#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
#6: 3 Reasons You Should Write in Scenes vs. Chapters
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 ...
7 Apr 202012min
