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Ditch Diggers, Podcasts, Projects

[DD] Weeping Bunkers and Writing Woes: Surviving the Creative Chaos

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“Sometimes the best way to survive is to turn everything into hilarity.” – Ursula Vernon

Ditch Diggers Season 11 logo featuring ursula illustrated In this episode of DITCH DIGGERS, hosts Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon share their experiences navigating the chaotic world of writing and marketing. From discussing the emotional rollercoaster of meeting deadlines to the challenges of book marketing, they explore the ups and downs of being a writer in today’s landscape.

Highlights include:
(05:32) Ursula has too many author copies. She’s written nearly 50 books
(12:30) Let’s talk about marketing for SwordHeart
(24:09) A lot of your writing happened when you were doing chemo
(31:34) Mur wants to talk about newsletters. They constantly vex her.
(33:00) When Mur left mailchimp, she didn’t export her mailing list
(44:58) It’s called decision fatigue for a reason
(54:26) If you do get the desire to create during this time, do it

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(This post went live for supporters on April 17, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon!)

Links: 

Evergreen Links:

Support Local Book Stores!

Ditch Diggers credits:
theme song by Devo Spice, art by Numbers Ninja,
site hosted by Libsyn (or Patreon).
Feb 13, 2024 | Season 11 Ep 2 | murverse.com
“Weeping Bunkers and Writing Woes: Surviving the Creative Chaos” by Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon
is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] From Medieval Fashion to Modern Writing with Natania Barron

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New 2025 logo, tiny Mur on pink/orange background with purple circle saying I should Be Writing.

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S21 Ep6: From Medieval Fashion to Modern Writing with Natania Barron

“Stories are how I make sense of the world.”
-Natania Barron

(This post went live for supporters on March 27, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)

In this episode, I talk a little about the JoCo Cruise and how it reminded me of the importance of community and creativity. I forgot how good it felt to surrounding myself with fellow creatives.

Then I talk to Natania Barron, a prolific fantasy author and medieval scholar of the Queen of None series. We delve into Natania’s latest works, including her upcoming release in the Queens of Fate series. We also discuss the intersection of history and fantasy, the nuances of writing queer narratives, and the significance of food and fashion in storytelling.

Stories are how I make sense of the world, in text, with photo of natania barronTranscript

Links

Evergreen Links

In case it wasn’t clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.
—

“From Medieval Fashion to Modern Writing with Natania Barron” is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
March 27, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 6 | murverse.com
“From Medieval Fashion to Modern Writing with Natania Barron” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Crafting Tales Through Holiday Themes

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New 2025 logo, tiny Mur on pink/orange background with purple circle saying I should Be Writing.

Subscribe/Follow here! (All apps)

S21 Ep5: Crafting Tales Through Holiday Themes

“Engaging with the holidays definitely feels like a way to develop world and character.”
-Mur Lafferty

(This post went live for supporters on March 24, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)

In this episode, I dive into the significance of holidays in storytelling and how they can shape character development and plot progression. With no guest this week, I talk about my own projects, creative work and admin work both.

I cover Christmas romances that evoke themes of rebirth to the complexities of Valentine’s Day, and discuss how different holidays can influence narratives.

Quote in front of xmas tree, "think of something happening that you don't actually believe could happen."Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

In case it wasn’t clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.
—

“Crafting Tales Through Holiday Themes” is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
February 13, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 5 | murverse.com
“Crafting Tales Through Holiday Themes” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Taking a Machete to Creative Blocks with Premee Mohamed

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New 2025 logo, tiny Mur on pink/orange background with purple circle saying I should Be Writing.

Subscribe/Follow here! (All apps)

S21 Ep4: Taking a Machete to Creative Blocks with Premee Mohamed

“My characters would be wandering around the field with me going like, hey, I just found a rare orchid.” -Premee Mohamed

(This post went live for supporters on March 21, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)

(recorded February)
In this episode we welcome prolific, brilliant Premee Mohamed, a Nebula and Aurora award-winning author to talk about her new book, One Message Remains. We explore the process of creating clean first drafts, the chaos of deadlines, and the balance between creativity and productivity. And why the cat needs a job.

Premee shares the challenges of producing multiple works in a year and the strategies she employs to keep her creativity flowing. We cover outlining techniques and the importance of not being precious about the writing process.

Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

In case it wasn’t clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.
—

“Taking a Machete to Creative Blocks with Premee Mohamed” is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
March 21, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 4 | murverse.com
“Taking a Machete to Creative Blocks with Premee Mohamed” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Rachel Howzell Hall on Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy

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New 2025 logo, tiny Mur on pink/orange background with purple circle saying I should Be Writing.

Subscribe/Follow here! (All apps)

S21 Ep3: Rachel Howzell Hall on Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy

“I will try this new thing and I will learn how to do it.” -Rachel Howzell Hall

(This post went live for supporters on March 18, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)

(recorded February)

In this episode of I Should Be Writing, we dive into the chaotic world of creativity with acclaimed author Rachel Howzell Hall, thriller writer turned fantasy writer. She discusses her new romantasy book, The Last One.

We delve into the importance of urgency in storytelling, the balance of world-building, and the personal experiences that shape a writer’s voice.

Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

In case it wasn’t clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.
—

“Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy” is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
March 21, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 3 | murverse.com
“Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Mental Health and Creativity

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New 2025 logo, tiny Mur on pink/orange background with purple circle saying I should Be Writing.

Subscribe/Follow here! (All apps)

S21 Ep2: Mental Health and Creativity

“Nothing is 100% original. It’s what you do with it that counts.” -Elaine M. Will

(This post went live for supporters on February 13, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)

Ever-looming existential dread, but we keep going. Then there’s the challenge of navigating creativity amidst mental health struggles. I also reflect on a fear of failure. I’m not proud. I’m human.

