Craft Chat Chronicles

Craft Chat Chronicles
Podcast Description
Join J.D. Myall from Writer's Digest and Drexel University on 'Craft Chat Chronicles' for interviews with New York Times best-selling authors. Delve into the art of writing, uncover insights and tips on crafting bestsellers, as well as effective publishing and book marketing. Perfect for aspiring and seasoned writers, and students alike, this podcast combines creative writing expertise with real-world publishing experience. Tune in for transformative literary guidance.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to the craft of writing and publishing, including personal storytelling, character development, and marketing strategies. Episodes delve into themes such as navigating creative partnerships in co-writing projects, strategies for mastering media appearances as an author, crafting engaging narratives, and addressing representation in literature, with specific episode examples like discussing YA fiction trends and analyzing gripping openings from bestselling novels.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of ”A Writer's Journey,” where we peel back the curtain on the creative process with honesty, humor, and heart. Co-hosts JD Myall, Jay Marie, and Mo kick off this series by sharing their personal paths to becoming writers—from childhood escapes into imagination to formal education and professional milestones.
What begins as a simple introduction transforms into a rich exploration of the creative psyche. Jay Marie reveals how documenting microaggressions in college led her to discover screenwriting as her perfect medium. Mo describes writing as ”a calling you can't get away from,” explaining the peace it brings despite its solitary nature. JD recounts how being an outsider drew her to stories where she could see herself, even when those narratives didn't fully represent her identity.
The conversation dives deep into practical aspects of craft—the joy of world-building, the struggle of revision, the eternal debate between plotting and pantsing. You'll hear candid admissions about the spaces where creativity flourishes (Mo needs aesthetic tranquility while JD can write with the TV blaring) and the ethical considerations of transforming real-life experiences into fiction. When one host admits to turning an ex into a villain, it sparks a fascinating discussion about who ”owns” a story.
Throughout runs a thread of revolutionary possibility—how writing in any genre, from fantasy to satire, can address our challenging times. The hosts share their literary heroes (Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, and Octavia Butler) while examining how these pioneers created space for diverse voices in literature.
Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and the comforting reminder that creative struggles are universal. Join our community, share your own writer's journey on social media, and remember the episode's powerful parting message: you have way more to offer than you think.
Link: A Writer's Journey with Scrivener!

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