Write Your Heart Out

In this episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla Ogden and Rachel Cyr dive into a lively, spoiler-light discussion of Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash—a sharp, darkly funny debut novel that blends family drama, literary fiction, and thriller elements. From open marriages and rebellious daughters to conspiracy theories, billionaire villains, and unexpected found family, this episode explores what makes Lost Lambs such a standout modern novel—and why readers are calling it one of the most voice-driven books of the year.Kayla and Rachel break down: The unique narrative voice and character development in Lost Lambs Why the book feels both literary and wildly entertaining The balance between dark themes (like human trafficking and conspiracy culture) and humor  How Madeline Cash pushes back against autobiographical fiction trends  The concept of “compersion vs. jealousy” in the writing world Plus, they chat about: The rise of book-to-screen adaptations (including Verity by Colleen Hoover)  Why some bestselling authors succeed through emotional resonance over prose style A quick recommendation of Margot’s Got Money Troubles (and why the audiobook is worth it) Whether you're a writer looking to sharpen your voice, a reader searching for your next book club pick, or someone curious about how novels translate to screen—this episode is packed with insight, humor, and honest takes on today’s literary landscape.Buy MJ's Book! Writtenbymj.com🎧 Perfect for fans of: literary fiction podcasts, book club discussions, writing craft, debut novels, dark humor books, family saga stories, Colleen Hoover discourse, and author interviewsPlease subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

In this heavy yet gripping episode, Kayla and Rachel record from the closet amidst a backdrop of global tension and personal transitions. The duo navigates the "dark energy" of the world by leaning into the stories sent in by their listeners—specifically, two chilling tales of horror that mirror the unsettling atmosphere of the week.In This Episode, We Discuss:A Father’s Perspective on Voice: Rachel reads a thoughtful email from her dad, Dave, who offers a structured and spiritual take on what "voice" means in storytelling—defining it as the different paths multiple characters take toward a single, predetermined destination.Viral by Dan Surber: Kayla reads part one of a meta-horror story involving a "golden boy" university student, a Ring doorbell camera, and a terrifying home invasion. The girls break down the tension-building techniques, the surprise twist, and the mechanics of writing a convincing slasher.Slam, Shatter, Scream by Justin Webb: Rachel reads the first half of a supernatural horror story from a London-based author. The story follows Nicole, an atheist who finds herself spiraling into fear as strange noises disrupt the silence of her apartment—and her increasingly strained marriage.The Nuance of Dialogue: A look at how Justin Webb uses realistic, frustrating marital dialogue to build tension without relying on explicit tone descriptors.The "Darling" Debate: Rachel and Kayla discuss the balance between rich character backstory and the fast-paced requirements of a short story.Featured Stories:"Viral" by Dan Surbur (Part 1)"Slam, Shatter, Scream" by Justin Webb (Part 1)Stay Tuned: We’re leaving you on a cliffhanger! Join us next time for Part 2 of both stories, along with a special reading by Janine Inez and a deep dive into Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash.Connect with Us: Have a story you want us to read? Send us an email! We love hearing from you and—as Kayla guarantees—we can tell the difference between your talent and an AI."We can't step into the same river twice because the river keeps on moving. So either the river has changed, or you have changed."Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

In this episode, Kayla returns from the San Francisco Writers Conference with a lot more than just a fancy hotel receipt. While the "volunteer-to-pitch" lifestyle had its quirks, it led to some major new connections—including the "New Andy" and the brilliantly creative Dr. Janine Inez.But the real heart of the conversation is the 18-page deep dive Kayla received from Cornerstones US. Kayla and Rachel break down the "brutally helpful" feedback on her manuscript, Pillow Forts Down, covering:The Death of the Info-Dump: Why your prologue might be doing too much heavy lifting and how to weave backstory into the action.Deepening the "Why": Moving beyond shock value to explore the emotional core of a character’s hypersexuality.The Big Reveal: Why Fiona McLaren (shoutout to Fiona!) officially categorized the novel as Book Club Fiction and what that means for the road to publishing.Style vs. Substance: Navigating the tricky waters of ethereal death scenes and passive character reveals.We also share a sobering and heartfelt update on Fiona’s current situation in Cyprus, and talk about the actual costs (and massive value) of hiring a top-tier literary consultant.Next time: We’re diving into story time or a look at Madeline Cash’s Lost Lambs. Read along with us!Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

