The Act Break: Recent Episodes

Jamie & Karli

With mildly awkward social interactions, Jamie and Karli bring their combined creative energy together in a podcast all about stories. They're discussing everything from books, movies, television, writing, story tropes, plot, genres, and more. Come hang out with them and periodic guests as they discuss their favorite topics and endeavor to expand their human interactions, grow creatively, and give listeners a lighthearted break.

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For the season finale, Jamie and Karli revisit the tried and true Employee Picks shelf. Sharing a handful (or two) of recommendations on books, movies, shows and music, your hosts close out season three with some of their favorites (or not favorites, in Jamie's case).

Find us!

Ko-Fi: ⁠⁠theactbreakpodcast⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠@theactbreak_podcast⁠

Karli: ⁠kcashwriter.com⁠

Jamie:⁠ jamieredact.com

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As the landscape of publishing shifts and changes, Kim, Karli, and Jamie discuss the many opportunities now available to writers. With so much change in the last ten years it's clear, now more than ever, there is no one right way to be a published author.

Find Kim:

Website: kimchance.com

Instagram: @kimwritesbooks

TikTok: @kimwritesbooks

Book Binding TikTok: @foxandflowerbinding

2¢ Recommendation: Shout out to Fan Fiction Writers!

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Ko-Fi: ⁠⁠⁠theactbreakpodcast⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@theactbreak_podcast⁠⁠

Karli: ⁠⁠kcashwriter.com⁠⁠

Jamie:⁠⁠ jamieredact.com

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This is how it ends, not with a wimper but a dirty joke... Wait. In this episode Kate joins the conversation to discuss what makes the end of a book or story great. And in some cases, not so great.

Find Kate:

Twitter:⁠ @lilyhammerxm

2¢ Recommendation: Kindle books via the Libby App.

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Ko-Fi: ⁠⁠⁠theactbreakpodcast⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@theactbreak_podcast⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠@theactbreak_⁠⁠

Karli: ⁠⁠kcashwriter.com⁠⁠

Jamie:⁠⁠ jamieredact.com

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How do you know when to start a new project? So, you've got this idea, and you know you gotta commit sometime, but you wonder if there's a better time to get going. In this episode, Jamie and Karli discuss how they know when to start, the challenges presented, and what that looks like for their current WIPs (Works in Progress). TL;DR: There's no perfect time, let's start now! Or just as soon as we've gathered our beverages.

2¢ Recommendations: The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown and The Swordsman and Snake Eyes (Movies)

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Ko-Fi: ⁠⁠theactbreakpodcast⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠@theactbreak_podcast⁠

Twitter: ⁠@theactbreak_⁠

Karli: ⁠kcashwriter.com⁠

Jamie:⁠ jamieredact.com

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What oddly specific tropes come to mind when you think of your favorite genre of book? Our hosts, along with their kind guest A.P. Thayer, talk about some of these tropes, as well as a bunch of 90's and 00's TV. ;)

Find A.P. Thayer:

Twitter: @APThayer

2¢ Recommendation: Barry, streaming on MAX

Find us!

Ko-Fi: ⁠⁠theactbreakpodcast⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠@theactbreak_podcast⁠

Twitter: ⁠@theactbreak_⁠

Karli: ⁠kcashwriter.com⁠

Jamie:⁠ jamieredact.com

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Todays episode tackles the dreaded author question: Where do you get your ideas? Greta Valentine returns to discuss with our hosts the concept of tracing the genesis of an idea, its evolution over time, and how our influences and subconscious play into its culmination.

Find Greta Valentine:

Instagram: ⁠@greta.valentine.writes⁠

2¢ Recommendation: how to NOT f**k up your creativity for a decade

Find us!

Ko-Fi: ⁠⁠theactbreakpodcast⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠@theactbreak_podcast⁠

Twitter: ⁠@theactbreak_⁠

Karli: ⁠kcashwriter.com⁠

Jamie:⁠ jamieredact.com

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Enjoy this bonus episode, where Karli and Jamie share their thoughts on remakes, working on mindset and physical fitness, how writing is going, and other stuff as they catch up.

Find us!

