Learn how to mislead and surprise readers using red herrings in fiction writing. Explore examples from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Tips include incorporating red herrings organically, giving innocent characters motives, means, and opportunity, and diverting attention from true clues. Discover strategies for engaging readers with subtle surprises in storytelling.

Learn about the key scenes that every performance story needs, including challenges faced by the protagonist, failed initial plans, commitment to a big event, and overcoming defeat. Discover how these scenes create emotional experiences and drive the narrative forward, using 'The Karate Kid' as a reference for illustration and inspiration.

Crafting a great inciting incident sets the story in motion and creates conflict between protagonist and antagonist. Different types of inciting incidents are explored with genre-specific examples like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. Learn how to engage readers with impactful story beginnings.

Dr. Susan Hickman discusses the role of developmental editors and book coaches, the debate between plotting and pantsing, and the importance of staying motivated in writing. She also addresses common writer struggles, offers advice on overcoming perfectionism, and highlights the value of different writing styles. A must-listen for aspiring authors looking for guidance and inspiration!

Explore the conventions of the worldview genre in storytelling, focusing on characters' internal growth and transformation. Learn about mentorship, social challenges, and the impact of accepting support in narratives. Dive into key conventions for developing protagonists, emphasizing the importance of emotional arcs and personal growth in stories.

Learn how to prepare for NaNoWriMo by choosing a story idea, developing characters, setting, and outline. Get tips on structuring your story into acts, finding accountability partners, and approaching the event with confidence.

Learn about the 6 key scenes every romance novel must have, from initial meeting to breakup and proof of love. Discover how these scenes create emotional impact and drive the story forward, using examples from classic novels like Pride and Prejudice. Get insights on crafting a captivating romance narrative that resonates with readers across different sub-genres.

Learn how to evaluate the conflict in your draft with a structured five-step process. Explore the importance of progressive complications and identifying what obstacles your characters face. Dive into analyzing a scene from Harry Potter to understand the impact of conflict on the overall story.

The podcast discusses how progressive complications can create more challenging conflicts for characters in a novel, leading to increased tension and character development. Each complication must relate to the character's goal, escalate in difficulty, and require more effort. Crafting unique and complex complications helps maintain reader interest and keeps the story fresh.

Learn how to beat writer's block by analyzing story elements and genre conventions. Find out how to create flexible outlines and evaluate narrative drive for a cohesive story. Get practical tips for enhancing your storytelling process and captivating readers in the first five pages.