Read and Write With Me: Recent Episodes
Melissa Fondakowski
This monthly podcast - formerly the Sermonarian Podcast - talks about reading and writing: why it’s a good thing to do, why you should do it more, and how you can do it better. Stick around here long enough, and you just might finish that secret book you’ve always been wanting to write… In the meantime you can go back to the earlier episode and get to know me!
There's no such thing as the end of the journey called life...except, um, death. And people, we are not there yet! Which means, we still have time to get better at the things we love to do: bake, sing, create, love, and of course, write. So in this episode I share with you a few tips for how to become a better writer.
Have you ever tried to be a famous piano player never having once touched a piano in your life? Exactly. Why would you suddenly become a published writer, or finish a book, if you've never even focused on the basics? So, today, we get to basic in writing. Which means: sentences. Learn what a good sentence is, what a bad sentence is, and why understanding how to identify it is important.
It's not quite the right year to resolve to go the gym more or travel more or anything like that. So, what can you do to make a positive change? Look inward!
So. If this podcast itself hasn't proven that writing can help make you better at stuff (including making a podcast) then here's a post that shows you how other "sausage is made..." particularly, a comedy routine, and a song (yes you heard right!) I share with you my in-process, warts-and-all writing in this episode, so sit back, and enjoy the ride.
Say goodby until year. But in the meantime, don't just let your writing practice wither on the vine. To help make sure that you don't just let this good habit, good energy, and writing practice die a slow death...here's some joy, some fun, and a few more writing prompts to help you keep it fresh and real.
Do I really need to convince you that you should read and write? Even if I fail, this podcast has some jokes in it so you might just enjoy.
I take you through three books you should be reading (which I am reading, and will hopefully finish soon) and hopefully light a fire under you to get ready for National Novel Writing Month
Join me as I ruminate on reading, being smart, knowing your limitations, and this book by Tom Nichols
In this podcast, I'll share my experience and some tips on things to think about when you are creating your eBook. Yes, it is easy to create an eBook. But, you want to make sure that it's easy to read, and that your reader is engaged in what you are saying, not the weird formatting issues that can plague your eBook.
Join me on patreon.com/fondakowski for early access to this podcast, and more!
Join Fondakowski at patreon.com/fondakowski for early access to podcasts like these, and MORE content to help you become a better writer. Maybe even finish that book you’ve always been wanting to write. Oh, wait, I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone…???
Sermonarian is a MAJOR frosting advocate, and when recently it hashtag THUNDERSNOWED on the East Coast, Sermonarian made some buttercream frosting and discovered something really important about it. To find out what, and enjoy this last (yes you heard correctly) last episode of Sermonarian for some undisclosed period of time, get your earbuds secure and hit play.
In this episode, well in advance of April's national Poetry Month, Sermonarian shares why poetry is essential, what good can come from reading it, and reads a few of her personal favorite poems culled from the hundreds of wonderful poems still living in the spaces of her mind. Sermonarian is also giving out a few free poetic licenses in this episode so be sure to get yours.
Sermonarian reads the conclusion of the story she wrote about God and gambling, called The Lottery. This is part 2 of a 2-part podcast, and contains the full sum-up of both episodes.
Sermonarian ruminates on the purpose of the podcast, and in the process talks a bit about the similarity between God and gambling, and reads the story she wrote about that very thing, called The Lottery. This is part 1 of a 2-part podcast.
Sermonarian talks a little bit about Lent and why she loves it but no longer practices it...except to give up complaining, but not before taking a moment to complain about a few of her most irritating highway driver pet peeves. Enjoy!
Sermonarian watched a really boring documentary about Martin Luther and it reminded her about a radio talk show she heard back in October on plenary indulgences and so decided she wanted to ruminate about what prayer is and why we do it.
