94 - Writing process with Karisa DeLay and Jaime Vendera

Story Magic

#Books #Lifestyle #Arts #Hobbies #Audio Drama #Golden

35:19

We’ve turned intuition into a buzzword—flattened it into a slogan, a gut feeling, or a vague whisper we don’t always know how to hear. But what if intuition is so much more? What if it's one of the most powerful tools we have—and we’ve just forgotten how to use it? In this episode, I’m joined by Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir , Icelandic thought leader, filmmaker, and author of InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times . Hrund has spent over 20 years studying and teaching the science and art of intuition through her TED Talk, Netflix documentary ( InnSæi: The Power of Intuition ), and global work on leadership, innovation, and inner knowing. Together, we explore what intuition really is (hint: not woo-woo), how to cultivate it in a culture obsessed with logic and overthinking, and why your ability to listen to yourself might be the most essential skill you can develop. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we’ve misunderstood intuition—and how to reclaim it ✅ Practical ways to strengthen your intuitive muscle ✅ What Icelandic wisdom teaches us about inner knowing ✅ How to use intuition during uncertainty and decision-making ✅ Why trusting yourself is an act of rebellion (and power) Intuition isn’t magic—it’s a deep, internal guidance system that already exists inside you. The question is: are you listening? Connect with Hrund: Website: www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Newsletter: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/blog/ LI: www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir IG: https://www.instagram.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/ Book: InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times Related Podcast Episodes: How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 VI4P - Know Who You Are (Chapter 4) Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

about a year ago 51:23

MP3•Episode home

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the individuality of the writing process with guests Karisa DeLay and Jaime Vendera.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

How processes change over time
How mindset and process work together
Writing as neurodivergent people
Lessons for our younger writer selves

LINKS:

Check out Karisa's books: https://www.venderapublishing.com/author-bios/karisa-delay
Check out Jaime's books: https://www.venderapublishing.com/author-bios/jaime-vendera
Learn more about Vendera Publishing: https://www.venderapublishing.com/

Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic

Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/

If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!

Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/

Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs! See you there!

102 episodes

94 - Writing process with Karisa DeLay and Jaime Vendera

Story Magic

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the individuality of the writing process with guests Karisa DeLay and Jaime Vendera.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

How processes change over time
How mindset and process work together
Writing as neurodivergent people
Lessons for our younger writer selves

LINKS:

Check out Karisa's books: https://www.venderapublishing.com/author-bios/karisa-delay
Check out Jaime's books: https://www.venderapublishing.com/author-bios/jaime-vendera
Learn more about Vendera Publishing: https://www.venderapublishing.com/

If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!

Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/

Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/

102 episodes

#Books #Lifestyle #Arts #Hobbies #Audio Drama #Golden

All episodes

Story Magic

1
101 - Intuitive writing with Becca Syme 50:49

6 days ago50:49

50:49

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about Intuitive Writing with guest Becca Syme. What you’ll learn from this episode: What is intuitive writing Learning how to recognize your intuition Building self-trust Check out The Better-Faster Academy: https://betterfasteracademy.com/ Snag Becca's Free Resources: https://betterfasteracademy.com/links Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
100 - Celebrating our 100th episode 28:09

13 days ago28:09

28:09

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about celebrating our 100th episode! Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
99 - Acts and act breaks 35:57

20 days ago35:57

35:57

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about story structure acts and act breaks. What you’ll learn from this episode: What are acts Different story structures (3 act vs 4 act vs 5) The purpose act breaks serve Breaking down some examples Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
98 - Hybrid publishing with Evette Davis 43:31

27 days ago43:31

43:31

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about hybrid publishing with guest Evette Davis. What you’ll learn from this episode: what is hybrid publishing (vs indie or trad publishing) what it's like to query/submit to a hybrid publisher expectations for hybrid publishing what it's like to republish a series with a hybrid publisher Check out Evette's books: https://evettedavis.com/ Read The Council Trilogy now: https://evettedavis.com/#books Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
97 - Dos and don'ts of writing retreats 18:15

5 weeks ago18:15

18:15

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about writing retreats! What you’ll learn from this episode: Resetting mindset What to do with your time Tips and tricks for making the “most” of it Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
96 - Using a penname 20:56

6 weeks ago20:56

20:56

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about pennames What you’ll learn from this episode: What pennames are When to use them Circumstances to consider when deciding Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
95 - You don't have to do anything we say lol 18:44

7 weeks ago18:44

18:44

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about not doing what we say! What you’ll learn from this episode: Finding what works for you Using tools in your writer toolbelt Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
94 - Writing process with Karisa DeLay and Jaime Vendera 51:23

8 weeks ago51:23

51:23

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the individuality of the writing process with guests Karisa DeLay and Jaime Vendera. What you’ll learn from this episode: How processes change over time How mindset and process work together Writing as neurodivergent people Lessons for our younger writer selves LINKS: Check out Karisa's books: https://www.venderapublishing.com/author-bios/karisa-delay Check out Jaime's books: https://www.venderapublishing.com/author-bios/jaime-vendera Learn more about Vendera Publishing: https://www.venderapublishing.com/ Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
93 - Lessons from writing sequels 30:21

9 weeks ago30:21

30:21

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about what we've learned from writing sequels. What you’ll learn from this episode: how much of a sequel needs to be planned before writing laying the groundwork for future books weaving together plot threads and subplots making sure character goals and agency are still present Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
92 - The market challenges of genre blending 27:42

10 weeks ago27:42

27:42

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the market challenges of genre blending. What you’ll learn from this episode: what constitutes a historical fiction how to balance blending different genres meeting reader expectations vs breaking the mold finding the right answers for yourself and your story Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
91 - Getting back to your story after a break 26:21

11 weeks ago26:21

26:21

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about returning to your story after a break. What you’ll learn from this episode: resetting your mindset reacquainting yourself with your work in progress reconnecting with your why relying on your community Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
90 - Who is the internal narrator? 21:34

12 weeks ago21:34

21:34

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about internal dialogue and internal narration. What you’ll learn from this episode: Who are your characters talking to within their thoughts Considering this question within your narrative framework Using internal voice to bolster characterization Studying other works and comp titles Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
89 - This is not marketing advice 27:00

14 weeks ago27:00

27:00

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about book marketing. What you’ll learn from this episode: What is going on with social media How do we market our books when social media is in flux Meeting the needs of your readers Using universal fantasy to market our books Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
88 - We are a blip in the universe 20:31

15 weeks ago20:31

20:31

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about mindset when the world is a dumpster fire. What you’ll learn from this episode: a little follow up to our Art when the world is burning episode does writing matter when the outside world is a mess? choosing to create (or not) Ready to make readers so in love with your characters they can’t stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic Join Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/ If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast! Follow us on social media! Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/ Join us on June 5th, 2025 at 8pm ET for our FREE + live masterclass called The Structure of Change! Your character arcs exist within your story’s plot. You have to craft them together. In this FREE class, we’re going to show you exactly how. All you have to do is register to save your spot at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/characterarcs ! See you there!…

Story Magic

1
87 - Can ambition be anti-hustle? 42:20

16 weeks ago42:20