Write Out Loud

Matt Cassem & Christina Trevaskis
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Join hosts Matt and Tina as they discuss all things story, writing, finding your voice, and more!   We'll explore writing and storytelling as a general topic, but we will also spend some time dissecting and talking about popular works like our first focus: "Heartstopper!"

  1. Romance on Ice: The Compelling Story of 'Heated Rivalry'

    4D AGO

    Romance on Ice: The Compelling Story of 'Heated Rivalry'

    Got something to say? Send us a text! Matt and Christina discuss Rachel Reid’s romance Heated Rivalry and its HBO adaptation, focusing on the rivals-to-lovers relationship between Ilya and Shane, the slow-burn tension, and the mix of tenderness, humor, and emotional devastation. They talk about how the story’s public “hate” is more about competition and concealment—especially tied to Shane’s uncertainty about his sexuality—while Ilya is more self-assured but constrained by his Russian home life and the risk of losing his family if he comes out.  They highlight standout acting choices, especially Connor Storie’s micro-expressions and the show’s physical storytelling (small gestures, unspoken moments), citing scenes like Rose’s diner conversation, Shane’s panic attack with Ilya comforting him, and the impact of Scott and Kip going public and showing a supportive father figure. The hosts note the value of LGBTQ representation, including mention of a hockey player coming out after the show aired, and they discuss how the series challenges toxic masculinity without lecturing.  They speculate about season two, including possible focus on backstory, where the couples go next, whether later books like The Long Game will be adapted, and the question of Shane and Ilya becoming public, while praising the craft that makes the emotional payoff feel earned  Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback.  Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

    26 min
  2. Authors and Artists Getting Political - Is it worth it?

    FEB 9

    Authors and Artists Getting Political - Is it worth it?

    Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' Matt and Christina return after a brief hiatus to tackle the complex question of whether writers should be vocal about their personal political beliefs or let their work speak for itself. They discuss the implications and potential consequences for artists who choose to speak out in an age where silence isn't neutral, but speaking up carries its own risks.  They also explore how audience reactions and societal expectations can influence an artist's decision to voice their opinions. The conversation touches on historical and contemporary examples, including artists' roles in political discussions and the personal stakes involved. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to consider their own stances on whether art should challenge worldviews or simply entertain.  Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback.  Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

    24 min
  3. The Art of Uncertainty: Crafting Stories for the Modern Audience

    JAN 12

    The Art of Uncertainty: Crafting Stories for the Modern Audience

    Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud', Matt and Christina delve into the nuance of ambiguous endings in storytelling, inspired by the classic short story 'The Lady or the Tiger' by Frank R. Stockton. They discuss how modern TV shows like 'Stranger Things' are using this narrative technique to engage audiences and challenge them to imagine their own conclusions. The conversation touches on the importance of imaginative engagement, the risks and rewards of ambiguous storytelling, and the impact of divided attention in the age of smartphones. The hosts advocate for compelling storytelling that captivates the audience's full attention and encourages critical thinking.  Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback.  Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

    24 min
  4. Holiday Replay: Author Spotlight Ruby Dixon

    JAN 5

    Holiday Replay: Author Spotlight Ruby Dixon

    Got something to say? Send us a text! It's another Holiday Replay, and this time we're bringing back our episode with author Ruby Dixon!  This episode originally aired back on October 14, 2024, so you'll hear some mentions of a book releasing going live "tomorrow."  That, obviously, was back then.  The book, Bull Moon Rising, is available everywhere now. In this episode of the Write Out Loud Podcast, hosts Matt Cassem and Christina Trevaskis introduce their guest, Ruby Dixon, a renowned author known for her works in science fiction and fantasy romance or Romantasy, if you will. Ruby discusses her journey into writing, the origins of her popular series Ice Planet Barbarians, and the influences behind her works. She also delves into the creation of her latest standalone novel, Bull Moon Rising, set in a rich fantasy world involving magical artifacts, Minotaurs, and a unique societal structure. Ruby shares insights into her writing process, the freedom of self-publishing, and how she crafts intricate worlds that captivate her readers. The episode emphasizes Ruby's distinctive storytelling style and highlights the importance of indie bookstores in the literary community. Bull Moon Rising, on shelves and available for e-readers today, promises fans another engaging adventure in Ruby's expansive universe.  Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback.  Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

