I migliori Novel Writing podcast (2025)

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Episode 156 - How to write the fast start. 26:51

2d ago26:51

26:51

Many readers only give a story ten or twenty pages before putting it aside to look for something more interesting. A fast start is the best way to maintain the reader's interest. Here's how to write the fast start. Also, how Alice Munro worked, and Richard Ford's rules of writing. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Mas…

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3 Ways to Strengthen Your Plot 3:52

5d ago3:52

3:52

Are you struggling with a saggy middle? Figuring out to fix it can feel daunting if you don't have a place to start. Try these 3 ways to strengthen your plot! Send us a text Click here to find out of The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge is the right fit for you! What to do next… Take the Writing Persona Quiz! Sign up for The 60-Day Novel Writing Chal…

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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 3) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 33 14:32

18d ago14:32

14:32

How do you write an ending so compelling that readers not only finish your book but immediately tell their friends, “You HAVE to read this”? Well, that’s a big question—but one thing’s for sure: a strong story structure is essential. In this episode, we’re tackling Act 3 of the Save the Cat story structure framework. I’ll break down how to craft a …

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Episode 155 - The single most important ingredient in an unforgetable story. 25:41

9d ago25:41

25:41

Manon in Paris asked, "Why do some novels move us more than others?" Here is the single best way to make our story unforgettable, a story that moves the reader. Also, have we heard the advice, "Write what you know?" It's bad advice, and here are thoughts on it. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Master Gardener Farmer …

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Publishing Myth #2: Indie = Success 3:56

12d ago3:56

3:56

If you don't go traditional, you're probably an indie author. While indie has become 1000% more accessible than it was even just 10 years ago, it's not without its downsides. The fact that it's easy to hit publish on Amazon now does not mean you're going to rake in the big bucks a day or a month later. In this episode we're breaking down why it's a…

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Episode 154 - Learning from the masterful writer Edna Ferber. 25:38

16d ago25:38

25:38

Edna Ferber was a master of character description. Here are a few of her characters, and maybe we can pick up some of her skill. Also, how many words a day do famous writers write, and how many words a day should we write? And showing pain, as opposed to telling about pain. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Master Gar…

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How Many Books Should Be in Your Series? 9:42

19d ago9:42

9:42

How do you decide how many books should be in your series? It's not as simple as picking a number out of the air. In this episode we cover what a series is versus what it isn't, how to understand how much story you have, cutoff points, and questions to ask yourself to help decide if the number you're thinking is the number you'll end up with. Send …

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Episode 153 - A legendary novelist's lesson for us writers. 25:45

23d ago25:45

25:45

Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre is a classic of western literature, a novel that endures and still hugely entertains because . . . it's so great. (How that for being profound?) Charlotte Bronte offers an important lesson for today's writers, and I'll talk about her lesson in this episode. Plus, the trouble with prologues. Garden Basics with Farm…

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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Why are agents rejecting my novel? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 32 12:06

24d ago12:06

12:06

Are you sending out queries but only getting form rejections—or worse, no responses at all? Maybe you're receiving personalized rejections that praise your concept but still pass on your book? If you’re struggling to understand why agents aren’t biting, this episode is for you. In today’s Ask Me Anything Thursday, I’ll break down the biggest reason…

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What Makes Characters Memorable? 5:43

26d ago5:43

5:43

What makes a character memorable? It's more than just what they look like, who they are, or what they say. Check out these six techniques for crafting memorable characters, which you can do before you even start writing the first draft! Send us a text Click here to find out of The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge is the right fit for you! What to do …

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Episode 152 - How the masters create their settings. 29:19

30d ago29:19

29:19

Why are some novels so good? One of the reasons is that the author is a master at setting descriptions. How did Charlotte Bronte and Edna Ferber make their settings magical? We'll talk about their techniques here. Also, strong verbs versus weak verbs: how and why to choose the stronger action word. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the bes…

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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 2) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 31 36:58

1M ago36:58

36:58

Does your novel feel have a saggy middle? Does it just meander around without a lot of momentum? In this episode, I’ll walk you through Act 2 of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty …

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How to Actually Finish Your First Draft 5:43

1M ago5:43

5:43

Many writers, both newbies and veterans alike, struggle to finish first drafts. So what's the magic formula for actually writing "The End"? Spoiler: There is no magic formula, but The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge is pretty darn close. Listen in to see if you're heading down one of the three paths that don't lead to a finished draft, and how The 6…

