Words Are Hard

We may have recorded this over a month ago, but it's still relevant! While active voice is strongly preferred in writing, there are times when passive voice is an effective tool. We'll discuss those specific uses, as well as Wisconsin winters and vintage historical fiction, in today's episode. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

If you've ever felt frustrated with your writing, don't worry. It isn't just you. These are some of the most common frustrations I hear from writers, and how to address them.  Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Some big things have been going down in the world of indie publishing, but fear not! We're here to serve you the tea. In today's episode, we'll hear from Nikki of Faeblebooks, an independent bookstore in The Amana Colonies, Iowa. Tune in for news on what happened with Ingram's updates, why everyone is so upset, and what we can do about it. Follow on Threads and Instagram @faeblebooks, or check out their website here. You can find Nikki's free Quick Start to Wholesale Guide here! Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

In today's episode, Ramsay and I chat with Kelly Miller with @poetsinthepines about the process of creating an anthology. You can find the anthology she worked on, Made from Midnight: a Requiem, and information about what she and the Poets in the Pines are up to at https://poetsinthepines.com/ Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Happy Thanksgiving, two weeks late! If you've been struggling through a project and are feeling discouraged with your progress, this is the episode for you. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

If you're behind on a goal (like NaNoWriMo), here are some ways to help. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Have you ever gotten stuck in the middle of a project? In today's episode, we'll discuss 3 (plus 2) ways to get out of the murky middle. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

In today's episode, we welcome back special guest speaker Bethany Hensel to discuss writing mentors, Power Rangers, and geography. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

What do Jimi Hendrix, Wisconsin, and bears have in common? Today's theme! Join Ramsay and me as we discuss mondegreens, malapropisms, folk etymology, and how to use them in your writing. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

How do you defeat writer's block? Ramsay and I discuss our favorite brain hacks and productivity tricks to get you out of your head and back into your story. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

What tools do you use to write? From writing software to gamified motivation to ambience, we've got you covered! Dabble Affiliate Link: https://www.dabblewriter.com/?via=rachael 4thewords Referral Code: NRLKG56887 Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Looking for tips on building a writing routine? Look no further! We'll walk you through how to manage your expectations, audit your time, and set boundaries around your writing sessions. Also Ramsay suggests a new invention for nursing mothers. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Live long and celebrate collaborative storytelling! In today's episode, Ramsay and I discuss intellectual properties and copyright, the history of fandom, and why everyone should read and write fanfiction.  Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

Rejection is a part of life, but it's especially a part of writing. In today's episode, we discuss a few ways to deal with rejection without wanting to burn your manuscript. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

In today's episode, we answer the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything as we discuss Narrative Techniques. Also bad Latin translations and—(not) sorry—more Tolkien. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.

We're back for season 2! Join us as we discuss what we've been up to during our haitus, what we're going to talk about this season, and some goals for the summer. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Today's episode is brought to you by a tornado watch and Lord Byron's house guests. It also marks the start of a brief hiatus. We'll be back in about a month when Rachael's end-of-the-school-year chaos is a little more manageable. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

If you can't spell "restaurant", this is the episode for you. We'll also discuss the Icelandic language, tricks to make you a better speller, and Ramsay's use of the word of the day. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

What do Goosebumps, breakfast pizza, and Don Quixote have in common? This episode.  Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Happy National Poetry Month! Today, we're talking about all about poetic devices and Ramsay's continued obsession with Eminem. Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

In today's episode: homophones, dangling modifiers, and sourdough pancakes (oh my!) Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

What do celebrity crushes, shredded cheese, and run-on sentences have in common? That's right: this episode! Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Join us as we welcome back guest editor Bethany Hensel to discuss the importance of revisions, how to evolve your manuscript (like a Pokemon) and what's going on with the last Game of Thrones book. Check out Bethany's Revision Academy, and make sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter at bethanyhensel13! Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

AI. It's here, it's controversial, and it's not going away. Everyone else is sharing their opinions on it, so we might as well add our own! Also, we endeavored to conduct this episode with pep--let us know how we did. Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

What is pacing (not the NASCAR term)? How do you use it? Why is it important? Special background guest appearance by Rachael's 4-year-old and his box of blocks. Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Dialogue is a wonderful tool for showing characterization, but how exactly do you go about doing it? Surprise guest appearance by Nugget the Cat! Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

