QWERTY Writing Life Podcast
QWERTY Writing Life
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Candid chats about our creative lives
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1 day ago
Creatively Redeeming a Time Gap
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith found themselves with an unexpected time gap in their current creative project and found a way to creatively redeem that gift. Tune in for a few tips and tricks for making the most of the gift of time in this episode of QWERTY Writing Life.
Check out these links mentioned in the show:
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
QWERTY Writing Life, Season 4, Episode 1, “Choosing Your Next Project”: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/choosing-your-next-project/
Joy’s New Reader Magnet: https://joyerancatore.com/my-writings/our-good-thing/
Subscribe to the QWERTY’s monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about the QWERTYs, the show and their writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see their grinning faces, ring the bell on their YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Mar 6, 2023
When Your Pivot Needs to Pivot
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share some words of wisdom for fellow creatives who find themselves in need of a double pivot. Creative processes require flexibility and introspection. When creatives try something new, it may work great; other times, though, that new approach may need some alterations.
Check out these links mentioned in the show:
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
Maggie Stiefvater, The Scorpio Races: https://maggiestiefvater.com/novels/the-scorpio-races/
Writing with Maggie Stiefvater Seminar: https://www.etsy.com/listing/806360184/writing-with-maggie-stiefvater-8-hour
QWERTY Writing Life, “Benefits of Short Fiction, Part 1”: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/benefits-of-short-fiction-part-1/
Subscribe to the QWERTY’s monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about the QWERTYs, the show and their writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see their grinning faces, ring the bell on their YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Feb 20, 2023
Creativity: Are You Sitting or Steeping? Part 2
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith follow up their previous episode with a look at how creative habits can keep us from falling into the procrastination trap and avoid stagnant sitting. From there, they offer practical tips to enhance the steeping stage and get all we can from times of percolation.
Check out these links mentioned in the show:
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
GOOD, Jocko Willink: https://youtu.be/IdTMDpizis8
Subscribe to the QWERTY’s monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about the QWERTYs, the show and their writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see their grinning faces, ring the bell on their YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Feb 6, 2023
Creativity: Are You Sitting or Steeping? Part 1
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith discuss the difference between sitting and steeping, creatively speaking. Creatives can commonly fall into a time of procrastination or of percolation. Often, the line between the two can be a bit blurry, and we may not always recognize which one we are doing.
In episode 11 of season 4 of QWERTY Writing Life, Joy and Mea provide examples of each and leave you with two surefire ways to know which you’re doing.
Check out these links mentioned in the show:
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
Maggie Stiefvater, The Scorpio Races: https://maggiestiefvater.com/novels/the-scorpio-races/
Subscribe to the QWERTY’s monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about the QWERTYs, the show and their writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see their grinning faces, ring the bell on their YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Jan 16, 2023
What You Need to Build on a Completed Project
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith continued discussion about new creative projects coming from past ones makes the perfect starting point for any creative considering a new work-in-progress.
They share the top five needs a Creative should meet in order to begin a new project.
Check out these links mentioned in the show:
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
Any Good Thing and Carolina’s Legacy Collection: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/carolinas-legacy-collection
Grief Like A River behind-the-scenes video series: https://youtu.be/wd4YETMssRg
QWERTY Writing Life, Season 4, Episode 6, “How to Drop a Project”: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/how-to-drop-a-project/
QWERTY Writing Life, Season 1, Episode 5: “Mea’s Theory of Fear”: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/blockades-to-creating-part-5/
QWERTY Writing Life, Season 3, Episode 17, “Fundamental Standards for Creatives”: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/fundamental-standards-for-creatives/
Subscribe to the QWERTY’s monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about the QWERTYs, the show and their writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see their grinning faces, ring the bell on their YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Jan 2, 2023
How Past Projects Fuel New Creative Works
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith chat about how past projects can fuel new creative works as they consider both internal and external sources for ideas. Packed full of examples, this episode includes the QWERTYs’ tips and suggestions with a two-part Challenge to get creatives started.
Check out the links mentioned in the show:
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
Any Good Thing and Carolina’s Legacy Collection: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/carolinas-legacy-collection
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi: https://taherehmafi.com/book/shatter-me/
Grief Like A River behind-the-scenes video series: https://youtu.be/wd4YETMssRg
Subscribe to the QWERTY’s monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about the QWERTYs, the show and their writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see their grinning faces, ring the bell on their YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Dec 19, 2022
Go Introspect Yourself!
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith relay a piece of repeated advice from a new perspective. Creatives’ introspection benefits their work, their lives and so much more. Find out how in Season 4, Episode 8 and then go introspect yourself!
Check out these links mentioned in the show:
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
Subscribe to the QWERTY’s monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about the QWERTYs, the show and their writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see their grinning faces, ring the bell on their YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Dec 5, 2022
Artist as a Work in Progress
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith examine the idea of the artist as a work in progress. While Creatives’ products grow and evolve over time, so do the Creators. Joy and Mea discuss some surprising benefits to this reality as well as the source of their epiphany in this episode.
Check out these links mentioned in the show:
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
J.F. Penn’s Arkane series: https://jfpenn.com/book-tag/arkane/
Marie Forleo’s Instagram and quote: https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClKGswAjRCB/
Subscribe to the QWERTY’s monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about the QWERTYs, the show and their writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see their grinning faces, ring the bell on their YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Nov 14, 2022
How to Drop a Project
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith asked themselves a tough question for this episode, “Are we willing to drop this project, even after years of blood, sweat and tears.” Their candid answer inspired reflection and epiphanies they had to share with fellow creatives.
For more about NaNoWriMo and the hosts’ book, head to these links:
National Novel Writing Month, AKA NaNoWriMo: https://nanowrimo.org/
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
Subscribe to the QWERTY’s monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about the QWERTYs, the show and their writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see their grinning faces, ring the bell on their YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Oct 31, 2022
How to Hug an Elephant … Creatively Speaking
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith decide to break it down and hug their elephant project … one small part at a time!
What projects are overwhelming you with their size today? Perhaps you can take the practical tips in this episode to hug your own gentle giant!
For more about the books mentioned in the show, here are the links:
Mea’s book, Grief Like a River: https://storyswell.net/books
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Oct 17, 2022
4.4: How to Continue a Project When the Wheels Fall Off
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith continue work on their joint project, despite upheaval in their personal lives. Tune in to find out the next steps they’ve taken and decisions they’ve made; plus, you’ll hear a few tips for continuing a project when the wheels fall off!
If you’d like more information on previous episodes and other fun shareables mentioned in the show, here are the links:
Mea’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/measmithwrites/
Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
The Relevancy of Creative Potential, Season 4, Episode 3: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/season-four-episode-three-creative-potential/
Creativity and Motherhood, QWERTY Writing Life, Season 2, Episode 49: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creativity-and-motherhood/
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswell.net. Joy and her details can be found at joyerancatore.com.
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Oct 3, 2022
The Relevancy Of Creative Potential
Author Mea Smith takes a solo journey in episode three as she dives into whether defining creative potential is helpful or harmful. The answer might surprise you!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Go & Tell Gals, How Do I Live Up To My Potential?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/40yjvz0Gj5pFnZtlUFo6TW?si=L5NG8HZNSiaiJw7yAkcIOw
QWERTY Writing Life, Created to Create
https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/created-to-create-1568658626/
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qwertywritinglife
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book serie…
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Sep 19, 2022
You’ve Chosen a Project. Now What?
Join authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith as they share a candid conversation on the next step in their chosen project, their creative journeys, and their personal lives.
The following episodes pair well with this one:
Choosing Your Next Project: Season 4, episode 1: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/choosing-your-next-project/
Blockades to Creating, Part 1: Season 1, Episode 1:
https://youtu.be/OLv1RYkGQ-0
Blockades to Creating, Part 2: Season 1, Episode 2:
https://youtu.be/jc5aqcT1rcg
Blockades to Creating, Part 3: Season 1, Episode 3:
https://youtu.be/vfOb5cddZsQ
Blockades to Creating, Part 4: Season 1, Episode 4:
https://youtu.be/Im_OTfy_opk
Blockades to Creating, Part 5: Season 1, Episode 5:
https://youtu.be/lFcDw4i5Eew
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Follow us on Facebook: https…
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Sep 5, 2022
Choosing Your Next Project
Season 4 of QWERTY Writing Life kicks off with a productive bang, as authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share their approach to choosing the next QWERTY project.
Listen in as they recap their challenges, epiphanies, lessons learned and best tips for working together on choosing their next collaborative project.
