Your Mom Writes Books

Your Mom Talks Newsletters and Street Teams

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we discuss (AKA Charlie talks at Caitlyn) newsletters, ARC teams and street teams. A little bit of marketing 101 for trad and...

Your Mom Reuses Elements in a Series

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Was this recorded two months ago? Yes. Listen, life happens. ;)Today Caitlyn and Charlie discuss reusing elements in a series, such as the same climax...

Your Mom Dissects Why We Like "Bad" Books

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why is it that the most popular, well-loved books are also the most hated? Today Caitlyn and Charlie dig into why people criticize "bad" boo...

Your Mom Unabandons You

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

WE ARE BACK! Not weekly, but we're making an effort. So where have we been and what have we learned? Tune in to find out!Charlie's 25th nove...

Your Mom Rides Again (Penguin Random House Trial)

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're back for a quick hit commenting on the Penguin Random House trial! If you want more information, please click the links below!Novel Marketi...

Your Mom Chats Over Mullien Tea

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

SEASON FINALE! Charlie and a very raspy Caitlyn talk about querying first books in a series that can't stand alone, the submission process, theme...

Your Mom Talks to James L. Sutter

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While Charlie frolics through England, author James L. Sutter (Co-creator of Pathfinder) hops on the podcast to talk about his new novel, DARK HEARTS....

Your Mom Is a Podcast Gremlin

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

She's actually on vacation. Er, one of them is, but she took the podcast gremlin with her, so while no one is available to edit the podcast, Cait...

Your Mom Cooks Tension Casseroles

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

TENSION. Today Caitlyn and Charlie talk tension. How to build it, how to release it, how to layer it, and so on.Your Mom Writes Books will be on vaca...

Your Mom Burns Out

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Burn out. It happens to the best of us. So what do we do when we run out of wick?If you would like to donate to Your Mom Writes Books, please go to ch...

Your Mom Reads Her Edit Letters

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we share the major edits Spellbreaker (Charlie) and Soul of Smoke (Caitlyn) underwent after being accepted to publication, so be warned, there a...

Your Mom Is AI

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The release of Sudowrite has Caitlyn and Charlie discusses the future of computers and story.Links to tweets/sites referenced in this episode:https://...

Your Mom Is a Stalker

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What should you do when running into creepy people as an author? Should you use a pseudonym? When do you report unusual behavior at a convention? How ...

Your Mom Gets Choosy About Ideas

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you know which ideas to keep in a book, and which ideas to discard? Today Charlie and Caitlyn discuss reversals, outlining scenes, and perfecti...

Your Mom Chooses Between Hard and Soft Magic

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

So we've talked magic. We've talked hard magic, and we've talked soft magic. But how do you choose which one to put in your book? Thus ...

Your Mom Responds to the ALLi Survey

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today Caitlyn and Charlie review the recent author income survey run by ALLi (the Alliance of Independent Authors), which claims that indie authors&ap...

Your Mom Is Her Own Publicist

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Releasing a book? Want to get it in front of faces without breaking the bank? Today Charlie and Caitlyn chat methods to use to publicize yourself, fro...

Your Mom Watches Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Deep Dive)

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We watched the new Dungeons & Dragons movie! And we have thoughts!(Charlie also got a natural 1 on rolling for initiative for the end-of-episode p...

Your Mom Talks Folklore with Kristy S. Gilbert

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While Charlie is off not seeing whales, Caitlyn unravels the wonders of folklore with Kristy S. Gilbert, former editorial manager at Pegasus (Charlie&...

Your Mom Writes Books That Don't Suck

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Caitlyn and Charlie discuss the often easily fixable things that make then DNF* books. Because let's face it, if they talked about all the things...

Your Mom Writes Small Stories (in Large Worlds)

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week Charlie and Caitlyn discuss how to write stories that don't involve saving the world, while touching on how to escalate personal stakes...

Your Mom Auditions Her Characters

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you choose the best protagonist for your next project? Charlie and Caitlyn talk about choosing the right personality for a story and differenti...

Your Mom Revises Her First Draft

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Your book is drafted. Done. Great. Now what? Caitlyn and Charlie discuss options for diving into your first round of revisions. One of them doesn&apos...