What happens when the thrill of drafting collides with the slog of revision? We open the door on a month of messy pages, tempting new ideas, and the uneasy question: hobby or publication. Kayla makes the case for hiring a developmental editor early, sharing how professional notes outpaced even the best beta reads and saved months of wheel‑spinning. Rachel weighs the cost, the goal, and the head noise of a manuscript with promise. Along the way we look at how to study the market without losing your voice—mining Publishers Weekly deal announcements for clean, high‑signal hooks that reveal how agents position novels.Then we get hands‑on with a craft exercise from The Lab. Kayla reads a sharp scene twice—first through Corinne, a grieving newcomer who wants to vanish, then through Vernon, a too‑friendly neighbor convinced his charm is a favor. Same sidewalk, totally different worlds. The contrast shows how voice isn’t just point of view; it’s diction, cadence, and what a character can’t help noticing. Rachel follows with three versions of a pivotal moment from Dinner For Eight, including a chilling original from Kyle’s perspective that brushes right up against love bombing. We pull apart how language encodes power, how manipulation performs as tenderness, and why a sentence’s rhythm can tilt a scene’s ethics.We close with reading fuel: Madeline Cash’s Lost Lambs has Kayla dazzled and rattled in the best way. That jolt—envy meeting awe—can expand our range if we chase what the sentences actually do. Help us out: define “voice” in a single, useful sentence and send an example that changed your writing brain. If you’re revising, drafting, or debating whether to hire help, this one offers practical tools, a few laughs, and a nudge to choose your goal on purpose.If this conversation moved you, tap follow, rate the show, and drop a quick review. Share the episode with a writer who’s stuck in edits and tell us: what’s your clearest sign a scene truly has voice?Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

In this STORYTIME episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel dive into the mailbag to read and critique work from two listeners they’ve never met! The duo travels from the eerie, rain-soaked landscapes of Ireland to the literal depths of the afterlife, finally landing under the vast, star-filled skies of the Atlantic.In this episode, we explore:"Pink Rotary Telephone" by Barry Malone: A chilling horror story about a piece of obsolete technology that rings with a message no one wants to answer. Kayla and Rachel discuss the trauma of the past and the "likability" of a protagonist caught in a supernatural cycle."Debtor’s Prison" by Chris Ritchey: A high-concept look at the afterlife where "scaring" is a quota-based job. The hosts unpack the mystery of a man tasked with haunting the woman he loves most."Juliet" by Chris Ritchey: A shift into the literary genre with a moving piece of historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of the 1986 Challenger disaster, this story follows a young boy’s journey from the depths of depression to a soul-saving sailing trip with his father.Plus, Kayla shares some exciting personal news—she just received her developmental edit letter for her novel, Pillow Forts Down, from Cornerstones Literary Consultancy! She gives us a sneak peek into the feedback from her editor in Cyprus and discusses the "show, don't tell" struggle every writer knows all too well.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

We are officially relevant.In this episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel dive into Jeanette McCurdy’s debut novel Half His Age, the much-anticipated follow-up to her memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died. We unpack the controversial age-gap dynamic, the power shifts between predator and prey, and how McCurdy flips the traditional narrative by centering the teenage girl’s desire.Is the novel really about the relationship — or is it about worth, longing, addiction, and the hunger to be seen?We discuss:How McCurdy’s memoir informs (or doesn’t inform) the fictionThe moral tension of writing and consuming uncomfortable storiesThe brilliance of voice in Waldo, Mr. Corgi, and Waldo’s motherA perfect “Save the Cat” theme-stated momentWhether the audiobook narration enhances or distractsAnd yes… the scene everyone will be talking aboutPlus, we rate it (7 vs. 9 👀), debate craft choices, and ask: how fearless do you have to be to write like this?Next up: Storytime with Chris Ritchie and a voice-switching writing challenge.If you’ve read Half His Age, we want to hear your thoughts.Write your heart out.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

