The Girl and Duck Podcast

Being a fictional character is risky business. Or it should be. Are your characters in enough danger, under enough pressure or stress, threatened in some way? This can be tricky for children’s authors. The impulse is to protect our characters, keep them safe and, gawd forbid, sensible… But that’s the death knell to drama and storytelling. Happily ever after needs to be earned, otherwise the tale is kinda ho-hum. Let’s talk about upping the tension in your stories as well as knowing when to pull back. Includes examples (and dilemmas) from my own books.

Books mentioned:

The Accidental Princess by Jen Storer, illustrated by Lucia Masciullo, Penguin Books

Tensy Farlow and the Home for Mislaid Children, by Jen Storer, Penguin/Viking

Today I’m chatting about creativity boundaries. At some point it helps to rein in your interests and focus. Drill down, as Elizabeth Gilbert would say. This year, 2024, is my Year of Acrylics. First boundary done and dusted, thank you very much. Next boundary. I’ve taken it even further and, as we speak, I am painting 100 coffee cups. Yes, indeedy. This goal, this boundary, has already added a lot of energy to my daily output and is paying off if surprising ways. I’ve even learned to work with purple!

Boundaries will help with your writing too, of course. So long as you don’t impose them too early. Let’s talk about that. And more. This is a long ep, twenty-five minutes. Woah! That’s stovetop coffee for you… Thanks for listening!

► About Jen & Girl and Duck:

In this gorgeous conversation, our first for 2024, Jen and Neridah discuss Neridah's childhood, careers and her path to becoming a much loved author of children's books.

About Neridah

Neridah loves history and true stories. An author of eight books for children, Neridah is also an award winning short story writer and poet. Her latest picture book, published by Walker Books Australia in 2023, is called Eat My Dust!, and is the amazing true story of Jean Robertson and Kathleen Howell, who helped map Australia.

Neridah loves footy, family, birdwatching, walking her dog and meeting other people’s dogs.

Do you do Morning Pages? Do I do Morning Pages? Sometimes.

I used to do them religiously. Like, for years…

In this ep I chat about my history with ‘the pages’, the impact they’ve had on my creativity and my life and how the pages can help you, too.

Books mentioned:

The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron

Steal Like An Artist, by Austin Kleon

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As we head into the big adventure that is 2024, it can be helpful to select a word of the year to inspire, energise or even challenge you.

Your word companion can act as your muse. Your word might inspire art and journal prompts or encourage you to make longed for changes. It might even challenge you to find your courage or to live and create more passionately.

One of our lovely Duck Pond members chose ‘effortless’ as her word for 2024. This word inspired me to riff on the whole idea of ‘effortless being’ and to wander into more esoteric terrain for this episode.

As I always say, words are magnetic. They draw to themselves all kinds of magic!

Happy (Magical) New Year, dear listener!

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Final thoughts for 2023, dear listener. I’ll be back in 24, for sure.

(I like that rhyme!)

Three things that might be of interest to you in this ep (another ep inspired by a lovely Duck Pond member).

1. My favourite book on spirituality and why.
2. My favourite book on creativity and why.
3. The oracle decks I use in my Full Moon readings in the Duck Pond.

By today’s standards, when the market is flooded with all sorts of spiritual and creativity treasures, the books I discuss in this ep might seem like 101s. But that’s why they’re so important to me — and I suspect it’s why they are classics, too. They are foundational.

Also in this closing ep, why I decided to form an IRL writers’ group in 2024, and the difference between a critique group and a writers’ group. (Big relief sigh here, as I didn’t realise there was a difference until a duckie set me straight!)

Books and other pretties mentioned:

The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808

The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron

https://www.amazon.com.au/Artists-Way-Julia-Cameron/dp/0143129252

The House that Joy Built, by Holly Ringland

Let me tell you a little story about the time I got a substantial Australia Council grant (so exciting!) but didn’t write the book (so frustrating!) and how that felt and how that evolved and how I finally, years later, have figured out how to write said book. Ramblings about patience, perseverance and passion, today, dear author.

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You’d be surprised how many developing (and established) authors trip when it comes to tense. But never fear. Gaining confidence in your ‘weaker’ areas just takes practice and self-awareness. The art of tweaking, rewriting and self-editing can be learned and honed over time. Hang in there, dear author, keep doing the verk, keep asking questions and always be gentle with yourself. There are MANY moving parts when it comes to creative writing!

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Every now and then I receive a letter that’s frank and raw but oh so common. What happens when you feel fed up with striving? When the dream to become a published/successful author has taken its toll on you and your family?

If you’re questioning your choices, wondering if it’s all worth it, our 50th episode might be the balm you need.

