Episodes
Chapter 5: Why Writers Should Embrace Delusion with Monica Hay
In the latest chapter of Inkspiration, Mia and Leila get to know writing resistance and mindset coach Monica Hay and learn more about common roadblocks writers face while trying to get their stories out of their heads and onto the paper (or screen).
A dash of delusion. A heaping of intuition.
These are some of Monica Hay’s key ingredients for writers working to overcome writer’s resistance and find success in the publishing industry.
In the latest episode of Inkspiration, Mia and Leila get to know writing resistance and mindset coach Monica Hay and learn more about common roadblocks writers face while trying to get their stories out of their heads and onto the paper (or screen).
During this episode…
Monica explains the origins behind her interest in brain science for writers and her flourishing coaching business.
Diving into the science behind resistance, Monica describes how resistance lives and manifests in the body and mind.
Monica emphasizes the importance of listening to your intuition and being delusional, rather than realistic, with your writing dreams.
Touching on her own spirituality, Monica describes how spirituality impacts her writing and coaching as well as how connecting with yourself can help you craft more compelling and honest characters.
Listen to the episode on all major podcast platforms today and find out just what Monica means when she says, “Your delulu will come trulu!”
Let’s welcome Monica to the Inkspiration community!
From her website:
Monica is from the hills of California, though she now resides in Amsterdam. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in English Literature. After a career in social work, she earned her Master’s in Publishing. She worked with two literary agents and with WriteOnCon before starting her own coaching business. Monica now aims to help other writers embrace their fullest creative potential and manifest their dream lives.
Those interested in learning more about Monica’s workshop and coaching can follow her on Instagram @monicahayauthor and learn more about her business on her website: https://monicahay.com/.
From the Episode
Monica praises Writing on Both Sides of the Brain by Henriette A. Klauser as a book that encouraged her to dig deeper into the science of resistance.
Monica references Octavia Butler’s journal pages, where the prolific science fiction and speculative author manifested her own success.
Monica studied The Science of Stuck by Britt Frank and Around the Writer’s Block by Roseanne Bane to prepare for the famous “Science Day” in her workshop.
For those looking to learn more about spirituality, Monica recommends Abraham-Hicks, who has a plethora of videos on YouTube.
Monica’s favorite craft book is Story Genius by Lisa Cron.
Monica’s latest five-star read is Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao.
Thanks for listening to Inkspiration, a podcast where we explore the art of storytelling with expert interviews and tips for writers, readers, and publishing enthusiasts eager to uncover the magic in their stories.
Follow us on Instagram at @inkspirationpodcast. Our DMs are always open for discussion, suggestions for future episodes, and all things literary! Tag us in your writing adventures and inkspirations!
Chapter 2: Editing your first draft with Callie Stoker
In this episode of Inkspiration, Heather and Mia interview editor extraordinaire, Callie Stoker. Callie is the founder and owner of The Manuscript Dr., an editing service for fiction writers that provides mentorship, education, and editing support by experienced professionals.
You’ve written a manuscript. A whole first draft. It’s beautiful. Pristine. Perfect…or is it?
In this episode of Inkspiration, Heather and Mia interview editor extraordinaire, Callie Stoker. Callie is the founder and owner of The Manuscript Dr., an editing service for fiction writers that provides mentorship, education, and editing support by experienced professionals.
As Heather is currently self-editing her manuscript and Mia is tackling rewriting hers, both these hosts are excited to learn from Callie and share her expertise with listeners.
During this episode…
Callie shines a light on the murky first steps following your first draft.
Callie breaks down the editing mindset for creatives who prefer drafting to revising.
Callie explains how to navigate the editing funnel and different types of editing services.
Regardless of your experience, this episode overflows with editing and revising tips and tricks you won’t want to miss. Be sure to stay tuned until the end when Callie introduces a one-time offer for Inkspiration listeners only.
Listen to the episode on all major podcast platforms today!
let’s welcome Callie to the Inkspiration community!
From her website:
In fourth grade Callie read The Indian in the Cupboard. The idea of a boy’s toy coming alive in a magic cupboard grabbed a hold of her imagination and never let go. The addiction only increased as she read Roald Dahl, Lloyd Alexander, Madeleine L’Engle, and the Redwall series. In sixth grade her teacher took away Jane Eyre because it was distracting Callie from her work.
In all her reading, one question has always fascinated her. Why do some stories with great ideas fall flat?
For the past decade, Callie has honed her skills by studying the craft of writing and defining the elements that make a story work. She can read any story, any rocky first draft, and provide the first aid it needs to make your manuscript live off the page and resonate in the minds of your readers.
Callie is also a mother of four–two of whom are on the Autism Spectrum. A singer and theater buff, she has spent a lot of time on the stage and behind the curtain as a music director and costumer. She loves good stories told on television and is a big fan of many
From the Episode
Callie’s favorite craft book is On Writing by Stephen King. Read it – it’s doctor-recommended.
Callie loves to use Dan Wells’ 7-Point Story Structure series to inform her plot. Find the series at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzfRuHa21NIzQFrQ6FAq8Pj2IA_SXiwrN&si=GGwFZQGsVGSx-53f
Callie referenced Neil Gaiman’s killer quote: “Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.”
Thanks for listening to Inkspiration, a podcast where we explore the art of storytelling with expert interviews and tips for writers, readers, and publishing enthusiasts eager to uncover the magic in their stories.
Follow us on Instagram at @inkspirationpodcast. Our DMs are always open for discussion, suggestions for future episodes, and all things literary! Tag us in your writing adventures and inkspirations!