In this craft-focused episode of Write Your Heart Out, hosts Kayla Ogden and Rachel Cyr tackle one of the biggest questions in creative writing: what is voice? From author voice to narrator voice to character voice, they break down how voice shows up on the page—and how to strengthen it through sentence variety, rhythm, and intentional POV choices (especially in first-person).They also recap their first in-person Write Your Heart Out writers group in San Mateo, reflect on the learning curve of writing a debut novel vs. a new work-in-progress, and share why writers are readers (and how reading fuels better writing). Along the way, they reference insights inspired by Mary Karr and Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead, plus a practical exercise: rewrite a paragraph in a completely different voice to discover new possibilities in your style.If you’re looking for writing advice on voice, first-person narration, sentence flow, and building confidence as a writer, this episode is for you.Submit your work for a future Storytime episode at writeyourheartoutpod.com.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

My Hero Academia fanfic meets Write Your Heart Out storytime! In this first episode of 2026, Kayla and Rachel reflect on how their definition of “success” has shifted—from big, flashy milestones to the small, meaningful moments that truly matter. They talk about flu season, waiting on editorial feedback, writers’ group nerves, and late-night classes (three hours?!).Then, things get emotional as they read and discuss a fanfiction tribute submitted by listener Nova, honoring a friend named Lily through the world of My Hero Academia. The episode dives into grief, creativity, sensory detail in writing, and how storytelling can become a way to remember, heal, and connect.A thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt start to the new year—plus another reminder that every story, no matter how small, deserves to be heard.Read Where Lilies Bloom on Quotev.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

In our final episode of the year, we reflect on how Write Your Heart Out began (yes, including the lucky underwear lore) before diving into a sharp craft conversation inspired by Rebecca Makkai’s essay on why novels shouldn’t be written like movies. We unpack what film gets wrong about fiction, from “show, don’t tell” to interiority, structure, and setting. We talk about how to use the tools only the page can offer. Plus, a Storytime submission update and news about our new in-person writers group. Happy New Year! Make sure to check out Rebecca's substack! https://rebeccamakkai.substack.com/Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

In this wide-ranging, candid episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel talk about creative resistance, privilege in publishing, and what it really takes to get a book across the finish line. Kayla shares a hopeful, behind-the-scenes story about reaching out for developmental editing support—and the complicated feelings that come with having access to resources not everyone can afford—while Rachel celebrates a new literary journal publication.The conversation then turns sharp and unfiltered as the hosts dive into a deep critique of Louis C.K.’s debut novel Ingram. They unpack questions of power, accountability, and whether it’s possible—or ethical—to engage with art made by deeply flawed people. From clunky prose and muddled world-building to moments of genuine potential, Kayla and Rachel break down what works, what doesn’t, and why calling something “literary fiction” doesn’t make it so.As always, this episode blends craft talk, cultural critique, humor, and honesty—plus a reminder that writing is hard, finishing is harder, and sometimes the best thing you can do is keep asking better questions.If you’re listening, don’t forget to rate, review, and let us know you’re out there. Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

Ever cried reading your own poem on mic? Rachel did. And Kayla cried too, because friendship.And then Jessie Wingate blew our minds with The Beholden. And THEN Kayla read the full #VanLife you’ve all been asking for... wink wink... okay, maybe only Reka. This description isn't A.I. Okay it was only partly written by ChatGPT. I came up with the wink wink thing... I know... pretty good. The first sentence is obviously A.I. lol (Kayla)Send us your own poems and stories at writeyourheartoutpod.com or on Reddit. We’d love to feature your work next.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

