Writing Break

America's Editor
  • 5.0 (5)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Whether you’re polishing your first draft or chasing down a book deal, the award-winning Writing Break will keep you informed, inspired, and ready to write. For access to all episodes, join the library here: https://writingbreak.captivate.fm/support

  1. 3D AGO

    Paranormal Fiction: Why the Supernatural Is Dominating the Market

    In this episode of Writing Break, we take a deep dive into paranormal fiction's lasting appeal and why stories about ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural beings continue to dominate bestseller lists. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: What defines paranormal fiction and why it’s thrivingHow ghosts, vampires, and other creatures function as modern archetypesUsing the supernatural as metaphor for cultural anxieties and emotional conflictThe rise of cross-genre paranormal (romance, mystery, thriller, and more)Common pitfalls when writing paranormal fictionAn Overthinking Prompt to help you write a paranormal moment grounded in the ordinary More Writing Tips Music licensed from Storyblocks.

    17 min

  2. FEB 12 · BONUS

    Magic & Mayhem in Your Manuscript (Clip Show #15)

    Over the past couple of months, we’ve covered dystopia, utopia, action, adventure, magical realism, children’s literature, satire, and a whole lot of fantasy. This clip show puts some of those writing tip segments together for you as a literary aperitif before we begin Season 9, where we'll be talking about blending all of these flavors together to create your signature genre. I'm very much looking forward to that. 🛋️Overthinking Couch Topics: More Writing Tips Music licensed from Storyblocks.

    31 min

  3. FEB 5

    Writing Satire & Humor: The Sharp Edge of Comedy

    In this episode of Writing Break, we explore how to use comedy as a storytelling tool without sacrificing character, plot, or emotional weight. We’ll look at different types of humor on the page, what satire is meant to critique, and why timing, voice, and intention matter more than punchlines. We’ll also cover the most common mistakes writers make when trying to be funny and how to avoid turning clever jokes into narrative dead ends. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: The difference between humor and satireThe different types of humor in fiction Satire as social and cultural commentaryManaging tone so humor supports the storyCommon pitfalls when writers try to be funnyA prompt to see if you can use humor to approach serious topics More Writing Tips Music licensed from Storyblocks.

    10 min

  4. JAN 29

    Writing Dystopia & Utopia: Pushing the Real World to Extremes

    In this episode of The Writing Break, we explore dystopian and utopian fiction and discuss the latest publishing news. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: Dystopian vs. utopian fictionSociety as the main characterCommon pitfalls when writing dystopia & utopia fictionAmazon’s “Ask This Book” Kindle feature and why the Authors Guild is concernedThe proposed Anthropic AI settlement and what opting in or out means for authorsA major U.S. appeals court ruling expanding copyright termination rights worldwideThe closure of Baker & Taylor and its impact on authors, publishers, and librariesWhy the Authors Guild is condemning bot-driven book bans in Texas More Writing TipsAuthors Guild Raises Concerns About Kindle’s New “Ask This Book” AI Feature - The Authors GuildOpting Out of the Anthropic Settlement: What Authors Should Know - The Authors GuildCourt of Appeals Agrees with Authors Guild, Rules That Authors’ Copyright Termination Rights Apply Worldwide - The Authors GuildAuthors Guild Condemns Bot-Powered Book Bans in Texas - The Authors Guild Music licensed from Storyblocks.

    22 min

  5. JAN 22

    Writing Action & Adventure: Stories in Motion

    In this episode of Writing Break, we explore the Action and Adventure genre, which is all about forward motion. If you’re writing adventure novels, action scenes, or fast-paced fiction, this episode breaks down the craft behind the thrill. 🛋️Overthinking Couch Topics: How to write a compelling adventureHow pacing, escalation, setting, and hero resilience work togetherHow to avoid action that feels repetitive or hollow Music licensed from Storyblocks.

    8 min

  6. JAN 15

    Writing Children’s Literature: Picture Books to Middle Grade

    The episode opens with a look at current publishing news affecting authors, including reading behavior shifts and trends. Then we look at the three major stages of children’s literature and why understanding developmental stages matters. Perfect for writers curious about children’s books, writers who think they already understand the category, and anyone interested in how readers develop. 🛋️ Overthinking Couch Topics: The latest book trendsWhy writing for kids is so hardPicture books and story economyEarly readers and building confidenceMiddle grade and emotional depthWhy “books for all ages” do not exist More Writing TipsLeah Williamson and Richard Osman back National Year of Reading | Books | The GuardianReading and Publishing Predictions: Book Trends to Watch for in 2026FT book award enters new partnership with Standard CharteredBook Clubs Reading TrendsBookTok TrendsBookstores report sales boom as youth social media ban takes effectPredictions: what lies ahead for the book trade in 2026? Music licensed from Storyblocks.

    19 min

  7. JAN 8

    Writing Magical Realism: Extraordinary in the Everyday

    This week on Writing Break, we’re exploring how to weave the extraordinary into the ordinary without breaking the spell of magical realism. We're also discussing Amazon's increasing censorship of authors and artists. 🛋️Overthinking Couch Topics: How it differs from fantasy and why the magic must stay unexplainedTechniques to balance realism and wonderCommon pitfalls that break the spellThe Latin American roots of magical realism and its global legacyA writing prompt to help you find the extraordinary in the everyday More Writing TipsThe Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing BreakFree Style Sheet Templates Music licensed from Storyblocks.

    17 min

  8. JAN 1 · BONUS

    Act 1 of Your Writing Year

    Who are you becoming as a writer? Forget making a list of New Year's resolutions; instead, write a narrative for 2026. This bonus episode includes prompts for a creative reset to prepare you for the year ahead. More Writing TipsFree Style Sheet Templates Music licensed from Storyblocks.

    5 min
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About

Whether you’re polishing your first draft or chasing down a book deal, the award-winning Writing Break will keep you informed, inspired, and ready to write. For access to all episodes, join the library here: https://writingbreak.captivate.fm/support

Information

  • Creator
    America's Editor
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 America's Editor
  • Show Website
    Writing Break