Writer Unleashed

You want to bring more depth and complexity to your characters so that readers are interested and invested in what happens to them.But how do you do that?In this episode, I’m sharing 3 ways to create deeper, more fascinating characters. These are often things I see lacking in student manuscripts, especially those more focused on plot.  Plot and character really can’t be separated. But before you plot, you need to know who your story is about, and what makes him or her tick. Episode WebsiteWant 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.

There's a lot of confusion about the difference between who's telling the story  (first or third person), and point of view. I'll see stories with no point of view,  a watered down point of view, or a confused and unfocused point of view. Who's narrating your story is not the point of view. They're related. But they're separate elements that serve different purposes. So in this episode, I'm going to tease apart narration from point of view.  And then I'll share 3 key points to craft a strong point of view. Episode WebsiteWant 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.

What are plot points? And why do you need them?In this episode, we’ll talk about 3 major plot points, the purpose of each, and where in your story to place them.In this episode, you'll learn:What a plot point isThe foundational elements you need before charting your plot pointsYour 3 Acts and what percentage of your story each act comprisesWhere each plot point happens in each of your three acts and how they move your story forwardEpisode WebsiteWant 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.

Ever wonder how to write your First Act? In this episode, learn 3 core elements to structure - and nail-  Act One of your story. From your set-up, to your inciting incident, to your first plot point, you'll learn how these elements impact the rest of your story, and where to place each. We'll cover:How long your first act should beHow to set up your story so we know who and what your story's aboutWhat an inciting incident is, what a plot point is, and their purpose in storyThe difference between your inciting incident and first plot point, and where to place bothHow your first plot point establishes your character's dramatic need that will sustain the rest of your storyEpisode WebsiteWant 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.

How do you write an opening scene that hooks your reader? An opening so captivating, it compels readers to keep turning the page.A great opening does multiple things to lure readers in. In this episode, we'll focus on crafting an opening hook that keeps them reading. We'll cover:A surefire technique for launching your storyProvoking questions readers crave the answer to, and when to reveal the answersHow to make an instant emotional connection between character and readerUsing contradiction to create mystery and surpriseEpisode 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.

New Year. Fresh start. Maybe you’ve resolved that 2024 is going to be the year you’re going to  finish your novel or memoir once and for all.But what so often happens is 50 pages or 200 pages in, the writing gets hard and overwhelming. Writers look at their pages and think it's rubbish. So they abandon the whole project. Or start a new story. Only to start the cycle all over again. So, in this episode, I’m going to give you  4 tips  to keep yourself invested in your story for the long game.Episode Web PageAlso listen to: Episode 158: A Different Approach To Writing First DraftsWant 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.

In this episode, we're going back to a beloved episode from 2022. Writing is solitary.  And if you’re anything like me, you like to dip into some inspiration from time to time for a creative boost or deeper insight into the craft. So much of our progress depends on how we feel about the work. So in this episode, I’m pulling from  some of my favorite  quotes and unwrapping them for the wisdom and creative fuel they offer on  writing technique and  the writing life.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.

In one of the most downloaded episodes of 2023, we're tackling the one thing stopping writers from bringing their story to the finish line.Fear.Maybe you fear visibility, and the expectations and judgements you’ll open yourself up to.  Then there's fear of rejection. Even if you’re nowhere near ready to submit your story, it  prevents you from finishing.Maybe you're afraid of putting your book out there. You just keep wanting to do one read-through after another. It's never good enough.Maybe your greatest fear is that you'll let yourself down.In this episode, we're breaking down 4 common fears that may be keeping you stuck.  Then we'll replace those fears with mindset shifts to get you unstuck. So you can shift your writing from dream to reality.Also Listen To:Episode 108: 3 Things Published Authors Do DifferentlyEpisode WebsiteWant 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.

What is scene? What is summary? In this episode, learn the crucial difference between them. We'll explore the common ways writers get scene and summary wrong.  And you'll get guidelines on how to balance both to enhance the pace of your story.  Episode Web PageRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts.  Love what you're learning from the Writer Unleashed podcast? Pease consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers -- just like you -- to write the story that won't let them go.Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Want 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.

Looking for original gift ideas for writers? Want to add some to your own holiday  wish list? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 gifts ideas perfect for writers.Whether you want to find one or two of these under your Christmas tree, or want to gift your favorite writing buddy, you’re sure to find something special in this episode.You'll find all 10 gifts, along with links to purchase by clicking here on the episode's show notes. Episode Web PageRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts.  Love what you're learning from the Writer Unleashed podcast? Pease consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers -- just like you -- to write the story that won't let them go.Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Want 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.