Write Out Loud

Holiday Replay: Author Spotlight Ruby Dixon

Got something to say? Send us a text! It's another Holiday Replay, and this time we're bringing back our episode with author Ruby Dixon!  This episode originally aired back on October 14, 2024, so you'll hear some mentions of a book releasing going live "tomorrow."  That, obviously, was back then.  The book, Bull Moon Rising, is available everywhere now.In this episode of the Write Out Loud Podcast, hosts Matt Cassem and Christina Trevaskis introduce their guest, Ruby Dixon, a renowned author known for her works in science fiction and fantasy romance or Romantasy, if you will. Ruby discusses her journey into writing, the origins of her popular series Ice Planet Barbarians, and the influences behind her works. She also delves into the creation of her latest standalone novel, Bull Moon Rising, set in a rich fantasy world involving magical artifacts, Minotaurs, and a unique societal structure.Ruby shares insights into her writing process, the freedom of self-publishing, and how she crafts intricate worlds that captivate her readers. The episode emphasizes Ruby's distinctive storytelling style and highlights the importance of indie bookstores in the literary community. Bull Moon Rising, on shelves and available for e-readers today, promises fans another engaging adventure in Ruby's expansive universe. Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.Support the showFind out more at our website.

Holiday Replay: Author Spotlight on Kristen Ashley

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this Holiday Replay episode of Write Out Loud, we revisit our unforgettable conversation with Kristen Ashley, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose career has helped redefine modern romance publishing.With more than 90 novels published, over 5 million copies sold, and translations in 14 languages, Kristen shares a candid look at her journey—from years of rejection to massive success—by trusting her voice and writing the stories she wanted to read.✨ Episode Highlights📚 Writing Your Own RulesKristen discusses why she embraced first-person POV in romance despite industry resistance, how breaking “the rules” helped her find her voice, and why readers can tell when a story is written authentically.🚪 Rejection, Persistence & Indie PublishingShe opens up about spending over a decade submitting to traditional publishers, writing more than 25 books before publishing, and the pivotal moment she decided to self-publish—leading to a sudden and explosive rise in readership.🔥 Voice Over TrendsKristen emphasizes the importance of writing for an “audience of one,” trusting your instincts, and resisting the pressure to chase trends. Her advice: readers can feel when a writer isn’t enjoying their own work.💔 Imposter Syndrome & SuccessEven after selling thousands of books and landing on the New York Times Bestseller List, Kristen shares how success didn’t feel real at first—and what finally helped her believe it.💘 Romance That Feels SafeFrom expansive epilogues to external conflict, Kristen explains how she creates relationships that feel secure, earned, and lasting—giving readers emotional reassurance without sacrificing tension.🎨 Creative Control & CoversShe talks about avoiding faces on book covers, letting readers imagine characters for themselves, and balancing creative control across indie and traditional publishing.📖 Books Mentioned:Smooth SailingOwn the WindRock Chick SeriesChaos Series Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.Support the showFind out more at our website.

Crafting Unforgettable Characters

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' Matt and Christina explore what makes characters truly unforgettable. The hosts discuss the qualities that endear characters to readers, including depth, motivation, and impactful choices. Through examples like Atticus Finch and Hannibal Lecter, they highlight how well-crafted characters leave lasting impressions. Tips are also shared for writers on avoiding common pitfalls and nurturing characters that feel real. Tune in for insightful advice on character development and storytelling that resonates long after the book is closed.00:45 Introduction to Write Out Loud01:27 Defining Unforgettable Characters03:52 Examples of Unforgettable Characters07:44 Creating Unforgettable Characters15:36 Pitfalls in Character Development21:04 Questions to Deepen Character Development23:48 Final Thoughts and Writing Advice Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.Support the showFind out more at our website.

Storytelling Hot Takes

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of Write Out Loud, Matt and Christina dive into the world of hot takes in storytelling and writing. They debate controversial opinions and craft advice such as the use of prologues, the role of adverbs, plot versus character importance, and the balance of world-building with plot. Some of the hot takes even tackle the complexity of 'show, don't tell,' the nature of villains, and the necessity of conflict in romance. Tune in for a lively discussion aimed at demystifying these writing myths and encouraging listeners to find their own path in storytelling.00:00 Introduction to Write Out Loud01:14 Diving into Storytelling Hot Takes02:50 Prologues: Overrated or Essential?05:45 The Great Adverb Debate07:42 Characters vs. Plot: What's More Important?10:55 World Building vs. Plot: Finding the Balance13:30 Show Don't Tell: Finding the Right Balance17:24 Villains and Protagonists: A Fine Line20:23 Romance Writing: Conflict vs. Tension23:08 Flashbacks: Timing is Everything23:39 Side Characters: Supporting Roles Only25:01 Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Hot Takes Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.Support the showFind out more at our website.

Television Trends: Consuming Content in the Digital Age

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of Write Out Loud, Matt & Christina dive into the discussion of TV show release schedules, debating the merits of the all-at-once 'binge' model made popular by Netflix versus traditional weekly releases. They explore the impact on audience engagement, social interaction, and potential marketing strategies. Drawing parallels with the publishing industry, the conversation extends to how the frequency of book releases affects reader anticipation and quality. They also touch upon personal experiences and broader trends in media consumption, emphasizing the importance of pacing and quality storytelling.00:45 Welcome to Write Out Loud01:13 TV Show Release Schedules: Binge vs. Weekly01:52 Personal Reflections and Social Media Influence03:02 The Water Cooler Effect06:02 The Shift in Viewing Preferences08:47 Network TV vs. Streaming Services21:11 The Importance of Quality in Writing24:56 Conclusion: Balancing Pacing and Quality Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.Support the showFind out more at our website.