Buildwriting: Poetry | Fiction | Non Fiction | Creative Writing

You can spend months polishing a short story and still wonder: Is this actually ready to submit? In this episode of the BuildWriting Podcast, I talk with Trish L. Rodriguez, writer and Editorial Director of Philadelphia Stories , about what editors actually notice when they read short fiction—and how writers can revise their work more effectively. Trish explains why an editor can often tell within the first 200–250 words whether a story is working, why point of view and structure should come before sentence-level polishing , and how to know when you need another revision—or simply need the courage to submit. We also explore feedback, literary magazine submissions, writing contests, rejection, speculative fiction, building a writing community, and the “lingering meaning” that makes a short story memorable. If you're revising a short story, preparing to submit to literary magazines, or trying to become a stronger fiction writer, this conversation will help you look at your work through an editor’s eyes. Join the BuildWriting Newsletter Get writing prompts, publishing tips, creative reflections, and behind-the-scenes notes for writers. 👉 https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ Connect With Trish L. Rodriguez 🌐 Website: https://www.trishlrodriguezwriter.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tljrod/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trish-rodriguez-530aa7226/ Philadephia Stories: https://philadelphiastories.org/ Chapters 00:00 What Editors See That Writers Often Miss 01:04 How Trish Became a Writer and Literary Magazine Editor 03:27 Why Trish Writes Speculative Short Fiction 05:08 How Do You Learn to Become an Editor? 06:18 Revising a Short Story Without Over-Editing It 08:37 What Editors Look for in the First 200 Words 10:02 When Writers Try Too Hard to Hook the Reader 12:08 How an Editor Diagnoses a Short Story That Isn't Working 13:48 Why You Should Fix Structure Before Polishing Prose 14:54 What Makes a Short Story Stand Out in Writing Contests? 19:39 A Practical Short Story Revision Process 22:24 How to Know When Your Story Is Ready to Submit 24:52 When to Stop Revising Old Writing and Move On 25:09 How Literary Magazines Build Writing Communities 27:18 When a Short Story Wants to Become a Novel 30:18 Discovery Writing vs. Outlining a Novel 32:10 Writing to Discover Something Outside Yourself 33:11 Rapid-Fire Writing and Submission Advice 34:10 The One Quality Every Great Short Story Needs 34:40 Where to Find Trish and Philadelphia Stories 36:08 Closing Thoughts

What does it really take to start a literary magazine—and keep it alive for 20 years? In this episode of the BuildWriting Podcast, I speak with poet, writer, editor and Midway Journal founding editor Ralph Pennel. Ralph takes us behind the scenes of running an independent online literary journal, from selecting boundary-crossing work to navigating rising publishing costs. But creating a literary journal is only the beginning. Keeping one alive requires money, time, editorial labour, community and difficult decisions. In this conversation, Ralph explains: How Midway Journal developed its distinctive editorial identity Why the journal embraces multimedia and experimental literature What writers gain from thinking like editors How literary magazines cover their operating expenses The role of contests, editing services, merchandise and sponsorships Why many literary magazines struggle to survive How online journals make literature more accessible What editors consider before launching a new project Why discovering an unpublished writer remains deeply rewarding What Midway Journal hopes to build next If you are a poet, fiction writer, literary editor or someone considering starting a literary magazine, this conversation offers an honest look at the creative and financial realities behind independent publishing. Listen now to discover what happens on the other side of the submission button—and what it takes to build a literary home that lasts. Connect with Ralph Pennel Ralph Pennel’s website: https://ralphpennel.com/ Ralph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralph.l.pennel/ Explore Midway Journal: https://midwayjournal.com/ Submit your writing to Midway Journal: https://midwayjournal.com/submissions/ Follow Midway Journal on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midway.journal/ Subscribe to the Midway Journal Substack: https://midwayjournal.substack.com/ Join the BuildWriting Newsletter Get writing prompts, publishing opportunities, creative reflections and practical advice to help you keep writing and strengthen your craft. https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the BuildWriting Podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with a writer who would enjoy seeing what happens behind the scenes of a literary magazine. Chapters 00:00 What Happens After You Submit to a Literary Magazine? 00:49 Why Midway Journal Was Inspired by the Minnesota State Fair 04:30 Creating a Distinctive Literary Magazine Identity 07:35 Multimedia Poetry, Audio Fiction and Experimental Literature 11:48 Is Ralph Pennel a Poet, Writer or Literary Editor? 12:31 How Midway Journal Began in 2006 13:12 Becoming an Early Online Literary Magazine 14:29 What Is the AWP Writing Conference? 16:49 Ralph Pennel’s Journey from Writer to Editor 18:45 How Midway Journal Survived for 20 Years 19:17 Why Literary Magazines Struggle Financially 20:19 Submission Fees, Submittable and Publishing Costs 22:03 How Literary Magazines Make Money 24:01 Contests and Editing Services as Revenue Streams 26:32 Advertising and Sponsorships for Literary Journals 29:00 Building a Podcast for a Literary Magazine 30:32 Using Merchandise to Support Independent Publishing 33:24 Who Actually Reads Literary Magazines? 35:51 How Literary Journals Can Reach More Readers 37:16 The Benefits of Publishing Literature Online 38:55 Print-on-Demand and Literary Magazine Anthologies 40:13 The Challenges of Operating as a For-Profit Journal 42:36 How Editors Decide Which Projects to Prioritise 44:32 Becoming a Small-Business Owner Through Publishing 46:13 The Joy of Discovering New Writers 47:27 Why Literary Magazine Acceptance Matters to Writers 48:00 What Is Next for Midway Journal? 49:11 Online Readings, Podcasts and the Midway Substack 50:15 Where to Find Ralph Pennel and Midway Journal 51:13 Join the BuildWriting Writing Community

