#174: 3 Essential Elements For Structuring Act One
Ever wonder how to write your First Act? In this episode, learn 3 core elements to structure - and nail- Act One of your story. From your set-up, to your inciting incident, to your first plot point, you'll learn how these elements impact the rest of your story, and where to place each. We'll cover: How long your first act should beHow to set up your story so we know who and what your story's aboutWhat an inciting incident is, what a plot point is, and their purpose in storyThe dif...
23 Jan 202419min
#173: How To Write A Captivating Opening Hook
How do you write an opening scene that hooks your reader? An opening so captivating, it compels readers to keep turning the page. A great opening does multiple things to lure readers in. In this episode, we'll focus on crafting an opening hook that keeps them reading. We'll cover: A surefire technique for launching your storyProvoking questions readers crave the answer to, and when to reveal the answersHow to make an instant emotional connection between character and readerUsing contradi...
16 Jan 202423min
#172: How To Stick To Your Writing This Year
New Year. Fresh start. Maybe you’ve resolved that 2024 is going to be the year you’re going to finish your novel or memoir once and for all. But what so often happens is 50 pages or 200 pages in, the writing gets hard and overwhelming. Writers look at their pages and think it's rubbish. So they abandon the whole project. Or start a new story. Only to start the cycle all over again. So, in this episode, I’m going to give you 4 tips to keep yourself invested in your sto...
9 Jan 202418min
Rewind: Writing Inspiration From The Masters
In this episode, we're going back to a beloved episode from 2022. 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 pulling from some of my favorite quotes and unwrapping them for the wisdom and creative fuel they offer on writing technique and the writing lif...
2 Jan 202418min
Rewind: 3 Mindset Shifts To Make Your Writing Dream A Reality
In one of the most downloaded episodes of 2023, we're tackling the one thing stopping writers from bringing their story to the finish line. Fear. Maybe you fear visibility, and the expectations and judgements you’ll open yourself up to. Then there's fear of rejection. Even if you’re nowhere near ready to submit your story, it prevents you from finishing. Maybe you're afraid of putting your book out there. You just keep wanting to do one read-through after another. It's never g...
26 Dec 202320min
#171: Scene and Summary: A Guide To Writing Both
What is scene? What is summary? In this episode, learn the crucial difference between them. We'll explore the common ways writers get scene and summary wrong. And you'll get guidelines on how to balance both to enhance the pace of your story. Episode Web Page Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts. Love what you're learning from the Writer Unleashed podcast? Pease consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers -- just like you -- to ...
19 Dec 202320min
#170: 10 Great Gifts For Writers
Looking for original gift ideas for writers? Want to add some to your own holiday wish list? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 gifts ideas perfect for writers. Whether you want to find one or two of these under your Christmas tree, or want to gift your favorite writing buddy, you’re sure to find something special in this episode. You'll find all 10 gifts, along with links to purchase by clicking here on the episode's show notes. Episode Web Page Rate, Review, & Follow on Ap...
12 Dec 202316min
#169: Plot Simplified Into 4 Core Elements
Overthinking your plot with beats and pinch points? Plot doesn't need to be complex or over-thought to capture your reader. In fact, when your plot is too complicated, it's likely to confuse and disengage your reader. In this episode, learn how to simplify your plot using 4 core elements. You'll learn: What plot is, and how it differs from structure5 common ways plots go off the railsHow to translate character desire into a tangible goalWhat meaningful conflict is and how to l...
5 Dec 202323min
