The Merry Writer Podcast

Ari & Rachel

Two chatty authors asking all the ’write’ questions. Hosted by Ari Meghlen and Rachel Poli, The Merry Writer Podcast is a fun, friendly show about all things writing and bookish.

  1. 5D AGO

    What Do You Need To Know About ISBNs? | Ep. 311 | The Merry Writer Podcast

    EPISODE SHOW NOTES Today, we are all about the ISBNs - covering lots of things from pricing to expiry dates.   In this episode, we cover: What is it? Where to get them How many are needed Do they expire Costs Barcodes Resources Nielsen ISBN Store Bowker ISBN ISBN International Kindlepreneur (for free barcodes) Draft2Digital As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? We’re open to Author Interviews and Industry Interviews. This means, if you’re an author or work in the writing field (cover designer, audiobook narrator, editor, etc.) we want to hear from you! If you would like to be considered, please take a moment to read our FAQs Page. If you feel you’d be a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please check the status of the Google Form on that page to see if we are currently accepting submissions. SUPPORT THE PODCAST Ko-fi You can join The Merry Writer community over on our Ko-fi page! It helps keep the show going, and you get extra goodies through one-time or monthly tips. (Don’t worry; there’s plenty of free content, too!) We appreciate your support. Special Thanks Our Merry Writers via Ko-fi: Jeremy, Kris, & Jackie Share If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments. CREDITS Hosts Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of https://incompetech.com/ | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

    28 min
  2. MAR 4

    Who Is Jenna Moreci? | Ep. 310 | The Merry Writer Podcast

    EPISODE SHOW NOTES Please help us welcome our first guest of 2026, Jenna Moreci! Jenna is a dark fantasy romance author who also runs a successful YouTube channel. The first installment of her dark fantasy romance series, The Savior’s Champion, was voted one of the best books of all time by Book Depository. The latest installment, book three titled The Savior’s Army, is available for pre-order. In this episode, we cover: Jenna's writing process Her YouTube channel Her writing journey and more! As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! ABOUT JENNA MORECI Jenna Moreci is an award-winning romantasy and writing craft author and YouTube sensation. Her first installment in the Savior’s Series, The Savior’s Champion, was voted one of the Best Books of All Time by Book Depository. Following the release of her first writing craft book, Shut Up and Write the Book, she’s been asked to speak for many literary communities and affiliations about the writing process and romantasy genre, including Robinson College at Cambridge University, the University of Groningen, and the London Screenwriters’ Festival. Website | YouTube | Instagram | BookBub | Facebook Preorder The Savior's Army WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? We’re open to Author Interviews and Industry Interviews. This means, if you’re an author or work in the writing field (cover designer, audiobook narrator, editor, etc.) we want to hear from you! If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. If you feel you’d be a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please check for the status of the Google Form on that page to see if we are accepting at that time. SUPPORT THE PODCAST Ko-fi You can join The Merry Writer community over on our Ko-fi page! It helps keep the show going and you get extra goodies through one-time or monthly tips. (Don’t worry; there’s plenty of free content, too!) We appreciate your support. Special Thanks Our Merry Writers via Ko-fi: Jeremy, Kris, & Jackie Share If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments. CREDITS Hosts Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of https://incompetech.com/ | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

    52 min
  3. FEB 25

    How Do You Know When Your Draft Is Complete? | Ep. 309 | The Merry Writer Podcast

    EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you struggle with knowing when to "finish" your writing? Are you stuck in a loop of never-ending edits? Don't worry, you're not alone - we've been there too. In this episode, we cover: Getting outside help Acknowledging procrastination Setting deadlines and more As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? We’re open to Author Interviews and Industry Interviews. This means, if you’re an author or work in the writing field (cover designer, audiobook narrator, editor, etc.) we want to hear from you! If you would like to be considered, please take a moment to review our FAQs Page. If you feel you’d be a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please check the status of the Google Form on that page to see if we are currently accepting submissions. SUPPORT THE PODCAST Ko-fi You can join The Merry Writer community over on our Ko-fi page! It helps keep the show going, and you get extra goodies through one-time or monthly tips. (Don’t worry; there’s plenty of free content, too!) We appreciate your support. Special Thanks Our Merry Writers via Ko-fi: Jeremy, Kris, & Jackie Share If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments. CREDITS Hosts Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of https://incompetech.com/ | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

    12 min
  4. FEB 18

    How Can You Effectively Pitch To Book Bloggers? | Ep. 308 | The Merry Writer Podcast

    EPISODE SHOW NOTES Reviews are precious to an author, but how can you get them? Most casual readers don't leave reviews so you'll have to seek them out. One way to do that is to reach out to book bloggers. This week, we discuss how to pitch your book to them. In this episode, we cover: What to do before pitching your book Sending your pitching After you send the pitch As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? We’re open to Author Interviews and Industry Interviews. This means, if you’re an author or work in the writing field (cover designer, audiobook narrator, editor, etc.) we want to hear from you! If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. If you feel you’d be a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please check for the status of the Google Form on that page to see if we are accepting at that time. SUPPORT THE PODCAST Ko-fi You can join The Merry Writer community over on our Ko-fi page! It helps keep the show going and you get extra goodies through one-time or monthly tips. (Don’t worry; there’s plenty of free content, too!) We appreciate your support. Special Thanks Our Merry Writers via Ko-fi: Jeremy, Kris, & Jackie Share If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments. CREDITS Hosts Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of https://incompetech.com/ | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

