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WriterDojo

WriterDojo

By WriterDojo

The WriterDojo is different than most other writing advice podcasts out there- our primary purpose is to cut through all the bad advice and help you tell stories that people want to read (& get you paid in the process.) This is advice on becoming a Professional Writer from two very knowledgeable Professional Writers. Authors Steve Diamond & Larry Correia discuss the ins and outs of writing for fun and profit. Readers will find plenty of interesting tidbits as well and may come away with new insights into what goes into creating the stories they love.
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Currently playing episode

S4 Ep21: Message Fiction

WriterDojoMay 31, 2023

00:00
35:29
S4 Ep21: Message Fiction
May 31, 202335:29
S4 Ep 20: Greatest Hits (Vol. 1)

S4 Ep 20: Greatest Hits (Vol. 1)

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia are out writing against deadlines, so this week we're doing the Best Of the WriterDojo. These are the bits and pieces that people like to refer back to, re-edited, condensed, and streamlined. (All of these come from Seasons 1 & 2.) 

If you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo
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the *13 Reasons for Murder* series is available exclusively at: https://shop.amandabyrd.net/
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"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/

00:26 S1 Ep12- Dialogue

04:10 S1 Ep17- Grand Theft Storytelling

07:26 S2 Ep12- How to Tell a Story in 5000 Words

12:19 S2 Ep13- Character Growth & Development
20:43 S2 Ep16- Sharpen Your Saw

27:50 S2 Ep17- Business & Marketing (taxes)

29:53 S2 Ep21- Pitching & Acquisitions (w/ Dave Butler)
35:16 S2 Ep24- The Rhythm of Writing (w/ Craig Nybo)

May 24, 202342:49
WriterDojo S4 Ep19: Beginnings
May 17, 202347:59
WriterDojo S4 Ep18: Supporter Spectacular IX
May 10, 202338:48
S4 Ep17: High Tide/Low Tide
May 03, 202352:18
S4 Ep16: Passive Voice
Apr 26, 202341:11
S4 Ep15: Editorial Round Table (Round 1)
Apr 19, 202346:29
S4 Ep14: Science Fantasy
Apr 12, 202340:10
S4 Ep13: Christopher Ruocchio Exposé
Apr 05, 202340:54
WriterDojo 2.0

WriterDojo 2.0

After 82 episodes, we are excited to unveil the All New All Different- WriterDojo 2.0!

Apr 01, 202319:12
S4 Ep12: On Location
Mar 29, 202352:29
S4 Ep11: Brainstorming (Round1)
Mar 22, 202350:40
S4 Ep10: Profanity
Mar 15, 202348:46
S4 Ep9: Supporter Spectacular (Round 7)
Mar 08, 202349:29
S4 Ep8: Censorship is $#!*
Mar 01, 202344:17
S4 Ep7: Interviews
Feb 22, 202358:40
S4 Ep6: Monsters (Round 3)
Feb 15, 202345:55
S4 Ep5: Monsters (Round 2)
Feb 08, 202343:33
S4 Ep4: Monsters (Round 1)
Feb 01, 202330:21
S4 Ep3: Westerns
Jan 25, 202346:18
S4 E2: Predatory Publishing
Jan 18, 202347:35
S4 Ep1: State of the Dojo Address (2023)
Jan 11, 202352:55
S3 Ep 24: Wrapping it Up

S3 Ep 24: Wrapping it Up

Sooner or later, everything must end. This week hosts/Authors Steve Diamond  and Larry Correia discuss wrapping it up- how best to go about wrapping up a story, a book, a series. (Fittingly, this is the last episode of  Season 3)

If  you would like to join the ranks of our supporters, you can support  this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future  episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com/

*Alpha & Omega* is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aPOmGk (affiliate link)

Dec 28, 202251:46
S3 Ep23: How to Approach an Author

S3 Ep23: How to Approach an Author

Slowly and cautiously.
Oh not a long enough answer? Okay fine, fine- let's hear what Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia have to say on the subject. How do you  approach authors, how do you NOT approach authors, why do you approach authors? All this and more in another exciting episode of the WriterDojo

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo 

"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com 

A Christmas Surprise by Jason Cordova is available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/3G6iPN9 (affiliate link)

Dec 21, 202245:41
S3 Ep22: Titles (& Why We Suck At Them)

S3 Ep22: Titles (& Why We Suck At Them)

So you've finally completed your masterpiece, edited and re-edited it into  perfection and then you hit the big question- what are you going to  call this thing? Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss  the various ways of naming your work, some of the pitfalls and problems, and examine what they've done right and what they've done wrong.