This is not a rah-rah, you’ve got this, just-do-it, Nike commercial. It’s deeper than that. This ep is all about looking at the bigger picture, perhaps finding spiritual sustenance, to help you stay balanced (mostly!), centred and compassionate. I hope you find it helpful. And thank you to our ‘anonymous’ letter writer. You spoke for countless creatives with your complex ponderings!

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Thoughts from my yoga class. What’s blossoming in you and your creative life? Let’s honour that, dear listener.

Also, how I organise my notes, manuscripts, research, WIPs and whatnot. A few practical ideas to help you get on top of your ideas and files.

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What to do when you haven’t yet mastered dialogue. Let’s talk about that! Let’s also talk about art and drawing and John Cleese and creativity and comfort zones and coffee and, yes, there is a kitty meowing in this episode.

Everyone has something to say. The main thing is to remain loyal to our characters and our own unique approach to creative expression.

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Reflections on Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts, by Matt Bell

Some ideas on how you might go about editing (and polishing) your novel or picture book.

I also discuss the danger of overworking a PB.

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In his book, The Anatomy of Story, in the section on Story Movement, John Truby, talks about the Meandering Story. ‘The meandering story follows a winding path without apparent direction…’

Indeed.

This episode is something like that. It meanders along with nary a hint of purpose.

Topics I wander through:

What makes me a buy a book

Why I don’t read blurbs

An accidental ‘review’ of T J Klune’s, The House in the Cerulean Sea

How Klune’s book helped my tackle my own WIP

The need to slow down (and speed up) when writing middle grade fiction.

How I used a screenplay format to get my story started, get a bird’s eye view of events and find a confident (although superficial) launching place

Other rambly stuff that might be of interest to other creatives

Take from it what you will, dear author.

As writers, voice is wildly important to the success of our work. But what exactly is voice and why is it so important?

When I teach creative writing IRL, I often start by asking students to define voice for me. This always leads to a robust conversation (and lots of head scratching). Most of us know instinctively what voice is but we find it tricky to define. Tricky to put into words…

Take a deep dive with me in this ep and we’ll unpick voice once and for all.

If you want to see me analyse voice in Enid Blyon, explain how and why it works (or doesn’t work), grab a copy of my creative writing book, See Me Jump. The section on voice is one of the most popular parts of the book—and for good reason. Voice is complex, nuanced and endlessly fascinating!

Buy See me Jump here:

Latest discovery? EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) can be super helpful when it comes to our creativity blocks or hurdles.

What I discovered this week is that you can use EFT to go deep, get specific, with what’s holding you back in your creative process.

This week, I got specific. I ‘tapped’ on my belief that writing action scenes does my head in. Or worse still, I’m no good at writing action scenes…

I went deep with this and woah! I uncovered some surprising beliefs including, only men can write action scenes. I mean, seriously?? Where did that come from? Okay, social/gender conditioning, for sure. But the thing is, I didn’t know I had that belief or that it was holding me back, until I got curious and did the tapping.

If you want to go further into the world of EFT, a good place to start is here: https://www.petastapleton.com/

Meantime, see you on the airwaves!

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It the world of online biz, we’re encouraged to separate ourselves from our business.

Your business is not you. Your business has its own energetic imprint, an identity that’s quite separate from you personally. GirlandDuck is not me. My biz is like a token, a piece I circulate and move around on the boardgame of life.

As creatives we can do the same. We can ‘employ’ someone else to do the marketing, the pitches, take the rejections and critiques, do the stuff we find confronting or scary. Madonna has been quoted has saying that she is not Madonna, she employs Madonna.

I employ Jen Storer Author. I also employ Jen Storer Coach. Neither of them is the real me. I find this tactic super helpful. It gives perspective. It gives me courage. It’s a powerful way of protecting my tender heart. And let’s face it, all creatives have tender hearts!

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I’ve been reading The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. An elegant parable all about finding one’s destiny while also uncovering the treasure within.

When we tap into the ‘language of the universe’ and learn to read signs and omens, we actually tap into our intuition.

When I had a major ‘tower moment’ in my thirties, I turned my back on common-sense and made a commitment to follow my heart, follow the niggle, and trust that there was true and meaningful treasure in that direction.

As artists and writers, our intuition calls us to our practice and then to certain projects. It will also guide us through those projects. If we let it. If we hone it. If we learn to trust it.

Thirty years ago, I followed the niggle to change my life in major ways.

And now here I am today, chatting with beautiful you!

I’m so glad I followed the niggle, I hope I can help you follow yours.

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I once heard it said that ‘Writers are like old houses, they need a lot of shoring up.’

