Witches of Workshop

Witches of Workshop
  • 4.7 (13)
  • Society & Culture

✨ 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

    How to Write a Book Between Your Busy Life | w Author & Competitive Weightlifter Hayley Bell Parker

    Get 10% off the Brick with code WOW10: 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 What does it take to become a better writer while balancing the rest of your life? In this episode of Witches of Workshop, hosts Karoline and Lauren welcome guest Hayley Bell Parker to talk about the realities of building a writing life, from finding inspiration for fiction from real life, to navigating workshops, feedback, and the challenges of motherhood. They discuss how reading shapes your writing, why short stories are worth exploring, and how writing workshops can transform your craft and confidence. Plus, they explore how motherhood changes the creative process, how writers can connect with their audiences, and why making time to read is just as important as making time to write. Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a short story writer, or simply trying to make room for creativity in a busy life, this episode explores what it really means to grow as a writer. In this episode: How reading makes you a better writerWhy writing short stories can strengthen your fictionHow workshops and constructive criticism build writing confidenceFinding inspiration in real life and transforming it into storiesBalancing motherhood, a writing career, and everyday responsibilitiesHow to engage readers through storytellingWhy writers need to make time for reading and keep writing funTune in for an honest conversation about the creative process, the realities of being a writer, and how to keep growing both on and off the page.

  2. Sep 30

    Why Every Story Must Feel Human (& Why Adverbs Aren't the Problem)

    In this episode of Witches of Workshop, we sit down with Blair to talk about the realities of writing fiction—from finding a writing routine that works to developing stronger characters, dialogue, humor, tone, and setting. Blair shares how their writing process has evolved over time, what they’ve learned about storytelling, and why flexibility and persistence matter so much when writing a novel. We also dig into the craft of fiction writing, including how personal experiences shape stories, how setting can influence the plot, how film can affect the way writers approach storytelling, and the ongoing debate over adverbs and other writing “rules.” Along the way, we talk about character-driven narratives, finding the right tone, and learning to embrace your own unique writing process. Whether you're a new writer, working on your first novel, or looking to improve your fiction, this conversation offers practical writing advice and an honest look at the creative process behind storytelling. In this episode: Developing a writing routine and creative ritualsHow your writing process evolves over timeImproving storytelling and character developmentWriting character-driven fictionUsing humor and tone effectivelyMaking setting an important part of your storyWriting stronger dialogueHow film influences fiction writingThe truth about adverbs and writing rulesStaying flexible when a story changes directionLearning from challenges and becoming a better writerWhy persistence matters in the writing process

  3. Sep 16

    REAL Writing Advice: Throw Away Your First Book (Ft. Thriller Author Brian Tracey)

    What actually makes you a better writer? It’s not just writing more. In this episode of Witches of Workshop, we talk with author Brian Tracey about why writers need other writers and how finding your writing tribe can completely change the way you approach your work. We dive into the value of writing conferences, getting feedback, collaborating with other authors, and finding an agent who genuinely believes in your book. We also get into the craft itself: why you should read your writing aloud, what music can teach us about good storytelling, and why great writing sometimes asks the reader to do a little work of their own. Whether you’re working on your first manuscript, trying to get better at your craft, or figuring out how to move from “I wrote a book” to “I’m an author,” this conversation is full of honest lessons about getting better, finding your people, and sticking with writing long enough to actually grow. In this episode: Why you can’t become a better writer by yourselfFinding your writing tribeWhy writing conferences are worth itWhat music can teach us about storytellingWhy writers should read their work aloudThe lessons of co-writing a bookWhy readers should have to do some of the workFinding an agent who believes in your bookWhat it really takes to keep getting better as a writer

  4. Sep 2

    Why Your Chapter Isn't Working: Goals, Focus & Stronger Endings

    Get 20% off Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/sc... Get 10% off the Brick with code WOW10: 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 mailto:witchesofworkshop@gmail.com What makes a YA supernatural story impossible to put down? In this episode, Karoline and Lauren dive into a writing critique of a YA witch story and unpack what’s working, what’s missing, and how small changes can make a story much more compelling. They discuss YA fiction, supernatural storytelling, character development, story focus, genre, and chapter structure, including why your main character needs a clear goal, how stakes keep readers invested, and why ending a chapter in the right place can make all the difference. They also explore how to introduce supernatural elements without losing the reader, why establishing your genre and tone early matters, and how inconsistent dialogue or characterization can make a teenage protagonist feel less believable. Plus, Karoline and Lauren get into some bigger storytelling questions: Are movies and TV actually getting worse? Why do some stories feel stale? And what does a three-star book rating really mean? In this episode: How to sharpen the focus of a YA supernatural plotWhy character goals and stakes drive a storyHow to create stronger, more suspenseful chapter endingsBalancing plot with character developmentMaking supernatural elements intriguing and clearEstablishing genre and tone earlyWriting believable teenage dialogue and charactersWhat makes a book deserve a 3-star rating

  5. Aug 19

    Are Craft Books Making Your Writing WORSE? Writing HOT Takes ft. Sally Hamilton & A. Lee Martinez

