Haters gonna hate, and trolls gonna troll—but what does that mean for authors? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive into the dark, weird, and sometimes hilarious world of negative reviews, trolls, hate mail, and DM drama. From a grandma’s unexpected 3-star critique to a one-star reviewer who can’t spell "plagiarism," they share real-life stories (some absurd, some serious) and offer seasoned advice on how to handle criticism without spiraling.

You’ll hear: How to respond (or not!) to negative reviews The difference between trolling and constructive criticism Why not all bad reviews are actually bad When to take feedback seriously—and when to laugh it off The importance of separating your author persona from your private life How to protect your mental health and boundaries as a public-facing creative

Whether you're a debut novelist or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you build thicker skin, spot toxic feedback, and use real reader insight to become a better writer.

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop your weirdest review or troll story in the comments—we might feature it in a future episode!

#WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #BookReviews #TrollsBeGone #NegativeReviews #IndieAuthorTips #SelfPublishing #AuthorAdvice #WritersOfYouTube #ProsTalkingProse

Diversity in fiction doesn’t mean tossing in a rainbow cast like it’s a checklist. In this episode, Stacey and Troy tackle the awkward, over-the-top, and downright cringey ways authors attempt diversity—and how to actually write inclusive stories that don’t scream “I’m trying too hard.”

We break down: When and why to include diverse characters How to avoid stereotypes, soapbox moments, and tokenism What makes representation authentic (vs. performative) Real-world writing tips, research advice, and sensitivity reader hacks Why your story—not your social agenda—should lead the way

Plus, we roast some “oops” moments we’ve seen in published books and celebrate examples like To Kill a Mockingbird that get it right without preaching.

If you’ve ever asked: “How do I write diverse characters without getting it wrong?” “What counts as performative representation?” “Am I overthinking this or just avoiding the cringe?”

This episode is for you.

Like, subscribe, and drop your own examples of cringe or excellence in the comments! Let’s help authors write better, deeper, and more human stories—without the awkward virtue signaling.

#WritingTips #DiversityInBooks #InclusiveWriting #AmWriting #AuthorTube #SelfPublishing #WritersOfYouTube #RepresentationMatters #BookIndustry #CharacterDevelopment

Ever woken up at 3 AM with a plot twist so good you were convinced it wasn’t entirely your idea? Yeah—same.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy go full woo (but keep it grounded) as they explore the mysterious, magical, and mildly unhinged side of the creative process. From dream downloads to possessed plotlines, sacred rituals to intuitive writing, we’re pulling back the veil on the stuff authors don’t always admit out loud. Is it the muse? Is it your subconscious? Or are you just finally letting your brain breathe for five minutes?

We discuss: The science and spirituality behind where ideas come from Writing rituals that work (even if you don’t believe in crystals) Flow state, gut writing, and other weirdly effective methods What it really means to “channel” a character Why your best ideas come in the shower (and what to do about it)

Whether you're a full-on mystic or just mystified by your own imagination, this episode gives you permission to embrace the mystery and trust the process. No altar required. Just light a metaphorical candle and press play.

#authorlife #CreativeFlow #WritingPodcast #IntuitiveWriting #WriterProblems #MuseMagic #WritingRituals #PlotTwistsFromTheVoid #WooWooWriters #ProsTalkingProse