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Monday, 9 March 2020

Episode #40: Boosting Your Creativity

We’re celebrating our 40^th episode with a little look at ways to boost your creativity. Jenni has notes and Marc has lots of thoughts, so we can make creativity work for you!

Listen to us on

> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

We talk a lot about what we do to boost our creativity. Things like taking walks, getting out in nature, taking a shower, having some background music or chat, solitude and, of course, NEVER GIVING UP. Marc also explores our mental health and wellbeing, including forest bathing and the massive benefits for our both our physical selves and our brains.

It seems like there are many ways to help your creativity – it’s whatever suits you and your working style, but hopefully you’ll get some new ideas and info from our comprehensive-ish research. We also float the idea of POW retreats where people mainly have showers then stay in their room and are allowed out occasionally for walks… prison. It’s a POW retreat prison.

Also this episode -

Jenni can’t pronounce ‘Nietzsche’
More The Good Place talk
DON’T GIVE UP
Big up our hero Dr Rangan Chatterjee
The return of talking about rollercoaster games – woohoo!
Amazing insights into the world of charity shops and puzzles.
A silly word game of Rhyming Tennis

Thanks to our sponsor, BadFish - use offer code POW for 10% off
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Monday, 17 February 2020

Episode #39: How To Write (by Other Writers)

Jen and Marc look at the BBC Women's Hour short clip of writers giving tips on how to write a novel. We pick out the key points for us, and how they have, or will, affect our creative journey. Also, Jenni gives an update on her book and we talk The Masked Singer, Taylor Swift, folding crisp packets, Hot Cross Bun day and much more silliness.

Listen to us on

> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

Marc happened upon this lovely clip of writers talking to Women's Hour about their writing tips and advice. Writers such as Prue Leith, Angie Thomas, Ruby Wax, Allison Pearson and Nina Stibbe talk about how to write and how they write, and how to write that book! Jenni and Marc pull out their highlights, what resonated with them, and also how Prue Leith manages to get her laptop into the toilets at cocktail parties (what if she needs a plug? Does she carry a rucksack? Does everyone else think she's just doing a massive poo? SO MANY QUESTIONS!).

These tips might not be groundbreaking but they definitely ring true for us and other writers we've talked to, including Negeen Papehn who talked to us a while ago where we discussed how constantly she writes. Finding your own voice is really important, and we think about the style and pace of books we loved to read, as well as the books we've found difficult and hard going. We also talk about accepting things as imperfect and not chasing the impossible perfection.

We also find out just how much this podcast has helped Jenni's writing experience in terms of motivational techniques, characterisation and plotting a book. Sadly you'll miss the beautiful hand movements of wobbly waves and circles.

Also this episode -

Learning through failure with How To Fail by Elizabeth Day and also the new Taylor Swift Documentary Miss Americana on Netflix
Check out the hot men on the new covers of Negeen Papehn's trilogy
We mention the books The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan and Love of Imperfect Things by Haemin Sumin
We put our predictions down for The Masked Singer
Who remembers The Big Breakfast? We do some reminiscing and Marc has an impressive memory!
Progression not perfection! Thank you Marc's business course!
Jenni is obsessed with Stacey Solomon and her hanging crisp cupboards and that leads to an odd conversation about that popular old cleaning duo Kim and Hagrid and folding up crisp packets. You're welcome!

Monday, 13 January 2020

Episode #38: Friends Reunited

In our first episode of 2020, and our first one together FOR AGES, Jenni and Marc talk about what we've been up to. We chat about Jen's NaNoWriMo achievement, what else we've done over the end of 2019 and what books and other sources of inspiration we've found lately. And then we talk a lot about puddings.

Listen to us on

> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

We're back, bright and breezy for a new decade of writing talk! In this episode we discuss Jenni's approach to NaNoWriMo, the motivational techniques and how it feels to actually finish a book. NaNoWriMo, and especially the appy-tool website thing, was a real advantage to setting a challenge and completing it and we recommend it to all budding writers. Then we talk editing and next steps, as well as Jen's problematic title (warning, there is a BIG swear in there).

