PODCAST · education
Writing with Friends
by Hillary Barnes Martinez and BJ Williams
We’re BJ and Hillary— college friends turned writing pals. This podcast is our quest for the best writing tips and tools for our own projects, and yours too! Let’s get started.
Episodes
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Tool Deep Dive: The Novelist Starter Pack
Today we’ll discuss the novelist starter pack: five essential tools for your figurative writer’s knapsack as you make the journey from getting started with that novel to querying and hopefully publishing your work! Picks of the Week: BJ: Existence by David Brin H: The New Diary by Tristine Rainer...
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Fireside Chat: Our Writing Lives Lately
Today, we’ll be gathering around our metaphorical fireplace for a fireside chat– an honest conversation about our own writing practices that we hope you’ll find helpful for your writing life as well. In this episode, we’ll be talking about our writing lives lately– what’s going well, what’s not,...
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Pitfalls of the Debut Novel
We’ll be talking about the unique challenges of publishing a debut novel. Breaking into the literary world should be exciting and celebratory, and it definitely is! Still, there are a few considerations that debut authors should be aware of as they begin their publishing journeys, so we’re going…
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Tool Deep Dive: Local Bookstores and Bookshop.org
Today's episode is all about finding inspiration and support for your writing in places you might not expect. We’re diving into the world of local bookstores and Bookshop.org! Picks of the Week: BJ: The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin H: The Snowbirds by Christine Clancy Mentioned in the Episode…
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Tool Deep Dive: Notetaking For Writers
Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. Today, we’re going to give you a rundown of what note taking tools we’ve actually found helpful as writers, and hopefully give you some ideas about what…
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Deciding Not to Withhold a Big Reveal
Today, we’ll be talking about deciding not to withhold a big reveal. Whether you're writing a novel, a screenplay, or even a short story, knowing when and how to reveal critical information to your audience can make or break your narrative. We'll be discussing the impact of timing, the balance...
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Fireside Chat: Scheduling and Protecting Your Writing Time
Today we’ll be gathering around our metaphorical fireplace for a fireside chat– an honest conversation about how we’re applying a craft topic or tool to our own writing practices, and how you might incorporate this topic or tool into your writing life as well. And the tool we’ll be talking about...
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When Writing Goals Hurt and When They Help
Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the tool we’ll be talking about today is writing goals! Specifically, we’ll cover when they hurt and when they help. Picks of the Week: H: The Other…
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Pacing the First Five Pages
We'll be talking about pacing the first five pages of your novel. For many writers, including us here at Writing with Friends, getting the first five pages of your novel writing can feel so daunting. After all, if you are seeking to traditionally publish your manuscript, making those five pages…
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Interview with Writing Partners Mitu Yilma and Jumoke Balogun
Today we’ll be talking to the authors of the newsletter This Black-Ass Life, Mitu and Jumoke. For the past several years, these two friends have been writing for the Black diaspora, especially Black women. They cover pop culture, history lessons, music, and more. This episode will be a great fit...
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The Power of Subtext in Storytelling
We’ll be talking about something that can really elevate your writing: the power of subtext in storytelling. It’s one of those elements that, when done right, adds a whole new layer of meaning to your work! Picks of the Week: BJ: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson H: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe…
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Tool Deep Dive: Tarot for Writers
Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the tool we’ll be talking about today is Tarot! Are you curious about tarot? Using a tarot deck can be a fun way to infuse your writing life with...
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Fireside Chat: Writing Like an Olympian
We’ll be gathering around our metaphorical fireplace for a fireside chat. We’ll be talking about writing like an Olympian and accepting that it never gets easy… and that’s okay. It’s all about the endurance and dedication required to keep going, no matter how long you’ve been at it. Picks of the...
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What’s a Commercial Hook and How Do I Write One?
We'll be talking about commercial hooks! As writers, we often write for the love of story and for the joy of creative expression. It can be tempting to shy away from the idea of producing anything “commercial”. But for those of us who hope to publish traditionally or build a broad audience,...
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Tool Deep Dive: Writing Retreats
Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the tool we’ll be talking about today is writing retreats! These structured environments dedicated to focused writing can be used like a tool to offer...
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Interview with Duke Writing Instructor Luke Burkbauer
Today, we’ll be talking to writer and teacher Luke Burkbauer. She’s an instructor with Duke’s Thompson Writing program with a wealth of knowledge about writing of all kinds. We’ll discuss academic and nonfiction writing in depth in this episode, exploring how to build confidence as an academic...
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Writing Time Jumps
We’ll be talking about how to use time jumps to add an interesting twist to your writing project! A time jump is when you shift the story forward or backwards in time, often with little or no explanation for why this jump has occurred. It can be as simple as skipping from one day to five years...
