"The point of a planner is to make your life easier, not be a source of guilt and stress."
- Ursula Vernon (T. Kingfisher)

Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon are back and dive into the chaotic world of writing! We talk about everything from the trials of managing multiple projects to the absurdities of planner systems. (And talk about a bunch of options we've tried!)

Mur shares her recent experiences with her latest book, while Ursula discusses her creative process and the challenges of staying organized as a writer.

We also explore the joys (and pitfalls) of social media and how it impacts our creative lives.

(This post went live for supporters on November 6, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon!)

Links:

• Ursula Vernon (T. Kingfisher)
• NaNoWriMo 2.0
• Animal Crossing
• Pokemon Legends Z to A
• Traveler's Company
• Roterfaden
• Hobonichi

Evergreen Links:

• Ursula Vernon/T. Kingfisher
• Mur Lafferty
• Mur on Focusmate!
• Mur on Instagram, Youtube
• Support via Patreon!
• Theme song by Devo Spice

Ditch Diggers credits:
theme song by Devo Spice, art by Numbers Ninja,
site hosted by Libsyn (or Patreon).

November 9, 2024 | Season 11 Ep 8 | murverse.com
"Dusty Hats and Burnt Out Pokemon Trainers" by Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon
is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

"You should absolutely always write spite books."
- Ursula Vernon (T. Kingfisher)

Unfortunately, this was recorded some time ago, but the Ditch Diggers tackle everything from the challenges of meeting deadlines to the complexities of AI settlements impacting authors. We touch on recent book releases, whirlwind tours, and the peculiarities of hotel bar conversations with state senators.

(This post went live for supporters on November 6, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon!)

Links:

• Leigh Bardugo
• Science Fiction Fantasy Writers Association
• 4 the Words

Evergreen Links:

• Ursula Vernon/T. Kingfisher
• Mur Lafferty
• Mur on Focusmate!
• Mur on Instagram, Youtube
• Support via Patreon!
• Theme song by Devo Spice

Ditch Diggers credits:
theme song by Devo Spice, art by Numbers Ninja,
site hosted by Libsyn (or Patreon).

November 7, 2024 | Season 11 Ep 7 | murverse.com
"AI Settlements and NaNoWriMo" by Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon
is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

"Genre is a marketing tool, just like a book cover." - Mur Lafferty

In this episode of Ditch Diggers, Mur and Ursula rant about genre expectations, marketing, and what happens when you decide that genre isn't for you because you're special.

Ursula lists her whales, and Imposter Syndrome doesn't really make a showing when Mur travels.

Highlights:
- (05:12) Ursula's anxiety over multiple deadlines and projects
- (12:45) Mur's recent business trip and the absence of imposter syndrome
- (25:30) The ongoing debate about happy endings in romance
- (38:15) The role of marketing in shaping reader expectations
- (47:50) The challenges of genre classification and reader assumptions
- (55:30) How personal growth as a writer often goes unnoticed

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(This post went live for supporters on June 9, 2025. Join the Fabulists if you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes!)

Transcript

Links:

• Stephen King
• Tana French
• Piranesi
• Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Evergreen Links:

• Ursula Vernon/T. Kingfisher
• Mur Lafferty
• Mur on Focusmate!
• Mur on Instagram, Youtube
• Support via Patreon!
• Theme song by Devo Spice

Ditch Diggers credits:
theme song by Devo Spice, art by Numbers Ninja,
site hosted by Libsyn (or Patreon).

June 12, 2024 | Season 11 Ep 6 | murverse.com
"It's a Multiple Whale Year for Ursula" by Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon
is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0