There's also some chit chat about books we've loved recently, how Michelle Obama and Marc are practically twins and Marc's adventures into networking and being a start up. Then the real reason for the podcast - we work out what puddings and how many are appropriate for Christmas Dinner. What's the deal with trifle anyway?

Also this episode -

The campaign for Jen to narrate her own audiobook starts here
We rate Michelle Obama's Becoming, Nadiya Hussain's Finding My Voice and Dawn O'Porter's So Lucky
Audiobooks vs real books (again)
A good old wartime adventure romp - John Buchan's The Thirty-Nine Steps
Are we doing Dry January? Uh, no.

Thursday, 9 January 2020

Episode #37: NaNoWriMo 2019... Part Four

Not to give anything away but... Jenni finished her book! Yes, find out how if feels to write 50,000 words in 30 days and only slightly lose your mind. Join us for the final stretch, as tensions are high and time is running out.

If you're writing a novel this month for NaNoWriMo, you can follow Jenni as JenniPOW at NaNoWriMo

Thanks to our sponsor, BadFish - use offer code POW for 10% off
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Episode #36: NaNoWriMo 2019... Part Three

It's week three of NaNoWriMo and it's full on writing time for Jen.

If you're writing a novel this month for NaNoWriMo, you can follow Jenni as JenniPOW at NaNoWriMo

Thanks to our sponsor, BadFish - use offer code POW for 10% off
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Monday, 18 November 2019

Episode #35: NaNoWriMo 2019... Part two

It's week two of NaNoWriMo so join Jenni as she has a little breakdown and gets hysterical over mayonnaise pixies.

It's a week of highs and lows, peaks and troughs, 6,000 words one day and 0 the next. Jen talks about how she's finding the challenge and how difficult it is to explain the plot to people without feeling a bit stupid and embarrassed. She is also begins to work out what writing and motivational strategies work for her, with great results and how to start getting the most out of defined writing times.

If you're writing a novel this month for NaNoWriMo, you can follow Jenni as JenniPOW at NaNoWriMo

Thanks to our sponsor, BadFish - use offer code POW for 10% off
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Monday, 11 November 2019

Episode #34: NaNoWriMo 2019... Part 1

We're back! Well, one of us is back. As Marc gets busy creating amazing art and prints (shop here and here), Jen is being a lady of (temporary) leisure and that can only mean one thing - It's Nanny WriMo, baby!

Jen is challenging herself to write a brand new novel over the course of November. That means 50,000 words. It is, as she finds out, a challenge. That is why they call it a challenge. Join her in an audio diary to find out exactly how many words she manages to write each day (although less of this as we go on), her struggles with procrastination, and whether the dog barks at the postman (spoiler alert, she does).

It's only a short episode, so take a few moments of your day to have a listen. If you're also doing NaNoWriMo, Jenni's profile is JenniPOW so come and say hello on the NaNoWriMo site!

Thanks to our sponsor, BadFish - use offer code POW for 10% off
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Monday, 29 July 2019

Episode #33: The POWer of the Workspace

While Jenni only cleans her desk when she gets told off by her cleaner, and Marc settles into his brand new tailor-made studio workspace, we talk about the impact that your workspace has on your productivity and creativity.

Listen to us on

> iTunes

> Stitcher

> Spotify

> Acast

or right here...

Looking after and improving your environment is an extension of self-care, and will help you not only avoid procrastination but also being called Mr Treebus (if you don’t know who Mr Treebus is, all is explained in the episode). It makes an impact on your state of mind and when you feel good about where you are, you’re bound to create some amazing things.

We chat about dream workspaces – and they are pretty fantastical, lovely smells, what you can do to make your workspace better, routines and much more. And then we start talking about the Muppets and the new Harry Potter game.

