Inkwell Insights

In this episode of INL Insights, host Blake discusses the recent hiatus from podcasting and the challenges faced in balancing work, life, and creative pursuits. He delves into the complexities of the book buying, selling, creating, and distributing processes, specifically highlighting the logistical hurdles with book distribution partners like Ingram. Blake shares personal stories about maintaining an online bookstore, unexpected inventory issues, and the substantial effort required to manage and curate book selections. He also extends an invitation for potential co-hosts and updates listeners on changes to his Howdy Curiosity bookstore model. The episode covers broader industry insights, critiques inefficiencies, and calls for modernization in the publishing industry.00:00 Welcome to INL Insights00:57 Housekeeping and Updates02:24 The Challenges of Podcasting05:32 The Ideal Podcast Vision06:39 Changes to Howdy Curiosity17:41 The Book Distribution Dilemma28:12 Ingram: The Giant in Book Distribution31:22 The Frustrations of Using Ingram46:01 The Need for Modernization in Publishing53:31 Conclusion and Call to Action00:57 Housekeeping and Apologies02:06 Podcasting Challenges and Aspirations06:39 Bookstore Inventory Issues17:41 The Struggles of Book Fulfillment28:12 Ingram's Complicated Processes46:01 The Future of Publishing53:31 Conclusion and Call to Action

Blake explores two stories that reveal where literature stands in 2025: industry leaders at the U.S. Book Show choosing "human neighborhoods" over algorithmic efficiency, and the announcement of the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize shortlist celebrating books that imagine genuine alternatives to how we live now. While AI makes content creation cheaper, it also makes that content worthless—but human creativity becomes more precious than ever. This episode examines why authentic community building trumps viral reach, what publishers are learning about reader preferences, and how literature's capacity to imagine new possibilities remains irreplaceable. For further reading, checkout: - https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/trade-shows-events/article/97945-u-s-book-show-2025-ai-looms-large-across-publishing-sectors.html- https://lithub.com/heres-the-shortlist-for-the-2025-ursula-k-le-guin-prize-for-fiction/- https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/index.html

Blake dives into the explosive revelation that tech giants like Meta have been training AI models on millions of pirated books from shadow libraries like LibGen—all without author consent or compensation. From Ta-Nehisi Coates to Sarah Silverman, major authors are fighting back with lawsuits. But this isn't just about copyright law; it's about the fundamental nature of human creativity and what we lose when machines try to replicate the irreplaceable human process of storytelling.

In this episode of Inkwell Insights, host Blake Reichenbach explores how internet writing practices have evolved and impacted the craft of writing itself.Key Takeaways for Writers:Recognizing Manipulation in Digital Marketing: The episode begins by exposing the "test email" clickbait strategy, serving as a reminder for writers to maintain authenticity rather than resorting to manipulative tactics for audience engagement.Understanding the Evolution of Digital Writing: Tracing the journey from early hypertext to modern content creation provides context for why writing standards have shifted, helping writers understand the forces that shape current expectations.The Impact of Monetization: The discussion of ad networks reveals how economic incentives fundamentally altered writing priorities—from quality to quantity, depth to clickability—a crucial insight for writers navigating today's publishing landscape.Resisting Harmful "Rules" for Web Writing: Blake challenges prevailing wisdom about writing for the internet (6th-grade reading level, excessive simplification, constant skimmability), encouraging writers to reject these constraints when they diminish quality.Recognizing How Reading Habits Have Changed: Understanding how shortened attention spans affect both readers and writers helps content creators develop more effective strategies while remaining true to their craft.A Call for Intentional Literary Cultivation: The episode concludes with an invitation for writers to deliberately nurture deeper thinking and reading practices, positioning thoughtful writing as resistance against the "dumbing down" of literary culture.This episode offers writers valuable perspective on how economic and technological forces have shaped writing practices, while providing encouragement to maintain artistic integrity in an environment that often prioritizes metrics over meaning.

