QWERTY Writing Life Podcast

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/

Rachael Ritchey, book designer and formatter extraordinaire: https://rachaelritchey.com/book-design-by-rachael/

Mea’s Story Swell site & newsletter signup: https://storyswell.net

Marie Howe: http://www.mariehowe.com/books-2 

Billy Collins MasterClass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/billy-collins-teaches-reading-and-writing-poetry 

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@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.

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 book series, head over to https://www.logosandmythospress.com/qwerty-writing-life. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospress.com/authors.

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

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@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.

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@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.

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 limit yourself because you don’t know how to do something or you’re scared of technology you don’t understand?
• Do you let yourself get easily discouraged when things take way longer than you think they will?

Visit the links mentioned in this episode:

Dolly Parton’s Q&A with Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/5to9

A look at entrepreneurial success: https://www.squarespace.com/blog/from-side-hustle-to-success

Two brothers’ oyster bar empire story: https://www.squarespace.com/blog/how-two-brothers-turned-an-oyster-bar-into-an-empire

Interview with Creative Chloe Rouse Armstrong: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/interview-with-a-creative-chloe-rouse-on-finding-the-story-in-creative-projects/

Jocko Willink’s leadership book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250183863

Jocko Willink’s “Good” video: https://youtu.be/IdTMDpizis8

Kid entrepreneurs: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5051-young-entrepreneurs.html

Mea’s cover designer, Rachael Ritchey: https://rrbookdesign.com

This Good Thing by Joy E. Rancatore: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/this-good-thing

Snail on the Wall pop-up bookseller in Huntsville, AL: https://www.snailonthewall.com

Forged in Fire TV show: https://www.history.com/shows/forged-in-fire

Little Coffee Camper, mobile coffee shop in Slidell, LA (and surrounding areas): https://www.facebook.com/LittleCoffeeCamper1/

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: https://imaginationlibrary.com

Castle TV show: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1219024

Alex and Emma movie: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0318283

Lauren DeStefano, author: https://laurendestefano.com

Rachel Hollis, author: https://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Hollis/e/B00J237V5I

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@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.

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. Meet the authors at https://www.logosandmythospress.com/authors.

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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChloeRouseMultimediaStorytelling

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.

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 for the 2020s

https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/our-affirmations-for-the-2020s/

Learn, Do, Become dot com: https://learndobecome.com

Season 2, Episode 18; Caring for Your Creative Trinity: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/caring-for-your-creative-trinity/

Season 2, Episode 10; Goals Disrupted: Perseverance Despite a Pandemic

https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/goals-disrupted-perseverance-despite-a-pandemic/

Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

The Author Shoppe: https://www.facebook.com/Hemingbear

Little Free Libraries: https://littlefreelibrary.org

Joyce Carol Oates’ short story MasterClass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/joyce-carol-oates-teaches-the-art-of-the-short-story

Holly Lisle’s courses: https://hollyswritingclasses.com

Joy’s Editing Services for Indie Authors: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/editing

Seizing Creative Success, Part 1: Alterations and Accomplishments: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/seizing-creative-success-part-1-alterations-and-accomplishments/

Seizing Creative Success, Part 2: Lessons Learned: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/seizing-creative-success-part-2-lessons-learned/

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.

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 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.

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 Practical Approach to Find & Keep Your Writing Critique Partner by Joy and Mea: https://www.logosandmythospress.com/finders-keepers

Thanks for using Joy’s affiliate link to check out the 2021 Women in Publishing Summit: https://joyerancatore--writepublishsell.thrivecart.com/wip-2021-free/

Getting the Most from Creative Instruction, Part I QWL Episode: https://qwertywritinglife.podbean.com/e/getting-the-most-from-creative-instruction-part-1/

Marie Kondo: https://konmari.com

Maggie Stiefvater’s Writing Course: https://www.etsy.com/listing/806360184/writing-with-maggie-stiefvater-2020

Lindsay Eagar’s 80/20 Course: https://www.lindsayeagarbooks.com/8020

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.