The Writers XL: Recent Episodes
The Writers XL
Do most “advice” books and podcasts for writers make you cringe?
Yup, same.
Welcome to Writers XL, a podcast devoted to better, more joyous writing for all! Co-hosts Shelly X Leonn and LL Montez share steal-and-use strategies beneficial to writers of any skill level.
Episodes include epic-level guests, personal anecdotes, inappropriate puns, and random tangents. So grab a glass of your favorite beverage and press play. We promise to be like no writing podcast you've heard before.
Shelly X Leonn is the author of the previously featured and soon to be published The Broken Series. Find her on Wattpad (https://www.wattpad.com/user/shellyxleonn) , and on Instagram at @shellyxleonn (https://www.instagram.com/shellyxleonn/) .
LL Montez is the author of Watty award-winning ARC10. Find her on Wattpad and Twitter at @LLMontez.
Follow us on Wattpad and Twitter at @TheWritersXL
After surviving a pandemic, childbirth, and creative brain block, the Writers XL are back with an interview featuring Wesley Parker. A successful indie author of two novels, Wes draws upon personal experience in order to include originality and authenticity in his work. In this episode, Shelly and L talk with Wesley about his creative process, his life as a working dad, and his spicy Instagram account.
Author BioWesley Parker has enjoyed reading his entire life. When not writing he can either be found making a mixtape, engaging his fandom of Philadelphia sports, or hanging with his wife and three children.
Connect with him on Instagram or Twitter at @weswritesforfun or on his website at www.weswritesforfun.com.
Shelly mentioned the YouTube series Screen Rant Pitch Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2iUwfYi_1FCGGqhOUNx-iA
In this episode, Shelly dives into the world of Steampunk. Why haven't we dipped into this vibrant life before? We're not sure. Especially since it involves literature, corsets, airships, jetpacks, and Brad Cook, a Steampunk craftsman. Join us!
Shelly and L checked off one item on their 2020 to-do list: Do a public reading. We stop to chat about the experience (among other things) and to discuss prep tips for any on-stage debut.
We bring back one of our favorite literary agents, Stephanie Hansen, to discuss the other side of the words she loves: Writing. Join us as Stephanie celebrates her new novella, Altered Helix, and shares what it's like to walk the line between her agenting and writing worlds.
We brought sexy paranormal erotica author Lila Mina on the show to discuss bondage, threesomes, and all the sexiness of writing consensual kink. It's episode 69. What did you expect?
In this episode, we lament the troubled state of the world as well as the difficult situation our favorite book stores are facing. Join us for a talk about how Coronavirus has impacted booksellers, authors, the book industry, and the way we read.
You're not going to want to miss this episode with YA romance writer Larissa Lopes. Not only is her gorgeous voice out of this world, but she comes to us with the chilling behind-the-book story that inspired her to write her debut novel, All my Love, Alec Brock.
As Shelly prepares to participate in a teen writing webinar series, she shares her nefarious content with us: How to make a villain. Join us for our most evil episode for four grab-and-go techniques to create the perfect Baddie.
Wattpad Books author Nandi Taylor joins us to discuss her debut novel, shapeshifting dragons, social distancing, and publishing with Wattpad's publishing division, Wattpad Books.
This week, the Writers XL discuss life at home. Now that we're home for long stretches of time with nowhere to go and no one to see, we should be able to reach all of our writing hopes and dreams, right? Join us for strategies on focusing and using writing to cope with this new chaotic world.
In these troubling times, we write. Join Shelly X Leonn and Women On Writing (WOW) managing editor, Margo Dill, in discussing the incredible community of writers that is WOW. Chat with us about finding new resources for writers looking to pursue all their wildest writing dreams through the turbulence.
The Writers XL discuss one of their favorite topics--clothes. As writers, do we develop clothes around our characters or our characters around their favorite garments? Join us for a look into character wardrobes.
Shelly returns to Protagonist Cafe (because once you step into this magical world of books and perfectly roasted coffee, how could you ever leave?) to sit and chat with its debonair general manager, Sam Sultzer. Join us for a chat about the coziest book nook in St. Louis.
On January 30, Shelly X Leonn had a book signing at the one and only Protagonist Cafe in St. Louis. She stopped to talk to some new friends (and family) about what makes great stories. Join her for this incredible event!
Kat Caldwell is a mom, maverick, mountain climber (figuratively...or maybe not, we didn't cover that), writer, publisher, and podcaster. The WritersXL bring Kat in to talk shop about juggling all the aspects of promotion while continuing to create, create, create! Join us!
