Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' Matt and Christina discuss the intricacies of finding an editor, the different types of editing, and what writers should look for when choosing an editor. Christina shares her unique approach to editing, which focuses on helping writers with big dreams and a desire to improve. They cover red flags such as poor communication and changing an author's voice, and provide guidance on how writers can prepare for the editing pro...
Sep 02, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Got something to say? Send us a text! Battling Burnout: Strategies for Creative Minds In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt Cassem and Tina Trevaskis address the critical topic of burnout among creative professionals. They share personal anecdotes and discuss the definition and manifestations of burnout, particularly in the realm of writing and storytelling. The conversation incorporates a quote from Arianna Huffington, emphasizing the impact of burnout on creative problem-solving. The...
Aug 26, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Got something to say? Send us a text! Join our new Patreon to support the show! Unpacking Ted Lasso - Season 1 Recap & Insights In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt Cassem and Tina dive deep into Season 1 of the popular TV series Ted Lasso with special guest Sean Dare. The discussion covers the show's captivating storytelling, character development, and the underlying themes of joy, forgiveness, and personal growth. The episode highlights memorable scenes and quotes, explores the im...
Aug 19, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Got something to say? Send us a text! Join our new Patreon and support the show! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt and Christina delve into the world of monster romance, focusing on Ruby Dixon's popular 'Ice Planet Barbarians' series. Christina shares her journey from skepticism towards sci-fi and fantasy to becoming an avid reader of the blue alien romance series. They discuss the trend's explosion on BookTok, the appeal of escapist fiction in turbulent times, and the significance...
Aug 12, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Got something to say? Send us a text! Join our NEW Patreon - Write Out Loud Patreon - patreon.com/WriteOutLoudPod In the inaugural episode of Season 3 of 'Write Out Loud,' hosts Matt Cassem and Christina Trevaskis discuss the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among writers. They touch on personal experiences, relatable anecdotes, and use examples like Stephen King and Billie Eilish to emphasize the importance of embracing one’s own journey and growth. The episode offers insights on how to man...
Aug 05, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Got something to say? Send us a text! Season 3 Preview and Behind-the-Scenes Shoutouts In this episode, Matt & Christina preview the upcoming third season of their podcast, discussing the exciting new guests and topics that will be covered. Highlights include conversations with wishlist guests, tackling subjects like imposter syndrome, using Kickstarter to fund your writing project, resistance fiction, and revisiting AI developments. They also tease discussions on popular books, shows, and m...
Jun 24, 2024•8 min
Got something to say? Send us a text! Buy us a coffee to support the show! That's a wrap for season two! This episode finds Matt and Christina reflecting on the highlights of season two, including favorite episodes and guest interviews. They discuss plans for season three, inviting audience input for future topics and guests. They express enthusiasm for possibly exploring diverse writing-related topics such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Last of Us, Schitt's Creek, and inviting screenwrit...
Mar 25, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Got something to say? Send us a text! If you're enjoying our show, won't you help us out? Buy us a coffee or drink to show your appreciation. It really does help us bring you better guests, better content, and maybe some surprises. You can do that here . In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina delve into the challenges of transitioning a great story idea into skilled execution, using the recently released Netflix movie 'Damsel' as a case study. Despite their anticipation and ...
Mar 18, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode titled "Author Spotlight: A Conversation with Scarlett Cole", Matt and Christina invite Scarlett Cole, an acclaimed romance writer, on to talk about her history as an author. Scarlett talks about her journey from being a reader to an author, and her dual careers as a romance writer and senior vice president of strategy for a leading company. She discusses her transition from writing full-time to part-time and exploring different genres like c...
Mar 11, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Got something to say? Send us a text! ***See the time stamps towards the bottom for links to the upcoming books Erin mentioned in today's episode!!*** In this episode of Write Out Loud, Matt and Christina chat with Erin Galloway , Director of Publicity for Berkeley, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Galloway shares her journey into the publishing industry, from her initial interest in journalism to realizing her talent and passion for publicity in book publishing. She provides an in-depth look...
