Writing Break

Writing What You Want vs. Writing What Sells

18 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Should you write what you love or write what sells? Is it possible to do both?In this episode of Writing Break, we explore how writers can stop chasin...

Cross-Genre Mashups: Blending Genres and Gaining Readers

11 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Cross-genre fiction is thriving, but blending genres successfully requires more than adding a dragon to a murder mystery (sad, but true). If you're wr...

What Does the Reader Need to Know Next? Writing Stronger Novels

04 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What keeps a novel interesting after the premise stops being new?In this episode, I share the most important question to ask yourself while writing, n...

Writing Advice for Fiction Writers: Genres, Story Structure, and Publishing Trends (Clip Show #16)

01 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode is a Writing Break clip show packed with writing advice across multiple genres and storytelling forms.If you’ve missed part of...

Why Some Stories Should Be Novellas (Not Novels)

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Some novels should have been novellas. In this episode, we get into the latest publishing and book trend news, and we talk about why shorter forms can...

Writing Short Stories: Structure, Pacing, and Word Counts Explained

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Short stories don’t give you less to do, just fewer places to hide. They are often seen as a stepping stone for writers, but they demand a level of ...

Experimental Fiction & Hybrid Fiction: How to Break Form Without Breaking the Reader

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you break the rules of storytelling?In this episode, we explore how to experiment with intention. We look at nonlinear structure, fr...

Publishing Is Booming, So Why Are Writers Struggling?

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down the publishing developments editors and agents are talking about right now and what they mean for working writers.🛋️...

Graphic Narratives: Storytelling in Panels

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Comics, manga, and graphic novels combine image and word to tell stories in a way prose cannot. In this episode, we examine what actually changes when...

Writing Modern Westerns: Same Frontier, Different Moral Code

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Elements of Western novels are infiltrating other genres and modernizing the mythology of the Wild West. In this episode, we head out to the frontier...

Writing Cozy Mystery: Murder, But Make It Charming

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Want to write a cozy mystery? This episodes explores the way cozy mystery blends charming communities, amateur sleuths, and clever puzzles to create c...

Young Adult vs. New Adult Fiction: What Writers Need to Know

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the difference between Young Adult and New Adult fiction? We explore the life stages, voice, and themes that define each genre, plus publishi...

Romantic Suspense: Love in the Line of Fire

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Romantic suspense blends love and danger. Learn how to balance emotional tension with high-stakes conflict, build trust between characters under press...

Audience Ownership: Why Authors Can’t Rely on Platforms Anymore

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this business-focused episode, America’s Editor breaks down the major industry shifts that are changing how books are discovered, distributed, an...

Paranormal Fiction: Why the Supernatural Is Dominating the Market

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Writing Break, we take a deep dive into paranormal fiction's lasting appeal and why stories about ghosts, vampires, and other super...

Magic & Mayhem in Your Manuscript (Clip Show #)

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past couple of months, we’ve covered dystopia, utopia, action, adventure, magical realism, children’s literature, satire, and a whole lot...

Writing Satire & Humor: The Sharp Edge of Comedy

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Writing Break, we explore how to use comedy as a storytelling tool without sacrificing character, plot, or emotional weight.We’ll...

Writing Dystopia & Utopia: Pushing the Real World to Extremes

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Writing Break, we explore dystopian and utopian fiction and discuss the latest publishing news. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topi...

Writing Action & Adventure: Stories in Motion

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Writing Break, we explore the Action and Adventure genre, which is all about forward motion. If you’re writing adventure novels, ...

Writing Children’s Literature: Picture Books to Middle Grade

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The episode opens with a look at current publishing news affecting authors, including reading behavior shifts and trends. Then we look at the three ma...

Magical Realism: Extraordinary in the Everyday

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Writing Break, we’re exploring how to weave the extraordinary into the ordinary without breaking the spell of magical realism. We're al...

Act 1 of Your Writing Year

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Who are you becoming as a writer? Forget making a list of New Year's resolutions; instead, write a narrative for 2026. This bonus episode includes pro...

Stay Stubborn: A Holiday Pep Talk for Writers

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This Christmas Day bonus episode explores the creative power of stubbornness and includes three reflective prompts to help you close out your year wit...

Writing Fantasy, Part III: Whimsy, Chaos & Paradoxical Magic

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the final part of our Fantasy Subgenre Series, we explore the soft side of the genre: Cozy Fantasy, Slice-of-Life Fantasy, Eco-Fantasy, Children’...

