Writer Unleashed
Writer Unleashed is a weekly podcast designed for fiction and memoir writers. It offers an in-depth look at story techniques, writing craft, and the mindsets that help authors build unstoppable momentum. The show aims to guide writers in creating stories that readers cannot put down.
Episodes
297. Why Your Story Feels Stuck (And 3 Questions to Get Moving Again)
When your story feels stuck, it's tempting to keep adding things: another scene, more backstory, a new subplot. But often the answer isn't to add more. It's to reconnect with why you're writing this story in the first place. In this episode, you'll get three questions that lead you back to that reason, and you'll see why it's what keeps you writing from first dra
296. What Your Plot Can't Do Without
Most writers can describe their plot in detail: what happens, in what order, how it ends. Far fewer can describe what their character actually gains, loses, or finally understands by the time the story's over.In this episode, I walk through how plot and character work together: what to ask about a plot event before you decide it belongs, how to tell if your character has changed, and how to f
295. Your First Chapter: 3 Things That Lose the Reader
You've revised your first chapter so many times you could recite it, and it still isn't pulling a reader in. After years of reading first chapters, here's what I've learned: when one works, it's rarely because of the prose. It's because of what's happening underneath it. Today, I walk you through the three things a reader needs from your first chapter, and how to
294. Mid-Draft Slump? How to Move Your Story Forward
You've written the scenes. Your characters are doing things. So why does the middle of your story still feel like quicksand? If your first instinct is to add more, hold that thought. In this episode, I share what actually creates momentum in the middle of a draft, and why the answer may already be on your pages.You’ll learn the questions to ask when your middle starts to feel too big, too slo
293. What Trusting Your Story (and Yourself) Looks Like
You’ve read the craft books, tried the frameworks, written hundreds of pages, and you still can’t quite see what your story needs.In this episode, I’m talking about what changes when your story finally starts to come into focus, when you can tell what belongs, recognize why something isn’t working, and make decisions without knowing every scene in advance.Because clarity doesn’t mean you’ll never
292. The Gap Every First-Time Writer Needs to Cross
You can Google anything about writing. Ask AI. Read every craft book on the shelf. And still sit down to your own pages and feel exactly as stuck as before.It's not a lack of talent. Or motivation. It's the gap between having a story you're desperate to write and knowing how to write it.This episode is about why that gap is so easy to miss, why the excitement of a new project always
291. 4 Writing Myths Slowing You Down
There's no shortage of writing advice out there. Outline everything before you start. Don't outline, you'll kill the magic. Follow a beat sheet. Trust your instincts instead. Structure will flatten your story. Structure will save it.No wonder so many writers second-guess every choice they make.Some writing advice gets handed down as gospel when really it may only apply to certain wr
290. Why Your Messy Middle Isn't the Problem
Is the middle of your story really the problem, or is something else going on?If you've ever stared at word forty thousand wondering how you lost your way, you're in the right place. In this episode, I'm sharing why the muddy, messy middle usually isn't where the real trouble starts. It's just where it becomes impossible to ignore.You'll learn the difference between c
289. Why Your Story Feels So Much Harder Than It Should (4 Things I've Learned From Coaching Writers)
If you have a story worth telling and still feel completely lost, you're not behind, and you're not alone. After years of working with first-time novelists and memoir writers across every genre, I've noticed the writers who struggle the most aren't the ones without talent. They're the ones who lean on off-the-shelf beat sheets and outlines instead of trusting their own ins
288. Show, Don't Tell: What Writers Get Wrong
You’ve heard “show, don’t tell” a thousand times. But what does it actually mean to show effectively? And when is telling exactly what your story needs?In this episode, we’ll look at common ways writers get showing wrong, what strong showing does, and when telling can deepen a scene or keep your story moving.You’ll learn a more useful way to think about showing and telling - one that gives readers
287. Why Your Story Feels Overcrowded (And What to Cut)
Your story has several characters, multiple storylines, and probably some childhood flashbacks that keep sneaking in. And you can't quite answer the question every writer eventually has to face: what is your story about?If you've ever struggled to answer that in one sentence, this episode is for you. I'm walking through why ambitious first drafts get overcrowded, how to find the sin
286. 3 Reasons You Want to Quit Mid-Draft (and Why You Shouldn't)
Ever thought about quitting your draft and starting something new? You're not alone - lots of writers do. But before you abandon your story, listen to this episode first. Most of the time, the urge to start over isn't really about the story at all. It's one of three specific things, and each one has a way forward that doesn't involve throwing out everything you've built. I
