Learn how to create unique and memorable characters using 'hooks'. Topics include using accents, physical features, body language, strengths and weaknesses, roles, connections, emotional states, and concealing clues.

Learn how value shifts can help you create impactful scenes and a better story outline. Discover the main value at stake in different genres and how to turn low impact scenes into meaningful ones. Explore the importance of internal and external changes in scenes and how value shifts can help weed out unproductive scenes. Dive into next level value shifts to create a compelling story that keeps readers engaged.

Learn the 7 secrets to success for writers including courage, confidence, clarity, consistency, continuing education, and community. Setting clear goals and finding motivation are vital for successful writing. Connect with like-minded writers and commit to achieving your goals to enhance your writing skills and create a more fulfilling writing life.

Learn how to write better characters by answering five key questions: what do they want, why do they want it, what's standing in their way externally and internally, and what's at stake if they fail. The importance of character goals, motivations, conflict, and growth are also explored.

In today's episode, I'm going to give you three reasons why you should write your draft in scenes instead of chapters. Here's a preview of what we'll cover:[01:20] The difference between scenes and chapters and how they each play a different role in your story's pacing.[02:45] 3 reasons why you should write in scenes instead of chapters:[02:55] Reason #1: It's easier to plan out your first draft because you can break down your total target word count into a target number of scenes that's appropriate for your story's genre.[05:00] Reason #2: It's easier to write a stronger more cohesive first draft because you'll be more focused on writing well-structured versus spinning your wheels over the perfect chapter beginning.[07:30] Reason #3: It's easier to edit your draft because when you look at each scene in isolation, you're more likely to spot things that don't belong in your story.[09:15] The best time to worry about chapter breaks is when you are confident that you have a first draft that works.[09:25] Key points and a recap of the episode.Subscribe & Review in Apple PodcastsAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!Links mentioned in this episode:Episode Freebie: How to Plan the Number of Scenes in Your Story PDFSupport the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Learn how to identify the theme of your story before writing and how it shapes the draft and editing process. Explore three essential questions to unveil the theme and discover examples from popular books. Understand the importance of universal themes and how they guide the writer through the initial drafts.

In this podcast, the host answers listener questions about scene length, becoming an editor or book coach, avoiding info-dumping in storytelling, understanding head-hopping, and adjusting the ideal reader profile for unplanned story developments.

Discover the value of knowing your story's ideal reader and how it guides your writing. Explore real-life examples of writers modifying their characters to connect with their target audience. Learn how understanding your ideal reader enhances storytelling, editing, and book marketing strategies.

In this episode, we're going to talk about genre -- specifically how to choose the primary (or global) genre for your story. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode:[01:30] What's the difference between commercial genres and content genres (aka the reader's genre and the writer's genre)? And why you should care about BOTH.[05:00] What's the difference between plot-driven stories and character-driven stories? And what are the 12 content genres?[07:00] A special note for science fiction and fantasy authors (if you're writing speculative fiction, you don't want to miss this!)[08:45] Why you need to choose one primary genre for your story -- and how this can actually make the writing, editing, and publishing process SO MUCH EASIER.[09:45] 5 questions to help you choose the main genre for your story. [17:30] Once you've identified your story's global genre, what's next? Here's a preview of how your story's genre can help you write a stronger first draft.[20:30] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple PodcastsAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance--I really appreciate it!Links mentioned in this episode:The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know book by Shawn CoyneEpisode Freebie: How to Choose the Best Genre for Your Story PDFSupport the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

In this episode, we're going to talk about the biggest myth that holds writers back and what to do about it if you're falling prey to this myth. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode:[01:00] How do you know if you're falling prey to this myth? Here are 3 scenarios that might signal to you that you need to address the belief at the root of this myth. Which scenario best describes your writing practice?[03:00] The #1 myth that holds writers back (it's probably not what you think!)[03:30] A real-life example of a writer who almost gave up on her writing because she believed in this myth. Don't worry, it has a happy ending![06:45] Where does this myth come from? Why do we believe this myth? [08:00] Strategies for combatting this insidious myth and how unwinding this belief can help you write a stronger, more focused draft.[11:15] A new and improved definition of what it means to write a story. An example of what this looks like in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.[13:25] Key points and a recap of the episode.Subscribe & Review in Apple PodcastsAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance--I really appreciate it!Links mentioned in this episode:The Story Genius book by Lisa CronEpisode Freebie: The 3 Questions to Help You Uncover Your Story PDFSupport the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.