Writing Fantasy, Part II: Dark Realms, Neon Cities & New Subgenres

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Part II of our Fantasy Subgenre Series, we explore the darker and more modern branches of fantasy: Dark Fantasy, Grimdark, Urban Fantasy, Contempor...

Writing Fantasy, Part I: Epic Worlds, High Realms & Grand-Scale Subgenres

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Part I of this three-episode Fantasy Subgenre Series, we dive into the grand-scale branches of fantasy: Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Sw...

Thankful for Genres (Clip Show #14)

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pour yourself something spiced and settle in as we revisit writing tips from this season’s genre deep dives.🛋️ The Biggest Mistake Writers Make...

Pick a Lane: The Key to Reaching the Right Readers

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If your book is “for everyone,” it’s actually for no one. In this sharp yet encouraging episode, we tackle one of the biggest hurdles for new au...

Memoir & Creative Nonfiction: Truth as Narrative

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your life is a story, but not every moment needs to be shared.  In this episode of Writing Break, we’re exploring memoir and creative nonfictio...

Writing Literary Fiction: Finding Truth in Everyday Life

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’ll unravel what “literary fiction” actually means, what readers expect when they open a literary novel, and how you, as a wr...

Writing Horror: Fear, Gore, and the Monsters Within

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just in time for Halloween, this episode explores the expectations and pitfalls of writing horror and how to write fear in any genre.🛋️ Overthink...

Writing Gothic Fiction: Where Beauty Meets Terror

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gothic fiction is where beauty meets terror. In this episode, we explore how to write Gothic stories that grip readers with atmosphere, ambiguity, and...

Writing Historical Fiction: Living in Another Time

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Good historical fiction makes the past feel as alive as the present. In this episode, we explore how to write immersive, character-driven stories that...

Writing Science Fiction: The “One Big Leap” and Beyond

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Science fiction bends natural laws with speculation grounded in possibility. In this episode, we explore the foundations of sci-fi storytelling. Plus:...

Writing Fantasy: Building Worlds That Breathe

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we journey into the realm of fantasy and uncover how to build worlds that feel alive without overwhelming your readers with exposition. Tun...

Writing Romance and 9 Lessons from a Debut Author

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’ll explore the chemistry, conflict, and tropes that make romance irresistible, plus hear nine hard-won lessons from debut author...

Writing Thrillers and Suspense: Raising the Stakes

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a thriller thrilling? In this episode of Writing Break, we discuss pacing, stakes, suspense, and more. We also look at what, if anything, B...

Writing Mystery: Planting Clues That Keep Readers Guessing

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 8 of Writing Break sets sail with mystery and detective fiction. From archetypal sleuths to red herrings and fair-play clues, learn how to craf...

The Complete Guide to Querying Literary Agents (Clip Show #13)

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode, we’re wrapping up Season 7 with a stitched-together master episode featuring all five segments from our Querying Literary Age...

What to Do While Waiting to Hear Back from Agents

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Querying literary agents and not hearing back can feel like shouting into the void. In this episode, recorded mid-recovery from a concussion (yes, rea...

Querying Literary Agents, Part 4: What Happens After You Hit Send

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the final installment of our four-part series on querying literary agents, we break down what to expect when a literary agent replies to your email...

Querying Literary Agents, Part 3: Writing Your Query Letter

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode of Writing Break, we’re dog-sitting, dodging deadlines, and diving deep into the dreaded query letter.🛋️ Overthinking Couc...

Querying Literary Agents, Part 2: Where the Lit Agents Are and How to Find Yours

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re (finally!) continuing our four-part series on querying literary agents. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, querying without d...

Querying Literary Agents, Part 1: Big Five Dreams or Indie Vibes?

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the first installment of a four-part series on querying literary agents. In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of publishing with a...

You Like Writing Tips? We Got Writing Tips (Clip Show #12)

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for a heavy dose of writing wisdom, clipped and curated from recent episodes. Whether you’re plotting, editing, procrastinating or just ...

High-Concept vs. Low-Concept Stories

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is your story high-concept or low-concept? Understanding this difference can help you refine your pitch, strengthen your storytelling, and position yo...

Navigating the Shifting Publishing Landscape

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The publishing world is shifting fast, and as writers, we need to keep up. In this episode, I dive into some of the biggest changes happening in the i...