How do you know when a poem has found the right first line ? How much can you cut before it loses what makes it alive? And how do you know when a poem is finally finished? In this episode of BuildWriting , poet, editor, and professor Wayne Miller joins me to explore the craft of writing poetry and short-form literature. We unpack why compression matters, how rhythm gives language its power, what poetry and short stories share, and why every word has to earn its place. Wayne also takes us behind the editor's desk to talk about revision, rejection, literary magazines, first lines, originality, and what years of reading thousands of poetry submissions have taught him about writing that stands out. If you write poetry, flash fiction, short stories, or simply care about making language stronger, this conversation will give you plenty to take back to the page. Connect With Wayne Miller Wayne Miller's Website http://waynemillerpoet.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/waynemillerpoet/ Copper Nickel https://copper-nickel.org Wayne mentions his website, Instagram, and Copper Nickel as places to connect with him and explore his work. Join the BuildWriting Newsletter Get writing prompts, craft ideas, publishing insights, and behind-the-scenes notes to help you keep writing and build your craft. Join the BuildWriting newsletter: https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ Chapters 00:00 Building a Life Around Writing with Wayne Miller 00:48 When Poetry Becomes Something You Have to Write 04:39 Why Poetry Needs Compression 06:32 How a Poet's Craft Changes Over a Lifetime 11:15 The End of Childhood and the Collision of Personal Life and History 13:02 The Poem About Violence That Helped Unlock the Book 15:03 How Much of a Poem Should Be Autobiographical? 18:59 Poetry vs Short Stories: Which Is Harder to Write? 23:54 The Secret to Rhythm in Poetry and Prose 25:47 How Do You Find the Right First Line? 29:25 How Do You Know When a Poem Is Finished? 30:34 Why Some Poems Take Years to Finish 32:24 How to Keep Writing When Life Gets Busy 34:07 Wayne Miller's Poetry Revision Process 35:24 When to Listen to Writing Feedback and When to Ignore It 37:27 Why Even Successful Poets and Editors Get Rejected 37:59 What 16,000 Poetry Submissions Reveal About Publishing 39:15 Why Promising Poetry Still Gets Rejected 41:15 The Push It Further Lesson Every Writer Needs 44:33 What Editing Thousands of Poems Teaches You About Writing 47:22 What Wayne Miller Is Reading Right Now 49:00 What Wayne Miller Is Writing Next 49:43 Where to Find Wayne Miller 50:36 Keep Writing and Keep Building Your Craft