And then we welcome to the show Elaine M. Will, a writer and illustrator known for her graphic novels that tackle mental health themes. We discuss Elaine’s latest work, The Last Band on Earth, and the intricate relationship between storytelling and visual art.

Whether you’re a writer or an artist, we hope you’ll get something out of this episode, and you remember that a creative journey is filled with ups and downs, and it’s okay to take your time.

Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

In case it wasn’t clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.
—

“Mental Health and Creativity” is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
February 13, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 2 | murverse.com
“Mental Health and Creativity” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Ditch Diggers, Podcasts, Projects

[DD] Resolutions, Ducks, and That Elephant Is Back

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:37 — 49.2MB)

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Ditch Diggers Season 11 logo featuring ursula illustrated

Subscribe/Follow here! (All apps)

“Try to make the world a better place. You personally are not on the hook to fix everything.” – Ursula Vernon

(This post went live for supporters on January 17, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)

Transcript

S.11 Ep.1
Welcome to Season 11 of Ditch Diggers with Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon! We try to be positive and funny in this episode, but stuff happens. We cover the Neil Gaiman controversy, touch on Ursula’s move, and what our goals are this year.

Also there’s a duck game in the background.

We explore the challenges of self-promotion in a post-Twitter world, the art of balancing work with personal life, and the importance of setting achievable goals.

Highlights include:

  • Ursula’s new life in New Mexico and the joys of mountain views
  • The fallout from the Neil Gaiman scandal and its ripple effects
  • Resolutions for 2025: from organizing Magic cards to self-promotion strategies
  • The challenges of social media and finding new ways to connect with readers
  • The enduring appeal of escapism and the role of storytelling in turbulent times

Evergreen Links:

Support Local Book Stores!

Ditch Diggers credits:
theme song by Devo Spice, art by Numbers Ninja,
site hosted by Libsyn (or Patreon).
January 13, 2024 | Season 11 Ep 1 | murverse.com
“Resolutions, Ducks, and That Elephant Is Back” by Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon
is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] The Art of Quitting, Evil Mur Style

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New 2025 logo, tiny Mur on pink/orange background with purple circle saying I should Be Writing.

Subscribe/Follow here! (All apps)

S21 Ep1: In Which Evil Mur Delivers a Message of Hope 

“It’s time to just… quit.” -Evil Mur

(Do not listen to Evil Mur)

(This post went live for supporters on January 17, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)

Welcome to a new season of I Should Be Writing, where the notorious Evil Mur takes the reins to deliver a unique message of hope for the new year.

TL;DR, it’s time to quit.

In this episode, we explore the idea of quitting writing and the liberation that can come with making a definitive choice. Evil Mur, the alter ego of Mur Lafferty, delves into the emotional rollercoaster of being a writer, the jealousy, the self-doubt, and the ultimate decision to either quit or persevere.

With what we hope is an eventual glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, Evil Mur sets you on a path for the new year. Whether you’re contemplating quitting or seeking motivation to continue, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the writing journey.

Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

In case it wasn’t clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.
—

“The Art of Quitting, Evil Mur Style” is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
January 9, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 1 | murverse.com
“The Art of Quitting, Evil Mur Style” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Ditch Diggers, Podcasts, Projects

[DD] How Mur and Ursula Edit

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:45 — 47.5MB)

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“Editing is where you leave the craft behind and start thinking like a business.” – Mur Lafferty

“I am the person with the hat.” – Ursula Vernon

Transcript

(This post went live for supporters on January 13, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)

In this final episode of season six of Ditch Diggers, Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon dive deep into the world of editing. From the trials and tribulations of editing passes to the nuances of hat confidence, Mur and Ursula share their personal experiences and industry insights.

Mur shares her recent adventures at World Fantasy Con, including a surprise upgrade experience, while Ursula reflects on the significance of hats in her identity as a writer.

Highlights include:

  • The stages and emotional journey of editing a manuscript
  • Hat confidence and its unexpected perks
  • World Fantasy Con experiences and the allure of fabulous hats
  • The intricacies of balancing writing with editing and personal life
  • Community alternatives to NaNoWriMo

Links: 

Evergreen Links:

Support Local Book Stores!

Ditch Diggers credits:
theme song by Devo Spice, art by Numbers Ninja,
site hosted by Libsyn (or Patreon).
December 30, 2024 | Season 10 Ep 6 | murverse.com
“Our Book Editing Process” by Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon
is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Ten Bad Ideas

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S20 Ep35: In Which Mur Explores 10 Terrible Ideas and Chats About Writing, Games, and More [Explicit]

“You need to come up with terrible ideas. And once you come up with terrible ideas, you will start developing good ideas.” -Mur

(This post went live for supporters on January 7, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)

[NOTE- even though I remember editing, this is still an all over the place episode. And apparently I said I wasn’t going to swear and then did it anyway. Pretty accurate ending to 2024, actually.]

In this episode, I talk about my writing journey, the challenges of ADHD, and shares ten terrible ideas that might just spark something wonderful. From comic book scripts to psychological thrillers set in idyllic farming towns, I explore the importance of embracing all ideas, even the seemingly bad ones.

Sort of.

Baseball card for this episode featured a picture of an anglerfish, a bully, and Abigail from Stardew.We touch on where to get inspiration, and mention Rusty’s Retirement and the modern Greek mythology series, KAOS. This episode is a reminder to embrace creativity and the messy process that comes with it.

Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links


—

“10 Terrible Ideas” is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
December 26, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 35 | murverse.com
“10 Terrible Ideas” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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