On a rainy night Kayla and Rachel brought clipboard to the movie theater to watch Bugonia (2025).Now they’re breaking down this absurdist black-comedy thriller beat by beat. Is there any chance that Yorgos Lanthimos’s newest film follows the Save the Cat structure, or are we just trying to shove a genre-bending film into a litterbox?We talk about opening and final images (cutest bee ever), themes, midpoints, Dark Night of the Soul moments, and that finale we absolutely did not see coming. We had no idea what the Emma Stone character was. Along the way, we share Kayla’s big writing news, debate conspiracy theories, talk about why celebrities can feel “otherworldly,” and fully spiral about the crocheted alien costumes that deserve their own Oscar category.This one is for writers, film geeks, and anyone who just likes listening to two friends who are excited about Jesse Plemons.Watch Bugonia first because we literally tell you everything. Spoiler alert.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

We’re back—and now bi-weekly! Kayla and Rachel dive into the messy middle of revisions: what developmental editing actually looks like, why you should delay line edits, and how to plant undercurrents so readers guess the twist two beats before you reveal it. Rachel talks through changing her killer (and giving everyone a motive) in her one-night “Dinner for Eight” mystery—plus why a simple house map might save your pacing. Kayla shares hard-won lessons about cutting travel filler, building Lani’s agency, and getting a lifesaving line edit from friend-editor Angie. We also play with Enneagram-informed character work (Type One vs. Type Four rebellion), celebrate a 40th birthday murder-mystery party, and invite your pieces for our upcoming Storytime episode. Submit short fiction or poems (text or audio) to [email protected] subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

It’s a craft special! We kick off with Elizabeth Gilbert’s latest (yes, the hairdresser, the church, the drugs—what is even happening), then dive into the good stuff: how to build believable, unforgettable characters using the Enneagram. Rachel walks us through types, wings, stress/safety arrows, and why intention > vibes, while Kayla talks “thisness,” denial as a human engine, and how appearance can serve plot (hi, Lani). We compare detailed character bibles vs. trusting your brain, debate how much “looks” to include, touch representation + writing to market, and share a wicked prompt: take a free Enneagram test as your character—especially your protag and your monster-in-the-house.In this episodeA spicy, spoiler-lite chat about Liz Gilbert’s new memoir and why readers love messy truthEnneagram 101 for writers: the 9 types, wings, stress/safety moves—fast and practicalUsing type arcs (unhealthy → healthy) as a built-in character transformationBackstory, “funny hat” details, and the “thisness” that makes scenes feel realCharacter dossiers vs. discovery writing (and how not to contradict yourself)Trends, MSWLs, and the trap of writing to marketA short-story spark from Kayla you won’t forget (turquoise glitter… say no more)Try thisTake an Enneagram quiz as your protagonist and antagonist, then outline three moments where their type drives a surprising choice.We’re bi-weekly now—see you in two weeks. Say hi: writeyourheartoutpod.com • IG: @writeyourheartpod • Reddit: r/writeyourheartpod If you enjoyed this one, a quick 5-star rating or review seriously helps!Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

In this solo mini-episode of Write Your Heart Out, host Kayla Ogden dives headfirst into the lyrical feud—or maybe flirtation?—between pop titans Taylor Swift and Charli XCX. With Taylor’s The Life of a Showgirl and Charli’s Brat still dominating playlists, Kayla unpacks the songs that set off a thousand think-pieces: “Actually Romantic” and “Sympathy Is a Knife.”She breaks down the verses, tone, and writing style of each, tracing the messy, fascinating overlap of art, ego, and emotional honesty. Is Taylor’s diss playful or petty? Is Charli’s spiral self-aware or self-sabotaging? Kayla compares their craft—not just their conflict—and explores how two brilliant lyricists can write from the same moment in completely different emotional keys.Whether you’re a Swiftie, a Brat, or just a writer obsessed with subtext, this episode is for you.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