If you’d like more information on episodes or products mentioned in the show, here are the links:
Fundamental Standards for Creatives, Season 3, Episode 17: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/fundamental-standards-for-creatives/
Alphasmart Neo 2—you have to buy this used, but here is a review we thought would be helpful: https://www.inputmag.com/reviews/the-alphasmart-neo-2-is-the-best-distraction-free-writing-tool-you-can-buy-right-now
FreeWrite: https://getfreewrite.com/
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter (be sure to click the box next to “opt in to receive news and updates” and check your spam for the confirmation email): https://landing.mailerlite.com…
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May 16, 2022
Season Three Recap and Our QWERTY Future
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith reflect on their third season of QWERTY Writing Life and share your favorite episodes and theirs. They also share what the winds of change are blowing in for QWERTY Writing Life. Tune in for a peek at what’s coming!
If you’d like to listen to the episodes we mentioned in the show for the first … or fifteenth! … time, here are the links:
QWERTY Workshop: Starting a Story Together: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/qwerty-workshop-starting-a-story-together/
Realistic Creatives: Who They Are: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/realistic-creatives-who-they-are/
Productivity and Efficiency for Creatives: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/productivity-and-efficiency-for-creatives/
Realistic Creatives: How to be One: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/realistic-creatives-how-to-be-one/
Creative Hacks: Efficiency for Craft: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-hacks-efficiency-for-craft/
Creative Hacks: Eff…
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May 2, 2022
What’s Saving Our Creative Lives
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith answer the question, What’s Saving Our Creative Lives? Their answers come coated in candor and practicality.
Send them a message with your answers as well, and they might just read them on a future episode!
To learn more about the episode’s inspiration and the tools mentioned, visit the following links:
The Next Right Thing Podcast: Emily P. Freeman: https://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/222/
Aqua Notes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A3VJ7UK
Gold Bond Crepe Corrector Lotion: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YQX3SKH
Creative Trinity: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/caring-for-your-creative-trinity/
Remarkable: https://remarkable.com/
Subscribe for monthly QWERTY updates, delivered straight to your inbox: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our w…
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Apr 18, 2022
Waiting on the Muse
Creatives tend to spend much of their valuable time “Waiting on the Muse.” Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith debunk some misconceptions and encourage fellow Creatives to journey with the Muse in mind.
Listen to Season 3, Episode 20, Creative Trust: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-trust-trusting-yourself-in-creative-endeavors/
Continue the conversation and stay in the know for all things QWERTY—subscribe to their monthly newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit storyswel…
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Apr 4, 2022
Fear of Success
Creatives often discuss fear, but Fear of Success isn’t always up for discussion. The Fear of Success can cripple a Creative. It can render us incapable of producing creative works. It can trick us into not even trying. It can stifle our voice and convince us of every misbelief in the book that keeps us from reaching our full potential as creative entrepreneurs.
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith take a stand against this monster and share their experiences, along with a few tips that have helped them create beyond the fear.
If this topic resonates with you, these previous episodes offer more weapons for your arsenal against fear of all kinds:
Creative Trust: Trusting Yourself in Creative Endeavors, Season 3, Episode 20: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-trust-trusting-yourself-in-creative-endeavors/
Fundamental Standards for Creatives, Season 3, Episode 17: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/fundamental-standards-for-creatives/
Mea’s Theory of Fear: Se…
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Mar 14, 2022
Creative Trust: Trusting Yourself in Creative Endeavors
Do you struggle with trusting yourself when it comes to your creative pursuits? Do you doubt your abilities or count your work’s worth short?
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith have been there, too. Tune in to this episode for a candid chat on the dangers of lacking creative trust and some of the misbeliefs that lead to such a mindset. Joy and Mea also share a few tips for how they overcome their self distrust.
Check out links for mentions from this episode:
Anna Bright, author of Beholder and Boundless: https://www.annabrightbooks.com/
Jordan Peterson, professor of psychology and promoter of Future Authoring: https://www.selfauthoring.com/future-authoring
Continue the conversation and stay in the know for all things QWERTY—subscribe to the monthly newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5.
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about…
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Feb 28, 2022
Creative Kits for Publicity and Audience
How can creatives be prepared at all times for interactions with influencers or consumers of their art?
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith suggest Creative Kits. Investing time and resources into preparing these items—either hard copy or digital or both—allows creatives the freedom to make the most of any opportunity that comes their way.
In this episode, learn more about what these kits are, what they might include, how to put them together, where to house them and what tips Joy and Mea have to make your kits the best they can be.
How about some inspiration for your kits? Check out these links mentioned in the show:
Amy Harmon Book Club Kits: https://www.authoramyharmon.com/book-club-kits.html
Lisa See Book Club Kits: https://www.lisasee.com/about-lisa-see/book-clubs/
QWERTY Writing Life Media Kit: https://qwertywritinglife.com/contact
Joy’s Media Kit Page: https://joyerancatore.com/media-kit/
Joy’s Book Club Page (with Book Club Kit access): https://joyerancatore.…
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Feb 14, 2022
Finding Your Creative Business Focus
Business owners consider Focus one of the top tools of their trade, regardless of the type of work they do. Creative Business Owners are no different; in fact, as authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share in this episode, Focus is an ever-changing constant for them. With each new season, they must reevaluate their Focus and determine how to achieve the goals that are most vital to their creativity and business at that time.
Follow these links to dig deeper into the topic:
Dan Blank’s website with more information about Creative Clarity Cards and Finding Your Ideal Reader: https://wegrowmedia.com/
Dan Blank, The Creative Shift Podcast, “Start the Year with Creative Clarity” (creative clarity cards): https://wegrowmedia.com/start-the-year-with-creative-clarity-podcast/
QWERTY Writing Life, Season 3, Episode 17: “Fundamental Standards for Creatives”: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/fundamental-standards-for-creatives/
QWERTY Writing Life, Season 1, Episodes 10-12…
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Jan 31, 2022
Fundamental Standards for Creatives
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith explore the importance of Fundamental Standards for Creatives. These core values or beliefs can be used as a tool to guide reactions to readers, publishers and reviewers or to influence business decisions. Listen in for definitions of Fundamental Standards and Touchstone Affirmations, examples from the authors’ own businesses and four action steps to turn this concept into practical use.
If you’d like to subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter, click this link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your frien…
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Jan 17, 2022
Creatives, Assemble! Co-Writing Nonfiction
You want to collaborate with a partner to produce something big—maybe a book? In this episode, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith bring you some tips that have helped them launch a nonfiction book, a podcast and a brand together.
In keeping with their candid style, Joy and Mea keep this topic real and raw and fun.
Learn more about their book on writing critique partners, Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
If you’d like to subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter, click this link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinni…
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Jan 3, 2022
A Creative Approach to Beginnings
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith view a new year through a different lens. Join them for A Creative Approach to Beginnings. The key to approaching something new with lessons in tow might rest in spending a few extra moments with past failures or suffering.
Learn more about Abigail Dodds and her book, (A)Typical Woman: Free, Whole and Called in Christ, at her website: https://hopeandstay.com.
Find out more about Mea’s book, Grief Like a River, including where to get your own copy, on her website: https://storyswell.net/books.
If you want a free copy of the goals PDF mentioned at the beginning of the episode, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe…
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Dec 21, 2021
QWERTY Workshop: Starting a Story Together
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith take inspiration from the Writing with Maggie Stiefvater seminar and put their QWERTY twist on an exercise for a special workshop—Starting a Story Together.
Tune in for some tips on how to collaborate with a creative friend on a new type of project. How could a creative team-up boost your personal projects or pave the way for new opportunities in the future?
If you’re a writer, check out the highly recommended Writing with Maggie Stiefvater Course: https://www.etsy.com/listing/806360184/writing-with-maggie-stiefvater-8-hour
If you want to stay in the QWERTY know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertyw…
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Dec 6, 2021
The Lighter Things: Entertainment That Inspires
In this episode of QWERTY Writing Life, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith consider the topic “Filling the Creative Well” from a different perspective. They examine how consuming entertainment, for the creative, is a deeper pastime. Creative stimulation continues with the reflection afterward. With this combination of consuming entertainment with a creative spirit and a reflection on what it has given comes the incorporation of these new thoughts and ideas into personal creativity.
Check out some of Mea and Joy’s inspiration:
Alexandra Bracken: https://www.instagram.com/alexbracken/
Black Panther: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1825683/
Shang Chi: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt9376612/
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25883848
The Hating Game movie: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt8718158/
A Mouthful of Air podcast: https://amouthfulofair.fm
Mary Poppins: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0058331/
Mary Poppins Returns: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt5028…
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Nov 15, 2021
The Little Things: Gratitude & Creativity
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith give thanks for the “little things.” Listen in to their candid chat about how the holidays often cause us to put on blinders to the good things around us. Those blinders keep our focus locked on to whatever big emotions we are feeling and how those feels are affecting us.
When we recognize the blinders for what they are and cast them aside, we can finally notice the “little things”—flowers, a breeze, the sunlight through the trees. Soon, these “little” things grow huge as they swell our gratitude. Living with a grateful heart allows us to approach the holidays without blinders and with a boost to our creativity.
