Best Speak Volumes Studios Podcasts (2025)

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Hiding in the Ivory Tower: Imposter Syndrome in Academia 25:41

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3M ago25:41

25:41

Hosts Bonnie and Miranda welcome Dr. Pamela D. Williams for an updated discussion on imposter syndrome, this time specifically on academic writing. The transition from student to independent scholar often leaves writers feeling unqualified, even in the midst of earning credentials. Dr. Williams and your hosts provide some tips for how academic writ…

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Strand Eight | Advocacy and Support 17:03

4M ago17:03

17:03

The eighth strand in YSWN's Audio Equity Framework - Volume UpBy volumeup

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Strand Seven | Marketing and Communications 20:18

4M ago20:18

20:18

The seventh strand in YSWN's Audio Equity Framework - Volume Up Find out more at https://yorkshiresoundwomen.com/industry/ or email us on [email protected] to get involved!By volumeup

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Strand Six | Recruitment 14:12

6M ago14:12

14:12

The sixth strand in YSWN's Audio Equity Framework - Volume UpBy volumeup

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Strand Five | Progression & Professional Development 20:46

6M ago20:46

20:46

The fifth strand in YSWN's Audio Equity Framework - Volume UpBy volumeup

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Getting Crafty: A Look at Craft Books 24:49

6M ago24:49

24:49

In this episode, Miranda and Bonnie dive into the value of books on writing craft, focusing on learning about the art of writing versus the act of writing itself. Your co-hosts reflect on their experiences with various craft books, exploring what separates the truly helpful ones from those that fall short. They emphasize the importance of concrete …

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Strand Four | Pay 19:11

6M ago19:11

19:11

The fourth strand in YSWN's Audio Equity Framework - Volume UpBy volumeup

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Strand Three | Working Practices 14:23

7M ago14:23

14:23

The third strand in YSWN's Audio Equity Framework - Volume Up.By volumeup

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Strand Two | Workspace Culture 18:50

7M ago18:50

18:50

The second strand in Volume Up, YSWN's Audio Equity Framework Find out more at https://yorkshiresoundwomen.com/industry/ or email us on [email protected] to get involved!By volumeup

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Strand One | Understanding and Awareness 17:53

7M ago17:53

17:53

The first strand in YSWN's Audio Equity Framework - Volume Up Find out more at https://yorkshiresoundwomen.com/industry/ or email us on [email protected] to get involved!By volumeup

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The Publishing Debutante: Lessons in Traditional Publishing 29:48

8M ago29:48

29:48

Debut author Kristin Owens shares tips and tricks from her journey as a first-time author. After a brief rundown on the differences between traditional and self-publishing, our hosts discuss the importance of knowing your own strengths and goals. For those with time and patience, the traditional publishing route offers professional support all alon…

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Staying True: Authenticity, Joy, and Holding on to Your Voice 23:25

9M ago23:25

23:25

Amber Byers, founder of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, joins Bonnie and Miranda to explore the themes of authenticity and joy in writing. Finding and maintaining your voice amidst external pressures and criticism can be difficult, particularly in the pursuit of writing. And yet, it is important to stay true to your vision while navigat…

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Fairy Tale Foundations: The Power of Classic Stories in Any Genre 27:01

10M ago27:01

27:01

Bonnie and Miranda welcome Amy Trent for a discussion on the timeless allure of fairy tales. Elements of fairy tales can enhance writing in any genre, from themes and motifs to character development and beyond. The conversation emphasizes the significance of happily ever afters, the challenge of avoiding clichés, and the importance of empathy in st…

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Chef's Kiss: Making Books Lovable 20:03

11M ago20:03

20:03

In this episode of The Writing Forge, hosts Bonnie and Miranda focus on the positive, celebrating elements in books that elevate their reading experience. Small physical touches can make a huge difference, like consistent heights that avoid the frustration of mismatched series and detailed maps in fantasy novels. Bonnie and Miranda also highlight t…

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Speaking Volumes: Writing Natural and Distinct Dialogue 22:18

11M ago22:18

22:18

In this episode, hosts Bonnie and Miranda delve into the intricacies of crafting natural and distinct dialogue with guest Jordan Taper, a writer and director of audio dramas and audiobooks. Good dialogue is crucial for writing an enjoyable narrative, and a variety of techniques can help characters sound believable: reading a manuscript out loud, en…

