WE ARE BACK after a brief break last week bringing you some very interesting episodes. Big thank you to our friend Garrett for joining us again. The straw hats continue to head toward Ennies Lobby to save their friend Robin. Many obstacles appear in front of them but they have yet to be slowed down. Usopp heads out with his tail between his legs, b…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Regardless of whether you're a planner or pantser, do you keep track of your characters? Do you create character profiles? They're fun to make, but time consuming and it can be difficult to decide what info to include in them. This week, we discuss what to add to character profiles for you (and your readers) to know. In this epis…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever written short-form stories? If you haven't then this episode might just be for you! As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? Want to be a guest on The Merry Writer Podcast? If you would like to be considered, please take the t…

Our friend Annabelle is back this week to get us on track and bound for Ennies Lobby!! ROCKETMAAANN!!!! Burnin down a field with Carol's bones!! Plenty of gags this week to discuss but shit in Water 7 is starting to get serious. Friends are in trouble and need some help. In the mean time, Luffy pulls out all the stops to show why he is the captain.…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you tried your hand at writing middle grade but struggled making the characters come to life? Don't worry; Serena Labrecque joins us this week to discuss writing middle grade characters well. In this episode, we cover: The popularity of middle grade Structuring a middle grade novel Researching for a younger audience Represen…

We finally get to meet Tom! So much information and insight was given in these episodes. Dots are starting to connect and it is time to start gearing up for round 2 of Straw Hats v. CP9! Next Week: Episodes 252-256

EPISODE SHOW NOTES So, just how long does it take to write a book? You know the answer, we know the answer - but give this episode a listen anyway, to find out why we picked it. :) As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? If you would like to be considered, p…

We have a full crew including 2 special guests! Thank you Annabelle and Garrett for joining us this week!!! A lot of stuff happened in these episodes and a lot of information revealed this week. The question that everyone has been asking...what is CP9? We now have our answer. We also have even more speculation as to what actually happened in Robins…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Last week, we talked about stretching your word count, but what if you go over your word count? It’s not always easy to cut words and certain scenes. This week, we discuss various ways you can make your manuscript shorter. In this episode, we cover: Knowing what readers need to know Avoiding repetition Using stronger vocabulary W…

The crew works to get over the departure of one of their crew members while simultaneously in denial of the departure of another. Water 7 is going from a lovely quaint city to one of the most dramatic and mysterious locations that we have been to yet. CP9 is here and their motives are still unknown. The straw hats are in the middle of something, bu…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Are you an underwriter? Do you often struggle to get your word count up? Then you might enjoy this episode where we discuss what you can do to boost those word counts! As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SHOW? Want to be a guest on The Merry…

It was actually a different quote but i didnt want to use that particular expletive in the title of the episode. We are back this week talking about possibly the most serious episodes in one piece to this point. Water 7 is just beginning but Luffy is getting hit hard with lessons on what it means to be a captain. Speaking of captain, Captain Usopp …

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Writing for children is an art form all on its own. While it has the same pieces as any novel, children’s books are unique and serves a different purpose for its age group. This week, Darlene Foster joins us to discuss why writing for children is so important. In this episode, we cover: Typical themes in children’s books How to m…

We are complete again! Welcome back Whitney! But also welcome back to our friend Annabelle and huge thank you for joining us this week. We have finally arrived. It is time for Water 7!!!! One of the most beautiful locations in the world of One Piece, but also one of Oda's best story lines in the world of One Piece. A lot of people acting strange in…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Do you suffer from perfection? Is it hard to let your manuscript see the light of day because it's not yet "perfect?" Are you striving to be the best beyond all measure? Well, stop it! In today's episode, we are talking about that insidious condition known as Perfectionism and ways we have been dealing with it and things you can …

Luffy barges on to these episodes with a new hair style. He needs something to take the attention away from some of the questionable decisions he has made on Long Ring Long Island. We will all forgive him though...do you know why? He has the power of Afro. Atleast something coming out of this arc is memorable. Next Week: Episodes 226-231 226 is par…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES If you're a writer, then you probably have a website, right? Right? And if you have a website, then you might also have a blog. A blog is a great way to keep your website looking active and updated. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss content writers can share on their blog. In this episode, we cover: Types of blog posts Niche(s) C…