What if the stories worth writing aren't hiding in extraordinary experiences, but in the ordinary moments you usually overlook? In this episode of the BuildWriting Podcast, award-winning poet and essayist Sarah Marie Wells joins us to explore how paying closer attention to everyday life can make us better writers. Sarah shares how ordinary conversations, family life, nature, road trips, parenting, and even seemingly insignificant observations can become the starting point for poetry and creative nonfiction. We talk about how she decides whether an idea should become a poem or an essay, why some pieces take an afternoon while others take years, and how writers can capture ideas before they disappear. And if you struggle with editing while you're still trying to create, Sarah offers one of the simplest writing principles from the conversation Whether you write poetry, personal essays, memoir, or other forms of creative nonfiction, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, notice more, and discover how much material already exists in the life you're living. Connect with Sarah M. Wells Website: https://sarahmariewells.com/ Palace in Time: https://palaceintime.substack.com/ Learn more about Sarah's books, poetry, essays, and latest work, To Say One Million Times, Wow! , through her website. Join the BuildWriting Newsletter Become a better writer one piece at a time. Get writing prompts, practical ideas, behind-the-scenes notes, and resources to help you keep writing and building your craft. https://buildwriting.com/newsletter Chapters 00:00 Meet poet and essayist Sarah Marie Wells 01:20 The inspiration behind To Say One Million Times, Wow! 03:52 Why paying attention matters for writers 05:41 What does “paying attention” actually mean in writing? 07:34 Why every ordinary moment can be worth writing about 09:36 How writers know which moments to explore 12:53 Turning mundane experiences into meaningful writing 15:39 How ordinary moments become deeper stories 19:40 Why great writing feels universal 21:53 Combining poetry and creative nonfiction 24:28 How to decide whether an idea should be a poem or essay 27:31 Poetry vs. essays: If Sarah could only choose one 28:32 How long does it really take to write a poem or essay? 30:46 Turning an old poem into a new essay 33:44 Making a living as a professional writer 35:46 Why writing doesn't have to feel like suffering 37:29 Is your life interesting enough to write about? 41:40 Using journals, photos, and notes to capture writing ideas 43:45 Building a daily practice of paying attention 46:24 Project-based writing vs. writing every day 48:22 Write recklessly, edit ruthlessly 50:48 Where to find Sarah M. Wells and her work

Join the Buildwriting newsletter for writing prompts, publishing opportunities, practical advice, and behind-the-scenes notes for creative writers: ⁠Subscribe to the Buildwriting Newsletter⁠ How do you know which literary magazine is right for your writing? What are editors actually looking for—and what should you do when the rejection letters keep arriving? In this episode, I speak with Becky Tuch, a fiction and nonfiction writer and the founder of Lit Mag News. Becky previously founded The Review Review, where she spent years reviewing literary magazines, interviewing editors, and helping writers better understand the submission process. We explore how writers can research literary magazines without becoming overwhelmed, decide whether a publication is the right fit, and build a submission strategy that reflects their goals. Becky also explains why rejection letters often mean far less than writers assume. Whether you are preparing your first literary magazine submission or trying to recover from another round of rejections, this episode offers an honest and practical guide to navigating literary publishing. Connect With Becky Tuch Read Lit Mag News: ⁠https://litmagnews.substack.com⁠ Visit Becky’s website: ⁠https://www.beckytuch.com⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:52 How Becky entered the world of literary magazines 03:17 Why writers should read literary magazines 04:59 What causes a promising submission to miss the mark 06:26 What editors want from creative nonfiction 07:21 Can writers avoid the work of researching publications? 09:28 Should you write first or target a magazine first? 12:24 Using themed submissions as a writing exercise 13:44 Why writers should submit in batches 15:07 How to determine whether your work fits a magazine 16:45 Researching literary magazines efficiently 18:35 Making submissions less stressful and more social 19:56 What editors mean when they ask for voice 22:28 Why rejection letters mean less than writers think 24:42 Becky’s Chicago Quarterly Review acceptance 25:51 Do famous writers receive special treatment? 27:53 Matching your publication strategy to your goals 30:24 The 100 Rejections Challenge 32:49 AI, magazine closures, and changes in publishing 35:17 The end of NaNoWriMo and what writers can learn from it 36:11 Creating more specialized writing challenges 40:00 What excites Becky about literary magazines 42:10 Opportunities writers may be overlooking 43:05 What every writer should understand about publishing 45:34 Advice for writers receiving constant rejections 47:57 Why Becky continues to write 49:39 Where to connect with Becky 50:21 Closing

