Shows
Geek Freaks InterviewsBarry Lyga on Outsiders, Origins, and Writing Superheroes for the PageIn this episode of Geek Freaks Interviews, Frank sits down with acclaimed author Barry Lyga to explore his multifaceted writing career spanning comics, YA thrillers, and prose adaptations of iconic superhero stories. Barry opens up about his journey from comics to novels, his work on the I Hunt Killers trilogy, how he crafted Thanos' backstory for Marvel Studios, and what it was like building an alternate DC Universe through The Flash book series. From creating Free Comic Book Day to writing some of the darkest scenes of his career, Barry brings insight, humor, and a deep love for the...2025-05-2941 min
Geek FreaksGalactus Leaks, Elden Ring Movie, Barry Lyga Interview, and MoreThis packed Geek Freaks Headlines episode covers the biggest pop-culture stories of the week and features a candid interview with bestselling author Barry Lyga. Frank, Squeaks, and Jon trade thoughts on Marvel’s shifting release calendar, a photo-confirmed Galactus design, the surprise Elden Ring film from Alex Garland and A24, fresh casting for Street Fighter, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and Netflix’s Avatar seasons two and three. Squeaks reports from the brand-new Nintendo San Francisco store, and Barry Lyga reveals how Free Comic Book Day began, why writing Thanos kept him up at night, and what to expec...2025-05-271h 27
Download Best Full-Length Audiobooks in Teen & YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy & ParanormalGeneration Wonder: The New Age of Heroes by Barry LygaPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/623781 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Generation Wonder: The New Age of Heroes Author: Barry Lyga Narrator: Jaime Lincoln Smth, Jennifer Aquino, Kenny Ramos, Mark Sanderlin, Jeanette Illidge, Emily Lawrence, James Anderson Foster, Frankie Corzo, Tim Campbell, Ron Butler, Ariana Delawari, Sarah Naughton, Eunice Wong Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 9 hours 24 minutes Release date: June 14, 2022 Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Paranormal Publisher's Summary: A high-flying YA anthology featuring thirteen short stories that turn superhero tropes on their head and offer fresh perspectives on modern myths Triumph. Tragedy. The empyreal. The infernal. Even the mundane, filtered through the...2022-06-1403 min
The Comic Source PodcastGeneration Wonder Spotlight with Barry LygaJace chats with Barry Lyga about the new superhero anthology Generation Wonder. Filled with diverse heroes by diverse creators they are stories that truly reflect the world outside your window. Barry give is the lowdown story by story with some details about what each story is about. Plus the guys chat a bit about recruiting the writers for this project and why Barry decided to do it in the first place. GENERATION WONDER A high-flying YA anthology featuring 13 short stories that turn superhero tropes on their head and offer fresh perspectives on modern m...2022-06-1343 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 108: The One with Two White Chicks on a BeachWe had an AWESOME launch party! Jennifer Beals encounters Morgan’s aunt. Morgan and Barry visit an actual bookstore to see their book in the wild. Big transitions for Leia and Luke mean Barry and Morgan have more time with the kids…and less time with the keyboards.Links:Writing in Real Life — Episode 106: The One You Can PreorderSurvey: Reading Before Bed Has Major Sleep, Health, and Lifestyle Benefits | Real SimpleMorgan is Reading: The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundBarry is Rea...2019-09-1926 min
Writing in Real LifeBonus Episode: The One that's Really ShortIt’s Pub Day for The Hive, Barry and Morgan’s book baby! #HasCassieSurfacedYet?Links:The Best Books of Fall 2019 | PEOPLE.comOrder The Hive: Amazon | BN.com | Rate us on iTunes2019-09-0300 min
Writing in Real LifeEp. 107: The One with a Two-Book DealMorgan gets good news. Morgan gets good news. A cross-country trip with a 4-year-old! Barry does something he’s never done before and feels less bad about it than you’d imagine. Mmm; dried mango.Links:Preorder The Hive: Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundBarry tweets about his writing process2019-08-2828 min
Writing in Real LifeThe One You Can PreorderAn update on Morgan’s leap of faith and work(s) in progress. Writers with day jobs and the world’s opinions of such. Barry takes on the preorder system. Also: Meet the sensational character find of 2019, the villainous…TweetStorm!Links:Preorder The Hive: Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundMorgan’s Agent: Kathleen Anderson (@KAndersonbird) / TwitterThe Flash: Crossover Crisis: Green Arrow’s Perfect Shot: | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundBarry discusses Tobias Buckell and Patreon: Writing in Real Life — Episode 86: The One with Two RantsTobias Bucke...2019-08-1637 min
Writing in Real LifeThe One with the Book-ShamingUpdates on marriage and the kids. Luke figures out the Apple Watch at age 2. Is it possible to become a successful author nowadays without using or being good at social media? “Be adequate!” Remember when Twitter was fun? What’s more important: talent or networking?Links:Space Unicorn - Parry Gripp and Brianne Drouhard - YouTubeBarry Lyga (barrylyga) on MyspaceStudy Finds Artists Become Famous Thanks to NetworkingHe’s Writing 365 Children’s Books in 365 Days, While Holding Down a Day Job - The New York Times2019-07-1737 min
Writing in Real LifeEp. 103: The One without a Flaming Pile of DungMorgan finishes a book! How it feels to finish a book and turn it in: Satisfaction, doubt, joy, panic, all of it. Barry tries to convince his publisher not to publish his book. Listening to music while writing: Good idea or best idea? And Barry’s feelings on reviews.Links:Barry is Reading: Equations of Life by Simon Morden | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | IndieboundMorgan is Reading: The Art of Breaking Things by Laura Sibson | Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundMorgan is Also Reading: Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Br...2019-07-0529 min
Writing in Real LifeEp. 102: The One where They Swear They’re BackCatching up on the last year: Morgan quits her job. They have their first signing. Barry can’t run around in his underwear any more. Why is the dishwasher always running?Links:The UpsideWhere Storytelling and Pop Culture Collide - BookCon 2019Talking about The Hive: Writing in Real Life — Episode 101: The One where They Wrote a Book TogetherPreorder The Hive: Amazon | BN.com | IndieboundMorgan is a CancerBarry is a VirgoExclusive first look: The Flash joins forces with the Gree...2019-06-2032 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 101: The One where They Wrote a Book TogetherBarry and Morgan are happy to finally be able to talk about their book together, The Hive. Plus: What does Jennifer Beals have to do with this?
Links:
Jennifer Beals-Inspired YA Novel Set for 2019 | Hollywood Reporter
Jennifer Beals - IMDb
Tom Jacobson - IMDb
2017 — Barry Lyga Dot Com
Rate us on iTunes
2018-06-2928 min
Writing in Real LifeThe One that Came after Episode 99It’s our 100th episode, and we’ve got it all! A rant from Barry about the male gaze! Morgan threatens to leave the show! Peanut allergies! And special guests, including Carolyn Mackler, Jon Skovron, and Melissa Walker!
Links:
Morgan has Read: The Secret History of Twin Peaks by Mark Frost | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound
Literary vs. Popular — Barry Lyga Dot Com
Carolyn Mackler’s Books: Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound
Jon Skovron’s Books: Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound
Glimmer Train is shutting down: Amazon!