Also this episode:

Marc makes a stand about excess packaging
Jenni’s candle recommendations – Emporio Green Army
Christmas Day viewing and essential Christmas Eve/Day movies

Monday, 15 July 2019

Episode #32: 5 Ways to Find Inspiration

This episode we’re discussing motivation and how to find inspiration!

What are your quick go-to points of inspiration?

What are the tools you always have on hand to fire up your brain and fuel your creativity?

Listen to us on

> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

Marc talks about the music, and the different types of music, he listens to to help his creativity. To get Jenni focused, she uses podcasts (even if she isn’t really listening to them). We discuss how music can set the mood of what you’re writing, free writing, exercising your brain (and your hands/wrists!) and more.

We also explore how important self-care is for keeping you inspired and motivated, something that is very easily forgotten about. The practical aspects of motivation, avoiding procrastination, confronting your fear of failure and making the tasks you have to do work for you in terms of simplicity are also covered. There's a mad tangent where Jenni creates a new phrase ‘deadlining yourself out’ which is sure to catch on, and is basically just creating lists, priorities and deadlines to motivate yourself, and then we make up some weird anthropomorphic characters that are based on keyboard buttons and it goes a bit strange. Enjoy!

Also this episode:

Can you watch TV (well, Project Runway) while being creative?
Jen does her best Norbert impression
Philippa Perry ‘The Book You Wish Your Parents Read’ and Fearne Cotton’s podcast ‘Happy Place’
Who should play Ursula in The Little Mermaid? Should actors be representative of the parts they play?
Jenni on the radio!
Imogen Heap and Lizzo

Monday, 17 June 2019

Episode #31: Therapy for Procrastinators

Focusing on procrastination and taking on a new angle for this episode, we look at new directions, career paths and how we (well, Jen) could be avoiding big decisions by generally just faffing about.

Listen to us on

> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

What would you do if you could do it all again? Would you make different choices?

Jen is very interested in career changes and how people turn their lives in different directions. As someone who’s been in the same sort of job since uni, she’s fascinated about the reasoning and decision making that goes into changing your life completely.

We delve deep into the reasons why Marc has changed from his childhood dreams to be an animator,

to his new print making and design business – MarcoLooks. Marc also tries to pin down the theorectical ‘Jennifer’ (not based on Jen in any way) on what she wants to do next.

We also discuss the difference between having these thoughts and conversations and then actually taking some action, and the fear of failure behind it. Marc goes into full on therapy-mode to ‘Jennifer’ (not a real person at all) for a really thought-provoking podcast.

Also in this episode

We miss drinking while recording
Catch up with the fantastic Esther Fairfax and Jenifer Klepfler interview
The well known ‘Cobbler’s children’s shoes’ analogy (a little bit better explained here)
Find out what Marc really wanted to be when he grew up!
It gets extremely deep and we ask some tough questions for our made up persona "Jennifer' (again, this is a fictional person).
That Tick Tock song.

Thanks to our sponsor, BadFish - use offer code POW for 10% off

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK

Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com

Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Monday, 13 May 2019

Episode #29: How to Start Writing Again After a Break

This time Marc and Jen talk about getting back to creative work after a break. If life has got in the way of your writing, how can you get back in the swing of things?

We also chat about last episode’s interview with the very nice Chris Billingham.

Listen to us on

> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

We discuss 'Percolating', the new phrase Chris started using to brew ideas and mull over stories in his head, and how this has impacted on Jenni’s work positively. The dwell factor and reflection is an important process, reducing writer’s block and giving you time to really deepen your plot, plus it sounds like you're just about to make a lovely coffee!

We talk about getting back to work after a break with some tips! How can big events, or just plain old life stuff, affect your writing? How do you get back into a routine? Some of the tips we cover are to really think about your framework, finding the right environment to work in, changing up your routine and looking after yourself and your wellbeing. Marc also talks about artists that he has worked alongside that have actually gone on a physical break before they start up on projects.

