My Hero Academia fanfic meets Write Your Heart Out storytime!

In this first episode of 2026, Kayla and Rachel reflect on how their definition of “success” has shifted—from big, flashy milestones to the small, meaningful moments that truly matter. They talk about flu season, waiting on editorial feedback, writers’ group nerves, and late-night classes (three hours?!).

Then, things get emotional as they read and discuss a fanfiction tribute submitted by listener Nova, honoring a friend named Lily through the world of My Hero Academia. The episode dives into grief, creativity, sensory detail in writing, and how storytelling can become a way to remember, heal, and connect.

A thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt start to the new year—plus another reminder that every story, no matter how small, deserves to be heard.

Read Where Lilies Bloom on Quotev.

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In our final episode of the year, we reflect on how Write Your Heart Out began (yes, including the lucky underwear lore) before diving into a sharp craft conversation inspired by Rebecca Makkai’s essay on why novels shouldn’t be written like movies. We unpack what film gets wrong about fiction, from “show, don’t tell” to interiority, structure, and setting. We talk about how to use the tools only the page can offer. Plus, a Storytime submission update and news about our new in-person writers group. Happy New Year!

Make sure to check out Rebecca's substack! https://rebeccamakkai.substack.com/

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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

In this wide-ranging, candid episode of Write Your Heart Out, Kayla and Rachel talk about creative resistance, privilege in publishing, and what it really takes to get a book across the finish line. Kayla shares a hopeful, behind-the-scenes story about reaching out for developmental editing support—and the complicated feelings that come with having access to resources not everyone can afford—while Rachel celebrates a new literary journal publication.

The conversation then turns sharp and unfiltered as the hosts dive into a deep critique of Louis C.K.’s debut novel Ingram. They unpack questions of power, accountability, and whether it’s possible—or ethical—to engage with art made by deeply flawed people. From clunky prose and muddled world-building to moments of genuine potential, Kayla and Rachel break down what works, what doesn’t, and why calling something “literary fiction” doesn’t make it so.

As always, this episode blends craft talk, cultural critique, humor, and honesty—plus a reminder that writing is hard, finishing is harder, and sometimes the best thing you can do is keep asking better questions.

If you’re listening, don’t forget to rate, review, and let us know you’re out there.

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