 If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast  with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at:  https://anchor.fm/writerdojo 

"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com 

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Servants of War by Steve Diamond and Larry Correia is available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/3OaWznG (affiliate link)

Dec 14, 202239:45
S3 Ep21: Sequels

S3 Ep21: Sequels

Many authors struggle to follow up on a first book. What are the expectations and requirements for a good sequel and how do you meet them? Hosts/Authors  Steve Diamond and Larry Correia dive deeper into a question asked by one of our awesome supporters that was so good, it needed its own full episode.

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast  with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at:  https://anchor.fm/writerdojo  

"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo 

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This week's episode is sponsored by *Residue* (by Steve Diamond)- available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XK40GO (affiliate link)

Nov 30, 202252:32
S3 Ep20: Supporter Spectacular (Round VII)
Nov 23, 202241:06
S3 Ep19: Third Person Narrative

S3 Ep19: Third Person Narrative

This week, hosts/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia follow up on the First-Person Narrative episode with a discussion of Third-Person Narrative. What is the best time/way to use it and when you should NOT use it. What are the benefits and the challenges? 

If  you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast  with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at:  https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com 

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Servants of War by Steve Diamond and Larry Correia is available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/3OaWznG (affiliate link)

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Nov 16, 202240:21
S3 Ep18: What's In A Name? (The Importance of Character Names)

S3 Ep18: What's In A Name? (The Importance of Character Names)

What's in a name? Quite a bit, it turns out. This week, hosts/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia return to the studio to discuss the importance  of character names, some methods of selecting them, and some of their  favorite examples.

If  you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast  with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo "Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com

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This week's episode is sponsored by *An Illustrated Guide to AI Prompt Mastery* (by Jack Wylder)- available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3s478Pu (affiliate link)

Nov 09, 202244:31
S3 Ep17: Intro to Marketing with Jack Wylder

S3 Ep17: Intro to Marketing with Jack Wylder

This  week, hosts/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia go over a few of the basics of Marketing with that Jack Wylder guy and discuss the need  for personal branding, the importance of an author's website, and more. 

If  you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast  with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at:  https://anchor.fm/writerdojo "Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com 

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This  week's episode is sponsored by *The Lone Star, the Tricolor, and the  Swastika: Republic of Texas Navy Book 2* (by D.A.Brock)- available on  Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Dvizou (affiliate link)

Nov 02, 202249:14
S3 Ep16: First Person Narrative
Oct 26, 202244:55
S3 Ep15: Working With an Editor with Toni Weisskopf
Oct 19, 202238:12
S3 Ep 14: Worldbuilding with Chuck Gannon

S3 Ep 14: Worldbuilding with Chuck Gannon

At FenCon 2022 we had the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with some amazing guests. This week, hosts/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia talked with Special Guest, Dr Charles E Gannon (Chuck) about Shared Worldbuilding and what it takes to make it in the writing  business. 

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this  podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes  at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo 

"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com

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This  week's episode is sponsored by *Earthrise* (by M.C.A.Hogarth)- available  on Amazon: amzn.to/3Cn5BbP (affiliate link)

Oct 12, 202245:42
S3 Ep13: Picking the Brain of Dr Rob Hampson

S3 Ep13: Picking the Brain of Dr Rob Hampson

At FenCon 2022 we had the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with some amazing guests. This week, hosts/authors Steve Diamond and  Larry Correia talked with Special Guest, neuroscientist/author Dr Rob  Hampson about big brain stuff. 

If  you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast  with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at:  https://anchor.fm/writerdojo 

"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com 

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This  week's episode is sponsored by *Trouble Walked In* (by Mike Kupari)-  available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Czhi0E (affiliate link)

Oct 05, 202243:25
S3 Ep12: Interview With a Completely Different Vampire

S3 Ep12: Interview With a Completely Different Vampire

At FenCon 2022 we had the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with some amazing guests. This week, hosts/authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia talked with Special Guest, author David Carrico about the writing process and his new book *The Blood Is The Life*  

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

*The Blood is the Life*  (by David Carrico) is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SAOZ72 (affiliate link)  

"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com

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This week's episode is sponsored by *Against All Odds* (by Jason Haskell)- available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RpnYSR (affiliate link) _________________________________________________________________

Sep 28, 202244:14
S3 Ep 11: the Problem With Problematic Authors

S3 Ep 11: the Problem With Problematic Authors

Recently, Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia found a list on Twitter of authors someone found "problematic". Once Larry got over his sadness at not being included, they decided to explain why they have a problem with the list of problematic authors.  

