Writing a novel doesn't have to take decades. Author and Tally Ink coach Colleen Mitchell provides authors with bite-sized mindset tips, encouragement, inspiration, and tips for the writing process. So grab a cup, cozy up, and let's get to writing! The Novel Writing Podcast is a production of Tally Ink.
…
continue reading
Matt Bird (author of "The Secrets of Story: Innovative Tools for Perfecting Your Fiction and Captivating Readers") and James Kennedy (author of the novel "The Order of Odd-Fish") have raucous debates about the craft of novel writing, screenwriting, storytelling (and anything else they want to fight about!) Through their discussion you will learn how to be a better storyteller.
…
continue reading
Hosted by James Thayer, the podcast is a practical, step-by-step manual on how to craft a novel. It presents a set of tools for large issues such as story development and scene construction (Kirkus Reviews said Thayer's novels are "superbly crafted') and it also examines techniques that will make your sentence-by-sentence writing shine. The New York Times Book Review has said Thayer's "writing is smooth and clear. it wastes no words, and it has a rhythm only confident stylists achieve.
…
continue reading
The show where you join me, Oliver Brackenbury, on the journey of writing my next novel, from first ideas all the way to publication & promotion. In this unique, one-man-reality show I'll share you with you my ever evolving thoughts and feelings on how I write, being a writer, and everything that entails at each stage of the process. I'll also answer listener questions and, sometimes, interview people who write fiction. If you're the kind of person who likes to learn how things are made, and ...
…
continue reading

101
Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor
Welcome to the Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple Podcast! The show that’s all about how to brainstorm, write, edit, publish, and sell a powerful speculative fiction novel… and maybe just change the world too. I'm your host, Heather Davis. I’m a seasoned book coach, developmental editor, and fellow storyteller. In my work with writers, I always see the same problems and roadblocks standing in their way and preventing them from achieving their dream of becoming a published author. So it’ ...
…
continue reading
Write Your Damn Novel (formerly How to Win NaNo) is a no-nonsense guide to writing a novel in 30 days. Like it or not November comes every year, but don't you worry — your hosts are here for you! Kristina Horner and Liz Leo are 'writing-50k-words-in-a-month' experts (and lifelong writing friends) with a passion for helping people write their damn novel. Join them each week as they share their personal tips, tricks and other things they've learned over almost two decades of consecutive NaNoWr ...
…
continue reading
Fantasy author Jed Herne analyses his favourite stories to help you become a better writer. Jed is the author of The Thunder Heist, Fires of the Dead, Across the Broken Stars, and Siege of Treboulain. He also hosts Wizards, Warriors, & Words: A Fantasy Writing Advice podcast. Find out more about Jed on his website: www.jedherne.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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. Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading

1
Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 3) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 33
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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. Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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. Support the show…
…
continue reading

1
Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Why are agents rejecting my novel? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 32
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…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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. Support the show…
…
continue reading

1
Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 2) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 31
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
My first encounter with Mad Magazine, a life changer. And dialogue techniques that can help make our characters' conversations fascinating. Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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. Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading

1
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
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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. S…
…
continue reading

1
Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 1) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 29
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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. Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading

1
Ask Me Anything Thursdays: How Do I Make Readers Love My Protagonist? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 28
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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? Support the show…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading

1
Ep82 – The Eyrie
1:01:45
1:01:45
Riproduci in seguito
Riproduci in seguito
Liste
Like
Like aggiunto
1:01:45THE 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
…
continue reading
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. Support the show…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading

1
Ep81 – An Imported God
1:25:01
1:25:01
Riproduci in seguito
Riproduci in seguito
Liste
Like
Like aggiunto
1:25:01Sword & 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
…
continue reading
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. Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading

1
Ep80 – Love Letter to a Sailor
1:01:28
1:01:28
Riproduci in seguito
Riproduci in seguito
Liste
Like
Like aggiunto
1:01:28In 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!…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
"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...…
…
continue reading
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." Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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...…
…
continue reading
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. Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading

1
Ep77 - Interview with Graham Thomas Wilcox
1:05:46
1:05:46
Riproduci in seguito
Riproduci in seguito
Liste
Like
Like aggiunto
1:05:46Oliver 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
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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. Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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. Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading

1
NESS Book Club #3 – The Dark Eidolon
1:07:39
1:07:39
Riproduci in seguito
Riproduci in seguito
Liste
Like
Like aggiunto
1:07:39Valerie 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…
…
continue reading
Readers love first person novels, where the hero talks directly to the reader. Here are some techniques for first person writing. Also, famous novelists reveal the books that made them want to be writers. Support the showDi James Thayer
…
continue reading