In this episode, Shelly speaks with author, acclaimed journalist, and previous mentor/professor, Don Corrigan. While touring down memory lane, they discuss the many paths a writer's career can take.
Here on the Writers XL, we love love (one of us maybe a little more than the other). Of course, when the opportunity to interview the lovey-est love who ever loved, we take it. Join us for a discussion with author Meryl Wilsner about their debut novel, Something to Talk About, the gay agenda, and their perspective on the RWA's implosion.
The Writers XL bring Shelly's boyfriend onto the podcast to test out comedy inspired by everyday life. Join us for some tricks and tips on how to brave the stage when going live.
We've talked about the publishing process before--we're not strangers to self-publishing, traditional publishing, or any combination that exists in between. When talking to Joe Chiankas, author of Rabbit in Red, we discuss how publishing can take even more twists and turns than we imagined. Join us for a chat about finding the perfect audience leading them down the rabbit hole with you.
The Writers XL reflect on the past year. Remembering the goals we set for 2019, we embrace new mindsets and new challenges to welcome 2020. Join us for a peek into the future with a brief reading on what's to come.
If you thought this show was nothing but fluff and nonsense, you're totally wrong. The Writers XL get deep. We discuss hopes, dreams, fears, and writing goals for 2020.
The Writers XL bring Port & Key publishing's masterminds Amber Boyd and Chay Avalerias to discuss the magic (and chaos) of creating their own publishing company. Join us and celebrate the release of the newest anthology, The Mage's Apprentice, coming December 13.
The Pantsers, Shelly X Leonn and Wattpad star Hlumelo, join forces against L to discuss the inspiration and dedication behind the art of pantsing.
Check out our YouTube channel to WATCH this wonderful interview.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCqS5N-Zvs1MITYxnR4qI6g/featured?view_as=subscriber
It's EPISODE 50! Shelly and L are together and share some wine, wisdom and inappropriate anecdotes. Join us for a recap of the WritersXL workshop in St. Louis as well as almost 50 minutes of ridiculousness.
The Community Queen, Kelly Anne Blount, joins us for a talk about her start on Wattpad and the twisty path she's walked with CAPTURED. She chats with Shelly X Leonn about writing careers, block parties, and baby libraries.
Instead of show 'n tell, we're telling you to avoid all forms of telling--show us what you've got! The Writers XL are deep in editing-mode. What does it mean to show-not-tell? Join us for some techniques worth stealing.
We've heard the buzz--that some people are trash-talking writers who keep full-time employment while trying to kickstart (or manage) their writing careers. We call bullsh*t. Ben Sobieck joins us to talk about writing, the coffee business (YES PLEASE), side-hustles, and what it takes to live as a writer. We hope you'll join in!
Take it from us—publishing is hard.
Trying to juggle all the different parts of book birthing has taken all the different parts of Shelly's brain. Learn from her. Check out Shelly's Top Five Things she would have done differently if she could go back a few more months before her book launch on September 24.
Join us!
For our second stab at book clubbing, L brings ZeroWineThirty to the show to talk about this month's book club read, LAST RESORT, the glitter-filled post-apocalyptic dystopian tale about love, loss, and getting the hell outta Dodge. Grab your drinks. It's going to be fun.
...May or may not have exceeded out F-Bomb limit for this one.
L chats with the queen of collaborative storytelling--RS Kovach--Wattpad Star and anthology guru who is known for crafting such favorites as the Decameron 2.0, 13 Days of Halloween, and most recently, 31 Blind Dates of Suzi Sparrow.
Planning or Pantsing? You've been asked this before, haven't you? Shelly and L dive into the benefits of each and explore what strategies and tools are available for those who plot and those who pants.
Spooky things are happening to the WritersXL. Shelly grabs Watty winner DawnKelli to discuss what haunts them as they both tackle the horror genre.
Is honesty the best policy? If you can't say anything nice, should you say anything at all? In this episode, Shelly and L discuss the world of reviews and what to do when you're giving or receiving critiques. Best episode yet. Five stars.
Join us for an interview with Book Blogger Jasmine and learn how book bloggers can impact the way readers hear about baby books just emerging into the world.
In this very special episode, L convinces brand strategist Benjamin Warsinske, CEO of BrandedWorld, Inc. to take the hot-seat as Shelly grills him about the difference between marketing and branding. Join us to discover how authors can use character archetypes to better brand themselves in a crowded marketplace.