Your Mom Researches

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All books need research, but where does one start? Join Charlie and Caitlyn as they talk primary vs secondary resources, juvenile nonfiction, and Chat...

Your Mom Is a Woman in Fiction

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Almost a part 2 to the "The Female Gaze and Fantasy" episode, Charlie and Caitlyn dive into the erasure of female characters over the age of...

Your Mom Writes Horror (With Nathan Drake)

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today Caitlyn and Charlie talk all things horror with someone who has much more experience in the genre than they do. What exactly IS horror, and how ...

Your Mom Can Story Anything

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to season 4! Today Charlie and Caitlyn plot a book using prompts from YOU. The dice choose the plot twists, and we have to make it work. Who a...

Your Mom Answers Questions (Part 5)

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Season 3 finale! Today we’re doing our Ask Me Anything, with questions from you! Among today’s topics are the cover-art process, whatever happened...

Your Mom Goes to Conferences & Conventions

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Conventions and conferences are great way to netwwork and hone your writing skills! What the difference between them? What should you bring? How do yo...

Your Mom Speculates Wildly

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year! Today Charlie and Caitlyn make assumptions about the publishing industry, where it's heading, and how it may (or may not) change....

Your Mom Writes the Beginning

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do we write a beginning? Where should the book start? Caitlyn and Charlie discuss beginnings after a long tangent on the British royal family (whi...

Your Mom Builds a Sandbox

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is "sandbox" worldbuilding, why is it captivating, and how do we create one? Charlie and Caitlyn dive into sandbox worldbuilding and th...

Your Mom's Favorite Things

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Not sure what to get the writer in your life? Caitlyn and Charlie go over a list of possibilities, from grandiose to humble. If you would like to don...

Your Mom Watches Falling for Christmas (Deep Dive)

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Caitlyn and Charlie share their thoughts on Lindsay Lohan's new "Hallmark"-style Christmas movie.If you would like to donate to Your Mo...

Your Mom Discusses Creators vs Fans

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A rant on a web comic leads us to ask, what do creators owe their fans, if anything? What if money is involved? Join Caitlyn and Charlie as they discu...

Your Mom Notes the Pros and Cons of Being an Author

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Authorship . . . the good, the bad, and the ugly. In truth, most things can fall into the good and the bad. Today Caitlyn and Charlie talk candidly ab...

Your Mom Also Likes This Character

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Now that Charlie has returned from the desert, we have part TWO of our likeable characters episode! We discuss secrets, wounds, and how to get the rea...

Your Mom Is a Dungeon Master

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While Charlie is off in Moab, Caitlyn meets with two Dungeons & Dragons game masters to discuss elements of story within the game that can be appl...

Your Mom Likes This Character

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Likeable characters part 1! We talk about what makes a character likeable, how to balance positive traits with negative traits, and using emotion to s...

Your Mom Writes Backwards

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how Charlie and Caitlyn plot novels backwards, weaving the threads for a successful ending all the way through to the beginning of a story. They...

Your Mom Does NaNoWriMo

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready for NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month? This week Caitlyn and Charlie share tips for hitting your NaNoWriMo goals, including how to...

Your Mom Gossips about Publishing

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today Charlie and Caitlyn discuss bestseller lists, Brandon Sanderson's kickstarter, the publishing merger, and the state of young adult publishi...

Your Mom Explains Story Math

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is story math? It's the "equation" used in plotting that lets savvy readers determine what's going to happen in a story. Toda...

Your Mom Talks Social Media Marketing with Kristin J. Dawson

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie chats with fantasy author and marketing guru Kristin J. Dawson about marketing, especially in the realm of social media. Learn the top four ma...

Your Mom Is Front and Back Matter

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie forces a mysterious male guest to join her as she discusses front and back matter: a la prefaces, forwards, dedications, acknowledgements, and...

Your Mom Reads Writing Group Horror Stories

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie mourns Caitlyn's lack of internet by sharing anonymous horror stories about critique partners, writing groups, and beta readers. She also...

Your Mom Is Charlie Reading Her Queries

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Caitlyn decided to uproot her family and move to Missouri, so today Charlie is solo and sharing her query letters/pitches from her past published nove...

Your Mom Writes Purple Prose

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This newfangled installment descants exaggerated composition! Or, in layman’s terms, Charlie and Caitlyn discuss “purple prose,” or the overwrit...