Melissa Walker’s Books: Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound
Maggie Lehrm...2018-05-1046 min
Writing in Real LifeThe One where Barry Plans to Kill Half the UniverseBarry FINALLY gets to talk about his super-secret mystery project: THANOS! How on earth does he live with himself writing Marvel AND DC? Who is “Brick Charles?” Babysitting in the modern age. Morgan marvels at The Secret History of Twin Peaks. And an update on the I HUNT KILLERS prequel. Links:• Thanos Is Getting a Book [CORRECTED]• Flash Book Series: Amazon.com• Access (Character) - Comic Vine• DC vs. Marvel - Wikipedia• Avengers Infinity Wars Eyes Record Box Office Opening With $200m Open | Deadline• We talk about microprogress: Writing in Real Life — Episode 97...2018-04-2028 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 98: The One with SexA man stupidly claims we don’t need women authors because he can write women just fine. (Dude…) Where is all the good sex in YA these days and why did it go away? Plus: Luke gives your hosts one hell of a scare and Barry has read a bunch of books for a change. Links: Barry's tweet about Unedited the book that will kill me — Barry Lyga Dot Com The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party - Wikipedia Gwen Katz’s tweet about men writ...2018-04-0631 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 97: The One that’s LuckyThe pleasures and pains of returning to old projects. What do surfing and writing have in common? We’re gonna tell you! Plus: micro-progress is real progress, and believe it or not…Barry’s reading a book!2018-03-2226 min
Writing in Real LifeThe One with a Bunch of TopicsBarry says farewell to a wonderful librarian who left us too soon. Should publishing give huge advances to former Trump Administration officials? Why do readers feel betrayed when they learn a book is part of a series? Then we talk about our collaboration and rant about the five-star rating system.
Links:
2018 Teen Book Fest
Stephanie Squicciarini Obituary - Irondequoit, New York | Legacy.com
Publishers already contacting Hicks about book deal: report | TheHill
Hope Hicks Modeled for Gossip Girl Spinoff Book Cover — Donald Trump's Press Secretary Modeled for "The It Girl"
We discussed Trump killing publishing in: Writing in...2018-03-1233 min
Writing in Real LifeThe One where Morgan Finally Cares about Back PainThe literal pain of parenthood. Morgan still hates The Princess Bride. Act single for a better marriage. Barry talks on the phone — a lot. Do graphic novels deserve their own bestseller list? Barry explains his insane schedule. Plus: #metoo comes to kidlit. Links: Writing in Real Life — Episode 1: The One that Came First Fatal Attraction- "I Will Not Be Ignored" - YouTube Morgan has no soul and hates The Princess Bride: Writing in Real Life — Episode 70: The One in which Morgan Bites the Bullet For a Better Marriage, Act Like a Single Person...2018-02-2237 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 94: The One During the Super BowlWe’re back! Again! Our reach is more global than we thought. Lyga’s Law of Publishing rears its ugly head again. Editors who are also writers: Threat or menace? The benefits and drawbacks of working a day job while writing. Cool new imprints! The books Morgan’s body shuts down. Plus: Luke turns one!
Links:
2018-02-0632 min
Writing in Real LifeEp. 093: The One with Harsh Words, GuysBarry thanks the listeners for their compassion. We know you like Morgan more than Barry, but guess who likes YOU? How much baby room monitoring is too much baby room monitoring? Plus: Something is wrong with the Internet. And it’s not just us saying that.
Links:
Tori Amos - Streets of Philadelphia (Bruce Springsteen cover) @ Beacon Theatre, NYC1 2017 - YouTube
Miami Book Fair
2017 National Book Awards
“Reading for All!” Dick Robinson receives Literarian of the Year Award from President Bill Clinton at the National Book Awards | On Our Minds
Molly O’Neil’s Thread on Andrew Shvarts’s...2017-11-2632 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 92: The One with TantrumsWhy they’ve been AWOL. Yes, we talk about American Heart. Sorry. Also: We’re sick of Twitter.
Links:
The Flash: Hocus Pocus | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound
Navigating the choppy waters of life with a ‘threenager’ - The Washington Post
We talk about The Black Witch: Writing in Real Life — Episode 88: The One where It’s All about One Thing, Really
AMERICAN HEART by Laura Moriarty | Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus withdraws starred review after criticism.
American Heart Review: Kirkus Editor On Why They Changed It
Heart of the Matter — The Horn Book
Let’s talk about American Heart by Laura M...2017-10-2831 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 91: The One where We Need a Dance PopeA lot of parenting talk, including dance class, a quiz to determine if you’re ready for parenthood, and more. Barry goes viral. Sort of. Book doulas—yeah, they’re a thing. Why your first book has to be perfect. And how do you avoid the scourge of multitasking when you need to monotask (i.e., write)?
Links:
mother! (2017) - Rotten Tomatoes
Are you ready for parenthood? A quiz for couples on the precipice.
Barry goes “viral,” ‘90s style. (About halfway down the page, someone named “Ushgarak” posts two lists. I actually wrote both of them.) 10 Reasons why Star Wars is...2017-09-2237 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 90: The One with Barry’s Deep, Dark SecretDads apparently reduce childhood obesity by just…being dads? Trump is apparently killing publishing. Barry goes on a rant about spoilers and is called out for hypocrisy, then confesses a major children’s lit sin…and proceeds to diss a book you probably love. Sorry about that.
Links:
EWin Calling Series Ergonomic Computer Gaming Office Chair with Pillows - CLD - ewinracing
Thrifter | Spend Where it Matters
UCLA Ergonomics - Tips for Computer Users
More playtime with dad linked to lower obesity risk for young kids - The Washington Post
Is Trump Ruining Book Sales? | New Republic
Rick W...2017-09-0834 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 89: The One where Morgan Read a DudeKids learn social media fails by watching their parents. Forget readers — how do you raise writers? The agony and the ecstasy of summer reading. Is sex the secret to getting boys to read? What you need to read in order to be a better writer. Plus: the collector mentality.
Links:
Parents’ social media habits are teaching children the wrong lessons - The Washington Post
Dad recreates daughter's selfies | Daily Mail Online
What Parents Can Do to Nurture Good Writers - The New York Times
Want Teenage Boys to Read? Easy. Give Them Books About Sex. - The New...2017-08-2332 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 88: The One where It’s All about One Thing, ReallyYes, we discuss YA Twitter “callout culture” with regard to The Black Witch and that Vulture article. And then a brief parenting moment and some fun books to read as the world burns.
Links:
The Black Witch: An Epic Fantasy Novel (The Black Witch Chronicles)
gone: Review: The Black Witch by Laurie Forest
The Toxic Drama on YA Twitter
Google manifesto spotlights hot-button issue of gender diversity
Amazon.com: The Black Witch (The Black Witch Chronicles) (9780373212316): Laurie Forest: Books
The Black Witch (The Black Witch Chronicles, #1) by Laurie Forest — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists
How hyped new author...2017-08-1134 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 87: The One with Poopy in the PottyWe swear this isn’t turning into a TV review podcast, but…we just have to spend some time on Younger and Friends from College. Is it OK for men to use female pseudonyms? What do you say to someone who is afraid to have kids? The economics of cookbooks. Plus: You knew it was coming: Potty training.
Links:
Younger | TVLAND.com
Friends from College - Wikipedia
Episode 3 · Friends From College · TV Review Friends From College takes on YA for some reason · TV Club · The A.V. Club
Men Are Apparently Adopting Ambiguous Pen Names to Sell Psycholo...2017-07-2640 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 86: The One with Two RantsBarry is annoyed by Instagram without even being on it. And Barry is ready to lose it over Netflix…again. Morgan remains calm. Does financial success kill artistic risk? The new/old phenomenon of writers seeking patronage. Plus: Email from a new listener!