Sermonarian has been very moved by the book "Field Guide to God" by Patty Kirk and has a fairly strong reaction to Kirk's ideas about "evidence" of God in our daily lives. It all gets hashed out in this episode. The songs referenced in case you want to get them are (in order) One More Try by Kristine W; Strike It Up by Black Box; and This Girl by Kungs vs Cookin' On 3 Burners
This week's podcast covers Sermonarian's beliefs or unbeliefs - that decision is in the ear of the beholder - and the trouble with angry absolutes when it comes to faith and belief.
Sermonarian takes on a mini creative project just to blow off a little steam. Take a minute, have a laugh!
In the first episode of season two, Sermonarian apologizes for already failing at fulfilling her promise to bring you this episode on January 2. But isn't that what New Year's resolutions are all about? Failing?
Sermonarian waxes poetic about the importance of pierogi, family recipes, and honoring the long process of grieving that comes with loss. It's the season finale, so be sure to come back on January 2, 2018 for the first episode of Season Two!
Sermonarian reads the shocking conclusion to her scifi short story, "Heaven Is Exactly How You Think It Will Be." To listen to Part One, head back to Episode 21.
The non profit organizations that Sermonarian references during the podcast include:
The Trevor Project
SAGE
Food Bank
JDRF
Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance
Sermonarian reads Part One of Heaven Is Exactly What You Think It Will Be, an original short story that delves into what might lay waiting for us after we die--and how badly we wish we could know.
Sermonarian talks about one of her favorite things to hate to love to do: eat at a buffet! And she highlights some of the common mistakes one makes when partaking of this very American tradition. Also: why do women's care products so often smell like food?
In the fifth and FINAL installment of the month-long celebration of National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ History Month, Sermonarian talks about how that one time, she dyed her hair, and then used a pair of Conair clippers...
In this episode, which is a bonus episode and not one of your regularly scheduled episodes, Sermonarian talks about her experience marketing her book and subsequently attending the Super Mega Fest comic con in Marlborough Massachusetts...and being on a panel!
In the fourth installment of the month-long celebration of National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ History Month, Sermonarian talks about her first perm. Oh perms...
In the third installment of the month-long celebration of National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ History Month, Sermonarian tells us about how her friend practiced a very technically perfect haircut on her head while he was in beauty school.
In the second installment of the month-long celebration of National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ History Month, Sermonarian tells us about how her mom used to cut her hair in the kitchen, free of charge!
Sermonarian kicks off LGBT History Month (also known by Sermonarian as National Coming Out Month) with the first episode of a month-long series that delves into Sermonarian's Coming Out story, which involves haircuts.
After an exciting book launch for her novel Out, Sermonarian answers a listener question: When it comes to keeping a vibrant creative life, how do you keep the work from taking over? It's a good question, and there is an answer!
Sermonarian is reading a magically real dreamscape story called Short Term in this one. You really don't want to miss it.
And, go buy the book! amzn.to/2vW7FTP
Sermonarian takes a few moments of your time to talk about what you can do on any given day to fight injustices. There doesn't always have to be a march, or a senator to call...you can change yourself. Also, go buy the book: amzn.to/2vW7FTP
It's story week again and Sermonarian is reading an original bit of fiction called The Gardener. it lands somewhere between super sad and magical realism.
Sermonarian talks about the 17-year-long process of writing her first novel, and announces its (FINALLY!) release via Createspace. Get it here: https://www.createspace.com/7430225
Sermonarian reads her original story, "Saturday Four O'Clock" in this, the ninth episode of Sermonarian
Sermonarian took a trip up north for a funeral and heard some guys doing a Christian radio talk show. Sermonarian's thoughts on those two things combined comprise today's episode.
Sermonarian waxes poetic about 80s movies, candy and video games because of being sad. It's been a hard coupla weeks yall.
Sermonarian is reading an original sci-fi short story this week called How hard It Is To Change The World.
In this one, Sermonarian invites you to learn a little about what it takes to a be a writer - hint hint, it's not being published. She also talks about the day job: freelancing.
Sermonarian talks briefly about the motivation for this podcast, what is in store in the series, makes a few jokes, and sends you on your merry way.