Your Mom Works Hard Enough

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week Caitlyn and Charlie discuss the work that goes into achieving one's publishing dreams, as well as the toxic positivity that can leak in...

Your Mom Gives You the Side-Eye

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Your Mom Writes Books is back and saltier than ever! Charlie and Caitlyn start off season three by  hot-taking terrible hot-takes we hear about in th...

Your Mom Has Opinions (The Female Gaze and Fantasy)

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this last episode of season 2, Charlie and Caitlyn talk about why they think so many adult women still read YA and what kinds of stories they would...

Your Mom Plots a Christmas Movie

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this holiday episode, Caitlyn and Charlie discuss cheesy Christmas romances and plot one of their own. They then lost the last part of Charlie&apos...

Your Mom Has Questions (Part 5)

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn answer a few more questions, including how they include foreshadowing, where they get their ideas for content, and how to differen...

Your Mom Watches Arcane (Deep Dive)

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about the amazing new Netflix series Arcane: League of Legends. This episode contains full-on SPOILERS, so if you haven'...

Your Mom Lost This Episode

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, due to technical difficulties and busy schedules, Caitlyn regrets to inform you that we don't have a full episode. However, she does g...

Your Mom Is Inspired: Video Games

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about finding inspiration for your writing from sources outside the book world. In this episode, they talk about what book wr...

Your Mom Has Abs (Tightening Sagging Middles)

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of those approaching the middle of NaNoWriMo, Charlie and Caitlyn discuss strategies to keep the middle of your story nice and tight! If you...

Your Mom Critiques Your First Chapter

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Caitlyn and Charlie read and critique two first chapters submitted by listeners! The entries are "Much Ado About Marriage" ...

Your Mom Gives Bad Advice (Discussing Common Writing Advice)

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Charlie and Caitlyn discuss the nuance in writing advice we've commonly seen declared good or bad. Including write what sells, s...

Your Moms Are an Ensemble Cast

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about writing large casts of characters, including team balance, inter-character dynamics, and what an ensemble cast can brin...

Your Mom Builds Worlds With Depth

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Caitlyn and Charlie talk about world building with depth and touch on how to create a world that feels lived-in.If you would like to ...

Your Mom Has Questions (Part 4)

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn answer more of your writing questions!If you would like to donate to Your Mom Writes Books, please go to charlienholmberg.com/podc...

Your Mom Rides Horses Again

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn (mostly Charlie, thanks to Caitlyn's bronchitis) pick Mikki's brain again about horses and things writers should know! T...

Your Mom Is Magic (Writing Magic Systems)

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn discuss how to create magic systems for your fantasy world and implement them effectively in your writing, ranging from an in-dept...

Your Mom Is a Side Character (Writing Side Characters)

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about side characters, what purposes they can serve within the story, and some of the best ones they've encountered.If y...

Your Mom Rereads Her Debut Novel

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn reread their debut novels and discuss what made them cringe, what they liked, and what they've learned.If you would like to d...

Your Mom Is Emotional (Writing Emotion)

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Charlie and Caitlyn talk about how to more effectively write emotion into your stories, as well as deal with Caitlyn's emotions ...

Your Mom Is a Disney Princess (Deep Dive)

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Feminism, representation, and fairy tales.If you would like to donate to Your Mom Writes Books, please go to charlienholmberg.com/podcast (or check ou...

Your Mom Makes Out (Writing Sexual Tension)

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about how to amp up your sexual tension and better ways to write kissing scenes.If you would like to donate to Your Mom Write...

Your Mom's Favorite Books

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn head down a rabbit hole of books they've loved and books that have shaped them.**We made a list, but it's too long for t...

Your Mom Drafts (Strategies to Increase Word Count)

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn get into the nitty-gritty of actually writing a book. In addition to the classic "butt in chair, hands on keyboard," we ...

Your Mom Is a Teen Writer (Advice for Teens)

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk to teens (and anyone else who needs some encouragement). We discuss about publishing young, our own high school experiences, ...

Your Mom Has Imaginary Friends (Character Creation)

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about character creation! We cover everything from foundation to background to quirks, all while overcoming Caitlyn's cl...