Kayla and Rachel host a reader-submitted showcase featuring three luminous poems by Blair Vischer—“Easy Dark,” “Halfway Heroes,” and “Salt”—plus Rachel’s one-hour continuation of her “Enemies to Lovers” work-in-progress, a moody, Poe-tinted short piece by Dave Richanbach that riffs on “more weight” and the Salem trials, and MJ’s aching new poem “Strangers,” a call-and-response to Scott Gibson’s piece from last week. Along the way, we talk rejection resilience (hi, Novelry shortlist), why humor sometimes masks sadness, and how we’re inviting listeners to share their work via email ([email protected]) or our new Reddit community (@WriteYourHeartOutPod) for future Storytime episodes. Next up: character development deep-dive—yes, with Enneagram tricks writers can steal.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

This week we go full craft-nerd. Kayla shares how adding interiority (yes, telling!) is transforming Pillow Forts Down, and we break down the long-misunderstood “show, don’t tell” rule—from Chekhov to Hemingway’s iceberg theory—and land on a modern balance: show and tell. We walk through quick edit tools (for every scene: desire, fear, misbelief), why character expectations create delicious reversals, and how to build emotional dynamic change in scenes (with detours through Little Women adaptations, Friends, and a murderous “Gertrude” example).Rachel celebrates an Honorable Mention from Reader’s Digest for “Extra Scoop of Revenge,” we read our Two Sentences entries, and Kayla talks printing the manuscript and aiming at Book Pipeline. Next week: Storytime (Scott & MJ’s “switcheroo” poems + Blair’s pieces).Send us your short fiction or poems to be featured—and please rate, review, and, as the YouTubers say, smash that subscribe button.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

This week we’re back with a Storytime episode! Kayla shares a whirlwind night at a Mountain View writers group (hello, kindred spirits), then we dive into short pieces we wrote in under 2 hours.We’re also featuring two terrific listener pieces:“Fairytale in Bangkok” by Scott Gibson — a tender, whiskey-soaked poem about young love. Scott is currently working on a documentary where he interviews the longstanding, bona fide punk artists of Indonesia. “Elon” by MJ — a sharp, slam-poetry critique.Stick around as we set goals and swap contest plans.This week we’re back with a Storytime episode—vulnerable, messy, and so much fun. Kayla shares a whirlwind night at a Mountain View writers group (hello, kindred spirits), then we dive into fresh, two-hour, barely-edited short pieces sparked by Instagram prompt threads (enemies-to-lovers, angry confessions, and injury/sickness lines like “Get behind me” and “Tell me where it hurts”). Expect AI dread, cheeky gallows humor, and a very smirky maybe-hero named Jared.We’re also featuring two terrific listener pieces:“Fairytale in Bangkok” by Scott Gibson — a tender, whiskey-soaked poem about love, visas, and the kind of dancing that ignores dignity and keeps going.“Elon” by MJ — a sharp, slam-poetry critique that rockets from Teslas to Mars with wit to spare.Stick around as we set goals and swap contest plans:Got something for the next Storytime? Send audio or text to [email protected] (we can read for you if you’d like!). Follow us on IG @writeyourheartoutpod and, pretty please, drop a 5-star review so more writers can find us.Enjoy, and send us your stories + poems for a future read!Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

A Challenge to Listeners!We're going to spend two hours or less drafting something new. We want you to do it too! Send us your fast writing at [email protected] with the subject line: Two Hour Story and we'll read it on the next storytime episode! That means you, David. These are the prompts (via Writer Threads) that can inspire your new work:Enemies to Lovers:1. Bold of you to assume that I'd care.2. You're hurt? Why are you always hurt?3. Get behind me.Angry Confession:4. Trust me, I am also trying to understand how in the shit this happened.5. Tell me how I'm supposed to unlove you, then. Tell me. Spare me.6. "Since when did you ever care about me?""Since fucking forever you idiotic dunce."Sickness or Injury:7. Tell me where it hurts.8. Can you carry me?9. Why didn't you tell me it hurt so bad? This week on Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel pick up where their AI debate left off—spiraling from apocalyptic predictions about tech to the timeless question: why do we write at all? From Steven Pressfield’s wisdom about creating art even on a deserted island to the very real resistance of reorganizing your medicine cabinet instead of writing, the conversation swings between hilarious tangents and raw honesty about staying creative when life gets messy.The duo also dive into upcoming writing contests (Book Pipeline Unpublished, the John Steinbeck Award, Driftwood Press, and Writes of November’s two-sentence challenge) and challenge themselves—and listeners—to draft something new under a two-hour time limit for their next Storytime episode. Plus: murder-mystery birthday parties, navigating writer’s groups with your kid’s teacher, and the eternal sausage metaphor for publishing.If you’ve ever felt bogged down, distracted, or just plain stuck in your writing life, this episode will leave you laughing, nodding, and maybe even pulling out your label maker before you get back to the page.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