We made the same reference twice in a week. It happened. call it. Time of death? Ok maybe thats a little dark BUT nothing dark happens in these episodes so it balances out. We have reached the Davy Back Games!!!! Luffy got the crew in another pickles and ends up leaving them a man short. Hey....sounds just like us!!! Next Week's Episodes: 214-219…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES In this week's episode, we (try) to discuss the difference between cliches and tropes. I say try, because apparently it was a crazy day for both of us, so if you made it through to the end, good on yer! As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE SH…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES One big decision all writers face is the matter of publishing: traditional or self? It's not an easy choice, which is why Ari and Rachel are joined on the podcast this week by Wendy Simpson who discusses what the traditional publishing industry is really like. In this episode, we cover: The main benefits of traditional publishing…

Our friend Garrett has caught up and joined us this week to wrap up the Sky Island Arc!! Thank you for your time Garrett! We get a nice book end from Robin as she continues to lean more and more information about the past. Another connection between Luffy and Roger is causing Whitney to keep notes in her detective book. Luffy tries to have a pirate…

The full crew is back this week as we begin wrapping up the sky island story. The flashback ends which leads to an emotional resolution of the battle in the present day. The bell has been wrung and now it is time to see the effects of the battle of Upperyard. Next Week: Episodes 193-195

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Motivation can be pretty elusive and if you are hoping to find some behind the fridge, we can guarantee it's not hiding there. If you struggle with feeling motivated to write, then check out today's episode. What we cover: Give yourself cues Know what comes next Think small Spark some joy Use what inspires you Get a positive read…

Amanda is back this week as we jump into a fantastic flashback and see what really happened with Noland the Liar. While the plot of the present day didnt necessarily move along greatly, these episodes definitely had their ups! Due to closing in on the end of the are splitting the last 7 episodes up more evenly. Instead of doing 5 and 2 we are going…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES When was the last time you went to your library? If it's been a couple of months, go ahead and plan a trip there. Libraries are useful for everyone for a number of reasons, but writers can get a lot out of it. This week, Ari and Rachel discuss how writers can use their local libraries. In this episode, we cover: The library envir…

We are missing a crew member but we must sail on! Finally Luffy and Eneru face off. The initial confrontation does not seem to be going in the direction that Eneru wanted it to. On the other side, Whitney gains a new appreciation for a character that she has disliked for a while now!! Next Week: Episodes 184-188…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Let's throw in a quick disclaimer - we are not talking about THAT kind of pleasure - this episode topic is NOT about reading erotica. So get your mind out of the gutter! :p In today's show, we are talking about reading for fun and touch on why some readers may not be doing that as much as well as why it's important to take the ti…

We are back reviewing the Sky Island Arc. This might be the most off the rails we've gotten though. Not a lot happened in the episodes, but a lot happened in this episode!!! Derek makes a shocking decision at the end of this episode that he still kind of regrets as he is typing this out. HEY! No ragrets... Shoutout to our friend Mad Trivia John for…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Have you ever wanted to dabble in different genres but have always been told to stick to one? Sometimes, you need to branch out and do what makes you happy. This week, Ari and Rachel are joined by Chyina Powell to discuss why writing in multiple genres is a great idea. In this episode, we cover: The benefits for writers The benef…

Considering we are reviewing the are reviewing a show about pirates and the title of this episode is what it is, I promise that is not where we are going. This time...We are in agreeance on a lot in this set of episodes and it is kind of weird. While a lot of different things happened in these episodes, not a lot of plot was furthered. Now youre cu…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES In today's episode, we are digging into the idea of using Editing Checklists to make editing your manuscript a little more efficient! In this episode, we cover: Names Repeating Words Dialogue Tags POV Chapters Character Balance Senses Inconsistencies As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in …

Danny and Jenna are back with a seasonal bonus episode covering the unhinged ensemble comedy VALENTINE'S DAY! This movie has everything, Anne Hathaway as a sex phone operator, possible time travel, Kathy Bates as a character without a last name, George Lopez doing car stunts, and so much more! *Order Danny's book here: https://amzn.to/3Z5mjHS *For …

We have some controversy this week between different characters and different scenes. I dont know that there has been this much disagreement for a while on episodes. We are half way through Sky Island and the crew has their groups. Now it just comes down to if they can stick to their groups! Next Week: Episodes 169-173…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Yay for 200 episodes! Thank you so much for always listening and supporting the podcast for 200 episodes. We truly appreciate it. This week, Ari and Rachel answer rapid fire questions (not so rapidly) about reading and writing. As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. WAN…

