Shows / The Way You Write
The Way You Write
The Way You Write is a podcast for writers who are ready to stop chasing one-size-fits-all advice and start creating in a way that actually works for them. Hosted by editor and writing coach Cynthia Merrill, this show explores the emotional and practical sides of writing: what it takes to keep going, how to trust your voice, and how to build a creative practice rooted in your needs, values, and capacity. Whether you’re plotting your first novel or revising your fifth draft, you’ll find…
Episodes
- The Way You Write
Becoming the Most Magnetic Version of You (with guest Nadine Shaw)
How do you find the readers that will become your ride or dies? Guest Nadine Shaw joins this episode to discuss creating a values-aligned brand that attracts…
- The Way You Write
Reclaiming Your Attention For Your Life and Art (with Josh Czuba)
In an attention economy where we’re rewarded for numbing out, creating art is an act of resistance. Guest Josh Czuba joins this episode to share practical tips…
- The Way You Write
The Power of a Purple Pen
There are many different kinds of writing mentors—and not all of them will be a good fit for you. On this episode, we explore the difference between a mentor…
- The Way You Write
Tuning Pianos and Tuning Writers
When our old piano was recently tuned, the piano tuner said something that I felt applied beautifully to writers too. Take the free assessment here…
- The Way You Write
The Path of the Authentic Writer
Writing is challenging, but it doesn't have to feel impossible. This episode explores what you may have tried, why it hasn't worked for you, and will show you…
- The Way You Write
A Challenge to Dig Deeper
This solo episode comes to you in a rare, late-night appearance. I share two poems that I wrote years ago: the first one was written from a desire to impress…
- The Way You Write
Someone Worth Cheering For (with guest Victoria Jane)
Developmental editor Victoria Jane joins this episode to discuss how to develop a character that readers want to cheer on, even those that aren’t necessarily…
- The Way You Write
Welcome Back! Thoughts on Success and Growth
Coming back after a summer break with some thoughts about the importance of setting yourself up for success instead of chasing or running after it. Take the…
- The Way You Write
Breaking Mountain-Sized Goals Into the Next Right Step (with guest Emily Reuschel)
Emily Reuschel joins this episode to talk about how to take imperfect, unglamorous action to build momentum towards your goals, and how to make space for big…
- The Way You Write
Rethinking Productivity and Embracing Aliveness (with guest Maria Bowler)
Maria Bowler joins this episode to discuss her book Making Time and explore how reframing our relationship with time, productivity, and creative work—from…
- The Way You Write
On Entitlement, Visibility, and Being the Fool (with guest Eliza Day)
Eliza Day joins this episode to unpack visibility and entitlement wounds and how to move through fear and shame to create and relate more honestly. Eliza Day…
- The Way You Write
Creating an Irresistibly Relatable Story (with guest Kimberly Lauren)
Kimberly Lauren joins this episode to discuss developing characters and setting in a way that allows readers to connect with both deeply. We discuss cohesion…
- The Way You Write
How to Advocate for Yourself and Your Writing (with guest Alina Wells)
In this episode, guest Alina Wells joins to discuss what it means to advocate for yourself and your writing. We cover knowing what you want from your career…
- The Way You Write
Making the Most of In-Person Events (with guest Jennia D'Lima)
In this episode, author and editor Jennia D'Lima shares her expert advice on how to make the most of in-person writing events and conferences. We discuss…
- The Way You Write
Writing to Heal a Story That Hurts (with guest Jaime Fleres)
Writing is not just a product that we create. It is a tool for transformation—an alchemical process of self-discovery and healing. Jaime Fleres joins this…
- The Way You Write
How to Make Writing Inevitable (with guest Hélène Caniac)
Hélène Caniac joins this episode to discuss how to set up sustainable systems of support and capacity that will serve you throughout your life. She challenges…
- The Way You Write
For the Love of Romance (with guest Brittany Ortega)
Editor Brittany Ortega joins this episode to discuss common struggles and misconceptions in the romance genre. She shares insights for writers on timing…
- The Way You Write
Embrace the Wrestling
What do you do when a character does something completely unexpected, or that entirely derails the plot? In this quick solo episode, we reframe how to think…
- The Way You Write
Representation, Raising the Stakes, and the Joy of Middle Grade Fiction (with guest Tracy Badua)
Author Tracy Badua joins this episode to discuss the importance of diverse representation, how to raise the stakes (even in kidlit), and some of the joys and…
- The Way You Write
Playing the Long Game in Traditional Publishing (with guest Sabrina Nilsson)
What does it take to actually get an agent? Sabrina Nilsson joins this episode to share insights on how to persist in the querying process, have patience, and…
- The Way You Write
It's Probably Not Writer's Block
