Story Magic

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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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126 - Reclaiming the Lens: How Marginalized Writers Build Worlds for Their Own Communities with Tiffany Grimes

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about how marginalized writers build worlds for their own communities with guest Tiffany Grimes. What you’ll learn from this episode: What it means to "reclaim the lens" Why so many marginalized writers hesitate to go fully into their own cultures, identities, or lived experiences on the page How can writers tell when they’re unconsciously writing for the mainstream gaze instead of for their own communities Why reclaiming the lens lead to stronger stories overall TIFFANY GRIMES' WEBSITE: https://www.burgeondesignandeditorial.com/ THE RESIDENCY: https://www.burgeondesignandeditorial.com/residency-enroll TIFFANY'S INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/burgeondesignandeditorial 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 September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

125 - Digital Minimalism with Gauri Yardi

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about digital minimalism with guest Gauri Yardi! What you’ll learn from this episode: What is digital minimalism? Emily's and Gauri's experience How to incorporate digital minimalism into your creative life The challenges of limiting tech when marketing is a big piece of the writing journey GAURI YARDI'S WEBSITE: https://www.gauriyardi.com/ GAURI'S INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/gauri.yardi/ Resources mentioned: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/575667/digital-minimalism-by-cal-newport/ Susan Dennard’s substack article “Experiments In Focus” https://stdennard.substack.com/p/experiments-in-focus Cal Newport’s podcast episode “This is your brain on phones” https://www.thedeeplife.com/podcasts/episodes/ep-374-this-is-your-brain-on-phones/ 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/ Join us September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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124 - Commissioning artists

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about commissioning artists for book covers and artwork. What you’ll learn from this episode: when and why you might work with an artist where and how to find artists what the process is like how to work with an artist 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 September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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123 - Balancing the book of your heart with market decisions

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about writing what you want vs writing to market. What you’ll learn from this episode: staying true to writing what you love considering market as a business tool not letting this question mess with your mindset 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 September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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122 - Writing good love triangles

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about love triangles! What you’ll learn from this episode: our personal preferences tying love triangles back to character avoiding common pitfalls 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 September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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121 - What is the romantasy genre?

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about romantasy! What you’ll learn from this episode: expectations of the genre navigating the vibes discussing the genre's critique reading within the genre 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 September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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120 - How do you know when you're done?

Today, Emily & Rachel talk about knowing when your draft/book is done. What you’ll learn from this episode: Being confident in your choice At what point should you get outside feedback Different paths have different questions to consider 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 September 21st - September 25th for Story Stress Test! In this FIVE-day LIVE virtual workshop, we’re going to show you how to stress-test and strengthen your story’s foundation. Leave the doubt behind, and bring the fun instead! All you have to do is register at https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/storystresstest! See you there!

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