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Ditching the Day Job: Transitioning to Full-Time Writing 22:36

11M ago22:36

22:36

Many writers dream of ditching the day job and writing full-time. Author and speaker Andrew Buckley joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss his journey to full-time creativity and provide tips and tricks for thriving when writing becomes your 9-to-5. From diversifying income streams to outsourcing to tackling marketing strategies, writers have a lot of…

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How to Make Your Editor Love You 17:15

12M ago17:15

17:15

In this episode, Miranda poses the question “Bonnie, what would make you absolutely love a potential client?” Together they delve into the many ways authors can impress potential editors and agents. Tips and tricks include understanding different levels of editing, leveraging alpha and beta readers, and engaging in self-editing. They also highlight…

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Dreams to Dollars: Successful Crowdfunding for Authors 26:03

1y ago26:03

26:03

In the modern era of Kickstarter and Backerkit, crowdfunding has become a viable option for self-published authors to access the funds needed to publish their work. Experienced crowdfunder Jason Brick joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss why crowdfund, as well as lay out strategies for successful campaigns and pitfalls to avoid. From setting achieva…

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Choose Your Own Adventures: Using Story Structure 20:33

1y ago20:33

20:33

Plottr creator Cameron Sutter joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss their favorite story structures and how to effectively use them. Whether you’re a planner or a pantser, understanding the elements of structure is crucial to crafting a compelling narrative. A solid grounding in a variety of structures can help you avoid plotholes, meet reader expect…

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All Greek to Me: Alpha and Beta Readers 18:30

1y ago18:30

18:30

Bonnie and Miranda delve into the roles of beta and alpha readers in the writing process. While alphas and betas perform somewhat different functions, establishing clear expectations with both is key to the early reading process. Ultimately, emotional reactions are some of the most useful feedback an alpha or beta can provide, and an author’s job i…

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Sense-ability: Immersing Readers Via the Five Senses 23:06

1y ago23:06

23:06

Sensory details are crucial to immersing readers in a story. In both fiction and narrative nonfiction, different senses establish the setting, evoke emotions, and deepen characterizations. In today’s episode, author Ritu Anand joins Bonnie and Miranda to explore how to balance the senses in your writing and how to choose which senses are emphasized…

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Cultural Exchange 26:02

1y ago26:02

26:02

The landscape of fiction in the United States has been morphing over the last twenty years, due in part to the translation and influence of TV shows, movies, books, and comics from other countries and cultures. Guest Katie Lewis along with hosts Bonnie and Miranda discuss their experiences reading translated works from other cultures and how it has…

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DNF: Bookish Pet Peeves 22:19

1+ y ago22:19

22:19

Got any writing pet peeves? Miranda and Bonnie take advantage of the opportunity to rant about some things that have made them put books down (or throw them across the room), discussing the pitfalls of playing tricks on readers, being unnecessarily coy, and making characters behave inconsistently for the sake of the plot. They dissect common grieva…

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Point of Who? Writing for multiple POVs 27:26

1+ y ago27:26

27:26

Hosts Bonnie and Miranda welcome guest Trina Burgermeister to discuss the intricacies of writing from multiple points of view (POVs). Trina shares insights from her own writing journey, highlighting the challenges and rewards of weaving together distinct character perspectives. The conversation delves into the decision-making process behind employi…

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The Necessity of Reinvention 23:00

1+ y ago23:00

23:00

Bonnie and Miranda talk with Tracy Hume about reinventing yourself to get your writing career off the ground. The trio explores the ever-evolving landscape of the writing industry, discussing platforms like webinars, conferences, and social media for staying informed. The conversation sheds light on the importance of saying yes to new opportunities…

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Anti-Resolutions 20:29

1+ y ago20:29

20:29

Happy New Year, and welcome to Season 3 of The Writing Forge, listeners. Returning guest David E. Sharp joins Bonnie and Miranda to talk about anti-resolutions. Embrace your personal weaknesses for yourself and your characters this year to give your story a punch, to achieve some character development, and maybe see that your weakness can be a stre…

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Lessons from The Lost City 24:19

1+ y ago24:19

24:19

The end of 2023 is upon us! In their traditional end-of-year season finale, Miranda and Bonnie analyze the movie The Lost City. Comparing a fictional portrayal of an author with real-life writer experience provides plenty of fodder for discussion. Your hosts explore the movie’s unique take on romance, adventure, comedy, and action, highlighting the…