Writer's block...the mysterious ailment that descends out of the blue and keeps writers from getting words on the page. In this episode, Cynthia shares 3…
- The Way You Write
Burnout Recovery
This episode is for the writer who has reached burnout and doesn't know how to reconnect with their writing again. We dive into what causes burnout, how to…
- The Way You Write
For the Weirdos: What It Means to Belong
In this solo episode, Cynthia shares some personal thoughts about what it means to truly belong. Sometimes we believe that we will never find a space where we…
- The Way You Write
Bestseller Energy & Embracing Hygge in the Winters of Our Writing (with guest Pia Edberg)
6x bestselling author Pia Edberg joins this conversation about how to embody bestseller energy, trust the creative flow, and find coziness within creative…
- The Way You Write
How to Hold Space For Your Own Presence (with guest Mikaela Pham)
In a world that pushes algorithms and trends, we can forget that being a creative isn't always about creating. Sometimes we need space to just be. When we slow…
- The Way You Write
Writing with a Vision, Releasing Perfection, and Handling 1 Star Reviews (with guest Amy Vogel)
In this episode, we dig into clarifying the vision you have for writing and publishing, releasing perfectionism, and how to keep your creative center steady…
- The Way You Write
The Value of Observing Without Judgment
The Way You Write is all about ditching one-size-fits-all writing advice and doing what works for you. This episode goes into Cynthia's background in…
- The Way You Write
3 Reasons to Hire a Writing Coach
If you've never worked with a writing coach or editor before, this episode gives you signs to look for that show you might benefit from it. IG…
- The Way You Write
What You Can Learn About Plot from Mulan
In this episode, Cynthia breaks down the plot of Disney's Mulan using the Save the Cat plot structure. She shows how the themes are planted and developed…
- The Way You Write
How to Fun-ify Your Writing Practice (with guest Kari Esmail
What if having more fun with your writing wasn’t just a nice bonus, but actually a strategy that unlocks your best ideas? In this episode, I talk with coach…
- The Way You Write
How to Plot Without Losing the Plot (with guest Charlie March)
When you think of plotting, do you picture pages of outlines and meticulous notes? For some writers, that structure feels reassuring—but for others, it can be…
- The Way You Write
What Indie Authors Need to Know About Design, Production, and Marketing (with guest Ashton M. Smith)
You've put the hard work into writing and editing your book, but now what? If you plan to self-publish, there are many decisions to make when getting your book…
- The Way You Write
How Writing Changes Us: Intention, Memoir, and Transformation (with guest Rachel Warmath)
Writing isn't just about capturing words on the page—it's about who you're becoming in the process. In this episode with guest Rachel Warmath, we discuss how…
- The Way You Write
When It Looks Like Nothing is Working
Sometimes we want evidence that we are on the right track in our creative journey. But we hit points where everything feels hopeless and murky. This episode…
- The Way You Write
Your Writing Hasn’t Given Up On You (with guest Ania Ray)
This episode is full of warmth and gentle accountability, walking through how to reconnect with yourself, your values, and others to bring your story to life…
- The Way You Write
3 Simple Tools to Repair Your Relationship With Writing
It's normal to have moments of disruption and disconnection in your relationship with writing. But how we handle those moments of disruption can ultimately…
- The Way You Write
Rethinking the Writing Process
How can two people who are both writing their first draft be in different stages of the creative process? In this episode, we walk through the Practical Stages…
- The Way You Write
A New Chapter
After a 4 year hiatus, we're back, baby! And I've rebranded. Tune in to hear what the focus of the podcast is moving forward. Make sure to follow along so you…
- The Way You Write
Moving Beyond Having a Plan
Small announcement in this one! This episode centers around this quote by Adam S. Miller: "Even sound maps are just maps. They are no substitute for real…
- The Way You Write
What are the odds of getting published?
FINISHERS WANTED: This episode dives into the stats commonly quoted by writers who quit. “Only 1% of people get published. Why should I even try?” I’ll talk…
- The Way You Write
Dunning-Kruger Effect vs. Imposter Syndrome
Why do we feel so confident sometimes and then totally doubt ourselves and feel like a fraud other times? Tune in to meet Imposter Syndrome’s cocky younger…
- The Way You Write
Dan Harmon and the Story Circle Model
Here is a brief intro to Dan Harmon’s theory about story structure. I like this approach a lot. If you’re looking to deepen your characters and add depth to…
- The Way You Write
What if I’m terrified of the publishing process?
If the pathway to publishing feels overwhelming and filled with self-doubt for you, I’ve got a few thoughts to encourage you.
- The Way You Write
Resilience and Writing
Starting this podcast with a whole bunch of love, and prepared to learn a lot through the process. See more on Instagram: @cynthiamerrillediting