Ko-Fi: ⁠theactbreakpodcast⁠

Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast

Twitter: @theactbreak_

Karli: kcashwriter.com

Jamie: jamieredact.com

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Back and better than ever, or back and at least 25% as good as last season. Jamie and Karli make their rusty return to the podcasting quest for Season Three!Find us!Ko-Fi: ⁠theactbreakpodcast⁠Instagram: @theactbreak_podcastTwitter: @theactbreak_Karli: https://www.kcashwriter.com/ Jamie: https://jamieredact.com/

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After a wonderful season filled with fantastic guests and lots of laughs, Jamie and Karli are ready wrap up the season. Time to reflect on the year, their progress, and massive amounts of gratitude. 

Personal Links Below

Transcript for this episode. 

The Podcast!

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Twitter: @theactbreak_

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Find Karli. 

Website: kcashwriter.com

Instagram: @karliwritesthings

Find, Jamie Redact

Website: scifiohmy.com

Instagram: @scifiohmy

Twitter: @scifiohmy

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A.P. Thayer and Lily Hammer, a.k.a. Kate, join our hosts for a game night style event. As Karli reads some of the best 1 star reviews Goodreads has to offer, our contestants must try to guess which books the reviewer is writing about.

Transcript for this episode.

Find:Lily Hammer (Kate)

Website: lilyhammerwriting.com

Instagram: @lilyhammerwriting

Twiter: @lilyhammer0709

Find A.P. Thayer:

Website: https://www.apthayer.com

Instagram: @apthayer

Twiter: @APThayer

Find us!

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Twitter: @theactbreak_

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The inspiration to write can come from anywhere. Jamie and Karli chat with fellow writer, Izzy Kildonan, about the epic worlds built and inspiration that a well crafted video game can inspire.

Transcript for this episode.

Find Izzy Kidonan

Instagram: @itkildonan

Twitter: @itkildonan

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Twitter: @theactbreak_

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Every writer has them, writing slumps. Years of slogging in our art, what else would you expect? But there is a season for everything and sometimes we just need a hand and maybe some advice to pull us up out of the slumps. 

Transcript for this episode.

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Author of On Wings of Ash and Dust, Brittany Wang, joins Karli and Jamie to talk about Serial Series. She shares how she rapid released her series, what the benefits of serial rapid release are, and some of the challenges she faced. 

Transcript for this episode.

Find Brittany Wang

Website: authorbrittanywang.com

Instagram: @authorbrittanywang

TikTok: @brittanywangbooks

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Twitter: @theactbreak_

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Karli and Jamie answer listener asked questions about writing, scheduling, and the real important stuff... beverages. 

Transcript for this episode.

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Whether you grew up reading comic books or you're new to the game, there are so many options. Where to start? Jamie and Karli are joined by comic enthusiast and fellow podcaster, Josiah Bradley, to talk about the wonder of graphic novels. 

Transcript for this episode.

Find Josiah Bradley

Instagram: @josiah.docx

Twiter: @josiahdocx

Josiah's Voice Podcast: @josiahsvoicepod

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Twitter: @theactbreak_

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From childhood all the way to adulthood, theres always room for the comforting return to a familiar story. What makes a comfort watch oh so comforting?

Transcript for this episode.

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Great dialogue can make or break a story. In this episode, Karli, Jamie, and A.P. go over their approaches, opinions, and try to mine out all the tips they can come up with that can help strengthen dialogue in fiction.

Transcript for this episode.

Find A.P. Thayer:

Website: https://www.apthayer.com

Instagram: @apthayer

Twiter: @APThayer

Find us!

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Twitter: @theactbreak_

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As writers, we make promises. As readers, we want promises made to us met. Different genres come with their own sets of built in expectations. In this episode, Jamie and Karli chat about meeting expectations and why it's important to sometimes subvert them.

Transcript for this episode.

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Not so long ago, on a podcast that’s pretty close by, Jamie and Karli were joined by Greta Valentine to chat about the epic franchise that is STAR WARS!

Transcript for this episode.

Find Greta Valentine:

Instagram: @greta.valentine.writes

2¢ Recommendation: Sword of the Jedi  By Thea Guanzon

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Get to know this classic band of character archetypes known as The Five Man Band, and hear about examples in media that make Jamie and Karli love a good ensemble cast.   

Transcript for this episode.

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The Act Break welcomes author Penny Kearney to the podcast. Join hosts in getting to know her, hear about the benefit of writing from a young age, and discuss a "mild" Avatar: The Last Air Bender obsession.

Transcript for this episode.

