Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

Discover the three methods for creating narrative drive in your story - mystery, dramatic irony, and suspense. Learn how these methods evoke curiosity and concern in readers by controlling information and keeping them engaged. Understand the impact of narrative drive on reader engagement and curiosity. Explore how suspense, in particular, gives readers the same information as the characters, evoking both curiosity and concern.

The podcast discusses 10 tips for writing better love triangles in fiction. It explores examples from popular books, emphasizes the importance of developing all three characters and making both suitors believable choices. It advises against dragging out the protagonist's decision and encourages insight into the protagonist's choice. The podcast also highlights the need to establish stakes, avoid neglecting the rest of the story, and have a solid reason for including a love triangle. It concludes by mentioning the importance of exploring internal and external conflict in the love triangle.

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.