Your Big Creative Life

In this episode, we cover the main red flags to watch out for when it comes to book editors & literary agents.  ---------- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

There's a lot of writing advice out there. Some of it is good, and some of it is... not so good! In this episode, we cover the main pieces of writing advice that I think are actually helpful. ---------- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Welcome to our April 2026 Q&A episode! Topics discussed this month include:   writing dream sequences effectively 0:58 cutting word count from 160k to 110k 4:47 procrastinating by focusing on research/worldbuilding 7:49 updated advice for querying 13:07 finding beta readers 16:32 my writing journey + updates on my book 18:24 whether to list comp title elements 22:11 organizing plot when starting a book 27:05 querying a few chapters vs. the full book 34:04 health update 37:12 -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

  ---------- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

As writers, we can often sabotage our own writing efforts, sometimes without realizing it! We'll cover three sometimes sneaky ways we can self-sabotage and how to prevent it.  ---------- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Welcome to our March 2026 Q&A episode! Topics discussed this month include:   using TV/movies for comp titles in your query letter 2:02 writing contests 4:43 what to do after finishing your first draft 10:11 the fear of people thinking your novel is about you 16:08 my favorite writing media (books + movies) 22:43 -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

  Mentioned in this article:  https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/19/books/ai-fiction-shy-girl.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/19/books/shy-girl-book-ai.html   ---------- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

I edit lots of fantasy novels, and I often give specific worldbuilding feedback to my clients. In this episode, I share five notes I've given to authors recently about improving the worldbuilding in their novels.   ---------- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Impostor syndrome is very common when writing the first draft of your novel, but it can also strike when you're editing your draft. This episode shares some reframes of the editing process and how to work through the self-doubt and impostor syndrome you feel.   -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Word count matters in traditional publishing, so it's important to stay within a certain range when you're querying to try and find a literary agent. In this episode, I give you 5 tips for shortening your book to ensure the pacing is tight and you won't get auto-rejected by agents for the book being too long.   Mentioned in this episode - resources for word counts: https://reedsy.com/studio/resources/how-many-words-in-a-novel   https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/word-count-for-novels-and-childrens-books-the-definitive-post   -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

If you want to have some kind of outline for your novel but don't want to overcomplicate it, this simplified outline could work for you. In this episode, I share how to create a 15 minute outline, which combines a few aspects of the snowflake method with the 3 act structure.   -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Welcome to our Feb 2026 Q&A episode! Topics discussed this month include:   tips for growing a community on social media 2:17 where to end book one of a series 10:23 determining a book's genre - romance or literary fiction 14:09 how many agents to query at a time 17:12   -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Writing sprints are the best way I make progress on my book and fit writing into my life, and I've had clients and writer friends say they've changed their writing life as well. Learn my tips for setting up a writing sprint and making the most of your writing time.   -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

If you've ever felt like you're doing this whole writing thing "wrong" or you've felt guilty for not following advice another writer has given you, this week's episode will help! I give you 6 writing permission slips on everything from not outlining your book before you start to hating promoting yourself on social media.    -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Things feel heavy right now. If you're struggling to write or create, this week's episode covers ways to reframe the act of writing, how to take care of yourself, and how to write when things just feel overwhelming. -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Welcome to our January 2026 Q&A episode! Topics discussed this month include:   tips for starting a YouTube channel 3:09 amount of editing done pre/post book deal + whether to invest in an editor before querying 8:48 whether to cut a long book in half or shorten it 14:49 tips to keep tension high and pacing fast 21:01    -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Ever wonder what it's really like to run a freelance book editing business? In this episode, I answer five common questions I'm asked as a book editor and share a behind-the-scenes look at how my business works.   -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Welcome to our December Q&A episode! Topics discussed this month include:   how to ensure editing clients make their payments 3:49 whether to mention you were represented before when querying 7:48 adjusting editing feedback depending on publishing path 11:05 if social media size matters for getting an agent/book deal 13:47   -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Register for the How to Write Your Book in 2026 training! It's happening Friday, December 12 at 1pm EST.    - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Register for the How to Write Your Book in 2026 training! It's happening Friday, December 12 at 1pm EST.    - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Register for the How to Write Your Book in 2026 training! It's happening Friday, December 12 at 1pm EST.    BLACK FRIDAY SALE happening Nov. 28-30 - get 40% off all workshops!   Topics discussed this month include: if beta readers should read the book before an editor 4:02 how many characters is too many 6:34 how to give feedback to a fellow writer when they plan to query 11:28   -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Welcome to the October Q&A episode! Topics discussed include: balancing social media with work & writing 3:40 a scene vs. a chapter 7:45 how many pages I review as an editor 11:55 using AI for inspiration 13:48 my thoughts on recently published fanfiction 20:14 ----- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites  