If you’re looking for some gifts that give back, check out Sseko Fellow Laura Kee’s shopping page: https://ssekodesigns.com/laura
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro mu…
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Nov 1, 2021
Creative Ways to Binge Your Craft
Bingeing craft techniques allows Creatives to immerse themselves in learning or inspiration, but it’s not always possible in traditional ways. Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith color outside the lines with a few unusual ways to accomplish this feat.
They split bingeing into three categories and give examples of each from their own lives. Creatives can binge their craft through creative instruction, practice and consumption. As the co-hosts discuss, it’s important to explore all three to maintain a balanced creative life.
Visit the following links for recommendations from the show:
Writing with Maggie Stiefvater Course
Merriam-Webster Word of the Day
Oxford English Dictionary Word of the Day
NaNoWriMo
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at…
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Oct 18, 2021
Realistic Creatives: How to be One
To close out this three-part series on Realistic Creatives, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith recap what they’ve learned and shared so far in order to answer one final practical question: “How can we alter our mindset to be a Realistic Creative … without wrecking our Dreamer status?”
Listen in to a previous episode mentioned in this show:
Season 1, Episode 35, Goal Planning with 2020 Vision, Part 1
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube channel. Please share our podca…
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Oct 4, 2021
Realistic Creatives: Who They Aren’t
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith continue a three-part series on Realistic Creatives. In this second episode, they identify a few characteristics of who Realistic Creatives are not.
Check out the links we mentioned in the show:
Writing with Maggie Stiefvater Course
Season 2, Episode 4: Getting the Most from Creative Instruction, Part 1
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube channel. Please share our podcast with your friends, too! For more about Mea and her writing, visit s…
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Sep 20, 2021
Realistic Creatives: Who They Are
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith begin a three-part series on Realistic Creatives. In this episode, they set a foundation for the topic and identify a few characteristics of who Realistic Creatives are.
Check out these previous episodes that inspired the Realistic Creatives series:
Season 2, Episode 38: Creative Entrepreneurship: Little Steps Every Day
Season 3, Episode 2: Productivity & Efficiency for Creatives
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email to qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube channel. Please share o…
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Sep 7, 2021
Creative Hacks: Efficiency for Platform
Creatives talk a lot about platform and branding. We create things, but we do that for others. If we don’t have a public presence, how will those “others” find our work?
Platform and branding takes time, though, so—you guessed it—authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith are hacking this too! Listen in on a few Creative Hacks to improve efficiency for platform and branding in this final in a five-part series.
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube channel. Please share our p…
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Aug 16, 2021
Creative Hacks: Efficiency for Business
Creative business owners have a unique challenge to use both right and left sides of the brain to create and then to get the product out into the world. Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share a few Creative Hacks to improve efficiency for business.
When you find ways to streamline tasks or utilize templates, you might find yourself with a little more time and/or mental capacity for the creative side we all prefer.
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube channel. Please share o…
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Aug 2, 2021
Creative Hacks: Efficiency for Craft
When it comes to their craft, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith love to learn. They may not be able to be students in the traditional sense, but they can wrangle a few creative hacks in order to keep learning while improving their efficiency for craft.
In this episode of QWERTY Writing Life, Joy and Mea share some hacks to deepen craft knowledge in an efficient manner. While their examples are specific to their own writing craft lives, these tips can be easily applied to other artistic mediums.
Want to check out our podcast series on Creative Critique Partners? This episode will get you started: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-critique-partners-defining-critique-partnerships/
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglif…
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Jul 19, 2021
Creative Hacks: Efficiency for Time
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith take a bite out of time with another installment in their Creative Hacks series. Hear a few tips on finding Efficiency for Time. Joy and Mea share hacks that have worked for them and tips they’ve seen work for others.
Check out the links mentioned in the episode:
Tutorials that helped Mea cut her hair:
* https://youtu.be/pkGCgg_kzcE
* https://youtu.be/BPS3Ts_bZVI
Learn-Do-Become: https://learndobecome.com
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to https://qwertywritinglife.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on ou…
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Jul 5, 2021
Creative Hacks: Efficiency for Outlying Factors
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith took a deep look at what productivity and efficiency really are in the last episode. That led them to discuss Outlying Factors—those ever-changing, often evolving or unpredictable forces that somehow affect efficiency and therefore productivity.
In this first in a series on Creative Hacks, Joy and Mea tackle ways to improve efficiency where Outlying Factors are concerned. Listen in for a few overall tips, as well as some specific examples from the co-hosts’ creative lives.
Check out the links mentioned in the episode:
https://youtu.be/Q8ApZXWgJq4
https://5secondjournal.com
https://88cupsoftea.com/maggie-stiefvater/
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more infor…
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Jun 14, 2021
Productivity and Efficiency for Creatives
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith set out on a mission to understand productivity and efficiency and how to better harness each for their creative endeavors. What they discovered was that they disagreed with the common use of productivity vs. efficiency and found the conjunction “and” to be a much nicer—and more accurate—joiner.
In true QWERTY style, Joy and Mea set up some QWERTY definitions for each of these words and took it a step further to identify a third category that greatly affects efficiency—and therefore, productivity. They call these “outlying factors” and examine what they are and how they can alter output for creatives.
This episode sets up the foundation for a following series on Efficiency Hacks for Creatives, which will begin with an episode full of hacks specific to these outlying factors.
Check out the links that either influenced or were mentioned in the episode:
Ben Mulholland, “Productivity vs. Efficiency”: https://www.process.st/produc…
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May 31, 2021
Maximizing Creative Time
Welcome to Season Three of QWERTY Writing Life!
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith are pumped to be back for a new season, and they’ve made several changes and additions to the QWERTY name. Listen in for the scoop, plus they’ve got some tips for you to Maximize Your Creative Time!
They have found a way to do more in the same amount of time by simply reallocating and maximizing the time they already had. Hear their tips and share your own via any of the new QWERTY links below!
Our new email address: qwertywritinglife@gmail.com
Our new Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/qwertywritinglife/
Our new website: https://qwertywritinglife.com
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at qwertywritinglife [at] gmail [dot] com. For more information…
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May 24, 2021
Season Two: A QWERTY Review
Join authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith for the final episode of Season Two of QWERTY Writing Life. They revisit your Top Ten favorite episodes and share their favorites as well. They let you know the highlights of their year—personally and QWERTY-ly—and close out with a tease for Season Three—yes, it’s coming!
If you want to stay in the know and help influence future episodes, subscribe to the monthly QWERTY Writing Life newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Did you hear about an episode you missed or want to revisit? Find the links to listen below:
Episode 1: Kickstarting Personal Creativity https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/kickstarting-personal-creativity/
Episodes 4-6: Getting the Most from Creative Instruction, Parts 1-3 https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/getting-the-most-from-creative-instruction-part-1/
https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/getting-the-most-from-creative-instruction-part-2/
https://qwertywritinglife.p…
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May 17, 2021
Culinary Creativity
Culinary Manager Tony Rancatore joins his wife, author Joy E. Rancatore, to discuss Culinary Creativity and how anyone can find ways to bring creativity to the kitchen. Listen in as he shares how the kitchen allows him a creative outlet and get some tips for how it could do the same for you.
Watch two of our favorite cooking shows:
Beat Bobby Flay, https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/beat-bobby-flay
Cajun Aces, https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/cajun-aces
Stay in the know about episodes, our speaking engagements and what goes on behind the microphones with our monthly QWERTY Writing Life Newsletter. You’ll also get the chance to influence our show’s content and be the first to know about big events! Here’s the link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Please share our podcast with your friends! We’d love for them to be our new friends, too! Questions? Comments? You know what to do! Continue this week’s c…
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May 10, 2021
Creative Legacy
Author Joy E. Rancatore reflects on some ways others’ creative legacies have impacted her life and expounds on how she actively seeks to promote creative legacy in her own life. She shares some ways legacy has played a role in her fiction and closes out the episode with a two-part challenge for reflection and action in regards to creative legacy.
Check out these important links mentioned in the episode:
Mea’s website where you can subscribe to her newsletter and be the first to know when her poetry book will be available: https://storyswell.net and her Instagram where you can watch her amazing progress on her book’s illustrations: https://www.instagram.com/storyswelljelly/
Subscribe to Joy’s semimonthly newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/s3k1w3
Read more about Joy’s Press and her grandparents whose creative legacy was a driving force in her entrepreneurship: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/about
For more information on Carolina’s Legacy Col…
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May 3, 2021
Creativity and Motherhood
Authors Kelsey Atkins and Rachael Ritchey join Joy E. Rancatore to discuss a special topic: Creativity and Motherhood. With Mother’s Day approaching in the U.S., they examine how creativity and motherhood complement one another and how children can inspire creativity in adults while adults do the same for children. Stick around for three QWERTY Challenges to send you off on a mission.
