Write Where It Hurts
By Eva Des Lauriers
Write Where It HurtsApr 15, 2024
BONUS: Growing As Artists
In this bonus episode, Eva and Katryn discuss their evolution as artists & authors--from making peace with the revision process and finding your best critique balance, to the hurdles they’ve faced as artists. Katryn grieves lost pop-culture references and Eva kinda-accidentally makes her husband sound like a cannibal.
CONTENT CLARIFICATION: Hi, all! Kate here. I just wanted to clarify that, in the segment where I talk about feeling like I have the right to educate myself, I realized I was being super vague. I wanted to clarify that I was talking about bad publishing and writing advice. I realized that, bookended with my mini-rant about Barbie, it might have sounded like I was deliberately vaguepodding about something else. Did I just make up a new word? I think I did!
Sources:
- Pre-order I Wish You Would now!
- Also, for Bay Area folks, please come out to Eva’s launch in conversation with the great YA Author Kristin Dwyer at Mrs. Dalloway’s Books
- Check out the gorgeous cover of Katryn’s upcoming book, We Are Not Alone, if you missed the reveal!
S2 Ep 20 Ask Us Anything Season Finale!
Eva and Katryn celebrate the last episode of Write Where it Hurts Season 2 with a very special episode (VSE™): and Instagram Live. They discuss the ups and downs of the year, answer your craft, publishing and podcast questions, and reveal what lies in store for season 3!
Sources
Pre-order Eva’s debut I WISH YOU WOULD out 5/21/24 and add it on Goodreads
Please buy Katryn’s books and also add her next book WE ARE NOT ALONE on Goodreads.
Check out our pod’s Linktree and remember to follow us on IG!
S2 EP 19 Writing Through Tough Times
JOIN US ON FRIDAY 9/8 for our IG LIVE SEASON FINALE @writewhereithurtspod
In the penultimate episode of season 2, Eva and Katryn discuss navigating writing and publishing during tough times—from using story to process trauma, to dealing with deadlines when you’ve got a case of the mean reds. Eva exalts the glory of TSA precheck and Katryn pays homage to the healing powers of Olivia Benson.
*Content warnings: Grief, trauma, mental illness, pandemic. CLARIFYING NOTE: Katryn talks about the type of mental illness that feels like a “choice”- this is in reference to a level of illness that affords the agency to control symptoms with therapy and/or medicine.
Sources
Did Eva convince you to look at TSA Precheck? Look here for details!
Glimmers and Triggers were a big focus of today’s episode
Check out this article that discusses how the concept of “pushing through” can disrupt the healing process
While this word wasn’t used, Eva and Katryn both discuss the healing power of stories (including their own) in a concept one book refers to as “bibliotherapy”
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Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen
S2 EP 18 Our Favorite Craft Books (Part 2)
Eva and Katryn discuss their favorite resources on craft--from books to blogs and writer’s groups. Eva discusses her origin story of studying craft, and Katryn makes a confession.
S2 EP 17 Our Favorite Books
Writers are readers first! In this episode of Write Where it Hurts, Eva and Katryn spill the tea about their ALL-TIME favorite reads from every genre and age category. Eva may or may not do a reading in a British accent, while Katryn shares a favorite reading spot that will have listeners scratching their heads. Keep your notes app open or grab a pen and paper because your TBR will be full after this episode!
Sources
Eva’s pick for fancy eats for East Bay people, Snailbar!
Katryn’s bizarre swimming spot
S2 Ep 16 Pace Perfect
Eva and Katryn discuss the “...HOW?” of pacing, from pacing between genres, to keeping the characterization authentic in a faster pace, to earning your endings. Eva encourages writers to kill the cat (disclaimer: no cats were harmed in the making of this podcast) and Katryn won’t ever, ever watch the Fast & Furious franchise.
Sources
Katryn apologizes for her Simpsons gaffe, but then doubles down after a disastrous apology tour.
Check out our Write Where It Hurts Instagram account to see pictures of our memes!
An interesting take on “white spaces” on the page and readability from a screenwriter’s perspective.
Book Riot’s take on what makes a slow burn romance burn
S2 EP 15 Author Branding
This week on Write Where it Hurts, Eva and Katryn discuss curating your author brand--everything from visuals (like fonts and color palettes) to boiling your books down to a consistent pitch that reveals who you are as a writer and as a person. Eva talks being the ultimate Mastermind (yes, that was a T-Swift reference) and Katryn compares Nerdfighters and the BTS Army.