Also this episode:

We talk about that time Jenni stripped on stage and had a girly kiss.
Jenni’s Nan’s penchant for a ‘lovely story’ (ie a dirty book).
The return of the word’s nincompoop and ninny.
Diversity, privilege and how to overcome this in your writing.
Who appreciates a bad smell?
Our dream locations for short breaks.
Marc has some very rich friends.

Listen to the episode with Chris Billingham here.

Thanks to our sponsor, BadFish - use offer code POW for 10% off
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Monday, 29 April 2019

Episode #28: Interview with Chris Billingham

This episode Jenni talks to Chris Billingham, one of our favourite people and a writer of many things.

We talk about how it's different writing with a partner, how to increase the diversity in our work, procrastination, deadlines, expectations and even term a band new writing phrase - 'percolation'.

Listen to us on
> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

Chris Billingham has written three plays, a web series, two short films and won at least two awards. This means he is an 'award winning writer', although he doesn't like us saying that at all. He's a fantastically proficient writer, as well as having a proper job and having two/three podcasts with podcast partner Dan Doolan.

All the details for Chris's work will be below, so please check it out. We talk about the process of writing and how we write and plan plots (or not!), the importance and potential drawbacks of deadlines, how you should write for characters that don't fit your own gender, race or sexuality and also Chris's background in screenwriting.

Also...

Jenni's laptop died on the first attempt of this interview so listen to us try to remember what we said the first time round
How we wasted the opportunities of our uni years
Chris's percolation process
Using our lovely supportive partners as procrastination excuses
Our daydreams of musical stardom and Jenni's failed band experience
Actual kisses (and some stripping) on stage

If you want to find out more about Chris's writing and podcasting...

Go With Him - AWARD WINNING Short film (Written and directed by Chris Billingham, produced by James Watts and Chris Billingham)
I Did - Short film (Written by Chris Billingham, produced and directed by James Watts)
Sneaking into the Theatre - Trailer (Written by Chris Billingham). Jenni is in this but thankfully not in her underwear.
Nothing But Static - YouTube channel and podcast. Also on Twitter @Nothinbutstatic
Steven University podcast
Writing Space - TV Pilot Edit

Thanks to our sponsor, BadFish - use offer code POW for 10% off

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Monday, 11 March 2019

Episode #27: PomoMARCHo! Setting Creative Goals

Join us for a little catch up episode where we check in on each other and how we’re doing, motivation-wise.

We can’t remember what number episode we’re on (is it any wonder with the amount of bonus episodes we’re knocking out?) but we are back to plot out our creative adventures.

Listen to us on
> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

We’ve come up against a strange sort of writer’s block when it comes down to finishing our book, so we talk through how writing letters from their characters has given us a push to get into the next phase of novel writing. We then set Jenni up on PomoMarcho where she’ll be writing 25 minutes a day for the rest of March in a bid to get lots of lovely words in. Marc will then use his holiday time, once he’s finished being all creative on his other projects, to take a look at our latest draft.

Will we achieve our Italian-sauce based goals? Will Jenni’s family get bored with constant pasta dinners?

Also...

Jenni looks angelic briefly, which is not helpful on a podcast
We uncover a massive problem with the POW logo
Some book recommendations based on old people – An Unsuitable Match by Joanna Trollope and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fryby Rachel Joyce “If you like old people, you’d like it.”
‘Drag Race for Painters’ – Landscape Artist of the Year
Old People TV! Great News on Netflix and Hold the Sunset on BBC
The Screenwriting free course (plus loads of others) on FutureLearn

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

Check out Jen's 2018 booklist

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

BONUS! Episode #26.5+: RPDG All Stars 4 & RuPaul's Drag Race 11

You lucky listener, you...not one, but TWO bonus episodes before our latest proper episode reaches you! We couldn't keep this bonus edition buried away for much longer. Jen and Marc finally get chance to catch up on our thoughts about RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 4 (has Latrice had more chances than Shangela? Did Naomi make the right choice? Who's the real winner?) and we also chat all things season 11 (which has just started on Netflix/VH1), particularly which queens are standing out to us and who are early predictions might be.