Cecilia (“CeCe”) Lyra is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency representing adult fiction and non-fiction. She is drawn to books with strong hooks and smooth writing, told with originality, nuance, and authenticity. A long-term strategic thinker, CeCe prioritizes the creative reach and sustainable longevity of her authors’ careers, and she is especially looking for clients with whom she can build fruitful, lasting relationships.Both a storyteller and a storyseller, CeCe believes that stories are empathy-generating machines capable of healing, connecting, and enacting true change. As a mixed race Latinx immigrant, CeCe understands the power of seeing oneself reflected in books, hence her passion for championing under or misrepresented voices and narratives that contribute to a larger cultural conversation. CeCe is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). The popular podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, for which CeCe is a co-host, has over three million downloads. CeCe is also a recovering lawyer, but asks that you do not hold that against her. 

In this episode, Blake discusses some exciting upcoming podcast guests, a foray into a postmodern (in)famous classic, as well as his current fiction project and its most recent updates. Visit: www.charlottewood.com.au To learn more, visit:https://www.blakereichenbach.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/blake-reichenbach/

In this episode, Charlotte Wood delves into the inspirations behind her novel "Stone Yard Devotional," exploring themes of faith, nature, and personal upheaval. She discusses the challenges and revelations of writing a deeply personal story set in her Australian hometown during a time of global and personal crisis. Charlotte shares insights into her creative process, the influence of external events like wildfires and the pandemic, and the delicate balance between autobiography and fiction.Charlotte Wood is the author of seven novels and three books of non-fiction. Her new book Stone Yard Devotional was described by the UK Guardian as ‘a quiet novel of immense power’ and has been praised by authors Anne Enright, Tim Winton, Karen Joy Fowler, Hannah Kent and Paula Hawkins among others. It was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, among other awards. Visit: www.charlottewood.com.au 

Rachel Kitch is a mixed-race Thai American speculative horror author with a love of writing unsettling, creepy books that still have a spark of light.Rachel has her Masters in Design from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelors from West Virginia University. As a generation 1.5 immigrant, Rachel loves to blend her heritage and incorporate Thai and Appalachian folklore into her projects. When not writing, she can be found cuddling with her bulldog-chihuahua mix, Danny, or reading books on her Kindle that would kill a Victorian child.She is represented by Rose Ferrao of PS. Literary Agency.In thisepisode, we sit down with Rachel Kitsch, a speculative horror author who uniquely blends Thai and Appalachian folklore into her work. We explore the olfactory world of the Omegaverse and discuss the influences of folklore on Rachel's writing. Rachel shares insights into her writing process, the importance of community in writing, and offers advice for aspiring authors. We also touch on her journey of connecting with her heritage and the challenges of representing diverse cultures in literature. Follow Rachel on Twitter and Blue Sky at @RachelKitsch (https://x.com/rachelkitch), and on Instagram and TikTok at @RachelKitschWrites. Stay tuned for exciting updates about her upcoming book, "The Forest Bleeds." https://rachelkitch.com/

Join host Blake Reichenbach in this thought-provoking episode of the Inkwell Insights podcast, where he delves into the evolving landscape of media literacy and its impact on writers and readers in the digital age. Departing from his usual guest interviews, Blake takes center stage to discuss the significant themes from his recent blog post titled "If It Enrages, It Engages: Escape the Digital Wasteland Before Your Brain Rots."In this episode, Blake explores how social media platforms have transformed from spaces of genuine connection to engagement-driven environments, often prioritizing low-quality content and superficial interactions. He examines the implications of this shift for both media literacy and the writing community, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and challenging oneself with complex literature.Listeners are invited to rethink their approach to reading and writing, encouraged to embrace discomfort, and to view themselves as writers rather than content creators. Blake also shares personal strategies for reducing screen time and fostering creativity, including journaling and reading challenging fiction, like Alan Moore's "The Great Win."Before diving into the main discussion, Blake reminds listeners about the podcast's newsletter, which offers exclusive content and the opportunity to submit questions for upcoming guests. To stay connected and participate in the conversation, visit [inkwellpodcast.com](https://inkwellpodcast.com) and subscribe to the newsletter.Tune in for a candid exploration of the digital landscape's impact on creativity, literacy, and the art of writing. Whether you're a writer, reader, or simply curious about the intersection of technology and storytelling, this episode promises insights and inspiration.**Links:**- Inkwell Podcast Newsletter: [inkwellpodcast.com](https://inkwellpodcast.com)

