Witches of Workshop

Witches of Workshop

✨ A writing community podcast. 🪄 Where writers brew better stories. 🎧 New episodes every Wednesday! 📧 1-10 pages and a synopsis to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com to receive critique!

  1. 5d ago

    Why Plotting Vs. Pantsing DOESN'T MATTER: Our In-Progress Writing Processes

    Use code WOW10 for 10% off the Brick! https://www.getbrick.com/WOW10 Also, we'd love to critique your pages! We review genres of all kinds. Please send 1-10 pages and a synopsis of what the chapter/read is about to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com. In this episode, we're sharing our current writing processes, the writing advice we've embraced (and ignored), and why what works for one author might not work for another. We kick things off with life updates, including new hobbies, fitness adventures, and the latest progress on our writing projects. Then we dive into the craft of writing: word count goals, plotting vs. pantsing, finding inspiration, and the ongoing process of refining a writing routine that actually works. We also discuss the books we've loved—and abandoned—our thoughts on DNFing books, the writing tools we use to stay organized, and how reading influences everything from our stories to our dream character casts. Whether you're a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with insights on writing processes, productivity, creativity, and building habits that support your writing life.

    47 min

  2. May 27

    Do Authors Need to be Influencers Now? | Querying, Going Viral & Burnout ft. Kate Khavari

    In this episode, we’re joined by Kate Khavari to talk about the realities of building an author career in today’s publishing industry. From going viral on Threads to navigating burnout, querying with a sales record, and balancing an online presence with actually writing books, Kate shares an honest look at what being an author really feels like in 2026. We discuss Kate’s journey from science teacher to bestselling historical mystery author, why writing communities and group chats matter more than ever, and how conferences like the Historical Novel Society conference can change your career. We also get into the pressure modern authors face online, the importance of social media for discoverability and book sales, and why so many writers are feeling burned out right now. Whether you’re querying, publishing, marketing your books online, or trying to recover your creativity after burnout, this episode is packed with candid publishing conversations, author advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into the modern writing life. Topics discussed: Going viral on Threads as an authorQuerying in today’s publishing industryAuthor burnout and taking creative breaksBuilding a writing community onlineHistorical mystery writing and the appeal of the 1920sThe pressure of social media for authorsWriting conferences and networkingBalancing productivity, creativity, and restTransitioning from teaching to publishing For 10% off Brick, use our code: https://www.getbrick.com/WOW10 To have your pages critiqued on the podcast, just email 1-10 pages and a synopsis of the read to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com.

    54 min

  3. May 20

    Why Your Story Isn't Working: Fixing Weak Openings and Tension

    For 10% off the Brick, go to: https://www.getbrick.com/WOW10 The podcast episode features a live and anonymous critique of a historical crime mystery called 'The Sinners of Shoreline Drive.' The hosts also discuss their writing updates, life experiences, and the challenges of rewriting and refining their stories. They share insights on the process of self-critique, the importance of marketability, and the evolving nature of story setup. The conversation revolves around a detailed critique of two chapters from a book, focusing on what worked and what didn't work. The discussion covers the tone, suspense, character development, and storytelling techniques. The hosts also share their reading preferences and methods for coping with stress. Takeaways Rewriting and refining a story can be a challenging and iterative process.The setup of a story is crucial and often evolves over time, requiring flexibility and adaptation. Suspense and tension need to build gradually to create an engaging reading experience.Character development and relatable protagonists are essential for reader engagement.

    50 min

  4. May 13

    How Writers Get Better Ideas (Romance, Structure & Creativity) | RomCom Author Rebecca Seifert

    The Witches of Workshop sit down with rom-com author Rebecca Seifert to talk about the writing journey, romance novels, critique groups, and what it really takes to grow as a writer. From finding creative inspiration at a writers retreat to learning how workshops and feedback shape stronger stories, Becca shares honest insights into writing contemporary romance and building a sustainable creative life. The conversation dives into favorite romantic comedies, beloved romance tropes, story structure, pacing, character chemistry, and why community is essential for aspiring authors. Whether you write romance, fantasy with romantic elements, literary fiction, or you simply love behind-the-scenes conversations about publishing and storytelling, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement for writers at every stage. Topics include: • Writing romance and romantic tension • How critique groups improve your writing • Story structure and crafting compelling characters • Favorite rom-com books and movies • Writers retreats and creative inspiration • Advice for aspiring authors and new writers • Finding your voice as a storyteller • The importance of writing community Chapters: 00:00 – The Writing Journey 07:53 – How Workshops Shape Better Writers 13:26 – Favorite Rom-Coms and Romance Tropes 29:34 – Advice for New Romance Writers