Links:
Barry's July ACLU fundraiser
The squatter on Instagram
Barry is the only Barry Lyga in the country
Netflix to trial technology that hands control to viewers | Daily Mail Online
Writing in Real Life — Episode 15: The One where Leia Flirts
Longform Podcast #249: John Grisham
Inside the Actors Studio | Bravo TV Official Site
Pivot Questionnaire -aka...2017-07-1137 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 85: The One where Barry is Aware that It’s the Wrong FlashBarry is writing The Flash. ‘Nuff said! BookExpo and how it feels to be among the Book People. Barry and Morgan have a secret. The return of the million bad words and the madness of colored index cards. How do you raise a feminist son? (Spoiler alert: Books are involved.)
Links:
The Flash, Supergirl to get middle grade novels
The Flash: Hocus Pocus preorder | Amazon
Flashpoint (event) | Arrowverse Wiki
LB School: Barry Lyga | Little Brown Library | Resources for Teachers & Librarians
The #1 book and author event - BookExpo 2017
SEPH LAWLESS | OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Marieke Nijkamp, YA author
Scholastic Summer Read...2017-06-1335 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 84: The One where It Is Happening AgainBarry and Morgan talk about Twin Peaks. A lot. Especially since it just might explain EVERYTHING about Barry’s writing. Do readers today demand more closure in books, and if so, why? Plus: How cool superheroes are and why geekdom should be for everyone, regardless of race, sex, or planet of origin.
Links:
Why Is ‘Twin Peaks’ So Influential? - The Atlantic
Twin Peaks - Official Series Site | SHOWTIME
The West Wing Episode Guide
"Endings to be useful must be inconclusive." - Samuel R. Delaney
The Leftovers | The Official Website for the HBO Series
Mad Men - Wikipe...2017-06-0130 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 83: The One with a Time-OutCelebrating Mothers Day — good idea or selling out? Has the time come for time-outs? How parenting is like being Batman. (Guess which one of us came up with that.) The scourge of “idea debt” for writers, and how to break out of it. Plus: Barry has a book on the list of the 50 Best YA Novels of all time!
Links:
The Inventor of Mother's Day Disowned the Holiday, and So Should We All - The Atlantic
"You know, like Caine in Kung Fu"
Janet Lansbury
Time's Up for 'Timeout' - The Atlantic
Americans’ Opinions On Spanking Vary By Party...2017-05-1732 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 82: The One where Morgan Isn’t Pregnant Anymore We’re back! The tale of the birth of their superhuman son. The mantras that got them through the early months of Luke’s life. Morgan starts a new project that isn’t a baby. Barry’s tour for BANG and its aftermath. Links: The Good Sleeper by Janet Krone Kennedy | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks The New Science of Siblings - TIME New Y.A. Novels Tackle Crime and Its Consequences (The New York Times reviews Bang) 'Bang' by Barry Lyga: EW Review Barry’s favorite movie: White Hunter, Black Heart Barry’s Facebook page with videos from tour ...2017-05-0232 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 81: The One where Morgan’s Still PregnantA shout-out for Barry??? Moms being attached to newborns and the dads who have nothing to do. The meaning of #FUSS! Barry fundraises for the ACLU. Keeping a diary…or not. Does losing hurt more than winning feels good? Links: How publishing houses weigh a decision like giving Milo Yiannopoulos a book deal. The whole Leslie Jones Twitter feud, explained | Lifestyle News for College Students | USA TODAY College Turns out Milo plagiarized a lot of his "poetry" from Tori Amos. Defends himself by comparing it to T.S. Eliot using literary references. : GamerGhazi Reps say phone calls pr...2017-01-1029 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 80: The One Right Before the HolidaysFirst toddler holiday season. What do you get for the kid who has everything? #firstworldproblems Morgan still hasn’t given birth. What exactly do babies remember and for how long? Morgan can’t distinguish between herself and her twin. A discussion of YA’s obsession with teen romance. Links: Girls Write Now Traces of Time Lost - The Atlantic On Normalizing Teen Singlehood in YA Song without Words by Ann Packer | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers by Nancy Jo Sales | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound 36 Reasons How I Met...2016-12-2130 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 79: The One in the Deeply Uncomfortable Phase of PregnancyFollow-up on ebooks: Are sales REALLY down? Errors in published books. Also, follow-up on writers taking breaks. Morgan discovers that she likes writing. Did the election kill reading? Morgan’s theory of needing other parents. Plus: Isn’t there a better term for graphic novels? Links: ISBN Joanna Penn on drop in ebook sales: http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2016/07/25/author-voice/ (Specifically 19:00 to 21:35) http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2016/06/06/facebook-advertising-mark-dawson/ (3:45 to 6:20) http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2016/06/03/breakdown-book-sales/ Taking a Break — Barry Lyga Dot Com Barnes & Noble Says People Stopped Reading Books Because Of The Election - BuzzFeed News Weekend Box Office: Trump Bump...2016-11-3030 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 78: The One where Morgan StrugglesBooks can keep you sane. What does the election mean for fiction, particularly YA? Maybe ebooks aren’t the big deal everyone thought they were. When is it permissible to slack off on your writing? Thanksgiving advice for non-Americans. Splitting focus between your kids. Clingy post-nap toddlers. Links: Adult Books Sales Fell in First Half of 2016 Amazon vs. Hachette Luke Cage Sweet Christmas! Lath and plaster Magda Gerber and the Creative Child | Janet Lansbury Barry is Reading: The Indestructibles by Matthew Phillion | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks Another Anime Con Morgan Recommends: Commonwealth by Anne Patchett | Amazon | BN.co...2016-11-2333 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 77: The One after Trump WinsA necessary discussion of the distinction between a political podcast and an apolitical podcast. Parenting in the age of Trump. The web reveals which writers Barry writes like. Why is platform-shaming a thing? Links: A kid asks for Jazz to save us on Twitter Barry’s blog about the election After the Red Rain by Barry Lyga with Peter Facinelli & Robert DeFranco | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks Facebook, in Cross Hairs After Election, Is Said to Question Its Influence - The New York Times Bitch Sesh: A Real Housewives Breakdown podcast on Earwolf Who Do You Write Like? Is...2016-11-1632 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 75: The One where Barry Talks A LotBarry has a book challenged; guess which one! After reading Bruce Springsteen’s memoir, Barry has an epiphany. Leia requests her favorite musician. Morgan plans and executes a toddler’s birthday party without any help. Links: Washington Parent Objects to Pixelated Genitals in Mangaman | Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Office for Intellectual Freedom | Offices of the American Library Association Banned Books Week | Celebrating the Freedom to Read: September 25- October 1, 2016 Book banned in Carroll gets partial reprieve - tribunedigital-baltimoresun Teacher tweets that Mangaman is safe Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Bruce Sprin...2016-11-0231 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 74: The One not Sponsored by Sesame PlaceA brief clarification from last week. Sesame Street vs. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse…to the death! Is a young writer more impressive than an old one? Who do you try to make happy when you write, and should it always be yourself? Practice vs. raw talent. Barry rants briefly about VOYA. Links: Sesame Place | Sesame Street Theme Park in Pennsylvania Mickey Mouse Clubhouse | Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - 'Hot Dog Dance' - Disney Official - YouTube Lora Kolodny's tweet about 30 under 30 lists Frank McCourt - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Paul Levitz Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler | Amazon | BN.co...2016-09-3030 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 73: The One where They Saw HamiltonIs it all doom and gloom for publishing? Is there a secret room somewhere with the salvation of books? Should authors wish for salaries instead of royalties? What is the secret of Barry’s unpublished novel and its connection to Lin-Manuel Miranda? Plus: Morgan is writing again! Links: A Rough Six Months for Big Book Publishers Daniel Nayeri on Publishing Workman Publishing The origin of Knopf/Publishing as a gentleman’s industry Merritt Tierce on Publishing 'Love Me Back' - How Much Money Authors Make Love Me Back by Merritt Tierce | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Hamilton Lin...2016-09-2233 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 72: The One with Cloudy Day HermineMorgan abandons Barry. Leia’s vocabulary explodes…along with her temper. The mystery of children’s YouTube. Puppies vs. children. Is there such a thing as vacation with a kid? And is there really even such a thing as a YA novel? Links: Hurricane Hermine peters out An example of a YouTube video with 29 million views that Leia likes Scrubs on what it's like to have a baby Slice Literary Conference Panel: The Sex Talk Barry's quote on Twitter The Millions : There Is No Such Thing as the Young Adult Novel - The Millions Review Guidelines | VOYA Real T...2016-09-1531 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 71: The One that’s ShortEveryone is sick and Morgan doesn’t want to talk about it. She’s willing to talk about a new sale, though! Plus: New writing plans! Links: Motherwell – Telling all sides of the parenting story Morgan is Reading: You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Barry is Reading: Uprooted by Naomi Novik | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Rate us on iTunes 2016-09-0114 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 70: The One in which Morgan Bites the BulletMorgan finally goes too far and insults The Princess Bride. What writers shouldn’t worry about (but do anyway). Do starred reviews matter? On-site daycare can be good for business. Bullet journaling: chicken soup for the soul? Links: The Princess Bride The Never-ending Story The Princess Bride by William Goldman | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Barry's new book: The Secret Sea | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Dahlia Adler's Twitter thread on what writers shouldn’t worry about Barry talks about his Goodreads rank: Writing in Real Life — Episode 65: The One with Melissa Why Yelp Restaurant Reviews Aren’t Trustw...2016-08-2534 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 69: The One where They’re Alone in the HouseLeia discovers the curse of imagination. A lovely email from a friend. Working on spec: Should you? When? Why? “Money flows to the writer.” Find the mistake in The Secret Sea and win a prize! Morgan guests on another podcast — shock! Horror! Links: Pretend Play | What to Expect Separation Anxiety Why swearing is good for you — Quartz Rejection, Part 14 - News From MENews From ME Writer Beware®: The Blog: PublishAmerica Is Now America Star Books The Secret Sea | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Pete Hautman - Home Barry and Pete Hautmann commiserate on errors in their books Barry reg...2016-08-1930 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 68: The One where Leia Drops the F-BombLeia burns up. Barry has a long talk with himself. Morgan asks the audience for advice. The power of positive thinking turns out to backfire. Do you lose yourself as a person when you become a parent? Cursing around your children: Great idea or greatest idea? Links: Watch President Barack Obama Full Speech At The DNC 2016 - YouTube Watch Hillary Clinton's full speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention - YouTube Thinking positive is a surprisingly risky manoeuvre | Aeon Essays "I Learned It By Watching You" Anti-Drug PSA - YouTube Barry tweets about Leia's first word possibly being...2016-08-0334 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 67: The One with Another One on the WayBarry and Morgan (and Leia!) survive their move! Barry surrenders to day care, with plenty of guilt. A rant about professionalism. Giving up on a manuscript. New projects for Morgan and Barry. Links: Eugene’s comment on Leia’s sleeping and baby nightmares Pregnancy Brain: Myth or Reality? On Being an Aging Children’s Writer - Just Thinking Morgan Recommends: The Diviners by Libba Bray | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Morgan is Reading: Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Morgan is Also Reading: Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Barry...2016-07-2835 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 66: The One Right Before the MoveThe Orlando shooting, bad conference experiences, home improvement woes, and a baby that won’t sleep. Also: Barry and Morgan each start working on new projects! Links: Orlando nightclub shooting: Read about the victims - Orlando Sentinel The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound WubbaNub | WubbaNub Infant Pacifiers Rate us on iTunes 2016-06-1631 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 65: The One with MelissaSpecial guest Melissa Walker (UNBREAK MY HEART, LET’S PRETEND WE NEVER MET) fills in for Morgan! We discuss different ways of getting published, writing with more than one kid, and how writing a book doesn’t prepare you for the next one. Plus: On spec vs. proposal, and the horror of ranking. Links: Melissa’s website Carolyn Mackler Doug Stewart at Sterling Lord Sassy magazine Episode 20: The One where Leia Goes to a Bar Mitzvah (and we talk about the value of twenty minutes) Pomodoro Technique Batcave - DC Database - Wikia Barry’s Goodreads rank (scroll do...2016-06-0838 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 64: The One where They’re MovingFamiliarity breeds contempt…for your own book. Sensitivity readers. You can’t make everybody happy. Leia reverses her position on sleep. And a big announcement. Links: Barry’s tweet about hating his book Sensitivity Readers — Writing in the Margins 4 out of 5 dentists... Bizarro World Growing Pains Episode #150: "There Must Be a Pony" SCBWI New Jersey | 2016 June Conference Rate us on iTunes 2016-06-0229 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 63: The One with Sensible ScreentimeMorgan damns Barry with faint praise. Mornings! Showers! Is the “limit your kid’s screentime” notion an anti-feminist plot? Barry’s theory that multiple TVs lead to divorce. Plus, Morgan preps for her first writing conference…and makes a soul-searching confession. Links: This Mom Is Extraordinarily Tired Of Making Dinner The debate over screen time is really about moms, not kids. Appliances and their impact: the ownership of domestic technology and time spent on household work Bitch Sesh: A Real Housewives Breakdown by Earwolf on iTunes SCBWI New Jersey | 2016 June Conference Goodreads | Claudia and the Sad Good-bye (The Baby-s...2016-05-2535 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 61: The One without a Daddy BlogosphereDoes a debut have to be big? Guess what: Your sales aren’t determined by the quality of your book. Are celebrity memoirs worth the massive cost? Morgan has opinions about Captain America: Civil War. The (missing) narrative of the Stay-At-Home Dad. Links: Debut novels: Why new authors are making millions | EW.com Mad Men - Don breaks up with Dr. Faye Miller over the phone - YouTube "I hope she knows you only like the beginnings of things." Captain America: Civil War Black Panther The Great Darkness Saga Earth-1/Earth-2 What It’s Like When a Stay...2016-05-1235 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 60: The One with Sylvia Plath on ZoloftLeia visits the doctor three times in four days. Revisiting Lyga’s Law of Publishing: Barry signs a contract and explains why it takes so long. Science says: writers and psychotics are the same. (Morgan disagrees.) Don’t be a jerk on the internet. Morgan psyches out Barry. Barry goes nuts over a new book. Links: Writing in Real Life — Episode 33: The One with Royalties The Neurological Similarities Between Successful Writers And The Mentally Ill | Thought Catalog http://www.warrenzevon.com/ Paula Abdul - Opposites Attract - YouTube When You Become The Person You Hate On The Intern...2016-05-0336 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 59: The One with a Note under the DoorDoes living in close quarters give neighbors permission to tell parents when a baby is crying too much? Morgan’s new career aspiration. Reese Witherspoon is on Goodreads—who knew? Does being a writer ruin your ability to enjoy reading for its own sake? Links: The Happiest Baby Homepage | Happiest Baby | Sleep, Colic, and Health Solutions Family extremely offended after neighbors leave nasty note about their crying baby - AOL Reese Witherspoon’s New Role: Power Broker - WSJ #AskHerMore: How the Media Talks to Women On the Red Carpet - The