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In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina look back on the impactful moments from Season Four. From tackling imposter syndrome to an insightful conversation with author Kristin Ashley, each episode is revisited to highlight the lessons and laughter shared. They also touch on popular discussions around resistance fiction, the elements of a bestseller, the mystery box concept, writing as a healing path, crafting complex villains, and debating digital book ownership. The season wrapped up with reflections on creative controversies and a deep dive into the storytelling brilliance of 'The Last of Us' Episode Three.

Tune in for a heartfelt season finale filled with gratitude, insights, and anticipation for the magic Season Five will bring.

00:00 Welcome to Write Out Loud Season 4 Finale
01:50 Reflecting on Imposter Syndrome
03:58 Highlight: Interview with Kristen Ashley
05:23 Exploring Belief and Resistance Fiction
05:34 The Mystery Box and Storytelling Techniques
06:36 Crafting Killer First Chapters with Susanna Strom
07:24 Villains We Love to Hate
07:44 Ownership Debate in Digital Books
09:26 Creativity and Controversy
09:50 The Last of Us: A Storytelling Masterpiece
10:54 Season 4 Wrap-Up and What's Next

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina delve into the unforgettable third episode of 'The Last of Us' titled 'A Long, Long Time.' They explore the emotionally charged storytelling and impactful performances that make this episode a standout. The discussion highlights Craig Mazin's brilliant writing, the deeply moving love story of Bill and Frank, and the significant turning point for characters Joel and Ellie.

The conversation also touches on details related to the creative process, character development, and the differences from the video game. With humor, insight, and a deep appreciation for the craft, this episode offers a comprehensive analysis of one of television's most poignant hours.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:38 Personal Reactions and Initial Impressions
02:39 Craig Mazin's Masterful Writing
04:10 The Impact of Bill and Frank's Story
05:47 Script Analysis and Key Scenes
07:41 Ellie and Joel's Journey
08:44 The Art of Screenwriting
16:59 Bill's Survivalist Approach
18:42 Discovering 'The Last of Us'
19:40 Differences Between the Game and the Show
20:14 Memorable Moments: The Strawberries
23:03 Frank's Illness and Its Impact
26:38 The Purpose of the Episode
31:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections
33:52 Wrapping Up the Discussion

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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Quick note: In case we don't make it clear enough, J.K. Rowling is a horrific person who has used her status and wealth to actively harm the trans community. This is not something we believe in nor stand for. If we made money from this podcast, we would donate proceeds from this episode to a charity. Since we don't, we will continue to advocate for the right for trans people to fully be themselves out and loud and proud.

In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina delve into the complicated relationship between art and its creator, using JK Rowling as a focal point. They explore the concept of controversial art, the responsibilities and consequences for writers who express personal views, and whether or not it's possible or even necessary to separate the artist from their work. The conversation touches on themes of hope, empathy, and the impact of storytelling on society, encouraging listeners to form their own opinions about the intersection of art and the artist's personal beliefs.

00:00 Introduction and Banter
01:27 The Fear of Controversial Topics in Writing
02:54 The Case of JK Rowling: Art vs. Artist
05:53 Personal Reflections on Harry Potter
09:43 The Role of Writers in Society
17:19 The Power of Fiction and Hope
20:58 Conclusion and Call to Action

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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If you haven't rated and reviewed the show, please take a moment to do so! It really helps us so much, and it's the easiest way for you to show us your love!

In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina dive into the complex world of digital content ownership and explore whether we truly own the digital books we purchase. Joined by eBook and publishing expert Kelly Peterson, they discuss the implications of licenses versus ownership, censorship concerns, and ways to safeguard your digital library.

The episode also delves into various platforms and retailers that offer eBooks for purchase and direct download, ensuring the longevity of the content you love. With insights into retail policies, author concerns, and cultural preservation, this conversation brings to light the often overlooked realities of digital book ownership.

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic
01:30 Meet Our Guest: Kelly Peterson
03:35 Understanding eBook Licensing
08:04 Amazon's Licensing Practices
10:17 Censorship Concerns and Digital Ownership
21:11 Practical Advice for Readers and Authors
23:38 Alternative eBook Sources

Alternative Sources

• Buy direct from the author
  • Vawn Cassidy
• Kobo - any DRM-free eBook
• Humble Bundle
• Gumroad
• Smashwords
• Publisher Websites
• Book Funnel

30:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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Take a moment to share the podcast with someone you love, like, or just think about from time to time. Leave us a review, too, will you please?

