Two Hearts and One Braincell: Cassidy Carson & JT Hume Amateur Hour

In a very special Saturday episode of the Amateur Hour, CC and I chat about the real-life ghosts in our lives, the people we see in random places who look like loved ones and friends who've passed away. For that millisecond before we remember they're gone, we can be hit with a ton of strong feelings, including the echoes of the love and affection for someone we don't get to see anymore. A difficult and very personal subject for a podcast, but as writers, we talk about how we can use these important moments and emotions in our books. Before that, we talk about our mutual rom-com that CC and I are drafting up together, which is a lot of fun.  We hope to release it later this year. Also, this week is the July 1 release of my new book, "Starting Over in Las Vegas." Before that, three of my books will be free for the taking. Have a listen and let know what you think! Take care of you. TIA! LYL!

CC and I chat about our personal writer's retreat this week and about writers retreats in general. CC talks about her good and bad experiences at big-time retreats. We also give updates on our three books in the pipeline. You can learn all about us at www.carsonhume.com TIA! LYL!

We take a dive into the shallow end of the pool to discuss famous and no-so-famous literary couples. Writing is a tough chore to begin with, so lots of respect for these (and any) couples who write together. We used this article as a foundation: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/13--literary-couples_n_5104412 You can hear our podcasts and read our blogposts at www.carsonhume.com TIA! LYL!

Please join us as we celebrate our 40th anniversary with memories, laughs, and a few tears. CC and I chat about the good old days and what's kept us together so far. There's a little bit of writing stuff, too. Check out our web site at www.carsonhume.com TIA! LYL!

We attack the multiverse in this week's podcast to answer the question: "Are we truly writing fiction?" Covered w Spoilers: The MCU Batman Star Trek Pleasantville Back to the Future Quantum Leap Sliding Doors Stranger Than Fiction Carol Burnett Have a listen and send feedback through our website at www.carsonhume.com  TIA! LYL!

Couples Therapy this week with incorporating our experiences and minefields into our writing, plus the most and least important parts of a relationship and how to use them to create tension. Many more podcasts and blog posts on our website at www.carsonhume.com Let us know what you think via our Contacts page or leave a comment. TIA! LYL!

This week's writers' podcast is a deep dive into "Romance is a Bonus Book," and how this excellent series got us thinking about the choices we've made. We chat about the power you have over your life and the key question: "Who am I?". We may have shotgunned a gallon of coffee before recording. Not kidding. Big-time spoilers. Lots of good stuff on our website at www.carsonhume.com TIA! LYL!

CC and I do online therapy in talking about our mothers and our upbringing, and we discuss how writers can use their parental relationships in their writing. Possible triggers in this one. Check out our website for more podcasts and blog posts: www.carsonhume.com TIA! LYL!

This week is our fav subject: editing. (#sarcasm) We discuss the strengths and weakness of self-editing vs. hiring professionals, using beta readers, and being responsible for your book. Big shout-out to my professional editors at Red Adept Editing! This and many more writers podcasts at www.carsonhume.com Have a listen and let us know what you think. TIA! LYL!

This week's writers podcast is a deep dive into the brick wall called "grammar." Ugh, we get it: everyone hates the rules. We talk about why writers should learn and follow the rules, anyway. The deep dive: The history of English grammar. Moby Dick versus The Old Man of the Sea. What did I do 450 times? Ideas on improving your writing grammar. Turn on the closed captioning! Grammarly may not be your friend. Have a listen and let us know what you think. Over on my Patreon, I finished the the Tucci books elements series (free to  all). This blog post has the links. https://carsonhume.com/2022/04/23/the-tucci-book-elements/ Take care of you. TIA and LYL!

This week focuses on two important writers subjects: -The challenges and benefits of implicit bias in fiction. -CC's and my favorite formula in fiction: stupid romance. We pull in Love Actually, Star Wars, the weather, and coming of age stories. You can find links to our other podcasts at www.carsonhume.com. TIA! LYL!

We return from our podcast hiatus to talk about our emotional roller-coaster Hell Week, and the associated life changes happening in and around The Worldwide Headquarters: Our daughter's surgery. Saying goodbye to Mia. Verbal Tics. Retirement. My next book (good news!). Book sale success. Patreon. Spring in Nevada. "Our Flag Means Death". The Beatles and "Get Back". Recurring themes in Korean dramas and rom-coms. Common traits in the human experience. Putting together my second and third draft manuscripts. Stay-at-home parenting and day care. Send Feedback, please. Wander through our website at http://www.carsonhume.com for more interesting stuff. All quiet on the Patreon front this week, too. I'll get back to my series on creating my book soon. The previous podcasts on creating my book are free at http://patreon.com/jthume TIA and LYL!

