Episodes

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this special update, Matt and Christina share that Write Out Loud will be taking a short, mid-season pause to recalibrate and focus on personal challenges and commitments. The hosts emphasize their dedication to delivering high-quality storytelling content and their desire to be fully present for every conversation. They also include a rallying cry for creatives who find themselves in similar circumstances. Key Highlights The "Spring Break" Pause: The te...

Got something to say? Send us a text! This week, Matt and Christina dive into the phenomenon of the "will not read" list. They explore why readers blackball certain authors, noting that these refusals usually transcend simple critiques of writing style and fall into three distinct categories: Moral Objections: The duo discusses personal bans based on an author’s real-world actions. They both refuse to read J.K. Rowling due to her public anti-trans activism, and they examine how allegations ...

Got something to say? Send us a text! Matt and Christina discuss whether spoilers and predictable endings ruin stories, arguing that mystery isn’t dead but often misunderstood. Using examples like Titanic, Pride and Prejudice, superhero and historical films, It Ends With Us, a 60 Minutes Holocaust survivor segment, John Wick, and the musical & Juliet, they emphasize that audiences stay invested because of character journey, growth, emotional impact, and the cost of getting to a known outcome. T...

Got something to say? Send us a text! Matt and Christina discuss Rachel Reid’s romance Heated Rivalry and its HBO adaptation, focusing on the rivals-to-lovers relationship between Ilya and Shane, the slow-burn tension, and the mix of tenderness, humor, and emotional devastation. They talk about how the story’s public “hate” is more about competition and concealment—especially tied to Shane’s uncertainty about his sexuality—while Ilya is more self-assured but constrained by his Russian home life ...

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' Matt and Christina return after a brief hiatus to tackle the complex question of whether writers should be vocal about their personal political beliefs or let their work speak for itself. They discuss the implications and potential consequences for artists who choose to speak out in an age where silence isn't neutral, but speaking up carries its own risks. They also explore how audience reactions and societal e...

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud', Matt and Christina delve into the nuance of ambiguous endings in storytelling, inspired by the classic short story 'The Lady or the Tiger' by Frank R. Stockton. They discuss how modern TV shows like 'Stranger Things' are using this narrative technique to engage audiences and challenge them to imagine their own conclusions. The conversation touches on the importance of imaginative engagement, the risks and rewards of ...

Got something to say? Send us a text! It's another Holiday Replay, and this time we're bringing back our episode with author Ruby Dixon! This episode originally aired back on October 14, 2024, so you'll hear some mentions of a book releasing going live "tomorrow." That, obviously, was back then. The book, Bull Moon Rising, is available everywhere now. In this episode of the Write Out Loud Podcast, hosts Matt Cassem and Christina Trevaskis introduce their guest, Ruby Dixon,...

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this Holiday Replay episode of Write Out Loud, we revisit our unforgettable conversation with Kristen Ashley, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose career has helped redefine modern romance publishing. With more than 90 novels published, over 5 million copies sold, and translations in 14 languages, Kristen shares a candid look at her journey—from years of rejection to massive success—by trusting her voice and writing the stories she wan...

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' Matt and Christina explore what makes characters truly unforgettable. The hosts discuss the qualities that endear characters to readers, including depth, motivation, and impactful choices. Through examples like Atticus Finch and Hannibal Lecter, they highlight how well-crafted characters leave lasting impressions. Tips are also shared for writers on avoiding common pitfalls and nurturing characters that feel re...

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of Write Out Loud, Matt and Christina dive into the world of hot takes in storytelling and writing. They debate controversial opinions and craft advice such as the use of prologues, the role of adverbs, plot versus character importance, and the balance of world-building with plot. Some of the hot takes even tackle the complexity of 'show, don't tell,' the nature of villains, and the necessity of conflict in romance. Tune in for a lively disc...

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of Write Out Loud, Matt & Christina dive into the discussion of TV show release schedules, debating the merits of the all-at-once 'binge' model made popular by Netflix versus traditional weekly releases. They explore the impact on audience engagement, social interaction, and potential marketing strategies. Drawing parallels with the publishing industry, the conversation extends to how the frequency of book releases affects reader anticipation...

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of 'Write Out Loud,' co-hosts Matt and Christina deep dive into the world of literary representation. They welcome acclaimed literary agent Lisa Woodson, who shares invaluable insights into the publishing world. The conversation explores common misconceptions about literary agents, the importance of building an author platform, and effective marketing strategies for new and aspiring authors. Lisa emphasizes the significance of a st...

Got something to say? Send us a text! In this episode of Write Out Loud, hosts Matt and Christina are joined by bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann. Suz talks about her career in romance and military suspense novels, as well as her recent foray into producing LGBTQ indie movies. The highlight of the episode is Suz's discussion on her new Kickstarter campaign for her latest book in the Troubleshooters series, 'Jules Cassidy, PI'. She shares insights into why she chose crowdfunding over tradit...

Got something to say? Send us a text! Kickoff to Season Five: What's To Come and Celebrating Milestones In the inaugural episode of Write Out Loud's fifth season, hosts Matt and Christina celebrate their return with excitement and energy. Reflecting on significant life changes and a longer-than-expected hiatus, they proudly announce a milestone of 2,500 podcast downloads! The episode introduces the season's lineup, promising insightful conversations with bestselling authors, industry...