Amanda is back with us after a brief hiatus last week! She comes back just in time for absolutely nothing!!! While we do get a lot of build up toward the story going forward, there is a lot of drawn out scenes in these episodes. There is a lot of mystery though. What is this land? What is Mantra? How are all of these people hitting others without t…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES What are your thoughts on dialogue? Can a novel have too much? That is today's topic Rachel and I discuss. In this episode, we cover: Our thoughts on too much dialogue How to achieve more of a balance in your writing As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. WANT TO BE A G…

The Going Merry has docked at Skypiea. Kinda. There's not really a dock there. Actually, Im not really sure what is holding the Merry there. Definitely not a giant crab. We get a special MVPiece nomination from an outside source. Our crew is also a little light today due to one of our hosts being out of the country, BUT we got an amazing visit from…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES A new year means new goals! This week, Ari and Rachel talk about some ways you can create writing goals for yourself. In this episode, we cover: Group/organize tasks based on their length Setting deadlines for yourself Taking breaks Taking days off As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in th…

The ladies gear up for a cross country Christmas road trip as they review GAF’s “Journey to Christmas.” Can a famous supermodel and a heartbroken limo driver find love AND the true meaning of Christmas while driving across the country? Why doesn’t anyone in Christmasland fly?Af FCB Podcast Network

We are back this week discussing the Straw Hats finally making their way to Sky Island! We just met a lot of new characters that are going to be around for a long time as well is more about the authority structure in the world of One Piece. Some things are easy to remember and others...not so much. Only Skypeia lies ahead. What will the people look…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES It's a new year and you probably want to set off on the right foot this year. So in this episode, Ari and Rachel discuss a few ideas for keeping your Writing life organised! In this episode, we cover: Creating a writing kit Project pads or brain-dumping pads Setting a flexible routine Dividing your writing time Use working system…

We are entering the Sky Island Arc this week!! It was a wake up call after getting comfortable in one spot for so long and now it is on to learning a whole new group of characters. It's a new place and new rules of the world are given. Our new crew member shows us a little bit of what she brings to the table and Luffy makes some questionable decisi…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Another successful podcast year is in the books! This week, we discuss some of our favorite episodes that were released in 2023. (We also get completely off-topic in true Merry Writer fashion!) In this episode, we cover: Ari's favorite 2023 podcast episodes Rachel's favorite 2023 podcast episodes Off-topic rambles (mostly about f…

The ladies dig into the Netflix’s 2017 foray into Christmasland, “A Christmas Prince.” Can a scrappy American reporter successfully go undercover to find the real scoop on the bachelor prince of a vaguely defined small European country? There’s only one way to find out.Af FCB Podcast Network

We are wrapping the Alabasta Arc this week with the return of our friend Annabelle! Thank you again Annabelle for joining us this week. A lot happened here, but also not a lot happened here. We ge a new face from the Marines that brings some steam to Smoker's life as well as a new Straw Hat Crew member!!!! 2 different characters make touching sacri…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES As the end of the year is in sight, we thought we'd do something a little different and today's episode discusses some of the differences Ari and Rachel have observed between American English and British English. In this episode, we cover: "Z" Extra letters Vacation vs Holiday Jam, Jelly and Jello Chips, Crisps and Fries Cookie v…

For the final new episode of season 5 of A Very Merry Iconic Podcast, Danny and Jenna watch Disney's A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey and Jim Carrey and Jim Carrey and Gary Oldman in an unhinged retelling using aggressively jarring visuals. *Order Danny's book here: https://amzn.to/3Z5mjHS *For A Very Merry Iconic Podcast merch go to Everythi…

We are back after a brief break last week and we are finally at the Luffy v. Crocodile fight! Not only is Luffy approaching this with a different fighting style, but also showing off his battle intelligence. We get more hints at a background on Miss All Sunday along with a showcase of her intellect. We are climaxing right now and it is amazing. Nex…

EPISODE SHOW NOTES This week, Ari and Rachel decided it would be fun to discuss if they've seen their story ideas in other books at the store. Sometimes it takes us a while to get our ideas to paper and other people write and publish similar plots. As always, thanks for listening, and let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. W…

Danny and Jenna talk all things LITTLE WOMEN (1994), including the Christian Bale of it all, colonial times, and Danny's newfound Little Women standom. Special thanks to our sponsor, Nordstrom! *Order Danny's book here: https://amzn.to/3Z5mjHS *For A Very Merry Iconic Podcast merch go to EverythingIconic.Store Follow @AVeryMerryIconicPodcast on Ins…