You don’t have a writing problem—you have a story problem.

In this craft-focused episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dig into one of the biggest issues holding writers back: ideas that sound interesting but don’t actually sustain a story.

We break down how to pressure-test an idea before you waste months writing it, including:

• The difference between a cool event and a story readers will emotionally invest in • Why conflict—not vibes—drives plot • How character motivation determines whether a story can last past chapter five • The real reason so many novels collapse in the middle • How choices, consequences, and escalation create momentum

If your story feels flat… if things just “keep happening”… or if you’re stuck revising the same manuscript over and over—this episode will help you identify

You don’t have a writing problem—you have a story problem.

In this craft-focused episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dig into one of the biggest issues holding writers back: ideas that sound interesting but don’t actually sustain a story.

We break down how to pressure-test an idea before you waste months writing it, including:

• The difference between a cool event and a story readers will emotionally invest in • Why conflict—not vibes—drives plot • How character motivation determines whether a story can last past chapter five • The real reason so many novels collapse in the middle • How choices, consequences, and escalation create momentum

If your story feels flat… if things just “keep happening”… or if you’re stuck revising the same manuscript over and over—this episode will help you identify

You don’t have a writing problem—you have a story problem.

In this craft-focused episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dig into one of the biggest issues holding writers back: ideas that sound interesting but don’t actually sustain a story.

We break down how to pressure-test an idea before you waste months writing it, including:

• The difference between a cool event and a story readers will emotionally invest in • Why conflict—not vibes—drives plot • How character motivation determines whether a story can last past chapter five • The real reason so many novels collapse in the middle • How choices, consequences, and escalation create momentum

If your story feels flat… if things just “keep happening”… or if you’re stuck revising the same manuscript over and over—this episode will help you identify

You don’t have a writing problem—you have a story problem.

In this craft-focused episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dig into one of the biggest issues holding writers back: ideas that sound interesting but don’t actually sustain a story.

We break down how to pressure-test an idea before you waste months writing it, including:

• The difference between a cool event and a story readers will emotionally invest in • Why conflict—not vibes—drives plot • How character motivation determines whether a story can last past chapter five • The real reason so many novels collapse in the middle • How choices, consequences, and escalation create momentum

If your story feels flat… if things just “keep happening”… or if you’re stuck revising the same manuscript over and over—this episode will help you identify what’s missing and how to fix it.

This is not theory-heavy fluff. It’s practical craft guidance for writers who want to finish strong, write stories that work, and stop guessing their way through plot.

🎧 Perfect for fiction writers, memoirists, and anyone trying to turn an idea into a compelling, market-ready story.

This is not theory-heavy fluff. It’s practical craft guidance for writers who want to finish strong, write stories that work, and stop guessing their way through plot.

🎧 Perfect for fiction writers, memoirists, and anyone trying to turn an idea into a compelling, market-ready story.

This is not theory-heavy fluff. It’s practical craft guidance for writers who want to finish strong, write stories that work, and stop guessing their way through plot.

Perfect for fiction writers, memoirists, and anyone trying to turn an idea into a compelling, market-ready story.

This is not theory-heavy fluff. It’s practical craft guidance for writers who want to finish strong, write stories that work, and stop guessing their way through plot.

Perfect for fiction writers, memoirists, and anyone trying to turn an idea into a compelling, market-ready story. #WritingPodcast #AuthorLife #StoryCraft #PlotDoctor #WritingTips

A little insight and maybe introspection.

You hit publish on your book—so why does it feel like something’s missing? In this short episode, publishing coach and editor Stacey Smekofske breaks down the publish hangover—the emotional crash and loss of momentum many authors experience after finishing a book. From false expectations about instant success to the dangerous pause that causes authors to disappear after launch, this is the part of the writing journey no one talks about.

If you’ve ever asked: “Why do I feel empty after publishing my book?” “What should I do after I hit publish?” “How do successful authors keep momentum going?” This episode is for you.

You’ll learn: Why finishing a book doesn’t automatically lead to visibility or sales

How authors lose momentum right after publishing

How to redirect that post-publish energy into your next smart move

Why your author mindset matters more than algorithms

Publishing isn’t the finish line—it’s the beginning of your author career. Learn more about building a sustainable author business at PrintToPro.com

Subscribe for weekly insights on writing craft, publishing, and the author business.

#WritingTips #PublishingAdvice #WriterLife #CreativeProcess #WritingTruths

Stacey is at Disney. Troy went rogue. And instead of hustle culture, he brought a message most authors desperately need to hear: Take. A. Nap.

In this solo episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert digs into the often-ignored reality of the author life: burnout isn’t a badge of honor, exhaustion isn’t productivity, and grinding yourself into rust won’t build a sustainable career.

He talks about Why rest is not quitting—it’s a strategy The difference between creative rest, business rest, and physical rest How constant marketing noise (ads, algorithms, AI, trends) is frying author brains Why writing the next book still matters more than chasing every shiny tactic How to stop bouncing between “must-do” strategies and start playing the long game

If you’re overwhelmed, tired, stuck, or feeling like you’re falling behind while everyone else “keeps up,” this episode is your permission slip to breathe and refocus on what actually moves the needle.

No hype. No hustle shaming. Just honest talk about staying human while building a writing career that lasts.

Listen in, unsubscribe from some noise, and remember: You’re not a machine. You’re an author. #ProsTalkingProse #AuthorLife #WritingBurnout #AuthorMindset #IndieAuthor #WritingCommunity #AuthorBusiness #CreativeRest #BurnoutRecovery #WriteTheNextBook