Find Penny Kearney:

Instagram: @pennykearneybooks

The Hollow Star: Amazon

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The middle of a story can often be the hardest part of your manuscript to write or the hardest part of a book to read through. This week's episode focuses on ways to approach and overcome the murky middle and add the fun back in to Fun & Games.

Transcript for this episode.

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Death of the Author, what is it? What does it mean? Where did it come from? Jamie and Karli are joined again by author A.P. Thayer to discuss this literary concept and their feelings about it. 

Transcript for this episode.

Find A.P. Thayer:

Website: https://www.apthayer.com

Instagram: @apthayer

Twiter: @APThayer

Find us!

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Twitter: @theactbreak_

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These two similar mediums have some vastly different aspects. On this episode Jamie and Karli discuss how they are different, concessions made, and which ones they feel are superior in different situations. 

Transcript for this episode.

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Writers, critique partners, and friends, Kim Chance and Megan LaCroix join our hosts to talk about their CP dynamic and what it was like to find their perfect critique partner.

Transcript for this episode.

Find Kim Chance! Website:kimchance.com Instagram: @kimwritesbooks TikTok: @kimwritesbooks

Find Megan Lacroix! Website: authormeganlacroix.com Instagram: @meganwritenow

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Our hosts exchanged reading assignments and discuss their thoughts on the chosen works. 

(Contains Spoilers for The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin and Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.) 

Transcript for this episode.

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Characterization is a cornerstone of a good story. This week, author Kim Chance returns to talk about ways to build out realistic and compelling characters. 

Transcript for this episode.

Find Kim Chance!

Website: kimchance.com

Instagram: @kimwritesbooks

TikTok: @kimwritesbooks

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Twitter: @theactbreak_

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Who doesn't love a trusty sidekick, a reluctant adventure companion, or the quick-witted comic relief? This episode is all about the backup, the supporting roles, the ones our heroes wouldn't make it without. 

Transcripts for this episode.

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Walking the line between chasing dreams and handling the business of everyday life is a challenge everyone struggles with at one time or another. Professional life juggler, Lily Hammer, joins in to talk about ways to make the struggle a bit more manageable. 

Transcript for this episode.

Find:Lily Hammer (Kate)

Website: lilyhammerwriting.com

Instagram: @lilyhammerwriting

Twiter: @lilyhammer0709

Find us!

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Twitter: @theactbreak_

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Pacing is an important part of story telling. In this episode, our hosts discuss what it is, what elements can affect it, and even a few practical applications they use to help evaluate their own story pacing.

Transcript for this episode.

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From fairy tales, hard magic systems or the mystery of the mystical arts, magic often plays a large role in fantasy writing. Fellow fantasy writer Greta Valentine joins to talk about some of the ways we can use the wonder of magic in our stories. 

Transcript for this episode.

Find Greta Valentine:

Instagram: @greta.valentine.writes

Find us!

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Twitter: @theactbreak_

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Did Not Finish. Some books we just have to put down. There are lots of reasons not to finish a book and while that might not sit well for some readers, for others it's just the sort of self-care needed. Whether it's the choices of the author, or the fickle nature of being a mood reader, Karli and Jamie discuss reasons they DNF books.  

Transcript for this episode.

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Author and internet friend, A.P. Thayer, joins in to discuss success, fame, how they can be linked, what aspects are within our control, and personal philosophies of success. 

Transcript for this episode. 

Find A.P. Thayer:  

Website: https://www.apthayer.com 

Instagram: @apthayer 

Twiter: @APThayer 

Find us! 

Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast 

Twitter: @theactbreak_ 

Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

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Midnight movies, underground films, cult films: What are they? How does a film become a cult classic? With their strange offbeat styles, box office bombs, and avid fan bases, Karli and Jamie have fun discussing this slice of cinema. 

Transcript for this episode. 

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For hosts Karli and Jamie, writing romance in relationships can feel strange, so they called in a ringer. Long time internet friend and author of Devil’s Breath, Lang Johnson joins in a chat about how she got started, the romance genre, and trope preferences. 

Transcript of this Episode. 

Find Lang Johnson: Instagram: @writer_langjohnson TikTok: @author_langjohnson 

Find us! Ko-Fi: theactbreakpodcast Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast Twitter: @theactbreak_ Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

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Turnabout's fair play. In this episode get to know host, Jamie Redact, as Karli get's the honest answers about Jamie's reading, writing, and where her true motivations lie.

Transcript for this episode. 

