Essential Guide to Writing a Novel
James Thayer
Hosted by James Thayer, the podcast is a practical, step-by-step manual on how to craft a novel. It presents a set of tools for large issues such as story development and scene construction (Kirkus Reviews said Thayer's novels are "superbly crafted') and it also examines techniques that will make your sentence-by-sentence writing shine. The New York Times Book Review has said Thayer's "writing is smooth and clear. it wastes no words, and it has a rhythm only confident stylists achieve.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 14, 2023 • 26min
Episode 56 - How many characters are too many? And he wore his guilt like a harness.
For each scene, the perfect number of characters exists. We'll talk about that number. Too few, and we don't have a scene. Too many, and the scene is like a subway at rush hour. Also, here are some techniques regarding metaphors and similes, a skill that can make our writing more lyrical and engaging. Please note: I will be out of the office next week, and so won't upload a new episode next Friday, but will return for a new episode the following Friday.Support the show
Apr 7, 2023 • 25min
Episode 55 - How many words should we write a day? And the use of contrast.
How many words a day? Too fast, and our story might be sloppy. Too slow, and we'll never finish. Here are some thoughts about our pace of writing. And also; contrast is a critical tool for us writers. How can we use it?Support the show
Mar 31, 2023 • 24min
Episode 54 - Fear of failure, author photos, and the use of humor.
Here are thoughts on how we might handle doubts about our writing abilities, the fear of failure. Plus, more tips on facing the camera. And: humor is a wonderful tool for writers. Add some laughs to our stories.Support the show
Mar 24, 2023 • 24min
Episode 53 - Embarrassing stuff, and the middle of the novel.
We shouldn't write about embarrassing stuff, and here's a list. Also, here are techniques to rev up the middle of the novel, often the hardest part to write.Support the show
Mar 17, 2023 • 26min
Episode 52 - Making our sentences more lively, and avoiding reader disbelief.
Here's a strong way to make our sentences pop, to make our writing lively and energetic. Also: how to keep the reader engaged by reducing disbelief and so making our story more real.Support the show
Mar 10, 2023 • 25min
Episode 51 - The wonder factor.
Let's apply the wonder factor to our stories, giving readers elements that will make them shake their heads and smile, and so remember our writing. And here also are techniques to avoid inertia in our writing.Support the show
Mar 3, 2023 • 27min
Episode 50 - The right kind of surprise ending, and wonderful character descriptions.
The ending of our novel should be a surprise but not a complete surprise. Here are techniques for crafting that balance. And famous character descriptions can inspire us to create our own fascinating character portraits.Support the show
Feb 24, 2023 • 22min
Episode 49 - Avoiding the biggest mistake, and keeping the POV tight.
If we are going to spend a year or two writing a novel, shouldn't we avoid a mistake in our very first chapter that ruins the novel's chances with agents and publishers? Here's the mistake and how to avoid it. Also mentioned are techniques on keeping the point of view tight.Support the show
Feb 17, 2023 • 25min
Episode 48 - Writing strong dialogue, and Ray Bradbury on plotting.
Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read. What's the best way to mix dialogue with action? How can we make sure dialogue and action work together to propel the story forward? And how science fiction legend Ray Bradbury came up with his plots.Support the show
Feb 10, 2023 • 22min
Episode 47 - A strong plotting technique, and leeches.
Sometimes when plotting we run out of ideas. Here's a good way to prime the plotting pump. And more on qualifiers, the leeches that infest the pond of prose.Support the show