It’s a lovely quote (which I have randomly attributed to Ann Tyler).

In today’s episode, I explore this notion more deeply. Why do writers (and illustrators) need shoring up? What makes us so… wonky?

No doubt you have your own views—and probably more to add! But it feels good to discuss our vulnerabilities now and then, and to look at it from several angles.

Sure, old houses need attention and patience and constant maintenance. But they are also quirky and charming and magical and full of soul. They are worth shoring up and they deserve our respect. They enrich our lives. They can also centre us in the time and space of our personal narratives, the stories of our lives.

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Okay, I’ve got four tips for you again today. I’m obsessed with four, aren’t !? I think it’s my brain’s favourite number. Anything more than four and my brain drifts away. La la la…

BUT.

Having said that.

There is one EXTRA tip in this week’s ep.

EXTRA TIP: If you’re new around here, get yee to the girlandduck website! Check out all the freebies (I made them with YOU in mind)! There’s so much goodness waiting for you. So. If you’re in love with kidlit, creative writing, illustrating, and you want to learn, explore and produce more, skip on over to the website and grab yourself some goodness, some guidance, some secret sauce!

The other FOUR tips:

1. Get a manuscript assessment BEFORE you finish writing your book. Don’t wait. Don’t think you have to wait. Just get it under someone’s nose and get some professional feedback!

2. Start multiple projects. Yep. You heard me right. Permission to have several things on the go at once. One caveat: Limit it! (Choose a number and stick to it. Might be four!)

3. Choose one thing and finish it. As we go into the second half of the year it’s a good time to make a choice. Get a deadline happening. A schedule. A plan. Commit to one project and finish it. There is so much gold in finishing and you will feel ten feet tall!

4. Get a reader’s report on your WIP (work in progress). A reader’s report is different from a manuscript assessment but can be just as powerful. I share my experience in this ep.

► Go To Girl and Duck:

A g&d quick chat!

Four questions to help you with a rewrite:

1. Is the narrative arc strong?

2. Is the resolution satisfying?

3. Are the kids proactive?

4. Is there a lovely twist?

Apply these questions to your current WIP and see if they help strengthen your story or give it that extra oomph! (Works great for picture books)

► About Jen & Girl and Duck:

A very special edition with Fiona Lloyd, a girl&duck alumni.

Fiona was born in the beautiful North-East of England near picturesque countryside, windswept beaches and the vibrant cultural city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She dreamed of writing in a cosy country cottage and of life as a theatre actress but, as it often does, life got in the way.
Working and travelling instead, Fiona floated in the Dead Sea, climbed the Sydney Harbour bridge, gave guided tours in Holland and fell in love with all things Greek during her two years in Athens and Skiathos. Her most special travel experience was in Myanmar where she visited the place where her Granny was born.
Amongst her myriad of interesting jobs, Fiona worked as a television colourist on Home & Away, This is Greece and Secrets of Britain’s Great Cathedrals. She has works in several anthologies for children, is a role model for Books in Homes, coach with the Harding Miller Education Foundation and Schools Program Coordinator for the Words on the Waves Writers Festival.
Fiona loves storytelling in all forms, especially theatre, television and books. Now settled near Sydney with her husband and three children, she mostly travels in her head to marvellous, magical places.
Being Jimmy Baxter is her debut middle-grade novel and we could not be more thrilled for her!

Being Jimmy Baxter, is published by Penguin Random/House, July 2023.

Fiona Lloyd's website: https://www.fionalloyd.com.au/books.html

Fiona on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionalloydauthor/

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A common misconception is that rewriting is simply substituting one word for another.

That’s not rewriting. That’s tinkering.

Tinkering can be fun. And satisfying. But there’s a danger. It can go on ad nauseum. And it can ruin your work.

In my new e-course, I’ve chunked down rewriting into four key elements: fine tuning language, making cuts, fleshing stuff out, moving stuff around.

That’s it, basically. The Big Four as I see them.

Even when you chunk it down like this, you can see that rewriting is about way more than tinkering. Keep an eye out, catch yourself next time you’re tinkering and question whether there’s a more productive, more creative use of your time. There usually is!

My new e-course is now available. It’s called, Rewriting Fiction: A two-week deep dive into the practicalities and mindset of rewriting. I’m only running this course once this year, so if you’re keen, please pop over to the girlandshop and join us. Even if you can’t do the course live, you can still grab it now and come to it later.

When it comes to writing and illustrating, we often focus on traits and emotions such patience, perseverance, persistence.

But what about desire?

Desire is an emotion that's often overlooked. But in order to finish a large, demanding project such as a novel, our desire to get to the end must be strong.