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Tool Deep Dive: Increasing Your Luck Surface Area
Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the mindset tool we’ll be talking about today is increasing your luck surface area. Picks of the Week: BJ: Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon…
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Fireside Chat: An Optimistic Approach to First Drafts
We’ll be gathering around our metaphorical fireplace for a fireside chat– an honest conversation about how we’re applying a craft topic or tool to our own writing practices, and how you might incorporate this topic or tool into your writing life as well. And the craft topic we’ll be discussing...
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Hallie Ephron's "One-Two Punch" for Character Introductions
We’ll be talking about how to introduce characters effectively and with style! One reason why writing the first draft of a new manuscript can feel so daunting is because you have so many characters to introduce to your reader. How can you communicate to your reader who these characters are and…
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How Grammarly Can Help (and Hurt) Your Writing
Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the tool we’ll be talking about today is Grammarly. Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and even...
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Interview with Essayist and Medical Anthropologist Dr. Alexandra Middleton
Show Notes Today, we’ll be talking to writer Dr. Alexandra Middleton. She’s an Assistant Professor of medical anthropology at the University of Copenhagen, creative nonfiction writer and essayist, runner, swimmer, and more! Tune in to hear about her career as well as her advice for aspiring...
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MINI: Following Your Writerly Intuition (Quote Series #4)
Today, we’ll finish up our summer quote series. I’m excited to announce that this is the last episode of Season 4. BJ and I are cooking up a new season for you right now– with lots of craft tips, tool deep dives, fireside chats, and interviews with other writers. That season – Season 5 – will…
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MINI: Why Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels Matter (Quote Series #3)
Mentioned in Episode: Other mini episodes in our quote series S4E21 MINI: Standing on the Shoulders of Literary Giants S4E22 MINI: Paradox and Playfulness in the Writing Life Books by Madeleine L’Engle: Many Waters A Ring of Endless Light A Swiftly Tilting Planet And Both Were Young Newbery Award...
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MINI: Paradox, Playfulness, and the Writing Life (Quote Series #2)
On today’s mini episode, we’re looking at another of my favorite quotes about the writing life. “Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave. Art is…
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MINI: Standing on the Shoulders of Literary Giants (Quote Series #1)
On today’s episode, we’ll begin a short series looking at some of my favorite quotes as they apply to writing. And today’s quote is: "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." - Isaac Newton Let's think together about the tension between the ideal of the creative…
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MINI: How and Why You Should Write Until Failure
Our question for today’s mini episode is... How and why should I write until failure? Today we'll talk about how to write to failure both in terms of honing your craft and in terms of sharing your work with an audience. Do you have thoughts on failure and the writing life? Do you have ways you…
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MINI: Writing When Life Gets Busy
Our question for today’s mini episode is... How do I keep up a writing practice when life gets busy? We'll discuss four strategies for staying engaged in your writing practice when other responsibilities loom large. Mentioned in the Episode: Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg Atomic Habits by James Clear The...
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MINI: Why Plot Twists Matter
Our question for today’s mini episode is... Why Do Plot Twists Matter? If you find crafting plot twists a little baffling, or you're unsure if your current story would even benefit from a plot twist, this episode's for you! We'll dive into a fantastic example of a plot twist and discuss the...
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MINI: What's In My Bag - Writing Edition
Our question for today’s mini episode is... What’s the best gear to support your writing practice? Writing is a pretty minimalistic hobby, or it can be. Still, investing in great writing gear isn’t silly or shallow. As writer Gretchen Rubin says “Beautiful tools make work a joy.” By investing in...
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MINI: How much should I plan and outline before writing?
Our question for today is: Is plotting vs. pantsing a helpful dichotomy? Mentioned in the Episode: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin WWF S4E14 The best mindset shift for your writing
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MINI: 4 Ways to Simplify Beta Reading
Hi! Hillary here with a new summer mini episode. We'll keep things casual and spend a few minutes chatting about a writing question that's been on my mind lately. And our question for today is: How do I keep the beta reading process from becoming overwhelming? Do you have your own beta reading...
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MINI: The best mindset shift for your writing practice
Hillary here. We’re on a summer break right now between seasons, but I’m still here some weekly mini-episodes. We'll keep things casual and spend a few minutes chatting about a writing question that's been on my mind lately. Hopefully I'll leave you with some takeaways for your own writing…
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BONUS: Interview with Writer and Producer Jaimie Woo
Today, we’ll be talking to writer Jaimie Woo. She’s a Creative Producer, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant, and Communications Expert. Tune in to hear about her career as well as her advice for aspiring writers. Mentioned in the Episode: Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope & Change…
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Hillary's Ask Me Anything
It’s time for an ASK ME ANYTHING! We’ll be chatting with Hillary, getting a little more personal about her own writing practice, and learning more about what she’s been thinking about and working on these days. Picks of the Week: H: “Of All Things” by Isabel Gallymore BJ: On Having No Head by...