As promised, we take out our hoops and smear vaseline on our cheeks to battle. Kayla is pro ChatGPT in helping her. Rachel thinks it's cheating. Rachel is scared of ChatGPT. Kayla is scared of dolls coming to life and taunting her. Who will be victorious?(ChatGPT refused to help me with this description! Seriously. I think it's hurt. - Kayla)Trigger warnings: SuicideAlso scary A.I. stories, tipsy banter and irreverencePlease subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

After a summer hiatus, Kayla and Rachel are back—and ready to get into a new writing flow. Rachel shares her progress on Dinner for Eight, including how she’s realizing her protagonist’s marriage needs more depth (or maybe more dysfunction). Kayla talks about experimenting with feeding her dystopian novel The Woman Tree into ChatGPT for a Save the Cat breakdown—only to discover some hilariously creepy “cry triggers” involving underwear drawers and divorce letters.The two dive into craft with insights from James A. Hurst’s YouTube channel, exploring the ideas of “the hero’s gift” and “the unity of opposites,” and how these concepts can deepen both conflict and character. They also swap stories about questionable teenage fashion choices, brainstorm writing groups they might join, and get interrupted mid-recording by breaking news about Taylor Swift.It’s a mix of craft talk, laughter, and candid writing-life updates—plus a teaser for next week’s episode, where Kayla and Rachel face off in their own “unity of opposites”: Kayla’s growing appreciation for AI tools vs. Rachel’s anti-AI stance. Will it end in conflict…or clarity?Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

After a little summer hiatus (camping, in-laws, a spiral-bound manuscript from FedEx…), Kayla and Rachel are back in the podcast saddle and diving deep into the storytelling structure that screenwriters love and novelists love to hate: Save the Cat.Rachel reveals she finished a whole-ass book (?!), and together they break down Blake Snyder’s iconic 15-beat “beat sheet” and genre system—using Dinner for Eight and The Woman Tree (working title) to show how the structure can help shape a novel without crushing your muse.Along the way, we tackle:Whether all the women or all the men should die in a dystopian future (whoops, we go there),That weird masculine energy in the culture right now 👀,The ex that might actually be the monster in your house (literally or emotionally),And our shared rage at the YouTuber who said “Why Female Authors Don’t Matter” (no, we won’t link it).There's also some spicy talk about ghosts, sperm vials, and Judd Apatow movies. Plus: why your protagonist's breakdown in the shower might just be their “Dark Night of the Soul.”This one’s juicy. And crinkly. (Sorry, Rachel’s mic did a thing.)🕯️✨ Writers, readers, and story nerds — if you’ve ever wondered whether Save the Cat is helpful or heinous, this one’s for you.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

This week, we attend a virtual "lunch and learn" hosted by the Women’s National Book Association and featuring legendary San Francisco literary agent Andy Ross—and yes, we actually lunched. While the rest of the Zoom played it cool, we munched focaccia and dished about querying, rejection, and whether you can ever send your manuscript to another agent at the same agency (spoiler: the answer was… confusing).We share the best and weirdest advice from the talk (a query letter in Q&A format?!), plus our own rollercoaster querying journeys, writing struggles, and revelations about the mysterious link between ovulation and sex scenes. Also: Rachel’s murder mystery needs envelope edits, Kayla’s muse is on a juice cleanse, and we’re officially accepting listener submissions for our upcoming Story Time episodes! (2,000 words max, spice welcome but no human centipede horror, please and thank you.)Books mentioned:Save the Cat! by Blake SnyderWriting Fiction by Janet BurrowayA Court of Thorns and Roses (yes, again)We’re swirling our sediment, managing expectations, and figuring it all out as we go. Join us!Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