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Conflict, Choice, and Consequence 27:09

1+ y ago27:09

27:09

In this episode, hosts Bonnie and Miranda welcome special guest Valerie Ihsan to discuss the critical elements of conflict, choice, and consequence in storytelling. The conversation delves into the importance of conflict in hooking readers, the significance of character flaws, and how conflict drives the overall story. Compelling conflicts are cruc…

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Shaping Stories: The Role of Developmental Editing 27:22

1+ y ago27:22

27:22

In this episode of the Writing Forge podcast, Kelly Lydick of Pure Carbon Publishing joins Bonnie and Miranda to delve into the world of editing. The trio unravels the distinctions between developmental and other kinds of editing, shedding light on the nuanced roles each plays in the writing process. They discuss the importance of finding the right…

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Ink of the Night: Exploring the Subconscious Creative Process 25:56

1+ y ago25:56

25:56

Hosts Bonnie and Miranda and guest Beth Bonness delve into the fascinating connection between dreams and poetry. Beth's unique perspective of rediscovering her passion for poetry after experiencing life-altering strokes sheds light on how dreams and the subconscious mind can influence the creative process. The discussion explores the randomness of …

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Harnessing AI for Social Media Magic 24:56

1+ y ago24:56

24:56

Join hosts Bonnie and Miranda and guest Sonja Dewing, an award-winning author and CEO of the Women's Thriller Writers Association, as they delve into the world of AI and its applications in the realm of social media marketing. Amidst a discussion on the limitations and possibilities of AI, they explore how AI, particularly Chat GPT, can enhance you…

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Anthology Deep Dive 33:17

1+ y ago33:17

33:17

Bonnie and Miranda use their experiences as anthology judges, editor, and author to share valuable insights and tips for writers looking to submit their work to anthologies. From uncovering niche opportunities to avoiding common mistakes to crafting standout submissions, they share invaluable tips and tricks to help you make your mark in the compet…

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The Community that Stays Together, Writes Together 35:56

1+ y ago35:56

35:56

Uncover the keys to building and sustaining a thriving writing community in the Writing Forge’s very first live episode! Writing Heights Writers Association director Amy Rivers and Northern Colorado Writers founder Kerrie Flanagan join Bonnie and Miranda for an important conversation on the significance of connecting with our fellow writers. From f…

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Where it All Began: Exploring Character Backstory 24:02

1+ y ago24:02

24:02

Explore character backstory on this episode of The Writing Forge! YA author Traci L. Jones joins Bonnie and Miranda for a look at how backstory adds depth and authenticity to your characters. They share strategies for using dialogue to reveal character history organically, integrating flashbacks to enhance your plot, and avoiding excessive expositi…

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From Headlines to Novels: Switching Genres 19:50

2y ago19:50

19:50

Join Bonnie and Miranda for a thought-provoking episode on the art of switching genres in your writing career. Drawing from John Dedakis's experience pivoting from seasoned journalist to novelist, the conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of venturing into new creative territories. Learn how to leverage your strengths, adapt your skil…

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Well Versed: Learning About Novels in Verse 23:22

2y ago23:22

23:22

Poetry and story mix beautifully to make a novel in verse—an increasingly popular form of writing. Miranda and Bonnie learn more from Megan E. Freeman, author of middle-grade novel-in-verse Alone, about what makes a novel in verse, the freedom it can provide, its relatability across different demographics, and of course, tips and tricks for succeed…

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Beyond the Villain: Writing Compelling Antagonists 22:37

2y ago22:37

22:37

*cue evil laughter* While most of us love a good villain, antagonists can be so much more. Parents, best friends, even the protagonist themselves can make some of the most compelling antagonists. Kat Falls joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss how to develop well-rounded, multidimensional antagonists. And remember: Go too far—it's easier to pull back…

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Working for You: Tips on Organization and Motivation 21:52

2y ago21:52

21:52

Whether you’re officially a freelancer or just trying to get writing done in your free time, we all need to find what works to keep us motivated and organized. Long-time freelance writer Holly Day joins Bonnie and Miranda to talk about their favorite tools for staying organized and tricks for keeping motivation up—especially when mental health inte…

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Navigating the Rainforest: Amazon’s Author Central 27:19

