Today, we’re talking about the “try-fail cycle” and why failure is essential to making the middle of your story actually interesting. It allows readers to follow characters as they try something, fail, adjust, and try again until they finally succeed. Our conversation gets into how failure builds tension and empathy and how you can use “yes, but / no, and” t ... Show More
Apr 19
21.16: Tension and Release as Call and Response
Today, we’re talking about tension and release as a kind of call and response, and how that dynamic can guide your reader through a story. It explores how different types of tension—conflict, unanswered questions, anticipation, and microtension—can be balanced with moments of rel ... Show More
21m 19s
Apr 12
21.15: Using Contrast for Maximum Effect
Today, we’re talking about how to use contrast to make key moments in your story hit harder, especially in the middle. We explore how pairing light and dark beats, shifting expectations, or placing opposing elements side by side can deepen the emotional impact and keep your reade ... Show More
23m 28s
Mar 29
21.13: Does The Middle Have To Be Soggy?
Today, we’re taking on the idea of the “soggy middle” and why stories start to lose momentum—often because characters lack clear action, obstacles feel thin, or scenes repeat without meaningful change. We break down how stalled plots, predictable outcomes, and disconnected side q ... Show More
24m 50s
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
