In this episode we roll out Volume 5 of our Lyrically Speaking series and celebrate the musical. Join us as we explore the lyrics of classic showtunes from Broadway and beyond in this fun retrospective.

Episode highlights:

02:56 What makes a musical?

07:22 Character is King: The Musical Edition

14:52 Brown paper packages

19:05 The greatest negotiation

23:38 Sit down!

30:49 Minutes turn to hours

35:35 Tell me more

41:20 Three meals a day

In this episode we examine the MacGuffin, its history, popularization, and use in modern storytelling. We also share our Top 5 list of all-time great MacGuffins.

Episode highlights:

01:29 What is a MacGuffin?

08:27 Character is King: MacGuffin Edition

13:15 The Top 5 list of all-time great cinema MacGuffins

14:39 I know something you don’t

18:09 It’s all in the plans

21:00 To infinity…

23:50 The stuff that dreams are made of

26:00 Like an addiction

In this episode YA fantasy author Carrie Anne Noble joins us to discuss folklore, fairy tales, and how she finds new stories to tell. Carrie reveals behind-the-book details about her new novel THE SPRINGBORN, and shares the impact that her debut novel, THE MERMAID’s SISTER, had on her life. And for a little bonus content, Keira and I discuss the path she took to get her novel KEEPER OF THE LIGHT from publisher signing to pub date.

Episode highlights:

02:33 Keira’s fairy tale: Publishing KEEPER OF THE LIGHT

11:20 Character is King: Enchanted Edition

18:17 Welcome Carrie Anne Noble

20:27 The life-changing impact of THE MERMAID’S SISTER

23:15 The fairy tale vibe of THE SPRINGBORN

25:35 How THE GINGERBREAD QUEEN became a sequel

27:48 Carrie’s fresh figurative language

33:00 The inspiration of Pennsylvania

In this episode Christian author Taylor S Newport joins us to discuss her debut into the thriller genre, the perfect balance of action and integrity, and the potential to be prolific.

Episode highlights:

02:56 Astounding accomplishments of youth

04:25 Character is King: Exceptional Youth Edition

10:45 Welcome Taylor S Newport

12:53 Thrills and integrity

17:13 Writing fast and crafting a cliffhanger

20:11 A writing editor or an editing writer?

26:20 Being somewhat prolific

In this episode we ring in the New Year with a Top 5 list of resolutions for writers to engage and improve their craft in 2025.

Episode highlights:

02:41 Who originated the idea of New Year’s Resolutions?

05:58 Character is King: Great Resolve Edition

12:25 The Top 5 list of resolutions for writers

13:10 Correspondence course

15:30 Own it!

18:05 Life gets in the way

22:12 Immersive days

23:49 The REAL reward of writing

In this episode we bask in the glow of the holiday season with a collection of classic Christmas songs and the untold stories behind the music.

Episode highlights:

02:00 How many Christmas songs are there?

05:27 Character is King: Special Christmas Edition

11:06 A merry little song

16:02 Keira’s intro to Christmas

20:37 The hymn once banned by the Catholic Church

26:33 Christmas wrapped up in a bow

31:20 A stolen song and A Very Special Christmas

36:41 A Broadway Christmas tune

42:17 Merry Christmas from The Write Note

In this episode Amazon Bestselling author Diana Rubino joins us to discuss how a love for history has inspired her to write nearly 20 historical romance and biographical novels.

Episode highlights:

01:17 Past is more than prologue

04:41 Character is King: Historic Edition

14:00 Welcome Diana Rubino

19:22 Finding comfort in biographies

23:22 Who killed President Kennedy?

28:55 Love conquers all

35:54 Feeling the weight of history

40:50 Around the World in 80 Meals

45:02 Josephine Earp: Sassy Lady of History

In this special episode Keira shares big news about her writing career.

Episode highlights:

01:19 Keira’s big news

02:51 A Smyth’s Quill – The story that landed a contract

04:24 Oliver-Heber Books: The Terms

07:05 Writing under a deadline

08:30 The best part of OHB (so far)