Sources
Check out Eva’s website for an idea of her palette!
THIS is what happens when you find a stranger in the alps
Eva and Katryn talked about authors whose brands speak to them, like Emily Henry, Meg Cabot, Rachel Lynn Solomon, Rachel Griffin, Jennifer Dugan, and Adrienne Young
Katryn talked about evolving her website to be broader--right now it’s very Drew!
S2 Ep 14 Letting Your Story Go
This week, Eva and Katryn discuss the challenges of letting your story go, from working with editorial agents, to edits after a book deal--and when to push back when the edits don’t feel right. Eva basks in the glow of full Vanderpump completion and Katryn outlines the five stages of grief getting an edit letter.
Sources
This Simpsons song tells the truth
S2 Ep 13 Toxic Positivity
This week, Eva and Katryn discuss toxic positivity, its impact on their mental health as writers, and offer tips to break the cycle from both sides. Eva confesses to being a lifelong pickle slut, while Katryn gets salty about libraries and inspirational tube tops.
*Content warnings: Queerphobia, illness, depression, discussion of hate speech
Sources
Get an overview of the concept of toxic positivity from Psychology Today
Just NO to this
Stop bossing me around, inspirational memes!
Eva and Katryn didn’t quite line up on their new shtick but both examples are good! Eva shared a great example with this Daria scene while Katryn talked about a most hated example of toxic positivity with this horrific crime of fashion.
- Listen to the outtake, and then watch this and replace the word “snow,”
S2 EP 12: New Kid on the Block
This week, Write Where it Hurts covers the challenges of feeling “new” at every step of publishing, and how to combat the anxieties and triggers that come up with it. Eva reinforces her newfound role in the BTS Army and Katryn gets philosophical (and, dare we say, cross-stitchable?) about the pressure to push down sensitivity.
*Content warnings: Anxiety, depression, and please note a trigger warning for queerphobia (Katryn discusses an incident with far-right protesters at drag queen story hour and how it impacted her and her family)
Sources
Katryn is on a full-sail fangirl ship for Elijah Wood’s character in Yellowjackets with Christina Ricci’s psychopathic Misty
Eva was right about Joey, but there also IS a Jonathan in New Kids on the Block! Go down the rabbit hole on this kinda meh boy band.
Eva’s brilliant inspirational quotation this week from Adventure TimeKatryn talks about her run-in with far-right phobic protesters on Instagram
We talk a lot about the broad experiences of self-publishing, and how it can be very easy to start with little effort (i.e. you can post a book on Kindle with far less effort than trad. publishing) but is extraordinarily time consuming and VERY hard to do well. If you’re considering self-pub, check out the major success story of Andy Weir for inspiration!
S2 EP 11: Story Inspiration
Eva and Katryn reunite and host their giddiest episode to date! This week, Write Where it Hurts returns from hiatus with a craft episode all about inspiration--from a mind-body perspective to self-care. Eva obsesses about Vanderpump Rules and Sister Act 2, while Katryn questions Thomas Edison and quotes The X-Files’ Jose Chung.
Sources
- Watch the first episode of The Plagues of Our Lives
- Thomas Edison was not the first person to talk about inspiration vs. perspiration. Is anything real?
- Read Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli, and The Feeling of Falling in Love by Mason Deaver! Also, check out Undercover Latina by Aya DeLeon
- Sister Act 2 brings the ULTIMATE inspirational speech
- Rachel Griffin talks about anchor songs. Check out her books here!
S2 Ep 10: Working With Industry Professionals
This week, Eva and Katryn talk about the ins and out of communicating with industry professionals--like the details of signing with agents and editors, and communication expectations after you get a book deal. Your ultra-nerdy hosts blow their own minds as they realize that publishing a book is EXACTLY like The Fellowship of the Ring.
Cross-stitchable line of the week: “We can’t see your bear” -Ben (Katryn’s husband)
*Content warnings: Light discussion of trauma/anxiety
*NOTE: We are taking a mid-season hiatus until June 2023!
Sources
Eva’s life-changing jeans!
Katryn’s debut, Drew Leclair Gets a Clue is challenged in Alabama
Eva finally saw Super Mario! Check out the amazing “Peaches” music videos from the movie and from Jack Black himself.
Ally Malinenko had a great quote about publishing. Check out her books!
