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Story Magic

Golden May

Hey fiction writer! Want your readers to stay up until 2am, so engrossed in your story they just can’t put it down? Want to build a successful, fulfilling, and sustainable writing life that works for YOU? Story Magic is the place for you. Every week, professional book coaches and editors Emily and Rachel from Golden May dive into writing craft, community, and mindset tips, tricks, and advice so you can write and publish books you’re damn proud of, again and again. We cover craft topics like story structure, character development, worldbuilding and ‘show, don’t tell’; we dive into how to grow your writing community of readers and writing partners; and we’ll talk about all those mindset challenges from imposter syndrome and perfectionism to fear of the blank page. Story Magic has all the tools you need to become the author you’re meant to be. You’ve got this, let’s go!

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27 episodes
weekly
Avg 37 min
English

Episodes 27

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Today · 30 min
146 - What is pantsing? Tool or identity?
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about pantsing as a tool or identity. What you’ll learn from this episode: What pantsing really is compared to plotting The intersection of intuition, planning ahead, and exploring How mindset impacts your writing process 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/
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November 5 · 31 min
145 - Creating bonus content
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about bonus content. What you’ll learn from this episode: Bonus content vs email magnets Considering marketing purpose Creating content that gives your reader more 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/
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October 29 · 34 min
144 - The Theme Stated beat
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about the Theme Stated! What you’ll learn from this episode: What is the theme stated Where it goes in story structure The purpose of the theme stated in character arcs Discussing examples in popular media 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/
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October 22 · 37 min
143 - Including an antagonist POV
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about antagonist POVs. What you’ll learn from this episode: Effective uses of an antagonist POV Pitfalls and issues to be aware of Different expectations in different genres 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/
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October 15 · 1 hr 2 min
142 - Planning for the author life you want with Daphne James Huff
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about planning for the author life you want with guest Daphne James Huff. What you’ll learn from this episode: The realities of full-time authoring Planning ahead and considering your life balance Setting goals that aren't based in hustle culture or external validation Follow Daphne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daphnejameshuff/ Check out Daphne's website: https://www.daphnejameshuff.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/
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October 8 · 29 min
141 - Writing content warnings
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about content warnings. What you’ll learn from this episode: what content warnings are the attitude behind writing them keeping them publishing path or genre appropriate how to write warnings for your book 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/
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October 1 · 33 min
140 - How to know when to take a break
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about taking a writing break. What you’ll learn from this episode: the pressures of not taking a break why and when you should take one the mindset behind a successful, restful break 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/
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September 24 · 44 min
139 - Navigating parasocial relationships online
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about navigating parasocial relationships. What you’ll learn from this episode: what are parasocial relationships how to set boundaries that work for you cultivating a safe audience 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/
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September 17 · 43 min
138 - How beliefs drive goals
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about how character beliefs drive goals. What you’ll learn from this episode: Internal goals, external goals, and internal obstacles how motivations show up in goals how goals are tied to flawed beliefs INTERNAL GOALS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/story-magic/id1663636293?i=1000617134871 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/
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September 10 · 49 min
137 - How to write when life is crazy
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about writing when life is challenging. What you’ll learn from this episode: Practical disruptors vs mindset disruptors Addressing mindset things that prevent you from writing Taking rest when necessary 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/
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September 3 · 40 min
136 - Return from summer hiatus
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about returning to the podcast! What you’ll learn from this episode: what we've been up to how we've been dealing with challenges where our mindsets are 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/
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June 4 · 27 min
135 - Please let your characters make mistakes for the love of God please
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about letting your characters make mistakes. What you’ll learn from this episode: Why it’s important for characters to make mistakes The difference between static arcs and boring characters Why this is one of the most important (and common) story challenges How to build a realistic, human cast of characters How to let your character make mistakes but remain likeable 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/
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May 28 · 23 min
134 - How to find the right comp titles
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about finding comp titles. What you’ll learn from this episode: What are comp titles? How to encapsulate the vibes of your book Common pitfalls when choosing comp titles Where to start looking to find 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/
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May 21 · 29 min
133 - Narrative drive = characters who do shit
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about narrative drive. What you’ll learn from this episode: What is narrative drive Why is it SO important for reader engagement How to identify if you have a narrative drive problem What to do to add more narrative drive into 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/
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May 14 · 1 hr 9 min
132 - Revising while integrating feedback with Sam Cameron
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about revising while integrating feedback with Sam Cameron! The audio from this episode came from Emily's interview on The Truant Pen Substack. Check it out and subscribe here: https://truantpen.substack.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/
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May 7 · 16 min
131 - Scene transitions
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about scene transitions. What you’ll learn from this episode: grounding readers with context making time and space clear to the reader don't overthink this TRANSITIONS BLOG: https://goldenmayediting.com/how-to-set-a-scene/ 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/
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April 30 · 33 min
130 - How to write a believable romantic couple
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about writing believable romance. What you’ll learn from this episode: What makes characters romantically compatible How tropes play into compatibility How conflict feeds a believable romance Pitfalls to avoid while writing couples 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/
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April 23 · 34 min
129 - Finding writing flow
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about writing flow! What you’ll learn from this episode: What is flow state How to find flow state Experimenting with your unique brain and body Letting go of shame surrounding focus and discipline STOLEN FOCUS by Johann Hari: https://stolenfocusbook.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/
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April 16 · 36 min
128 - Tips and tricks for staying organized while writing
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about organization! What you’ll learn from this episode: Emily and Rachel's personal processes Deciding on what your priorities are first Not using "organization" as a procrastination tool Leaning into your brain and body's natural tendencies 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/
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April 9 · 48 min
127 - Using magic as a metaphor for mental health with Ruth McKell
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about magic as a metaphor for mental health with guest Ruth McKell. What you’ll learn from this episode: using writing as catharsis incorporating mental health themes into your magic including mental health representation intentionally practical tips for developing magic through real-world observation Read HONEY IN HER VEINS by Ruth McKell: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239680531-honey-in-her-veins 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/
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