I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects
[ISBW] 977 Episodes: What Have I Learned?
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“If [I] start thinking about the details, [I] will either go down the wrong path
and not record or [I’ll] talk [my]self out of it.”
ISBW 22.3
I finally finished the archives, and learned quite a bit about myself, not all good things. We also touch on Hugo season, book club scams, and AI publicists.

(This post went live for supporters on February 20, 2026. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon!)

Notes
- I FINISHED THE ARCHIVES! Now I just have to figure out how to release them.
- Hugo voting is open!
- I’m playing Dispatch and Clair Obscur, which are going to be my nominations for the Best Game Hugo.
- Dispatch has made me think a lot about interactive fiction.
- Beware the newest book club scam.
- I want to stream some solo-RPGs. I’m considering ION HEART, Midnight Muscadines, and A Perfect Rock.
- Annalee Newitz and Charlie Jane Anders made pure gold with Our Opinions Are Correct.
- Check out my 2026 appearances thus far! Next one is Ret-Con in Durham, NC, March 6-8.
Evergreen Links
- Like the podcast? Get the book! I Should Be Writing.
- Socials: Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, Focusmate
- Theme by John Anealio
- Support local book stores! Station Eternity, Six Wakes, Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition and more!
- OR Get signed books from my friendly local store, Flyleaf Books!
While it hasn’t been a long time for podcast listeners, it’s been a while for us and considering her expertise, I’ve invited Valerie Valdes back for a candid discussion about the recent demise of NaNoWriMo and what it means for writers. We delve into the challenges of maintaining community and motivation without the established infrastructure of the once-beloved event. Valerie shares her insights as a former municipal liaison and offers alternatives for writers looking to stay engaged during November.