Writer Unleashed

Stuck in a writing slump? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about those hard, heavy moments when the words won’t come, your story feels stalled, and self-doubt creeps in. Slumps are a normal part of the creative cycle, but they can feel lonely and defeating when you’re deep in one. Today, I’m sharing gentle, practical ways to find your way back without forcing it or beating yourself up. You’ll learn: → Why slumps happen (even to seasoned authors) → Small, doable ste...

13 Maj 21min

You’ve built your character's world and raised the stakes. But how do you end your story in a way that feels true and unforgettable? In this episode, I’m breaking down the 4 biggest mistakes writers make with endings, plus 5 different ways to close your story. You’ll also get practical tips for revising an ending that’s falling flat, and learn how the right ending can transform your entire story. If you’re stuck or second-guessing how to close your story, this episode's for you. Episode...

6 Maj 24min

Among the most important (and intimidating) decisions you'll make as a writer is how to begin your story. That opening moment sets the tone, establishes the world, and signals to your readers what kind of story they're stepping into. There isn't one right way to open your story. It's all play and experimentation. The key to a powerful ending is choosing one that's aligned with the story you're telling and the emotional experience you want your reader to have. In this episode, I'm ...

29 Apr 20min

Writing dialog can feel deceptively simple. After all, it's just people talking, right? But in far too many stories, characters are recapping the plot or revealing too much of what they're thinking or feeling. The dialogue is pure exposition, doing too much of the story's heavy lifting. Great dialogue works on multiple levels, often saying more in what's unsaid than what is said. So in this episode, we're going to look at common pitfalls. And I'll show you how to write conversati...

22 Apr 16min

Writing your story setting requires more than just pretty language, and does so much more than provide the physical setting. It anchors the reader in time and place while immersing them in a tactile sensory experience in every scene. In this episode, I'm going to give you 4 essential techniques for writing your story setting. You'll learn how to craft your settings selectively and with intention. Episode Web Page Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful ...

15 Apr 25min

Revising a first draft can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What do you cut? How do you keep your original vision alive How do you take all the moving parts and refine it into a more coherent, effective whole? In this episode, I’ll guide you through the three key phases of revision—and give you practical tips to help you shape your messy draft into a strong, finished story. Episode Website Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide w...

8 Apr 19min

Retrospective narrators have the power to tell your story with both raw immediacy and hard earned wisdom. This narrator doesn’t just recall the past – he or she reinterprets it. What makes it tricky is that you’re not just telling the story of what happened. You’re telling it through two lenses: The younger self who lived it. And the older self who looks back with reflection, wisdom, and maybe even regret. So in today’s episode, we’ll explore how to unlock the full potential of a retrospectiv...

1 Apr 16min

There’s something captivating about seeing a story unfold through a child’s perspective. Child narrators strip away the layers of adult logic, cynicism and pretense, revealing raw wonder, confusion or even unexpected wisdom. But writing from a child’s perspective is deceptively difficult. Writers often fall into traps, making the child sound too innocent, too passive, or one dimensional. So in today’s episode, I’ll help you navigate 3 common challenges so you can create a believable, compelli...

25 Mars 23min