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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 ambiguous storytelling, and the impact of divided attention in the age of smartphones. The hosts advocate for compelling storytelling that captivates the audience's full attention and encourages critical thinking.

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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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, a renowned author known for her works in science fiction and fantasy romance or Romantasy, if you will. Ruby discusses her journey into writing, the origins of her popular series Ice Planet Barbarians, and the influences behind her works. She also delves into the creation of her latest standalone novel, Bull Moon Rising, set in a rich fantasy world involving magical artifacts, Minotaurs, and a unique societal structure.

Ruby shares insights into her writing process, the freedom of self-publishing, and how she crafts intricate worlds that captivate her readers. The episode emphasizes Ruby's distinctive storytelling style and highlights the importance of indie bookstores in the literary community. Bull Moon Rising, on shelves and available for e-readers today, promises fans another engaging adventure in Ruby's expansive universe.

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

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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 wanted to read.

✨ Episode Highlights

📚 Writing Your Own Rules

Kristen discusses why she embraced first-person POV in romance despite industry resistance, how breaking “the rules” helped her find her voice, and why readers can tell when a story is written authentically.

🚪 Rejection, Persistence & Indie Publishing

She opens up about spending over a decade submitting to traditional publishers, writing more than 25 books before publishing, and the pivotal moment she decided to self-publish—leading to a sudden and explosive rise in readership.

🔥 Voice Over Trends

Kristen emphasizes the importance of writing for an “audience of one,” trusting your instincts, and resisting the pressure to chase trends. Her advice: readers can feel when a writer isn’t enjoying their own work.

💔 Imposter Syndrome & Success

Even after selling thousands of books and landing on the New York Times Bestseller List, Kristen shares how success didn’t feel real at first—and what finally helped her believe it.

💘 Romance That Feels Safe

From expansive epilogues to external conflict, Kristen explains how she creates relationships that feel secure, earned, and lasting—giving readers emotional reassurance without sacrificing tension.

🎨 Creative Control & Covers

She talks about avoiding faces on book covers, letting readers imagine characters for themselves, and balancing creative control across indie and traditional publishing.

📖 Books Mentioned:

• Smooth Sailing
• Own the Wind
• Rock Chick Series
• Chaos Series

 Hey, thanks so much for listening to the podcast. We really hope that you're enjoying every bit of it, but we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us an email either to Matt@writeoutloudpod.com or christina@bookmatchmaker.com. We would love to hear your thoughts. What's working, what's not working. And what do you want to hear more of? Thanks so much. We really appreciate it.

Support the show

Find out more at our website.