Posts tagged inspiration for writers
#304 – Staying Present as a Writer: Learning by Living and Wisdom from Anne Lamott (Free-Writing Session)
#304 – Staying Present as a Writer: Learning by Living and Wisdom from Anne Lamott (Free-Writing Session)

Welcome to episode 304 of the Spun Today podcast, where we dive deep into the creative life—its challenges, joys, and moments of breakthrough. In this free writing session, Tony Ortiz shares his latest writing stats, practical tips for writers, and an honest look into the ways presence and mindful living can fuel the creative process. This episode explores inspiration from Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, actionable advice on tackling writer’s block, and the value of noticing the world like a child. Tony Ortiz also introduces a bite-sized writing tool for overcoming stuck points, breaks down actionable writing tips from social media, and spotlights a personal freewriting piece about embracing life’s constant transitions. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting out, this episode is packed with creative motivation, strategies for productivity, and reminders to keep writing—one bird, one story, and one moment at a time.

Read More
Tony Ortizwriter’s block, living with presence, inspiration for writers, creative process, free writing, writing statistics, consistency in writing, writing routines, book marketing, Amazon ads, ChatGPT for writers, Claude AI, self-publishing, A+ Content on Amazon, writing tools, Tome writing app, self-guided writing courses, discovery writing, outlining vs discovery writing, character arcs, plot development, reading for writing improvement, writing tips, School of Plot, short story practice, writing for yourself, thick skin for writers, vulnerability in writing, criticism in writing, presence in storytelling, capturing memories through writingComment
#302 – Turning Misunderstanding into Creative Fuel: Story Construction from Black Mirror’s Eulogy and Mark Normand’s Standup
#302 – Turning Misunderstanding into Creative Fuel: Story Construction from Black Mirror’s Eulogy and Mark Normand’s Standup

I’m Tony Ortiz, your host, inviting you to view each topic through the lens of a writer’s craft. In this episode, we dive deep into the writing lessons hidden within Black Mirror’s “Eulogy,” examining how memory shapes narrative and the power of withheld information. Then, we break down Mark Normand’s razor-sharp Netflix special, “None Too Pleased,” pulling out tools for punchy, impactful writing—whether you’re crafting jokes or stories. And in our recurring GOATS DOING GOAT SHIT segment, we celebrate the creative generosity of Tyler Perry. Whether you’re a writer, a storyteller, or just seeking creative motivation, stick around for insights and inspiration to help you better tell your own story.

Read More
Tony Ortizwriting techniques, creativity, creative process, storytelling, memory as narrative, unreliable narrator, Black Mirror, character development, perspective shift, misinterpretation in conflict, plot twists, withheld information, time and misunderstanding, narrative identity, AI in storytelling, immersive experiences, show vs tell, internal experience visualization, comedy writing, Mark Normand, joke structure, brevity in writing, cultural commentary, compressed contrast, pattern breaking, irreverent analogy, comedic timing, inspiration for writers, motivational storytelling, Tyler Perry, altruism in creativityComment
Bonus: Five Writing Lessons from Gotham’s Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)
Bonus: Five Writing Lessons from Gotham’s Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)

In this special bonus episode, we return to the shadowy corners of Gotham to unpack The Penguin — the gritty, character-driven follow-up to The Batman.

Colin Farrell’s Oswald Cobblepot is a study in power, loyalty, and moral decay — and in this breakdown, I explore five key writing lessons from the series

Read More
Tony Ortiz#ThePenguin #WritingPodcast #Storytelling #Screenwriting, writing tips, writing insights, writing tips from the penguin, the penguin series writing tips, writing tips from the penguin series, spun today, spun today podcast, HBO The Penguin, modern crime storytelling, psychological edge, writing takeaways, character transformation, slow corruption, illusion of power, Gotham, setting as character, reflective setting, dialogue, subtext, veiled threats, character arcs, moral ambiguity, legacy, validation, ambition, manipulation, character motivation, anti-hero, creative process, storytelling craft, companion guide, inspiration for writers, emotional debt, loss in storytelling, blurred moral boundaries, creativity fueling, podcast bonus episodeComment