Kayla and Rachel share juicy updates on their newest writing projects—Rachel’s twisty, spicy dinner party murder mystery (with a murder mystery game inside!) and Kayla’s speculative dystopian novel idea, recently submitted to The Novelry’s “Next Big Story” contest. They discuss the thrill and terror of writing fast, sending before revising, and navigating feedback while staying creatively uninhibited.You’ll also hear:A breakdown of Brandon Sanderson’s best story structure tips (and how Kayla used them to analyze Rachel’s character motivations)A tangent about writing sex scenes while your kids are awake (oops)A deep dive into “thisness” (aka haecceity) with examples from Margaret Atwood and Annie DillardWhether your writing should sparkle enough for an agent to remember you—and what Kayla plans to do about that one agentManifestation, muses, and Rachel’s evolving shrine cupboardAnd an honest conversation about feedback, friendship, and not wasting each other’s timeThis is an episode about being in the thick of it—writing messy, dreaming big, and figuring it all out as you go.Mentioned in this episode:The Novelry’s “Next Big Story” ContestBrandon Sanderson’s NaNoWriMo video tipsThe Oxford Writer on YouTubeMargaret Atwood’s Alias GraceAnnie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker CreekRachel’s novel-in-progress (aka the dinner party murder mystery with spice)Kayla’s male-only island dystopiaThe Write Your Heart Out Instagram – where you might see Kayla's shrine (eventually) and Rachel's vision board (maybe) @writeyourheartoutpodPlease subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

Episode 7: Storytime – The Ones We Never Submitted This week on Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel read the stories they didn’t submit to the Reedsy contest—and wow, you’re in for a ride. Kayla's story, “The Muse,” features a moody writer, a mysterious muse, and an ex-fan with unsettling cinnamon energy. Rachel shares “An Extra Scoop of Revenge,” a tale of friendship and arson.Also in this jam-packed Storytime episode: – Our first-ever listener-submitted poem (thank you MJ!) – Rachel debuts a flamingo poem that starts in a zoo and ends in full mama bear mode – A new writing assignment inspired by Chuck Palahniuk: write a secret you’ll never confirm or deny.If you like literary chaos, mermaids, twisted sisterhoods, and hot pink vengeance—this one’s for you.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

Rejection Letters, Contest Drama, and the Return of the MuseIn this episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla Ogden and Rachel Cyr unpack their experiences with the Reedsy Prompts Competition. Spoiler alert: neither of them submitted their stories to it! Why? Word count woes, shady contest terms, and a deeper conversation about protecting your creative work.They also talk through their first rejection letters—Rachel gets ghosted and rejected (double sting), while Kayla shares some querying wins and woes, including a personalized pass and a surprise full manuscript request from a Canadian agent (aka her “shooting star”).Other highlights:A spicy new short story idea from Rachel that’s turning up the heat (and maybe leading to her “sex muse” moment)Kayla’s late-night muse visits and her next novel ideaThe ethics of contests like Reedsy and why writers should read the terms of service before submitting (lesson learned!)How Elizabeth Gilbert, Ruth Stone, and Alan Watts factor into Kayla’s creative processSharks, weddings, and the unexpected writing lessons of Shark HeartIt's a chaotic, heartfelt, and hilariously honest conversation about rejection, inspiration, and what it means to take your writing seriously—even when nobody else has yet.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

Episode 5: Story Time — 17 Cats, 2 Writers, and One Very Unwell ManIn our first official Story Time episode, we (Kayla Ogden and Rachel Cyr) read aloud the short stories we wrote based on prompts from The Writer’s Toolbox—including the eerie first line “There were 17 cats living in Larry’s basement.” What follows is a shared descent into feline chaos, lonely hearts, and the kind of dark humor that sneaks up on you.We talk through the weirdly specific details we both managed to include, and the experience of writing from unusual points of view.Plus: we challenge ourselves to enter a short story contest with a 4-day deadline, chat about storytelling chemistry, and unpack what it means to “talk in stories.” If you like fiction, prompts, or listening to two writers try to out-weird each other, this one’s for you.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

