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Author Tracey S. Phillips joins r.r. campbell to discuss the non-traditional route she took to traditional publishing, as well as how listeners can fo...

Non-Romantic Love in Fiction featuring M.D. Neu – Writescast 073

03 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Award-winning author M.D. Neu returns to discuss non-romantic love in fiction. With examples from the magical world of Harry Potter and M.D.'s own wor...

Mission Statements, Knowing the Market, and Three-Legged Pants with Ann Garvin – Writescast 072

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this free-wheeling conversation, USA Today Bestselling author Ann Garvin and r.r. campbell discuss what it means to understand your readership, wri...

Non-Linear Storytelling – Novel Approaches 021

13 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sione and r.r. do some creative writing calculus by waxing philosophical on the nature of time, space, and their intersection with story. Oh, and all ...

Drama, Character, Stakes, and Throughlines featuring Brenda Marie Smith – Writescast 071

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Author Brenda Marie Smith joins the show to discuss the interplay between developing character and building drama.

Tropesmash! Effectively Using Archetypes and Tropes with Ryan Decaria – Writescast 070

15 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Decaria returns to the Writescast Network to explore what archetypes and tropes are, why they sometimes get a bad rap, and how we can use them ef...

Crafting Villains – Novel Approaches 020

08 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In an episode oddly chockfull of Care Bears and Smurfs, r.r. and Sione tackle the dark side of storytelling. What distinguishes a villain from an anta...

Wattpad: Where Stars Are Born featuring Maggie Derrick – Writescast 069

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What is WattPad? What does it have to offer readers and writers alike? Is it a good option for your fiction? This episode's guest, a WattPad pro, brea...

Keeping a Reader’s Attention featuring Lori Puma – Writescast 068

18 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Once we've drawn readers to our work, it's important we maintain their attention. But how? This week's guest, editor Lori Puma, explains.

Preparing for NaNoWriMo – Novel Approaches 019

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

National Novel Writing Month is almost here! How can you ensure you get the most out of one of the year's most popular annual events? Sione and r.r. e...

The Magic of Content Adaptation featuring Jess Witkins – Writescast 067

04 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever considered turning a novel into a podcast serial? A short story into a play? A poem into a screenplay? In this episode, Jess Witkins dis...

Writing from Experience featuring Gregory Lee Renz – Writescast 066

20 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Former fire captain Gregory Lee Renz describes how his experiences fighting fires translated to writing a novel about the same. Along the way, he offe...

The Role of Exposition – Novel Approaches 018

13 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What is exposition? Why do we need it? How can we use it judiciously? In an episode that hails the importance of being concise, r.r. and Sione are any...

From Rink to Ink: Skating Through Life’s Passions with Luke Murphy – Writescast 065

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Professional-hockey-player-turned-author Luke Murphy addresses expecting the unexpected, transitioning from one passion to another, and finding ways t...

Incorporating Research Into Creative Writing with William C. Tracy – Writescast 064

16 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Author and engineer William C. Tracy discusses strategies for effectively incorporating research and technical know-how into works of fiction

Writing Satisfying Endings – Novel Approaches 017

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

After briefly revisiting prologues and epilogues, co-hosts Sione Aeschliman and r.r. campbell explore the ins and outs of satisfying endings, which, i...

Publishing an Anthology with Andrew J. Peters – Writescast 063

02 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sitting on a collection of poetry or short fiction and unsure what to do with it? This episode's for you!

Writing a Series with Silvia Acevedo – Writescast 062

19 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hot off the release of the final installment in her GOD AWFUL series, Silvia Acevedo explores the advantages and disadvantages of writing one's own se...

Fatal Flaws – Novel Approaches 016

12 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With help from #WritescastChat participants, host r. r. campbell takes on fatal flaws–what they are, how they vary from regular old flaws, and wheth...

Distilling Writing Advice with Madeleine D’Este – Writescast 061

05 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Writing advice is everywhere these days, but our mileage with any particular brand of it may vary. So how do we know who and what to listen to? This e...

Writing Horror with Michael G. Williams – Writescast 060

21 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Author Michael G. Williams joins the r. r. campbell writescast for a super spooky episode about how he got his start writing horror and how we as writ...

Prologues and Epilogues – Novel Approaches 015

14 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this listener-feedback-fueled episode, co-hosts r.r. and Sione explore prologues and epilogues: what they are, how they're different from first and...

Conveying Backstory and Avoiding Infodumps featuring Noelle Nichols – Writescast 059

07 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Noelle Nichols discusses ways to effectively convey backstory without invoking the dreaded infodump.

Growing Readership Locally with M.D. Neu – Writescast 058

17 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Author M.D. Neu discusses strategies for growing one's readership locally, including hosting book events, getting one's work featured in local media, ...

Inciting Incidents – Novel Approaches 014

10 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Surfs up, folks! Hang ten with co-hosts r.r. campbell and Sione Aeschliman as they explore what inciting incidents are, why they're important, the sha...

Writing a Memoir featuring Dave Watson – Writescast 057

03 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Memoirist and cinephile Dave Watson compares and contrasts writing a memoir with writing a work of fiction. Have you ever been curious about what it t...

Self-Revisions and When it’s Time to Find an Editor featuring Damian Serbu – Writescast 056

19 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Author Damian Serbu talks self-revisions: when it's time to tackle them, when it's time to set them aside, and when it's time to seek the help of an e...