285. What Overthinking Is Costing Your Novel
Whether you're staring at a blank page or halfway through a draft, overthinking can bring your novel to a standstill. Different symptoms, same root cause: both writers are trying to solve problems they're not ready to solve yet, overthinking to the point of paralysis. In this episode, I share a four-part framework to help you stop chasing certainty and start getting more clarity and dire
284. How to Double Your Writing Output Without Adding More Hours
For years I measured my work ethic by how many hours I put in at my desk. I'd arrive, coffee in hand at 7am, break around Noon for lunch, back at my desk till 6 or 7pm, sometimes later. I thought putting in the time was the thing that would move the needle. It was actually the thing keeping me from doing my best work.In this episode, I share two small, counterintuitive shifts I made to chang
Encore Episode: How To Write Exposition Without Boring Your Reader
How much exposition is too much? Should you begin your story with exposition? And how do you write exposition in a way that isn’t excessive, awkward, or dull?In this encore episode, we'll talk about how to write exposition in a way that doesn’t sound like exposition. We'll cover:What exposition is, and why it's essential;When to begin your story with exposition and when not toTwo di
283. What's Making your Dialogue Read False (and What To Do About It)
Most writers know when their dialogue isn't working. What they don't know is why. In this episode, I'm breaking down the three mistakes that make dialogue read false, and what to do to turn it around. So your reader feels like they're eavesdropping on a private conversation.[00:00:00] Why dialogue feels so hard to write when conversation comes so naturally to us in real life.[0
282: 5 Mindsets That Separate Writers Who Finish From Those Who Don't
If you've been writing your novel or memoir for months, maybe even years, and you still can't seem to cross the finish line, this episode is for you. Because the writers who finish their books don't have more talent, time, or a better story concept. They're separated by how they think about the work while they're inside it.In this episode, I'm breaking down the five m
#281. The Secret to Writing Unforgettable Secondary Characters
Every character in your story is living a full, invisible life - not just your protagonist. In this episode, I'm breaking down the three levels of character, why secondary characters so often fade into the background, and what you need to know about every person in your protagonist's orbit before you write them into a scene.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live mastercla
280. Chapters vs. Scenes: What Most Writers Get Wrong
You think in chapters. You write in chapters. And that might be exactly why revision feels impossible. In this episode, I tackle one of the most universal misconceptions I see in first-time novelists — confusing chapters with scenes. I'll explain why scenes are the real building blocks of your story, what a scene actually does, and how understanding this distinction will help you write a tigh
279. 4 Secrets to Irresistible Story Openings
Most writers know their opening matters. But knowing it and nailing it are two different things. In this episode, I'm breaking down four real book openings to show you exactly what's working beneath the surface, why it hooks readers, and what you can take from each one into your own story.Episode Web Page
Encore: 3 Ways to Make Writing Fun Again
What do you do when writing starts feeling heavy and overwhelming? When it stops being fun?In this encore episode we'll look at what causes these feelings and how to make your writing joyful again. We'll cover:The number one thought process that's holding you back - and how it shows up in your writingHow to reconnect with your personal purpose for writing your storyStaying present i
278. Why Your Story Is Stuck (And What's Really Missing)
Your story feels stuck. You've reread the chapters, moved scenes around, added more conflict. But something still isn't working and you can't name what it is.There's a layer underneath every stuck story that most writers never think to examine. It's not your plot. It's not your structure. It's something that has to be true about your protagonist before any of tha
277. 3 Must-Have Traits of A Believable Antagonist
When an antagonist feels like just another plot device, readers sense it - and disengage. In this episode, I'm sharing three must-have traits that change everything, and why getting this right might be the most important craft decision you make about your story.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure that's already
Encore: Mothers Who Write: Finding the Time, Energy, and Support
How do mothers balance writing with parenthood? Whether you're a mom of young children, or a single parent holding down a full time job and a full brood, carving out space to write can feel challenging, if not impossible.This encore episode is a love note to mothers. I share my story, along with what I've learned along the way about how to honor the urge to create while being totally pr
276. Why You Can't Start Your Book (And How to Get Unstuck)
Have a story you're burning to tell but can't figure out where to begin? Think other writers have it easier? You're not stuck because you're not a real writer. You're stuck because you're waiting to feel ready. And that's exactly what's keeping you from starting. In this episode learn 3 practical exercises you can do before you outline, before you structure
275. The Mid-Draft Slump: How to Believe in Your Book Again
You started your book on fire. Now you sit down to write and feel blank. Or worse, you've started to feel disenchanted by your own story. If you've hit the mid-draft slump and started wondering whether your story is good enough, or whether you are, this episode is for you.In this episode, I break down why writers lose faith in their books mid-draft, and why the problem is almost never th
274. 3 Mistakes I See In Almost Every First Draft
If your first draft feels like it's wandering — like you're generating pages but not quite writing a story — this episode is for you.After coaching and editing hundreds of first-time novelists and memoir writers, I keep seeing the same three mistakes show up in draft after draft. Not because these writers aren't talented. But because first drafts are hard, and most of us don't
273. Why Writers Quit (And Why You Shouldn't)
Every writer hits a wall mid-project. The draft isn't working, the rejections are stacking up, and quitting starts to feel like the logical choice. But quitting isn't protecting you from failure. It's guaranteeing it. In this episode, I break down down three truths about setbacks that every writer needs to hear, and why the writers who finish are the ones who learn to use failure a
#272: Why Your Story Dies in the Middle (And the One Thing That Brings It Back to Life)
Every writer knows the feeling. Your story is on fire, you're excited about what's on the page. Then somewhere in the middle, something dies. The excitement fades. The scenes stop feeling alive. And no matter how many times you reread or rework your outline, the flatness doesn't go away.Most writers think something is wrong with them when this happens. It isn't. There's on
#271: The Thing That's Quietly Keeping You From Finishing Your Book
If you've ever hit a rough patch in your draft and found yourself reaching for another craft book, another podcast, another writing group, this episode is for you. Finishing your book gets harder when outside voices drown out your own instincts. In this episode, I break down what's actually keeping you stuck, how to recognize your own signal, and three concrete strategies for quieting th
#270: Why Writing Feels Harder Than It Has To
Most writers assume the struggle is just part of the deal. That if it feels hard, they must be doing something wrong, or not working hard enough, or not talented enough. What if none of that is true? This episode will change the way you think about every writing session from here on out.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure
#269: How to Write Backstory Without Killing Momentum
Backstory creates a dilemma: you need to give readers context about the past, but the moment you stop your forward-moving plot to explain it, you lose them. This episode shows you how to integrate backstory in ways that deepen your story instead of stopping it cold.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure that's already in
#268: How to Write Riveting, Believable Dialogue: 3 Essential Techniques
What makes dialogue believable? It's not what you think. In this episode, I'm breaking down three techniques that bring conversations to life on the page. You'll learn what creates the illusion of authentic speech and how to layer these techniques into your own scenes.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure that
#267: What to Cut From Your Novel and What to Keep: 3 Questions to Help You Decide
Every writer faces this moment: staring at a bloated manuscript, knowing something has to go, but terrified of making the wrong call. The usual advice—"kill your darlings," "cut ruthlessly"—doesn't help. You need a way to see what's actually weighing your story down. This episode gives you a diagnostic framework that takes the guesswork out of what to leave in, what t
#266: 3 Ways To Amp Up Romantic Tension In Your Story
Many writers think romantic tension comes from obstacles keeping compatible people apart. A jealous ex. A misunderstanding. A job in another city. But that's not what makes readers ache for two people to get together.The love stories that work are doing something completely different. In this episode, I'm breaking down the three ways successful love stories create tension that feels genu
#265: First Encounters: 4 Ways To Signal Romantic Connection Without the Cliches
The first encounter between your would-be lovers is not about instant chemistry or love at first sight. It’s where the emotional logic of your entire love story gets set.In this episode, we explore why admiration from afar creates fantasy but not connection, and why real engagement, even brief, awkward, or tense, is what makes two characters matter to each other.You’ll learn the three essential el
#264: 5 Writing Blocks That Feel Impossible To Cross But Aren't
Writers face blocks that feel insurmountable but aren't. Discover the 5 story barriers keeping you stuck - outlining traps, getting lost in the middle, perfectionism, comparison, and rejection - and how to cross to the other side. Confidence doesn't come before you cross the barrier. It comes from crossing it.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck
#263: Why You Can't Finish Your First Draft (and the Simple Shift To Get It Done)
Can't finish your first draft? Perfecting your outline for months? Staring at a blank page afraid you'll write something bad? These look like different problems, but they're all the same issue: you're focused on outcomes instead of process. This episode reveals why you're stuck, shows you how to convert paralyzing questions into productive ones, and gives you a concrete ac
#262: Finding the Story in Your Rough Draft (Even When It’s a Mess)
You have material - notes, scenes, a rough draft. But you can't quite see the story yet. In this episode, I'll show you four simple questions to help you find the story that's already trying to emerge from your scattered material. No outlining, no complicated organizational systems - just an intuitive way to see what your story is trying to become. Episode Web PageStuck in your dra
#261: 3 Pacing Mistakes That Kill Your Opening
You've revised your opening five times. Cut hundreds of words. Tightened every sentence. But readers still lose interest before they finish Chapter One. The problem isn't your writing—it's pacing. Discover the 3 biggest pacing mistakes that kill your opening and what to do instead. Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the
#260: When Life Gets Busy: Staying Connected to Your Writing
When life ramps up, writing is usually the first thing to slip through the cracks. Deadlines, family demands, celebrations, travel, and the general December swirl can leave you wondering if you should push harder, press pause, or feel guilty either way. In this episode, we look at what it really means to stay connected to your story when time is scarce, and why your writing practice doesn’t have t
#259: When Your Story Feels Too Big to Finish: 4 Ways To Work Through Overwhelm
Feeling like your work-in-progress is spiraling out of control? You're not alone. This episode tackles that overwhelming moment when your story feels too big, too messy, and too complicated to wrangle. Learn why overwhelm hits at predictable points (spoiler: it's not about your talent), and get four practical strategies to regain your footing without abandoning your draft. The solution i
#258: The First Read of Your First Draft: What to Look For and What to Ignore
Your first read-through of a first draft can feel like stepping into unknown territory. You’re excited to see what you made, but you’re also bracing for the messy parts you know are coming. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to handle that first pass without falling into editing mode or judging every page.You’ll learn what actually matters at this stage, what to ignore for now, how to
#257: How to Weave Multiple Storylines Into One Cohesive Story
If your novel or memoir juggles multiple storylines—different timelines, narrators, or settings—you might wonder how to keep it all cohesive. In this episode, I share three craft techniques to make your separate narratives feel like parts of the same living story. You’ll learn how to connect your threads through a shared core question, create cause and effect across timelines, and use theme to tie
#256: Character-Driven vs. Plot-Driven: Finding Your Story's Natural Balance
What's the difference between a character-driven story and a plot-driven story? And how do you know which one you're writing? In this episode, I explain what these terms actually mean, how to identify where your manuscript falls on the spectrum, and—most importantly—how to strengthen whichever element needs more support. You'll learn the two most common problems writers face and get
#255: From Idea to Page: 5 Steps to Start Writing
Got a story idea but don't know where to begin? You're not alone. Many writers either freeze at "Chapter One" or spend months planning without ever drafting. In this episode, I walk you through the essential things you need to know before you write your first scene. So you can stop overthinking and start writing today.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live maste
#254: 3 Ways To Create Page-Turning Suspense in Any Genre
Suspense isn't just for thrillers—it's what makes readers unable to put down any story, from memoir to fantasy to romance. In this episode, you'll learn three proven techniques to create page-turning tension in any genre. No car chases or explosions required.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure that's al
#253: Whose Story Is It? Making Sense of Multiple POVs
Writing a story with multiple POVs? In this episode, we’ll unpack how to keep your narrative focused, decide which characters need full arcs, and make sure every point-of-view earns its place in your story.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure that's already in what you've written.Sessions start Tuesday, October 13
#252: Memoir vs. Fiction: The Key Differences (and Surprising Similarities)
Memoir is true, fiction is made up - but how does that change your actual storytelling? In this episode, I break down the key differences between memoir and fiction: what you can and can't do in memoir, how much creative license you have, and when to choose one form over the other. Plus: the surprising ways memoir and fiction use the exact same narrative techniques.Episode Web PageStuck in yo
#251: Why Story Structure Has You Stuck (and How to Fix It)