Get to know Rachael better:
https://www.rachaelritchey.com
https://www.instagram.com/RachaelRitchey
https://www.twitter.com/RachaelRitchey
https://www.facebook.com/RachaelRitcheyAuthor
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13513799.Rachael_Ritchey
Get to know Kelsey better:
http://kelseyatkins.com
https://twitter.com/AtkinsAuthor
Check out Rachael’s book design business: https://rrbookdesign.com
Check out Kelsey’s new editing job on Critique Match: https://critiquematch.com
Looking for inspiration? Visit the Blog Battle site: https://bbprompt.com
Stay in the know about episodes, our spe…
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Apr 26, 2021
Poetry’s Creative Effects
As National Poetry Month rolls to a close, author Joy E. Rancatore considers Poetry’s Creative Effects on her life and the lives of others. She dives into some of her earliest memories that made her fall in love with the medium and analyzes some ways poetry has influenced her author life. To round out the month’s poetic emphasis, Joy reads a few of her poems.
If you haven’t watched a QWERTY episode on YouTube, this would be a great one for a switch. Joy will be sharing graphics with her poetry. While you’re there, subscribe to the QWERTY Writing Life channel and never miss an episode!
Check out these important links mentioned in the episode:
National Poetry Month: https://poets.org/national-poetry-month
Mea’s website where you can subscribe to her newsletter and be the first to know when her poetry book, Grief Like a River, will be available: https://storyswell.net
Last episode about Mea’s poetry book: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/a-poetic-arc-the-birth-of-a…
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Apr 19, 2021
A Poetic Arc: The Birth of a Poetry Book
You may have heard of character arcs, but have you ever considered how poetry books can have arcs? Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith discuss this poetic arc through the birth of Mea’s forthcoming debut poetry book, Grief Like a River. They examine how the shift—or arc—in Mea’s personal life and her understanding of the grieving process lead to this overall theme and arc for that theme and how each choice she’s made along the way (the poems chosen, edits made, publication path followed and title accepted) has brought us this deep book that’s currently in final production.
Check out these important links mentioned in the episode:
Mea’s website where you can subscribe to her newsletter and be the first to know when her poetry book will be available: https://storyswell.net
“Finding Your Creative Medium” QWERTY episode: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/finding-your-creative-medium-1617049715/
“Creative Women: Past, Present and Future” QWERTY episode: https://qw…
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Apr 12, 2021
Interview with a Creative: Camille Myrick on Capturing NOW Through Poetry and Process
Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith welcome author, poet and YouTuber extraordinaire Camille Myrick on their spring Interview with a Creative episode. They discuss the themes in Camille’s poetry and how she juggles her creative projects, all while capturing the now through poetry and process. Camille closes out with a simple but powerful QWERTY Challenge for us all.
Get to know more about Camille:
https://www.instagram.com/camillemyrick/
http://youtube.com/camillemyrick
https://twitter.com/camille_myrick
https://www.facebook.com/camillemyrick/
Check out these fine resources, tools and books mentioned in the episode:
Remarkable Tablet: https://remarkable.com
Alphasmart Neo 2 Word Processor: https://www.amazon.com/Neo2-Alphasmart-Processor-Keyboard-Calculator/dp/B00T0ZG06O
A Flash of Words Anthology: http://www.scoutmediabooksmusic.com/a-flash-of-words-2
Ellen Hopkins: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Ellen-Hopkins/20799681
Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi: https://www.g…
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Apr 5, 2021
Finding Your Creative Medium
How do you find your creative medium? In this special throwback episode of QWERTY Writing Life, we’re discussing how it took us a while to land on the one creative outlet that makes our hearts sing. We’ll send you away with a special challenge to help you find yours as well.
Stay in the know about episodes, our speaking engagements and what goes on behind the microphones with our monthly QWERTY Writing Life Newsletter. You’ll also get the chance to influence our show’s content and be the first to know about big events! Here’s the link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Please share our podcast with your friends! We’d love for them to be our new friends, too! Questions? Comments? You know what to do! Continue this week’s chat with us via email at editorial [at] logosandmythospress [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Subscribe in your favori…
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Mar 29, 2021
Creative Women: Past, Present, Future
In this throwback episode of QWERTY Writing Life, we highlight the inspiration many women have filled us with as we pay a tribute to the Creative Women of Our Past, Present and Future. They have each found creative ways to make our world a better place now and for the women of the future.
Here are all the amazing links we mentioned in this episode. Talk about INSPIRATION!
Article about books relating to the women behind the moon mission: https://milspousefest.com/7-books-tell-real-story-women-behind-moonshot/
Article about who really invented the cotton gin: http://historyexplorer.si.edu/sites/default/files/Content/Who%20Invented%20the%20Cotton%20Gin.pdf
Article about Margaret Knight: https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/margaret-knight
Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: https://www.lisasee.com/books-new/snow-flower-and-the-secret-fan/
Lisa See’s The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane: https://www.lisasee.com/books-new/
Writer Moms Inc.: https://www.writermomsinc.…
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Mar 22, 2021
Learning is for Life
Are you a lifelong learner? Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith proudly claim to be, and they’re giving you four benefits to learning for life in Episode 43 of QWERTY Writing Life. Find inspiration in some quotes they found and consider how you can learn more this week. As with every QWERTY episode, you will leave this podcast with a Challenge to kickstart or continue your own learning journey.
Stay in the know about episodes, our speaking engagements and what goes on behind the microphones with our monthly QWERTY Writing Life Newsletter. You’ll also get the chance to influence our show’s content and be the first to know about big events! Here’s the link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Check out a few friends we mentioned in the show:
Stacie Eirich, author and singer: http://writerstacieeirich.blogspot.com
The Book & the Bean: https://www.thebooknookstore.com
Rachael Ritchey, book designer and formatter extraordinaire: https://rachaelritchey.com/…
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Mar 15, 2021
Winter QWERTY Chat
Join authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith in Episode 42 of QWERTY Writing Life for a recap of some of what they learned from the 2021 Women in Publishing Summit. They also talk about their current challenges and works in progress and share how their “creative trinity” is looking these days. They close out with a QWERTY Challenge that will help you evaluate how your creative life is going.
Stay in the know about episodes, our speaking engagements and what goes on behind the microphones with our monthly QWERTY Writing Life Newsletter. You’ll also get the chance to influence our show’s content and be the first to know about big events! Here’s the link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Check out these other links mentioned in the show:
Creative Trinity episode: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-am2rh-ed62d1
Getting the Most from Creative Instruction episodes: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/getting-the-most-from-creative-instruction-part-1/
Rachae…
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Mar 8, 2021
One Story, Multiple Mediums
How many forms can one story take? What makes a story live and thrive in one medium but not another? Does the answer lie in the consumer of the art, in the producer of the art or in the art itself?
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith discuss some of their favorite books to movies or paintings to books to movies or movies to songs in Episode 41 of QWERTY Writing Life.
Stay in the know about episodes, our speaking engagements and what goes on behind the microphones with our monthly QWERTY Writing Life Newsletter. You’ll also get the chance to influence our show’s content and be the first to know about big events! Here’s the link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource…
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Mar 1, 2021
What NOT to Say to a Writer
Humor, truth and introspection collide in Episode 40 of QWERTY Writing Life. Hear a few examples of What NOT to Say to a Writer, as authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share some they’ve heard. They continue with a few of the many kind things they’ve been told and discuss some of the purposes behind the good, bad and ugly statements creatives often face.
Subscribe to our monthly QWERTY Writing Life Newsletter!!! Stay in the know about episodes, our speaking engagements and what goes on behind the scenes. You’ll also be the first to know about big events and get the chance to influence our show’s content! Here’s the link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z9f1z5
Mea's Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r2r2z1
Joy's Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/s3k1w3
Thanks for using Joy’s MailerLite affiliate link: https://www.mailerlite.com/invite/0a3dc8e0a9206
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Feb 22, 2021
What Do You Owe Your Audience?
Life sometimes throws unexpected curve balls our way. When huge life events alter a creative’s productivity or future, what do they owe their audiences? Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith tackle this issue in Episode 39 of QWERTY Writing Life and offer a few tips to prepare before something big happens.
Visit the links mentioned in this episode:
“Sharing You with the World,” QWERTY Writing Life, Season 2, Episode 12: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/sharing-you-with-the-world/
Mea’s new website, Story Swell: https://storyswell.net
Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com
Information about the release of the early Hemingway letters: https://www.brainpickings.org/2012/01/16/famous-correspondence/
Thanks for using our affiliate link to check out the 2021 Women in Publishing Summit: https://joyerancatore--writepublishsell.thrivecart.com/2021-wip-conference/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmy…
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Feb 15, 2021
Creative Entrepreneurship: Little Steps Every Day
The world might make us think creative entrepreneurs are all overnight successes, but authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith set the record straight in Episode 38 of QWERTY Writing Life. With the inspiration of some entrepreneurs—including the one and only Dolly Parton—Joy and Mea discuss common themes in successful business owners and the little steps striving entrepreneurs can take every day.
