More Stories, Creative Writing Podcast

Remember me? I am back, at least for now...and maybe for a whole new season of More Stories. Between now and March 15, 2017, I am seeking patrons and sponsors for the More Stories creative writing podcast. I have a minimum of twelve new episodes in the planning stages, but in order to have the time and resources to complete these episodes, I have set a goal of raising $1,200.00 by March 15th. Each episode of More Stories takes between three and five hours to write, record (and, often, re-record), edit, post, and share. Just purchasing the hosting services to allow for weekly or bi-weekly shows costs around $50.00 per month, which does not factor in web-hosting or my time. With this new season, my intention is to have audio, video, and full-transcript versions of each episode available so that More Stories fans will have access to the information in a variety of formats. There are several options for helping support the show. As a show PATRON you can choose to support More Stories in $12 increments. If you wis

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 3: Episode 6 - A Theory of Storytelling   A Theory of Storytelling: Written, literary storytelling is the act of the author translating a story into a text that can be consumed by a reader. I have worked with a LOT of new writers. By a LOT, I mean somewhere around 200, at this point, and by NEW what I mean is this: these are folks who have never attempted to write a story with the purpose of having someone else read it. Some of these new writers have been verbal storytellers their entire lives. Or they've been very successful writing for PR purposes, or academic purposes, or business reasons. Some of them just love reading, and think they have something to add. Others have said, "Someday I'll write a novel" or "someday I'll write down all these crazy events that happened in my life" and they are finally getting to their some day. The would-be writers I've worked with have all been smart, capable, interesting folks. They know how to write a sentence, and even i

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 3: Episode 5 - Elements of Narrative Creative Writing.   In order to improve our creative writing efforts, it helps us to understand the five basic elements of storytelling: Character, Plot, Setting, Dialogue, and Significant Detail.   If you’ve been writing for a while, starting to accumulate pages, you may find that you re-read your work, and it seems to be, well…not good. Things don't seem to be coming together. What you are producing doesn't feel like a story, it lacks cohesion, it maybe jest feels flat or lifeless or uninteresting. Somehow the writing doesn't feel complete.   Don't worry. If you find yourself in this place, you should know that most writers have been there. It is part of the growth and creative maturity process.   I believe that when you have gotten to a place where you've been piling up some pages of writing, but you just aren't happy with the overall quality of the writing, that is a good time to begin to apply some of the analytical kn

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 3: Episode 4 - Finding Your Writing Voice   How do we develop a unique, literary voice in our writing?   When we start to realize that our writing is lacking a certain quality, often called authorial or literary voice, we may react in a couple of ways that aren’t helpful. We may try to be more “writerly” and the work comes off as stiff or over-done, and it won’t resonate with readers or editors. Or, we might just decide to give up.   But, with time and practice, you can nurture you written words and find your writing voice.   The authorial voice is a certain quality present in good writing which isn’t easily defined. It’s easy to see when a piece is lacking a strong voice because it seems clumsy, or it stalls, or it fails to capture us.   A strong writing voice reassures the reader that the writer is comfortable, competent, and confident with the written word. It helps gain the reader’s trust.   Voice is made up of rhythm, cadence, and tone. It is influenced b

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 3: Episode  3 - Write What You Know! Sort of.   “Write what you know.”   This is common advice given to new writers: But, is it good advice? What does it even mean??   Write what you know cannot be taken to literally mean, “Only write about things you have directly experienced and completely understood and processed.” Otherwise, no fiction would ever be written except for thinly-disguised, fictional versions of the author’s real life. As if I were to write a story about Aaron Sherman White who drives across the skyway bridge only to realize halfway across that he’s forgotten the book he was hoping to have autographed at home and will have to turn around, thus paying the toll twice. Boring!   But KNOWING something is not limited to personally experiencing it.   The advice “write what you know” is meant to keep you from writing things that are unclear, inaccurate, or unconvincing because they lack the knowledge and detail to make it real to the reader.   In othe

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 3: Episode  2 - Creative Writing First Steps   Taking first steps in creative writing can be tough. Here are a few common misconceptions about writing, paired with some of the advice I give to new writers. I hope you find it helpful.   A few things I mention in this episode: Blog Post Making Progress with Your Writing http://www.WordsMatterESW.com/wp/blog Anthology Submissions http://submissions.morestoriespodcast.com Artist’s Way Study Group (Sarasota Florida class) http://www.WordsMatterESW.com/theway     Enjoy!!   If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.   More Stories Podcast Links: ▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com ▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes ▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher ▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe   Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links: ▪My author page on Amazon. ▪My blog, Stories I Read, St