Join the BuildWriting newsletter for writing prompts, publishing tips, and behind-the-scenes notes for creative writers: https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ In this episode of the BuildWriting Podcast, I talk with poet, literary arts advocate, and publishing resource creator Trish Hopkinson about how poets can find the right literary magazines, submit their work with more strategy, and stay encouraged through rejection. Trish shares how she built her poetry blog, why university literary magazines are a great place for emerging poets to start, how to use submission trackers, and why community, revision, and persistence matter so much in a writer’s journey. We also talk about the difference between simply submitting poems and building a real submission strategy, what editors wish poets understood, and why having an online presence can open more doors for writers. Connect with Trish Hopkinson: Visit Trish’s website: https://trishhopkinson.com You can also find her through: https://selfishpoet.com Timestamped Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Why Trish started sharing literary magazine resources 04:01 The story behind “A Selfish Poet” 05:24 How to know where to submit a specific poem 06:36 Why university literary magazines are great for poets 08:52 Why poets should avoid unnecessary submission fees 10:29 Why university journals are often overlooked 12:50 Submission habit vs submission strategy 15:02 Why Trish kept submitting one poem for 10 years 17:33 Submission trackers for poets 19:25 How many poems should you have before submitting? 21:43 When should you revise a rejected poem? 23:54 How workshops help poets improve their work 27:50 What to track when submitting poems 31:14 The decision that changed Trish’s writing career 35:00 What literary magazine editors want poets to know 37:10 Audio, readings, and performing published poems 39:43 Why writers need community and visibility today 42:21 Selling poetry books and building an audience 44:20 How Rock Canyon Poets started 46:44 Tools for running a poetry workshop group 49:35 Why Trish writes poetry 50:15 Where to find Trish Hopkinson 51:22 Closing thoughts

It's National Poetry Month — and I didn't want to just talk about poetry. I wanted to give you something to actually write. So I took three classic prompts from Ted Kooser, Mary Oliver, and William Carlos Williams and put a creative spin on each one. These aren't assignments. They're warm-ups. Pick one, try it, see what comes out. Here's what I cover:— Ted Kooser's "small thing" prompt, but with higher stakes— Mary Oliver's "pay attention" prompt, but from a different perspective— William Carlos Williams' "this is just to say" prompt, but you write the reply You don't need to be a poet to try these. You just need to be willing to write something small and see what happens. Happy writing. Subscribe to the Build Writing newsletter for more prompts, ideas, and honest writing conversations — https://buildwriting.com/newsletter

Writing consistently sounds simple — but for most writers, it's the hardest part. In this episode, I sit down with Julie Duffy, founder of Story a Day, a global writing community best known for its short story challenges that help writers build consistency without pressure. Julie has been helping writers show up and rediscover joy in the craft for over a decade, and this conversation is full of practical, human, and deeply writer-centered wisdom. We talk about how to stop overthinking and start writing, why finishing a short story teaches you what no amount of drafting ever will, and how a simple Writer's Manifesto can help you stop chasing trends and finally write the stories only you can tell. Whether you're stuck in perfectionism, struggling to write consistently, or just need someone to remind you that creativity takes time — this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction: What it really takes to build a daily writing habit00:45 — Julie's origin story: From childhood writer to founding Story a Day03:54 — The moment she realized it wasn't just about her anymore05:39 — How 100 people showed up before she was even ready07:30 — The power of constraints: Why writing prompts work even when you hate them08:45 — Why our brains resist writing (and how to push through anyway)11:27 — Why short stories are a great entry point for writers13:00 — The Writer's Manifesto: A tool to discover what you truly want to write16:05 — How your core values shape your writing (even when you don't realize it)20:46 — Julie's own writing manifesto: prolific, open-hearted, optimistic22:26 — What surprises writers most when they take the Story a Day challenge25:42 — How to define a "successful writing day" (it's not what you think)29:35 — What finishing a story teaches you that endless drafting never does31:14 — Why short fiction is a destination, not just a stepping stone33:23 — Skills you build writing short stories that transfer to everything else36:47 — "My writing isn't good enough yet — should I still write every day?"39:26 — Show up for your inner writer: The long game of creative life40:56 — Story a Day May 2025: What's coming and how to join Connect with Julie Duffy: 🌐 Website & Community: https://storyaday.org 📄 Free Writer's Manifesto Workbook (made for Build Writing listeners): https://storyaday.org/buildwriting Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave a quick review or rating, and share it with a writer friend who needs to hear this. It really helps others find the show. 📬 Subscribe to the Build Writing newsletter for writing prompts, behind-the-scenes experiments, and more. https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/

