In this episode, we’ll unravel what “literary fiction” actually means, what readers expect when they open a literary novel, and how you, as a writer, can approach it without falling into the trap of pretension. We'll also look at how to build your portfolio, no matter what genre you're writing.

Overthinking Couch Topics:

• Why every sentence matters
• Balancing introspection with forward momentum in your writing
• The difference and similarities between literary fiction and genre fiction
• Giving short stories and contest entries new life

• Weekly Writing Contests - Reedsy Prompts
• » Calls for Submissions
• The Submission Grinder
• Duotrope: Find publishers and agents. Track submissions. Get published.
• The Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing Break
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.

Just in time for Halloween, this episode explores the expectations and pitfalls of writing horror and how to write fear in any genre.

Overthinking Couch Topics:

• Fear in any genre
• The core of horror
• Tension as the backbone
• Themes and monsters
• Horror subgenres
• Global horror
• Pitfalls to avoid

Next week, we’ll leave the monsters behind and step into Literary Fiction, the genre that insists on finding truth in everyday life.

• Writing Thrillers and Suspense: Raising the Stakes - Writing Break
• These 7 Components Will Set the Perfect Pace for Your Story - Writing Break
• The Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing Break
• Free Style Sheet Templates
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.

Gothic fiction is where beauty meets terror. In this episode, we explore how to write Gothic stories that grip readers with atmosphere, ambiguity, and desire:

Overthinking Couch Topics:

• Setting as character
• The uncanny and the supernatural
• Romance entwined with ruin
• Gothic subgenres and global traditions
• Pitfalls to avoid

• The Biggest Mistake Writers Make - Writing Break
• Free Writing Tips

Music licensed from Storyblocks.