If you’re a creative entrepreneur who struggles with taking those little steps every day and wonders if you should keep going—or get started—here are questions for your reflection as you work on this week’s QWERTY Challenge:
* Are you not capitalizing on the experiences you’ve had or considering ways to use what you know to do what you want?
* Do you listen to the negative Nancys and let them determine your mindset, allowing them to derail your dreams and stop you before you even get started?
* Do you let yourself remain stuck in how you think business should look or do you…
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Feb 8, 2021
Facing Creative Insecurity
Have you found yourself stalled in creative endeavors because of insecurity? Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith reflect on their own experiences in Episode 37 of QWERTY Writing Life. They share the highs and lows of their creative lives, while highlighting the steps they take in Facing Creative Insecurity.
Visit the links mentioned in this episode:
Season 1, Episode 5: Theory of Fear https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/blockades-to-creating-part-5/
Thanks for using our affiliate link to check out the 2021 Women in Publishing Summit: https://joyerancatore--writepublishsell.thrivecart.com/wip-2021-free/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life.…
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Feb 1, 2021
Interview with a Creative: Chloe Rouse on Finding the Story in Creative Projects
Spoiler alert! Finding the Story in Creative Projects centers around listening and being present in each moment. Multimedia Storyteller Chloe Rouse Armstrong joins authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith in Episode 36 of QWERTY Writing Life to share how she’s learned this important truth and what it looks like in her daily life. As a marketer by day and photographer/videographer all the time, Chloe gets up close and personal with people’s stories. She’s learned the value in setting ego and preconceived notions aside and opening herself up to truly hearing the person before her and seeing their stories from a different angle. Chloe ends this winter "Interview with a Creative" with a QWERTY Challenge that will have you discovering special moments and stories all around you each day.
Visit Chloe and see her inspirational storytelling at these links:
Chloe’s website: http://www.crmultimedia.com
Chloe’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloerousemultimedia/
Chloe’s Facebo…
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Jan 25, 2021
Seizing Creative Success, Part 3: Words, Intentions & Affirmations
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith turn their attention to the future in Episode 35 of QWERTY Writing Life. Grab your favorite drink or head out on a jog or snuggle in by a roaring fire to listen in on what Joy and Mea have planned for 2021. Take a moment afterward to drop them a line at the email below to share your words, intentions and affirmations for the new year.
Visit the links mentioned in this episode:
Season 1, Episode 35; Goal-Planning with 2020 Vision, Part 1: Template for Goal-Setting
https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/goal-planning-with-2020-vision-part-i-template-for-goal-setting/
Season 1, Episode 36; Goal-Planning with 2020 Vision, Part 2: Goals in Action https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/goal-planning-with-2020-vision-part-ii-goals-in-action/
Season 1, Episode 37; Interview with a Creative: Joanna Penn
https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/interview-with-a-creative-joanna-penn-on-evolution-of-creativity/
Season 1, Episode 38; Our Affirmations f…
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Jan 18, 2021
Seizing Creative Success, Part 2: Lessons Learned
In Episode 34 of QWERTY Writing Life, the second of a three-part series, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share some of their lessons learned in 2020. They weren’t all about writing, but isn’t all of life connected to our writing? Listen in to their candid confessions and drop them a line or two at the email address below to let them know what 2020 taught you.
Visit the links mentioned in this episode:
Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits; https://youtu.be/Q8ApZXWgJq4
Subscribe to Joy’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dxjnzb
Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/
Boundaries by Henry Cloud: https://www.drcloud.com/books/boundaries
Dare To Lead By Brené Brown: https://daretolead.brenebrown.com/workbook-art-pics-glossary/
Seizing Creative Success, Part 1: Alterations and Accomplishments: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/seizing-creative-success-part-1-alterations-and-accomplishments/
Intro…
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Jan 11, 2021
Seizing Creative Success, Part 1: Alterations and Accomplishments
2020 wasn’t the year anyone thought it would be, but that didn’t stop authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith from altering their plans and accomplishing things anyway. Tune in to Episode 33 of QWERTY Writing Life to hear how their year ended and then let them know how your 2020 went. Were you able to “Pivot!”
Visit the links mentioned in this episode:
Season 1, Episode 35; Goal-Planning with 2020 Vision, Part 1: Template for Goal-Setting
https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/goal-planning-with-2020-vision-part-i-template-for-goal-setting/
Season 1, Episode 36; Goal-Planning with 2020 Vision, Part 2: Goals in Action https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/goal-planning-with-2020-vision-part-ii-goals-in-action/
Season 2, Episode 10; Goals Disrupted: Perseverance Despite a Pandemic
https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/goals-disrupted-perseverance-despite-a-pandemic/
This Good Thing by Joy: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/this-good-thing
Finders Keepers: A Practica…
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Jan 4, 2021
Creative Relationships & Collaborations
In this new year, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith encourage you to be brave, be bold, be … collaborative! Listen to Episode 32 of QWERTY Writing Life for some practical ways you can harness the power of creative relationships and potentially change the course of your creative futures.
Visit these links for a few things mentioned in this episode:
Maggie Stiefvater’s writing course: https://www.etsy.com/listing/806360184/writing-with-maggie-stiefvater-2020
Pomodoro Technique: https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospress.com/authors.
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Dec 28, 2020
Conjuring Creativity: Behind the Scenes of a QWERTY Retreat
Must you resign yourself to creating at the mercy of fickle inspiration’s timetable? Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith say, “Absolutely not!” In Episode 31 of QWERTY Writing Life, hear some practical tips to lasso your muse and make it work with you, not against you.
Visit the links mentioned in this episode:
MasterClass with Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/billy-collins-teaches-reading-and-writing-poetry
Billy Collins, poet: https://billycollinspoetry.com
Marie Howe, poet: http://www.mariehowe.com
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospress.co…
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Dec 21, 2020
Creative Getaways on a Budget
Want to plan a creative retreat but think you can’t afford it? Think again! Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith give you some tips to retreat and create in style AND on a budget. Tune in to Episode 30 of QWERTY Writing Life and be sure to share it with all your creative friends.
Visit the links mentioned in this episode:
Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com
The “Chickie’s Roost,” our amazing Airbnb for our QWERTY Writing Retreat: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18835830?s=67&unique_share_id=904f6697-4078-412c-a5c0-3605ce621fc0
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospress.com/authors.
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Dec 14, 2020
QWERTY Workshop: Poetry Critiques
Go behind the scenes to watch a poetry critique in progress. In Episode 29 of QWERTY Writing Life, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith examine a new poem for Mea’s upcoming poetry book.
Visit the links mentioned in this episode:
MasterClass with Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/billy-collins-teaches-reading-and-writing-poetry
For more information on the book Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers.
QWERTY Writing Life Podcast, Creative Critique Partners, Episode 1: Defining Critique Partnerships: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-critique-partners-defining-critique-partnerships/
Merriam-Webster, the preferred dictionary for publishing: https://www.merriam-webster.com
The Chicago Manual of Style, the preferred stylebook for the publishing world: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html
Intro music created and perf…
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Dec 7, 2020
A Creative Twist on Traditions
It’s time for tinsel, twinkle lights and traditions, but it’s easy for those traditions to become something we have to do ... just because. Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith decided to share their thoughts on this topic—including some of their own traditions—and discuss some creative ways to keep the spirit in traditions and the Scrooge out.
Visit the previous episode mentioned:
Creating During the Holidays, QWERTY Writing Life Season 1, Episode 33: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creativity-during-the-holidays/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospress.com/authors.
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Nov 30, 2020
Gratitude Amplifies Creativity
We can probably all agree this year hasn’t been kind to our creativity. But, how is our gratitude? And, can the second influence the first?
Spoilers: it absolutely can!
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith discuss how Gratitude Amplifies Creativity and share some examples from their lives in Episode 27 of QWERTY Writing Life. Plus, they share their Top Ten Thanks Lists to get us all in the spirit of a gratitude attitude.
Visit Joy’s link mentioned in this episode, plus several articles on the topic of gratitude and creativity:
“What Do You Get to Do?” by Joy E. Rancatore https://www.joyerancatore.com/2018/05/03/what-do-you-get-to-do/
“The Surprising Connection Between Gratitude and Creativity” by Linda Naiman https://www.creativityatwork.com/2015/12/01/what-is-the-connection-between-creativity-and-gratitude/
“How Gratitude Can Make You More Creative and Innovative” by Kate L. Harrison https://www.inc.com/kate-l-harrison/how-gratitude-can-make-you-more-creative-a…
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Nov 23, 2020
Creative Critique Partners: Receiving a Critique
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith round out their six-part series on Creative Critique Partners in Episode 26 of QWERTY Writing Life. They close out this topic with some helpful tips for Receiving a Critique, plus a few best practices to ensure your partnership lasts through the seasons of life.
Here are some positive quotes Mea and Joy wrote for you as you go through the critiquing process. Feel free to print them out and tape them to your computer or put them up on a mood board for inspiration. And, of course, you can always write your own!