Representation ProjectThe Representation Project Hugo - Awar...2016-04-1929 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 58: The One that Ends with a BangWriting advice — it’s everywhere. But is any of it actually useful? Or even from this century? Morgan invented Pinterest. Barry and Morgan reveal their parenting philosophy. Also: Barry’s new book! Links: Michael Arndt About The 5 Steps He Learned at Pixar to Write a Good Beginning - mentorless Agent Jennifer Laughran’s “not for me” tweet Writing Advice #1: A Million Bad Words — Barry Lyga Dot Com Mary's "pantsing" tweet Barry’s ancient keyboard Some Babies Are Just Easier Than Others - The New York Times Is Attachment Parenting a Traditionalist Plot? -- The Cut The Secret Sea preorders: A...2016-04-1338 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 57: The One with Morgan’s Apple WatchCan walking make you a better writer? Thoreau and Rowling think so! Why is there so much contradictory advice for authors? Morgan feels stressed. Why Barry goes to the gym every day. The glory of a speaker in the shower. Plus: The secret to making your kids behave. (Seriously. No joke.) Links: To Become a Better Writer, Be a Frequent Walker | Psychology Today Henry David Thoreau - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Writing Advice #1: A Million Bad Words — Barry Lyga Dot Com Apple celebrates 40th anniversary with Beer Bash DJ'd by Zane Lowe Apple Watch - Apple Sorry Fo...2016-04-0630 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 56: The One with Too Much DataBarry’s nightmare comes true, as the Netflix model approaches publishing. Morgan counsels calm, but c’mon — it’s Barry. An extended discussion of data in publishing, and we want YOUR opinions. Plus: Barry has an epiphany about revisions and reveals (again) what a horrible, egotistical monster he is. Links: Moneyball for Book Publishers: A Detailed Look at How We Read - The New York Times Writing in Real Life — Episode 15: The One where Leia Flirts Inaccurate Bookscan Stats and the Plight of the Midlist Author | A Distant Soil by Colleen Doran Henry's Hard Soda Tell us what you t...2016-03-2934 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 55: The One where Morgan DancesWhat, when, and how should you share about your kids on social media? Do they have a say in it? Are Barry and Morgan hypocrites for talking about Leia on the show? Being alone in the house when you have kids. Morgan reads the comments on an article. Links: In the Air Tonight : snopes.com Super Grover 2.0 - Muppet Wiki - Wikia Don't Post About Me on Social Media, Children Say - The New York Times STFU, Parents David After Dentist video Dance it out — Morgan Baden It's a Lot More Fun to Play Make-Believe With Your Ki...2016-03-1634 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 54: The One where Leia Watches Law & OrderPrologues: Threat or menace? Morgan rolls her eyes…in a loving way. Barry says writers don’t cheat, and then admits he cheats. Being a good parent will kill you. Waiting for the perfect week that doesn’t exist. Dueling revision updates! Morgan disses Rockford. Links: Urban Dictionary: Hang a lantern Cold open - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Being a good parent will physiologically destroy you, new research confirms - Quartz Writing in Real Life — Episode 47: The One with Discipline (Not the Fun Kind) 5 Habits Of Creative Working Parents | Fast Company Writing in Real Life — Episode 17: The One with M...2016-03-0831 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 53: The One Five Years after They MetBarry talks about how getting an editorial letter triggers pretty much every neurosis he’s got. (Morgan chortles.) Barry accidentally reveals the true extent of his ego. (Morgan chortles again.) Morgan talks scary movies. (Barry cowers.) Morgan reveals foreign parenting tips. (Barry freaks out.) Links: Apparently, ostriches actually don't stick their heads in the sand... Tom Perrotta The Witch (2016) - Rotten Tomatoes We talk about tension, slow openings, and The Leftovers: Writing in Real Life — Episode 36: The One about Pop Culture Global Parenting Habits That Haven't Caught On In The U.S. : Parallels : NPR Rate us on iTunes2016-03-0132 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 52: The One where They Don’t CanoodleMorgan lets Barry see Deadpool on Valentine’s Day. Saying “thank you” to your spouse. Barry does not get offended. The narrative of the inept dad and its consequences. Morgan’s revision update. Barry has lots of books to read. Links: The Significance of "52" for DC fans: Weekly Comic Book Series | The New 52 | 52 Breaches on The Flash | Room 52 Deadpool Secret to a happy marriage is to say 'thank you', Georgia University study finds | Daily Mail Online "The Gift of the Magi" She Divorced Me Because I Left Dishes by the Sink Dumb-Ass Stuff We Need To Stop Saying To...2016-02-1732 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 51: The One with the Ministry of VerbiageMorgan returns, with magical tales of Harry Potter! How do you name your characters? Thinking about your character’s parents. The art of inventing names. Writers and newsletters. The average lifespan of a tweet. Barry’s fantasy novel. Links: Wizarding World of Harry Potter™Hogsmeade | Universal Orlando "Days of Yore": The One with the Apothecary Table/Transcript - Friends Central - Wikia Popular Baby Names Académie française - Official moderator of the French language Judge: ‘Messiah’ Is Not an Acceptable Baby Name | TIME.com Tiny Letter Uptalk The daily email newsletter to start your day — theSkimm Barr...2016-02-0935 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 49: The One where They’re SnowboundSnowed in with Leia for the first time. Further discussion of discipline: For parents and for writers. The importance of beginning (not beginnings). Barry races the Grim Reaper. Plus: Authors who are just too damn precious. Links: Blizzard of 2016 lives up to the hype, and then some Donner Party - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia What is inertia? | Northwestern University Vow to Write Better, Not Faster in 2016, Despite Our Binge-Loving Culture Anniversary Gifts by Year | Traditional Anniversary Gifts | Hallmark The Pomodoro Technique The Pomodoro app for iPhone Rate us on iTunes 2016-01-2631 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 48: The One with Baby BloodRe-opening the discussion of whether authors should be paid more. Younger comes back for Season 2; Barry has opinions. Baby Fight Club! Leia transcends separation anxiety, to our mutual glee and disappointment. Morgan actually finishes a book she doesn’t like. Barry asks for help from the audience. Links: Eugene's comment on Episode 47: The One with Discipline (Not the Fun Kind) The 10% Solution by Ken Rand | Amazon | BN.com Guild's Letter to Publishers Calls for Real Change to Book Contracts - The Authors Guild Writing in Real Life — Episode 33: The One with Royalties Younger | Official Website | TV Land When...2016-01-2030 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 47: The One with Discipline (Not the Fun Kind)Doctor-approved: Be mean to your baby! Is your first baby just practice? Morgan foreswears Barry’s revision advice. Focusing on one project at a time. Followup on Barry’s Cheat Method for Revision and a discussion of what you need to know about your protagonist before you start writing. Links: Scrivener (app for writers on Mac and Windows) Rules for Writing Multiple Books at Once — Barry Lyga Dot Com Twin Peaks -strange path of Albert Rosenfield -fragment - YouTube Morgan Recommends: The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve Valentine | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound 'Kingfisher' Girls Will D...2016-01-1238 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 46: The One that FlourishesThe year that was and the year to come, with our best moments of 2015, along with our goals and wishes for 2016. Plus: The Barry Lyga Cheat Method for Fixing Pacing. (This episode is brought to you by the word “Flourish.”) Links: End of the Year Wrap-Up 2015 | Holly Black Ask Polly: Should I Just Give Up on My Writing? |- The Cut The Secret Sea Goodreads page Word On The Street | Sesame Street Steve Jobs: Apple Almost Went Bankrupt Because It Failed to Innovate | Mac Rumors Apple CEO Tim Cook Embraces Cannibalization of iPad, iPod, Mac | AllThingsD Rate us on iT2016-01-0533 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 45: The One with Morgan's Memory ProblemsMorgan cheats on Barry. Taking stock of what we’ve read this year. Morgan’s memory is terrible. Barry resists going all Campbell on Star Wars. Wisdom from Sylvia Plath. Plus: Great first lines!