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Tool Deep Dive: What movie trailers teach us about storytelling
Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the tool we’ll be talking about today is movie trailers! Picks of the Week: BJ: Making Sense: Conversations on Consciousness, Morality, and the Future of...
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How to become your own best editor
We’ll be talking about editing your own work. Okay, so you’ve written a first draft of your novel and you know things need to change. But how? And what? Our editing tips today can help! Picks of the Week: H: Happy Place by Emily Henry BJ: “Twelfth Night: Or What You Will” by William Shakespeare...
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Fireside Chat: Pros and Cons of Scrivener Writing Software
We’ll be gathering around our metaphorical fireplace for a fireside chat– an honest conversation about how we’re applying a craft topic or tool to our own writing practices, and how you might incorporate this topic or tool into your writing life as well. The tool we’ll be talking about today is…
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How can body doubling improve my writing practice?
Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the tool we’ll be talking about today is body doubling! Do you find it hard to stay on task and focus when you’ve sat down for a writing session? Body...
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How do I develop suplots?
We’ll be talking about why subplots are the secret ingredients to add depth and complexity to any story. Picks of the Week: H: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt BJ: A Descent into the Maelström by Edgar Allen Poe Mentioned in the Episode: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K....
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BJ Williams’ Ask Me Anything
It’s time for an Ask Me Anything! We’ll be chatting with BJ and getting a little more personal about his own writing practice and what BJ’s thinking about and working on these days! Picks of the Week: H: The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff BJ: Qualityland by Marc-Uwe Kling Mentioned…
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How should I structure a scene?
Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the tool we’ll be talking about today is scene cards. Do you ever sit down to write a scene and feel a bit at a loss of how to structure a scene? What...
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Should I save up my good ideas?
We’ll be talking about why you should use your good ideas now instead of saving them for later. We propose in this episode that good ideas are not a finite resource and there may never be a perfect time to explore them. Picks of the Week: BJ: The Maze Runner Files by James Dashner H: The Count of...
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Fireside Chat: How should I use the revision spreadsheet?
We’ll be gathering around our metaphorical fireplace for a fireside chat– an honest conversation about how we’re applying a craft topic or tool to our own writing practices, and how you might incorporate this topic or tool into your writing life as well. The tool we’ll be talking about today is…
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Is Goodreads a useful tool for writers?
Show Notes: Welcome to a tool deep dive episode, where we highlight the features and the challenges of a tool we think you’ll find helpful as a writer. And the tool we’ll be talking about today is Goodreads! Picks of the Week: H: Acedia & Me by Kathleen Norris BJ: Golden Son by Pierce Brown...
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Should I work on multiple projects at once?
Ever find yourself in the middle of one writing project and itching to start another, then second guessing if that’s even a good idea? We’re tackling the pros and cons of this dilemma to help you figure out what the right strategy is for your writing life! Picks of the Week H: Wolf Hall by Hilary...
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MINI: Why let your manuscript rest?
We're kicking off Season 4 with some mini-episodes. We'll keep things casual and spend a few minutes chatting about a writing topic that's been on my mind lately. Hopefully I'll leave you with some helpful takeaways for your own writing journey. On this episode, we'll tackle why and when you…
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MINI: Why rewrite? And how much is too much?
We're kicking off Season 4 with some mini-episodes. We'll keep things casual and spend 3-5 minutes chatting about a writing topic that's been on my mind lately and hopefully I'll leave you with some helpful takeaways for your own writing journey. On this episode, we'll tackle two questions: Why...
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A Post NaNoWriMo Pep Talk
We're diving into the thrilling world of NaNoWriMo. But first, congratulations to everyone who completed NaNoWriMo for November 2023! That’s an amazing accomplishment and we want to go over ideas of what to do post NaNoWriMo. P.S. This is our final episode of Season 3. We look forward to being…
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Mailbag Episode: Finding a Writing Routine That Works
We'll be talking about writing routines! For many of us, the hardest part of writing is actually sitting down to write! So how can we ease the path into a fruitful and satisfying writing session? Routines can help! Picks of the Week: BJ: The Forgetting Moon by Brian Lee Durfee H: I Love School by...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Writing with Friends have?
Writing with Friends currently has 86 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Writing with Friends about?
We’re BJ and Hillary— college friends turned writing pals. This podcast is our quest for the best writing tips and tools for our own projects, and yours too! Let’s get started.
How often does Writing with Friends release new episodes?
Writing with Friends has 86 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Writing with Friends?
You can listen to Writing with Friends on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Writing with Friends?
Writing with Friends is created and hosted by Hillary Barnes Martinez and BJ Williams.
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