In this episode, Shelly speaks to "podcasting Mama", writer, and promotion queen, LaShaunda. Step into our how-to guide for best practices on book promotion.
In this episode, Shelly grills L on her sordid past. She shares the ups and downs that influenced her writing and created some of her favorite character quirks. Sh*t gets real weird this week. Brace yourselves.
In this episode, Maggie Derrick (@star-powered) talks about the evolution of her career as awriter and artist by sharing how she's found a way to make her art work for her through Wattpad and Patreon. Join us!
L is in the mire when it comes to pitching. She schools Shelly on the wonderful world of pitching using loglines, blurbs, and comp titles. Then the show dissolves into nonsense and we're not sorry.
Shelly flies solo this episode and digs into independent publishing with Shane Bowen, founder of Out the Window Books. Join us as Shelly and Shane discuss the world of indie publishing if it's the right publishing journey for you.
AVENGERS END GAME AND GOT SEASON 8 SPOILER ALERT We scale the massive discussion on climaxes. What are they, where are they, and why do some of them suck so bad? Join us!
The Writers XL bring Shaman Jennifer Lynn to chat about magic, nature, and spiritual guidance through writing. And rock licking. Lots and lots of rock licking.
The WritersXL have switched gears to talk about the wide world of journalism and non-fiction narrative. In an era where telling the truth seems to be harder than ever, we get to the bottom of the issue and discuss research and responsible representation along with all of the regularly scheduled nonsense.
Shelly and L bring Tamara Lush back to announce the winner of the first ever Kiss Contest. Join us for this little quickie where Shelly reveals the Writers XL's newest ship.
The Writers XL bring Amber Boyd (@the3dreamers) on the show to talk about all the amazing things Wattpad community members are doing to boost the writers around them. We discuss her work as an Ambassador, a co-creator of The Writers Edge, and a founder/editor at Port & Key Publishing.
We are reunited at last. Together, the Writers XL head to the St. Louis Writers Guild to ask WHAT MAKES THE BEST KISS SCENE? Join us as we talk about all the ways that we love to see smooches -- and stick around for a writing prompt so you too can join our kiss contest with romance goddess Tamara Lush on Wattpad.
Mistress and author of romance, Tamara Lush, joins the Writers XL for an epic episode about bad boys, tough girls, and KISSING. We discuss her Indie publishing career as well as her work on platforms like Radish and Wattpad Next.
Drop in for the steamy details on the first-ever WritersXL writing contest.
In this episode, we speak with the incredible Brenda Drake, NYT Bestselling author, mother, military kid, and PitchWars creator. We discuss the success of the program and what kind of online community has been built because of it.
In an age of social media, where online presence is king, there's something wonderful about coming together, face to face, with other writers. Shelly and L speak with author T. W. Fendley about logging off and meeting other writers IRL.
In this episode, we pit beta readers against critique partners in the battle for editing strategies. Who will win? That's totally up to what you're looking for. Join us for our dive into the world of peer-editing.
Jandra Sutton is our hero. She's a super-spy in training, a blogger, director of marketing and digital marketing, a Wattpad writer, and an indie-author. She joins the Writers XL to discuss Marvel fanfics, spy jobs, and grab-n-go ways to better market yourself to the big, wide world using social media.
The Writers XL dive into the Twitterverse. L shows Shelly the ropes while Shelly recites the most recent research into best-practices when exploring social media. Get your gear, friends. We're tackling the internet.
Stephanie Hansen, senior agent and owner of Metamorphosis Literary Agency (and Shelly's very own agent), joins her for a special one-on-one interview about writer platforms, qualities of a desirable manuscript, and Stephanie's own personal wishlist.
Shelly X and LL Montez gear up for the new year with their L reading the cards. 2019 and Episode 20 hold resolutions, writing prompts, and promises for cookies galore.
We bring Zoe Aarsen, author of Light as a Feather – the novel and Hulu TV series – and many other works published to Wattpad and Radish, to discuss the struggle of pen names in a world where identity is everything. Join us as we talk Hollywood, Wattpad, nom de plume(s), and goal setting with our new friend, Zoe Aarsen.
The WritersXL want answers. Apparently, so do you. We bring Wattpad HQ's Content Manager, Nick Uskoski, and WattpadNext author, Elford Alley, on the show to answer all the hard questions about the purpose of WattpadNext program and the future of Wattpad for readers.
We've got the rarest of all Wattpad users: The Double Watty Winner!