We take on passion and energy of Fan Fiction this week: -The history of fan fiction with a nod to the Bard, Dickens, and the modern age.  -The challenges and minefields about writing in the Internet Age. -And the strengths and weaknesses of being a FanFic writer. We recognize this is a sensitive subject for many people, and we look forward to your feedback at www.carsonhume.com TIA! LYL!

Happy Spring! CC and I discuss how Seasons can form themes in your books: Spring = Rebirth Summer = Lust & Love Fall = The Best Season? Winter = Family and Coming of Age (Bonus: Hear me forget our anniversary!) You can find links to our other podcasts at www.carsonhume.com. TIA! LYL!

Last week, we sent you a verbal postcard of Ireland. This week, we watched six productions from The Auld County of Ireland, and we discuss the use of common themes through these films: Darby O'Gill and the Little People The Quiet Man Derry Girls Brooklyn Dancing at Lughnasa The Boxer Have a listen and feel free to push back on our thoughts and assumptions at our website: www.carsonhume.com. TIA! LYL!

Writers draw pictures with words, but what if your protagonist is Irish and you've never been to Ireland? You're in luck! Here's a verbal postcard from Dublin, Cork, & Killarney with castles, pubs, museums, and much more. And we snuck in Scotland, too! Have a listen and let us know what you think: www.carsonhume.com TIA! LYL!

No two ways to slice this bread: writing is hard for many reasons. People may have trouble put words to paper (or screen) because they feel they have a weak grasp on language skills, or they're nervous about revealing themselves. After all, writing in a private endeavor in the public spotlight. Criticism could be a good reason not to write, even though criticism can be both positive or negative. Some people have trouble simply finding the time to write, and other may worry about originality. CC and I discuss these reasons and more in this week's podcast. We get it. We really do because the struggle is real. But we also give potential writers some reasons to sit down and pound away on the keyboard. Have a listen. You can find links to our other podcasts at http://www.carsonhume.com  TIA! LYL!

This week's writers' podcast is about spending money to be a writer (or as I call it, "death by thousand cuts"). All professions require out-of-pocket expenses because the cliché is we have to spend money to earn money. But as independent writers, we may not ever see a full return on our investment. We talk about those challenges. You can learn more about us at our website at www.carsonhume.com If you're interested in learning how a book is created, then check out https://www.patreon.com/jthume Thank you and take care. LYL!

A bonus podcast where we talk about upgrading our podcast equipment, our works in progress, and going out on Patreon. This one is short and sweet. Our main website: www.carsonhume.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/jthume Thanks for listening!

Today was a "stream of unconsciousness" podcast from CC and me. Most of it is "Romance is What You Make of It," and "The Elements of Romance in Writing." Also: -Podcasting Equipment -Galentine's & Valentine's Day -Hallmark Holidays & Greeting Cards -SB LVI -Masks Spoilers: Romancing the Stone and Pride and Prejudice CC's Instagram is @authorcassidycarson You can hear this and other podcasts at our wonderous website at www.carsonhume.com TIA! LYL!

We talk about the challenges and dangers of using “power words” and “trigger words” in this week’s writer’s podcast. Our definitions: “Power Words” can be used to develop an emotional connection between the reader and writer, where “Trigger Words” exist to illicit an emotional response, often a knee-jerk negative emotional response. Candidly, we struggle to draw the line between the two. We talk about both in general communication, and we use the vaccination argument as an example. For writing, we use the romantic genre in how power words can shape a writer’s manuscript. Trigger warning (ironically): we use personal examples from our upbringing and, yes, we get wound up. Spoilers: “Arrow” and “A Very Brady Sequel.” There is also singing (sorry). Have a listen and let us know what you think. TIA! LYL! (Also: “Impactful” is not a real word.”)

The one where we chat about banning books in school districts: the reasons, the possible motivations, and the downstream dangers. We start with Art Spiegelman's Maus and other classics in American literature including To Kill A Mockingbird, Lolita, and 1984. We have passionate opinions and that energy comes through. Links to this and our other podcasts can be found on our website at https://carsonhume.com  Let us know what you think. TIA! LYL!

The one where we discuss baseball writing, and how the enclosed universe of the game lends itself to writing. We start with the golden age of baseball and end in the modern era. We use these writers and their works: Jim Bouton W. P. Kinsella Ron Luciano Ernest Thayer Spoilers: Field of Dreams You can learn more about us at www.carsonhume.com Have a listen and let us know what you think. LYL! TIA!

