#196. The Pros and Cons of Writing A Novel With Multiple Points of View

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a round-up of mindset tips from some of my peers! Here’s a preview of what’s included: [02:00] Rachel May of Golden May Editing shares a mindset tip about taking the pressure off of your writing practice by letting it be easy. You can learn more about Rachel, Golden May Editing, and her Story Magic podcast here! [04:43] Georgina Green shares a mindset tip about using better language to talk to yourself about writing. She suggests operating from a growth m...

11 Juli 202321min

In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to add subplots to your novel. Here’s a preview of what’s included: [1:50] Subplots are secondary storylines that receive less emphasis (and page time) than the main plot. The main purpose of any subplot in a novel is to enhance the main theme and conflict of the story. [2:45] Subplots have three primary relationships to your main plot. They can contradict or complement your theme and/or complicate the central conflict of your story. [06:05] Subplots ...

4 Juli 202313min

In today’s episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the first chapter of A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. Join me and fellow developmental editor Abigail K. Perry as we talk through the first chapter of this popular fantasy novel. Here’s a preview of what we talk about: [08:20] A very quick summary of the first chapter [21:00] A micro-analysis of the first chapter to see how many scenes are present within the opening chapter—as well as how and why the scenes work [34:00] Our th...

27 Juni 202354min

In this episode, I’m sharing my top 5 worldbuilding tips for science fiction and fantasy writers, with examples from popular novels. Here's a preview of what's included in the episode: [02:39] Tip #1—Go narrow and deep in your worldbuilding, not wide and shallow. Pick 2-3 worldbuilding categories to focus on, and only flesh out whatever's relevant to your plot and/or characters. [05:43] Tip #2—Determine what kind of magic or technology will exist in your story world. Will your magic/tech be...

20 Juni 202317min

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my top five tips to help you get started with your science fiction or fantasy novel. Here’s a preview of what’s included: [00:00] Step 1: Decide what kind of fantasy or science fiction story you’re writing. Find both the commercial genre and content genre of your story. [00:00] Step 2: Determine what your protagonist wants and needs. Look to your content genre for guidance, and then make your answer specific to your story idea [00:00] Step 3: Figure out what ...

13 Juni 202321min

In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about writing interiority—aka how to reveal your character’s inner life on the page. Here’s a preview of what’s included: [03:20] What is interiority? Interiority is on-the-page access to a protagonist’s psyche as they process information in an interesting way. [06:15] What is the primary purpose of interiority? Interiority helps readers connect with your characters by exposing their inner life (plus so much more!). [08:20] An example of what inte...

8 Juni 202317min

In today’s episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Legendborn by Tracey Deonn. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we talk through the first chapter of this popular YA fantasy novel. Here’s a preview of what we talk about: [03:25] A very quick summary of the first chapter [05:00] A microanalysis of the two scenes within the first chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid [18:25] Our thoughts on prologues [20:00] Final tho...

30 Maj 202322min

In today’s episode, we’re going to look at the five functions of dialogue in your story. Here’s a preview of what’s included: [03:50] Function #1: Dialogue can help you advance the plot [05:50] Function #2: Dialogue can help you reveal character [08:30] Function #3: Dialogue can help you establish context [12:40] Function #4: Dialogue can help you set the tone and mood [15:45] Function #5: Dialogue can help you reveal or hint at your theme [17:40] Key points and episode recap Rate + R...

23 Maj 202319min