    43 min

  5. May 6

    Why Your Writing Isn't Getting Better (And How to Fix It) | YA Author Leslie Lutz

    What actually makes writing good, and how do you know when your story just isn’t working? In this episode of Witches of Workshop with award-winning Young Adult Author Leslie Lutz, we’re unpacking the real writing process: the chaos, the critique, and the moments that force you to start over. From defining literary fiction to surviving workshop feedback, we talk about what it means to be interesting on the page and why that matters more than being perfect. We explore writing habits, creative burnout, character motivation, and why your first book might not be the one that “makes it.” Whether you’re deep in revisions, stuck in perfectionism, or questioning your entire draft, this episode is for writers navigating the messy middle. In this episode, we cover: How to make your writing more interesting (not just “better”)The role of workshops and constructive criticism in revisionWhy character motivation can make or break your storyLetting go of perfectionism and the sunk cost fallacyKnowing when to move on from a projectWriting habits, productivity, and creative community✨ Perfect for fiction writers, aspiring authors, and anyone trying to finish (or fix) a novel. Remember, if you WANT to be critiqued on the podcast, just send 1-10 pages and a synopsis to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com

    1h 1m

  6. Apr 29

    Bad Drafts & Brutal Feedback: Fixing Our Big Writing Fails

    In this episode of The Witches of Workshop Podcast, the conversation spans writing struggles, workshop feedback, and the challenges of revising and refining a manuscript. We also dive into personal updates, including home renovations, hair transformations, and 90s nostalgia, alongside reflections on social behavior and generational differences in the age of technology. A major focus of the episode is the writing process—particularly the difficulty of rewriting chapters, navigating self-doubt, and responding to critique. The discussion highlights how feedback shapes revision, how personal experience influences character development, and why storytelling often requires multiple rounds of restructuring to find the right balance. Want to have your episode critiqued on the podcast? Just send 1-10 pages and synopsis to witcheofworkshop@gmail.com.

    50 min

  7. Apr 22

    Signed on the Spot by a Literary Agent + First Chapter Workshop ft. Mark Dye

    In this episode of The Witches of Workshop Podcast, we share writing updates, including revision progress, feedback from rejection letters, productivity habits, and the role of writing community in staying motivated. Guest Mark Dye, an English teacher, author, and illustrator, joins to discuss his path to publication, including being signed by a literary agent after pitching at a writing conference. He shares how teaching informs his storytelling, balancing humor in fiction, and developing character-driven narratives. Mark introduces his adult fiction novel Schoolhouse Madhouse, reads a synopsis, and participates in a live first chapter workshop with feedback focused on structure, characterization, and interiority. The group also discusses writing humor, managing ensemble scenes, and revising opening chapters for stronger impact. Remember, to have your writing critiqued on the podcast, send 1-10 pages and a synopsis to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com!

    56 min

  8. Apr 15

    A. Lee Martinez's HOT Writing Takes: AI, Editing & Nice Characters

    We're pleased to welcome our friend and brilliant writer, A. Lee Martinez! Author of "Gil's Fright Diner," to name just one of his many novels, Alex came on to deliver his HOT writing takes on AI in writing and publishing, the importance of cutting the fluff, and why it can really be a bad thing if your characters are too nice. Remember, to be critiqued on the podcast, just send 1-10 pages and synopsis to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com! Chapters 00:00 Life Cauldron Updates08:13 Introduction of A. Lee Martinez14:23 Impactful Critique and Writing Advice19:23 AI in Writing and Publishing27:12 Character Dynamics and Conflict37:00 Navigating the Publishing Industry

    47 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

✨ A writing community podcast. 🪄 Where writers brew better stories. 🎧 New episodes every Wednesday! 📧 1-10 pages and a synopsis to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com to receive critique!

Information

  • Creator
    Witches of Workshop
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Witches of Workshop
  • Show Website
    Witches of Workshop