
StoryADay
Writers write. Professional writers write a lot. The StoryADay May challenge exists to help you learn how much you're capable of writing in a month. The Write Every Day, Not "Some Day" podcast helps you figure out how to keep that commitment up for the rest of your life. Each 10-15 minute episode tackles a particular topic and gives you a writing assignment to complete before the next episode.
Music credit: Alan McPike (http://standardstrax.com)
Latest episodes

Feb 10, 2024 • 14min
Shake Up Your Writing
In this on-the-road episode, I come to you fresh from a conference, full of new energy and ideas, and I encourage you to find ways to shake up YOUR practice. LINKS Critique Week https://stada.me/critique

Feb 3, 2024 • 16min
Improving (with Groundhogs)
What do Groundhogs have to do with getting better at skills? Oh, so much. Trust me. LINKS Friday Freebie: https://storyaday.org/friday

Jan 13, 2024 • 6min
Fiction Matters
In which I talk about Mary Oliver and the power of words to lift us out of the everyday. I also invite you to take part in the January Challenge, a five-day exercise that will make you more decisive around your fiction and every aspect of your writing life. Sign up here:https://storyaday.org/jan-challenge

Jan 6, 2024 • 18min
When Writing Feels Hard...
In this episode I discuss the concept of discomfort in the journey of pursuing creative endeavors and explore the different types of discomfort, such as striving to reach one's ambitions versus worrying about not having what it takes. I encourage you to embrace discomfort as a sign of growth and progress, and suggest a solid-gold way to make that less grim. I also invite you to join the Story A Day Superstars, a supportive community for writers, and announce upcoming writing challenges and courses. Plus: a writing tip about making characters sound more realistic. 0:00 StADa133 When Writing Feels Hard 00:31 On Discomfort 13:02 StoryADay Support 14:37 My Annual Theme 16:11 Writing Tip on Character Voice Links: StoryADay Superstars: https://storyaday.org/superstars Get on the mailing list: https://storyaday.org

Dec 30, 2023 • 26min
What Are You Turning Towards, This New Year?
Are you setting goals for outcomes or simply turning towards your writing more? Here are some ways I can help: Download the Short Story Framework: https://storyaday.org/ssf Take the 3-Day Challenge https://storyaday.org/3dc Sign up for the StoryAWeek Newsletter https://storyaday.org/storyaweek Take the I, WRITER Course https://stada.me/iwriternow Join the Superstars Group https://storyaday.org/superstars Coaching with Julie https://storyaday.org/writing-coaching-with-julie Chapters [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:32] Where Are You Headed? [00:03:16] Turning Towards Your Writing, Consistently [00:05:12] Goals or GPS? [00:06:26] More Successes [00:12:02] No More Negative Voices [00:13:54] Ways To Get Support from StoryADaym [00:14:25] Short Story Framework [00:14:35] The 3-Day Challenge [00:15:51] StoryAWeek Newsletter [00:18:50] I, WRITER Course [00:19:39] January 5-Day Challenge [00:20:18] StoryADay Superstars [00:21:51] Coaching [00:23:19] Wrap up

Dec 23, 2023 • 25min
Celebrating 2023's Writing Triumphs
in this week's episode I'm celebrating the successes of writers from the StoryADay Community, and our Superstars Group. Some of those successes are publication-related and others are more about the progress of the writers' practice. Join us. I also extend an invitation to join our Superstar group in the coming year. LINKS Join Superstars: https://members.storyaday.org/join-superstars Never Give Up (Brenda's Post) https://storyaday.org/brenda-persists This episode: https://storyaday.org/epsiode301

Dec 16, 2023 • 25min
300 Episodes Later...
In this episode I explain where the podcast has been for the past few week, talk about the workshops I've been running and talk about what's coming next for StoryADay, AND encourage you to understand the value of the work you're doing. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates 00:10 Creating Content and Workshops 02:08 Exploring the Use of AI in Writing 04:56 AI for Organizational Structures and Marketing 11:21 Reflections on Recent Events and Future Plans 11:40 StoryADay Superstars Group and Annual Planning Bundle 15:48 The Pressure of Milestones and Overcoming Blocks 20:19 The Importance of Writing and Encouragement 24:15 Conclusion and Future Podcast Plans LINKS: Holiday Stories Workshop (50% discount) Annual Planning Bundle Would you like the AI workshop - Leave a comment What do you love/like/want in the podcast - Leave a comment StoryADay Superstars waitlist Share your stories from 15 years of StoryADay

Oct 28, 2023 • 21min
Not If, But How
I could give you a million and one tactics for fitting writing into your life...and none of them will matter a jot until you do this one simple (not easy) thing... LINKS NaNoWriMo Support Pack: https://storyaday.org/nanowrimo-essentials The Keep Writing Workbook https://stada.me/kww

Oct 21, 2023 • 15min
How Good Do You Have To Be, As A Writer?
Welcome to The StoryADay Podcast, where we explore the power of storytelling and the importance of writing every day. In today's episode, titled "How Good Is Good Enough?" I encourage you to think about the significance of our narratives and the impact they have on the world around us. Drawing inspiration from a talk by former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, I reflect on imposter syndrome, internal motivation, and the responsibility writers have to capture the essence of human experience. Join me as we explore the value of our stories, regardless of accolades or recognition, and the role they play in helping others make sense of the world. It's time to embrace our unique perspectives and share our narratives with the world. So grab your pen and paper, and let's get started on this storytelling journey together. Stay tuned! Links: The Short Story Framework: https://storyaday.org/framework The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc

Sep 23, 2023 • 31min
Lurk Your Way To Success in Publishing
Are you looking to find success in the publishing world? Join me on The StoryADay Podcast as I discuss the importance of engagement in writing and publishing. In this episode titled "Lurk Your Way to Success in Publishing", I share strategies and insights that can help you achieve your goals as a writer. Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode: 1️⃣ Don't rush into building an author platform: While it's tempting to focus on social media presence and building a following, it's crucial to prioritize the writing itself. Spend time honing your craft and creating compelling content before diving into the world of author branding. 2️⃣ Engage with the publishing world: Stay updated by following authors on social media, reading industry publications, and educating yourself about the realities of being a writer. Become part of the conversation, learn from experienced authors, and stay informed about industry trends. 3️⃣ Define your own success: Don't let societal expectations or external pressure define your writing journey. Take the time to reflect on what success means to you personally and set realistic goals that align with your values. Remember, writing is a journey of personal growth and creativity, and your definition of success should reflect that. 🎧 Listen now! Timestamps [00:02:03] Engaging With The Publishing World [00:03:42] Should You Even Pay Attention? [00:06:54] Have a Strong Definition of Success For Yourself [00:09:18] If You Want To Publish [00:10:25] First Steps In Pursuing Publication - Lurk (aka 'research') [00:11:53] Agents [00:14:44] Queries and Book Proposals [00:15:45] Why Submission Guidelines Matter [00:18:33] Ways to Lurk [00:19:35] Publishing Shorter Pieces [00:21:56] Get Off My Lawn [00:23:22] Be Human, Make Friends, Be Successful [00:25:37] Where To Find Writers and Publishing Folks, Online in 2023 [00:29:04] Wrap Up Links: Kameron Hurley Interview Kate McKean's Agents & Books Substack Newsletter The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing Want to go deeper? Take the 3-Day Challenge Want to go for longer? Let me send you a** StoryAWeek writing lesson & prompt**