If our desire is waning, we need to refuel it.

In this episode, I share some stories about the huge role desire has played in my creative process and suggest an exercise that might help you harness your desire, too!

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This is the story I was telling myself before I opened girlandduck. What if people fail? What if their dreams don't come true? How can I make everything happen for them? How can i get them RESULTS?

This thinking stopped me in my tracks. I almost ditched the whole idea of girlandduck. I was so worried people might fail despite my best efforts.

Of course, the more helpful questions I needed to ask myself were, What if people succeed or have fun or connect and make friends or expand their knowledge, or flourish and grow? What if people's lives are enriched simply by taking the journey?

There are always more helpful lines of questioning. It's all about mindset, isn't it?

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Over the years I've come to this conclusion— there's only one thing holding writers back from finishing. 

You probably know what it is too. 

Fear.

In today's episode, I examine that fear more closely and offer eight strategies (and a little pep talk) to help you find your courage and push on regardless. Honestly, getting to the finishing line is its own reward and, as a wise boyfriend once told me, will make you feel ten feet tall... ;-)

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Do you put thought into your 'daily costume'? I've been thinking alot about clothes lately. I have a 'fractured' capsule wardrobe which I've loved building over the past couple of years. But, yeah, clothes. They are full of attitude, memories, creativity, self-expression. In this ep, I explore the ideas behind dressing your characters and how incredibly helpful it can be. Clothing provides a direct line to your characters' hearts, heads, emotions and backstories.

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Many writers get hung up on chapter construction. They think there's a formula or, worse still, they think publishers have a required approach or checklist. Let's bust that myth once and for all and get playful with our work! Herein some tips on how you might end your chapters in fresh and charming ways.

I refer to one of my own novels in this podcast. It's a great novel if you want to see me actually practising what I'll preach. It's super easy to reverse engineer what I'm doing in that book—once it's pointed out to you.

A more personal chat today, a bit raw, a bit vulnerable. Today I talk about a little book that, many years ago, saved my arse. Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers was a lifeline to me during a particularly tough time in my life. I loved this dear little book because it was comforting AND it was practical.

If you’re going through a turbulent time, if you’re at the crossroads or if life has thrown you a curveball, this frank and open chat might be just the medicine you need.

Words are powerful. As writers we must never forget that. What we do, getting our message out there, shaping our thoughts and imaginings into art, is important. It’s beautiful. And sometimes it’s even lifechanging.

In a recent chat with a fellow writer, Jen hit on the idea that 'how you do wriitng is how you do life'. In this episode, she discusses this idea and puts it to the test. 

A fun episode that may (or may not) leave you a little more enlightened about your writing process. ;-)

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First we revisit Jen's thoughts and tips about backstory. Some ideas on how you might get your story unstuck, out of the backstory trap.

Then, for the bizwomen who listen (and those who are interested), Jen chats (and has a little rant) about the tendency to bag Social Media and how, as businesswomen, this can be a big mistake bc it denies how incredibly helpful social media can be in building a successful business. Try sticky-taping signs to shop windows and see how fast your business grows... ;-)

Lots of juicy stuff in the episode. 'Something for everyone!' as it sometimes says on the tin...

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Let’s Support and Uplift YOU!

Is this a new series? Who knows. But today’s episode could be called, What’s in Jen’s Head? Or something like that…

Jen shares all the bits and pieces she’s thinking about including thoughts on the beautiful world of life coaching, the ever-evolving Duck Pond and what’s coming down the line, as well as the magic of finding people with shiny energy that will support and uplift you.

This episode is a inspired, empowering and enthusiastic as hell. So, you know, buckle up! Includes anecdotes and storytelling. Of course!

Lisa Corduff is here: https://lisacorduff.com/  

 ► Join Jen's creative writing community the Duck Pond here:  https://girlandduck.com/the-duck-pond/ ►Jen's Life Coaching page   ► Subscribe to Jen's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjolaxW2XqJRjq2PNZHxd2Q?sub_confirmation=1   ►Free Mini Course: 5 Ways to Write a Book with Jen Storer https://www.jenstorerpresents.com/5-ways-to-write-a-book-with-jen-storer ► Grab this freebie! A booklet containing the transcripts from Jen's, 'Hey Author' reels on Instagram. Full of tips and wisdom for writers at every level! https://www.jenstorerpresents.com/hey-author ► Follow Jen on Instagram:  @jenestorer https://www.instagram.com/jenestorer/   ► Jen's Author website: https://jenstorer.com/ ► Listen to the Girl & Duck Podcast here: https://girlandduck.com/podcast/   ► Buy Jen's creative writing book: See Me Jump: 20 things I've learned about writing books for children, paperback and kindle at amazon.com:  http://a.co/i3C6SLF

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In all the years Jen has been teaching creative writing, the biggest thing she comes up against is mindset issues and limiting beliefs. The thoughts that keep authors doubting themselves, playing small and, in many cases, not even reaching the finishing line. 