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 3: Episode  1 - Take Stock of Your Writing Life   You may have noticed the absence of this podcast for the last few weeks. It was an unplanned, but not unpleasant hiatus.   Now, though, I’m back, and ready to move forward.   In this episode, I talk a little about why I’ve been away from the podcasting microphone, what changes I’ve made in my work-creativity-personal life balance, and why the lessons we learn that make us better writers can sometimes make us better people, in general.   At the end of the podcast, I announce the opening of the submissions window for the first ever Words Matter Creative Writing Anthology. If you are a listener to this podcast, you are eligible to submit a creative work to this anthology.    Details are available at http://submissions.morestoriespodcast.com   Enjoy!!   If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/do

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 2: Episode  9 - The Harold, Meditation, and the Craft of Writing   If you dig too deeply into something before trying it, you might rob your joy and come to a conclusion that isn't accurate.   Truth in Comedy, by Halpern, Close, and Johnson 10% Happier, by Dan Harris Insight Meditation, by Joseph Goldstein   Enjoy!!   If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.   More Stories Podcast Links: ▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com ▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes ▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher ▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe   Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links: ▪My author page on Amazon. ▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell ▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing ▪Words Matter on Facebook   ▪Words Matter on Twitter 

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 2: Episode 8 - Be hard on yourself, and go easy on yourself.   Striking a balance between pushing ourselves creatively and knowing when (and how) to be gentle with ourselves is an important skill to keep in mind. Enjoy!!   If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.  More Stories Podcast Links: ▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com ▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes ▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher ▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe   Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links: ▪My author page on Amazon. ▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell ▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing ▪Words Matter on Facebook ▪Words Matter on Twitter 

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 2: Episode 7 - Overcoming Feedback Overload   Getting solid critique and feedback is an important part of improving our writing, but it comes with its share of dangers.   Enjoy!!       If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.   More Stories Podcast Links: ▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com ▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes ▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher ▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe   Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links: ▪My author page on Amazon. ▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell ▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing ▪Words Matter on Facebook   ▪Words Matter on Twitter   

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 2: Episode 6   Critique Groups and Writing Workshops   Being connected with a solid critique group or writing workshop is an important aspect of growing and maintaining a prolific writing life. Here are some thoughts on finding the right group for you.   Enjoy!!       If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.   More Stories Podcast Links: ▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com ▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes ▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher ▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe   Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links: ▪My author page on Amazon. ▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell ▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing ▪Words Matter on Facebook   ▪Words Matter on Twitter 

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 2: Episode 5   MFA Programs-Behind the Scenes.   This week I interview writer, professor, and MFA program co-director, David Hicks. We discuss writing, MFA programs in general, and some specific discussion of the program he has helped create and direct, the Mile High MFA through Regis University.   Enjoy!!   Mentioned Links: David Hicks Website Mile High MFA Website Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts   If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information. More Stories Podcast Links: ▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com ▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes ▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher ▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe   Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links: ▪My author page on Amazon. ▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell ▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing ▪Words Matter on Facebook ▪Words Matter on Twitter   

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast  Season 2: Episode 4   Shake it up!   We can find new inspiration and creative momentum through the use of intentional and systematic changes to our writing process, and by being purposeful in filling our lives with a variety of creative stimuli.   Links: Pomodoro Technique/Method - http://pomodorotechnique.com The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron  The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry    If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/sponsor for more information.   More Stories Podcast Links: ▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com ▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes ▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher ▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe   Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links: ▪My author page on Amazon. ▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell ▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing ▪Words Matter on Facebook   ▪Words Matter on Twitter   

More Stories: The Creative Writing Podcast Season 2: Episode 3   Tune In to Relevant Feedback   Whenever we open ourselves up to critique and feedback from readers, we are likely to get some feedback that is relevant and helpful, and other feedback which is detrimental to our work. Learning how to decipher which feedback is helpful comes with time, experience, and using the principles I discuss in this week’s podcast.   If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.   More Stories Podcast Links: ▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com ▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes ▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher ▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe   Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links: ▪My author page on Amazon. ▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell ▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing ▪Words Matter on Facebook   ▪Words Matter on Twitter 