All criticism burns. The blister is a sign that you care, and caring is a necessary component of good art. ~ Mea Smith
Through a careful un-layering of our writing, we find the precious gems and veins of gold. Put back together without the dirt, our story can finally shine. ~ Joy E. Rancatore
My worth doesn’t hinge on the response to my art. ~ Mea Smith
Thoroughly critiqued now, my work can stand resolute against critics later. ~ Joy E…
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Nov 16, 2020
Creative Critique Partners: Giving a Critique
Welcome to this fifth in a six-part series of episodes about Creative Critique Partners. Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith break down how to effectively give a critique in Episode 25 of QWERTY Writing Life. Effectively giving a critique rests in clear communication and our tone.
For more information on the book Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers.
And, check out the other episodes in this series:
Creative Critique Partners, Episode 1: Defining Critique Partnerships: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-critique-partners-defining-critique-partnerships/
Creative Critique Partners, Episode 2: Evaluating Yourself: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-critique-partners-evaluating-yourself/
Creative Critique Partners, Episode 3: Choosing Your Critique Partner: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-critique-partners-choosing-a-critique-partner/
Cr…
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Nov 9, 2020
Creative Critique Partners: Preparing for a Critique
Preparation and Communication are the two keys to successful critiques. Learn more about how you can prepare for your first critique … or your fiftieth … in Episode 24 of QWERTY Writing Life. Join authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith for this fourth in a six-part series on Creative Critique Partners.
For more information on the book Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers.
And, check out these links mentioned in the episode:
Creative Critique Partners, Episode 1: Defining Critique Partnerships: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-critique-partners-defining-critique-partnerships/
Creative Critique Partners, Episode 2: Evaluating Yourself: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-critique-partners-evaluating-yourself/
Creative Critique Partners, Episode 3: Choosing Your Critique Partner: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-critique-partners-choosi…
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Nov 2, 2020
Creative Critique Partners: Choosing a Critique Partner
Now that you have a working definition of what a critique partner can be and you’ve built a foundation of understanding of who you are and what you want in your creative life, it’s time to proceed to Choosing a Critique Partner. Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith take the knowledge they present to writers in their book, Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner, and adapt it to all creatives in this series on Creative Critique Partners. In Episode 23 of QWERTY Writing Life you will hear more tips and tools to help you know your creative self better and then to get to know potential critique partners.
For more information on the book Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers.
And, check out these links mentioned in the episode:
The Author Shoppe: https://www.facebook.com/Hemingbear
Alone in a Room with Invisible People with Holly Lisle an…
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Oct 26, 2020
Creative Critique Partners: Evaluating Yourself
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith bring you the second in a six-part series on Creative Critique Partners in Episode 22 of QWERTY Writing Life. This week, they’re encouraging you with tips on Evaluating Yourself. The foundation for any healthy relationship or partnership is to first know yourself intellectually, practically and emotionally.
Catch the first episode in this six-part series on Creative Critique Partners: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/creative-critique-partners-defining-critique-partnerships/
Check out Joy’s Time Tips: https://www.joyerancatore.com/2018/02/01/maximize-time-10-ways-to-do-it/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-w…
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Oct 19, 2020
Creative Critique Partners: Defining Critique Partnerships
Ready for a new adventure? Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith begin a six-part series on Creative Critique Partners in Episode 21 of QWERTY Writing Life. In this first episode, they’ll be Defining Critique Partnerships. Following the outline of their book, Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner, Joy and Mea draw on their experiences as writing critique partners to present tips for all creatives. Listen or watch along and ask questions or share your own critiquing experiences from the perspective of your creative medium.
Be sure to check out these links mentioned in the episode:
More info on the book Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
Writer Moms Inc.: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Writermomsinc
Mea’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/measmithwrites/
St. Tammany Parish Library Teen Writing Workshops: https://stpl.bibliocom…
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Oct 12, 2020
Interview with a Creative: Alexa Bigwarfe on Creating When Bad Things Happen
Publisher, authorpreneur and activist Alexa Bigwarfe joins authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith in Episode 20 of QWERTY Writing Life for a special Interview with a Creative. In this candid chat, Alexa shares her experiences with Creating When Bad Things Happen. Listen in for tips on coping and ways to rise above the pain to pursue passions.
Grab your FREE Writing Through Grief Challenge from Alexa at this link: http://writepublishsell.co/writing-grief-free-5-day-challenge/
Connect more with Alexa in these online locations:
Women in Publishing website with info on the FREE October 2020 showcase and March 2021 Summit: https://womeninpublishingsummit.com
Kat Biggie Press: https://katbiggiepress.com
Write|Publish|Sell Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/WritePubSell
And, check out these other links mentioned in the episode:
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/97395/bird-by-bird-by-anne-lamott/
Mark Groves, human connection specialist: https:…
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Oct 5, 2020
QWERTY Check-in
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith check in with one another’s creative endeavors in Episode 19 of QWERTY Writing Life. Join them for a candid chat of creative proportions!
Check out these links mentioned in the episode:
Creative Trinity episode: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-am2rh-ed62d1
Writer Moms Inc. Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Writermomsinc/
Writer Moms Inc. website: https://www.writermomsinc.com
Mary Katherine Brown, artist: https://www.instagram.com/legendmary_/
Interview with a Creative episode with Brandon Odom: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-j7kky-c803f8
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors…
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Sep 28, 2020
Caring for Your Creative Trinity
Human beings are complex. No doubt about it. What makes us special isn’t just one thing, because we were created with minds, bodies and spirits. When we care for all three of those, we’re able to function at a whole other level in life … and in creativity. Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith delve into the “Creative Trinity” in Episode 18 of QWERTY Writing Life.
Check out the fantastic links mentioned in the episode:
Camille Myrick, author: https://www.instagram.com/camillemyrick/
Dare To Lead By Brené Brown: https://daretolead.brenebrown.com/workbook-art-pics-glossary/
Audra Cummings, fitness instructor: https://www.facebook.com/audra.cummings.98
The Author Shoppe: https://www.facebook.com/Hemingbear
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY W…
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Sep 21, 2020
Layers of Creative Decisions
We make hundreds of decisions every day. Have you ever considered the layers involved in your creative decisions? Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith examine these layers in Episode 17 of QWERTY Writing Life.
As promised, here are the links mentioned in the episode:
National Library Card Signup Month Information:
http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card
Kim Howes Zabbia Facebook Live Video that sparked this topic: https://www.facebook.com/1879558628928885/videos/1065841317147500
QWERTY Writing Life Episode with Kim Howes Zabbia: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-48kgb-ba707a
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet…
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Sep 14, 2020
PREP for Success, Part 2
If you find yourself uncertain when facing a new opportunity or hitting a wall in an ongoing project, the solution for success in moving forward could be to stop and PREP! Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share the second half of their practical acronym and personal examples in Episode 16 of QWERTY Writing Life. These principles can apply to day jobs, creative endeavors and much more. Listen to an explanation of the first two steps in Episode 15 and then come back here for the second half.
Check out these mindset links we mention in the episode!
Marie Kondo: https://konmari.com
Mea’s Theory of Fear—Season 1, Episode 5: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/blockades-to-creating-part-5/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author r…
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Sep 7, 2020
PREP for Success, Part 1
Do you find yourself uncertain about what to do when you tackle a new opportunity or hit a wall in an ongoing project? The recipe for success in moving forward could be to stop and PREP! Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share their practical acronym and personal examples in Episode 15 of QWERTY Writing Life. These principles can apply to day jobs, creative endeavors and much more. Listen to an explanation of these first two steps in this episode and tune back in next week for the second half.
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospress.com/authors.
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Aug 31, 2020
If We Owned a Bookshop …
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith imagine themselves as bookshop owners. What do their imaginary shops look like? Find out in Episode 14 of QWERTY Writing Life! Join in the conversation and let them know what’s most important to you in your local independent bookstore or library. Drop them an email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com or shout it out on social media and tag Joy and Mea.
To learn more about Independent Bookstore Day, shop for cute swag and stay in the loop for next year, check out http://www.indiebookstoreday.com.
And, check out the book we mentioned and, of course, our local bookstores!
Ink by Elizabeth Hunter: https://elizabethhunterwrites.com/the-books/7th-and-main/ink/
The Author Shoppe in Hattiesburg, MS: https://www.facebook.com/Hemingbear/
Mary Lou’s Book Sack in Slidell, LA: https://mary-lous-book-sack.business.site
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscr…
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Aug 24, 2020
Just Because: Lessons from Serenity
Hop aboard for a geeky episode as authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith unpack a few of the many lessons they’ve learned from Joss Whedon’s Firefly … just because. Everything’s “shiny” in Episode 13 of QWERTY Writing Life, and you might consider one of your favorite shows, movies, books or other creative products in a different light once you listen.