Lauren Magaziner is Katryn’s first blurb author AND an awesome MG fantasy and mystery author.
Nicole Collier shared many invaluable tips about what to ask your publisher after the ink is dry.
Read the NYT interview with John Green about working with Julie Strauss-Gabel
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*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen!
S2 Ep 9 Our POVs on POV
This week, Eva and Katryn dive back into craft with a discussion about POV: 1st, 2nd and 3rd--but also past vs. present and multiple perspectives. Katryn manages to promote the new Super Mario Brothers movie better than her own book, and Eva dishes about her new reality show addiction.
Eva’s weekly cross-stitchable quotation: “Emotion is my north star.”
*Content warnings: discussion of bias and cultural appropriation in publishing
Sources:
Buy Drew Leclair Crushes the Case! Also, please rate and/or review on Amazon and tell Barnes and Noble to carry it in stores.
Eva’s new trash TV obsession!
Watch Bowser’s torch song for Princess Peach, then watch Jack Black’s music video, THEN watch Katryn sing it on the way to her book launch.
Drew Leclair Gets a Clue is facing a challenge from “concerned parents.” Boooo! Read banned books!
Our Books:
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*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen
S2 EP8 Writing While Neurodivergent: Anxiety & Panic Attacks
This week, Eva and Katryn start the first part of their writing while neurodivergent series. In the first part, the discussion focuses on anxiety (not technically under the ND umbrella but many of the symptoms are assumed to be anxiety by medical professionals), trauma, invasive thoughts, and panic attacks. This is a more serious episode (although there are plenty of laughs too!) so please note the content warnings and listen with care. Highlights include Katryn coming hard for the sheer number of affairs in adult lit, and Eva being so philosophical you might need to cross-stitch the whole episode.
*Content warnings: Brief mentions of suicide, self-harm, involuntary hold (51-50), sexual offenders (Woody Allen) & abuse, trauma, invasive thoughts, panic attacks, and depression.
Sources:
Drew Leclair Crushes the Case gets a starred review from Kirkus!
Eva talks about The Wisdom of Anxiety
Katryn is vindicated about adult lit and affairs by Owl at the Library!!! (P.S. Don’t come for her, affair community!)
ICYMI, here’s Eva’s amazing T-Swift concert look
An interview with Daniel Kwan where he talked about how his ADHD was crucial in being able to weave the narrative in the film.
Lopez from Animal Crossing is everything
I really hope Eva’s anxiety isn’t like this scene in Buffy (@45 second mark)
Our Books:
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*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen.
S2 E7 Breaking Down The Blocks
This week, Eva and Katryn discuss the phenomenon that apparently doesn’t exist for 4 out of 5 cis white dude millionaires: writer’s block. Eva discusses how previously blocked stories can become a “second chance romance” and she and Katryn compare fangirl notes on Taylor Swift and The X-Files.
*Content warnings: Depression and anxiety
Sources
Katryn’s CMORDs were many, but this was certainly the longest.
Check out Eva’s pitch-perfect Swiftie outfit
Check out the very free-form book that talks about harnessing creativity: The Creative Act
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Our Books:
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*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen.
S2 Ep6 Querying Part 2: Rejection
In part two of Write Where It Hurts’ series on querying, Eva and Katryn discuss how to navigate everyone’s least favorite part of the path to publishing: rejection. Eva and Katryn appear to pull back from yet another Gilmore Girls tangent but this week’s outtake suggests otherwise. This episode contains multiple love letters to the irreplaceable Chelsea Eberly.
*Content warnings: Religion, depression
Sources
Formation: a song by Beyonce
Remember to add I Wish You Would on Goodreads or Tinker Bell will DIE.
Meg Cabot’s awesome blog about her many rejections
Check out our agency sib’s fantastic fantasy duology, Emily Thiede’s This Vicious Grace and This Cursed Light
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*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen
S2 Ep5 Querying Clinic Part 1: The Basics
You asked for a whole episode dedicated to querying--and you got it! This week, Eva and Katryn start a two-part series on querying and rejection. In part one, they discuss how to craft a query letter, picking the right agent, tactics of sending queries in batches, and much more! Stay tuned to the end to hear the query letters that landed them their agents!
NOTE TO NEW LISTENERS: This episode is slightly different than our usual format. If this is your first time, we recommend starting with an earlier episode (like last week’s) to get an idea of our usual style.