The Reality of Traditional Publishing, a Cautionary Tale

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all dream of making it big with our writing, but what happens when that dream doesn’t unfold the way you expect? We’ll talk about how that drea...

Inspiration vs. Perspiration: Writing, Scams, and Creative Freedom

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we bring you the latest publishing news along with a discussion on finding a balance between inspiration and hard work. I'll let you ...

Chuck Palahniuk’s Controversial Writing Advice: Ditching Thought Verbs

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take a look at writing advice from Chuck Palahniuk. Can his approach to storytelling help you craft more immersive scenes, or is i...

Forget Notebooks: 5 Meaningful Gifts Writers Actually Need (Encore)

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for the perfect gift for the writer in your life? Forget notebooks and pens—this episode reveals five priceless gifts that every writer need...

9 Actionable Writing Tips from Bestselling Authors

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Publishing slows down significantly at the end of each year. So, don’t fret if your query letters remain unanswered this month. Today, we’re explo...

Second Draft Survival Guide: 8 Essential Steps for a Better Draft

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Your first draft is done! Now what? In this episode of Writing Break, we break down eight essential steps for revising your manuscript, regardless of ...

First Draft Survival Guide: Writing Tips to Get the Words Flowing

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is a lot of writing advice out there, but remember that not every piece of writing advice is first-draft writing advice. This episode of Writing...

The Power of Saying No: How to Prioritize Your Writing

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

National Novel Writing Month begins next week, which is why today’s episode is a pep talk of sorts. In this episode of Writing Break, we discuss how...

7 Literary Conflicts Explained (Clip Show #11)

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This season we’ve been covering seven types of literary conflicts, and I thought it might be useful for you to have a bonus episode that has all sev...

Character vs Destiny

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are wrapping up our seven-part series on literary conflicts with the final boss: Character vs Destiny.Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing ...

Character vs Technology

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As I record this, a hurricane is sideswiping my city, so if the power stays on, we’ll continue our literary conflict series and discuss, aptly enoug...

Character vs Supernatural

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Writing Break cafe is open, so let’s gather on the Overthinking Couch to discuss the literary conflict of Character vs Supernatural.Free Style S...

Character vs Society

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back. After last week’s discussion about character vs nature, I hope you managed to work some weather into your current work in progress. In...

Character vs Nature

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re discussing publishing news today, including what’s trending in books. We’re also talking about the fascinating literary conflict of charac...

Character vs Character

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The literary conflict of character versus character seems simple enough, right? Two characters are pitted against each other in some way. This clash c...

Character vs Self

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about the literary conflict known as character versus self. Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyb...

7 Types of Conflict in Literature

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whether or not you seek to avoid conflict in real life, avoiding conflict in your writing will make for a boring book. For the first half of this seas...

How I Beat Back Imposter Syndrome

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I discuss the new format for the show moving forward and how I talk myself out of having imposter syndrome.Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing Tips...

Straightforward Writing Tips (Clip Show #10)

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thank you to everyone who filled out the Listener Feedback Survey. I am in the process of reviewing and revising the show’s format accordingly, but ...

How to Write Better Than AI (Finale)

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are wrapping up our series on how to write better than AI and insisting on our cup of stars. Please remember to fill out the Writing Break su...

How to Write Better Than AI (Part 3 )

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We have a Listener Feedback Survey for you today in addition to our usual publishing news and writing tips. We appreciate you taking a minute to compl...

How to Write Better Than AI (Part 2)

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s break time, writers. We have a lot of publishing news to get through today, and we’re continuing with our four-part series on how to write be...

How to Write Better Than AI (Part 1 )

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Since the release of ChatGPT, the number of freelance writing jobs is shrinking. Can writers even compete? I hope so, which is why today we are beginn...

Innovations in Publishing and Selecting a Subtitle

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are looking at innovations in book publishing and discussing subtitles. The Writing Break cafe is open, and we have a lot of publishing news ...

Dramatic Irony in First-Person POV

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As an editor, my authors’ late-night, semi-coherent correspondence, choppy first drafts, and deepest darkest secrets die with me. However, today I a...

Writing Advice from Neil Gaiman

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are discussing book awards, book marketing, and the bit of writing advice Neil Gaiman gave out this week.Science fiction authors w...