Links:
Morgan guests on the Scholastic Reads podcast: "Kids’ Books Holiday Hotline"
morganbaden.com: "My year in books: 2015"
Memento (2000) - IMDb
Exo by Steven Gould | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound
Jumper by Steven Gould | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound
A Force Awakens Review By a Star Wars Rookie | WIRED
How The "Star Wars" Lightsaber Was Designed
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Sylvia P...2015-12-2329 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 44: The One with Morgan's R&RBarry reconsiders NaNoWriMo. Picking Morgan’s brain. Is writing an compulsion? Should it be? Leia walks like crazy and gets a sibling. An update on Morgan’s agent search. Links: Barry’s rant on lists and awards: "Episode 43: The One where Morgan Disses Alan Moore" Barry’s rant on NaNoWriMo: "Episode 42: The One where Barry Drops the Baby" Sara’s comment/question on writing groups: "Episode 41: The One where They Argue about Blazing Saddles" Sarah Maclean Melissa Walker Micol Ostow Kent’s comment on obsession: "Episode 37: The One in the Park" BB-8™ by Sphero – Sphero Store Morgan is Reading: Harr...2015-12-1636 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 43: The One where Morgan Disses Alan MooreMorgan has a cold. Barry’s dirty little fable succeeds. Leia starts to demand things in no uncertain terms. Why on earth would you combine YA and Dr. Seuss into the same list? Barry rants about lists and awards and why you shouldn’t care. Plus: What book should every 16-year-old American read? Links: BarryLyga.com: Unsoul’d is #1 Unsoul’d by Barry Lyga | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Kobo Historically Speaking: Holy Moley! Top 10 YA & Children’s Books | TIME 100 Notable Books of 2015 - The New York Times Amazon.com: Best Books of 2015: Books The 18 Best Fiction Books Of 2015 The...2015-12-0731 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 42: The One where Barry Drops the BabyA discussion of NaNoWriMo. A caution about holiday time in publishing and an invocation of Lyga’s Law. Should authors respond to negative reviews? Comparing books to babies. What would Morgan do if someone panned Gillian Anderson? Morgan looks to her past to figure out her future. Links: NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month "42" There's no "I hate NaNoWriMo" Twitter account, but here's a Google search Accidental Tech Podcast Marco Arment: "I got here with over a decade of hard work building what I have. You can tell yourself you can’t do it forever, or you can start...2015-11-2442 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 41: The One where They Argue about "Blazing Saddles"Why we hate Libba Bray. What special guests would you like to see on the show? Morgan starts a new project. Barry wants to start five new projects. Scheduling time to talk to your spouse. How do you critique something that’s in a genre you don’t like? Plus: A nanny for Leia??? Links: OnBeing.org: "The Breaking and The Blessing of Motherhood" by Courtney E. Martin "And I'm back in the game!" from 10 Things I Hate About You Lifehacker: "You May Actually Fall Asleep Faster If You Try to Stay Awake" Fast Company: "Balance Two Care...2015-11-1836 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 40: The One with LibbaSpecial guest Libba Bray joins the show! We discuss being married to your agent and when your kid wants to be a writer. Texting edits to authors. The glory and the danger of research. Plus: Outlining — threat or menace? Also, the title to the third Diviners book! Links: BGLiterary.com: Home of Barry Goldblatt Literary Earth-3 - DC Comics Database - Wikia Mirror universe - Memory Beta - Wikia The Sweet, Far Thing by Libba Bray | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Fulcrum Barrylyga.com: This Week in Rejection! Harlem Nights (1989) - IMDb The Rutles Supergirl - CBS.co...2015-11-1048 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 38: The One with a One-Year OldMini-tantrums! Barry proves he’s human then talks about blood in the delivery room. Raising joyful children. Cultivating unstructured play for kids. Burnout in the arts. Plus: What do The Leftovers and Younger have in common?
Links:
Morgan's videogame bona fides: Super Mario Bros.
barrylyga.com: "One Year Later…"
Yahoo.com: "8 Ways to Raise Joyful Children in a Stressful World"
The Happy Kid Handbook: How to Raise Joyful Children in a Stressful World by Katie Hurley | Amazon | BN.com | Indiebound
ArtsHub Australia: "Why We Are Burning Out in the Arts"
Penumbra/eclipse
The Girl with the Wrong...2015-10-2834 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 37: The One in the ParkMorgan and Barry throw a party. Leia tries sugar for the first time. The surreality of “Happy Birthday.” What should parents do when their kids want to be something crazy when they grow up? The importance of opening chapters and opening sentences, and the pressure related to them. Links: Grillery Clinton apron "Preparing Our Kids for Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet" Sara’s comment on Episode 36 Morgan is Reading A Tangle of Gold by Jaclyn Moriarty (preorder link) | Amazon | BN.com Rate us on iTunes 2015-10-2137 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 36: The One about Pop CultureBarry goes to Comic Con; Morgan does not. What happens when your personal nostalgia becomes mega-big business? Bringing babies to comic book conventions. A discussion of the awe-inspiring opening scene of season two of The Leftovers. Badass cavewomen. Barry’s billion-dollar idea. Links: New York Comic-Con Teen Author Reading Night at the Jefferson Market Branch of the New York Public Library Agent Carter Baltimore Comic Con The Leftovers Season 2, Episode 1 (Sorry, we can't find that scene streaming anywhere. Borrow a friend's HBOGO password if you need to!) The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound De...2015-10-1335 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 35: The One with No BabyOur intrepid podcasters take a huge step as parents. Vacation Brain turns out to be Creative Brain. What do you do when you have a great idea to improve your book…that you’ve already submitted? Spouses reading each other’s email. Plus, Morgan reads a newspaper. An actual newspaper. Links: “Shake It Off” defined 9 years before Taylor Swift’s song Morgan is Reading: Conversion by Katherine Howe | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound New York Times: "What Happened to the Girls in Le Roy" The Appearance of Annie van Sinderen by Katherine Howe | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound ...2015-10-0732 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 34: The One with Technical DifficultiesBarry is now a Colonel. Leia gets sick for the first time ever. Is Amy Schumer’s book deal ridiculous or merely insane? Barry’s obsession with quoting Stephen King. An insult levied at the entire movie-making and movie-loving world. And Morgan can’t stomach a book. Links: Commonwealth of Kentucky Kentucky Bluegrass Award Kentucky Colonel Barrylyga.com: "Kentucky Fried Lyga" Healthline.com: "Myth Busters: Does Cold Weather Make You Sick?" Amy Schumer on Last Comic Standing Electric Lit: "Comedian Amy Schumer Lands Whopping $8-10 Million Book Deal" Bare Bones: Conversations on Terror with Stephen King (ed. by Tim...2015-09-3036 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 33: The One with RoyaltiesA serious episode on a weighty issue: Are authors paid enough? Should royalty rates be changed? Also: a discussion on the usefulness of social media, even if/though it doesn’t lead to (meaningful) book sales. And last but not least, we talk about Morgan’s query letter.) Links: Publishers Weekly: "New Guild Survey Reveals Majority of Authors Earn Below Poverty Line" Authors Guild: Legal Services barrylyga.com: Writing Advice #29: Money Ani DiFranco self-produces her albums Chuck Wendig's blog: "Social Media for Writers is a Misunderstood Opportunity" Morgan’s Recommended Reading: A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan | Amazon...2015-09-1536 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 31: The One where Harry Potter and the X-Men are the SameDreams: when — or