In this episode, we explore what it really means to set reader expectations at the beginning of a story. We talk about how openings communicate the shape of what’s to come — from genre and tone to the kind of emotional ride we’re inviting our readers onto. We dig into practical tools for building reader trust early: making (and fulfilling) small promises, le ... Show More
Mar 1
21.09: Grounding The Reader
Grounding a reader starts in the very first lines of a story. Where are we? Who are we with? What kind of story are we in? Our hosts explore how emotion, context, and sensory detail work together to create immersion, and why action alone isn’t enough without an emotional lens. Fr ... Show More
20m 52s
Feb 15
21.07: Deep Dive- “With Her Serpent Locks”
To celebrate Mary Robinette’s birthday today (!!), she is taking us inside the craft (and emotional engine) of her short story “With Her Serpent Locks,” using it as a case study in beginnings, control, and creative “leveling up.” Our hosts dig into grounding the reader through my ... Show More
23m 48s
Feb 8
21.06: Begin and the Beginning
In this episode, our hosts dive into what makes a strong beginning and why it matters so much to readers. They talk about openings as an act of hospitality, exploring how tone, control, and carefully chosen details help readers feel grounded and cared for from the first page. Usi ... Show More
22m 17s
Aug 2025
A Girl-Chat Special: The Summer I Turned Pretty
<p>In this week’s episode, Tay is joined by Keaton Milburn, Natasha Bure, and Sheila Mohebpour for a girl-chat special all about The Summer I Turned Pretty! They dive into the ultimate debate of Team Jeremiah vs. Team Conrad, share their favorite and least favorite moments from t ... Show More
1h 16m
Sep 2025
Episode 59: Pitch Craft with Laura Goode
Greeetings! It's been a while! But we're back and one of us (Laura!) has A BOOK! It's called Pitchcraft: The Writer's Guide to Getting Agented, Published, and Paid, and it's out next week. So this is a short introduction to that book, to the writing life and to how Laura came to ... Show More
35m 53s
Dec 2023
Do you have a girlfriend? with Danielle Jordan
You will never look at munchkins the same way again... Match Made is back this week with celeb shot, Danielle Jordan! This week on the pod, Danielle is back in the hot seat to give us the OFFICIAL update on office boy. For Part 1 of the story, listen to “You’ve got mail”. Did the ... Show More
1h 24m
Nov 2024
Go Viral, Stay Aligned, Grow Your Empire w/ Shelby St. Clair & Emily Wilcox
The stars and planets are aligning right now to call you to the front—this is your time to be seen, known, and celebrated on a global scale like never before. You are needed now more than ever.In this episode, I’m sitting down with two of my biz besties, Emily Wilcox & Shelby St. ... Show More
20m 36s
Aug 2025
Anne of Green Gables - Chapter 11
This week we are continuing the story of Anne of Green Gables, written by L. M. Montgomery. Enjoy this classic with us every week on Thursday, with your favorite story reader, Amanda Weldin! Draw us a picture of what you think any of the characters in this story look like, and th ... Show More
15m 13s
