Writer Craft Podcast

Infusing Self into a Resurrected "Trunk" Book with guest Jessie Kwak (Ep208)

Hello Writers! I'm Valerie Ihsan, and this is Episode 208 of the podcast and it's April 8, 2026 as I record this.  Main Topic:  Infusing Self into Your Work When You Come Back to the Page (with Jessie Kwak) (Part of the series on "Starting Over Again, or Coming Back to Yourself and Your Writing")   Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer.     Announcements/Author Updates: doctors appointments, vet appts, try again for Starlink in another month   What are you reading? Just finished:  Smoke Screen (J.L. Kwak) Soul Sourced Entrepreneur (Christine Kane) March Sisters : On Life, Death, and Little Women by Kate Bolick, Jenny Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, and Jane Smiley The Haunting of Payne's Hollow (Erick) Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...) Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)*** Creative Act (Rick Rubin)  Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;      (Main Topic):  Notes:   And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.  

Changing the Way You Put Words on the Page with guest Crys Cain (Ep207)

Hello Writers! I'm Valerie Ihsan, and this is Episode 207 of the podcast and it's March 31, 2026 as I record this.  Main Topic:  Changing the Way You Put Words on the Page: A conversation between two writers recovering from burnout and trying to get back to the page (Part of the series on "Starting Over Again, or Coming Back to Yourself and Your Writing") In this conversation, we talk about: burnout and then fear of burnout learning in public podcasting/building business/creating content journaling is still writing doing things gives us energy and structure/managing energy levels test the boundaries starting libraries (reminds me of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek)  paying attention to your body building structure to hold the growth content time vs creative time (I can do both.) What's the (mentally) lowest risk way of doing things for me? changing the way we put words on the page tricking self to do things (even writing) "back door" way in to writing in different patterns to avoid the emotional weight/responsibility ID list or the butter of the book. What will make me want to go back to the page and spend time with the characters. outlining  reinventing self as a writer what gives us satisfaction while writing a book identity  connections with other writers accountability  writing sprints (Rachael Says Write) writing times/routines brainstorming Costa Rican writing workshop ideas   PATREON: Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast.  I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it.    Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer.     Announcements/Author Updates: doctors appointments, vet appts, try again for Starlink in another month   What are you reading? Just finished:   March Sisters : On Life, Death, and Little Women by Kate Bolick, Jenny Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, and Jane Smiley   Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...) Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)*** Creative Act (Rick Rubin)  Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;      (Main Topic):  Changing the Way We Put Words on the Page with guest Crys Cain @itscryscain   Notes: Relationship/divorce "I don't believe in romance" ; dropped the series, Nov 22/23: shoulder freeze chronic pain plus emotional burnout, moved to small town, coasting on income from royalties, volunteering language conversation, exchange ...  Reading craft books a way to get back in, podcasts don't work so well anymore.  Identity: on the edge of burnout, scheduled 5-7 new things since February (don't add more for a month), routine, more energy for doing things.; worry about always being on the edge of burnout for my whole life. Resentment is a sign that it's not feeding me. Just awareness, not limiting. Consistent, emotional costs, pacing, checks and balances, Introvert, autism, person hangover, recovery day, test the boundaries ("Do I have space for this?")  Library Book Trailer mobile Lowest risk: notebook Trick self into washing dishes, write one sentence, put one sock away. Just get started. Back door way in that doesn't have the emotional weight/ responsibility.  Be creative in different patterns. What's the 'butter' in your story? Reinventing Self as Writer. Being around other writers really helps to feel connection and fulfillment and accountability.      And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.   Find Us:   Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.) Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