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo*Texas at the Coronation* is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xEnz8g (affiliate link)  "Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com

Sep 21, 202238:48
Special Edition (FenCon 2022)

Special Edition (FenCon 2022)

Recorded live at FenCon Sept 18th, 2022 Steve Diamond, Larry Correia, and Jack Wylder discuss the WriterDojo podcast in front of a studio audience. Less writing advice than normal, and there's a bit where we get ever so slightly political, but hopefully you'll enjoy it.

Sep 20, 202256:01
S3 Ep10: Developing Thicker Skin

S3 Ep10: Developing Thicker Skin

“Wanting to be a writer and not wanting to be rejected is like wanting to be a boxer and not wanting to get punched.” (-David Barr Kirtley) So how do you handle rejection? How do you handle criticism?  Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia return once again to discuss the best methods for dealing with both.  

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

*Division One: The Bounty Game* is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BAhNY1 (affiliate link)  

"Word Mercenaries" (the WriterDojo theme) is by Craig Nybo https://craignybo.com

Sep 14, 202238:21
S3 Ep9: Supporter Spectacular (Round VI)
Sep 07, 202248:09
S3 Ep8: Beta Readers and Writers Groups
Aug 31, 202243:27
S3 Ep7: Supporter Spectacular (Round V)
Aug 24, 202241:56
S3 Ep6: Networking
Aug 17, 202255:27
S3 Ep5: Nonfiction (round 1)
Aug 10, 202239:36
S3 Ep4: It Just Won't Stop (Tweet Bashing- Round 4)
Aug 03, 202250:47
S3 Ep3: Writing Action 3/2
Jul 27, 202239:34
S3 Ep2: Writing Action (Round 2)
Jul 20, 202236:02
S3 Ep1: Writing Action (Round 1)
Jul 13, 202240:23
the State of the Dojo Address (2022)
Jul 06, 202241:30
Historical Fantasy
Jun 29, 202240:01
Supporter Spectacular (Round 4)
Jun 22, 202242:17
the Rhythm of Writing
Jun 15, 202239:25
Lessons From the Gun Range
Jun 08, 202247:43
Don't Negotiate With Terrorists (Round 2)
Jun 01, 202243:19
Pitching & Acquisition
May 25, 202245:35
World Telling
May 18, 202238:40
Dave Butler Exposé
May 11, 202235:53
Urban Fantasy
May 04, 202239:00
Q&A- Business & Marketing
Apr 27, 202248:28
Sharpen Your Saw
Apr 20, 202242:52
the Kickstarter Episode
Apr 13, 202238:18
Don't Negotiate With Terrorists
Apr 06, 202233:38
Character Growth & Development

Character Growth & Development

Our dauntless Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia return this week to once again discuss an irresponsible tweet and explain how character growth & development SHOULD go (spoiler alert: it's not by running down a checklist)

  
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast  with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at:  https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Mar 30, 202232:52
How to Tell a Story in 5,000 Words
Mar 23, 202241:11
Mandatory Diversity
Mar 16, 202250:06
Conventions (Round 2)
Mar 09, 202248:60
Conventions (Round 1)
Mar 02, 202245:21
Intellectual Property
Feb 23, 202243:53
Collaboration (Round 1)
Feb 16, 202243:24
Supporter Spectacular (Round 3)

Supporter Spectacular (Round 3)

Hosts/Authors  Steve Diamond and Larry Correia return to answer yet more questions submitted by our wonderful supporters. Supporters, we appreciate you SO much- thank you all!

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support   this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future   episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Feb 09, 202238:25
Pacing (Round 1)
Feb 02, 202243:16
Writing for Audio

Writing for Audio

Audio books accounted for over $1,500,000,000 in sales in the USA alone last year- and that number is growing steadily. Writing for audio is different than writing for readers, though. Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia return this week to discuss the differences and give you some ideas to create a better experience for listeners.

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this  podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes  at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Jan 26, 202238:29
Writer Groups & Beta Readers

Writer Groups & Beta Readers

Back during our First Supporter Spectacular, there were some questions just too big for a quick answer so we promised we'd get to them later- this week's topic is one such question. Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia will explore the Pros & Cons of Writer Groups and help explain how an author should choose and what they should expect from their Beta Readers.

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this  podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes  at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Jan 19, 202240:44
Canon

Canon

Our intrepid Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia return this week to once again dissect bad writing advice from a tweet and discuss canon and what it means to fans.  