if — you should give up on them. The strange definition of “similar” in Hollywood and in publishing. The dream of publishing versus the reality. Is it weird to thank people for thinking your baby is adorable? Barry finally finishes writing a @&#%^$&* short story. Morgan sees the light at the end of the revision tunnel. Links: "You Can’t Always Get What You Want" NewsfromME.com: The Unknown Assistant of Carl Barks PublishersWeekly.com: On Writing, Rejection, and Persistence NewsfromME.com: From the E-Mailbag… Archvillain Tumblr fandom page “The Truth About Dino Girl” — Barry’s most hated story, in...2015-09-0139 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 30: The One with the World's Wisest Third GraderThe New York Times finally meets our demands. “Who knew women could write books?” Wishing your life away. Is keeping a baby alive “productive?” Leia turns ten months. Participation trophies: threat or menace? Figuring out “the twist” ahead of time. Links: Bustle.com: "Exciting 'New York Times' Bestseller List Changes Mean Your Favorite New YA Books Are About To Get More Attention" "You’ve come a long way, baby" "The Times it is a-changing, part deux" -- Michael Bourret’s post on the NYT change I Know How She Does It by Laura Vanderkam | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebou...2015-08-2630 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 29: The One where Morgan Makes a Comic Book Reference We finish (?) discussing the New York Times bestsellers list. Leia eats everything imaginable. “Lady guilt is heavy.” Parenting advice and anti-advice. High-chair condoms. Feeling like a one-hit wonder as an author. The tension between what readers like and what writers want to write. Lyga’s Law of Publishing. Links: The NYT's Pamela Paul discusses the YA bestseller list on Twitter Don't feed babies honeyGuardians of the Galaxy Skip Hop Take Care Shopping Cart & High-Chair Cover Munchkin Warm Glow Baby Wipe Warmer -- The wipes warmer Morgan had to have and never used Friday Night Lights TV show NPR: "R...2015-08-1736 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 28: The One that Was Almost Planned Barry tours with a movie star. Can authors write while on the road? The true authorship of Gone Girl…revealed! Leia takes her first steps toward super-model-hood. What is a good minimum for maternity leave? Plus: Some necessary follow-up on the New York Times bestsellers list…and Barry rants about the Oscars. Links: After the Red Rain by Barry Lyga, Peter Facinelli, & Rob DeFranco | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Peter Facinelli talks After the Red Rain on Live! with Kelly and Michael USAToday interview with Barry, Peter Facinelli, and Rob DeFranco MTV reveals trailer for After the Red Rai...2015-08-1133 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 27: The One where They Both Get Pissed Some more talk about essays and writing classes. Is there a non-jerk way to self-promote? Why are the same books recommended over and over? Plus, Barry rants about the New York Times bestsellers list…and Morgan agrees! Links: Paul’s comment on Episode 25: "I refuse to live my life at the speed of light." Suzanne Collins’ social media accounts Roughly 50,000 books published in U.S. each year Ouroboros #quietYA -- "The YA you've never heard of." August 9 YA bestsellers (accessed on Aug. 1) Fiction (accessed on Aug. 1) The Daily Beast: "Is Ted Cruz A Bestselling Author Or Isn’t He?" ...2015-08-0436 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 26: The One with Chunks of Food Vaccinate your kids. Thanks, grandmothers! Barry disses personal essays and remains a man of mystery. The submission process as quantum weirdness. What kind of writing class is the best for aspiring authors? Why Morgan married Barry. Plus: Morgan's secret terror.
Links:
The CDC: "Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism"
Baby Led Weaning
The Pit of Despair (a reference Morgan missed, of course)
Spine-out on Facebook
"The End of My Career" -- Barry Lyga Dot Com
Gotham Writers' Workshop
Mediabistro classes
2016 Writer's Market Deluxe Edition
Friends: The One Where Everyone Finds Out
lukalpostophobia -- fear of the post...2015-07-2937 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 25: The One that's Sort of Backwards Our 25th episode! Barry’s wish comes true. A discussion of authors responding to controversy on social media. Building a community vs. an audience. Should authors be held to the standards of brands and celebrities? Should authors work on stories they abandoned in the past? Does easy writing equal good writing? Leia takes her first steps. Links: Barry is Reading: I Am the Traitor by Allen Zadoff | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Morgan is Reading: The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Indiebound Strange Fruit #1 by Mark Waid & J.G. Jones | Comixology Wai...2015-07-2130 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 24: The One with Spoilers for The Princess Bride A hammock may or may not exist…and Barry may or may not be in it. Leia goes in a pool for the first time. The deadly menace of the Triple Lull. Morgan relates her tragic tale of being on submission. Also: colorful side characters, limited cursing, and Barry wishes he had a British accent.
Links:
Kent’s comment on negative reviews from Episode 23
Is Barry "gritty and crazy?" Kirkus weighs in.
Speaking of the Lull -- Episode 21: The One where Morgan Gets Her Groove Back
The Princess Bride;
Inigo faces Count Rugen (Best. Scene. Ever.)
Mrs. W...2015-07-1533 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 23: The One where Anyone Can Get Married Celebrating #MarriageEquality with some more talk about marriage, as well as an appreciation of single people. Plus: Life in the Age of Screeching, Barry rants about the future of publishing, and Morgan wants ice cream.
Links:
"Supreme Court Ruling Makes Same-Sex Marriage a Right Nationwide" -- The New York Times
@kellybaden's tweet on Justice Kennedy's opening sentence
Freedom to Marry: "Marriage vs. Civil Union or Domestic Partnership"
Rebecca Traister’s tweet about single-bashing
And her article following up on it, for The Cut: "Marriage Equality Is Also a Win for Single People"
Psychology Today: "Singles are Se...2015-07-0140 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 22: The One where They Finally Talk about Marriage Morgan and Barry cheat at binge-watching. The only fashion name Barry knows. Some serious discussion about writers, math, and finances. Morgan loves being married. Barry’s still reading a book he doesn’t like. Links: Younger Park Dietz -- Barry misremembered. Dietz had a different connection to Law & Order. But a search for the word "consultant" on the show's IMDB page brings up several legal consultants. "U Can’t Touch This" Alexander Hamilton’s idea that economic status can be used to compel people to do good is explained in this book. The new $10 bill Aziz Ansari on marri...2015-06-2336 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 21: The One where Morgan Gets Her Groove BackA brief but necessary colloquy on baby poop. The paradox that is Morgan. “How is your book coming along?” Why they got married. The horrors of The Lull and the related wisdom of Mr. Thomas Petty. And you should totally watch The Leftovers. Links: Meghan’s comment on being a mom and finding time to write Stephen King: The Rolling Stone Interview: King discusses writing The Tommyknockers in longhand The Lowdown on Longhand: How Writing by Hand Benefits the Brain Boy Toy in the New York Times The Times is On It on Twitter "Onwards and Upwards": The New...2015-06-1631 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 20: The One where Leia Goes to a Bar Mitzvah Some more discussion of the Leap. Morgan’s plans are foiled by the evil that is Microsoft copy protection. Barry’s views on #firstworldproblems. “Books happen in the time that they take.” The value of twenty minutes and the Twenty Minute Time Suck.
Links:
Comments on Episode 19 -- Amanda and Paul on the Leap
Simon Cowell Offers Advice
Frank McCourt
Pomodoro Technique -- 25 minutes on, 5 minutes off
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt — "You can stand anything for 10 seconds."