    18 min
  5. FEB 11

    How Many Edits Do You Do Before Sending To An Editor? | Ep. 307 | The Merry Writer Podcast

    EPISODE SHOW NOTES Just how many edit passes do you give your manuscript before sending it off to a professional editor? This is what we are discussing in today's episode! In this episode, we cover: Ari’s editing process Rachel’s editing process Our thoughts As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? We’re open to Author Interviews and Industry Interviews. This means, if you’re an author or work in the writing field (cover designer, audiobook narrator, editor, etc.) we want to hear from you! If you would like to be considered, please take a moment to read our FAQs Page. If you feel you’d be a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please check the status of the Google Form on that page to see if we are currently accepting submissions. SUPPORT THE PODCAST Ko-fi You can join The Merry Writer community over on our Ko-fi page! It helps keep the show going, and you get extra goodies through one-time or monthly tips. (Don’t worry; there’s plenty of free content, too!) We appreciate your support. Special Thanks Our Merry Writers via Ko-fi: Jeremy, Kris, & Jackie Share If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments. CREDITS Hosts Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of https://incompetech.com/ | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

    32 min
  6. FEB 4

    Which Writing Craft Books Can Help Boost Your Writing? | Ep. 306 | The Merry Writer Podcast

    EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, we discuss some of our favorite writing craft books that help us get through our writing. We touch upon mystery, fantasy, and writing in general, plus the career side of it. In this episode, we cover: Why writing craft books are useful Rachel's recs Ari's recs Books mentioned: Howdunit Book of Poisons: A Guide for Writers by Serita Stevens & Anne Bannon Howdunit Forensics by D.P. Lyle Police Procedure & Investigation: A Guide for Writers by Lee Lofland The Crime Writer's Reference Guide: 1001 Tips for Writing the Perfect Murder by Martin Roth How to Write a Successful Series by Helen B. Scheuerer How to Launch a Successful Series by Helen B. Scheuerer Wonderbook by Jeff VanderMeer Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference: An Indispensible Compendium of Myth and Magic by Writers Digest Writing and Editing Checklists by K.M. Allan (plus the Authoring Checklists companion) As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? We’re open to Author Interviews and Industry Interviews. This means, if you’re an author or work in the writing field (cover designer, audiobook narrator, editor, etc.) we want to hear from you! If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. If you feel you’d be a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please check for the status of the Google Form on that page to see if we are accepting at that time. SUPPORT THE PODCAST Ko-fi You can join The Merry Writer community over on our Ko-fi page! It helps keep the show going and you get extra goodies through one-time or monthly tips. (Don’t worry; there’s plenty of free content, too!) We appreciate your support. Special Thanks Our Merry Writers via Ko-fi: Jeremy, Kris, & Jackie Share If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments. CREDITS Hosts Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of https://incompetech.com/ | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

    28 min
  7. JAN 28

    What Should You Consider When Picking An Editor? | Ep. 305 | The Merry Writer Podcast

    EPISODE SHOW NOTES You've finished your story, edited it to within an inch of its life, and now it's time to let a professional take a look! So just what do you need to consider when choosing an editor?  In this episode, we cover: Qualifications Contracts AI clause Cost and lots more Bonus We created a bonus for our Ko-fi Members on where you can find an editor.  As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? We’re open to Author Interviews and Industry Interviews. This means, if you’re an author or work in the writing field (cover designer, audiobook narrator, editor, etc.) we want to hear from you! If you would like to be considered, please take a moment to review our FAQs Page. If you feel you’d be a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please check the status of the Google Form on that page to see if we are currently accepting submissions. SUPPORT THE PODCAST Ko-fi You can join The Merry Writer community over on our Ko-fi page! It helps keep the show going, and you get extra goodies through one-time or monthly tips. (Don’t worry; there’s plenty of free content, too!) We appreciate your support. Special Thanks Our Merry Writers via Ko-fi: Jeremy, Kris, & Jackie Share If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments. CREDITS Hosts Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of https://incompetech.com/ | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

    33 min
  8. JAN 21

    Do Authors Still Need Newsletters? | Ep. 304 | The Merry Writer Podcast

    EPISODE SHOW NOTES An author newsletter, or email list, is important to have for writers to connect with their readers and have a unique platform to promote their books. However, there's many pros and cons to having a list, and is it even still relevant in 2026? In this episode, we cover: What an author newsletter is and its purpose Factors and stats to think about before starting an email list Conversion rates References: What is a Good Open Rate? What is a Click Rate? As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content! WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? We’re open to Author Interviews and Industry Interviews. This means, if you’re an author or work in the writing field (cover designer, audiobook narrator, editor, etc.) we want to hear from you! If you would like to be considered, please take the time to read our FAQs Page. If you feel you’d be a good fit for the show after reading the FAQs, please check for the status of the Google Form on that page to see if we are accepting at that time. SUPPORT THE PODCAST Ko-fi You can join The Merry Writer community over on our Ko-fi page! It helps keep the show going and you get extra goodies through one-time or monthly tips. (Don’t worry; there’s plenty of free content, too!) We appreciate your support. Special Thanks Our Merry Writers via Ko-fi: Jeremy, Kris, & Jackie Share If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to share our episodes on social media, follow the podcast, and engage in the comments. CREDITS Hosts Ari Meghlen & Rachel Poli Music Intro & Outro – “Inspired” composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of https://incompetech.com/ | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

    34 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Two chatty authors asking all the ’write’ questions. Hosted by Ari Meghlen and Rachel Poli, The Merry Writer Podcast is a fun, friendly show about all things writing and bookish.