Mar 04, 2024•58 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this podcast episode, Matt and Christina discuss the importance of authenticity and confidence in writing. They express the importance of writers finding their personal writing style and trusting their abilities, rather than trying to emulate others. In fact, by doing so, they argue that writers can boost their creativity and potentially become more commercially successful. They also advocate listening to advice from professionals, discarding what doesn't...
Feb 26, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of the 'Write Out Loud' podcast, hosts Tina and Matt discuss various topics related to the process of writing and storytelling. They delve into the personal workflow of different writers, tips and techniques for productive writing, the weight of research vs. improvisation, and various writing tools. They also discuss finding one's identity as a writer, understanding the audience, managing time based on personal circumstances, the importance o...
Feb 19, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Got something to say? Send us a text! Superheroes, Self-Publishing, and Storytelling with W.T. Meadows In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt Cassem and Christina welcome author W.T. Meadows to discuss his journey with writing & storytelling. Meadows shares valuable tips from his experience co-writing novels, using Kickstarter in self-publishing his novel 'Introduction Events', and so much more! He emphasizes the importance of author-audience connection, getting accurate representatio...
Feb 12, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this engaging episode of "The Writing Dance: Plotting, Pantsing, and Everything in Between with Special Guest Sean Dare", the conversation delves deep into different aspects of writing and storytelling. The discussion brings out the differences between 'plotting' and 'pantsing', the two primary modes in which writers create their stories. The conversation includes advice on progressing a writers' craft, the flexibility of these methods, and how adapting a...
Feb 05, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Got something to say? Send us a text! Matt and Christina discuss the key difference between writing and storytelling. They explore the art and craft of storytelling and how it influences the process of writing. They also highlight unique techniques and elements that are specific to storytelling and how they contribute to creating engaging stories. Join them in this insightful conversation about the importance of storytelling in the world of writing. Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podca...
Jan 29, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode, Matt and Christina discuss the importance of writing a good book as the most effective marketing tool. They discuss the significance of having a well-written book, building a fan base, and the power of word-of-mouth marketing. They also touch on the concept of the curiosity gap and the importance of engaging with readers on social media. The conversation emphasizes the need for writers to stay true to themselves and their stories, while also...
Jan 22, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode, the hosts, Matt and Christina, interview Big Robb, a mental health advocate and host of the podcast "Chewing the Fat." The conversations are centered around the intertwined relationship between creativity, mental health struggles, and self-expression, with an emphasis on the necessity for open conversations on mental health. The conversation consists of introspective confessions, personal anecdotes, and advice on handling creativity blockage...
Jan 15, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of the Write Out Loud Podcast, the Matt and Christina discuss the current state of storytelling, writing, and being an author with special guest, Michael Aspen, a fellow writer and podcaster. Together they delve into the pros and cons of self-publishing, the intricacies of quality story composition, and the impact of pacing. The discussion includes the impact of reality TV and Marvel movies on storytelling, and the challenges self-published a...
Jan 08, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Got something to say? Send us a text! It's season two! We're back! This episode is focused on Christina interviewing Matt. They discuss topics such as why they read and write, impactful books and authors, and the best piece of writing advice they've received. They hope to connect with their audience and leave a thumbprint on the souls of their readers through their writing. And they hope you will too! Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit...
Jan 01, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Got something to say? Send us a text! We are putting the final touches on this first season of the podcast, and we are sharing a little glimpse of what's to come in the future. Heartstopper is the muse with which we kicked off this endeavor, but going forward, there won't be discussion based on Heartstopper anymore (Yay for some of you!). What's to come? Listen and find out! Or read the transcript. Either way! Join us for more fun stuff to come in Season Two which will kick off January 1st in 20...
