I've noticed a pattern in the stories I've been listening to and watching recently, so I thought I'd share this important lesson about being an artist.

Especially as it's the beginning of the year and it's dark, cold and miserable.

Read instead of listen at: https://writeintothewoods.com/2026/01/08/hollywood-lessons/

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aka How to get out of a rut with your writing.

The episode looks at the following films:

• Best. Christmas. Ever
• Renovation Romance
• Our Little Secret
• Haul Out The Holly (and Haul Out The Holly Lit Up)
• Hot Frosty
• Jingle Bell Heist

Not in that order.

And I'm looking at what lessons I'm taking from these films into my Christmas romance writing in 2026.

Read instead of listen at: writeintothewoods.com/2025/12/16/bingeing-christmas-films/

Join the mailing list for more storytelling goodness at writeintothewoods.com

Please hit follow wherever you listen to your podcasts, and leave a rating or review. It all helps!

Check out some of my favourite episodes from 2025:

• Episode 10: Barbie
• Episode 12: Alien: Earth
• Episode 17: Grace and Frankie

Music by ReneSchulze1984 and Dmitrii from Pixabay.

Special Christmas sound effect by Sound Effect by DRAGON-STUDIO from Pixabay.

aka The Joy of Keeping it Simple

The episode looks at:

• Why simple can be best.
• Summing up your plot in one sentence.
• The importance of good character development.

Read instead of listen at:

Please hit follow wherever you listen to your podcasts, and leave a rating or review. It all helps!

And come join the mailing list for more storytelling goodness at writeintothewoods.com/writinglessonsfrom

For more on this topic, check out the following past episodes:

• Episode 14: Starstruck (which I mention in this podcast)
• Episode 2: Ozark (also mentioned!)
• Episode 10: Barbie

Music by ReneSchulze1984 and Dmitrii from Pixabay