Lara Tupper is the author of three books: Amphibians, a short story collection (Leapfrog Global Fiction Award winner; Leapfrog Press, 2021), Off Island, a fictional re-imagining of Paul Gauguin's travels (finalist, Housatonic Book Award; Encircle, 2020) and A Thousand and One Nights (Harcourt and Untreed Reads, 2015), an autobiographical novel about singers at sea. She co-wrote the screenplay adaptation for A Thousand and One Nights with filmmaker Greg Eismin. Her forthcoming book, At the Center, is a speculative novel in which Paper Bans make printed matter taboo. (It will be published by Regal House in 2027.) Her work has appeared in The Believer, Epiphany, Zone 3, Ghost Story, etc. and been anthologized in many collections. A graduate of the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College, she taught at Rutgers University for nine years and now presents workshops and manuscript development via Swift Ink Stories, her writing platform. She is also a jazz/folk singer who has traveled the world; her latest album is This Dance. Lara Tupper's upcoming novel, AT THE CENTER, is a fresh take on the topics of banned books and literary taboos. While it won't be available for readers until 2027, she has a wealth of work and wisdom to tide us over until then. In this delightful interview, Tupper's sensitive spirit and nurturing insights shine through. As a writer and writing coach with a teaching background, she has worked with writers at all stages of the process and experience levels, and it has all worked to solidify her love of story and the value it brings to the world. 

Dr. V Boykin's recent book, "Fix Your Face and Watch Your Tone," is a product of her mission to rewrite the narrative for marginalized groups in the workplace through innovative and accessible programming, enlightening one unaware mind at a time. The book is a blend of life anecdotes and extensive research, through which Dr. V offers practical solutions for all of us striving for career success and personal fulfillment. Throughout the episode, listeners will get a sense of Dr. V's emboldening candor, wit, and even her preference for savory snacks. This is an author who is unafraid to be raw and real about everything from her life to her writing practices. As a former business owner for 10 years, Dr. Vrnda 'V' Boykin has a deep understanding of the challenges small businesses face. Dr. V has an understanding of the urgency and the need businesses have to optimize efficiency. Her empathetic solution-oriented focus propelled her to successfully redefine the role of ‘salesperson’ to ‘shareperson’, anchoring in the consultative sales process evident throughout her enablement programming. Charting her course through Groupon, Amobee, and now HubSpot first as a Manager, Customer Training, then Senior Program Manager, Global Skills, and now as Senior Program Manager, Leadership Onboarding and Team Lead. Dr. V’s passion for learning and development joined with solving for the customer first, remains her professional focus.

Writing may often be a solo endeavor, but Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta prove that writing duos can actually work. Real-life wives, Mikaella and Onjuli have created a writing routine for themselves that works, and have brilliant insights for listeners into what makes for effective collaboration and a productive writing dynamic. Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta are the co-authors of THE VIEW WAS EXHAUSTING, a Goop and Good Housekeeping book club pick and named "a perfect summer read" by Vogue. Between them, their writing has been published in the New York Times, Guardian, Washington Post, White Review, Slate and more. They are married and live in Berlin.