@Paulapdx, a sensational writer and overall stellar human, takes us through screenwriting on the Wattpad platform and tells us what makes great storytelling through different mediums. She shares her experiences working at HBO to help us understand what it takes to razzle-dazzle that elusive Hollywood industry. Join us for an awesome conversation.
Do you write YA? Do you read YA? If you answered no to either of these questions, then you should listen to this episode. After, you'll want to zip your hoodie, blast your broody jams, and pine for your unrequited love like the rest of us YA fanatics. Join us for a chat with YA editor Olivia Swenson from Owl Hollow for a chat about all things teen lit.
Ben Sobieck, author of The Writer's Guide to Weapons and The Writer's Guide to Wattpad, joins us for a talk about finding our place in the platform among a sky full of Wattpad Stars.
The Writers XL is good for a laugh or two, but what happens when they dabble in demons, ghosts, and terrors from the beyond? Join Shelly and L for a talk with the Kenny and Farah Deels, two authors, spiritual warfare counselors, and demonologists. They discuss how to write these terrifying elements of life right into your own paranormal stories.
Happy Halloween!
WattCon Recap Part 2: Roomies with @morningtides
To finish off the weekend, we interview our gorgeous roommate, the lady with the magic mind, @morningtides Nicole Bea. She discussed her process of transformation, moving from Wattpad to traditional publishing as an agenting intern as well as a Wattpad writer looking to traditionally publishing her work. Shelly and L end with some final takes on the info they learned from the session. Happy WattCon, everyone! See you next year (#WattConJamaica2019).
WattCon Recap Part 1: Interview Mania!
Shelly and L tackle interviews at WattCon in a busy hallway while people wait to enter the book signing at the end of the conference. They ask what transformations the authors and HQ staffers have experienced during WattCon and how they expect to transform from 2018 to 2019.
Always looking ahead.
The final episode of our first cycle in HOOKS wraps up with the champion of bear-talking children, the collector of tales from writers with disabilities, and the all-around upstanding human who managed to tolerate our filthy mouthes for a full show: @sandydragon1.
Shelly X Leonn and LL Montez discuss the new controversial initiative Wattpad has recently rolled out: Next beta.
How will this pay-to-read system affect writers? Readers? Agents? The traditional publishing industry? If Wattpad wants to be your literary agent, how will that impact what it means to be a content creator?
Tune in to join the discussion.
We're breaking the cycle to bring you a fascinating interview by MG and YA author Darby Karchut and her mastery of worldbuilding. Using her expertise in anthropology, Darby helps the Writers XL figure out how Rowling, Martin, and Tolkien crafted it all.
Who is the one person on Wattpad who’s totally qualified to change Robocop's oil?
It's Ian R. Cooper! Prince of the dark Southern Gothic noir anti-heroes.
With his melodious accent and magical flourish of gore and torture, our next guest is the master of eliciting fear, nausea, and whimsy from his readers. He joins us for a discussion on hooks with violence, sex, in media res, death, and rock 'n’ roll. Using his background in medical studies and engineering, he thrills us with the depth of his knowledge in grisly, gross horror.
We are so excited to have him on with us. The first, second, and third time.
Welcome to the next phase in The Writers XL podcast. We're moving from "seasons" to "cycles" starting with the best part of storytelling (debatable): HOOKS! Shelly and L dive into good hooks, bad hooks, and their own use of the heavily debated device.
Join us this week for a conversation with literary agent Amy Brewer as we discuss navigating the choppy waters between Wattpad and traditional publishing. PS: This episode may require the use of headphones. Amy represents romance, so Shelly and L found the conversation to be rather... explosive.
@sapphirealena provides our listeners with tips on finding and keeping readers, monitoring reader analytics, and building your career as an author. To succeed as a professional writer, you must unlearn what you have learned, and she slices her lightsaber through many common misconceptions.
Wattpad HQ's own @Samantha drops in to chat with the Writers XL to discuss all things Wattys, Wattcon, Writers Portal, and Larry Stylinson.
Thriller/horror/LGBTQ/dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction author @LLSanders discusses her unique genre-bending stories and incredible self-publishing career.
Shelly and L have a revealing chat (while L dies in the background) about reader culture with Wattpad's own @Nick -- Content Manager and all-star author of SIGMA/STAR.
Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction. But sometimes reality is so off-the-wall bizarre, you can't help but shove it into your own fiction because damn, it makes a good plot twist. We want to take you on a journey through writer-life to show you how to make the mundane memorable, how to weave your life's experiences into your hero's journey.
We're the Writers XL. We'd like to be your guides.