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Episode 151 - Mad Magazine, and techniques for riveting dialogue. 28:10

1M ago28:10

28:10

My first encounter with Mad Magazine, a life changer. And dialogue techniques that can help make our characters' conversations fascinating. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Master Gardener Farmer Fred Hoffman has the tips. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show…

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Publishing Myth #1: Traditional = Success 5:58

1M ago5:58

5:58

Many authors want to be traditionally published because of the percieved prestige that comes with the name of a Big Publishing House. Unfortunately, the publishing industry has changed A LOT in the last 20 years, and it's no longer a guarantee that signing with one of the Big 5 Traditional Publishers will make you big money. In this episode, we're …

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Episode 150 - How to deliver a surprise in the story. 28:23

1M ago28:23

28:23

Good stories are filled with surprises for the reader. There are right and wrong ways for us writers to deliver surprises, and I'll talk about them here. Also, the importance of a tie-up-later list. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Master Gardener Farmer Fred Hoffman has the tips. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Su…

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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I write a dual Point of View novel using a mixed POV structure? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 30 9:23

1M ago9:23

9:23

Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I Mix POV Styles in a Dual POV Novel? Have you ever wondered if you can write a dual POV novel where one protagonist is in first person and the other is in third? In this episode, I answer this question from fantasy writer Becca and break down when and how this technique can work beautifully in speculative fiction. Wh…

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Literary Sins: Infodumping in the Published Book 4:43

2M ago4:43

4:43

Don't publish the infodump! It's easy to infodump even when you don't mean to, which is why editors and critique partners are so important before publishing. While infodumping is part of the normal drafting process, authors should take care not to let it bog down the final draft. Send us a text Click here to find out of The 60 Day Novel Writing Cha…

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Episode 149 - How masterful writers use details. 26:40

2M ago26:40

26:40

What do George Orwell, Sara Gruen, Jean Shepherd, and John Steinbeck have in common? Many things but foremost among them is their expert use of details that take readers away, that lift us readers out of our chairs and transport us to their places and times. Here are thoughts on their use of details. Also, we should avoid cliches like the plague. G…

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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 1) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 29 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

Does your novel feel like it’s wandering aimlessly, struggling to find direction? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the first five beats of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty …

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What is an Unreliable Narrator? 4:54

2M ago4:54

4:54

What is an unreliable narrator? Writers and readers alike use this moniker often without understanding what it really means. In this episode, we break down what an unreliable narrator is, the best genres that make use of them, pros and cons, and four examples of characters in popular literature who are unreliable narrators. Send us a text Click her…

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Episode 148: A magical way to end one scene and begin another. 26:49

2M ago26:49

26:49

Here is a magical way to end a scene and to begin another without worrying about travel and time between scenes. Also: avoiding dangling modifiers. And how Bernard Malamud worked, and Helen Dunmore's rules of writing. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Master Gardener Farmer Fred Hoffman has the tips. Listen on: Apple …

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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: How Do I Make Readers Love My Protagonist? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 28 12:11

2M ago12:11

12:11

Ask Me Anything Thursdays answering the podcasting question "How do I make sure my protagonist is lovable?" Are you struggling to create a protagonist readers truly care about? In this episode, I share four actionable strategies to help you craft a dynamic, relatable protagonist readers won’t forget. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why connectin…

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Literary Sins: Random Character to the Rescue 3:36

2M ago3:36

3:36

As a reader, how do you react when a random character comes to the rescue during the climax? Odds are, you probably feel cheated. In this episode, we break down this literary sin and how to avoid committing it. Click here to find out if our Coaching & Critique Group is the right fit for you! Send us a text Click here to find out of The 60 Day Novel…

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Episode 147 - Make sure it's important and make it short. 26:45

2M ago26:45

26:45

What should we do if we must--absolutely must--have an element in our story that might not be fully entertaining and engaging? 1) Make sure it's important and 2) make it short. Here are thoughts about this critical technique. Also, details in our descriptions are important, but which should we use and which should we leave out? Garden Basics with F…

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3 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Writing in 2025 | Episode 27 8:16

