Writing as the Language of Emotions: Lindz McLeod on Storytelling, Empathy, and Our Shared Humanity

Send us Fan MailWhat if understanding your characters (and your readers) came down to something as simple as a cup of coffee? In this episode, I sit down with author, writing coach, and rule-breaking storyteller Lindz McLeod to explore writing voice, character motivation, and the iceberg principle that makes stories hauntingly unforgettable. Lindz shares the simple but revelatory "coffee question" that unlocks who your characters really are, why the stories that move us most are the ones brave enough to leave things unsaid, and how writing — no matter the genre — is ultimately the language of emotions that connects us to our shared humanity. Episode Highlights07:04 Romance, Motivation, and Self Love16:27 Voice Icebergs and Craft Ambition31:39 Building a Craft Anthology34:22 Icarus on a Farm41:28 Collaboration and Closing AdviceResources for this Episode: Practicing Radical Acceptance with Zebib AbrahamCinema Worms: Hokum and MichaelFinding Your Voice and Crafting Stories that Ignite the Soul with Sue William SilvermanGet Your Free Human Design Report Ditch Your Inner Critic Now Lindz’s Bio: Lindz McLeod (she/they) is a queer Scottish writer whose short work has been published by Apex, Catapult, DIVA, Nightmare, and many more. Her longer work includes the award-winning short story collection TURDUCKEN, as well as books including THE UNLIKELY PURSUIT OF MARY BENNET, THE MISEDUCATION OF CAROLINE BINGLEY, and craft anthology AN HONOUR AND A PRIVILEGE. Her work has been taught in schools and universities, turned into avant-garde opera and animation, and optioned for television. She is currently in her final year of a PhD in Creative Writing. You can find Lindz waxing lyrical about books, cats, and her film podcast, Cinema Worms, on Bluesky at @lindzmcleod, Instagram @lindz.mcleod, and examples of her work can be found on www.lindzmcleod.co.ukConnect with Lindz: Website: https://lindzmcleod.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindz.mcleod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindsey.mcleod.90Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website: https://lisacooperellison.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisacooperellison/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UColPDzpoQlVktIv7-f7ObRgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisacooperellison/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-cooper-ellison-b5483840/ Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.comBuilding Better Memoir Scenes: https://janefriedman.com/building-better-memoir-scenes-with-lisa-cooper-ellison/Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInProduced by Espresso Podcast Production