What happens when writing isn’t just a creative outlet—but a lifeline? In this deeply honest conversation, poet, publisher, and author Patricia Harris opens up about what it means to live with poetry—not as a hobby, but as a way of surviving the world. From writing her first poems as a child to running her own publishing company, Patricia shares how poetry became her language for processing trauma, insomnia, migraines, loneliness, and life itself. If you’ve ever written to cope, read poetry to feel seen, or wondered whether your words matter—this conversation will stay with you.In This Episode, We Explore: How poetry became Patricia’s lifelong coping mechanism The role of poetry marathons in building creative endurance Why discipline and inspiration aren’t opposites The importance of learning poetic forms before breaking them How reading poetry helps writers feel less alone Publishing poetry, running a small press, and supporting other writers Redefining success as showing up and telling the truth Writing through trauma without losing love for the craft Connect with Patricia Harris Explore Patricia’s poetry, books, and publishing work on her personal blog: https://pattymouseblog.com Learn more about her publishing company and the authors she supports: https://faecorpspublishing.com You can also find her books across major retailers through Books2Read links available on the Faecorps Publishing site. About the Guest Patricia Harris is a poet, children’s author, and publisher. She writes poetry, nonfiction, and children’s books under her own name, and dark fantasy and horror under the pen name Serena Musgraves . She is the founder of Faecorpse Publishing , where she helps indie authors bring their work into the world. Patricia has been writing poetry since childhood and publishing since 2010. Join the BuildWriting Newsletter If today’s conversation inspired you, join my BuildWriting Newsletter — where I send writing prompts, creative reflections, and weekly reminders to return to the page. 👉 Join here: https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ A creative life grows when we grow it together. Chapters 00:00 Poetry as a Lifeline 01:03 What Patricia Writes and Why 02:10 Publishing Poetry and Building a Press 03:52 What a Poetry Marathon Really Demands 06:10 Prompts Pressure and Creative Freedom 07:25 Knowing the Rules Before Breaking Them 09:40 Writing Without Forcing the Work 11:04 Creativity Cooking and Chaos 14:59 Confidence Rejection and Finding Your Reader 17:35 How Poetry Changed Patricia’s Life 20:28 Why Reading Poetry Matters 23:15 The Poems That Stay Close 26:54 What Patricia Hopes Readers Feel 29:06 Defining Success as a Writer 31:49 Writing in Themes 35:11 Cover Design and Creative Control 41:08 Rapid Fire Poetry Rebels and Icons 43:06 If Her Poems Could Speak 43:54 Where to Find Patricia’s Work 45:02 Closing Thoughts Keep Writing

In this episode of the BuildWriting Podcast , I sit down with the incredible Cindy Watson —social justice lawyer, award-winning author, founder of Women On Purpose, and someone whose writing journey blends activism, vulnerability, courage, and deep human insight. What starts as a conversation about writing turns into one of the most reflective, honest, and transformative discussions I’ve ever had on this show. We talk about fiction vs. nonfiction, fear, creativity, parenting, mortality, advocacy, poetry, authenticity, and the real reason we write. This episode changed me. I think it might change you too. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & who Cindy is 02:00 Why fiction scares her more than nonfiction 05:00 Vulnerability, validation, and the fear of being judged 09:00 Making time to write vs. waiting for the “right time” 14:00 Her daughter’s surgery & how it changed her life and writing 18:00 What publishing really feels like 23:00 Writing for love vs. writing for validation 30:00 Poetry, emotion, and finding your inner voice 36:00 The surprising origin of The Art of Feminine Negotiation 51:00 My metaphysical questions on writing, success, and poetry 56:00 Where to find Cindy + our closing reflections Connect With Cindy Watson Learn more about Cindy’s work and mission: 🔗 Women On Purpose — https://womenonpurpose.ca 🎙️ Check out her podcast: The Art of Feminine Negotiation Podcast She’d love to connect with listeners who care about writing, advocacy, and living with intention. Join the BuildWriting Newsletter If today’s conversation inspired you, join my BuildWriting Newsletter — where I send writing prompts, creative reflections, and weekly reminders to return to the page. 👉 Join here: https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ A creative life grows when we grow it together.