Listen here or from wherever you find your podcasts...

Our next episode is nearly ready for your ears, so keep an eye out for that too x

#TeamNina

Wednesday, 6 March 2019

BONUS! Episode #26.5: Eurovision 2019 - Early Predictions!

Yes! We're approaching Eurovision season already! Whilst you're waiting for our next regular episode to emerge from the editting studio, Marc thought he would put together a tiny, bonus episode talking about one of the things he loves the most...no, not Kylie...Eurovision!

Just over half of the competing countries have announced which song will represent them this year, in Tel Aviv, so Marc takes us through some of his favourites so far, and also has a look at who the bookmakers are predicting to come out on top.

Our next episode will be winging its way to your podcast devices in the next few days, so keep an eye out x

Monday, 11 February 2019

Episode #26: How Do You Plot Your Book?

We have hit a wall in our book writing process, so we’ve decided to work on our plots.

Join us this episode to discuss techniques to structure plots and writing advice to plot your novel.

Listen to us on
> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

Doing some research for once and looking at techniques from Jericho Writers, amongst others, Jenni and Marc break down some plots from famous novels and try and apply them to their own book. We also look at classic plot structures from Well-Storied.com, using Freytag’s Pyramid, the Fichtean Curve and the Hero’s Journey.

Is our problem that we have so many main characters? Do we need to keep structuring our plot? Is our timeline enough? We try and work out how to finish off our novel, and Jenni then tries to completely change the book by just having one main character. And Marc shuts her down. Quite rightly.

Also in this episode
· Writing down the Status Quo
· Who is the main character in Lord of the Rings?
· Is Harry Potter the main character in the Harry Potter books? (yes, yes he is)
· Our main plot line appears to be ‘he’s being a naughty boy and shagging about a bit’
· Jenni’s kids book plots – The Dog Stuck in the Fence and The Trip to the Post Office
· An update of the effect of the lovely Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s book on Jen and reducing phone time
· Our amazing idea of a pub, where your loyalty card gets you story updates! Plus red wine and steak night!

****

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK

Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com

Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

Check out Jen's 2018 booklist

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Monday, 14 January 2019

Episode #24: Reading for Pleasure VS Reading for Challenge

Happy New Year from POW Podcast UK! This episode we’re talking about reading for pleasure versus reading as a task.

Following on from Jenni’s 2018 reading challenge against friend-of-the-show-Gemma’s husband Scott, Marc and Jenni discuss how the challenge went, how it affected Jenni’s love of reading and, crucially, WHO WON!

Listen to us on

> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

If you’re reading with one eye on the total, it really makes a difference about what and how you read. We discuss the choices that you make, as well as the books Jenni really enjoyed this year, which ones she read really quickly, and which ones she abandoned because they were just taking too long.

We also discuss the perfect environment for competitive reading, which may or may not involve a spa break paid for by Marc, and whether listening to an audio book counts as reading an actual book.

Also on the podcast:

Hot lovin’ with the band on the aeroplane on holiday in the shack
Approaching reading like eating, and getting your full range of nutrients
A lot of Harry Potter chat
The perils of listening to a podcast on 11/2 speed
How do you say Katniss?
Some more podcast recommendations including Off Menu, Homosapiens and Happy Place
Marc talks about one of inspirations and mentors Douglas Jeal

You can find out all the books Jenni read in 2018 on the official reading list page

And finally, we realise that we haven’t done any writing recently which is the point of this podcast. We need some help with ideas for writing challenges – can you help us?

****

Follow us on twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Episode #23: All We Want for Christmas is... Books!

Marc and Jen are back to give you a run down of the best Christmas gifts for the readers and writers in your life.

Listen to us on

> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

It’s Chriiiiiiiiistmas! With jingle bells at the ready and a naughty elf, Marc and Jen either think about what other people would like (Marc) or just write down what they want (Jen). Along the way we ponder the trouble with goats and sheep, reminisce about the books we read as kids, confuse Albert with Abdul and reignite the Kindle debate.