The one where CC and I chat about Elmore Leonard's "10 Rules for Good Writing:" 1. Never open a book with weather. 2. Avoid prologues. 3. Never use a verb other than "said" to carry dialogue. 4. Never use an adverb to modify the verb "said"…he admonished gravely. 5. Keep your exclamation points under control. You are allowed no more than two or three per 100,000 words of prose. 6. Never use the words "suddenly" or "all hell broke loose." 7. Use regional dialect, patois, sparingly. 8. Avoid detailed descriptions of characters. 9. Don't go into great detail describing places and things. 10. Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip. My most important rule is one that sums up the 10: If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it. (src: https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/tips-masters/elmore-leonard-10-rules-for-good-writing) Also: Food ingredients Continuous Glucose Monitor "The Old Man and the Sea" George R.R. Martin and Stephen King Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings You can find all of our good stuff at https://carsonhume.com Here you go! Let us know what you think. TIA! LYL!

The one where we talk about the ebbs and flow of creative energy with ideas on working through writer's block. Also: -Coffee -Diabetes -CGM -Cyclothymia -Wheel of Time dresses -Texas Turtle! Links to this and other podcasts can be found at https://carsonhume.com/ LYL TIA!

The one where we talk about the positives and negatives of having routines and habits. We focus on writers and writing, and we start small by explaining our Sunday patterns, and we go big with the national economy and labor workforce.  No spoilers. Check us out on https://carsonhume.com TIA! LYL!

The one where we wrap up our year in Podcasting by discussing our most listened to podcasts, plus: -Betty White, of course -Pandemic & Diabetes (fun stuff!) -WIPs and writing -Tool Time! -40 years ago today -A great burrito Podcasts discussed: Our first podcast Writers and Reality The Flawed Protagonist In Media Res Have a listen and let us know what you think through www.carsonhume.com LYL! TIA!  

The one where we discuss the most important parts of Christmas while adding three movies to our holiday list. We absolutely eviscerate "Love Actually." (spoilers, duh) Please check us out at carsonhume.com  Merry Christmas, everyone!

The one where we talk about our Top Ten Christmas movies and shows and: (Spoilers Galore!) December Holidays Science Fiction Star Trek Friends My WIP & Amazon Vella Free Books! Is our Top Ten is full of crap? Have a listen and let us know! TIA! LYL! http://www.carsonhume.com

#writers #podcast The one where we critique the intentional & unintentional undertones of these entertainment classics. (SPOILERS!) Big (@TomHanks) Harry Potter (@jk_rowling) Hunger Games (@HungerGames) Let us know what you think! TIA! LYL! http://www.carsonhume.com

The one where we unloaded a laundry list!  -Our Podcast with a Professional Editor -Thanksgiving -The Crocker Museum and the Museum of Science and Curiosity -Monet and Rodin -Eppie's, Carol's, and Taqueria Ay Jalisco -Cochlear Implant -Invading Personal Space -Booster shots -WIP, Fan Fiction, and Serialized Writing -Sir Patrick Stewart -Upcoming December Holidays And Charley! Check out our podcasts at http://www.carsonhume.com Hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

#writers #podcast The one where we welcome a retired production editor for one of *the* big-time publishing houses. She talks about her editorial experiences and gives advice to all writers. Really good stuff! No spoilers. Check us out on http://www.carsonhume.com and let us know what you think! TIA! LYL! 

The one where CC and I talk about our favorite and sad Thanksgiving Day childhood memories. Possibly a downer for most folks, but there's could be fodder here for some writers. No spoilers. You can find more podcasts on our website at https://www.carsonhume.com Enjoy!

We chat about @stephenking movies and the complex problem of creative control. Also said: -Dan Brown, JK Rowling, and Alan Moore -Kubrick & Nicholson -Stand by Me, Shawshank, Carrie -What is a movie? -Orson Wells -Furbabies -Thanksgiving Major spoilers for Kubrick's "The Shining." Check us out at http://www.carsonhume.com and let us know what you think. TIA! LYL!

The one where we talk about Stephen King's books at length. We discuss our favorites and how Mr. King influences us as writers. Major King book spoilers.  Feedback appreciated at www.carsonhume.com. TIA! LYL!

We should have skipped the podcast this week. Why? We were all over the place: -Nanowrimo -The Shining -Surgery -Time Change -Veterans Day -"Read" & "Write" -Indiana Jones Yeah, it was that kind of podcast. If you're brave, have a listen and let us know what you think at www.carsonhume.com TIA! LYL!