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Jan 12, 202236:37
Resolutions
Jan 05, 202240:10
Long vs Short Fiction

Long vs Short Fiction

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia take time this week to contrast Long Fiction vs Short Fiction and discuss the Pros and Cons of each. (Also, this is the final episode of Season One! How crazy is that?? We've got some great things planned for Season 2, so stay tuned!) 


If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast  with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at:  https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Dec 29, 202133:29
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats

Our intrepid Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia return this week to discuss a foolish tweet and explain why writing is NOT a zero sum game.  
If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Dec 22, 202140:04
Grand Theft Story

Grand Theft Story

Where is the line between homage and plagiarism? How do you tell a story that hasn't been done before? Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss these and many other questions in this week's episode.

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support  this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain  future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Dec 15, 202134:45
Your Muse Is As Real As Your Kid's Imaginary Friend

Your Muse Is As Real As Your Kid's Imaginary Friend

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss the concept of 'the Muse' and how it can affect one's writing career.

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Dec 08, 202136:31
Supporter Spectacular! (Round 2)

Supporter Spectacular! (Round 2)

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia answer even more questions submitted by our wonderful supporters. Supporters, we appreciate you SO much- thank you all!

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support  this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future  episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Dec 01, 202138:18
Supporter Spectacular! (Round 1)

Supporter Spectacular! (Round 1)

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia answer questions submitted by our wonderful supporters. Supporters, we appreciate you SO much- thank you all! 

If you would like to join our supporters, you can support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Nov 24, 202134:29
Horror

Horror

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss one of their favorite genres: Horror. This was originally supposed to air on Halloween 2021 but Producer Jack went and got sick. Sorry! If you would like to support this  podcast with a small monthly  donation to help sustain future episodes, you can do so at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Nov 17, 202137:53
Dialogue

Dialogue

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss the importance of writing good dialogue and the differences between actual conversations and written conversations. If you would like to support this  podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes, you can do so at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Nov 17, 202134:06
Worldbuilding: Setting

Worldbuilding: Setting

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss starting with a setting rather than a character. If you would like to support this podcast with a  small monthly  donation to help sustain future episodes, you can do so at:  https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Oct 27, 202133:36
Tertiary Characters

Tertiary Characters

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss the importance of fleshing out your background characters and the opportunities therein.  If you would like to support this podcast with a  small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes, you can do so at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Oct 20, 202134:33
POV

POV

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss the importance of choosing a Point of View.  If  you would like to support this podcast with a  small monthly donation to  help sustain future episodes, you can do so at:  https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Oct 13, 202134:56
Heroes vs Villains

Heroes vs Villains

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia dig in a bit deeper on Characters and discuss how to write engaging heroes and villains.  If you would like to support this podcast with a  small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes, you can do so at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Oct 06, 202136:57
Building Character

Building Character

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss the basics of writing engaging characters and which comes first- character or setting. If you would  like to support this podcast with a  small monthly donation to help  sustain future episodes, you can do so  at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Sep 29, 202132:56
Genre

Genre

Someone tweeted "...fantasy is not a genre- it is a setting". Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss this idea and delve into the purpose and promise of genre. If you would like to support this podcast with a small monthly donation to  help sustain future episodes, you can do so at:  https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Sep 22, 202135:37
The Discipline of Idea Management

The Discipline of Idea Management

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss the importance of being disciplined in regards to your ideas. (Also, be sure to listen for the origins of everyone's favorite manatee, Wendell!) If you would like to support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes, you can do so at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Sep 15, 202133:06
Outlining vs Discovery (Round I)

Outlining vs Discovery (Round I)

In this no holds barred bare knuckles battle, Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia argue the merits of writing using the Outlining Method versus using the Discovery Method.
If you would like to support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help  sustain future episodes, you can do so at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Sep 08, 202133:07
the Basics of Business (Round I)

the Basics of Business (Round I)

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss the basics of writing as a business. If you would  like to support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help  sustain future episodes, you can do so at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Sep 01, 202139:09
Hobby vs Business (Round I)

Hobby vs Business (Round I)

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia discuss the differences between writing as a hobby versus writing as a business. If you would like to support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes, you can do so at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Aug 25, 202133:47
Welcome to the WriterDojo!

Welcome to the WriterDojo!

Hosts/Authors Steve Diamond and Larry Correia explain what we’re doing with this podcast and why we’re doing it. If you would like to support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help sustain future episodes, you can do so at: https://anchor.fm/writerdojo

Aug 17, 202131:21