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
Nov 8, 2024 • 27min
Episode 138 - How to live a writer's life.
Usually I talk about writing techniques but here are some living techniques for us writers. And some famous writers' favorite writers and novels. Plus: what Ernest Hemingway did when he was stuck. Also: the magic of avoiding dialogue tag modifiers. And Snoopy. Support the show
Nov 1, 2024 • 28min
Episode 137 - Twenty-one rules of writing.
How can an injury be good for us writers? It was for Roald Dahl. And here are Strunk and White's twenty-one rules of writing. Also, Stephen King on descriptions. And several famous setting descriptions, settings so good they are magical. Plus, Toni Morrison reveals how she works.Support the show
Oct 25, 2024 • 27min
Episode 136 - Benefits of a character's otherness.
A strong way to make a character likeable, and to have the reader root for her, is to have the character experience "otherness." She's out of place. She doesn't fit. Here are techniques on how to do so. Also, how F. Scott Fitzgerald worked. And, no whining.Support the show
Oct 18, 2024 • 26min
Episode 135 - Maybe the strongest writing tool - contrast.
Contrast is among the strongest tools we writers can use. It's magic. Here is a discussion of how and where to use contrast. Also, Henry Miller's rules of writing and how John Grisham works.Support the show
Oct 11, 2024 • 30min
Episode 134 - A stong technique for describing a character's personality.
We can show (as opposed to tell) about a character's personality by describing the character's face and body, so that our physical description does double duty. Jonathan Franzen's ten rules of writing. And techniques to add atmosphere to our scenes.Support the show
Oct 4, 2024 • 27min
Episode 133 - In our plot what should we save for a sequel?
In our novel should we leave plot questions unanswered so we have compelling questions for a sequel? Here are thoughts on how we can approach it. Also, Hilary Mantel's ten rules of writing, how Anne Rice worked, and techniques for writing in the active voice.Support the show
Sep 27, 2024 • 28min
Episode 132 - How to avoid the main reason readers stop reading a novel.
Dive into the reasons why readers abandon novels before reaching the end. Discover vital techniques to enhance your storytelling, focusing on the 'show, don't tell' approach. Learn how to craft relatable protagonists that resonate with readers, even amidst imperfections. Additionally, benefit from practical writing tips and creative strategies that can elevate your writing practice. And, get insights on building a personal creative space for inspiration and productivity.
Sep 20, 2024 • 25min
Episode 131 - A review of the ten strongest writing techniques.
Here is a list of the top ten writing techniques in order of their importance, as best I can figure them out. Also, good comments from a book coach. And Zadie Smith's rules of writing.Support the show
Sep 13, 2024 • 27min
Episode 130 - Kurt Vonnegut's rules of writing, and powerful character descriptioins.
Here are Kurt Vonnegut's eight rules of writing. Also, why reading an Andy Weir novel is such a good writing lesson. And; character descriptions should do double duty. Here is how, with examples from legendary writers.Support the show
Sep 6, 2024 • 26min
Episode 129 - A scene with too many mistakes. Can we spot them?
Here is a scene with a strong plot point important to our story. It should be powerful but it isn't because of technical mistakes in the writing. Can we spot the mistakes? Also, George Orwell's six rules of writing. And a review of how and why to avoid filters.Support the show
