#245: When Great Story Ideas Fizzle Out (and How to Prevent It)

The interpersonal dynamics between characters are an essential part of character and plot development. Drama involves people who interact with and influence others, and who ultimately change as a result. In this episode, I’m going to give you 4 ways to think about your characters' relationships so they’re captivating and memorable. You'll also learn how to introduce multiple characters and make minor characters more relevant. Episode Web Page Rate, Review, & Follow o...

3 Loka 202320min

Dialogue is one of the trickiest elements to master. It’s not a complete rendering of the way humans really speak. It’s shaped, concise, sharp, and concentrated. It’s an approximation of real life conversation. We want it to sound real. But without all the boring, tedious, insignificant parts. In this episode, learn 5 writing exercises to help you master dialogue. Download your free worksheet with all 5 dialogue exercises by clicking here. Epis...

26 Syys 202334min

How do you write first drafts? Do you outline first and then write the story following that outline? What if outlining just isn't your jam? In this episode, you'll learn a different approach to writing first drafts. And it doesn't require starting with an outline. We'll generate material first. Outline second. This method isn't just for first drafts. It works at any stage of the drafting process. Episode Web Page Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? Th...

19 Syys 202329min

There are many ways these days to earn money writing. And if you enjoy tinkering with words, these 5 will help you earn cash while giving you the time freedom to devote to your novel, memoir, or story collection. All while sharpening your skills as a wordsmith. In this episode we'll cover: CopywritingFeature WritingEmail MarketingSocial Media Writing ContestsEpisode Webpage Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help...

12 Syys 202324min

We want our readers to feel our character’s pain, their joy, and everything in between. But one of the quickest ways to sever the reader’s emotional connection is to be overly direct about how our character feels. In this encore episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll break down 4 ways to evoke an emotional response in readers. We'll explore The biology of emotion.How to blast through the reader’s intellect to his most primitive emotions.How to avoid emotional cliches.The power of juxtaposition.T...

5 Syys 202314min

In this encore episode, we talk about common plot problems that plague first-time novelists, and how to solve or avoid them completely. You'll explore how to:Define the central problem driving your protagonist;Build and intensify the action;Move your plot logically from one event to the next;Up the ante on what's at stake, and;End your story in a way that's emotionally satisfying to your reader. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts. Love what you're learning from ...

29 Elo 202324min

An image paints a picture for readers, giving them a sensory experience. Some images are just meant to be descriptive. They're not insignificant. Nothing in story is. But they don't carry any particular figurative meaning. Not every image needs to be symbolic. But some images carry more emotional weight. They represent the meaning of your story. They're woven into the fabric of your story, and remind your reader what your story's about. In this episode, we'll talk abou...

22 Elo 202321min

You've just received your 10th agent rejection. Or the story that's so vivid in you mind just isn't translating onto the page. Maybe you're stuck in the murky middle and can't see your way out of it. How do you push through? In this episode, you'll reframe your relationship to failure, glean the lessons from setbacks, and ultimately, write a better story. Episode Website Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts. Love what you're learning from the Wri...

15 Elo 202315min