Sources
Agent Barbara Poelle discusses “The Hook, The Book, & The Cook”
Manuscript Wish List Database
#DVPit: an amazing pitch contest for marginalized creators that got both Eva and Katryn the interest that led to an agent.
This blog by agent John Cusick shows a great equation for a perfect short and sweet query.
Jane Friedman’s amazing blog on how to write a query letter
Query Shark has a huge amount of examples, with notes from an agent to help you see what works.
Use Query Tracker to see if an agent is currently open, or check author comments to get an idea of their usual response time.
If an agent asks you for THE CALL, check out Jim McCarthy’s amazing advice on what to ask.
Facebook is meh, but Kidlit 411 is a great group where aspiring authors can share queries and get feedback.
Writing queries is HARD! Katryn used editorial services to help her with some of her queries. She recommends Julia Weber and Katherine Locke.
Buy Katryn’s debut, Drew Leclair Gets a Clue and add Eva’s upcoming novel, I Wish You Would, on Goodreads!
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*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen
S2 E4 Talking About Tropes
Eva and Katryn talk tropes this week--from the tropes we adore, to the ones we avoid. So often, trope is used as synonymous with cliche, but Write Where it Hurts flips the script. Eva spills the SAG award tea and Katryn once again tries to be a one-woman spokesperson for the little known 1960’s Dick Van Dyke film, Fitzwilly.
*Content warnings: (Non-explicit) discussion of least favorite and traumatizing tropes such as pet death, unexpected pregnancy, and rape storylines.
Sources
The meaning behind our subtitle and background on our epic ship of Mary Poppins and Bert
Listen to our “Seducing the Creative Spirit” playlist on Spotify!
Nobody knows that this is the BEST Christmas movie but it is!!!
Greatest movie transformation/ makeover montage of all time right HERE
Check out the red carpet looks Eva talks about at the SAG awards!
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*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen.
S2 Ep3 Vulturing The Trunk
Eva and Katryn honor devoted listener and Katryn’s best friend Karim’s birthday with a longstanding episode request: VULTURING THE TRUNK! In this episode, they talk all about trunked manuscripts--from self-care around leaving a book behind, to resurrecting books you thought were lost. Eva discusses retrieving scenes and ideas from her “story morgue” (spooky!) and Katryn finally cries while recounting a scene from Clifford Takes a Trip.
Sources
- Don’t lose track of your trunked manuscripts like these famous authors!
- If you haven’t yet, check out Eva’s new author website!
- Katryn is obsessed with Worf
- Eva is writing a broody hero--enjoy a sneak peek to our next episode by exploring this trope
- Katryn tries to follow her first TikTok trend about Song of Achilles and breaks all the rules--but can you blame her?! Look at Clifford the Big Red Dog! Look at his face!
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Our Websites:
www.evadeslauriers.com
www.katrynbury.com
*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen
S2 EP 2 Time Drought
This week, Eva and Katryn talk about how much “invisible” time is taken up by writing (social media, running a website, emailing with your editorial team, etc.) and the toll it can take on the life you led before publishing. Eva gets philosophical about the sacrifices necessary when pursuing your dream, and Kate also gets philosophical, but while talking like a Ferengi.
Sources
- Add Eva’s debut, I Wish You Would, on Goodreads!
- Listen to Katryn’s burn-it-all-down Rage playlist on Spotify.
- Check out Eva’s debut author headshot!
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S2 EP 1 From Seedling to Story
In the season two premiere of Write Where it Hurts, Eva and Katryn go back to basics, talking about craft and how story ideas get developed. Katryn talks about her mysterious Victorian ghost again, and Eva talks about when she gets those first butterflies-in-her-stomach crush feelings about an idea. (Apologies for the fuzzy audio in the first three minutes--we recorded this on a cold night and forgot to turn off the space heater!)
Sources
- Sign up for Eva’s newsletter on her new website!
- Y’all are going to have THIS in your head now. Sorry/not sorry!
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Fear of Success
On this Bonus episode that we couldn't post until Eva's book deal was announced, we're going back to November when Eva and Katryn discussed the flip side to failure--success. We all want it, but it can be a double-edged sword that makes us both yearn for and fear it. Eva discusses her HUGE life-changing news, and Katryn would rather not be perceived, thank you very much.
Sources
- Link to Eva’s deal announcement!
