The Editor's Inkpot

The Editor's Inkpot 032: Know Thyself to Know Your Characters

In this episode, I share how a new POV character came to the page recently, how I made space for her, and what my archetypal astrology (patterns, not predictions) has to do with any and all of this. Want a free mini lesson on flat vs. round characters? https://margaretmcnellis.com/craft/character-craft-intensive-round-vs-flat-characters [https://margaretmcnellis.com/craft/character-craft-intensive-round-vs-flat-characters] Are you ready to map your story? https://margaretmcnellis.com/the-story-map [https://margaretmcnellis.com/the-story-map] Grab your copy of Daughter of the Seven Hills: https://margaretmcnellis.com/bookshop/p/daughter-of-the-seven-hills [https://margaretmcnellis.com/bookshop/p/daughter-of-the-seven-hills] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mcnelliswrites.substack.com [https://mcnelliswrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Editor's Inkpot 031: Back for Season 2

Welcome back for season 2 of The Editor's Inkpot! Hosted by Author Accelerator certified book coach, Margaret McNellis, MFA. Margaret is also an author of literary stories that take place in the past. You can find Margaret's work (or work with Margaret) here: http://getabookcoach.com [http://getabookcoach.com] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mcnelliswrites.substack.com [https://mcnelliswrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Editor's Inkpot 030: Falconry & More with Susanne Dunlap

In this episode, I chat with author, editor, and book coach Susanne Dunlap about her latest book, The Falconer’s Lost Baron… and so much more. Here are Susanne’s links: * Susanne’s website: https://susanne-dunlap.com [https://susanne-dunlap.com] * Buy link for Falconer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FPBG1P54 [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FPBG1P54] * Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanne_dunlap [https://instagram.com/susanne_dunlap] * TikTok: https://tiktok.com/susieregency [https://tiktok.com/susieregency] Here are links to connect with my next podcast project, THIS POLYMATH LIFE: * Listen on my website: https://margaretmcnellis.com/podcast [https://margaretmcnellis.com/podcast] * Listen on PodBean: https://thispolymathlife.podbean.com [https://thispolymathlife.podbean.com] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mcnelliswrites.substack.com [https://mcnelliswrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Editor's Inkpot 029: What's in a name?

In this episode, I talk about the difference between using a creative title to let people know what we do vs who we are… and the primary pitfall of the latter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mcnelliswrites.substack.com [https://mcnelliswrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Editor's Inkpot 028: It's Your Story

In this episode, I share thoughts on holding the reins while writing your story. If you want to book a Mini Blueprint session with me, head over here [https://mcnelliswrites.com/bfscoaching?rq=black%20friday]. If you want to snag your copy of Daughter of the Seven Hills, head over here [https://mcnelliswrites.com/shoppe/p/daughter-of-the-seven-hills]. There are two more episodes of this podcast coming! FYI, I will be taking the week of November 24, 2025 off. My November 20 episode will have one more important message for writers and my November 30 episode will have a lovely interview with the talented and SO smart Susanne Dunlap [https://substack.com/profile/97259328-susanne-dunlap]. I’ll also share information starting with the November 20 episode on how you can keep listening to my podcasting efforts after THE EDITOR’S INKPOT. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mcnelliswrites.substack.com [https://mcnelliswrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]