5 Take Home Tips for Getting Started Anywhere Along Your Journey "Home" (Ep206)

5 TAKE HOME TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED ANYWHERE ON YOUR JOURNEY HOME Starting a series on "Starting Over Again, or Coming Back to Yourself and Your Writing"  (Next several episodes will have this flavor because I think we all get lost sometimes and struggle to get back to the page, get back to ourselves. I'm been struggling with this for a couple of years (I'm not going to lie and Instagram filter for you) and with my long journey to Costa Rica via car and my one-month anniversary of living in Costa Rica, I thought today would be a great day to talk about AND to revisit this struggle. I want to use my new location, my hero's journey road trip, and the new moon to ritualize this Starting Over Again, With Purpose. And so it is. PATREON: Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast.  I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy.  If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it.  Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer. Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): settling in to rental home with a view thinking about lifestyle vlogging about Costa Rican life fired up with new content ideas written a couple of essays (published one on my Patreon page) (can access it for free using the free trial option on Patreon page.)     What are you reading? Valerie: a cozy fantasy called the crescent moon tearoom by Stacy sivinski   Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)*** Creative Act (Rick Rubin)        Segment 3 (Main Topic):   Notes: let yourself be imperfect let yourself be uncomfortable (bored, annoyed, fearful) let there not be rules (write for the one, write for you) Let yourself feel inspired (explore what that is for you: nature walk, fresh air, meditation, feeling good in your body) start small (short timed blocks, write one phrase) #puravidabound  And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan  Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Patreons:  https://patreon.com/valerieihsan    https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries Tools: ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

What's Coming in February to the Writer Craft Podcast? ANNOUNCEMENT Episode (Ep205)

Erick is stepping away for some time. His mom just got diagnosed with cancer, so he wants to spend more time and bandwidth on her. And I'm moving to Costa Rica this month! In 2 1/2 weeks, so it is cray-cray over here.  Fresh new episodes will arrive in February (with a little bit of a revamp) and a special series on getting back to your writing or creative practice after grief, loss, addiction, or big life stress, but do look for some bonus episodes from the road. Went to Breitenbush, Portland (Powell's), Seattle, Write in the Harbor writing conference in Gig Harbor, WA (*heart*), sold a car, rented the house, cancelling services, buying foreign auto insurance, washing ten years of dirt off of all the things we stored outside, tricking out the FJ Cruiser for the drive, buying special dog beds and storage for the vehicle, inspection and minor repairs today. Movers on Monday. Cleaners on Thursday. Walk on bark and blinds for upstairs, too. Saying Goodbyes.  crossing the border at Tijuana, driving thru Baja California, taking ferry to Mazatlan; spending some time in Oaxaca with a friend What are you reading?   Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)*** Creative Act (Rick Rubin)  (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;    Segment 3 (Main Topic):   Notes: Follow my drive to Costa Rica on Instagram! #puravidabound  And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.  

Flawed Female Leads with guest Heather Snodgrass (Ep204)

 Flawed Female Leads with guest Heather Snodgrass PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.  Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations.  Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.   Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot. Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 ***   Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): (Valerie): launching my four-month book coaching container Aligned Author TODAY. The price is drastically cut this week (it's $667 off the regular price.) Go to valerieihsan.com/alignedauthor for all the details.  Write in the Harbor conference is coming up (2 presentations to prep for) feeling some feelings lately about the finality of the move and the recognition of Last Times I Will See/Do ...    (Erick):  running google ads and qualifying potential clients polishing stories up for omnibus edition   What are you reading? Valerie:  Just finished:  None of This is True (Lisa Jewell) Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) Creative Act (Rick Rubin)  (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;  Erick:  • Summer of Night (Dan Simmons) My Favorite Thing is Monsters (gn) Batman: The Long Halloween (gn) Flash Fiction America: 73 Very Short Stories Heather: authorheathersnodgrass.com  Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1:  Tidbit #2:    Segment 3 (Main Topic):   Notes: Hi! My name is Heather Snodgrass. I have always had a love for novels, movies, and the creative arts. I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2007 as an actor and have pursued different avenues to bring stories to life.  I currently live with my husband, JD, and dogs, in Colorado, but I have lived in many places and I enjoy traveling. I also enjoy playing video games and gardening. Like Ariana, I have a playlist for everything I do and I love to have people make me a playlist about themselves when they meet. I am more than happy to share mine with anyone interested. Unapologetic female leads: In a time when we're drawn to flawed characters; the Real is coming through. Personal growth journey Tips for writing strong women without bashing men: Draw from personal experience, and talk to men and women Is a women punished more than a man for doing things? Ask a societal question and asking the character What makes a human strong? A Love Letter to Reading And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.   Get 48% off the Magic Mind : https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout. #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance   Find Us:   Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.) Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Patreons:  https://patreon.com/valerieihsan    https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries Tools: ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)