The Prickly Quill

Podcast

The Prickly Quill

No-BS advice for finishing your novel.

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Episode 4
Ep. 4: Why "Write What You Know" is the Worst Writing Advice Ever
April 26, 2026 00:05:19
"Write what you know." It is the most common piece of advice given to new authors, and as Jeff Manning argues in this episode, it is also the most dangerous.The truth is, your life is likely boring. You want a safe, drama-free life with no car trouble or money problems. But a safe life mak...
Episode 3
Ep. 3: Stop Writing Cardboard: 8 Ways You’re Killing Your Characters
April 25, 2026 00:14:09
Most authors spend months on their plot but only minutes on their characters. The result? A story filled with flat, one-dimensional "tools" that readers can’t wait to put down. If your beta readers are telling you your characters feel "flat" but can't explain why, this episode is your diagnostic man...
Episode 2
Ep. 2: The Friend Trap: Why "Relationship Currency" is Killing Your Creative Business
April 25, 2026 00:08:16
This week, Jeff Manning dives into a mistake that almost cost him a friendship and a lot of money: the 'Friend Trap.' When you need a jingle, a cover, or an edit, it’s tempting to reach out to the people you love - but spending 'relationship currency' is often more expensive than spe...
Episode 1
Ep. 1: The Tuesday Grind, Messy Desks, and Why Spellcheck is Ruining Your Draft
April 23, 2026 00:08:02
Welcome to the first episode of The Prickly Quill! Today, host Jeff Manning tackles the hardest part of writing a novel: actually getting words on the page when your brain refuses to cooperate.If your desk is a mess, your spellcheck is screaming at you in red squiggly lines, and you're spending 20 m...
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