2M ago8:16

8:16

Are you looking to level up your writing in 2025? In this episode, I dive into three incredibly valuable ways you can improve your writing, get answers to your important writing questions, and get valuable feedback on your work for FREE. Tune in to learn how to navigate your writing challenges and set yourself up for success in 2025! This episode w…

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10 Productivity Tips for Writers, PART 2 6:37

2M ago6:37

6:37

Struggling with being a productive writer? We all fall into distraction traps and periods of low productivity. All productivity tips are like tools in a toolbox, and having multiple is a great way to break out of writer's block. This episode covers the last 5 of 10 productivity tips for writers to keep in mind as we start 2025! Click here to find o…

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Ep82 – The Eyrie 1:01:45

2M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

THE PENULTIMATE STORY OUTLINE THE LAST STORY OUTLINE EPISODE FOR...PROBABLY QUITE A WHILE Voe and Oliver dive into The Weird by way of a "Zone Story", as both seek a way for Voe to escape cosmic debt slavery to a still-mysterious entity! What does all that mean? Listen to find out!Di Oliver Brackenbury

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Episode 146 - How to make our character unforgettable. 26:48

2M ago26:48

26:48

We writers can use lovely phrases and perceptive observations when describing our character in our story, and yet the reader may still quickly forget the character. Here's how to make a character stick in the reader's mind. Also, are you a born writer? Maybe so. Here's why you might be. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden eve…

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10 Productivity Tips for Writers, PART 1 5:11

3M ago5:11

5:11

Struggling with being a productive writer? We all fall into distraction traps and periods of low productivity. All productivity tips are like tools in a toolbox, and having multiple is a great way to break out of writer's block. This episode covers the first 5 of 10 productivity tips for writers to keep in mind as we start 2025! Send us a text Clic…

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Ep81 – An Imported God 1:25:01

3M ago1:25:01

1:25:01

Sword & Planet time! In which Voe fends off cosmic callousness as she rides strange beasts through a blend of colorful high adventure with grim thematic underpinnings.Di Oliver Brackenbury

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Episode 145 - Bringing our settings to life. 27:50

3M ago27:50

27:50

We can show (as opposed to tell) as we create a setting for our story. Showing will make our settings vivid, and will allow the setting description to do double duty: describe the place and suggest a mood. Also, reasons to avoid meetings in our story. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Master Gardener Farmer Fred Hoffm…

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How to Achieve Your Writing Goals in 2025 11:39

3M ago11:39

11:39

Are you ready to hit 2025 running toward your writing goals? If not, do not fear! This episode covers 5 essential tactics for planning a successful writing year, no matter what your goals are. 2025 is right around the corner, and before you know it you'll be striving toward your next writing achievement. Send us a text Click here to find out of The…

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Ep80 – Love Letter to a Sailor 1:01:28

3M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

In which Oliver writes a love letter/homage to Sailing to the Future, the first third of Michael Moorcock's most excellent Sailor on the Seas of Fate starring Elric of Melniboné. In this way Voe finds herself to encountering multiverse fatigue, an Eternal Champion labour union, a nihilist scientist, and more!…

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Episode 144 - One sentence can bring our character to life. 27:07

3M ago27:07

27:07

We'll build our character as we write along, adding descriptions and actions and dialogue. But there is a way with only one or two sentences to reveal something powerful and memorable about the character--in just a few words--and I'll talk about the technique here. Also, Joyce Carol Oates's rules of writing. And punctuating dialogue, with important…

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Reasons to Write the Blurb Early 4:26

3M ago4:26

4:26

The blurb is one of the hardest and most hated parts of an author's life... at least that's what it seems like! In this episode, we break down why writing the blurb early is actually the smartest thing to do. Blurbs don't need to be perfect or finalized immediately, but they should exist for the reasons discussed here. Need help with your blurb? Ch…

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Ep79 – Inner Sea 37:57

3M ago37:57

37:57

"How do you create a warning which will outlast your own language?" is the question at the heart of this first tale in Voe's final act, the story which introduces us to her new life of cosmic debt slavery by taking her deep, deep underground in an irradiated world to search for a cure to a virulent poison running through her veins...…

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Episode 143 - The three most important sentences when writing a scene. 27:40

3M ago27:40

27:40

Jack Bickham's three sentences on scene construction are the best I've found regarding how to write a scene. Here are why these sentences are important for us writers. Also: Sarah Ann Waters' terrific ten rules of writing. And avoiding the word "not." Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Master Gardener Farmer Fred Hoffm…

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Recommended Writing Craft Books 4:42

3M ago4:42

4:42

Where do you start when it comes to books on writing craft? A simple search on Amazon for "writing craft books" brings up over 70,000 results. This episode covers the books that I recommend over and over for writers inside the Challenge or our Coaching & Critique group. From story structure and theme to tropes, genres, and beyond, use this episode …

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Ep78 – The Final Act 37:01

3M ago37:01

37:01

THE NOVEL RETURNS! Yes, in this episode we provide a refresher on the novel and its contents so far, then do an overview of what the final act is about, and what Oliver needed to figure out before drilling down into its individual stories that will tell a tale of cosmic horror and Voe's indebted servitude to a mysterious entity...…

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Episode 142 - A big technique for literary writing. 25:37

3M ago25:37

25:37

Many listeners are writing literary novels and stories. Here is an important technique regarding construction of a literary story, and it also applies to commercial novels. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Master Gardener Farmer Fred Hoffman has the tips. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show…

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Literary Sins: Too Many Characters 7:14

3M ago7:14

7:14

Have you committed this literary sin? Having too large of a cast, or introducing too many characters at the same time, can lose readers and make them forget important details. This, our second installment of the Literary Sins Series, addresses the problems of a large cast and offers solutions for how to fix them. Check out the 5-Day Character Devel…

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Ep77 - Interview with Graham Thomas Wilcox 1:05:46

3M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

Oliver speaks with Old Moon Quarterly editor about his Gothic Fantasy novella, Contra Amatores Mundi, that grew out from a story he published in the magazine.Di Oliver Brackenbury

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Tropes we love & tropes we hate 45:49

4M ago45:49

45:49

Send us a text Love 'em or hate 'em, tropes are a major part of narrative storytelling. The important thing is understanding them, so you can either use (or avoid!) them to your heart's content. In today's episode, your hosts Liz and Kristina talk through popular tropes in many different genres of novels and discuss which ones they love, which ones…

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Episode 141 - How to begin and end scenes. 28:18

4M ago28:18

28:18

The easiest thing for a reader to do is to quit reading our story. Here are ways to begin and end scenes that'll prevent that from happening. Our scenes' beginnings and endings will propel the reader farther into the story. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Master Gardener Farmer Fred Hoffman has the tips. Listen on: …

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Thoughts from Author Nation 7:05

4M ago7:05

7:05

Are you curious about Author Nation and whether you should go next year? This episode covers who Author Nation is for, what kinds of sessions were offered, my overall takeaways, and some favorite sessions. I also talk about what I would do differently next time. Send us a text Click here to find out of The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge is the righ…

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Oh no I'm behind on my word count 17:14

4M ago17:14

17:14

Send us a text You know, sometimes it happens. You prepare in whatever way works for you, you carve out time, you buy new fuzzy socks... and you still manage to fall behind. In today's episode, your hosts Liz and Kristina give you some #realtalk about what to do when your graph is looking bleak. Spoilers: It's going to be okay. Support the show Enj…

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Episode 140 - Tips from Stephen King on writing dialogue. 28:48

4M ago28:48

28:48

Stephen King is a powerful storyteller, of course, and he is also a highly-skilled sentence-by-sentence writer. Here are his tips on writing dialogue, plus thoughts from me about making our characters' dialogue riveting. Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Do you want the best garden ever? Master Gardener Farmer Fred Hoffman has the tips. Listen on: App…

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The College Analogy for Avoiding Overwhelm 4:08

4M ago4:08

4:08

Do you get stressed and overwhelmed whenever you look at everything it takes to publish a book, whether you're pursuing self publishing or traditional? You're not alone. I see this in a lot of authors, especially the ones working on the first or second draft. This episode presents a different way to filter your perspective so you can stop freaking …

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NESS Book Club #3 – The Dark Eidolon 1:07:39

4M ago1:07:39

1:07:39

Valerie Valdes, Molly Tanzer, Prashanth Srivatsa and JM Clarke for a discussion of Clark Ashton Smith's classic story The Dark Eidolon. You can read the story here: http://www.eldritchdark.com/writings/short-stories/212/the-dark-eidolon Valerie Valdes: https://candleinsunshine.com Molly Tanzer: https://mollytanzer.com Prashanth Srivatsa: https://pr…

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