2y ago27:19

27:19

Marketing expert Penny Sansevieri joins Bonnie and Miranda as their guide through the jungle that is Amazon Author Central. Authors often underestimate the importance of an updated Amazon Author page, and Penny gives us best practices for picking book categories, utilizing the author page, and funding Amazon ads to increase your book sales. Smart m…

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Doling out Emotions: Pacing in Fiction 18:53

2y ago18:53

18:53

In this Bonnie and Miranda solo episode, your co-hosts break down pacing from the micro level to the macro. Small things like individual word choice and sentence length can impel your readers forward or slow them down to get them thinking. Pacing at both the micro and macro level can help give your characters and readers time to think and react to …

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Elements of Storytelling 26:41

2y ago26:41

26:41

Librarian and storyteller David Sharpe joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss the elements of storytelling that translate across different media. From oral storytelling to theater to novels, emotional connection draws listeners and readers into the story for a more engaging experience. Switching media can be difficult as you navigate the different tro…

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Publishing your Life: Memoirs of the Not-Yet-Famous 24:13

2y ago24:13

24:13

Writing down stories from your life can be great for therapy or family history purposes. But you might also be thinking about publishing these stories. This is where memoir comes in. Awyn Dawn, author of Paganism for Prisoners, joins Bonnie and Miranda to talk about publishing memoir—finding your niche, setting realistic expectations, and defining …

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Ay ay ay, AI 31:15

2y ago31:15

31:15

Miranda and Bonnie jump on board the AI-discussion bandwagon with screenwriter Alan O’Hashi to theorize how the future of writing will change with improvements in AI technology. Is using AI in your writing comparable to using a calculator in math class? Will ChatGPT become the next tool like Grammarly and ProWritingAid? Though AI-generated content …

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Look Both Ways Before Crossing Genres 27:45

2y ago27:45

27:45

Today we talk about the nitty gritty of genres and how to cross them. Whether you want to write paranormal romance or your fantasy novel has an unexpected dash of horror, you may find that one genre is not enough to contain your story. Sarah Reichert joins Bonnie and Miranda to discuss the pros and cons of crossing genres: everything from the impor…

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What’s on the Inside Counts: Book Design 30:47

2y ago30:47

30:47

Though everyone knows a book needs a good cover, writers often overlook the importance of a well-designed book interior. Book designer Tamara Cribley lends her expertise to a discussion on the nitty gritty details of interior book design: from choosing (and licensing) fonts, formatting ebooks, preparing margins in a print book, deciding when and ho…

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Showing or Telling? 16:18

2y ago16:18

16:18

Bonnie and Miranda discuss their takes on the infamous writing advice, “Show, don’t tell.” They explore the advice from an editor’s perspective as well as a writer’s, give some examples of showing and telling, and discuss when you would want to use one or the other. So, what do you think about “show, don’t tell”? @ our socials to let us know your q…

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Don’t Get Bogged Down - Details in Worldbuilding 32:43

2y ago32:43

32:43

Whether your story is set in a fantasy world or downtown Cleveland, scenic details are important—but how do you avoid getting caught up in the minutiae? Today, Steve Stratton joins Miranda to talk balancing worldbuilding details with story, in a variety of genres. Facebook: @writingheights Instagram: @writingheights Join the Writing Heights communi…

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Outsourcing for Authors 30:39

2+ y ago30:39

30:39

In today’s episode, Bonnie and Miranda chat with Leah Busboom about outsourcing for authors. They discuss what self-published authors can or should outsource; some best practices for collaborating with other publishing professionals; and how to balance budget, time, skillset, and enjoyment levels as you navigate the publishing process. Facebook: @w…

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Romance: Genre vs. B-Plot 29:31

2+ y ago29:31

29:31

Prolific romance author and publisher Bernadette Marie brings her experience with the genre to help Miranda and Bonnie nail down the differences between Romance as a genre and romance as a B-plot in a greater story. Along the way, they’ll talk about the different aspects of romance from the importance of setting, to building relationships between c…

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Write-Life Balance 27:34

2+ y ago27:34

27:34

Erin Austin, teacher and author of The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Original World Language Resources, talks with Bonnie and Miranda about how to find time and motivation for your writing while balancing all other aspects of your life. Facebook: @writingheights Instagram: @writingheights Join the Writing Heights community at writingheights.com Co…