If you’ve been wrestling with story structure, this episode will help you see it differently. Learn what’s really keeping you stuck and how to finally bring your draft to the finish line.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure that's already in what you've written.Sessions start Tuesday, October 13, and seats are lim
#250: The Messy Middle: Why Drafts Lose Steam (and How to Revive Yours)
If you’ve ever hit that point in your draft where the words feel heavy, the story starts to wander, and your momentum disappears—you’ve landed in the messy middle.Every writer faces it. The difference is, some know how to push through.In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why the middle of a draft feels so hard—and how to revive your story so you can actually finish it.Episode Web PageStuck in you
#249: 5 Reasons You're Still Not Finished With Your Novel
If your novel or memoir keeps stalling out, it’s not about talent or discipline. Chances are, something else is getting in your way. This episode uncovers what it is—and how to move past it.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure that's already in what you've written.Sessions start Tuesday, October 13, and seats are
#248: First Impressions Matter: Introducing Your Protagonist the Right Way
Your protagonist’s first appearance can make or break your story. That opening impression tells your reader whether they should lean in, or move on.Too often, writers get stuck in backstory, mundane routines, or quirky details that don’t really matter yet. The result? A flat introduction that fails to spark curiosity or connection.In this episode, we’ll cover:Why your protagonist’s introduction ca
#247: When You're Lost In The Mess Of Your Draft: How To Get Back On Track
Every writer hits that moment mid-draft where the story feels too big, too messy, too unclear. But getting lost in the middle of a draft doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re deep in the work. And the good news? There’s a way through.In this episode, I’ll help you zoom out, find the heart of your story again, and get back on track. So you can turn that overwhelming pile of pages into a novel
#246: The 9-to-5 Novelist: Why Your Day Job Might Be Your Secret Weapon
Most writers dream of quitting their jobs to write full-time. But here’s the twist: many of the greatest authors did their best work while juggling day jobs.In this episode, we’ll dive into the stories of famous writers who turned paychecks into pages, and how you can, too. Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure that's a
#245: When Great Story Ideas Fizzle Out (and How to Prevent It)
Most story ideas that excite you at 2 AM seem paper-thin by Thursday afternoon. Here's the truth: your idea probably isn't too small, you just haven't learned how to dig deeper. While other writers chase the next shiny concept, successful authors know how to mine the gold that's already there.In this episode, discover the specific questions that reveal whether your story has le
#244: 4 Strategies to Finally Finish the Story You Start
Do you have a folder full of half-finished drafts? You’re not alone. Almost every writer has started a story with excitement, only to abandon it when the magic fades.In this episode, I’ll share why this happens, the mindset shifts that help you stay the course, and four practical strategies to keep you moving forward even when the middle gets messy.You’ll learn how to stop chasing new ideas, stay
#243: What If I’m Not Good Enough? A Pep Talk for New Writers
Every writer wrestles with doubt from time to time. But if you don’t know how to handle it, that doubt can stall your story for months or even years. In this episode, I’m dismantling three of the most common myths that keep writers stuck and replacing them with truths you can lean on. So you can keep showing up for your story with a sense of wonder and unshakeable confidence. Episode Web PageStuck
#242: Writing Backstory: 3 Game-Changing Tips
Backstory often gets blamed for slowing a story down. Writers are told to cut it, sprinkle it lightly, or avoid it altogether.But here’s the truth: the wrong backstory, delivered the wrong way, at the wrong time is the problem.Used with intention, backstory can reveal the wounds and desires that drive your character, raise the stakes, and transform an ordinary scene into one that lingers with read
#241: 3 Ways To Write A Hook-Worthy First Sentence
Your opening line is your reader’s first invitation into your story, so it has to do more than just start the book. It has to hook. In this episode, I'm sharing 3 powerful strategies to craft a first sentence that grabs your readers' attention and keeps them wanting more. Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure tha
#240: 4 Powerful Ways To Show Character Change
We don’t just read stories to find out what happens. We read to witness who a character becomes.So how do you show that change? Not by stating it outright, or having another character comment on it, but through behavior, inner voice, and choices that reveal an internal shift.In this episode, we’re breaking down what character transformation looks like on the page, and 4 powerful ways to show it.Wh
#239: 3 Quick Tips For Writing Stronger Dialogue
When dialogue works, it feels alive. It's charged with tension. It reveals character, drives the plot, and leaves space for the reader to lean in and feel what’s left unsaid. But when it doesn’t? It falls flat, feels forced, or gets skimmed over entirely.In this episode, I’m breaking down three essential tips to help you write dialogue that feels authentic, but curated. Natural, but emotional
