We're pleased to welcome our friend and brilliant writer, A. Lee Martinez! Author of "Gil's Fright Diner," to name just one of his many novels, Alex came on to deliver his HOT writing takes on AI in writing and publishing, the importance of cutting the fluff, and why it can really be a bad thing if your characters are too nice. Remember, to be critiqued on the podcast, just send 1-10 pages and synopsis to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com!

Chapters

• 00:00 Life Cauldron Updates
• 08:13 Introduction of A. Lee Martinez
• 14:23 Impactful Critique and Writing Advice
• 19:23 AI in Writing and Publishing
• 27:12 Character Dynamics and Conflict
• 37:00 Navigating the Publishing Industry

Katie Bernet, author of 'Beth is Dead,' shares insights on her writing journey, the impact of workshops, and the process of crafting compelling YA mysteries. She also discusses the importance of community, the value of varied critique, and the freedom to 'tell' in addition to 'show' in writing. Katie's love for YA fiction stems from the heightened emotions and experiences of teenage life, and she shares her approach to retelling literary classics in a contemporary context.

Takeaways

• Workshops provide invaluable varied critique and a sense of community for writers.
• The freedom to 'tell' in addition to 'show' in writing can enhance the emotional depth of a story.
• YA fiction offers a platform to explore the heightened emotions and experiences of teenage life, making it an engaging genre for both readers and writers.

Email 1-10 pages and a synopsis of your writing to be critiqued on the pod! witchesofworkshop@gmail.com, all reads kept anonymous.

Join us for a lively conversation with Librarian and Writer Laura Mae Dupuy as we dive into the world of storytelling, writing workshops, and the creative process. Laura shares her experiences as a librarian, her journey as a writer, and how the DFW Writers Workshop shaped her craft. We also workshop one of her short stories, exploring its humor, satire, and narrative perspective.

In this episode, we cover:

• How community and workshops fuel writing growth
• The power of feedback and diverse perspectives in storytelling
• Navigating narrative perspective and the challenges it brings
• Using satire and humor to create engaging, memorable stories
• The ongoing debate: audiobooks vs. reading
• and much more fun!

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a book lover, or just curious about the creative process, this episode is packed with insights, practical tips, and laughs.

Want your writing critiqued on the podcast? Send 1–10 pages and a synopsis of your story to witchesofworkshop@gmail.com. Writers always remain anonymous!