    44 min
  5. Holiday Replay: Author Spotlight on Kristen Ashley

    12/27/2025

    Holiday Replay: Author Spotlight on Kristen Ashley

    Got something to say? Send us a text! In this Holiday Replay episode of Write Out Loud, we revisit our unforgettable conversation with Kristen Ashley, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose career has helped redefine modern romance publishing. With more than 90 novels published, over 5 million copies sold, and translations in 14 languages, Kristen shares a candid look at her journey—from years of rejection to massive success—by trusting her voice and writing the stories she wanted to read. ✨ Episode Highlights 📚 Writing Your Own Rules Kristen discusses why she embraced first-person POV in romance despite industry resistance, how breaking “the rules” helped her find her voice, and why readers can tell when a story is written authentically. 🚪 Rejection, Persistence & Indie Publishing She opens up about spending over a decade submitting to traditional publishers, writing more than 25 books before publishing, and the pivotal moment she decided to self-publish—leading to a sudden and explosive rise in readership. 🔥 Voice Over Trends Kristen emphasizes the importance of writing for an “audience of one,” trusting your instincts, and resisting the pressure to chase trends. Her advice: readers can feel when a writer isn’t enjoying their own work. 💔 Imposter Syndrome & Success Even after selling thousands of books and landing on the New York Times Bestseller List, Kristen shares how success didn’t feel real at first—and what finally helped her believe it. 💘 Romance That Feels Safe From expansive epilogues to external conflict, Kristen explains how she creates relationships that feel secure, earned, and lasting—giving readers emotional reassurance without sacrificing tension. 🎨 Creative Control & Covers She talks about avoiding faces on book covers, letting readers imagine characters for themselves, and balancing creative control across indie and traditional publishing. 📖 Books Mentioned: Smooth SailingOwn the WindRock Chick SeriesChaos Series Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback.  Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

    58 min
  6. Crafting Unforgettable Characters

    12/22/2025

    Crafting Unforgettable Characters

    Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' Matt and Christina explore what makes characters truly unforgettable. The hosts discuss the qualities that endear characters to readers, including depth, motivation, and impactful choices. Through examples like Atticus Finch and Hannibal Lecter, they highlight how well-crafted characters leave lasting impressions.  Tips are also shared for writers on avoiding common pitfalls and nurturing characters that feel real. Tune in for insightful advice on character development and storytelling that resonates long after the book is closed. 00:45 Introduction to Write Out Loud 01:27 Defining Unforgettable Characters 03:52 Examples of Unforgettable Characters 07:44 Creating Unforgettable Characters 15:36 Pitfalls in Character Development 21:04 Questions to Deepen Character Development 23:48 Final Thoughts and Writing Advice  Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback.  Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

    27 min
  7. Storytelling Hot Takes

    12/15/2025

    Storytelling Hot Takes

    Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of Write Out Loud, Matt and Christina dive into the world of hot takes in storytelling and writing. They debate controversial opinions and craft advice such as the use of prologues, the role of adverbs, plot versus character importance, and the balance of world-building with plot.  Some of the hot takes even tackle the complexity of 'show, don't tell,' the nature of villains, and the necessity of conflict in romance. Tune in for a lively discussion aimed at demystifying these writing myths and encouraging listeners to find their own path in storytelling. 00:00 Introduction to Write Out Loud 01:14 Diving into Storytelling Hot Takes 02:50 Prologues: Overrated or Essential? 05:45 The Great Adverb Debate 07:42 Characters vs. Plot: What's More Important? 10:55 World Building vs. Plot: Finding the Balance 13:30 Show Don't Tell: Finding the Right Balance 17:24 Villains and Protagonists: A Fine Line 20:23 Romance Writing: Conflict vs. Tension 23:08 Flashbacks: Timing is Everything 23:39 Side Characters: Supporting Roles Only 25:01 Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Hot Takes  Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback.  Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

    26 min
  8. Television Trends: Consuming Content in the Digital Age

    12/08/2025

    Television Trends: Consuming Content in the Digital Age

    Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of Write Out Loud, Matt & Christina dive into the discussion of TV show release schedules, debating the merits of the all-at-once 'binge' model made popular by Netflix versus traditional weekly releases. They explore the impact on audience engagement, social interaction, and potential marketing strategies. Drawing parallels with the publishing industry, the conversation extends to how the frequency of book releases affects reader anticipation and quality.  They also touch upon personal experiences and broader trends in media consumption, emphasizing the importance of pacing and quality storytelling. 00:45 Welcome to Write Out Loud 01:13 TV Show Release Schedules: Binge vs. Weekly 01:52 Personal Reflections and Social Media Influence 03:02 The Water Cooler Effect 06:02 The Shift in Viewing Preferences 08:47 Network TV vs. Streaming Services 21:11 The Importance of Quality in Writing 24:56 Conclusion: Balancing Pacing and Quality  Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback.  Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it. Support the show Find out more at our website.

    26 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Join hosts Matt and Tina as they discuss all things story, writing, finding your voice, and more!   We'll explore writing and storytelling as a general topic, but we will also spend some time dissecting and talking about popular works like our first focus: "Heartstopper!"

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Cassem & Christina Trevaskis
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Write Out Loud
  • Show Website
    Write Out Loud