On the real NV Day, we blabbed about: - Our 6:30 #writers project - Lots about @Nanowrimo - Halloween & #NevadaDay in #carsoncity #nevada - My #cochlearimplant Surgery  All this and more! Feedback always welcome on our website at http://www.carsonhume.com Enjoy!

The one where we talk how random acts of kindness can change lives, and kindness can make your characters richer and three-dimensional. We pull out a couple of examples from our own lives. No spoilers. Have a listen and let us know what you think http://carsonhume.com. Take care of you. LYL!

We chatted about maintaining perspective & providing context in our #writing and real life. We also talked about the value of taking risks in writing. And we did some serious couples counseling. Spoilers: Muppets Haunted Mansion. As always, we'd love to hear from you! www.carsonhume.com TY! LYL!

The one where we discuss Success's more common sibling: Disappointment. We offer our experiences and some ideas that may help #writers manage their response to rejection. No spoilers. Please let us know what you think at our website: www.carsonhume.com Thank you! LYL!

The one where we sing and laugh and drink coffee, and we do an actual podcast! We chat about our comfort zones before before, during, and after the pandemic. We also talk about our current works in progress. We hope we put a smile on your face. Leave feedback at http://www.carsonhume.com and thank you! LYL! ("Happy Birthday" is in the public domain.)

The one where CC explains how Little Women by Louisa May Alcott helped shape her as a person and writer. JT gives his impression of the book through viewing the 1994 version of the book. We thoroughly spoil the novel from cover to cover, but considering it was released in 1868, we're okay with that. We hope you enjoy our thirtieth episode. Let us know what you think at carsonhume.com. Thank you!

The one where we talk "A Hero's journey" as outlined by Joseph Campbell, but has been used in literature for hundreds of years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero%27s_journey A lot of serious spoilers in this podcast: Star Wars, Treasure Island, Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, Spaceballs, King Arthur, Hunger Games, The 300, Harry Potter, Flash Gordon. And the one I couldn't remember: Divergent. As always, we'd love to hear from you. TIA! LYL! http://www.carsonhume.com

The one where we remember. We all carry trauma in some way, whether it's 9-11, the sudden death of a loved one, or growing up in a difficult home. We talk what writers should consider when using traumatic event in their books, or even if writers should use those event. Triggers: 9-11 Pearl Harbor Death Love COVID Trauma Please be thoughtful before listening. Thank you and LYL. http://carsonhume.com

The one where we go way off script and talk about the successes and challenges of our 39-year marriage.  Triggers: Toothpaste Caps Domestic Abuse Death Money Children We'd love to hear your feedback at http://carsonhume.com TY! LYL!

The one where we talk about using my "Four S's" tools to fill and enhance a book: Sounds, Sights, Smell, Sex.  Writers will hears the pros and cons of each. Mentioned: The Grapes of Wrath, The Old Man and The Sea, Cannery Row, Emperor's New Groove, Dune, Moonlighting  All this and more on http://carsonhume.com  Let us know what you think! Thank you! LYL!

We recorded this episode on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in beautiful Fort Bragg, California. So what did we talk about? Perhaps the most iconic, romantic form of transportation: the train! Send feedback to carsonhume.com and take care of yourself! LYL!

The one where we talk about JT's cochlear implant and how deafness affected his writing. We discuss how CC was JT's beard during his deaf years, and we talk about the deaf culture. We update our respective WIP's (spoiler: they're crap) and give the weekly smoke report. Send feedback to us via http://carsonhume.com TIA and LYL!

The one where we discuss writer engagement in social media debates. Does the writer have the responsibility and duty to engage. CC and I are at opposite ends of this discussion, and we explain why we do and do not get involved in social media conversations. Related: what are the risks and benefits? Shorter: any podcast that mentions Shrek is a good podcast. Let us know what you think at carsonhume.com. Thank you and love you all!

The one where we were totally unprepared to do a podcast and it showed. Discussed: Our current #WIP after two weeks of writing thirty minutes every day. Memorable concerts: @duranduran @shaunpcassidy @hudsonbros @JanetJackson and her family @onedirection And we talked about the challenges of balancing how we enjoy an artist's work versus their politics. We'll talk about that more next week. One correction: I said "Alan Dean Moore" when I meant "Alan Moore."  Have a listen and send feedback via carsonhume.com. Thank you much. Love you all!

The one where two diehard fans discuss their love for the Chicago Cubs. We also talk about our current works in progress, and we take the famous quiz from "Inside the Actors Studio." No spoilers. Listen up, and send your feedback via http://carsonhume.com. Thank you! Love you all!

