Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Rachel Kitch is a mixed-race Thai American speculative horror author with a love of writing unsettling, creepy books that still have a spark of light.Rachel has her Masters in Design from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelors from West Virginia University. As a generation 1.5 immigrant, Rachel loves to blend her heritage and incorporate Thai and Appalachian folklore into her projects. When not writing, she can be found cuddling with her bulldog-chihuahua mix, Danny, or reading books on her Kindle that would kill a Victorian child.She is represented by Rose Ferrao of PS. Literary Agency.…
Author: Blake Reichenbach
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Join host Blake Reichenbach in this thought-provoking episode of the Inkwell Insights podcast, where he delves into the evolving landscape of media literacy and its impact on writers and readers in the digital age. Departing from his usual guest interviews, Blake takes center stage to discuss the significant themes from his recent blog post titled “If It Enrages, It Engages: Escape the Digital Wasteland Before Your Brain Rots.”In this episode, Blake explores how social media platforms have transformed from spaces of genuine connection to engagement-driven environments, often prioritizing low-quality content and superficial interactions. He examines the…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Lara Tupper is the author of three books: Amphibians, a short story collection (Leapfrog Global Fiction Award winner; Leapfrog Press, 2021), Off Island, a fictional re-imagining of Paul Gauguin’s travels (finalist, Housatonic Book Award; Encircle, 2020) and A Thousand and One Nights (Harcourt and Untreed Reads, 2015), an autobiographical novel about singers at sea. She co-wrote the screenplay adaptation for A Thousand and One Nights with filmmaker Greg Eismin. Her forthcoming book, At the Center, is a speculative novel in which Paper Bans make printed matter taboo. (It will be published by Regal House in 2027.)…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Dr. V Boykin’s recent book, “Fix Your Face and Watch Your Tone,” is a product of her mission to rewrite the narrative for marginalized groups in the workplace through innovative and accessible programming, enlightening one unaware mind at a time. The book is a blend of life anecdotes and extensive research, through which Dr. V offers practical solutions for all of us striving for career success and personal fulfillment. Throughout the episode, listeners will get a sense of Dr. V’s emboldening candor, wit, and even her preference for savory snacks. This is an author who is…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Writing may often be a solo endeavor, but Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta prove that writing duos can actually work. Real-life wives, Mikaella and Onjuli have created a writing routine for themselves that works, and have brilliant insights for listeners into what makes for effective collaboration and a productive writing dynamic. Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta are the co-authors of THE VIEW WAS EXHAUSTING, a Goop and Good Housekeeping book club pick and named “a perfect summer read” by Vogue. Between them, their writing has been published in the New York Times, Guardian, Washington Post, White Review,…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Author Christina Lynch joins the Inkwell Insights podcast to discuss her new novel, “Pony Confidential,” a one-of-a-kind mystery with heart and humor, and a hilariously grumpy pony must save the only human he’s ever loved after discovering she stands accused of a murder he knows she didn’t commit.Throughout the interview, we discuss how modern writers can incorporate and play with classic ideas, what it looks like to balance a writing routine with a full-time career, and the sources of inspiration that can lead to a mystery novel helmed by a grumpy pony.Christina Lynch, author.Christina Lynch is…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) began in 1999 as a simple creative challenge: write 50,000 words in November. While it started with good intentions and offers some benefits—like building community among writers and providing structure for creative projects—the initiative has significant drawbacks, especially since becoming a formal nonprofit in 2006.This episode explores some of the major downsides that have come up since then. 1. The Challenge’s Structure:- The 50,000-word goal is arbitrary and emphasizes quantity over quality- Encourages unsustainable writing habits and potentially harmful sacrifices- Often results in directionless “pantsing” rather than thoughtful storytelling- Provides only temporary…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode, I explore the evolving landscape of AI tools and their role in the creativity and publishing. In particular, I discuss this article (https://www.thebookseller.com/comment/craft-and-creativity – needs to be in the show notes) and respond to the claims of a utopia-like future of unihibited creativity that the author seems to purport AI will enable us to create. Ultimately, I make the argument that AI has its use cases– such as in business, bulk data analysis, and could even be leveraged by authors and writers for rote and mundane tasks, but that it cannot replace the…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode of Inkling Insights, I dive into the Netflix series KAOS to explore valuable lessons for writers. Whether you’re crafting novels, screenplays, or any form of narrative, you’ll gain insights on: Worldbuilding without info-dumping: I break down how KAOS introduces its complex mythology-based world through character actions and perspectives, avoiding heavy-handed exposition. Character-driven storytelling: Learn how to keep your audience engaged by rooting every scene in your characters’ conflicts and growth, as demonstrated in KAOS. Balancing multiple plotlines: I discuss techniques for juggling a large cast and intertwining storylines without losing focus or overwhelming…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode, Blake discusses the profound impact of storytelling with guest Lisa Cron, an expert in the science and function of narrative. Lisa, author of ‘Wired for Story,’ ‘Story Genius,’ and ‘Story or Die,’ elaborates on the biological underpinnings of story and its influence on human behavior. This conversation underscores the necessity for writers to deeply understand their characters’ backstories and internal struggles to create compelling narratives. Lisa provides practical advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of pre-writing work and dismissing common misconceptions such as ‘pantsing’ and standard plot structures. This episode is invaluable…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this video script, Blake Reichenbach continues his analysis of Lisa Cron’s book ‘Story Genius’ by delving into part three, which focuses on integrating plot with protagonist development. Reichenbach discusses how Cron shifts from character backstory to present action, emphasizing the distinction between plot (sequence of events) and story (character’s internal growth). Cron introduces a novel blueprinting system using scene cards to create a cause and effect structure, urging writers to create compelling arcs that are both realistic and contextually relevant. Reichenbach also highlights key chapters on designing emotional and logical story elements and integrating subplots…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode of Inkling Insights, Blake Reichenbach explores key themes and methodologies from Lisa Cron’s book, Story Genius. Blake discusses the evolutionary role of storytelling in human survival, debunks common writing myths, and offers practical exercises to craft compelling protagonists and meaningful narratives. This episode covers parts one and two of the book, providing insights on structuring your story, understanding character motivations, and the importance of cause and effect in storytelling. Introduction and Overview Exploring Lisa Krohn’s ‘Story Genius’ Key Themes and Takeaways from Parts 1 and 2 Challenging Writing Myths Developing Your Protagonist Understanding…