The Writerly Bites Podcast
Self-Improvement
About
The podcast that gives you quick tips to make your writing and your writing life better.
Episodes
- 132: Let an unlikely hero have their day
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast discusses featuring unlikely heroes in stories. It includes a reading recommendation for TOKYO EXPRESS by Seicho Matsumoto.
- 131: Make it Personal
Writerly Bites Podcast episode 131 discusses making characters' problems personal within a story. The episode recommends the book THE COLONY by Annika Norlin.
- 130: Only Write it if You Love It
Episode 130 discusses the importance of remembering your passion for writing and the reasons behind it. A reading recommendation for THE TRANSIT OF VENUS by Shirley Hazzard is included.
- 129: Reconsider what Power Means
Episode 129 of The Writerly Bites Podcast encourages listeners to reconsider the meaning of power within their scenes. It includes a reading recommendation for "THE RED GROVE" by Tessa Fontaine.
- 128: Cut the first half of what you write
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast discusses a strategy for addressing a common writing issue. The episode also features a book recommendation for Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood.
- 127: Be a Detective for a Day
Writerly Bites Podcast episode 127 discusses applying detective skills to storytelling. The episode recommends the book THE TEN-YEAR AFFAIR by Erin Somers.
- 126: Trust Your Story Instincts
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast focuses on trusting your story instincts. The book recommendation for this week is A GUARDIAN AND A THIEF by Megha Majumdar.
- 125: Print Your Story Out Differently, and Something Magic Happens
This episode suggests printing your story differently to unlock potential magic. It also includes a reading recommendation for
- 124: Put Your Butt in the Chair
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast discusses the importance of perseverance through creative difficulties. It includes a book recommendation for HAMNET by Maggie O'Farrell.
- 123: Most Writers Write Past Their True Ending
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast discusses how many writers continue their stories beyond the natural conclusion. The episode recommends the book BOG QUEEN by Anna North.
- 122: Life will Disappoint You
The Writerly Bites Podcast episode 122 explores the theme that "life will disappoint you" in literature, as suggested by Lorrie Moore. Ann Y.K. Choi's book, ALL THINGS UNDER THE MOON, is recommended.
- 121: Everyone's Story is Complex
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast emphasizes that every individual's story is complex and warrants nuanced character portrayal in writing. The reading recommendation is "FOX" by Joyce Carol Oates.
- 121: Make everyone's story more complex
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast explores the complexity of all characters' stories, including those on the periphery. It suggests that even minor characters have their own lives and encourages writers to consider this depth. A r…
- 120: Imagine Yourself in the Room
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast focuses on imagining the most important room for your story's characters. It includes a reading recommendation for Antonio Munoz Molina's 'Your Steps on the Stairs'.
- 119: My Favorite Reads of 2025
In episode 119 of The Writerly Bites Podcast, the host shares their favorite books read in 2025 and asks listeners if they shared any of the same favorites.
- 118: Cut "I thought"
Episode 118 discusses narrative filtering and how to improve a story by cutting unnecessary elements. The episode recommends the book FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi.
- 117: Turn the Eye Outward
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast focuses on directing the narrator's attention outward to observe the surrounding world. It includes a reading recommendation for Philip Pullman's book, THE ROSE FIELD.
- 116: Cut One Weak Sentence from Every Paragraph
In this episode, the host encourages writers to improve their stories by removing the weakest sentence from every paragraph. The show also features a book recommendation for Heartwood by Amity Gaige.
- 115: Revive an Old Project
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast focuses on reviving old projects by reconnecting with their initial appeal. The book recommendation for this week is THE SAFEKEEP by Yael Van der Wouden.
- 114: Write from a Place of Compassion
Episode 114 of The Writerly Bites Podcast discusses how practicing compassion can lead to a deeper understanding of fictional characters. This episode includes a book recommendation for SWEET FURY by Sash Bischoff.
- 113: Make the Bad Guys Come Back
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast, titled "113: Make the Bad Guys Come Back," discusses the technique of reintroducing antagonists into a story. It includes a book recommendation for "LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS" by Laura Ingall…
- 112: Re-connect with Your Writing
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast returns to discuss strategies for reconnecting with your writing when life or time constraints have caused a separation from your work.
- 111: Write about What Was Going on in School
Episode 111 of The Writerly Bites Podcast encourages listeners to write about their school experiences, focusing on rediscovering memories and past discoveries. The episode recommends the book ORBITAL by Samantha Harvey.
- 110: What Wakes You in the Night?
Episode 110 of The Writerly Bites Podcast, "What Wakes You in the Night?", advises writers to confront challenging topics. The episode recommends the book BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2024.
- 109: Make an Index Card Wall
Writerly Bites Podcast episode 109 discusses the index card wall technique for rediscovering and planning the completion of a novel. The episode recommends THE HEAVEN AND EARTH GROCERY STORE by James McBride.