In this episode of the BuildWriting Podcast, I sit down for a deeply inspiring conversation with British actor and voice artist James Beaumont . What started as a simple January writing challenge—1,000 words a day using prompts from my website—became 31 Stories , a full audio fiction podcast where James writes, performs, edits, and produces his own short stories. We talk about how prompts can unlock creativity, why performing your own writing brings a story to life in ways the written page alone cannot, and how actors blend creativity with interpretation to create something truly unique. We also discuss the joy (and challenge) of short-form audio fiction, the possibilities of radio plays, and the importance of trying new creative territory—even when you don’t think you’re “a writer.” If you’re a storyteller, poet, fiction lover, or creator exploring new artistic paths, this episode will leave you excited to experiment, write, perform, and build something entirely your own. Connect with James Website : https://linktr.ee/jamesbeaumont Join the Buildwriting Newsletter https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ Chapters 00:00 Opening & Guest Intro 00:41 Who James Is 02:38 How the Writing Began 03:44 Turning Stories Into a Podcast 05:24 New Prompts & New Process 06:54 Why Audio Fiction Matters 09:37 Radio Plays & Sound Design 11:08 Becoming a One-Man Producer 12:19 Writing for the Ear 14:58 Writing for Yourself First 16:04 AI vs Human Performance 18:40 Poetry + Music + Drama Ideas 22:05 Interpretation as Creativity 24:21 Why the Messenger Matters 27:26 Acting Range & Character Work 32:04 Trying New Creative Territory 37:02 Practice Over Perfection 45:34 Considering Radio Plays 48:03 Audience & Growth 51:36 Cross-Platform Creativity 51:59 Where to Find James 53:46 Closing Thoughts

Imagine dedicating 24 hours straight to writing poetry — one poem every hour, guided by unpredictable prompts and fueled by nothing but creativity, snacks, and community. That’s exactly what Amanda Potter, a Jacksonville-based poet and long-time participant in The Poetry Marathon, has done for nearly a decade. In this conversation with Onyemechi Nwakonam, Amanda shares how writing under pressure transforms not just her poetry but her sense of self. She talks about the friendships that have blossomed across continents, the joy of discovering new poetic forms, and the discipline it takes to create meaningful work hour after hour. Together, they explore how creativity thrives in constraint, what makes poetry such a powerful emotional release, and why some art forms—like poetry marathons—reveal who we truly are. Amanda also reads her 2016 poem “Taken Out of Context,” originally written for The Poetry Marathon Anthology. In This Episode What a poetry marathon is and why it’s so addictive The power of prompts and poetic forms (sonnets, sestinas, and nonets) How to stay creative and energized during long writing sessions Why community makes all the difference in artistic endurance The personal transformation that comes from writing without pause Amanda’s reflections on success, spontaneity, and the art of short poems Connect with Amanda Potter 👉 Facebook – search Quarter Crazy Marathon to join her next 12-hour poetry event (September 13 on Facebook) Connect with BuildWriting → Subscribe to the BuildWriting newsletter for behind-the-scenes notes, writing prompts, and creative-process insights: 🌐 https://buildwriting.com/newsletter Chapters 00:00 – The Power of the Poetry Marathon 01:00 – Discovering the Marathon 02:00 – The Challenge of Prompts and Forms 04:30 – Preparing for 24 Hours of Writing 07:00 – Staying Creative Through Fatigue 09:00 – How Marathon Writing Shapes Your Craft 13:00 – The Lessons of Endurance and Community 17:00 – Building Global Friendships Through Poetry 20:00 – Platforms Prompts and the Evolving Community 23:00 – The Art of Short Poems 28:00 – On Editing and Imperfection 33:00 – How Poetry Changes the Poet 36:00 – What Makes a Poem a Poem 40:00 – Advice for First Time Marathon Poets 50:00 – Closing Reflections

How to Turn Everyday Life into Poetry—and a Creative Calling | With Wendie Donabie What if poetry wasn’t just for the page—but a path to healing, rediscovery, and purpose? In this episode of Buildwriting , Wendie Donabie shares exactly how she transformed retirement into a thriving creative life through poetry and painting. Whether you're writing your first poem or wondering if your art truly matters, Wendie’s story will show you how to reconnect with inspiration, write from emotion, and embrace the mess and meaning of creativity. You’ll learn: How to use art and nature to spark poetry What poetry marathons can teach you about writing under pressure How to balance structure and spontaneity in your writing routine How poetry helps process grief and deepen self-understanding Why consistency is more important than perfection If you’ve ever doubted your voice, felt too late to start, or wanted to find meaning in your words—this episode is your invitation back to the page. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Wendie Donabie: From Corporate Life to Creative Rebirth 02:00 How to Use Art and Nature as Poetic Prompts 05:00 Inside a Poetry Marathon: What It’s Like and What It Teaches 08:00 Sustaining Creative Energy During Long Writing Sessions 11:00 Writing Through Grief and Emotional Turning Points 14:00 From Poetry to Mystery Novels: Trusting the Evolving Muse 17:00 What Makes Poetry Powerful and Why It Still Matters 20:00 Advice for Beginner Poets and What Wendie Wishes She Knew 23:00 Where to Read More of Wendie’s Work Connect with Wendie Donabie: 🌿 Website (Poetry & Blog): https://wendiedonabie.ca 🎨 Art Gallery: https://wendiedonabie.com Join the Buildwriting Newsletter: 📩 Want behind-the-scenes writing insights, poetry prompts, and creative tools? Subscribe here