- And Katryn’s recent book news about Drew!
- Eva’s weekly book recommendation, Henry Hamlet’s Heart
- The Civil War of Amos Abernathy (a FANTASTIC queer MG book)
- Out and About Mobile Bookshop in the East Bay Area!
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*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen
EVA GOT A BOOK DEAL
Surprise! This week, on a very special episode of (not Blossom, but) Write Where it Hurts, Eva talks about the daily process of navigating offers for HER DEBUT BOOK DEAL!!!! Recorded back when it happened, Katryn interviews Eva about ALL the feels and all the details that come along with this process--from acquisitions to accepting an offer and everything in between.
Sources:
- Eva’s deal announcement on Publisher’s Weekly!
- Add Eva’s debut, I WISH YOU WOULD, on Goodreads!
- Check out the Instagram celebration after Eva announces to the world!
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*Tune in next Season for more episodes powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen.
Ask Us Anything Season Finale!
In the final episode of Season One, Eva and Katryn do an Instagram Live “AMA” answering your burning questions like will there be a season 2? And which season of Below Deck is the best to start? Join us for lots of laughs, including Eva’s realization that she is, indeed, Edward Cullen, and Katryn realizing that being an introvert means that she could easily be framed for murder. To watch our IG Live visit HERE (part 1) and HERE (part 2). We had a few technical difficulties mid-show, hence the two parter. See you next season!
Sources:
You want MERCH? You got it!
Winston Bishop is the greatest
Kate’s favorite Eva line includes the very dashing Count Chocula
The infamous Twilight quiz
Eva’s tactics for writerly success
*We’d love to hear from you! Fill out our feedback form HERE to let us know your opinions on topics and format for season 2.
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Craft Talk: Characters
NOTE: JOIN US FOR OUR SEASON FINALE Instagram Live AMA THIS Wednesday, Dec 14th at 5:30PST @writewhereithurtspod !
Eva and Katryn talk about characters and craft in their penultimate episode of season one—everything from navigating your protagonist’s mental health to managing the generational gap when you write for kids. Eva talks about “prodding” your creative spirit and Katryn somehow finds a way to connect it all to the 1996 film, Multiplicity.
*Content warnings: Discussion about ableist phrases, mental health, trauma
Sources
- In case you’re curious about Eva’s craniosacral therapy discussion
- You can thank Katryn later if this is your first time listening to the brass
- Jungian theory of personality
- Michael Keaton’s clone being type A about foil
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Choosing The Right Genre
Eva and Katryn discuss everything genre--from its distinction from age category, to market fluctuations and saturation. Eva speaks with rapturous enthusiasm about the joys of being a teen (& as always pays homage to our queen, Judy Blume), while Katryn talks herself into ‘yeti romance’ as a lucrative genre.
*Content warnings: True crime, sexual assault (no details, only in reference). Also, as a self-callout note, Katryn refers to women at times when “women and nonbinary/non-gender conforming folks” would be more accurate. Working towards being better and more consistent at this!
Sources
- Eva talks a lot about the ludicrous stigma surrounding romance as a genre
- Turns out Katryn was not the first person to think of yeti romance.
- Eva and Katryn talk about the finer points of YA and New Adult
- The ultimate contemporary/coming of age angst song (and yes, there are muppets)
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The Lonely Life of an Author
In this week’s episode, Eva and Katryn discuss the loneliness that authors can face, from our solitary workspaces to the fact that few industry outsiders truly get the ins and outs of this business. Eva does a pitch perfect teenager voice, and Katryn is enraged by motivational listicles.
Sources
- Katryn’s sister made this inspired meme about the potential death of Twitter.
- In case you missed it, be sure to check out the book Eva is now raving about, Zachary Levi’s Radical Love
- Katryn walks into Twitter like this
- The Wisdom of Anxiety
- Eva asks, “can you gaslight yourself?” Yes, yes you can.
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*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen
Failure Is An F-Word
This week’s episode of Write Where it Hurts is centered around that horrible F-word: FAILURE--how to face it, how to frame it, and how to help others move through it. Eva and Katryn gush about K-dramas, reveal their true feelings about Jasper from Twilight, and discuss using pure unadulterated spite to turn failure into a success.
*Content warnings: Discussion of sexual assault (not graphic) in the introduction re: The Luckiest Girl Alive.
Sources
- F1 racer Daniel Ricciardo’s baller statement that has become a point of inspiration for Eva.