#238: What To Do When Feedback Shakes Your Confidence
You’ve finally shared your pages with someone. Maybe it was a critique partner, a writing group, an editor, or beta reader. You were nervous, but hopeful, maybe even excited, and then the feedback came. And now you’re spiraling.Maybe they pointed out something you thought you’d nailed, or they didn’t understand your main character, or they told you something that deep down you already feared might
#237: 3 Writing Myths That Might Be Holding You Back
There’s a lot of writing advice out there, but not all of it serves you. In this episode, we’re unpacking 3 common writing myths that might be slowing you down or making you second-guess your story. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this is your permission to let go of the “rules” and reconnect with the story you need to tell.Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stu
#236: From Chaos To Clarity: How To Make Sense Of Your Messy Draft
Writing your first novel can feel like dumping 1000 puzzle pieces onto the floor without the picture on the box to guide you. You've got characters, scenes, maybe even a few moments you love, but you have no clear sense of what it all adds up to.If you're staring at your messy draft thinking, What even is this? - don't worry. You're not alone, and you're not even as lost
#235: Why You’re Stuck At Chapter One (And How to Finally Move Forward)
Struggling to get past chapter one, even with a solid outline and a great idea? In this episode, we unpack why starting your novel feels so hard, what’s really behind the block, and how to take the first imperfect steps forward. Episode Web PageStuck in your draft? Join my free live masterclass, From Stuck to Story, and find the structure that's already in what you've written.Sessions st
#234: 5 Big First Chapter Mistakes (and How To Avoid Them)
In this episode, we’re zeroing in on one of the most important (and most rewritten) parts of your novel: the first chapter.A strong first chapter doesn’t need to be long or dramatic, but it does need to hook the reader, ground them in the world of the story, and raise a question they’re eager to follow.If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on your opening pages, rewriting again and again, wondering
# 233: 3 Essential Elements That Make A Scene
You’ve written pages. Maybe even chapters. But your scenes still aren’t landing the way you imagined. The pacing drags. The tension fizzles. And you’re not sure why.In this episode, we’re diving into the 3 essential elements that make a scene work. So your story doesn’t just move forward, but pulls the reader in and keeps them hooked moment by moment.If your scenes feel a little off, or you’re not
#232: Mental Fitness For Writers
Writing a book isn’t just a creative act—it’s a mental marathon. And if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in self-doubt, overwhelmed by the blank page, or spiraling after a tough writing day, you’re not alone.In this episode, we’re diving into what it really means to build mental fitness as a writer. You’ll learn why talent isn’t enough—and how developing emotional resilience, self-trust, focus, an
#231: 5 Ways to Bring Your Character’s Interior World Onto the Page
You've got an exciting plot. Compelling characters. And the action is moving along at a crisp pace. But something still feels flat. Chances are, your character’s inner world isn’t fully making it onto the page.In this episode, we’re talking about the layer that gives your story emotional weight and resonance—character interiority.You’ll learn:✔️ What interiority is (and what it’s not) ✔️ Why
# 230: Getting Out Of a Writing Slump (Without Forcing It)
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 u
#229: 5 Ways To End Your Story
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 sto
#228: 3 Powerful Ways To Open Your Story
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
#227: Say Less, Mean More: The Secret to Writing Great Dialogue
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 sa
#226: Writing Your Story Setting: 4 Essential Techniques
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
#225: From First To Final Draft: 3 Phases Of Revision
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 WebsiteStu
#224: Then vs. Now: The Key To Writing A Strong Retrospective Voice
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
#223: How To Write A Believable Child Narrator
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
#222: How To Master The Unreliable Narrator
The unreliable narrator is one of the most powerful storytelling techniques. Whether you're writing in first-person or third, an unreliable narrator compels readers to interpret what's happening, looking for clues that reveal the truth beyond the narrator's perspective.And this keeps readers hooked into your story until the very last page.In this episode, I'm going to share 4 d
#221: Writing In First Person: 4 Common Pitfalls and How To Avoid Them
First person narration puts readers directly into a character's head, creating an intimate and immediate experience. This perspective allows for deep emotional connection and personal stakes. But it also comes with unique challenges.In this episode, I'm going to share 4 common pitfalls when writing in first person and how to avoid them.Episode WebsiteStuck in your draft? Join my free liv
