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This episode, the authors Nan and Octavia talk about those endearing childhood books that actually have terrible lessons, morals and themes. Plus, they talk about making a kitchy movie about kitten parties. Ok, they’re not really going to do that, but it’s a funny idea. Tune into the latest update in their writing lives and let us know which books you grew up loving and eventually realized how damaging they are! HAPPY WRITING! Follow us on IG: @nanhigginswrite, @octaviaaivatco, @stalledpodcast Email us at stalledpodcast@gmail.com Like what you hear? Join one of our Patron Tiers!

When Nan & Octavia unpack the origins of an unanticipated rift in their relationship, the only rationale is The Octavian Theorem. The authors spend this episode dissecting the pros and cons of digital and virtual writer’s groups in the limitless world of social media and conclude the show with one super mega pain point as well as checking-in on their goals. Do you have a writer’s group that helps you stay motivated? Stay tuned, stay encouraged, and HAPPY WRITING! Follow us on IG: @nanhigginswrite, @octaviaaivatco, @stalledpodcast Email us at stalledpodcast@gmail.com Like what you hear? Join one of our Patron Tiers!

In what might be the most hysterical episode yet, Nan and Octavia review the past year and how their unique definitions of success and achievement have evolved. While reviewing some major accomplishments and lessons learned, they get a surprise visit from the one and only motivator with the most, Mickey Mouse, and explore what makes a goal truly attainable. Stay tuned for the bloopers at the end, and for the love of all your dignity, don’t listen with a full mouth because you might spit it out while laughing. While you’re at it, consider emptying your bladder, too, just to be sure. Always remember, you define your value and you determine your milestones of success…and it is always OK to shift and adapt the plan. Stay tuned, stay encouraged, and HAPPY WRITING! Follow us on IG: @nanhigginswrite, @octaviaaivatco, @stalledpodcast Email us at stalledpodcast@gmail.com Like what you hear? Join one of our Patron Tiers!

In this episode, Nan and Octavia divulge where their book ideas come from!  Also, here’s a tip: if you’re waiting on some bolt of lightening to tell you what your next book idea is, don’t wait! Make your own lightening! We’ll be back next time with a show about how our definition of success has evolved over the last year! Stay tuned, stay encouraged, and HAPPY WRITING! Follow us on IG: @nanhigginswrite, @octaviaaivatco, @stalledpodcast Email us at stalledpodcast@gmail.com Like what you hear? Join one of our Patron Tiers!

Nan and Octavia return to finish the list the top ten of lies we tell ourselves as authors — creatives types of all kinds know about that negative internal voice that often makes you question your passion and purpose. This week, the two authors delve into those and name those demons. As usual, the ladies are a bit chatty, so we’re breaking this up into two shows. Here’s the conclusion: You don’t have the right kind of education to be a writer.It doesn’t make sense! The fear of Plot Holes.Your work doesn’t appeal to enough people.I’m not marketable or likable — what if I’m doing all this work and nobody likes it?You’re not hot enough to be marketableUnintentional Plagiarism Your work doesn’t fit well enough into a specific genreFailure: Fear that I’m a One Hit Wonder; Fear of phantom intentions… (00:07)You’re too far behind. You’ll never catch up. (8:08)It’s easier to quit. (16:08) We’ll be back next time with a show about where we get our story ideas! Stay tuned, stay encouraged, and HAPPY WRITING! Follow us on IG: @nanhigginswrite, @octaviaaivatco, @stalledpodcast Email us at stalledpodcast@gmail.com Like what you hear? Join one of our Patron Tiers!

On this episode of Stalled, Nan and Octavia list the top ten lies we tell ourselves as authors — creatives types of all kinds know about that negative internal voice that often makes you question your passion and purpose. This week, the two authors delve into those and name those demons. As usual, the ladies are a bit chatty, so we’re breaking this up into two shows. On this episode, listen to the first seven: You don’t have the right kind of education to be a writer. (19:30)It doesn’t make sense! The fear of Plot Holes. (25:45)Your work doesn’t appeal to enough people. (31:30)I’m not marketable or likable — what if I’m doing all this work and nobody likes it? (42:20)You’re not hot enough to be marketable (46:35)Unintentional Plagiarism (51:05)Your work doesn’t fit well enough into a specific genre (59:26) We’ll be back next time to give you the rest of our list! Stay tuned, stay encouraged, and HAPPY WRITING! Follow us on IG: @nanhigginswrite, @octaviaaivatco, @stalledpodcast Email us at stalledpodcast@gmail.com Like what you hear? Join one of our Patron Tiers!

Nan and Octavia catch up on big news, accelerating good stuff, and revisit their goals. The two authors also discuss social media success and the struggle to develop a following without losing focus on their true passion — writing. Follow us on IG: @nanhigginswrite, @octaviaaivatco, @stalledpodcast Like what you hear? Join one of our Patron Tiers!

On this second representation episode, Nan and Octavia dive into a conversation about women and LGBTQ folks in media. They discuss the Bechdel Test, and come clean about books and movies they love that don’t make the Bechdel cut. Nan gets vulnerable about the TV-MA warning on an innocent queer situation in one of her favorite sitcoms, and both authors shed a few tears about the portrayal of otherness and wrongness they face as marginalized people. Follow us on IG: @nanhigginswrite, @octaviaaivatco, @stalledpodcast Like what you hear? Join one of our Patron Tiers!

This week, Nan & Octavia finally take on the beautifully intimidating and critically important beast: representation in literature. Part 1 of this multi-part series focuses on the need for racial representation. The authors talk about how the void in diverse character casting in literature, film and television affected them throughout their lives, including how people react and relate to them, even today. Listen, take notes, and choose to be an inclusive, compassionate and excellent human every day. Follow us on IG: @nanhigginswrite, @octaviaaivatco, @stalledpodcast Like what you hear? Join one of our Patron Tiers!

Nan and Octavia get back to routine with weekly goals and discuss the importance of embracing your own unique timing of success. Follow us on IG: @nanhigginswrite, @octaviaaivatco, @stalledpodcast Contribute to our sheNANigans on Patreon.com/tavindamedia Correction: In this episode, Octavia said “Captain America” and she totally absolutely meant “Captain Planet” and is super embarrassed. This episode is dedicated to supporting Sleep in Heavenly Peace via Go Fund Me. Want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money for Sleep in Heavenly Peace Inc,  any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. More information about Sleep in Heavenly Peace Inc: Sleep in Heavenly Peace Mission Statement is that NO KID SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN! All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads. In Idaho and across the US, too many boys and girls go without a bed, or even a pillow to sleep on. These children end up sleeping on couches, blankets, and even floors. This can affect their happiness and their health. https://www.shpbeds.org/