Here are links to learn more about National Just Because Day, author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury:
https://nationaltoday.com/national-just-because-day/
https://www.michaelrosen.co.uk
https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Helen-Oxenbury/1298466
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty…
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Aug 17, 2020
Sharing You with the World
Do you have a public presence online? Have you considered what you should and shouldn’t put out for all the world to see? In Episode 12 of QWERTY Writing Life, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith highlight a few tips of how to handle the spotlight when you’re in doubt.
Here are links to learn more about the two authors mentioned in the episode:
Nadine Brandes: https://nadinebrandes.com
Glennon Doyle: https://momastery.com
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospress.com/authors.
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Aug 10, 2020
Passion to Paycheck: Keeping the Spark When Creative Passion Becomes Career
Do you fear losing your passion when your creative endeavor produces a paycheck? You’re not alone! In Episode 11 of QWERTY Writing Life, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share their experiences with this fear in one creative endeavor where the loss of passion wasn’t worth the paycheck and in another where they’ve discovered habits to keep that creative spark shining brightly all the way to the bank.
Check out Joy’s blog post on a mindset shift from “have to” to “get to” here: https://www.joyerancatore.com/2018/05/03/what-do-you-get-to-do/.
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospre…
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Aug 3, 2020
Goals Disrupted: Perseverance Despite a Pandemic
How does your 2020 compare to the one you envisioned back in January? If you’re finding yourself discouraged by your lack of progress due to the world’s unrest, tune in to Episode 10 of QWERTY Writing Life for a little lift. Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith reflected on their original goals for the year and decided they couldn’t stay disappointed in themselves. In a year like none other, they present their Goals Disrupted: Perseverance Despite a Pandemic.
Check out Mea’s recently launched (and GORGEOUS) new website, Story Swell: https://storyswell.net.
For more information on the authors’ book, Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers.
And, to learn more about the two courses mentioned:
80/20 Course by Lindsay Eager:
https://www.lindsayeagarbooks.com/8020
Maggie Stiefvater’s course: https://www.etsy.com/listing/806360184/writing-with-maggie-stiefvater-2020
Intro mus…
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Jul 27, 2020
Learning from Creative Ideals
Who is your creative ideal? And, how can you learn from them? In Episode 9 of QWERTY Writing Life, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share some of their creative ideals and the four-step process they use to learn the most from them. Adapt these steps to your favorite creative medium!
Do your own study with the links mentioned in the show:
Maggie Stiefvater’s course: https://www.etsy.com/listing/806360184/writing-with-maggie-stiefvater-2020
Joy’s blog post and list of fantasy books to read and study: https://www.joyerancatore.com/2020/04/09/training-to-write-fantasy/
The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren: https://christinalaurenbooks.com/books/the-honey-dont-list/
List of books by J.R.R. Tolkien: https://www.tolkiensociety.org/author/books-by-tolkien/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. F…
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Jul 20, 2020
Take a Creative Page from Kids
In Episode 8 of QWERTY Writing Life, join authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith and take a creative page from kids! Joy and Mea have learned many lessons from their children and share some in this episode. As they discuss ways they’ve encouraged creative discovery in their kids’ lives, they realized the same principles applied to their own—and other adults’.
Following the four steps they share might just lead you to discover a new passion or—at the very least—a new appreciation for a different creative medium.
If you have creative kiddos (or you’re up for learning, too), here are a few links Mea mentioned for videos she and her kids enjoyed:
Dav Pilkey: https://pilkey.com
Narwhal and Jelly: https://www.narwhalandjelly.com/books/
Frog and Toad
Frog & Toad The Complete Collection: https://www.amazon.com/dp/000813622X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_X1GfFbQ9DGE11
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems: https://youtu.be/RmzjCPQv3y8
Dude Perfect: https://www.youtube.com/user/corycotton…
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Jul 13, 2020
Interview with Two Creatives' Spouses: Tony Rancatore and Brent Smith
In Episode 7 of QWERTY Writing Life, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith chat with their husbands about their tips on how to have a relationship with a creative person. Tony Rancatore and Brent Smith impart some gems of wisdom for others who desire to support their creative significant others; plus, they share some great general marriage or relationship advice.
Special thanks to Brent Smith for creating and performing the intro music!
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospress.com/authors.
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Jul 6, 2020
Getting the Most from Creative Instruction, Part III
In Episode 6 of QWERTY Writing Life, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith share how their process for Getting the Most from Creative Instruction helped them with a recent seminar they took. They share some of the biggest lessons learned from the 2020 Writing with Maggie Stiefvater seminar and how they plan to implement them into their writing lives—and some ways they already have.
Joy was surprised to find herself already putting a few things into practice with her current work in progress. Mea has a brand new plan and goal, thanks to Maggie’s wise advice, combined with the influence of Lindsay Eager’s 80/20 workshop she also recently took.
Check out the two seminars we mention and our previous episodes in this series with the links below:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/806360184/writing-with-maggie-stiefvater-2020
https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/getting-the-most-from-creative-instruction-part-1/
https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/getting-the-most-from-creative-…
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Jun 29, 2020
Getting the Most from Creative Instruction, Part 2
In Episode 5 of QWERTY Writing Life, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith give you some practical tips to get the most from creative instruction. With all the opportunities for learning through webinars, workshops and courses, it’s easy to access knowledge these days. The question is, are you harnessing it?
Joy and Mea grew frustrated with not having a system to unpack creative lessons and then implement them into their daily writing lives, so they developed one to share with you! In this second part, they outline the steps you can take during and immediately after your creative instruction to continue your learning success. They wrap it all up with ways to implement your new knowledge into a working action plan to accompany your future work.
For more about Maggie Stiefvater: http://maggiestiefvater.com
To get Maggie’s 8-hour video seminar for yourself: https://www.etsy.com/listing/806360184/writing-with-maggie-stiefvater-2020
For more about Joanna Penn: https://www.thecreati…
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Jun 22, 2020
Getting the Most from Creative Instruction, Part 1
In Episode 4 of QWERTY Writing Life, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith give you some practical tips to get the most from creative instruction. With all the opportunities for learning through webinars, workshops and courses, it’s easy to access knowledge these days. The question is, are you harnessing it?
Joy and Mea grew frustrated with not having a system to unpack creative lessons and then implement them into their daily writing lives, so they developed one to share with you! In this first part, they explain what led them to create this system and outline the steps you can take before your creative instruction begins to set yourself up for learning success.
For more about Maggie Stiefvater: http://maggiestiefvater.com
To get Maggie’s 8-hour video seminar for yourself: https://www.etsy.com/listing/806360184/writing-with-maggie-stiefvater-2020
If you would like a PDF of the tips and tricks we’ve outlined for Getting the Most from Creative Instruction, email us at editori…
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Jun 15, 2020
Kickstarting Creative Collaborations
Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith close out a three-part series on Kickstarting Creativity in Episode 3 of QWERTY Writing Life. This time, it’s all about collaborations. Once you’ve kickstarted your own creativity and helped a friend do the same, how about teaming up for a unique creative collaboration? You might be surprised by what that can look like or where you might find it.
Check out the fabulous creatives we mentioned at all their special links:
Megan Lacourrege: https://www.mysiblingstill.com and https://www.instagram.com/mysiblingstillbook/
Brandee at Green Oaks Apothecary in Slidell, LA: https://www.facebook.com/greenoaksapothecary/ and https://www.instagram.com/greenoaksapothecary/
Whistlestop Brew Shop, Opelika, AL: https://www.whistlestopbrewshop.com
And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whistlestopbrewshop/
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your f…
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Jun 8, 2020
Kickstarting Others' Creativity
In Episode 2 of QWERTY Writing Life, authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith challenge you to help a friend who might have lost that creative feeling. Now that you’ve kickstarted your personal creativity after our first episode, it’s time to pay it forward and kickstart others’ creativity.
For more about Maggie Stiefvater check out her website: http://maggiestiefvater.com.
Intro music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospress.com/authors.
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Jun 2, 2020
Kickstarting Personal Creativity
Welcome to Season 2 of QWERTY Writing Life! Authors Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith get the chats rolling with the first in a three-part series on Kickstarting Creativity. Episode 1 focuses on Kickstarting Personal Creativity. Joy and Mea offer some practical examples from their own lives of how to light a fire on the creative torch.
Check out links to the music and movies mentioned during the episode:
Jason Isbell: https://www.jasonisbell.com
Drive-By Truckers: https://www.drivebytruckers.com
Mandy Moore: https://mandymoore.com
Lori McKenna: http://www.lorimckenna.com
Princess Bride Movie: http://princessbrideforever.com
Music created and performed by Brent Smith.
Continue this week’s chat via email at editorial@logosandmythospress.com. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal or ring the bell on the QWERTY YouTube channel. For more information about the show and the QWERTY Writing Life author resource book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writ…
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May 25, 2020
Your Season One Top Ten Episodes … & More
In Episode 56 of QWERTY Writing Life, Mea and Joy bring you your top ten episodes of Season One. They share some of their most memorable ones and what made them stand out. Listen along and see if your favorite made the show.
