Writing Hacks & Red Flags: Fast Laps and Pit Lane Problems

This week we’re talking writing hacks ... the real ones, the unhinged ones, and the ones we’ve all been guilt-tripped into trying. We’re joined by Crystal Leigh, author of a sapphic Formula One romance, to break down which techniques actually help you write and which ones you can toss into the pit lane.From skipping scenes to screenwriting your entire draft, from character letters to emotional recall, we explore the habits that make the writing process deeper, messier, and surprisingly more joyful.In this episode:The myth of “write every day”Using big emotions to unlock creativityFreewriting and character letters that reveal hidden depthScreenwriting as a drafting toolEthical, intentional ways writers use AIWhy jumping around in your manuscript can break you out of a rutHow F1 story structure inspires Crystal’s writing processAbout Our GuestCrystal Leigh is a contemporary romance writer, Stanford Novel Writing Certificate candidate, and Romance Writers of the Rockies’ 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Her current project is a sapphic feminist Formula One romance (yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds).