#39: How to Write Captivating Character Description
We're all tired of being introduced to characters like the young man in his twenties with jet black hair, emerald green eyes, and a chiseled jaw. Even if a character looks like that, there are ways to make him more surprising and unforgettable. In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll break down 3 techniques to write descriptions that bring characters to life. Want to connect with more like-minded writers? Join us on our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. Joini...
10 Mars 202114min
#38: How to Create Characters Readers Care About
How do you create characters readers care about? So that the reader can't help but keep reading? In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, I'll explore 5 common character mistakes and how to avoid them to create characters readers care about. We'll explore how to: Avoid the stock characterChoose one compelling protagonistComplicate your character's desireRaise the stakesCreate interesting changeAlso listen to: Episode 37: Three Questions to Ask Before You Plot Your Story W...
3 Mars 202115min
#37: Three Questions to Ask Before You Plot Your Story
What questions should you ask before you plot your story? Whether you outline every chapter, or write from the hip, on today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, I’ll break down 3 questions you should explore before you outline your plot. We'll explore: What story isHorizontal plots and vertical plots and how they intersectCharacter Viewpoint - who your story is aboutDesire and Resistance and how this impacts your plotAlso listen to: Episode 31: What Most Writers Get Wrong About Point of View Wan...
24 Feb 202113min
#36: Three Storytelling Techniques to Steal From Superbowl Ads
Whether you're a football fan, or not, the Superbowl ads are often storytelling works of art. On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll unwrap 3 storytelling techniques you can swipe from your favorite Superbowl ads and apply to your story right away. We'll explore: The reverse engineering approach to story structure. How to dramatize conflict early on.How to use a shot summary to refine and shape your story. Want to connect with more like-minded writers? Join us on our priv...
17 Feb 202115min
#35: What Does It Take To Become a Successful Writer?
What does it take to become a successful writer? On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, author and media consultant Simona David and I unpack the journey and the process. We explore: My exploratory approach to early draftsWhat it means to write what you knowWhat revision can tell us about what our story’s trying to becomeHow to work with and through uncertaintyHow to draw readers in emotionallyThe actor’s technique to character developmentHow to write believa...
10 Feb 202142min
#34: How to Write Backstory Without Boring Your Reader
How much backstory is too much? Backstory is one of the trickiest things to get effectively onto the page. Too much of it and your reader loses track, forgets, or even stops caring about what’s happening in your story's present. In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore the 3 most common missteps writers make about backstory, plus 3 tips to help you write backstory without putting your story on snooze. We'll explore: What backstory is and why it's useful 3 common ...
3 Feb 202116min
#33: Three Ways to Avoid Melodrama
There's a delicate balance between bringing a scene to the dramatic brim, and spilling over the top into melodrama. On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, I'll share 3 techniques for avoiding melodrama, plus a writing exercise to bring it all home. We'll explore: The power of restraint The near-death experience approach to tragedy in storyHow to use objects to carry character emotion. If you want to connect with more like-minded writers, and with me, join us on ou...
27 Jan 202114min
#32: Five Ways to Avoid the Stock Villain
How do you avoid writing the stock villain? How do you move beyond the cliche to create a bad guy that surprises us? That goes against the status quo? On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll explore 5 ways to create a villain that defies stereotype. We'll discuss: What readers really want from your villainHow to explore what's underneath your character's bad actsBetter questions to get under your villain's skinHow to tap into your own impulses to write more nuanced and bel...
20 Jan 202112min