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Happy 200 episodes! I share the biggest lessons I've learned in the past 200 episodes about writing, creativity, and mindset. I also share the overview of my author journey so far. Thanks for listening to the podcast! I appreciate all of you :)   -----   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Welcome to the September Q&A episode! Topics discussed include: what to do after querying 80 agents with no offer 1:55 if you should include comp titles in your query letter 8:29 taking a book from 3 stars to 5 11:49 how to know when you're done editing 18:28 ----- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites      

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

  ----- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Sometimes you just need a kick in the pants when it comes to social media - because it's 2025, and part of being an author means promoting yourself and your books and being on social media. If that's what you need, this episode is for you! ----- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

We've got a special guest episode this week! Alex Temblador joins us to discuss writing characters who have a marginalized identity, her new book Writing an Identity Not Your Own, why it's important for writers to be aware of their biases, and more. Alex Temblador is the Mixed Latine award-winning author of Secrets of the Casa Rosada and Half Outlaw. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Oklahoma and is a contributor to Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America and Speculative Fiction for Dreamers: A Latinx Anthology. Alex has taught creative writing seminars, workshops, and classes with the Women's Fiction Writers Association, WritingWorkshops.com, the Writer's League of Texas, and more, as well as spoken about diversity in the literary world with the Texas Library Association, Abydos Learning Conference, and at many other festivals, conferences, and universities. She is an award-winning travel, arts, and culture journalist who specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion, publishing in the likes of Conde Nast Traveler, Outside, and Travel + Leisure, and speaking about such topics at SXSW, the Society of American Travel Writers, and the World Travel Market. Alex lives in Dallas, Texas, where she runs a literary panel series called LitTalk. Buy Alex's book Writing an Identity Not Your Own: A Guide for Creative Writers Check out her course on Writing An Identity Not Your Own: For Speculative Fiction Writers and get $40 off with code WRITINGPODCAST40 Follow her on IG @alex_temblador ----- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Welcome to the August Q&A episode! Topics discussed include: whether to edit a plot point/twist when writing the rough draft or to wait until editing 5:08 if I recommend copyediting or a manuscript evaluation for indie authors 8:28 if you need to build a social media following before querying 12:22 what to do if you used ChatGPT in writing and want to query or submit to publishers 14:32 ----- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

As a book editor, I give lots of feedback to authors on plot, pacing, characters, conflict, worldbuilding, etc. This episode covers 5 common suggestions I've given to clients recently.  ----- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

A few weeks ago, I discovered the book I'm just starting to write is very similar to a published book in a different genre. This episode discusses what my thought process was when I discovered this and how I handled it. ----- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

  - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Welcome to the July Q&A episode! Topics discussed include: how I balanced writing with being a first time mom 2:46 using AI for research 10:01 handling form rejections when querying 14:34 average prices for developmental editing 18:49 ----- - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

------   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

There are tons of myths about writing, and in this episode, I debunk 6 of the most common myths I see on social media.   ------   - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

- Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

Welcome to the June Q&A episode! Topics discussed include: my favorite podcasts 1:20 the writing advice that was a turning point for me 3:58 my typical writing timeline 6:09 finding your voice as a writer 9:59 advice for writers who used AI and regret it 15:22  if a social media following matters before querying 21:43 what I look for in an agent 23:39 what takes a book from good to great 26:34 ------ - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

If you've ever been curious what a book coach does, this episode goes into the role of a book coach, common misconceptions about book coaches, and more.  ------ - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

In this episode, I share what advice I wish I could pass on to my younger self about writing. Learn the lessons I'd share for any new writer. ------ - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites

------ - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites