Storystruck

Storystruck
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Books

Hosted by writer Rachel Clair and intuitive writing coach Neno Littlewood, StoryStruck is a space for candid conversations about being a writer. We dive into the magical bits, the messy parts, and the moments that make you question your sanity while emotionally spiraling over fictional characters at 2 a.m. We talk about storytelling, creativity, publishing, artistic identity, and the emotional reality of being a writer. Some episodes are thoughtful. Some are chaotic. And our search histories and voice notes definitely have us on a watch list somewhere. At its heart, StoryStruck is about connection, the stories that shape us, and the characters who refuse to leave our heads. No gatekeeping. No pretending we have everything figured out. Just real chats between two writers who genuinely love stories and the people who tell them. Oh, and there will absolutely be cat cameos. New episodes weekly.

  1. S2 Episode 19: Why We Love Writing Twisted Little Stories

    6d ago

    S2 Episode 19: Why We Love Writing Twisted Little Stories

    Why are we so drawn to dark stories anyway? In this episode, Rachel and Neno wander into the shadowy woods of storytelling to talk about writing dark scenes, dark moments, morally gray characters, gothic atmospheres, emotional wounds, sword fights, cozy villains, and why readers sometimes need stories that pack a punch. But this conversation isn’t really about “how to write darkness correctly.” It’s about why darkness matters in stories in the first place. We talk about the emotional truth behind dark fiction, the strange comfort of fictional suffering, and how stories can help us process fear, grief, loneliness, rage, vulnerability, and change from a safe distance. One minute we’re discussing fantasy battles and shadow daddies, and the next we’re talking about memoirs, healing, and why some stories need time before they’re ready to be told. Basically this episode is part writing conversation, part existential campfire chat in the woods during a thunderstorm. Bring snacks. Maybe a sword. 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourneyNeno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook here: https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com. Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com

    46 min
  2. S2 Episode 18: The Emotional Outline Changed Our Process

    May 20

    S2 Episode 18: The Emotional Outline Changed Our Process

    Ever stare at your plot and think, technically things are happening... but it's missing something? In this episode, Rachel and Nino dive into emotional outlines and why starting with your character’s transformation can completely change the way you build a story. We also get into how this method works for subplots, secondary characters, and even multi-book series. So, if you’ve ever frozen in front of your outline feeling like you’re staring up at a giant mountain of possibilities, this episode might be the thing that helps you find the trail again. Because sometimes the answer isn’t adding more plot. Sometimes it’s getting back in touch with your character. 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourneyNeno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com. Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook here: https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com

    49 min

  3. May 13

    S2 Episode 17 - Seven Ways to Reveal Character on the Page

    What actually makes a character feel real? In this episode, Rachel and Nino break down 7 different ways to bring characters alive on the page for readers. Great character writing isn’t about avoiding telling altogether. It’s about understanding when to use description, action, dialogue, metaphor, physiology, thoughts, and feelings to create a layered, emotionally believable character. We talk about how each technique gives readers a different kind of information and why relying too heavily on just one can make characters feel flat, repetitive, or emotionally distant. From the way a character moves through a room to the thoughts they’d never say out loud, this episode explores how small details work together to create someone who feels fully alive on the page. 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourneyNeno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook here: https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com. Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com

    49 min

  4. May 6

    S2 Episode 16: The Mindset You Need to Finish Your Book with Mike Alcantara

    Whether you’re just starting or stuck somewhere in the process, this is the kind of conversation that makes writing a book feel possible again. In this episode, Rachel and Nino sit down with author Mike Alcantara to talk about the real process of writing and publishing a book—from the messy beginning stages to the “I’m so over this” moment that actually means you’re done. We dive into how Mike turned personal struggles, journaling, and problem-solving into a full framework and what it actually took to bring that idea to life. We’re also breaking down what makes a nonfiction book actually useful (not just inspirational). From actionable tools and worksheets to storytelling, structure, and those underrated “key insights” sections, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what separates a book people read… from a book people use. Get Mike's book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-problem-re-solving-solution-michael-d-alcantara/1149751716 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourneyNeno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook here: https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com. Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com

    43 min

  5. Apr 29

    S2 Episode 15: Backstory Essentials - Crafting Compelling Characters

    In this episode, we break down how backstory actually works. You don’t need a 50-page character biography. What you do need is to understand the moments that shaped your character into who they are at the start of your story and how those moments are quietly driving every decision they make. We’re diving into a practical, psychology-based approach to backstory, aka, “therapizing" your characters. From core wounds and limiting beliefs to the patterns your character keeps reinforcing, this episode shows you how to uncover the real reasons your character behaves the way they do and how that becomes the engine of your plot. We also get into world building, family dynamics, and why your villain needs just as much depth as your protagonist (if not more). So grab a notebook and get ready to stop drowning on endless backstory or forcing plot points and start creating stories that feel inevitable, immersive, and keep readers turning pages. 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourneyNeno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook here: https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com. Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com

    47 min

  6. Apr 22

    S2 Episode 14: Navigating the Stars: How Your Birth Chart Influences Your Writing

    In this episode, Nino walks through how specific birth chart placements can influence your writing process—where you naturally thrive, where you get stuck, and why certain habits (hello, “just one more course”) feel productive but keep you spinning your wheels. But this isn’t about astrology for the sake of astrology. It’s about using it as a tool to understand yourself as a writer so you can finally move forward. Rachel puts Nino’s “Writer’s Birth Chart” to the test in a live coaching session. What starts as curiosity turns into a full breakdown of Rachel’s creative patterns, from overthinking and research spirals to bouncing between ideas and struggling to actually finish a draft. You’ll also hear how this insight translates directly into your work. How your themes, characters, and even the stories you’re drawn to write might be deeply connected to your own internal patterns. Because when you understand why you write the way you do, you can stop fighting yourself and start building a process that actually works for you.

    57 min

  7. Apr 15

    S2 Episode 13: Unlocking the Flow State - The Power of Intuitive Writing

    What if your best ideas aren’t something you force… but something you allow? In this episode, we dive into intuitive writing is, how it works, and why it might be the missing piece in your writing process. Whether you’re a die-hard plotter pantser, or plantser, this conversation breaks down how to access the part of your brain (or your creativity) that already knows where the story wants to go.We’re talking flow state, subconscious creativity, and the difference between overthinking your story versus letting it unfold. You’ll hear practical ways to tap into intuitive writing from conversations with your characters to simple tools that help you bypass decision fatigue all without needing to be “spiritual” or completely change your process. And we go deeper into the why behind it all. How stories can create real emotional impact, help readers process their own experiences, and become something more than just entertainment. Because at the end of the day, writing isn’t just about getting words on the page; it’s about creating something that moves people. And intuitive writing might just be the doorway to that. Sign up for the Writer's Unbound Program Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourneyNeno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com. Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com

    36 min

  8. Apr 8

    S2 Episode 12: The Right Way to Get Feedback from Groups and Beta Readers

    Let’s talk about feedback… because not all feedback is helpful. In this episode, Rachel and Nino break down how to get the right kind of feedback at the right stage of your writing process. From writing buddies and critique groups to beta readers, we’re diving into who to trust, when to share your work, and how to avoid feedback that does more harm than good. We’re also getting honest about the emotional side of sharing your writing. Because handing over a rough draft to the wrong person? That’s how great ideas get shelved for six months. We talk about how to protect your confidence, how to ask for specific feedback (so you’re not drowning in opinions), and why knowing yourself as a writer matters just as much as knowing your craft. Plus, we’re breaking down the different types of beta readers, how to use them effectively, and why your writing journey doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in revisions, this episode will help you get feedback that actually moves your story forward.

    44 min
See All (45)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hosted by writer Rachel Clair and intuitive writing coach Neno Littlewood, StoryStruck is a space for candid conversations about being a writer. We dive into the magical bits, the messy parts, and the moments that make you question your sanity while emotionally spiraling over fictional characters at 2 a.m. We talk about storytelling, creativity, publishing, artistic identity, and the emotional reality of being a writer. Some episodes are thoughtful. Some are chaotic. And our search histories and voice notes definitely have us on a watch list somewhere. At its heart, StoryStruck is about connection, the stories that shape us, and the characters who refuse to leave our heads. No gatekeeping. No pretending we have everything figured out. Just real chats between two writers who genuinely love stories and the people who tell them. Oh, and there will absolutely be cat cameos. New episodes weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Storystruck
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Storystruck
  • Show Website
    Storystruck