#309 – Micro Transformations and Big Lessons Writing Takeaways from Louis C.K.'s Ingram (Free-Writing Session)

Welcome to episode 309 of the Spun Today podcast. In this episode, Tony Ortiz dives deep into the craft of storytelling, sharing the inside baseball of his own creative process—complete with writing stats, recent experiments with AI-powered ads, and a practical tool recommendation for overcoming writer's block. Through a detailed breakdown of Louis C.K.'s debut novel, Ingram, Tony Ortiz explores how character growth stems from small, meaningful lessons and how supporting characters, symbolic objects, and well-timed revelations fuel emotional storytelling. He also shares an inspiring writing tip from Steven Pressfield that invites creators to protect their work with the dedication of a parent. Plus, Tony Ortiz wraps up with a motivational free writing piece that challenges listeners to seize the present moment and move deliberately toward their creative goals. If you're a writer or creative looking for motivation, craft insights, and that extra push to get your words on the page, this episode is for you.

Check out all free-writing pieces at: spuntoday.com/freewriting.

The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing, but unlimited in scope. Give it a whirl.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/spuntoday

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spuntoday/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spuntoday

Website: http://www.spuntoday.com/home

Newsletter: http://www.spuntoday.com/subscribe

Links referenced in this episode:

Writing Advice from: https://stevenpressfield.com/2026/09/warriors-and-mothers-2/

Ingram by Louis C.K. https://amzn.to/4yS5SPG

What's your next moment going to be? https://www.spuntoday.com/freewriting/your-next-moment

TOME (Writing Tool) Link: https://www.tomewriting.com/

Get your Podcast Started Today! https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=SPUN

(Use Promo code SPUN and get up to 2-months of free service!)

Check out all the Spun Today Merch, and other ways to help support this show! https://www.spuntoday.com/support

Check out my Books

Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way

ÁBRЕТЕ CAMINO: CONSEJOS PARA DEJAR DE SER TU PROPIO OBSTÁCULO (Spanish Edition)

FRACTAL – A Time Travel Tale

Melted Cold – A Collection of Short Stories

http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book, Paperback and Hardcover are now available)

Fill out my Spun Today Questionnaire if you're passionate about your craft. I'll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/

Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: https://amzn.to/4km592l

Shop on iTunes using this link, to support the Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTop?genreId=38&id=27820&popId=42&uo=10

Shop at the Spun Today store for Mugs, Notebooks, T-Shirts and more: https://spuntoday-shop.fourthwall.com/

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Outro Background Music: https://www.bensound.com

Spun Today Logo by: https://www.naveendhanalak.com/

Sound effects are credited to: http://www.freesfx.co.uk

Listen on: ApplePodcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | YouTube | Website