Author Christina Lynch joins the Inkwell Insights podcast to discuss her new novel, "Pony Confidential," a one-of-a-kind mystery with heart and humor, and a hilariously grumpy pony must save the only human he’s ever loved after discovering she stands accused of a murder he knows she didn’t commit.Throughout the interview, we discuss how modern writers can incorporate and play with classic ideas, what it looks like to balance a writing routine with a full-time career, and the sources of inspiration that can lead to a mystery novel helmed by a grumpy pony. Christina Lynch, author. Christina Lynch is at the beck and call of two dogs, three horses, and a hilarious pony who carts her up and down mountains while demanding (and receiving) many carrots. Besides Pony Confidential, she is also the author of two historical novels set in Italy and the coauthor of two comic thrillers set in Prague and Vienna. She teaches at College of the Sequoias and lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.Christina can be found on Instagram at @clynchwriterGet an exclusive listener discount on Pony Confidential at howdycuriosity.com and use code "friendofflora" at checkout to get 15% off.

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) began in 1999 as a simple creative challenge: write 50,000 words in November. While it started with good intentions and offers some benefits—like building community among writers and providing structure for creative projects—the initiative has significant drawbacks, especially since becoming a formal nonprofit in 2006.This episode explores some of the major downsides that have come up since then. 1. The Challenge's Structure:- The 50,000-word goal is arbitrary and emphasizes quantity over quality- Encourages unsustainable writing habits and potentially harmful sacrifices- Often results in directionless "pantsing" rather than thoughtful storytelling- Provides only temporary satisfaction without building lasting writing habits2. Organizational Leadership Issues:- Serious safeguarding failures, including a scandal involving a forum moderator using the Young Writers' Program to expose minors to adult content- Slow response to abuse allegations until FBI involvement- Poor vetting processes for volunteer leaders3. Questionable Business Practices:- Partnerships with controversial companies like Inkitt, a potential vanity press- Unclear stance on AI in writing, using social justice language to avoid taking a clear position- Rapid, poorly managed growth leading to oversight problemsUltimately, I conclude that while NaNoWriMo's community-building aspect has value, writers would be better served by smaller, more focused writing communities that promote sustainable habits and craft development rather than arbitrary word-count goals.

In this episode, I explore the evolving landscape of AI tools and their role in the creativity and publishing. In particular, I discuss this article (https://www.thebookseller.com/comment/craft-and-creativity - needs to be in the show notes) and respond to the claims of a utopia-like future of unihibited creativity that the author seems to purport AI will enable us to create. Ultimately, I make the argument that AI has its use cases– such as in business, bulk data analysis, and could even be leveraged by authors and writers for rote and mundane tasks, but that it cannot replace the creative process. I also caution creators on the downsides of AI tooling, such as its environmental impact, intellectual property ambiguity, and exploitation of creators' work.  

In this episode of Inkling Insights, I dive into the Netflix series KAOS to explore valuable lessons for writers. Whether you're crafting novels, screenplays, or any form of narrative, you'll gain insights on:Worldbuilding without info-dumping: I break down how KAOS introduces its complex mythology-based world through character actions and perspectives, avoiding heavy-handed exposition.Character-driven storytelling: Learn how to keep your audience engaged by rooting every scene in your characters' conflicts and growth, as demonstrated in KAOS.Balancing multiple plotlines: I discuss techniques for juggling a large cast and intertwining storylines without losing focus or overwhelming your audience.Creating flawed, compelling characters: Discover how KAOS uses character flaws to drive the plot forward and create more interesting dynamics.Crafting satisfying endings with sequel potential: I analyze how the show's first season provides a complete story while setting up future possibilities - a valuable skill for any storyteller.Throughout the episode, I relate these concepts to my own experiences as a speculative fiction writer and reference other resources like Lisa Cron's "Story Genius." Whether you've watched KAOS or not, you'll come away with practical techniques to enhance your storytelling craft.