Freedom.app
Instructions for blocking the internet on your router
Inertia
BookExpo: Where it’s been and where it will be
WWDC...2015-06-1034 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 19: The One with the Leap Barry talks about making “the Leap” to full-time author ten years ago. Plus: Leia becomes a person. Links: Morgan is a Cancer Diamond Comic Distributors — Barry’s old gig The Joy of Not Working by Ernie John Zelinski | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks Free Comic Book Day Mad Men — "Shut the Door, Have a Seat" Kathleen Anderson — Barry’s agent "The One Where Rachel Quits" Kurt Cobain The Secret "Writing Advice #1: A Million Bad Words" -- from barrylyga.com George Clooney on The Facts of Life Libraries do curated personal recommended reading lists! (Thanks, Meghan!) Rate us on iTunes 2015-06-0334 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 18: The One where Barry Makes Morgan Cry Morgan goes on a book-buying binge. Barry gets depressed by how people buy things. When do you re-read a book in lieu of reading a new one? Should you have rules for your reading life? Accounting for every second of every day in your book. Too many damn books. How a biased critique partner is useful. Our absolute best advice to new parents.
Links:
Amazon v Hachette
“Effective frequency"
The Hollywood Paragraph/Elevator Pitch
Stitch Fix -- Online Personal Stylists for Women
Shark Tank
BookRiot
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard | Amazon | BN.com | iBooks | Ind...2015-05-2634 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 17: The One with Meta-TopicsMorgan gets promoted. Where the heck are our listeners coming from? First time letting someone else put Leia to bed! Babies as small-talk assistants. “Where do you want to take your readers next?” Morgan gets Biblical. Going to a wedding as a married couple. The necessity of patience for parents, spouses, and writers. Barry finishes writing his book. Links: Khaleesi -- Game of Thrones Wiki Selina Meyer -- VEEP on HBO Tweet from Per Per Degaton Mickey Spillane John Updike Sleep No More Ep. 14: The One about Routines "Every Day is a Disaster" by Laura June "Every Day i...2015-05-2041 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 16: The One with Reality TV A sudden baby! Empathy for other parents…or not. The importance of downtime vs. the importance of productivity. “Musing on the Kinship of Motherhood” — Morgan’s new band. Signal vs. noise related to life experiences and writing. Help choose Barry’s hobby!
Links:
Southern Charm
Biography -- Barry Lyga Dot Com
Morgan’s Twitter bio
Barry’s Twitter bio
The Twelve Tribes of Israel
Black-ish Season 1, Episode 3: "The Nod"
"Here Is What a Hard-Working, Overachieving Person’s Day Looks Like" -- Jezebel.com post
“Whiteboard” — Episode 15: The One Where Leia Flirts
Routines — Episode 14: The One about Routines
"Dear Moms: We Are A...2015-05-1238 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 15: The One where Leia Flirts The winner of the first WiRL contest! Some necessary followup discussion on the nature of writing routines. Morgan wakes up early. Introducing Lyga’s Axiom. Morgan needs a whiteboard. How copyedits make you feel stupid. Barry is reading a lot…but can’t talk about any of it. Links: Barry and Morgan get shamed on Twitter ARC Contest -- Episode 12: The One where They Go on a Date After the Red Rain ARC Twitter contest Sara’s comment on routines -- Episode 14: The One about Routines Writing Advice #43: My Method -- Barry's BLog on how he used to write...2015-05-0637 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 14: The One about RoutinesRoutines for raising a baby, writing books, and — possibly — staying sane. Bringing gifts to babies. Daycare’s pluses and minuses. Plus: Could you be the next Paul???
Links:
Houghton Mifflin Buys Scholastic’s Ed Tech Business for $575 Million -- Why Morgan had to be at work at 6am
"What am I, a farmer?"
The result of Barry waking Leia in the morning
Home Alone
Ross & Monica do "the Routine"
Sleep sack
Morgan’s desk, a model of efficiency and organization
Wealth without Risk — budgeting and dieting/short-term vs. long-term rewards
"The Secret to My Success" -- Barry’s breakfast blog
L...2015-04-2835 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 13: The One that’s Lucky Number Thirteen Guilt! What is it good for? (Say it again.) Babies need down time. Morgan works on her book! Barry works on his book! Huzzah! Being productive in a short amount of time. Writers writing about writers. Reading marathons vs. sprints. The utility of critique groups. Plus: Morgan reads Barry’s upcoming book. Links: Go-Pod Bumbo Seat Hillary Clinton: “Talk to your baby” Daredevil The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl -- Barry's first book about a writer Unsoul’d -- Barry's second book about a writer Henry David Thoreau: "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperati...2015-04-2144 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 12: The One where They Go on a DateMorgan is back at work full-time. “It’s only Tuesday.” Morgan and Barry go out to dinner. The first official WiRL giveaway! #excuses How do you plan goals for a revision? When do you discard your editor’s advice? Plus: Leia reasserts her control over the household.Plus: Listen to this episode to learn how you can win a copy of After the Red Rain, signed by Barry, Rob DeFranco, and Peter Facinelli!Links:Clifford the Big Red DogMr. Mom"A Good Nap, Spoiled"LiterallyThe Dessert They HadAfter the Red RainWriting Advice #51: Revision StrategyTriangle Shirtwais...2015-04-1432 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 11: The One where Vomit Comes out of Her Nose Barry admits to a mistake. Everyone is sick and everything sucks. Let’s go to the emergency room! Not letting your baby look at electronic screens…except for when you do. Deep influences. Sesame Street vs. Children of the Corn. Limping along in your writing. Morgan gets real about being a working mom. Links: Samuel Johnson tries to save a life "What a drag it is getting old..." -- "Mother's Little Helper," The Rolling Stones Morgan’s blog post on returning to work full-time "if you try sometimes you might just find/You get what you need" -- "You...2015-04-0841 min
Writing in Real LifeEpisode 10: The One with Podcasts in the Shower Parenting achievement unlocked: Brunch with friends in the city with the baby. Milestones for writers published and unpublished. Defining “cruising along.” Morgan’s rockin’ Saturday night. When to give up on the book you’re writing. Barry announces a new book. Morgan adds to her online portfolio. How much of your first draft ends up in the final draft? Links: Barry’s blog on revision Second gear Bluetooth speaker for your shower Barry announces The Secret Sea Barry becomes a New York Times bestselling author Barry’s blog about faith and vision Morgan’s appearance on AOL BUILD Not Twain...2015-03-3132 min
Listen to Best Full Audiobooks in Teen & YA, Mystery & ThrillerGame: The Sequel to 'I Hunt Killers' by Barry LygaPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/173304 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Game: The Sequel to 'I Hunt Killers' Series: #2 of I Hunt Killers Author: Barry Lyga Narrator: Charlie Thurston Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 13 hours 28 minutes Release date: April 16, 2013 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 4.88 of Total 8 Ratings of Narrator: 5 of Total 4 Genres: Mystery & Thriller Publisher's Summary: The second book in this thrilling, terrifying series by New York Times bestselling author Barry Lyga is perfect for fans of Dexter. Billy grinned. 'Oh, New York,' he whispered. 'We're gonna have so much fun.' I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jazz, t...2013-04-1603 min
Unlock Top Full Audiobooks in Teen & YA, Mystery & ThrillerI Hunt Killers by Barry LygaPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/125091 to listen full audiobooks. Title: I Hunt Killers Series: #1 of I Hunt Killers Author: Barry Lyga Narrator: Charlie Thurston Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 9 hours 30 minutes Release date: April 3, 2012 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3.92 of Total 13 Ratings of Narrator: 4.6 of Total 5 Genres: Mystery & Thriller Publisher's Summary: The first book in this thrilling, terrifying series by New York Times bestselling author Barry Lyga is perfect for fans of Dexter. It was a beautiful day. It was a beautiful field. Except for the body. Jazz is a likable teenager. A charmer, some might say. But he's also t...2012-04-0303 min