Whether it’s a bestseller, something critically acclaimed or an off the wall choice, we’ve got a great selection should you need a last minute present. There’s still time, so make someone happy with a book specially chosen from the masters of procrastination.

On our wishlist this Christmas:

And keep listening to the end for another INSPIRATIONAL quote, that was not found at the last minute by Jenni because she forgot, oh no…

Follow us on twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

Monday, 12 November 2018

Episode #22: What Do You Do With Feedback?

In the midst of Nanny Flymo (#NaNoWriMo) Marc and Jen talk about getting feedback from their first chapters and the best ways to deal with critiques and comments from those lucky few that have finally had a peek at your writing.

Listen to us on
> iTunes
> Stitcher
> Spotify
> Acast

or right here...

If you’ve written a novel, short story or any sort of creative writing, there will be a time where you’re going to have to put it front of someone to read it and, hopefully, give you a bit of useful feedback. But what should you do with that feedback? We have some top tips to help you apply any criticism to your work. Whether it’s avoiding taking comments personally, extracting those golden nuggets and common themes or remembering the bigger picture, our advice should allow you to take feedback on board without sinking!

It’s also November, National Novel Writing Month, so check in with how we’re getting on with NaNoWriMo and listen to us talk way too much about pie and the problems with fitting in writing when that tricky old life stuff gets in the way.

What else did we talk about this episode?

Jenni gets a bit deep with her ‘inflated sense of self’ – she may not quite understand what this means
We take food related metaphors too far, with our box of golden nuggets and choice of pie pomodoro (Pumpkin, Apple, Pecan, Treacle, yum!)
Singapore is NOT in Indonesia (Thanks Wikipedia!)
We also take sea-related metaphors too far, as we encounter a champagne lounge in a canoe
"I'm not saying Buddha's not a great guy" - we dissect a quote from a very clever man in a unique way

Massive thanks to Katy, Pete and Jan for their considered and insightful feedback – you guys are AMAZING!

Follow us on twitter and Instagram: @POWpodcastUK
Email us at: powpodcastuk@gmail.com
Find all our episodes: Pow Podcast UK Episodes

If you're reading this far, maybe you have time to like and leave a review on our podcast...also, don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list, to keep up to date with all our latest news.

Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes

Monday, 29 October 2018

Episode #21: 10 Useful Ways to Approach NaNoWriMo

It’s episode 21 of POW Podcast UK and with NaNoWriMo 2018 just round the corner, Marc and Jen look at 10 useful ways to approach National Novel Writing Month.

Are you planning to write 50,000 words in November to create a novel? Do you need some help with how to plan your month and stay motivated? If so, this is the episode for you!

Listen to us on

on iTunes
on Stitcher
on Spotify
on Acast

or right here...

We used NaNoWriMo in 2017 with the aim of writing 5,000 words each, and we’re planning to do the same this year. We give you some ideas to help you along the way from our experience and other great tips we found about organizing your writing. We don’t want you to feel like it’s a chore, so follow our advice to really enjoy NaNoWriMo and the community it creates this year.

We talk about pacing yourself, freewriting, using practical support and much more. We also manage to digress into our tsundokus, some terrible singing, even worse inventions and the importance of making sure your dinner choices take exactly 25 minutes to cook so you can write a book while you wait.

Let us know if you’re doing NaNoWriMo at @powpodcastuk during November!

What else can you find in this episode?

The motivational effect of Disney songs, apart from when Rapunzel makes you feel bad about not doing enough stuff
The welcome return of Granny Flymo
Do what you like! Do. What. You Like. (No need to ask me).
Jen’s Dragon's Den invention to help artists with bad backs
There’s no place for ego in NaNoWriMo
The writing guide we refer to is Ready Set Novel and the ISBN is 1452101728

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Music credit: "Clap Your Hands" by Scott Holmes