- Katryn’s childhood hero
- Toxic positivity
- Wings: still culturally relevant? You tell me.
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The Fear of Being ONE Book
This week, Eva and Katryn discuss the fear of being one book--from that panic after you finish your first ever book and wonder how you can repeat it, to the dread before you start a new draft. Eva gives us all the gift of reading from her 1990’s third grade story journal, and Katryn reveals that she wrote a mayonnaise jingle around the same age.
*Content warnings: Severe childhood illness, the sound of a dot matrix printer, princess murder
Sources
- Goblin. So much staring. So much meat. (spoilers, probably)
- On Writing by Stephen King
- Writing With the Soul came up again this week, for all you alums!
- Jean Ralphio. End of speech.
- A dot matrix printer in action (please see content warning)
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Hurry Up And Wait
This week, Eva and Katryn talk about the hardest part of publishing--the seemingly never ending wait! Publishing is all about hurry up and wait, but why can’t we have a little more of the former and less of the latter? Eva is once again prone to wax rhapsodic about K-dramas, and Katryn has real talk for people who tell her to “just work on something else!” during a Big Wait.
Sources
- Need a distraction? Take a tip from Eva and watch Formula 1 racing!
- Kate talks about Sound of Music, and I’m sorry but any excuse to share this McSweeney’s piece.
- Meg Cabot talks a lot about honoring her rejections before she made it.
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Trauma Brings The Drama
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! For this (sort of) Halloween episode of Write Where it Hurts, Eva and Katryn discuss the super fun and light topic of writing and confronting trauma in our fiction. Eva hops on the sexual orientation train just for Mr. Darcy, and Katryn takes life lessons from Ice-T.
*Content warnings: Trauma, PTSD, fear of abandonment, fatphobia
Sources
- Vulture discusses the infamous cheesesteak scene that became one of Katryn’s many sexual orientations.
- Re: Mr. Darcy--that hand flex tho!!!!
- An article that digs into toxic stress, that annoying stress that is often the root of long term trauma.
- Another Psychology Today article that talks about the classic “Fight, flight, freeze, or fawn”
- Eva’s amazing playlist of songs mentioned on the pod!
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The Author Mind/Body Connection
WE'RE BACK! This week, Eva and Katryn discuss the mind-body connection that comes along with being an author--from that feeling of bliss when you’re on a roll, to the agony when your body won’t let you keep going. Eva shares FOMO-inducing details about her magical trip to Scotland, and Katryn reaches epic new over-referencing levels.
*Content warnings: Illness and physical ailments, Katryn being hella depressing
Sources
- Eva’s writing retreat was for Writing with the Soul alumni, with faculty mentors from YA greats Adrienne Young, Kristin Dwyer, and Rachel Griffin.
- Atreyu’s horse in the Neverending Story is indeed named Artax
- Being compared to characters like Camille, it’s really no wonder that Katryn thinks she’s dying all the time.
- All glory to Back to the Future 3
- Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way
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@writewhereithurtspod (exclusive updates including behind-the-scenes links from every episode!)
*Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen
Gatekeepers (& Keymasters) of Publishing
In this week’s episode, Eva and Katryn discuss the troublesome surge in book bans in the U.S., how it impacts them as writers, as well as what gatekeepers can do to hold the line against censorship. Eva does a spectacular, chef’s kiss-worthy impression of Ted Cruz’s Anti-Racist Baby tantrum, and Kate talks a little too long about rodent burlesque.
Sources
- Banned Books Week 2022
- In Round Rock, Texas
- https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/30/books/book-ban-us-schools.html
- ALA reponse and more on EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) work
- Jonathan Evison response to his book “Lawn Boy” being banned https://nwbooklovers.org/2021/09/28/the-would-be-banning-of-lawn-boy-and-why-im-not-booking-any-flights-to-texas-in-the-near-future/
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Nurturing Your Creative Spirit
This week, Eva and Katryn talk about how to feed your creativity, from the seedling of an idea through revisions. Music, exercise, mood boards and lots and lots of television? It all works. Eva talks about her childhood crushes (hello, Colm Wilkinson and Devon Sawa in Casper!) and Katryn explains how the Goo Goo Dolls made her buy a refrigerator.