In this episode of BuildWriting, host Onyemechi Nwakonam sits down with mathematician-turned-poet Shreya Suraj to explore how to find inspiration in the ordinary and craft poetry that truly connects. Shreya shares her journey from writing free verse during the pandemic to leading environmental art workshops and beach cleanups—and how all of it fuels her creative process. What You’ll Learn How Shreya blends precision and playfulness to spot poetic moments in everyday life The moment she discovered the freedom of free verse and let go of forced rhymes Behind the scenes of her “Cell Phone or Prison Cell?” poem and why it resonates Practical prep tips for virtual poetry marathons—even when power cuts strike Why simplicity and emotional clarity are the hallmarks of accessible poetry Shreya’s top advice for hosting welcoming, low-pressure open mic events Creative ways she recycles household materials into mandala art Thoughts on the challenges of getting paid for poetry today—and alternative income ideas Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & episode overview 01:18 – Meet Shreya Suraj: poet, mom, environmental activist 04:19 – From rhymes to free verse: finding your voice 06:53 – Reading “Cell Phone or Prison Cell?” poem 09:01 – Preparing for a poetry marathon in low-power contexts 11:47 – Sharing a kitchen-inspired poem on secret nibbles 14:37 – The essence of poetry: touching another soul 18:42 – How to run an inclusive, low-stress open mic 21:02 – Making money (or not) as a poet and artist 24:15 – Recycling art demo: turning question papers into mandalas 28:26 – Final thoughts: success & next steps Resources & Links ▶ Follow Shreya on Instagram: @shreyasurajabcd ▶ Join our newsletter for writing prompts & behind-the-scenes: https://buildwriting.com/newsletter If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating or review and share with a fellow writer. Keep writing, keep building your craft—see you next week!

Hey writers and creators, Mechi here! After a much-needed break, I’m back celebrating five years of the Buildwriting blog and podcast. I’ve realized the key to growth is showing up—even when it’s messy. That’s why I’m committing to weekly episodes, new guest interviews, and building a real community for writers of all backgrounds. We’re launching book clubs, spoken word sessions, and interactive workshops, all shaped by YOUR feedback. So, subscribe, share, and join us every Monday and Friday as we level up our writing journeys together! Stay inspired every week with fresh creative writing prompts, insider tips on crafting poetry and short prose, and personal stories from a fellow writer’s journey—delivered straight to your inbox. Join the BuildWriting newsletter : https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ Chapters 00:00:00 - Five Years of Buildwriting: Reflections and Gratitude 00:00:42 - The Break: Why I Stepped Away 00:01:12 - Showing Up as a Writer and Building Community 00:02:03 - The Challenge of Consistency and Quality in Writing 00:02:28 - Missing the Podcast and Renewed Commitment 00:03:07 - Community Impact and Listener Stories 00:03:45 - Setting Accountability & Future Podcast Schedule 00:04:43 - Episode Structure Moving Forward 00:05:22 - Inviting Diverse Writing Voices 00:06:32 - Invitations to All Forms of Literary Creators 00:07:15 - Plans for a Book Club 00:08:05 - Building a Spoken Word Community 00:08:59 - Creating a Supportive Writer’s Group 00:09:22 - Workshops and Other Creative Projects 00:09:55 - How to Connect & Support the Podcast 00:10:20 - Share Your Ideas and Stay Tuned 00:10:38 - Closing and What’s Next