- 108: Send a Friend Your Story
Episode 108 of The Writerly Bites Podcast encourages listeners to send a draft to a friend for feedback. The episode recommends the book ELEVEN HUSKIES by Philip Schott.
- 107: Go on a Retreat
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast focuses on planning and creating a personal writing retreat. It offers tips and reflections on establishing dedicated writing time. The recommended reading is "THE COMEDIANS" by Graham Greene.
- 106: Have Your Character Tell a Story
Episode 106 of The Writerly Bites Podcast explores a technique where characters tell stories about themselves to reveal their inner thoughts. This episode recommends the book REAL AMERICANS by Rachel Khong.
- 105: Find the Person Who Will Hold You Accountable
Writerly Bites Podcast episode 105 discusses finding an accountability partner to help achieve writing goals. The episode recommends the book 'Wandering Stars' by Tommy Orange.
- 104: My Favorite Reads of 2024
The Writerly Bites Podcast episode 104 features the host discussing their favorite books read in 2024.
- 103: Don't Forget to Write
In this episode of Writerly Bites Podcast, the host encourages listeners not to let the holiday season disrupt their writing. A reading recommendation for Tana French's THE HUNTER is also provided.
- 102: Spark Joy with Your Writing
Episode 102 of The Writerly Bites Podcast discusses finding joy in writing and recommends the book BEAR by Julia Phillips.
- 101: Trace the Threads of Your Story
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast focuses on identifying and connecting the narrative threads within your story. It also features a recommendation for the book NORTH WOODS by Daniel Mason.
- 100: Begin Again
The Writerly Bites Podcast is back with weekly tips to improve your writing life, starting with the theme of beginning again. A reading recommendation is provided for THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore.
- 99: Have One Character Tell the Truth and One Character Tell Lies
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast explores using a truth-teller/liar riddle to create conflict. It also recommends the book "THE GUEST" by Emma Cline.
- 98: Try Second Person
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast discusses the use of second person perspective in storytelling, highlighting its potential to revitalize narratives.
- 97: Watch Out for Third Person
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast explores the dangers associated with the third-person perspective, cautioning that tools providing power and control should be viewed with suspicion.
- 96: Try Third Person
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast focuses on the power, beauty, and control associated with writing in the third person. It also recommends the book Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.
- 95: Watch Out for First Person
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast focuses on the dangers of first-person perspective in writing, as part of a mini-series on point of view.
- 94: Re-think Point of View
Episode 94 of The Writerly Bites Podcast starts a series focused on selecting the appropriate point of view for a story. The host encourages listeners to leave reviews on Apple Podcasts.
- 93: Interview with Rachel Cantor
This episode features an interview with novelist Rachel Cantor, author of "Half-Life of a Stolen Sister," "Good on Paper," and "A Highly Unlikely Scenario." Cantor shares details about her published stories and her current work on middle g…
- 92: My novel, MINOR PROPHETS, is now available
Episode 92 features the first page reading of the novel MINOR PROPHETS and includes a writing tip. The podcast plans to return weekly.
- 91: My Favorite Reads of 2022
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast, the last of 2022, features the host sharing their favorite books read during the year. The host wishes listeners happy holidays and announces a break until the new year.
- 90: The Magic of Showing Up
In this episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast, the host returns from a hiatus to discuss the significance of consistently showing up for oneself and one's writing endeavors. A book recommendation for BLISS MONTAGE by Ling Ma is also includ…
- 89: No Place Like Home
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast discusses the fraught feelings and complex associations connected to the concept of home. It includes a book recommendation for CITY OF INCURABLE WOMEN by Maud Casey.
- 88: Tell a Ghost Story
This episode discusses what makes ghost stories effective, particularly in a Halloween context. It also explores how elements of ghost stories can enhance non-ghost narratives and recommends the book THE LITTLE STRANGER by Sarah Waters.
- 87: Tell a Story Backwards
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast explores creative ways to use time in storytelling, even in traditional narratives. It encourages listeners to experiment with temporal techniques and recommends the book VERY COLD PEOPLE by Sarah…
- 86: Break Your Story's Form
This episode of The Writerly Bites Podcast, titled 'Break Your Story's Form,' encourages listeners to experiment with and break the conventional rules of story structure and form.
- 85: Make a New Pair
Episode 85, "Make a New Pair," of The Writerly Bites Podcast discusses creating unexpected word pairings. The episode recommends the book INTIMACIES by Katie Kitamura.
- 85: Make a New Pair
The Writerly Bites Podcast episode 'Make a New Pair' encourages listeners to combine unassociated concepts. The episode recommends the book INTIMACIES by Katie Kitamura.