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
Jul 29, 2025
Jul 29, 2025
30 min
Rejection is a part of life, but it's especially a part of writing. In today's episode, we discuss a few ways to deal with rejection without wanting to burn your manuscript.
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.
Jul 22, 2025
Jul 22, 2025
25 min
In today's episode, we answer the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything as we discuss Narrative Techniques. Also bad Latin translations and—(not) sorry—more Tolkien.
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.
Jul 1, 2025
Jul 1, 2025
27 min
We're back for season 2! Join us as we discuss what we've been up to during our haitus, what we're going to talk about this season, and some goals for the summer.
Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
Apr 29, 2025
Apr 29, 2025
24 min
Today's episode is brought to you by a tornado watch and Lord Byron's house guests.
It also marks the start of a brief hiatus. We'll be back in about a month when Rachael's end-of-the-school-year chaos is a little more manageable.
Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
19 min
If you can't spell "restaurant", this is the episode for you. We'll also discuss the Icelandic language, tricks to make you a better speller, and Ramsay's use of the word of the day.
Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
Apr 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025
27 min
What do Goosebumps, breakfast pizza, and Don Quixote have in common?
This episode.
Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
Apr 1, 2025
Apr 1, 2025
34 min
Happy National Poetry Month! Today, we're talking about all about poetic devices and Ramsay's continued obsession with Eminem.
Don't forget to sign up for your free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
25 min
In today's episode: homophones, dangling modifiers, and sourdough pancakes (oh my!)
Don't forget to enter our 1,000 listens giveaway! Just leave a review, take a screenshot, and send it to editor@rachaelwaldburger.com.
I’m also offering a free first page edit through my Line Edits in Action series. Sign up here to be entered into a weekly drawing for a free line edit of your opening page.