    If you haven't listened to part one of this episode, be sure to check it out! Get 20% off Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=wow20 Get 10% off the Brick with code WOW10: 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 mailto:witchesofworkshop@gmail.com In this conversation, Lauren Lanza Osias, Karoline Chapman, and guests discuss their hot takes on reading quantity, the absorption of content, character likability, and the use of writing craft books. The conversation also includes insights on the impact of social media on reading habits and the challenges of writing unlikable characters. The conversation delves into the limitations of craft books and the pitfalls of following formulas, highlighting the importance of understanding the impact of absorbing craft material. It then explores the significance of writing consistently and the different approaches to maintaining a writing routine. Finally, it addresses the author's response to negative book reviews and the impact of reviews and ratings on the author's work. Takeaways Reading quantity does not necessarily equate to content absorption.Character likability in writing is about creating an enjoyable experience for the reader.The use of writing craft books is subjective and depends on the individual's learning style and experience. Understanding the limitations of craft booksThe importance of consistent writing routines Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Split00:59 Reading Hot Take03:11 Reading Quantity and Absorption07:48 Character Likability and Writing Craft Books23:09 The Pitfalls of Craft Books29:09 Writing Consistently36:48 Responding to Negative Reviews

  6. Aug 5

    How to Pitch Your Book and Get a Literary Agent | ft. Sally Hamilton & A. Lee Martinez

    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 mailto:witchesofworkshop@gmail.com Want to know how to pitch your book, get a literary agent, and write a story that stands out? In this episode, authors Sally Hamilton and A. Lee Martinez share practical advice for navigating the publishing journey, from querying agents to finding the unforgettable hook at the heart of your story. We discuss how Sally landed her literary agent after nearly 20 years of writing, what it's like to receive multiple offers of representation, and how to choose the right agent for your career. We also explore why writers shouldn't chase publishing trends, why no story idea is ever truly "dead," and how to put a fresh spin on familiar tropes. Whether you're writing your first novel or preparing to query literary agents, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on writing craft, storytelling, and publishing. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to pitch your book with a compelling hook • What literary agents are looking for • How Sally Hamilton found her agent • What to do if multiple literary agents offer representation • Why writing tropes aren't the problem—execution is • Why publishing trends are cyclical • How beta readers can strengthen your manuscript • Why becoming a better writer takes time • What writing workshops can teach you (and why they're like earning a master's in writing) If you're looking for writing advice, publishing tips, query letter insights, or guidance on finding a literary agent, this episode is for you.

  7. Jun 24

    Writing Better Fiction: POV, Pacing & Why Readers Stop Believing Your Story

    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 mailto:witchesofworkshop@gmail.com We start with some everyday chaos (a slightly unhinged morning and fashion decisions that may or may not have made sense in the moment), then somehow end up talking about Saved by the Bell, reading burnout, and what it feels like to constantly try to keep up with books everyone says you “should” be reading. From there, we shift into writing craft—specifically a short story critique where we break down what actually makes fiction work on the page. We get into POV, tension, pacing, word economy, narrative clarity, and how stories either hold a reader or slowly lose them without you noticing. A big part of the conversation is about why stories lose momentum and what creates that feeling of “I stopped believing this,” even if you can’t always explain why. We also talk about satire and intent, especially how hard it is to write humor or critique something well when you don’t fully understand it—and why familiarity with your subject can make or break the work. Overall, this episode is really about the gap between intention and execution in storytelling: what we think we’re writing versus what a reader actually experiences. If you’re into writing fiction, storytelling craft, short story analysis, POV, tension, or reader immersion, this one goes deep into the messy, practical side of how stories actually hold together.

  8. Jun 17

    What No One Tells You About Writing Romance, Book-to-Movie Deals & Being a Bestseller w Kayla Olson

    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 USA Today bestselling romance author Kayla Olson joins us to talk about the realities of building a writing career, why writing romance is harder than many writers think, and what it takes to stay optimistic through the ups and downs of publishing. In this episode, we discuss the research behind romance novels, common misconceptions about writing romance, and why the genre requires far more craft and planning than it often gets credit for. Kayla also shares her journey from working at Starbucks to becoming a bestselling author, the importance of finding the right writing community, and the green flags and red flags every writer should watch for in critique groups. We also dive into one of the most exciting moments in an author's career: what happens when a celebrity wants to adapt your book for film or television. Kayla pulls back the curtain on book-to-screen adaptations, publishing opportunities, and navigating the business side of being an author. Whether you're an aspiring author, querying writer, romance writer, or traditionally published author, this conversation is packed with writing advice, publishing insights, and encouragement for anyone pursuing a long-term writing career. Topics include: • Writing romance and romance novel research • Publishing industry realities • Critique groups and writing communities • Book-to-film and book-to-TV adaptations • Author mindset and staying motivated • Building a sustainable writing career • Querying, publishing, and perseverance • Becoming a USA Today bestselling author If you're looking for writing advice, publishing tips, author interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into the writing life, this episode is for you.

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4.7
out of 5
13 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
    2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Witches of Workshop
  • Show Website
    Witches of Workshop

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