In this episode, I share my incredible experience participating in the Poetry Marathon last year and why you should join the 2025 Poetry Mountain. It’s a 24-hour challenge where you write one poem every hour (or 12 hours for the half marathon). No competition—just you, your creativity, and a supportive global community of poets. Key Takeaways: My Experience: Last year, I almost missed the marathon due to a test, but when it got postponed, I dove in. Writing 24 poems in 24 hours pushed me to explore new forms, themes, and ideas—I surprised myself with what I created! What Is the Poetry Marathon? Full Marathon: 24 poems in 24 hours. Half Marathon: 12 poems in 12 hours. It’s about testing your limits, not competing. Why Join? Challenge yourself and discover hidden creativity. Write more in one day than you might in a year. Be part of a global community of writers. Logistics: Date: May 17, 2025. Deadline to register: May 12, 2025. Completely free! Preparation Tips: Mark the date and check your time zone. Finish chores/tasks beforehand to focus on writing. Invite poet friends to join—it’s more fun together! Ready to push your creative boundaries? Sign up using the link in the description! Share this with fellow writers, and let’s make the 2025 Poetry Marathon unforgettable. Join here - https://thepoetrymarathon.com/blog/the-poetry-marathon-prompts/registration-is-open-2

Join the newsletter to get my letters https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ In this episode, I share my journey of writing poetry for six consecutive days and the lessons I learned along the way. As someone who loves writing but struggled to build a consistent habit, I made a commitment to write a poem every day with just one simple rule: it had to be a minimum of ten lines. I discuss the challenges, triumphs, and the surprising moments of inspiration that came with showing up daily to write.I also explore the importance of consistency and how just showing up can shift your mindset and identity as a writer. Writing isn't always about creating masterpieces — it's about the practice and discipline of putting words on paper, even when the inspiration feels absent. I read one of my poems, “Scribbled Piece,” and reflect on how writing without judgment helped me embrace imperfection and build confidence.Looking ahead, I share my plan to emulate the works of Carl Sandburg, using his poetry as inspiration to explore new creative styles and techniques. Join me as I continue this poetic journey, discovering what it truly means to be a writer and how imitation can be a powerful tool for growth. If you love writing or want to develop a creative habit, this episode offers inspiration and actionable insights.Let me know your thoughts or suggestions for poets I should study next. Happy writing! Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: Writing Poetry Daily02:47 The Process of Writing: Showing Up06:11 Lessons Learned: Time, Money, and Passion09:07 The Importance of Identity: Feeling Like a Writer12:02 Next Steps: Imitating Great Writers

I'm exploring the paradox of aspiring writers who avoid writing, trapped between perfectionism and fear. I discuss how waiting for the "perfect moment" or more experience prevents growth, while professional writers simply write regardless of circumstances. Join the newsletter https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Writing Trap 00:41 - Experience vs Action 01:41 - Historical Fiction Example 02:30 - Writing Advice Reality 03:43 - The Core Problem 04:30 - Fear of Criticism 05:37 - Professional Writer's Life 07:20 - Accountability Discussion 09:35 - Accessibility of Writing 11:46 - Ideas and Expansion 13:11 - Identity vs Work 14:15 - Finding Your Process 15:20 - Breaking Free from Excuses

Join The Newsletter https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ Chapters 00:00 Podcast Relaunch and New Format 03:07 Overcoming Writing Challenges and Building Consistency 05:58 Engagement and Future Plans for the Podcast

In this episode, I emphasize that there’s no perfect time to start writing—so stop waiting for the right circumstances. I use J.K. Rowling as an example of someone who wrote Harry Potter during tough times, showing the importance of using what you have and working with your current skills. I suggest setting small, achievable daily writing goals and making use of inconvenient times and places to write. Challenges can be inspiration, and creating a minimal writing space can help you get started. Remember, the right time to start writing is right now. Join My Newsletter Love what you're hearing? Stay connected and never miss an update by joining my newsletter! Get exclusive insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox. Just head over to https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ and sign up today! Send an Audio Message Got something to say? I want to hear from you! Send me an audio message with your thoughts, questions, or stories, and you might just hear your voice on the next episode. Visit https://buildwriting.com/speak/ to record your message now! Takeaways There is no perfect time to start writing, so start now. Use what you have and work with your current skill level. Set small achievable daily writing goals. See challenges as inspiration and overcome them. Create a minimal writing space that works for your current situation. Chapters 00:00 Stop Waiting for the Right Circumstances 01:11 Use What You Have to Create What You Want 02:15 Waiting Leads to Regret and Missed Opportunities 03:15 Challenges as Inspiration 04:11 Use What You Have to Give Permission to Others to Shine 05:05 Create a Minimal Writing Space