Writing and Publishing Tips (Clip Show #9)

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in for wall-to-wall writing and publishing tips for authors.Start Here: How to Write a Book Proposal + Book Proposal Template | Jane FriedmanFree...

Writing a Good First Line

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the last episode we discussed what makes a good opening line in fiction, and in this episode we’re doing the same with nonfiction, some of which ...

3 Questions to Ask About Your Opening Line

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we begin a two-part series on writing memorable opening lines. Today we’re discussing fiction, and in the next episode we’ll be covering...

Authors Behaving Badly

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This final episode for 2023 is a short one but a juicy one. We are looking at corporations behaving badly, authors behaving badly, and readers behavin...

New Book Trends on Amazon

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this holiday episode I share new book trends on Amazon, new publishing awards, and the latest publishing news. First Year in Estonia Kindle Editio...

Examples of Foreshadowing

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are continuing our foreshadowing discussion today, and I might say something about genres that you will not like.Depot Café and Bookstore, Mill Va...

Foreshadowing Takes Finesse

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are beginning our discussion on foreshadowing today, in both fiction and nonfiction. Amazon Sues Publishing FraudstersThe 'Wall Street Journal' Dro...

Query Letters vs Book Proposals

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Halloween. In this episode, we’re talking about book proposals, how much writers make, and other such spooky things. The Ghost of Lilly Pilly ...

Publishing Tips for Authors (Clip Show #8)

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let's review some of this season's publishing tips.Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks:“More Jam Please” by...

What to Do While Marketing Your Book

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are catching up on quite a bit of publishing news, including the new Amazon upload limits and book category changes. I’m also sharing what ...

Free Audiobooks, Wholesale Discounts, and Amazon's New Policy on AI-Generated Books

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about what wholesale discounts mean for authors, free audiobooks from Spotify, Amazon’s new policy regarding AI-generated books...

What Makes a Good Editor?

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re talking about a predatory publisher. We’re also discussing the difference between a good editor, a great editor, and your i...

Build Your Publishing Team

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m taking my own advice, plus we’re working on building your publishing team. We’re also learning of a good reason to make sure your prin...

What Can Beta Readers Do For You?

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about new imprints, working with beta readers and editors, and hiding your expertise. Hiring - Editorial Freelancers AssociationM...

Increase Your Chances of Getting a Large Book Advance

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We will be talking about is your book’s BISAC categories, the average advance for nonfiction authors, and how to transition from being your book’s...

Are You a Plotter or a Pantser?

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about what happens after you've signed a contract with a publishing house. I'm also asking if you're a plotter or a pantser.Rahva ...

7 Tips for Landing a Literary Agent

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve talked this season, and since the inception of this show, about the challenges of landing a literary agent. Today I’m offering 7 practical a...

Uninterrupted Writing Tips (Clip Show #7)

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I hope you enjoy this bonus episode. Next week, we’re on summer break. Do something fun. The week after that, we’ll be continuing on with season 4...

Generative AI and Copyright Protection for Authors

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me on the Overthinking Couch in the Writing Break cafe for what I hope to be a useful overview of artificial intelligence in book publishing toda...

3 Hints That It’s Time to Stop Writing

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are California dreaming today. As usual, I’m bringing you the latest publishing news. Plus, I’m also sharing 3 ways to know that you are ready ...

Should You Self-Publish before Landing an Agent?

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The road to publishing is not as narrow as it used to be, and today we’re reviewing evidence of that, and we have publishing news to discuss, of cou...

Literary Agents and Bestselling Books

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have a lot of news to get through today, including insider information about what makes a bestseller, a review of Amazon KDP’s recent changes, an...

Is Hybrid Publishing Right for You?

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If traditional publishing and self-publishing don't feel quite right for you, this episode presents a third option: hybrid publishing. We also learn a...

Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The theme for this episode is thrillers. We are also discussing traditional publishing versus self-publishing. Which publishing model is the better ch...

5 Things Writers Need to Know but Don't Want to Hear

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode offers 5 tips for navigating today's publishing landscape. Also in this episode we are talking about writers on strike, men reading roman...

When and How to Start Marketing Your Book

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you’re self-published or traditionally published, you're expected to do a lot of your own marketing these days. When and how should an autho...

How Much Do Authors Actually Make?

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're kicking off Season 4 with one truth about publishing that serves as the best and worst part of being a writer. Plus, we're finding out who makes...