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Get to know host, K.C. Ash, on a whole new level as Jamie asks some tough questions about the hows and whys of her reading preferences and writing career.  

Transcripts for this episode.

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Unlikable characters are a part of life and a part of stories. Whether the writer means them to be that way or not, unlikable characters can be found in all stories; but maybe sometimes being unlikable can be a good thing?  

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Returning for a second season, Karli and Jamie kick things off by talking about how they are handling their creative outlook in 2022. They also reminisce about what they expected from the "writer life" when they started and how different the expectations are now.  

Transcripts for this episode. 

Find us! 

Instagram: @theactbreak_podcast 

Twitter: @theactbreak_ 

Website and Newsletter Sign-up: scifiohmy.com/podcast

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What a long strange trip it’s been! Jamie and Karli are wrapping up another year of National Novel Writing Month, as well as their first season of podcasting. From achievements unlocked to unmet expectations, they’ll look back at the ride that was the year of 2021.

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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?'

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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

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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... 

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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.

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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 TBR (To Be Read) lists and why they’re still eager to get to them even after all this time.

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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 up a plan.

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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.

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There are hundreds 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 their experiences with books on writing. Each craft book has it's own qualities to offer, just as each writer does.

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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.

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

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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.

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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!)

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Jamie and Karli’s next internet friend to join in the podcast shenanigans is the kind, motivated A.P. Thayer. They’re discussing short stories— what they are, what they love about them, and why perhaps everyone should try to write them. Plus 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.

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Time for another installment in the “Story Break Down” series. 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!)

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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.

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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 we think that's all, shoo.)

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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.

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A look into three different results of film adaptations. From staying true to source material, or elevating it, to throwing the book out altogether. Jamie and Karli are doing a mini case study of Fight Club, The Umbrella Academy, and Ready Player One. (This podcast contains spoilers!)

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Time for the next installment of the “Story Break Down” Series. This week we're discussing the 2020 Christopher Nolan film, Tenet. It's a mind bendy science fiction triller, like only Nolan can deliver. Grab a beverage and maybe something for the inevitable head ache. 

(This podcast contains spoilers!)

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The Fantasy vs the Reality— this week is about the perfect writing environment, and how to do your best with what you've got. Then Jamie and Karli top off the conversation with goal setting, how to do it, how NOT to do it, and the super totally okay-ness of reevaluating your goals.

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Jamie and Karli are joined by the lovely author of "13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Super Bad Villains" and host of "The Rebel Author Podcast", Sacha Black, to talk about great villains and why they are so vital to great stories.

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Taking a break from the grind of obligations Jamie and Karli talk about what it's like to be in that all too familiar place, the book slump. What causes them, why, and ideas of how to get out.  From reading goals, and how they hit them, to the way cliffhangers don't always hit right. They're having a relaxed chat about book reader life.

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In this episode Jamie and Karli talk about the wonder of stand up comedy, how it's influenced them over time and the joy it brings. Packed full of comedy special recommendations and why you should turn one on tonight. It might just be the doom scrolling break you need. (The comedy and this podcast.) 

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The first in the "Story Break Down" Series, Jamie and Karli watch or read a particular piece of fiction and have an in-depth conversation about their thoughts on the chosen fiction. This week’s pick: the 2006 film "Lucky Number Slevin" directed by Paul McGuigan; a fun, stylized film about a case of mistaken identity and chock-full of gangsters and assassins.  (This podcast contains spoilers!)

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This episode brings a whole new level of excitement as Jamie and Karli welcome their first brave guest to the podcast. Rylee Joss is a writer, book devourer and all around nice person. She's taken the time to come chat about the Thriller genre and the differences between thrillers, suspense, and horror. Then the three of them talk specifically about 'Lock Every Door' by Riley Sager, picking apart the thriller tropes and aspects they found or didn't find enjoyable.

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Join Jamie and Karli as they search for the elusive and shifting definition of THE MACGUFFIN! A plot device used time and again in literature and film. They'll talk about contradicting definitions, examples, the good, the bad, and the 100% their opinion on the matter.  The first in a series dubbed "Trope Files," where they break down and discuss commonly used tropes in literature and film.

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Like browsing in a late 90's, early 2000's local video store, peruse some of Jamie and Karli's favorite books and movies and judge them accordingly. 

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Take a break with Jamie and Karli. Get to know a little about them, why they are starting this podcast, and why they almost didn't start this podcast. (Spoilers: They decided to do it.)