Words Are Hard
Words are hard. We’re here to help. Join Rachael Waldburger (editor, indie author, and English teacher) and her brother Ramsay Plautz (the extrovert in charge of keeping the conversation going) as they dive into writing and editing techniques. New episode weekly. Tangent-to-topic ratios will vary.
Episodes
Nov 25, 2025
Nov 25, 2025
27 min
If you're behind on a goal (like NaNoWriMo), here are some ways to help.
Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.
Oct 1, 2025
Oct 1, 2025
28 min
Have you ever gotten stuck in the middle of a project? In today's episode, we'll discuss 3 (plus 2) ways to get out of the murky middle.
Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.
Sep 24, 2025
Sep 24, 2025
39 min
In today's episode, we welcome back special guest speaker Bethany Hensel to discuss writing mentors, Power Rangers, and geography.
Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.
Sep 17, 2025
Sep 17, 2025
28 min
What do Jimi Hendrix, Wisconsin, and bears have in common? Today's theme! Join Ramsay and me as we discuss mondegreens, malapropisms, folk etymology, and how to use them in your writing.
Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.
Sep 9, 2025
Sep 9, 2025
26 min
How do you defeat writer's block? Ramsay and I discuss our favorite brain hacks and productivity tricks to get you out of your head and back into your story.
Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.
Sep 3, 2025
Sep 3, 2025
33 min
What tools do you use to write? From writing software to gamified motivation to ambience, we've got you covered!
Dabble Affiliate Link: https://www.dabblewriter.com/?via=rachael
4thewords Referral Code: NRLKG56887
Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.
Aug 26, 2025
Aug 26, 2025
32 min
Looking for tips on building a writing routine? Look no further! We'll walk you through how to manage your expectations, audit your time, and set boundaries around your writing sessions. Also Ramsay suggests a new invention for nursing mothers.
Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.
Aug 12, 2025
Aug 12, 2025
36 min
Live long and celebrate collaborative storytelling! In today's episode, Ramsay and I discuss intellectual properties and copyright, the history of fandom, and why everyone should read and write fanfiction.
Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to get access to lots of freebies, including a free DIY line editing checklist, my complete story starter kit, and my busy writer's schedule builder. And more. Trust me, it's awesome.