This week on Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel dig into the very beginning of storytelling—literally. They each bring the opening lines of two favorite books and analyze what makes a first paragraph sing (or fall flat). From the Southern charm of The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood to the eerie minimalism of Vanishing World, the hosts explore voice, tone, and the power of starting strong. Kayla also reads an excerpt from her new short story, “#Vanlife,” featuring a possibly misunderstood—or deeply menacing—therapy client named Clayton. (Shawn and Marc, their husbands, weigh in with wildly different reactions.) Then, the ladies spin the wheels of The Writer’s Toolbox and assign each other a chaotic new challenge: build a new story out of three random prompts. Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

Louis CK & Mr. Beast are authors now? Posers...Episode 3 – Thoughts on ACOTAR, Sex Scenes, Ghost Stories, and Cancelled Comedians: Writing What Scares YouIn this spicy episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel tackle everything from Louis C.K.’s surprise debut novel to the challenges of writing authentic (and not cringe) sex scenes. Rachel shares a scene from a ghost story based on true events—and the surprising workshop feedback that made her question if her character even likes men. Kayla & Rachel read A Court of Thorns and Roses for the first time and question the logistics of claws, bunny masks, and fairy sex.They also dive into questions every emerging writer faces: Should you write to market? Is it okay to get help from ChatGPT? Can you write while medicated? And what happens when someone from school reads your sexy, slightly deranged short story?Featuring: thriller plot twists, romantic fantasy debates, self-doubt, feminist murder spirals, and a heartfelt reminder to write what matters to you.Homework: Finish A Court of Thorns and Roses, bring your favorite first paragraphs, and maybe—finally—write that sex scene.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

In this episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel dive into the awkward, exhilarating world of submitting your writing for publication. Rachel is required to send out short stories for her creative writing class—easy, right? Except for the spiraling self-doubt, existential dread, and the creeping fear that someone you know might actually read your stuff.The two discuss pen names (are they for privacy, aesthetics, or just keeping grandma from reading your sex scenes?), the vulnerability of putting your work out into the world, and Steven Pressfield’s cult-classic The War of Art. Is resistance real? Are we professionals? Are we just feeding a fire god our creative energy?Also: necrophiliac rom-coms, the genius of genius, and Kayla’s plan to build a literal shrine to her muse.Next time on the pod: Romantasy & writing spice!Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

In this debut episode of Write Your Heart Out, co-hosts Kayla Ogden and Rachel Cyr open up about their writing journeys, imposter syndrome, and the magic of finally finishing something—be it a novel or a poem about a flamingo showdown in a zoo. Rachel shares her first public reading experience (and her fear of crying onstage), Kayla talks about querying her debut novel, and both reflect on the weird vulnerability of calling yourself a writer. Along the way: a haunted lasagna, a flamingo fight poem, and a heartfelt tribute to the writing friends who cheer us on.Whether you're a closet writer or a best-selling success story, this episode will make you feel like you’re part of a literary girl gang.Please subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

🎙️ Write Your Heart Out is the podcast for writers who crave real conversations about the writing life. Hosted by Bay Area emerging writers Kayla Ogden and Rachel Cyr, each episode dives into the messy, funny, and often vulnerable journey toward publishing — from plot twists to imposter syndrome to querying agents and everything in between.📅 Trailer drops Wednesday, June 11 📢 New episodes every other WednesdayWrite Your Heart Out will make you feel like you're part of a writing group — the kind with inside jokes, big dreams, and zero gatekeeping.Subscribe now to write your heart out with us. 💗🖊️ #WritingPodcast #AmQuerying #WritingCommunity #PodcastForWritersPlease subscribe, rate and review! New episodes every other Wednesday.E-mail us your short story at [email protected] us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod Leave us a message at 650-260-4885