Episode 20 already!  The one where we take the Proust Questionnaire found on the Vanity Fair website. If you're nosy and want to learn more about us, this podcast is for you! https://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/2000/01/proust-questionnaire As always, we crave your feedback at http://www.carsonhume.com

The one where we record near the shores of Monterey Bay, invoking John Steinbeck and the history of Cannery Row. We spend some time discussing how writers can use words to illustrate scenes and characters to their full richness. No real spoilers. Send us feedback at http://www.carsonhume.com Thank you!

The one where we talk about the legends and misconceptions of being a writer, especially an independent writer. CC and I picked three specific myths that we felt affected us as writers. No real spoilers, though we chat about one of my favorite TV shows: "Kolchak: The Night Stalker." As always, send feedback through our website at carsonhume.com. Take care!

The one where we talk about jumping in media res ("in the middle") of the action in your favorite books and movies. Prime examples discussed include Georgette Heyer's Friday's Child, Dumas' The Three Musketeers, and basically every James Bond movie. No real spoilers in this one. Feedback welcome at carsonhume.com. Enjoy!

The one where we talk about the three real-life philosophies we apply to our writing. CC: Love Conquers All, Nobody's Perfect, We're Only Human. JT: Perception Forms Reality, Be Honest, Be Kind. No spoilers this week. http://www.carsonhume.com

The one where we discussed hardcore sex in writing and popular media. Like so many people, we struggled between "porn for porn's sake" and "porn for art's sake." Jacobellis v. Ohio comes up. And, hey, FREE BOOK! Midnight Cowboy, Clockwork Orange, Pretty Woman, Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction, Doom Patrol, American Gigolo, Jacobellis v. Ohio.

The one where we venture into the middle ground of sexual relations in writing (PG, PG-13, R), and how writers can express tension and climax. Spoilers: True Lies, Aliens, Gone with the Wind, Moonlighting, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, 10 Things I think About You

The one where we delve into sex in the G-rated literature and media environment. We discuss the history of sex in books, the use innuendoes, cultural shifts, growing up on Harlequin romances, and gender roles. Triggers: Sex, Domestic Violence No spoilers

The one where we talk about the most dangerous thing: True Love. We discuss the many challenges and rewards of bringing personal romantic experiences to our novels and other works. We quote Thomas Mann and we sing for a few seconds (sorry about that). Triggers: Relationship Violence, Death, Divorce, Love Spoiler: Lucifer (Netflix), Empire Strikes Back, Ghost

The one where we get personal about Death, along with the challenges of presenting this great equalizer in fiction. This episode is our most intimate podcast to date. Triggers: Death. Spoilers: Harry Potter, Twilight, Supernatural, Avengers, Sherlock Holmes, Dracula.

The one where we don't talk about much at all, other than old casinos, being kind, and developing characters through watching people. No spoilers in this one, folks.

The one where CC and I talk about our personal writing inspirations as we grew up and matured into professional writers. We go from childhood to the Air Force to our college professors. Lots of stories and lots of fun for the two of us. Our tenth episode already! 

The one where we talk about Ireland's literary and historical heritage. CC goes in depth on how Frank McCourt's life and his most famous book, "Angela's Ashes," parallels her own mother's upbringing, and how they influence CC's life and writing.

The one where we talk about gaining possible writing success by traveling the tried and true path of formula fiction. Special shout-out to Ronald B. Tobias, writer of "20 Master Plots," for guiding our discussion. *this week's spoilers* When Harry Met Sally. Star Wars, and Harry Potter

The one where CC and I visit beautiful Lake Tahoe, and talk about our separate and mutual connections to one of the most beautiful places on Earth. We even talk about Mark Twain and Mario Puzo.

The world literally moved while we were discussing my favorite book and its flawed protagonist, Tucci. A 4.0 earthquake couldn't stop this podcast!

The one where CC and I discuss Reality and writing about Reality through "The Matrix" and "The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." 

We chat about the local wildlife, fur-babies, bedtimes, and we salute two icons from the 1970s Soft Rock Era.

The one where we chat about... - Writing spaces.  - Public service.  - NV Outdoors.  - 50% Vaccinated. And we shout out to coffee, Carson City Parks and Rec, and the University of Nevada Cross Country Track Team!

CC and JT chat about our new website and the lessons learned, photography and artistic expression, our trip to Lovelock, and our thoughts and impressions about Nevada overall. 

The one where we introduce ourselves, talk about inspirations, and blather about plans.