This week on Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel dive into a packed Storytime episode featuring three wildly different works of fiction: a lyrical fable about creative burnout and artistic devotion, a chilling modern horror story about violence, internet fame, and true crime culture, and a slow-burn paranormal thriller that spirals into psychological terror. They also discuss Lena Dunham’s memoir, creepy Instagram algorithms, horror tropes, writing tension, and the strange emotional weight of sharing fiction online. Plus: an unexpected unboxing moment as MJ’s published book finally arrives in the mail.

Read "Viral" here: https://www.reddit.com/r/scarystories/comments/1s4by4u/viral/
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In this episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla Ogden and Rachel Cyr dive into a lively, spoiler-light discussion of Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash—a sharp, darkly funny debut novel that blends family drama, literary fiction, and thriller elements.

From open marriages and rebellious daughters to conspiracy theories, billionaire villains, and unexpected found family, this episode explores what makes Lost Lambs such a standout modern novel—and why readers are calling it one of the most voice-driven books of the year.

Kayla and Rachel break down:

• The unique narrative voice and character development in Lost Lambs
• Why the book feels both literary and wildly entertaining
• The balance between dark themes (like human trafficking and conspiracy culture) and humor
• How Madeline Cash pushes back against autobiographical fiction trends
• The concept of “compersion vs. jealousy” in the writing world

Plus, they chat about:

• The rise of book-to-screen adaptations (including Verity by Colleen Hoover)
• Why some bestselling authors succeed through emotional resonance over prose style
• A quick recommendation of Margot’s Got Money Troubles (and why the audiobook is worth it)

Whether you're a writer looking to sharpen your voice, a reader searching for your next book club pick, or someone curious about how novels translate to screen—this episode is packed with insight, humor, and honest takes on today’s literary landscape.

Buy MJ's Book! Writtenbymj.com

🎧 Perfect for fans of:
literary fiction podcasts, book club discussions, writing craft, debut novels, dark humor books, family saga stories, Colleen Hoover discourse, and author interviews

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New episodes every other Wednesday.

E-mail us your short story at contact@writeyourheartoutpod.com

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Leave us a message at 650-260-4885

In this heavy yet gripping episode, Kayla and Rachel record from the closet amidst a backdrop of global tension and personal transitions. The duo navigates the "dark energy" of the world by leaning into the stories sent in by their listeners—specifically, two chilling tales of horror that mirror the unsettling atmosphere of the week.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• A Father’s Perspective on Voice: Rachel reads a thoughtful email from her dad, Dave, who offers a structured and spiritual take on what "voice" means in storytelling—defining it as the different paths multiple characters take toward a single, predetermined destination.
• Viral by Dan Surber: Kayla reads part one of a meta-horror story involving a "golden boy" university student, a Ring doorbell camera, and a terrifying home invasion. The girls break down the tension-building techniques, the surprise twist, and the mechanics of writing a convincing slasher.
• Slam, Shatter, Scream by Justin Webb: Rachel reads the first half of a supernatural horror story from a London-based author. The story follows Nicole, an atheist who finds herself spiraling into fear as strange noises disrupt the silence of her apartment—and her increasingly strained marriage.
• The Nuance of Dialogue: A look at how Justin Webb uses realistic, frustrating marital dialogue to build tension without relying on explicit tone descriptors.
• The "Darling" Debate: Rachel and Kayla discuss the balance between rich character backstory and the fast-paced requirements of a short story.

Featured Stories:

• "Viral" by Dan Surbur (Part 1)
• "Slam, Shatter, Scream" by Justin Webb (Part 1)

Stay Tuned: We’re leaving you on a cliffhanger! Join us next time for Part 2 of both stories, along with a special reading by Janine Inez and a deep dive into Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash.

Connect with Us: Have a story you want us to read? Send us an email! We love hearing from you and—as Kayla guarantees—we can tell the difference between your talent and an AI.

Please subscribe, rate and review!

New episodes every other Wednesday.

E-mail us your short story at contact@writeyourheartoutpod.com

Follow us on instagram @writeyourheartoutpod

Leave us a message at 650-260-4885