In this episode, Blake discusses the profound impact of storytelling with guest Lisa Cron, an expert in the science and function of narrative. Lisa, author of 'Wired for Story,' 'Story Genius,' and 'Story or Die,' elaborates on the biological underpinnings of story and its influence on human behavior. This conversation underscores the necessity for writers to deeply understand their characters' backstories and internal struggles to create compelling narratives. Lisa provides practical advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of pre-writing work and dismissing common misconceptions such as 'pantsing' and standard plot structures. This episode is invaluable for writers seeking to enhance their storytelling by delving into the emotional and psychological dimensions of their characters.http://wiredforstory.com/about https://www.howdycuriosity.com/products/story-genius-how-to-use-brain-science-to-go-beyond-outlining-and-write-a-riveting-novel-before-you-waste-three-years-writing-327-p-9781607748892https://www.howdycuriosity.com/products/wired-for-story-the-writers-guide-to-using-brain-science-to-hook-readers-from-the-very-first-sentence-9781607742456?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=00b7b82ec&pr_rec_pid=8684540297506&pr_ref_pid=8683566137634&pr_seq=uniformLisa Cron is a story coach and the author of: - Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers From the Very First Sentence - Story Genius: How To Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages that Go Nowhere)  - And most recently, Story or Die: How to Use Brain Science to Engage, Persuade and Change Minds in Business and in Life, all three published by Ten Speed Press.Lisa has worked in publishing at W.W. Norton, as an agent at the Angela Rinaldi Literary Agency, as a producer on shows for Showtime and CourtTV, and as a story consultant for Warner Brothers and the William Morris Agency.Since 2006, she's been an instructor in the UCLA Extension Writers' Program and been on the faculty of the School of Visual Arts MFA program in visual narrative in New York City.Lisa works with writers, nonprofits, educators and organizations, helping them master the unparalleled power of story, so they can move people to action – whether that action is turning the pages of a compelling novel, or taking to the streets to change the world for the better. Or both!Her 7 hour video class Wired for Story can be found at CreativeLive.com.Her video tutorial Writing Fundamentals: The Craft of Story can be found at Lynda.com.

In this video script, Blake Reichenbach continues his analysis of Lisa Cron's book 'Story Genius' by delving into part three, which focuses on integrating plot with protagonist development. Reichenbach discusses how Cron shifts from character backstory to present action, emphasizing the distinction between plot (sequence of events) and story (character's internal growth). Cron introduces a novel blueprinting system using scene cards to create a cause and effect structure, urging writers to create compelling arcs that are both realistic and contextually relevant. Reichenbach also highlights key chapters on designing emotional and logical story elements and integrating subplots and secondary characters. He concludes the script by praising Cron’s rigorous approach to writing, the value of extensive pre-writing activities, and the significant impact 'Story Genius' has had on his own writing process.Mentioned in this Episode: - https://connect.howdycuriosity.com/resources- https://www.howdycuriosity.com/products/story-genius-how-to-use-brain-science-to-go-beyond-outlining-and-write-a-riveting-novel-before-you-waste-three-years-writing-327-p-9781607748892

In this episode of Inkling Insights, Blake Reichenbach explores key themes and methodologies from Lisa Cron's book, Story Genius. Blake discusses the evolutionary role of storytelling in human survival, debunks common writing myths, and offers practical exercises to craft compelling protagonists and meaningful narratives. This episode covers parts one and two of the book, providing insights on structuring your story, understanding character motivations, and the importance of cause and effect in storytelling.Introduction and OverviewExploring Lisa Krohn's 'Story Genius'Key Themes and Takeaways from Parts 1 and 2Challenging Writing MythsDeveloping Your ProtagonistUnderstanding Character MotivationsEstablishing Character WorldviewCause and Effect in StorytellingStarting Your NovelConclusion and Next Steps

In the inaugural episode of Inkwell Insights, host Blake Reichenbach introduces the podcast focused on books, storytelling, creativity, and curiosity. Blake explains the book club format of the show, shares his personal experiences with writing and creativity, and discusses the importance of integrating creativity into everyday life. He reflects on his background in product management and his efforts to reignite his passion for writing. Blake also invites listeners to join the Howdy Curiosity online writing community and teases future content and guests. Tune in to embark on a creative journey with Blake and explore strategies to live a creative life while balancing various responsibilities.Welcome to Inkwell InsightsThe Importance of CreativityPodcast Structure and GoalsBlake's Creative JourneyIntroducing Howdy CuriosityManuscript Writing and Future PlansConclusion and Next Steps