In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with author Traci Skuce about what she calls the impossible longing – the thing that drives us, but it doesn't resolve. It’s a fascinating, layered approach to dive into the emotional heart of your characters.

Whether you are writing fiction or a memoir, I think you’ll really appreciate Traci’s insights as she shares:

  • The deeper motivations driving your characters' actions.
  • Why what they want isn't enough and how to tap into the deep ache that drives their journey.
  • Ways to explore the concept of longing in your writing.
  • Rituals you can use to not dwell in that impossible longing for too long.

Tuning into this basic human desire to belong to something that is greater than us is really key to connecting the reader to your characters on a deep and meaningful level.

And remember, my new book comes out next week! Pre-order your signed copy of YOUR BOOK MATTERS on or before December 4, 2023 and get bonus gifts like a printable calendar with fun star stickers that you can use to give yourself credit for all of your writing days and keep track of your progress, bookmarks, affirmations and meditations that I've recorded and even a 1:1 call with me. Go to bit.ly/preorderyourbookmatters for all the info.

About Traci:

Traci Skuce lives, writes, and swims on the traditional and unceded territories of the Sahtloot, Sasitla, Ieeksun and Puntledge peoples. Her work has appeared in several literary journals throughout North America. In April 2020, her short story collection, Hunger Moon, was released by NeWest Press and was a finalist for the Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize. Also, in 2020, Traci founded The Writing Journey, an online creative writing school for fiction and memoir writers who want to finish their stories and get them out into the world. Connect with her on Instagram at @traciskuce.thewritingjourne