Sources
- Behold the wonder of original Jean Valjean, Colm Wilkinson
- Also, Katryn…really likes Butterflies and Hurricanes by Muse
- The yachties of Below Deck have a recipe for espresso martinis because of COURSE they do
- This article is a good overview if you missed the Barnes and Noble malarkey that is causing bestselling authors of color (like Kelly Yang, Meg Medina, and Keah Brown) to point out the systemic racism and ableism inherent in bookstores at the corporate level.
- Eva’s playlist for “Seducing the Creative Spirit”: Evermore by Taylor Swift, I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Miya Folick, Now & Then by Lily Kernshaw & Goody Grace, Oh Baby by LCD Soundsystem
- Katryn’s playlist: Gillian Anderson by Silent Meow, A Bad Dream by Keane, Cathedrals by Jump, Little Children
- Spotify Playlist of all songs!
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Networking For The Socially Anxious
In this week’s episode, Eva and Katryn talk about navigating writing spaces when you have social anxiety-from online friendships, to conferences, to being “out there” in social media land. Eva can't stop singing Good Charlotte's "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous" & talks about the importance of finding your version of "theatre kids", and Katryn discusses "Clark Kenting" as a librarian to avoid author conversations.
*Content warnings: Eva apologizes in advance for getting this stuck in your head: Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous by Good Charlotte- music video
Sources
- Unlike Katryn, Shondaland thinks strobe lights are a good idea for depressed kids.
- This group has a good community for aspiring writers across platforms
- On Facebook only: Check out Disabled Kidlit Writers if you are a disabled author and want a safe networking space. Otherwise, groups like Sub it Club and DVPit Hopefuls (if you're a marginalized artist) are great for pitch and query critique.
- Eva talks about Writing with the Soul (w/Adrienne Young)
- Check out #findmywritingcommunity on Instagram to find fellow writers at every stage!
When Writing Ruins Reading
This week’s episode
Eva and Katryn dive deep for this week’s episode, talking about reading as a writer, as well as the grief that comes along for those who lose bookstores, libraries, and reading as their “safe space” once they're published. Katryn keeps claiming pop-culture moments as her sexual orientation, and Eva tries to explain her (extremely traumatizing) mug.
*Content warnings: Anxiety and depression, Marnie T. and all Marnie T. related products.
Sources
- Kate’s NYT Rave Review
- “If you Want to Ruin Bookstores for Yourself, Become a Writer” by Jana Casale
- Eva called out the best line ever from Harlem Shuffle
- Apparently this detective-classical music thing is a real trope!
- Want to buy your own terrifying Marnie T. mug? Watch Brian Jordan Alvarez and the brilliance of Marnie T. here!
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Revise, Cry, Repeat
In this week’s episode, Write Where it Hurts delves into revision. Eva and Katryn share their extremely alliterative tips for how to survive a rewrite (Eva: pep talks, pastries and prosecco; Katryn: coffee, carbs, crime boards) and discuss how to self-critique without being unkind to yourself. Stay tuned for another fun post-credits outtake scene featuring a very special guest star!
*Content warnings: negative self talk, depression
Sources
- Judy Blume’s Masterclass
- V.E. Schwab’s “The Story Corpse”
- Rachel Griffin’s Revision Process
- Revision beat sheets using the Save the Cat method
- Keeping the Faith “I love that I suck” scene
- NYT Magazine Article "His First Novel Was a Critical Hit. Two Decades Later He Rewrote It" by Wyatt Mason
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Writing Your Own Story
This week’s episode is Eva and Katryn’s most personal yet, as they describe writing their own stories from their specific perspectives and intersections. Eva talks about being mixed race (while being--direct quote: “pale as the beacons of Gondor”) and honoring her culture on her own terms, while Katryn explores intersectionality and being “bi-everything.” Helpful note: Eva and Katryn say the word “complicated” roughly five thousand times, so please exercise caution if you turn it into a drinking game.
*Content warnings: Race, ableism, micro-aggressions, bullying.
Sources
- Eva talks about seeking positive and authentic Latinx and mixed-race representation, and names both Adam Silvera for his books and Nina LaCour for her personal statements on being mixed and white passing.
- Katryn has written a few essays on the personal topics covered in this episode. Here’s one recent one on the power of books as we’re growing up.
- Here’s one resource where you can find sensitivity/authenticity readers for your to-be-published work.
- A link to the reddit post that covers the ever problematic Sweet Valley High.
