#14: How to Handle Character Backstory in Your Novel
In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through my top three tips for weaving your character's backstory into your novel in a way that engages the reader without bogging them down. Here's a preview of what's included: [01:20] What is character backstory? Character backstory is everything that has ever happened in your character's life that has helped to influence and shape who they are today, in the "story present." [02:20] The biggest mistake writers make when it comes to handling a chara...
16 Juni 202015min
#13: 5 Things That Kill Narrative Drive (and How to Fix it)
In today's episode, I'm continuing last week's discussion on narrative drive or that "thing" that hooks a reader's interest and pulls them through the story. Here's a preview of what's included: [01:10] What is narrative drive? Why should writers care? (Check out last week's episode for some tips on creating narrative drive in your story). [01:20] A story with "broken" narrative drive feels like it's going nowhere. [02:00 ] Mistake #1: Putting in too much exposition or backstory or worldbu...
9 Juni 202013min
#12: 3 Ways to Create Narrative Drive in Your Story
In today's episode, I'm exploring narrative drive or that "thing" that hooks a reader's interest and pulls them through the story. Here's a preview of what's included: [01:25] What is narrative drive? Here's a quick definition. [01:35] According to Robert McKee, narrative drive is sustained when a story plays on two primary needs within the reader -- an intellectual need (curiosity) and an emotional need (concern). [01:50] Curiosity is the intellectual need to find answers to questions. [02...
2 Juni 202012min
#11: 10 Tips for Writing Better Love Triangles
In today's episode, I'm sharing my top 10 tips for writing better, more compelling love triangles. Here's a preview of what's included: [01:30] A love triangle is a relationship that takes place between three or more characters. Character A has to choose between character B and character C. [01:50] Three examples of popular love triangles from Pride and Prejudice, Twilight, and The Hunger Games. [02:15] Tip #1: Fully develop all three characters involved in the love triangle. [03:10] Tip #2:...
19 Maj 202015min
#10: How to Create Memorable Characters Using Hooks
In today's episode, I'm going to show you how to create unique and memorable characters using "hooks." Here's a preview of what's included: [01:15] What are character hooks? How do they help readers? [02:25] Hook #1: Give your character a unique accent or way of speaking. [03:20] Hook #2: Give your character an identifiable physical feature. [04:25] Hook #3: Give your character their own body language. [05:25] Hook #4: Give your character a human or an animal counterpart. [06:20] Hook #5: Gi...
12 Maj 202017min
#9: Value Shifts: The Quickest Way to Determine if a Scene Works
In today's episode, we're going to talk about value shifts. Specifically, how understanding the concept of value shifts can help you write an edit a story that works. Here's a preview: [01:10] What are value shifts and why do I need to care about them? [01:40] What does it mean to create a mini-arc of change in each scene? [02:10] How value shifts can help you create a better story outline and write impactful scenes that work. [03:50] Each genre has a core value at stake. For example, in a r...
5 Maj 202014min
#8: 7 Secrets to Success That Every Writer Should Know
In today's episode, I share the 7 secrets to success that every writer should know. These 7 secrets will help you accomplish your goals, become a better writer, and live a writing life you love. Here's a preview: [02:00] Secret #1: Courage. Have the courage to take action even when you're not sure where your story is going or what the next step in the process is. [03:45] Secret #2: Confidence. Confidence is something that anyone can develop. Until you develop confidence in your skills, have ...
21 Apr 202018min
#7: 5 Questions to Help You Write Better Characters
In this episode, I'll walk you through five questions that will help you write compelling characters. I highly recommend using these questions to flesh out both your protagonist AND your antagonist, but you can also use these questions to help you develop your secondary characters, too. Here's a preview of what we'll cover: [01:45] Question 1: What does your character want? Your character's goal will help you shape the external plot of your story as well as each of your story's scenes. [05:...
14 Apr 202016min
