X-Write-Z

If we could only show you one thing, we’d love for it to be this: the importance of reducing filter words in your writing. In this episode, we break down what a filter word is and discuss why it’s worthwhile to cut them + how you can. Filter words add unnecessary distance between your POV character and your reader, effectively turning intense, emotional, and profound moments into reported, secondhand summaries. Unless you want to keep your reader at bay, these sneaky words have got to go. There are, of course, exceptions that we explore here too!For the lessons from this episode + a list of filter words in one spot, check out and download this PDF:  (https://drive.google.com/file/d/165sWgtLmAvEGdCaa_xWxx-ZmZk1fWWgl/view?usp=sharing). No subscription or signup is necessary. Do you need support with your writing? Check out our coaching and editing services at https://veronicajorden.com/ and https://annaschechter.org/. Do you want to know what Anna's reading? Check out her instagram @annaotations (https://www.instagram.com/annaotations/).

This week, Anna and Veronica tackle the common mistakes they see (and, yes, have made) in dialogue writing. Strong dialogue elevates stories, giving us character, voice, conflict, shocking reveals, swoonworthy declarations of love, and more. When it comes time to edit your manuscript or short story, you can use the tips and tricks explored in this episode to refine what your characters say…and how they say it. For all the lessons from this episode in one spot, check out and download this PDF  (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w3EWQpg0iduOYcgBU4zmbylCJhWowbaC/view?usp=sharing). No subscription or signup is necessary. Do you need support with your writing? Check out our coaching and editing services at https://veronicajorden.com/ and https://annaschechter.org/. Do you want to know what Anna's reading? Check out her instagram @annaotations (https://www.instagram.com/annaotations/). 

We’re baaaaaack! To kick off 2026, Veronica and Anna are considering what romance and horror can teach writers of any genre about worldbuilding. In this episode, we dig into some favorite examples of worldbuilding and discuss how you can apply the same, or similar, techniques to your own writing.For all the lessons from this episode in one spot, check out and download this PDF  (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kdH3LxSDM9EjR9H_g_O31PEEaF05kVyS/view?usp=drive_link). No subscription or signup is necessary. Do you need support with your writing? Check out our coaching and editing services at https://veronicajorden.com/ and https://annaschechter.org/. Do you want to know what Anna's reading? Check out her instagram @annaotations (https://www.instagram.com/annaotations/). 

Are you telling me you built a time machine…out of a DeLorean?! For the last episode of 2025, Anna and Veronica geek out over Back to the Future.Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads! Come along with us to explore what makes Back to the Future so good–and what writers can learn from it. For all the lessons from this episode in one spot, check out and download this PDF (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O1ZHKchli_cUs4Cirjd9Vx3tcCOK2mff/view?usp=drive_link). No subscription or signup is necessary. Happy holidays, and happy writing!Do you need support with your writing? Check out our coaching and editing services at https://veronicajorden.com/ and https://annaschechter.org/.Are you looking for your next excellent read or a bookish gift for yourself or someone else? Check out Veronica's curated books and goodies shop, Fiction Flock, at https://www.fictionflock.com/. Do you want to know what Anna's reading? Check out her instagram @annaotations (https://www.instagram.com/annaotations/). 

This time of year tends to make us feel anxious about wrapping everything up and accomplishing our remaining goals. We don’t need to feel this way, though. Especially when it comes to writing. In this episode, we invite you to experiment with your writing routine and explore different ways to get into the writing mood/mindset. For all the tips and tricks from this episode in one spot, check out and download this PDF. No subscription or sign up is necessary. Do you need support with your writing? Check out our coaching and editing services at https://veronicajorden.com/ and https://annaschechter.org/.Are you looking for your next excellent read or a bookish gift for yourself or someone else? Check out Veronica's curated books and goodies shop, Fiction Flock, at https://www.fictionflock.com/. Do you want to know what Anna's reading? Check out her instagram @annaotations (https://www.instagram.com/annaotations/). 

Remember Flat Stanley? We sure do, but we don't want your characters to be like him! Veronica and Anna are back this week to discuss character dimension. In this episode, we invite you to explore different ways to breathe life and dimension into your characters. We discuss some of our favorite techniques for character development and, of course, look at real world examples from literature.For all the tips and tricks from this episode in one spot, check out and download this PDF. No subscription or sign up is necessary. Do you need support with your writing? Check out our coaching and editing services at https://veronicajorden.com/ and https://annaschechter.org/.Are you looking for your next excellent read or a bookish gift for yourself or someone else? Check out Veronica's curated books and goodies shop, Fiction Flock, at https://www.fictionflock.com/. Do you want to know what Anna's reading? Check out her instagram @annaotations (https://www.instagram.com/annaotations/). 

Welcome to the first episode of X-Write-Z hosted by writer-editors, Veronica and Anna! If you want to share in the joy of writing and hone your craft, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we invite you to explore the significance of first lines in storytelling. We discuss how first lines set the tone for an entire narrative, just as first impressions between people set the tone for a relationship. From there, we delve into various techniques for crafting compelling opening lines with examples from literature.For all the tips and tricks from this episode in one spot, check out and download this PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18YASWf34a1XOIMwrCBedEN0JHRjjBnu6/view?usp=drive_link. No subscription or sign up is necessary. Do you need support with your writing? Check out our coaching and editing services at https://veronicajorden.com/ and https://annaschechter.org/. Feel free to contact us to learn more about how we help writers bring their stories to life. Are you looking for your next excellent read or a bookish gift for yourself or someone else? Check out Veronica’s curated books and goodies shop, Fiction Flock at https://www.fictionflock.com/.Do you want to know what Anna’s reading? Check out her instagram @annaotations (https://www.instagram.com/annaotations/).