#183: How To Link Your Character's Interior Story To The Plot

Details are the lifeblood of your story. And writing is all about the selection of those details. But how do you decide which details matter? When we sit down to write, we’re often bombarded with too many details. We’re in this constant and brutal battle with the facts of our experience, the details of the world, and the needs of our story. The question we must continually ask is, What do I leave in? What do I leave out? But selecting the right story details is easier than y...

15 Mars 202216min

What makes your story a page turner? What makes it so irresistible that readers devour every page? In today’s episode, we’re breaking down 4 tips to writing a page turner. Techniques that go beneath and beyond common structures like the Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, and the traditional 3-Act. So you can make your story stand out from the pile. And keep readers hooked scene by scene. Episode Website FREE 3-Act Worksheet Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerf...

8 Mars 202233min

Scenes are the building blocks of your story. But how do you craft scenes that draw us in every single time? That keep us turning the page? In this episode you'll learn how to craft spellbinding scenes from beginning to end. In today's episode, we'll cover: The difference between scene and summary.Four essential things each scene should give your protagonist.How to set each scene's intentions.What it means to "advance your plot" and how to do it.and how to structure your scenes ...

15 Feb 202226min

Your first scene is crucial. It’s what sets your story in motion. It's where you keep your reader or lose em'. So you want to craft this scene with intention. In this episode, you'll learn 3 essential things your first scene must accomplish. And we'll explore 5 core elements that go into every successful first scene, with examples from Neil Gaiman's novel, American Gods, and Lucy Grealy's memoir, Autobiography of a Face. Also Listen To: Episode 69: How to Creat...

8 Feb 202231min

There’s no one size fits all way to write. Still, there’s no shortage of advice on how to do it. But some advice can derail you for months, maybe years. Advice like reaching a certain word count per day. Or crafting your story with an ideal reader in mind. Or outlining before you’ve felt your way into your story. So, today I’m going to counter some of the most common advice I hear over and over and give you another perspective. Not sure if your idea has what it takes ...

1 Feb 202219min

Writing is solitary. And if you’re anything like me, you like to dip into some inspiration from time to time for a creative boost or deeper insight into the craft. So much of our progress depends on how we feel about the work. So in this episode, I’m going to pull some of my favorite quotes and unwrap them for the wisdom and creative fuel they offer on writing technique and the writing life. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This...

25 Jan 202218min

Have you ever thought, Writing should be easier for me than this? I sure did. I didn't know there was a craft to writing a novel. I thought talent and sheer passion would see me through. And then I became a professional competitive dancer and learned that desire and talent were just starter fuel. The truth is, writing is no easier than mastering any other art form. Talent is not enough. Technique on it's own is not enough. So, what does it take to master the art of writing? In thi...

18 Jan 202217min

How do you keep a consistent writing routine when you're life is hectic as all hell? How do you find time to write and fulfill life's never-ending hamster wheel of responsibilities? And where do you find the energy? In this episode, you'll hear the strategies I've been using for years to let writing co-exist with a crazy busy, but beautiful life as a single working mom. You'll learn a more abundant way to think about time, how to ride the momentum when you're at ...

11 Jan 202223min