We all know from experience that life has moments of beauty and grace, but it also, inevitably, has moments of ugliness, hurt, disappointment, and failure. Those stories can be difficult for the writer: difficult to write, difficult to share, difficult to make public. These were the stories that had laid dormant for years, decades even. Some of them had never been told, except maybe to a psychologist or priest. We don't tell true stories, either fiction or nonfiction, by ignoring or downplaying the negative, ugly, disappointing parts of life. If we write and exclude the hard stories of our experience, we are robbing our writing of emotion. Not only for the reader (who will notice this, even if they don't realize it) but also for us. We will short-circuit our own work. We will lose interest. If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.   More Stories Podcast Links: ▪

Season 2, Episode 1 When you've lost the joy in your creative work, here are five ways to re-ignite your creative passion: 1. Find a way to ENJOY, play with, and experiment with language. 2. Find some mindless work, play, or a hobby. 3. Go adventuring, big or small! 4. Engage in Other creativity 5. Join a New Crew. Also, check out www.FloridaWildWriters for an announcement about a one-day writing retreat scheduled for March 25th, 2015.   If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information.   More Stories Podcast Links: ▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com ▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes ▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher ▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe   Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links: ▪My author page on Amazon. ▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell ▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing ▪Words Matter on Facebook ▪Words Matter on Twitter   

I read the short story, Cop-Cop Cop, originally published in The First Line, in 2010. Check out The First Line magazine. Also, feel free to check out my short fiction collection: Five Stories by Eric Sheridan Wyatt, available via that link, or on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers. Thanks for listening. Season two will start soon!! Let me know if there is anything particular you'd like to see (or, uh, hear) in the coming weeks and months.   If you'd like to help support this podcast, my creative writing blog, and other endeavors, please consider a small contribution. Check out www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate for more information. More Stories Podcast Links: ▪www.MoreStoriesPodcast.com ▪Subscribe or listen via iTunes ▪Subscribe or listen via Stitcher ▪RSS feed, for those who use RSS to subscribe   Other Eric Sheridan Wyatt links: ▪My author page on Amazon. ▪My blog, Stories I Read, Stories I Tell ▪My homepage, Words Matter Creative Writing ▪Words Matter on Facebook ▪Words Matter on Twitter 

Episode 24: The Giant, Runaway Project   Sometimes, the words take over the story and turn it into something I hadn’t anticipated. And, I’m okay with that.   01:00 February has always been my least favorite month. It’s even cold here in Florida, this week. 02:08 This February hasn’t been so bad this year, for me. More of you are listening and connecting with me. Woohoo! 03:18 Another strange week for me: the second time in a row that I’ve told you that! This week started right on plan, but then something happened to change things. I had a blog post that just grew and grew, well beyond what I had anticipated. 05:25 I did the outline for the post on Monday, by Wednesday, it was clear the amount of writing I was doing was not conducive to having a blog post this week: I was writing way too much. 08:19 I decided to lay that essay aside, and write something else for my blog, because I have self-imposed deadlines, and because I wanted to give the essay time to rest, so I could better assess it later. 09:22 Sometime

Having a routine and schedule is a great way to keep on track, creatively, but what do we do when the routine is disrupted?    Show Notes: 01:10 A little good news: My story, The Outlaw, was selected for an upcoming issue of Silk Road Review. 03:00 However, being published isn't an aspect of my career I actually have control over, so I don't consider publication as my measure of success. 04:35 I define success by how well I am keeping up with my macro, and micro, goals for 2015...the things I CAN influence or control. 06:10 Using the app IRUNURUN to keep track of seven area of my weekly routine and keep on top of creative balance and creative rhythm. 08:12 Our best-laid plans and finely-tuned systems sometimes aren't enough to keep us on track. (For example, there was no podcast last week...) Schedules and routines help, until they are interrupted.  11:20 My schedule was changed last week. 12:00 I had an audio recorder with me, and I started recording some pieces that I thought I could stitch together into a

Podcast Episode 22: You're Not Perfect, So Get Over It   Perfectionism is a kind of resistance that keeps us from creative progress.   00:56 There is a new way to support the podcast. See more at www.WordsMatterESW.com/donate 03:55 Teaching creative writing reminds me of things I need to apply to my own writing life, and that brings up the topic of perfectionism. 06:08 Tangents in our writing can be both beneficial and a drawback to our creative flow. 07:07 Being distracted by the next flashy thing can distract us. It threatens our ability to finish a work. 09:55 Find a way to keep track of tangents, so you can go back to them, but don't abandon the work in progress. 10:53 Being too focused on the current work can be a problem, too, though, if we fall into the trap of Perfectionism. It can also keep you from finishing, or sharing, your work. 12:50 If we are always improving (which we should be) we have to balance the idea of perfecting a story with the concept of "the best story I can write right now."  14:24