If you've ever wondered how to build your own language, this episode is for you! We'll go over the basics of creating a conlang (constructed language) and how to include it in your story! For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Fantasy and Sci Fi are notorious for creative spellings of character names. In today's episode, we discuss some tips for letting your creativity shine without frustrating your readers. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Join us as we discuss eggcorns (words or phrases that result from mishearing or misunderstanding the original), New Year's Resolutions, and the Swedish Chef. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

If you're a few weeks late on your New Year's Resolution—or if you're close to breaking it—this is the episode for you. Enclosed, you'll find tips and tricks for starting a project and keeping it going, and also tiny paper hearts lovingly cut out and arranged in such a way as to spill out of the top of the podcast when you open it up. Enjoy <3 For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Join us as we wrap up our discussion with our guest speaker, Bethany Hensel. Bethany is a writer, editor, and book coach with more than 15 years of experience in the industry, and she's here to share her wisdom, her humor, and her memes. Check out her website at www.bethanyhensel.com or follow her on Instagram at bethanyhensel13. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Join us as we welcome our first guest speaker, Bethany Hensel! Bethany is a writer, editor, and book coach with more than 15 years of experience in the industry, and she's here to share her wisdom, her humor, and her memes. Check out her website at www.bethanyhensel.com or follow her on Instagram at bethanyhensel13. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

We're taking a page out of Doctor Who's book and sharing our very own Christmas special! It was totally intentional and not due to a last minute rescheduling of our previous plan. Trust me. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

In today's episode, we discuss various literary devices, sewer rats, and dropping eaves. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Join us as we discuss themes, westerns, and not taking yourself too seriously. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

In today's episode, we take a deeper dive into the different types of editing: what they are, why you might want them, and in what order you should get them done. Also, murder. As a treat. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Join us as we discuss the different types of editorial styles, when to use each, and the official Words Are Hard drinking game. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

In this week's episode, Ramsay and I discuss mood, tone, atmosphere, and books that made us cry. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

In Part II of our "how the heck do I go about publishing my work?" series, we discuss the process of self-publishing. And also teacher conventions. And portmanteau words. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

There's a lot to talk about in today's episode, so it's another long one. I'll walk you through the process of traditional publishing, and Ramsay will provide plucky commentary and a mathematically creative fun fact. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

This is a longer one, folks—we had a lot to talk about. I share the wisdom I gleaned at ElectricCon, we discuss the 7 types of plot, and Ramsay learns all about defenestration. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Bring your stuffed animals, action figures, and family photos today—it's time for show and tell! You need both in a story, but they serve different purposes and should be used intentionally. In this episode, we discuss the uses of both. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

In today's episode, we discuss ancient Roman hot dog vendors, Ramsay's attempts at Greek pronunciation, and rhetorical devices. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Revising, like the wonderful world of words, is hard. In today's episode, we discuss Oktoberfest lagers, creepy book-making materials, and how to make your revisions a little easier. For more tips, join my newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com. I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.

Coming up with a title can feel even harder than writing the story itself, but fear not: this week, we have some tips to help you find the perfect name for your project. Trust us, it only took 304 tries before we found ours. For more tips, join Rachael's newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com.

What do Egyptian hieroglyphics, Norman conquerors, and computer hackers have in common? Not much, but we talk about them all on this episode!  For more tips, join Rachael's newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com.

Join us as we discuss our favorite extinct punctuation marks and debate the need of the interrobang vs em dash on a keyboard (em dash wins).   For more tips, join Rachael's newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com.

In today's episode, we discuss mimes, buccaneers, and the various uses of dialogue in fiction.  For more tips, join Rachael's newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com.

Plotting? Pantsing? Plantsing? There's no right or wrong way to outline a project, but in this episode, we'll help you navigate some of the different styles and techniques you might use to plan out your next novel.   For more tips, join Rachael's newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com.

In this episode, we discuss strategies for developing and maintaining a consistent voice, low-budget cooking tips, and what makes Erming Henestway a distinctive writer.   For more tips, join Rachael's newsletter here or at www.rosedeneediting.com.