Authors second-guess their talents, overlook or underestimate their skills and constantly dismiss their ability to learn and grow and develop their talents. 

In this episode, Jen dives into the world on limiting beliefs and suggests ways we can catch them in action and disempower them!

Jen & Girl and Duck:

The experience of trying to create when the opportunity presents can be frustrating when the Muse appears to have deserted you.

In this episode of the Girl and Duck Podcast Jen explores four gentle ways in which you can remain connected to your Muse.

Jen & Girl and Duck:

The search for your purpose can be intimidating and frustrating. It can also send you on a wild goose chase. Jen discusses her own journey to a purpose filled life, and the different ways you can approach, discover or declare your purpose.

Jen & Girl and Duck:

Jess Racklyeft is a children’s book lover, draw-er and reader based in Melbourne, who also creates work for card companies, picture books, original paintings, prints and all types of different client projects.

Jess loves watercolours, but is getting more and more into combining digital work and tinkers with oils, pencils and other bits and bobs she can get her mitts on.

Her recent picture book, Iceberg, written by Clare Saxby, published by Allen and Unwin, won the CBCA Picture Book of the Year, 2022.

In this gorgeous conversation, we discuss the trials and triumphs of making art, of making a living making art, and everything in between! There is so much gold and inspiration here for creatives working (and playing and experimenting) in every field!

Jen & Girl and Duck:

Being visible brings with it all sorts of fun and high jinx. It's scary but not so scary that you shouldn't do it. In this episode, I talk about my experiment with Facebook ads and how that has lead me to thinking more deeply about voice—in creative writing, in our website copy and in our lives.

Warm, frank and uplifting. That's what it's like to chat with delightful Australian children's author, Cate Whittle. Cate has led a colourful and at times peripatetic life—just like this conversation!  

Thinking about big picture stuff, today. The nuances and demands of what it means to be an influencer, to follow influencers, to seek advice from 'strangers'.   

This video was inspired by the remarkable Samantha Nolan-Smith at the School of Visibility. 

You can find Samantha at the link below:  

In this episode Jen explores how to write endings, when to take breaks and how long? 

Jen also illustrates her first picture book. 

And other assorted chat.

Jen is talking to Caroline Magerl an award-winning and internationally distinguished illustrator, cartoonist and painter, who is now recognised as a unique and arresting presence. Her work spans from dark, enigmatic oil paintings, through incisive cartoons, to lively children’s book illustrations. She has been exhibited in a variety of galleries and art fairs and celebrated in numerous publications.  

Caroline’s book illustrations are a compelling combination of a child’s innocence and experience placed within a richly imagined world. They are produced with unusual craftsmanship by the use of pen and ink line and cross hatching imposed over softly vibrant watercolour washes. From this, a distinct and pleasingly playful sense of surrealism has emerged. Caroline's latest book is Piano Fingers.  

Caroline Magerl lives and works on the lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people.  

Three things you can put off when writing a novel. This will help you move your story forward and buy you more time later on to pay close attention to the nuances that really lift a story.

Plus, some extra tips and insights from the writing life, including the art of giving picture books to unsuspecting adults!

Jen is in conversation with Jen Campbell a Sunday Times bestselling author and award-winning poet. She is the author of ten published books across non-fiction, poetry, short stories and children's books. 

Jen specializes in the history of fairy tales, giving guest lectures at universities, museums and book festivals on this topic. Her video installation on the history of fairy tales is currently part of an exhibition at Suffolk University, Boston, MA. She runs a popular YouTube video series (60,000 viewers) where she talks about the history of fairy tales, reviews books and discusses the representation of disfigurement.

A great analogy I learned eons ago. The 'fish' will simplify and streamline the way you structure your writing so that readers will LOVE your work even more! 

This episode also includes a little New Year frivolity. 

Happy New Year, dear listener. Thank you so much for supporting this podcast, it means the world to me!

Other podcasts mentioned:

Decorating my house (and messing it up severely), taught me alot about creative writing. Let's chat, okay?!

Our dialogue needs to lively and straight to the point.

‘Narnia! It’s all in the wardrobe, just like I told you!’

So. Put down that teapot. And let’s talk about…dialogue.

Arrogance and selfishness are an essential, healthy and liberating part of an artist's psyche and ongoing success.

When telling a story we need to be brave, in more ways than one. Here is how bravery will benefit your plot.