The Way You Write

Cynthia Merrill
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Way You Write is a podcast for writers who are ready to stop chasing one-size-fits-all advice and start creating in a way that actually works for them. Hosted by editor and writing coach Cynthia Merrill, this show explores the emotional and practical sides of writing: what it takes to keep going, how to trust your voice, and how to build a creative practice rooted in your needs, values, and capacity. Whether you’re plotting your first novel or revising your fifth draft, you’ll find thoughtful conversations, gentle structure, and honest encouragement to help you write the way only you can.

  1. 2D AGO

    Making the Most of In-Person Events (with guest Jennia D'Lima)

    In this episode, author and editor Jennia D'Lima shares her expert advice on how to make the most of in-person writing events and conferences. We discuss strategies for preparing before the event, engaging during the event, and following up afterwards. Jennia also provides practical tips on setting up an appealing table display, connecting with other attendees, and measuring success beyond just book sales. Whether you're a seasoned author or attending your first event, this episode is full of actionable insights to help you make the most of your in-person networking and marketing opportunities. Jennia D'Lima is passionate about everything related to the publishing industry and has written or edited for academic work, newspapers, university presses, and everything in between. She loves connecting with her authors and sees each project as a unique and exciting collaboration. In addition to editing, she is a book awards judge, an author, the creative nonfiction expert at NAIWE, and the host of the Writing and Editing podcast. Connect with Jennia: Website: jenniaedits.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniaahava

    50 min

  2. MAR 26

    Writing to Heal a Story That Hurts (with guest Jaime Fleres)

    Writing is not just a product that we create. It is a tool for transformation—an alchemical process of self-discovery and healing. Jaime Fleres joins this episode to share her journey with writing—from using it as a lifeline in her early years to ultimately helping others use it as a tool for healing and self-discovery. She shares tools from narrative therapy, somatic work, and nonviolent communication to encourage and guide writers through self-discovery and healing. Connect with Jaime here: Website: JaimeFleres.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimefleres1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimefleres/ Get her books: https://www.whalesongcreative.com/jaime-fleres-books Jaime Fleres is a former college professor of writing, author, transformational depth guide, and the founder of Whale Song Creative, where she and her team have supported hundreds of authors in writing, editing, and publishing books that meaningfully impact lives. Jaime’s approach is shaped by more than two decades at the intersection of writing, psycho-spiritual healing, and soul-based initiatory work. She is a trained Shamanic Astrologer, certified Integrative Somatic Healing Therapist, initiated Shamanic Priestess, sound healer, embodied movement practitioner, and intuitive guide, weaving these in service of helping others reclaim their voice, agency, and creative essence.She is the author of Birth Your Story, Honoring the Whole, and The Author Adventure, and serves as a threshold companion for highly sensitive, soulful, and intelligent creatives navigating moments of deep transition.

    1h 21m

  3. FEB 26

    How to Make Writing Inevitable (w/ guest Hélène Caniac)

    Hélène Caniac joins this episode to discuss how to set up sustainable systems of support and capacity that will serve you throughout your life. She challenges listeners to lean into pleasure, communicate needs in co-creation, and act from a space of devotion—not discipline. Find more Hélène here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/helenecanhelp/ Website: www.helenecanhelp.com Podcast: What the Hélène?!

    1h 30m

  4. FEB 5

    For the Love of Romance

    Editor Brittany Ortega joins this episode to discuss common struggles and misconceptions in the romance genre. She shares insights for writers on timing moments of intimacy, orchestrating tension and release, and her passionate defense of the third act breakup. Get in touch with Brittany here: www.eaediting.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/eandaediting/

    1h 36m

  5. JAN 15

    Embrace the Wrestling

    What do you do when a character does something completely unexpected, or that entirely derails the plot? In this quick solo episode, we reframe how to think about this experience to allow for more exploration and less frustration. Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamerrillediting/

    10 min

  6. JAN 8

    Representation, Raising the Stakes, and the Joy of Middle Grade Fiction (with guest Tracy Badua)

    Author Tracy Badua joins this episode to discuss the importance of diverse representation, how to raise the stakes (even in kidlit), and some of the joys and challenges of writing for young readers. Connect with Tracy here: https://www.instagram.com/tracybaduawrites/ See her books here: https://tracybadua.com/books/

    49 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    Playing the Long Game in Traditional Publishing (with guest Sabrina Nilsson)

    What does it take to actually get an agent? Sabrina Nilsson joins this episode to share insights on how to persist in the querying process, have patience, and adjust when necessary. Follow Sabrina here: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinanilssonauthor/

    48 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    It's Probably Not Writer's Block

    Writer's block...the mysterious ailment that descends out of the blue and keeps writers from getting words on the page. In this episode, Cynthia shares 3 things that actually might be happening when writers experience "writer's block." When we can properly identify the source of the stuck experience, we can more effectively create solutions that get us out of it. Take the Authentic Writer Archetype assessment here: https://www.cynthiamerrillediting.com/assessment

    18 min
See All (31)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Way You Write is a podcast for writers who are ready to stop chasing one-size-fits-all advice and start creating in a way that actually works for them. Hosted by editor and writing coach Cynthia Merrill, this show explores the emotional and practical sides of writing: what it takes to keep going, how to trust your voice, and how to build a creative practice rooted in your needs, values, and capacity. Whether you’re plotting your first novel or revising your fifth draft, you’ll find thoughtful conversations, gentle structure, and honest encouragement to help you write the way only you can.

Information

  • Creator
    Cynthia Merrill
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cynthia Merrill
  • Show Website
    The Way You Write

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