In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt and Christina dive deep into the art of creating compelling villains. They discuss the elements that make villains interesting, such as depth, motivation, and the ability to evoke both love and hate. Using examples from popular media, they distinguish between different types of villains and antagonists, including the mastermind, fallen hero, and the charming manipulator. They emphasize the importance of giving villains a personal narrative, making them believe they're the hero of their own story. By creating multi-dimensional characters, writers can elevate their stories and engage their audiences more effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter
01:23 Villains We Love to Hate
02:24 Complexity of Villains in Literature
03:48 Understanding Villains' Motivations
06:40 Villains in Popular Culture
10:11 Antagonists vs. Villains
13:56 Archetypes of Villains
16:17 Exploring the Fallen Hero Archetype
18:59 The Charming Manipulator
20:13 The System as a Villain
21:20 Crafting Sympathetic Villains
25:03 Villains as Heroes of Their Own Stories
28:41 Final Thoughts on Villainy

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt and Christina engage in a lively discussion interrupted by their excitement over the release of Scarlett Cole's new book, 'The Oath We Take' just released on March 27th!

They revisit a previous podcast episode featuring Scarlett Cole, a successful romance writer. Scarlett shares her journey of transitioning from a senior corporate executive to a full-time writer, and later balancing both careers to find fulfillment. The conversation covers Scarlett's strategic approach to writing and her willingness to pivot to different writing styles and genres. It also explores the importance of trusting one's intuition, marketing strategies, and the need to write what one loves. Scarlett speaks candidly about her latest release, 'The Loves We Lost,' and her experiences with self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Her insights into maintaining creative energy and strategic planning provide valuable lessons for aspiring writers.

00:00 Podcast Introduction and Unexpected Change of Plans
01:09 Discussing Scarlett Cole's New Book
01:48 Revisiting the Episode with Scarlett Cole
02:33 Introduction to Scarlett Cole
03:42 Scarlett's Writing Journey
05:19 The Great Pivot: Balancing Writing and Career
12:19 Exploring Different Writing Styles and Genres
16:17 Transition to Indie Publishing
19:15 Client's First Novel Experience
20:44 Success of the MC Series
22:14 Marketing Strategies and Branding
26:37 Balancing Writing with a Full-Time Job
30:30 Trusting Your Intuition
33:18 New Book Release: The Loves We Lost
35:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina explore the therapeutic benefits of writing as a means to process emotions, find closure, and achieve personal growth. They discuss how journaling, fiction writing, and memoirs can be tools for self-discovery and healing. Through touching anecdotes and real-life examples of individuals who have used writing to navigate life's challenges, the hosts illustrate how storytelling transcends mere entertainment, offering profound insights and resilience.

Tune in to discover how putting pen to paper can be a powerful act of courage and creativity, with transformative impacts on both writers and readers.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter
01:17 The Healing Power of Writing
02:03 Personal Stories and Examples
03:19 Techniques for Therapeutic Writing
06:49 Impact of Writing on Readers
12:45 Fiction as a Healing Tool
20:10 Encouragement to Create
22:02 Conclusion and Call to Action

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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Please share this episode with someone you know who loves romance novels, Susanna Strom, or both! Also, drop by and give us a rating and a review, would you please?

In this engaging episode of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt and Christina explore the essential elements of crafting a captivating first chapter. Joined by romance author Susanna Strom, they discuss the importance of 'show vs. tell' and share practical tips for grabbing readers' attention from the opening sentence.

Susanna highlights her experiences and techniques in creating suspenseful and immersive beginnings, including anecdotes from her own writing journey. The episode emphasizes the significance of the editing process and offers insights into different writing styles and strategies to hook readers right from the start.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:42 Special Guest: Susan Strom
02:04 The Art of the First Chapter
03:46 Show vs. Tell: A Writing Journey
06:19 Editing: The Key to a Great Story
08:36 Writing Techniques and Tips
21:27 Susanna Strom's Writing Process
26:39 Conclusion and Farewell

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

Support the show

Find out more at our website.