Oct 23, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Got something to say? Send us a text! This week we step back to chat with Christina Trevaskis, my co-host and the genius behind this operation. Christina has achieved remarkable feats in the book selling industry in diverse ways, and she brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to the table. During the podcast, we take the opportunity to become better acquainted with Christina's journey, her methodology, and even gain some valuable tips on how to approach our own writing. If you hav...
Oct 16, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Got something to say? Send us a text! This week we deep dive into the portrayal of relationships using "Heartstopper" as the reference point once again. We're coming to a close on using "Heartstopper," so if you're annoyed that we keep talking about it, hang in there. We also throw in a little "Shameless" plug too. Ultimately, we're here to help inspire you to build a toolkit that makes you a better writer than you were before...by even as little as 10%! That's improvement! So tell us what you w...
Oct 09, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Got something to say? Send us a text! It's another week, and this week we're discussing some of the small, easily-missed details you might have spotted if you're eagle-eyed enough to catch them! These are the little things that add so much to the story but stay out of the way of the story itself. This week's episode was based on a number of details discussed in Tessa Fahey's Buzzfeed article titled "33 Tiny Heartstopper Details." So thank you, Tessa, for the assist this week! Additionally, we ha...
Oct 02, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Got something to say? Send us a text! During this week's episode, we discuss the variations between book and screen (mostly about Heartstopper). We are taking a look at the rationale behind why writers will sometimes differ particularly when they're the same person to write both the book and screen play. We would love to have your voice added to our podcast, so sign up to be a guest or just leave us a voicemail that we might play during one of the episodes by visiting our website at writeoutloud...
Sep 25, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Got something to say? Send us a text! Joining us this week is special guest and "Heartstopper" super fan, Rania Gollakner! Rania comes to share her perspective on the things that have made "Heartstopper" so amazing for her, what she got out of the writing and storytelling that Alice Oseman does so well, and to share with us her wishes for what Alice will do next! We appreciate the support, and if you would like to be a guest on the podcast, join us by going to the website (writeoutloudpod.com) a...
Sep 18, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Got something to say? Send us a text! We start off a little differently this week with a brief detour around what happened when Matt decides to ask AI about Heartstopper, and things, well, don’t go as well as the AI overlords may have hoped. We then talk about the use of villains in your story to highlight, compare, contrast, and illuminate things. Enjoying the podcast? Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts! It’s so helpful! Want to be a guest on the pod? ...
Sep 11, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Got something to say? Send us a text! Today we're discussing a writing technique called show vs tell and using "Heartstopper" to illustrate our points. We also talk a LOT about Ikea, but don't worry, it all comes together. What do you think? Sound off on our webpage (writeoutloudpod.com) and share your thoughts with us. You can even leave us a voicemail there which might mean you get to hear yourself on one of our upcoming episodes! Would you like to be a guest? You can sign up for that there as...
Sep 04, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this week's episode, we continue our discussion representation within Heartstopper and how much of a difference it makes in writing. You'll hear us talk about things like how the story treats LGBTQIA+ individuals, my own coming out story (sort of), and more! Check it out, and please share the podcast and throw us a rating on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoy...
Aug 28, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Got something to say? Send us a text! In today's episode, we focus on representation and we talk about how much of an impact representation has on the people reading or viewing inclusive artistic works. We are tying this in to Heartstopper, and while we don't dig in deep on this episode, we are laying the groundwork for upcoming episodes, so stay with us and enjoy the ride! If you have any questions, comments, feedback, or if you'd like to hear yourself on the podcast, leave us a voicemail right...
Aug 21, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Got something to say? Send us a text! In this week's episode, we finish our introductions around what the podcast is all about and often divert into a tangent! It's hard not to since we love this stuff so much! If you've got something you'd like to tell us, share it at matt (at) writeoutloudpod (dot) com or Christina (at) bookmatchmaker (dot) com. You should also explore our website! You can leave us a voicemail! You might even hear yourself on a future episode! Hey, thanks so much for listening...
Aug 14, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 3