Here are the episode links we mentioned:
* Episode 14: Interview with a Creative, Kim Howes Zabbia, artist
* Episode 29: Interview with a Creative, Brandon Odom, vocal performer
* Episode 37: Interview with a Creative, Joanna Penn, authorpreneur
* Episode 49: Interview with a Creative, Rachael Ritchey, author and graphic designer
* Episode 5: Blockades to Creating, Part 5: Theory of Fear
* Episode 20: Created to Create
* Episode 21: Allowing Faith in Your Art
* Episode 50: 5 Poetry Types You Might Not Know Exist
* Episode 48: Creative Women: Past, Present & Future
* Episode 22: Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda: Things we Wish We’d learned Earlier
* Episode 23: QWERTY Craft Tips
* Episode 41: Everyday Creativity
* Episode 51: Creative Workshop:…
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May 18, 2020
What We’ve Learned from One Year of Podcasting
In Episode 55 of QWERTY Writing Life, we’re taking a stroll down memory lane and sharing our biggest lessons from one year of podcasting. We had no idea how much this endeavor would teach us … or grow us.
Here are links to the episodes and other specifics we mentioned, plus our email address so you can follow through on our QWERTY Challenge and let us know what you’ve learned along with us.
Interview with Joanna Penn: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-5qw9m-cf517d
Everyday Creativity: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-yanuw-d33cc8
Nothing New Under the Sun … or Is There?: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-nzn98-dbe443
Finders Keepers: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers
Email us your feedback and ideas! editorial@logosandmythospress.com
Please share our podcast with your friends! We’d love for them to be our new friends, too! Questions? Comments? You know what to do! Continue this week’s chat with us via email at editorial [at] logosandmythospress [dot] com. For…
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May 11, 2020
Nothing new under the sun … or Is There?
We’ve lived under the notion that there’s nothing new under the sun. While that might be true in life, Joy and Mea turn that statement on its head as it relates to creativity. In Episode 54 of QWERTY Writing Life, they talk about how you are what takes a story or picture or painting and makes it unique … as only you can do.
Here are the links we mentioned, including two fabulous writing classes:
https://www.instagram.com/measmithwrites/
Holly Lisle’s How to Think Sideways Course
https://hollyswritingclasses.com/shop/how-to-think-sideways
Lindsay Eager’s 80/20 Course
https://www.lindsayeagarbooks.com/8020
Please share our podcast with your friends! We’d love for them to be our new friends, too! Questions? Comments? You know what to do! Continue this week’s chat with us via email at editorial [at] logosandmythospress [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Sub…
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May 4, 2020
QWERTYs in Quarantine
In Episode 53 of QWERTY Writing Life, Joy and Mea go back to the beginning and share their weekly QWERTY Report—the emails and chats that started it all and led to this podcast! They get personal and share the challenges of being creative in the face of COVID-19. Listen in and then email them with your own QWERTY Report!
Please share our podcast with your friends! We’d love for them to be our new friends, too! Questions? Comments? You know what to do! Continue this week’s chat with us via email at editorial [at] logosandmythospress [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube channel. Can’t get enough of Mea? Head over to her online home at www.measmith.com. Want to know more about Joy? Check out her site, www.joyerancatore.com.
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Apr 27, 2020
Chat with a Poet
Join us for extra-special Episode 52 of QWERTY Writing Life where Joy gets to ask Mea all sorts of questions about her experiences as a poet. Mea’s answers will get your creative juices flowing, whether you’re a poet or not! She might even convince you to try your hand at the medium. As she says, poetry is “a concentrated dose of emotion.” Join us for all the inspiration you can handle as we round out our four weeks of poetry-related episodes in honor of National Poetry Month!
Check out the links we mentioned in the episode:
QWL, Episode 49: Interview with a Creative: Rachael Ritchey https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-4xs7j-d86ab3
QWL, Episode 50: 5 Poetry Types You Might Not Know Exist https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-ieqvb-d91a1a
QWL, Episode 51: Creative Workshop: Poetry https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-5afb4-d9d620
https://poets.org/national-poetry-month
https://poets.org/national-poetry-month/poem-your-pocket-day
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46796/a-drunk-man-looks-a…
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Apr 20, 2020
Creative Workshop: Poetry
Mea’s got a challenge for Joy—and YOU!—in Episode 51 of QWERTY Writing Life. It’s all about poetry. This exercise will get you to think past the clichés and your known world. It will make you dig deeper into your thoughts, beliefs and feelings. Will you join in and see how incredible your results can be?
Check out the links we mentioned in this episode:
https://blogbattlers.wordpress.com
https://poets.org/national-poetry-month
https://www.instagram.com/rupikaur_/
https://msbookfestival.com
Please share our podcast with your friends! We’d love for them to be our new friends, too! Questions? Comments? You know what to do! Continue this week’s chat with us via email at editorial [at] logosandmythospress [dot] com. For more information about us, the show and our writing craft book series, head over to www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Subscribe in your favorite podcast portal. Or, if you’d rather see our grinning faces, ring the bell on our YouTube chan…
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Apr 13, 2020
5 Poetry Types You Might Not Know Exist
It’s already Episode 50 of QWERTY Writing Life! We’re celebrating this milestone with one of our favorite things—poetry! Mea is sharing five poetry types you might not know exist. Drop us a line and let us know what you think. Did you already know about all five or were some a surprise? Have you found a new favorite?
Check out links for all the people, places, things and events we mentioned in this episode:
https://poets.org/national-poetry-month
https://www.amazon.com/Coram-Deo-K-Gartman/dp/0997203374
https://rachaelritchey.com
https://www.bustle.com/p/what-is-blackout-poetry-these-fascinating-poems-are-created-from-existing-art-78781
https://austinkleon.com
https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Blackout-Games-Totally-Blacked/dp/1440532591
https://www.uipress.uiowa.edu/books/9781609380540/a-broken-thing
https://briefpoems.wordpress.com/tag/monostich/
https://briefpoems.wordpress.com/tag/american-haiku/
http://jackkerouac.com
https://poets.org/text/brief-guide-slam-poetry
h…
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Apr 6, 2020
Interview with a Creative: Rachael Ritchey on Creative Balance
You get to meet one of our favorite people … and she brought a guest! We’re introducing you to Rachael Ritchey, author, designer and creative jack-of-all-trades in Episode 49 of QWERTY Writing Life. She’s chatting with us about Creative Balance, which we think fits perfectly with several of our recent topics. It also leads into a fantastic QWERTY Challenge! You’re sure to be just as inspired by Rachael as we are. Plus, Rachael brought her oldest daughter, Kassi, to join in the fun. Kassi helped us kick off our celebration of National Poetry Month by answering some behind-the-scenes questions about her poetry book, Coram Deo. Check out the links below for where you can get your copy!
Here are the links we mentioned in this episode:
Find Rachael on her website: https://rachaelritchey.com
Want to book her design services? We call dibs! https://rachaelritchey.com/book-design-by-rachael/
And, catch up on all her social media pages:
https://www.facebook.com/RachaelRitcheyAuthor…
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Mar 30, 2020
Creative Women: Past, Present, Future
In Episode 48 of QWERTY Writing Life, we highlight the inspiration many women have filled us with as we pay a tribute to the Creative Women of Our Past, Present and Future. They have each found creative ways to make our world a better place now and for the women of the future.
Here are all the amazing links we mentioned in this episode. Talk about INSPIRATION!
https://milspousefest.com/7-books-tell-real-story-women-behind-moonshot/
http://historyexplorer.si.edu/sites/default/files/Content/Who%20Invented%20the%20Cotton%20Gin.pdf
https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/margaret-knight
https://www.lisasee.com/books-new/snow-flower-and-the-secret-fan/
https://www.lisasee.com/books-new/
https://www.writermomsinc.com
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/sojourner-truth
https://www.nps.gov/articles/sojourner-truth.htm
Kerri Washington interpreting the “Ain’t I a Woman” speech: https://youtu.be/Ry_i8w2rdQY
https://www.thewonderwomenproject.org/pages/biography-of-…
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Mar 23, 2020
A Marriage of Mediums
In Episode 47 of QWERTY Writing Life, we’re looking at a marriage of mediums. What happens when you put architecture and writing together? What about baking and art? Music and pottery? While many creatives have their primary outlet, most of us have other mediums we enjoy as well. When we find ways to bring those together … well, that’s when the magic can happen, friends!
Here are the links and artists we mentioned in tonight’s episode:
MS Book Festival Artwork Announcement
http://www.buckleystudio.com/home/
QWERTY Writing Life Season 1, Episode 44, “Finding Your Creative Medium”
http://maggiestiefvater.com
https://www.faithpraybooks.com
https://www.oliverjeffers.com
https://rupikaur.com
https://www.colleenhoover.com
Griffin Peterson’s soundtrack for Colleen Hoover’s Maybe Someday
Please share our podcast with your friends! We’d love for them to be our new friends, too! Questions? Comments? You know what to do! Continue this week’s chat with us via email a…
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