The Darkest Moment – Novel Approaches 013

12 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

r.r. and Sione explore a protagonist's darkest moment, the dark night of the soul, and how we set our readers up for both. One of r.r.'s cats pays the...

Operating an Independent Press featuring Kira Henschel – Writescast 055

05 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The owner of HenschelHAUS Publishing, Kira Henschel, joins host r. r. campbell for a conversation about what it's like to operate an independent press...

Reading Like a Writer with Meg Gaertner – Writescast 054

15 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Meg Gaertner returns to the r. r. campbell writescast to discuss the value of and how to tackle reading like a writer. What will developing a keen rea...

Chapter Breaks – Novel Approaches 012

08 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

After a rather bizarre game of "Would You Rather" involving bear attacks and outhouses, r. r. and Sione settle in to discuss chapter breaks:...

Historical Fiction and Fantasy with Glenn Quigley – Writescast 053

01 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Author Glenn Quigley talks historical fiction and fantasy: what they are, how they differ, and how one researches in order to write about the past.

The University of Wisconsin Writers’ Institute with Laurie Scheer – Writescast 052

15 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

UWWI Conference Director Laurie Scheer highlights what writers everywhere can look forward to at the 30th annual Writers' Institute.

Writing a Series – Novel Approaches 011

08 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How do we know when we've got a concept with series potential on our hands? What challenges might we face when writing a series? Why does r. r. have s...

Non-Linear Storytelling with Chris Bedell – Writescast 051

01 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Author Chris Bedell returns to the Writescast Network to discuss the ins and outs of nonlinear storytelling, including how to put it to work for us in...

The Submissions Process as a Marketing Endeavor featuring Kathie Giorgio – Writescast 050

25 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

To streamline one's view of the path to publication, critically-acclaimed author Kathie Giorgio explores the submissions process by comparing it to a ...

Multi-POV Storytelling – Novel Approaches 010

18 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Co-hosts Sione Aeschliman and r. r. campbell examine storytelling from multiple points of view: what it is, the advantages of and challenges to using ...

Online Awareness Generation and Digital Marketing with Ann Dayleview – Writescast 049

04 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Author and marketing guru Ann Dayleview compares the big three in the world of digital book marketing: Facebook, Twitter, and Google.

So You’re Planning a Book Launch Party – Writescast 048

21 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writescast network founder r. r. campbell talks the ins and outs of book launch parties: why it's worth having one, how to plan it, what to bring, and...

Narrative Mode – Novel Approaches 009

14 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

After a discussion on NaNoWriMo and a book launch party briefing, Sione and r. r. tackle narrative mode: what it is, why it's important, and how to go...

Conjuring Inspiration with Sarah Sadie – Writescast 047

07 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Creativity coach Sarah Sadie visits the show to discuss conjuring inspiration: Where is the cauldron in which we stir our idea stew, and how can we ke...

Writing in Multiple Genres with Barbara Britton – Writescast 046

16 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writescast-award-winner Barbara Britton returns to the show to discuss the pros and cons of writing in multiple genres and, if a writer chooses to do ...

Goal-oriented Storytelling – Novel Approaches 008

09 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sione picks r. r.'s brain about the ins and outs of goal-oriented storytelling. Along the way, r. r. makes (slightly) inaccurate claims about the rate...

From Page to Stage featuring Steven Salmon – Writescast 045

02 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Author Steven Salmon updates us on his writing journey and shares his experience converting one of his manuscripts into a play. Thank you to voice act...

Overcoming Writer’s Block and the Inner Critic featuring Sarah Sadie – Writescast 044

19 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Creativity coach Sarah Sadie returns to the r. r. campbell writescast to discuss writer's block and the inner critic before providing strategies to re...

Conflict – Novel Approaches 007

12 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Co-hosts Sione Aeschliman and r. r. campbell tackle conflict: what it is, why it's important, and how we can use it to fuel our stories.

The Hero’s Journey and Adventure Time – Biblio Breakdown 003

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Complete with prompts designed to get writers thinking critically about their own plots, host r. r. campbell analyzes the use of the Hero's Journey pl...

Perspectives in Self-Publishing featuring Mel Gough and Noelle Nichols – Writescast 043

21 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Return guests Mel Gough and Noelle Nichols chronicle their journeys through the world of self-pub: what went well, what didn't, and what others can le...

Master of Fine Arts Programs in Creative Writing featuring J Dimitri – Writescast 042

14 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writer, educator, and MFA grad J Dimitri shares his experiences in and advice for Master of Fine Arts programs in creative writing.

Poetry and Writing Across Media with Nathan Elias – Writescast 041

07 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writer extraordinaire Nathan Elias juxtaposes writing poetry with other formats, including screenplays, novels, and short stories.

Maintaining Tension through Mystery, Suspense, and Dramatic Irony featuring Tim Storm – Writescast 040

17 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Award-winning writer and teacher Tim Storm demystifies how to keep tension on the page during this in-depth discussion of mystery, suspense, and drama...

Finding Time to Write and Celebrating Success featuring Sarah Sadie – Writescast 039

10 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Poet and creativity coach Sarah Sadie provides strategies for finding time to write and reframing our understanding of what it means to make progress ...

Novelizations and Tie-Ins featuring Matt Forbeck – Writescast 038

03 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Award-winning and NYT-bestselling author Matt Forbeck returns to the show to talk taking media from the big screen to the little page: what that proce...