Your Mom Is Bad at This

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn share their weaknesses, read comments on old manuscripts, and delve into why they suck at certain things.If you would like to dona...

Mini Episode 2: The Rules of Writing (+Giveaway!)

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn name as many of "the rules" of writing as fast as they can and pass judgment on whether or not they're worth follow...

Mini Episode 1: 3 Quick & Dirty Tips for Cleaner Prose (+Giveaway!)

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our first mid-season mini-episode, Charlie and Caitlyn give you three quick and dirty tips for cleaner prose AND do a pretty cool giveaway. Winner ...

Your Mom Rides Horses (with Mikki Helmer)

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk to their much-name-dropped friend/amazing equestrian/podcast gremlin mascot Mikki about horses, riding, and what writers get ...

Your Mom Structures a Novel

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn tell you how to take all those ideas you've been brainstorming and turn them into an actual book.If you would like to donate ...

Your Mom Googled Writing (How to Learn Craft Online)

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about how we learned the craft of writing and discuss where and how you can learn, ranging from an MFA to things you find for...

Your Mom Watches Frozen (Deep Dive)

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn get annoyed at a children's movie but try to do it in a constructive manner.If you would like to donate to Your Mom Writes Bo...

Your Mom Has Questions (Part 3)

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn tackle more of your questions! In this episode we discuss titles, writing POV, strong prose, and discuss the idea of "strong&...

Your Mom Generates Ideas

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about where they get their story ideas and how you can generate your own!If you would like to donate to Your Mom Writes Books...

Your Mom Hates/Loves This

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On listener request, Charlie and Caitlyn talk about the things that make them HATE (or love) a book.Books we love:Burning Glass by Kathryn PurdieRadia...

Your Mom is Tricia Levenseller (Writing Villainous Characters)

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn hang out with the often-name dropped Tricia Levenseller, whose newest book, BLADE OF SECRETS, releases today (May 4th, 2021)! List...

Your Mom Brainstorms

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn discuss tips and tricks for brainstorming and then workshop some ideas to show how they go about it.If you would like to donate to...

Your Mom Is a Romantic Wall (Writing Romantic Tension)

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Charlie and Caitlyn discuss how to write the most delicious romantic and sexual tension.Books we mention in this episode:⁣⁣•𝘏...

That's What Your Mom Said (Writing Dialogue)

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

“What are we talking about today?” Caitlyn asked.⁣“Your mom.” Charlie whipped out a nail file and started on her manicure.⁣Caitlyn swatted...

Your Mom Writes Series (and Standalones)

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about standalones vs. series: the difference between writing them, how to plot them, and what to do if your publisher wants y...

Your Mom Queries

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn discuss querying! Hear a detailed overview of the entire querying process, learn how to write and format a query, and listen to us...

Your Mom Has Questions (Part 2)

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn answer more of your questions about writers on social media, working with publishers, and the writing process.If you would like to...

Your Mom Has a Spark (Creativity and Mental Health)

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn explore the idea of creative sparks. Big ones, small ones, what they do for our writing, and what they did when theirs burned out....

Your Mom Writes Immersive Settings

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn discuss how they write immersive settings! Learn how you can use setting to develop character, suck your readers into the action, ...

Your Mom Knows about the Intersection of Plot and Character Arc

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about the interconnectedness of plot and character arc and how you can use them together to create more organic, emotional, s...

Your Mom Names Characters

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk character names! How we come up with them, places you can find them, and ways to make them fit in your world.If you would lik...

Your Mom Has Questions (Part 1)

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn answer your questions about writing, publishing, and their books!If you would like to donate to Your Mom Writes Books, please go t...

Your Mom Has a Critique Partner

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Caitlyn and Charlie talk about critique partners: what they are, where to find them, and how they should behave.If you would like to donate to Your Mo...

Your Mom Makes Money Doing This

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Caitlyn and Charlie talk about how authors get paid and how you can make money as a fiction writer.If you would like to donate to Your Mom Writes Book...

Your Mom Has a Writing Process

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charlie and Caitlyn talk about the process of writing a book and how different that process can look from author to author.If you would like to donate...

Your Mom Writes Books

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Your Mom Writes Books! This is a conversational writing podcast where authors Charlie N. Holmberg and Caitlyn McFarland hang out and talk a...