185 episodes

Two writers, Shawn Smucker and Maile Silva, married to each other, explore the highs and lows of creativity, publishing, and the writing life.

The Stories Between Us Shawn Smucker

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 66 Ratings

Two writers, Shawn Smucker and Maile Silva, married to each other, explore the highs and lows of creativity, publishing, and the writing life.

    154 Getting 2% Better

    154 Getting 2% Better

    We're back! We're talking about a book that has challenged the way we prioritize writing in our lives, a book that has reminded one of us about the kind of writing we actually want to do, and we're asking for wisdom about a very important topic: how to get your dog to stop eating off the counter.

    • 32 min
    155 The Practice that Makes All the Difference

    155 The Practice that Makes All the Difference

    Maile talks about what she's returned to that is making all the difference in her creative life, as well as why she wasn't crazy about the beginning of one of Shawn's favorite books. There's a brief update on Maile's book submission process. Michelle DeRusha's Seasons of the Soul enters the conversation. And the children are home from school. Fun all around!

    • 24 min
    156 Sarah Westfall and Being Human Together

    156 Sarah Westfall and Being Human Together

    Today the wonderful Sarah Westfall joins us to talk about community--is digital community real? Is it good? Is there anything we can do to bring it to a more complete place? 
    She also talks about her long and winding (and ongoing) publishing journey and how a devastating loss opened her eyes to her own need for community. 
    Check out more of Sarah's writing at Human Together.

    • 44 min
    157 Adam Perry Brings the Ghosts

    157 Adam Perry Brings the Ghosts

    At 16 years old, he had a weekly comic in the Lancaster paper. At 19, he had finished writing his first middle grade novel. Now, numerous books and years later, Adam Perry is trying something new: he's written a horror book for kids (or historical supernatural--you be the judge). Adam has a lot of fun and practical things to share about his creative journey. 
    And you can still pick up his latest book, Ghosts Come Rising, in time for Halloween!

    • 45 min
    158 Join Our Writing Community for Free

    158 Join Our Writing Community for Free

    Today we have a special announcement to make: our online writers' community, also called The Stories Between Us, is now open to any writer who would like to join. And it's free. But registration will only be open for two weeks, so check it out.
    You can find out more about the community HERE.
    We also talk about being voluntarily brainwashed, what Maile's been reading, and a podcast that Shawn's enjoying. 

    • 20 min
    159 Leslie and Ned Bustard Talk Creativity, Cancer, and the Gift of Art

    159 Leslie and Ned Bustard Talk Creativity, Cancer, and the Gift of Art

    Leslie Bustard is a poet, a publisher, and a gatherer of creative people. Ned Bustard is an artist, a writer, and a publisher. Of course, they are both much more than that, but today we take some time to dig into beautiful and difficult topics with them: the releasing of new books, how art is completed, and the role cancer has played in their creative lives. 
    Head here to find out more about their books as well as their upcoming conference, Ordinary Saints (where we'll be doing a live recording of our podcast!).

    • 50 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
66 Ratings

66 Ratings

not.just.mom ,

Writing conversations worth listening to

I so appreciate the open and honest conversations about writing and the writing life. This podcast regularly reminds me of the value of creativity in my life and the lives of those around me. It encourages me to keep learning, keep writing, and keep dreaming.

MSchlies ,

Podcast Writing Friends

As a writer, listening to this podcast always helps me feel motivated to keep writing. People talk about the importance of the people you hang out with, in regards to pursuing your dreams—well the same is true about who you listen to. In this show, Maile & Shawn are both real about the struggles of the creative journey but also are like friends who choose to keep going and by doing so, help you see you can keep going too.

LindaMwriter ,

Great Writing and Creativity Discussions

Excellent podcast for any writer at any part in their journey. The hosts feature great interviews and topics, but also transparently reveal their own struggles and successes as writers. The fact that Shawn is a published novelist while Maile continues to submit makes for interest and tension in their story—like any good book. I highly recommend their meaty discussions.

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