
Helping Writers Become Authors
Hosted by award-winning story coach K.M. Weiland, the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast will take you deep into story theory, writing techniques, and all the incredible wisdom of story. There is no such thing as "just a story." Come along to find out how to write YOUR best story, astound the world, and (just maybe) change your life!
Latest episodes

Sep 16, 2024 • 24min
S16:E32: How to Trust Yourself as a Writer (Not Relying on Advice Too Much)
Explore the journey of trusting yourself as a writer amidst self-doubt. Delve into essential skills like story structure and character development, while balancing personal creativity with external advice. Embrace a four-stage growth model to navigate perfectionism and enhance your unique voice. Discover the importance of cultivating self-trust and intuition, and reflect on the invaluable insights gained from both your experiences and the supportive writing community.

Sep 9, 2024 • 16min
S16:E31: The Second Half of the Second Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 8 of 12)
Dive into the intricacies of the second half of the Second Act in storytelling. Discover how characters evolve from reactive responses to proactive decisions, adding depth and tension. Explore the pivotal second pinch point that foreshadows challenges, steering characters towards crucial realizations. Analyze iconic transformations in characters from classics like Pride and Prejudice and Ender's Game. Uncover the dynamics that elevate conflicts and hint at unresolved issues leading into the finale.

9 snips
Sep 2, 2024 • 14min
S16:E30: The Midpoint (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 7 of 12)
Dive into the transformative power of the Midpoint in storytelling! Discover how this crucial moment shifts protagonists from passivity to action, driving them towards their goals. You'll encounter examples from literature and film that illustrate character evolution. Reflect on pivotal moments in your own narratives and engage with a community dedicated to creative growth. Uncover the secrets to mastering this key element of story structure!

Aug 26, 2024 • 15min
S16:E29: The First Half of the Second Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 6 of 12)
Unpack the complexities of the second act and why it’s a pivotal challenge for writers. Explore how character reactions drive plots, featuring examples from classic literature. Discover the importance of character adaptation amid conflict, revealing struggles faced by memorable figures. Delve into character depth and foreshadowing, all while inviting the audience to engage and hinting at future insights.

Aug 19, 2024 • 27min
S16:E28: The Secret to Writing Strong Themes
Craft immersive stories by writing strong themes that resonate. Explore how to create narratives that connect with readers on a deeper level.

Aug 12, 2024 • 17min
S16:E27: The First Plot Point (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 5 of 12)
Dive into the dynamic world of storytelling with a focus on the First Plot Point. This crucial moment, occurring around the 25% mark, propels the protagonist into conflict and adventure. Discover how it aligns goals with obstacles, setting the stage for richer character development. Real-world examples from films and literature showcase its significance. Plus, hear insights on maintaining reader interest and a tease for exciting discussions on what comes next!

Aug 5, 2024 • 18min
S16:E26: The Inciting Event (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 4 of 12)
Dive into the world of storytelling with a deep analysis of the Inciting Event, a crucial turning point in narrative structure. Discover its transformative role in igniting conflict and setting the stage for your story. Gain insights on crafting impactful scenes that captivate readers. Reflect on your own writing journey as you explore examples from literature and film, helping to enhance your storytelling technique.

4 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 19min
S16:E25: The First Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 3 of 12)
Dive into the essential elements of the First Act, where the Hook, Inciting Event, and First Plot Point lay the groundwork for captivating storytelling. Discover how to create emotional connections through character introductions and establish the main conflict. Explore the importance of setting in shaping narratives and learn how well-crafted beginnings enhance plot stakes and reader engagement. With examples from literature and film, uncover methods to elevate character depth and intensify tensions right from the start.

Jul 22, 2024 • 17min
S16:E24: The Hook (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 2 of 12)
Discover the magic of the 'hook' and how it captivates readers from the very first page. Learn to craft engaging openings that pose irresistible questions and present intriguing characters. Explore techniques for setting up your narrative's first plot point and the dynamics of cause and effect. Delve into iconic literary examples that exemplify the power of a compelling hook. Understand how a well-crafted opening establishes plot, character, conflict, and theme to keep audiences hooked.

Jul 15, 2024 • 15min
S16:E23: 5 Reasons Story Structure Is Important (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 1 of 12)
Discover the crucial role of story structure in crafting compelling narratives. It reflects life’s cycles and psychological journeys, helping writers connect with audiences on a deeper level. Essential elements of structure engage readers by enhancing pacing and emotional connection. Learn five key reasons why mastering this framework boosts creativity and storytelling finesse. Prepare to unlock the full potential of your stories by diving into the significance of a strong narrative backbone, starting with a captivating hook.
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