- This week’s quotations are from Alexander Chee and Lillie Lainhoff
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Pandemic Publishing
Eva and Katryn discuss really heavy things (Covid-19! Roe v. Wade!) but, true to form, still manage to make time to discuss frivolous boat-related shows. This week’s episode focuses on the issues authors have faced during the pandemic--from long wait times, to supply chain issues, to navigating lockdown with kids and also trying to write.
*Content warnings: The Covid-19 pandemic, pregnancy, abortion, the stripping of rights for people with uteruses, graphic discussion of childbirth (For those sensitive to the latter four issues, they are from the 17 to the 22 minute mark).
Note from the hosts: The historic event in the U.S. of the overturning of Roe V. Wade took place just before we recorded this episode. We decided to discuss it on the podcast because it affected our mental health deeply. While we mostly spoke to our own experiences and reactions regarding Roe v. Wade as we processed the news in real time, we didn’t state enough how much these laws impact the trans community. We want to state here that we stand for trans folks and against trans exclusion and all terfdom. Please check our sources for some amazing nonprofits that support ALL people w/uteruses after this crushing blow.
*Correction: At one point Eva references The Equal Rights Act, but it is in fact The Equal Rights Amendment.
Sources
- Just a few gender inclusive nonprofits to consider when donating in a post Roe world:
- Kate mentioned many, many ‘22 debuts in shoutouts! Please check out all of their wonderful books at either of these websites (22 Debuts or Classof2k22 Books).
- We could not stop with the boats. The shows mentioned (along with Katryn’s weekly shout out to Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure) were Below Deck and Breaker High.
- Pick up Love, Lists and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz for the yachtie in your life.
- Our weekly quotations come from Roxane Gay and Linda Obst.
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Social Media & The Comparison Game
This week, Eva and Katryn discuss how to navigate mental health on…SOCIAL MEDIA (dun, dun, DUN!) Eva gets her soap box moment about the toxic comparison game and women who “have it all” and Katryn shares some tips and tricks for surviving across platforms. From boundaries to breakthroughs (a.k.a. Shonda Rhimes to Chandler Bing) they cover it.
*Content warnings: Trauma, Anxiety
Sources
Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes
Alexa Donne on YouTube
Writing With the Soul with Adrienne Young
We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere by Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel
Correction: Katryn’s phrase for “food grief” is actually Dutch
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Parenting & Publishing
On this episode of “Write Where it Hurts,” Eva and Katryn discuss the pitfalls and perks of parenting, pregnancy, and publishing (with all the plosives). Join in as they pay homage to trunked characters (a.k.a. our other children) and somehow find a way to connect this topic to both "When Harry Met Sally" and the Fast and Furious franchise.
*Content warnings: Pregnancy, cancer and conceiving, postpartum anxiety/depression
Sources
Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour
That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast
Apparently, it’s called The Fast and THE Furious: Tokyo Drift
Tune in next time for another episode powered by broken hearts, belly laughs (and bourbon). Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW and SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen!
Taming Your Inner Critic
On this episode of “Write Where it Hurts,” Eva and Katryn discuss imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and how to tame your inner critic and use it to your advantage during revisions. When is the best time to kick that mean brain to the curb? Come for the mental health, stay for the surly/hilarious rants about basketball playoffs and 20th century dude authors.
*Content warnings: Eating disorders, anxiety, intrusive thoughts.
Sources
The Wisdom of Anxiety: How Worry and Intrusive Thoughts Are Gifts to Help You Heal
Eva’s books are way better than Death Bed: the Bed that Eats
Seriously, watch Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure
Find a therapist on Psychology Today
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Expectations vs. Realities of Pursuing Publishing
Hello and welcome! This episode introduces “Write Where it Hurts,” a mental health podcast for writers that discusses the highs and lows of publishing with humor and heart. This week, Eva and Katryn discuss the expectations vs. the realities of querying, submission, and everything after. From Taylor Swift to Gillian Anderson, there are a few delightful tangents, too.*
Sources
Jane Yolen on Rejection: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jane-yolen-americas-hans-_b_5398407
Ally Malinenko (author of Ghost Girl and This Appearing House) on publishing:
https://twitter.com/AllyMalinenko/status/1518902811613929474?s=20&t=h_MlYP4I22CyWuwg03JMfA
Heather Kamins (author of The Moth Girl)
Katryn Bury -known by friends as Kate! (author of Drew Leclair Gets a Clue)
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