With all the busyness of National Novel Writing Month and Thanksgiving, this week’s episode is a silly break from the regular. The Act Break is joined by our familiar friend A.P. Thayer and first time guest Lily Hammer, a.k.a Kate. Karli is doling out the hard questions in a rousing game of 'Would You Rather?'

You finished your manuscript! Congratulations! You've accomplished something remarkable but the work's not over. The Act Break is joined again by author and freelance editor Kim Chance, to talk about what we have to do after the drafting phase is over.

Critique partners and alpha readers and beta readers, oh my! This week A.P. Thayer is back and he is talking with Jamie and Karli all about the importance of getting constructive criticism, not only to toughen our skin as writers but to help make our writing better. This episode also touches on some expectations of critique partners and the differences between these assorted feedback friends.

Being a writer is not always sunshine and unicorns. The insightful and uplifting Greta Valentine joins our hosts to discuss the blood, sweat, tears, long nights and longer revisions as well as the reasons it's so important to find some enjoyment and fulfillment along the way.

Yes, it's that time of year again and National Novel Writing Month is here. Whether you are participating in the infamous NaNoWriMo, or just setting out to start a project with some renewed vigor, this episode is meant to encourage and prepare you for setting out on that new endeavor.

Target audience, subject matter and expectations, there is a lot to be said about the many differences in the categories of Young Adult and Adult books. Jamie and Karli are joined by author Kim Chance, writer of the YA duology Keeper and Seeker, to discuss expectations as a reader or writer in these genres. There might even be a little talk of that strange new breed, New Adult...

The Name of the Wind, A Wise Man's Fear, A Slow Regard for Silent Things… those Patrick Rothfuss books we love and crave more of. In this episode, your hosts dive into the world of Pat’s creation and despite their efforts, only skim the surface of this epic fictional world.

We all have that LIST. (No, not the one of people who've wronged you.) The list of books we feel we ought to have read by now. Jamie and Karli rattle off their ShouldReads TBRs (To Be Read) and why they are still eager to get to them even after all this time.

As much of the writing community prepares for a season of new projects, fresh drafting, and more revisions, Karli and Jamie are joined by the ever prepared, and well organized Rylee Joss. Rylee has a plethora of resources to share and tips for planning out your stories. As writing events such as NaNoWriMo loom on the horizon this episode is meant to fill your ear holes with ideas and help you set out your plan.

From found family or family by choice to band of misfits or a rag tag group of ruffians, many readers love this trope. Every trope has its drawbacks though. Whether you love it or lump it, found family has grown in popularity in recent years.

There are hundred of books out there on the craft of writing a book. In this episode Jamie and Karli talk about some of the most popular and there experiences with books on writing. Each craft book has it's own things to offer, just as each writer does.

Chatting about the 1965 classic science fiction novel Dune, our hosts are joined by the wonderfully positive, vibrant company of internet friend Kat Nia Watkins! With each of our participants landing at a different spot on the spectrum of Dune enjoyment the conversation opens up new ways to perceive the journey of Muad'Dib.

One of their all time favorite feel good films, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Starting Ben Stiller and Kristin Wiig, directed by Ben Stiller himself, is what's up in the story break down this week. They're talking story beats, emotional impact and that wonderful thing, character development.

It's all about that wonderful world of SFF— that's Science Fiction Fantasy. What's the difference? Why aren't they their own things? What is a sub-genre? Should we all be more specific? And many other questions are speculated over in this week’s episode.

We all have those shows, books, movies or music that make us a little embarrassed we like them. And this week Jamie and Karli are sharing theirs. All the media guilty pleasures and why they fall into that category is the topic of discussion. (Consider yourself warned!)

Jamie and Karli are joined by the kind A.P. Thayer to discuss short stories. What they are, what we love about them, and why everyone should try to write them. As well as other helpful writer advice like the benefits of joining a writing group and reading across genres. They may also indulge in their mutual coffee obsession.

This week Jamie and Karli are discussing the 2020 HULU Original film, Palm Springs, written by Max Barbakow and Andy Siara, directed by Max Barbakow. Starring Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti and J.K. Simmons. "It's one of those infinite time loops you might have heard about." (This podcast contains spoilers!)

Have you ever wished you could go back and give yourself advice? Yeah, these podcasters do too. Jamie and Karli are talking about things they wish they’d known when first starting their own writing journeys. Blood, sweat, tears, and a solid five years, here’s what they’d tell their younger selves.

Whether it's prophecy, destiny, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time, what makes the CHOSEN ONE, chosen? The age old trope has been done time and again, still folks love it, or do they? Jamie and Karli rattle off their opinions on this, the ultimate protagonist. (This Episode contains mild spoilers for... Kung Fu Panda, Avatar: The Last Air Bender, Buffy the Vampier Slayer, Star Wars, The Last Jedi, Good Omens, Game of Thrones, and I think that's all, shoo.)

Whether you've been working on your novel for two years or ten, writing can be a slog. Jamie and Karli are joined by long time internet friend, Ethan Gregory (Greg) to talk about what it takes to keep writing when your story is taking a looooong time to write. Sometimes these things take time to cultivate. They'll touch on how to stay motivated, regrouping when necessary and not comparing our journeys to folks we see on social media.