

Writer Unleashed
Nanci Panuccio
Writer Unleashed is a weekly podcast for fiction and memoir writers. It's a deep dive into story techniques, writing craft, and the mindsets that help you write with unstoppable momentum and create stories readers can't put down.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 18, 2025 • 22min
#257: How to Weave Multiple Storylines Into One Cohesive Story
If your novel or memoir juggles multiple storylines—different timelines, narrators, or settings—you might wonder how to keep it all cohesive. In this episode, I share three craft techniques to make your separate narratives feel like parts of the same living story. You’ll learn how to connect your threads through a shared core question, create cause and effect across timelines, and use theme to tie everything together. Episode Web PageWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Nov 11, 2025 • 16min
#256: Character-Driven vs. Plot-Driven: Finding Your Story's Natural Balance
What's the difference between a character-driven story and a plot-driven story? And how do you know which one you're writing? In this episode, I explain what these terms actually mean, how to identify where your manuscript falls on the spectrum, and—most importantly—how to strengthen whichever element needs more support. You'll learn the two most common problems writers face and get one simple exercise to help you revise with intention. There's no "right" answer here—just intentional choices. Episode Web PageWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Nov 4, 2025 • 20min
#255: From Idea to Page: 5 Steps to Start Writing
Got a story idea but don't know where to begin? You're not alone. Many writers either freeze at "Chapter One" or spend months planning without ever drafting. In this episode, I walk you through the essential things you need to know before you write your first scene. So you can stop overthinking and start writing today.Episode Web PageWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Oct 28, 2025 • 20min
#254: 3 Ways To Create Page-Turning Suspense in Any Genre
Suspense isn't just for thrillers—it's what makes readers unable to put down any story, from memoir to fantasy to romance. In this episode, you'll learn three proven techniques to create page-turning tension in any genre. No car chases or explosions required.Episode Web PageWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Oct 21, 2025 • 13min
#253: Whose Story Is It? Making Sense of Multiple POVs
Writing a story with multiple POVs? In this episode, we’ll unpack how to keep your narrative focused, decide which characters need full arcs, and make sure every point-of-view earns its place in your story.Episode Web PageWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Oct 14, 2025 • 21min
#252: Memoir vs. Fiction: The Key Differences (and Surprising Similarities)
Memoir is true, fiction is made up - but how does that change your actual storytelling? In this episode, I break down the key differences between memoir and fiction: what you can and can't do in memoir, how much creative license you have, and when to choose one form over the other. Plus: the surprising ways memoir and fiction use the exact same narrative techniques.Episode Web PageWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Oct 7, 2025 • 19min
#251: Why Story Structure Has You Stuck (and How to Fix It)
If you’ve been wrestling with story structure, this episode will help you see it differently. Learn what’s really keeping you stuck and how to finally bring your draft to the finish line.Episode Web PageWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Sep 30, 2025 • 23min
#250: The Messy Middle: Why Drafts Lose Steam (and How to Revive Yours)
If you’ve ever hit that point in your draft where the words feel heavy, the story starts to wander, and your momentum disappears—you’ve landed in the messy middle.Every writer faces it. The difference is, some know how to push through.In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why the middle of a draft feels so hard—and how to revive your story so you can actually finish it.Episode Web PageWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Sep 23, 2025 • 17min
#249: 5 Reasons You're Still Not Finished With Your Novel
If your novel or memoir keeps stalling out, it’s not about talent or discipline. Chances are, something else is getting in your way. This episode uncovers what it is—and how to move past it.Episode Web PageWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Sep 16, 2025 • 17min
#248: First Impressions Matter: Introducing Your Protagonist the Right Way
Your protagonist’s first appearance can make or break your story. That opening impression tells your reader whether they should lean in, or move on.Too often, writers get stuck in backstory, mundane routines, or quirky details that don’t really matter yet. The result? A flat introduction that fails to spark curiosity or connection.In this episode, we’ll cover:Why your protagonist’s introduction carries so much weight.The 4 most common mistakes writers make in opening scenes.3 strategies to ensure your main character’s first appearance is memorable, relatable, and compelling.By the end, you’ll know how to craft an introduction that makes readers care, and keeps them turning pages.Episode Web PageWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.


