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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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  • 21 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 35 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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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/

    • Transcript
  • April 2 · 45 min

    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/

  • March 26 · 51 min

    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/

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  • March 19 · 5 min

    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/

    • Transcript
  • March 12 · 27 min

    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/

    • Transcript
  • March 5 · 27 min

    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/

    • Transcript
  • February 26 · 32 min

    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/

    • Transcript
Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes