Master Fiction Writing: Recent Episodes
Stuart Wakefield
Hi, I'm Stuart Wakefield, certified book coach and writer.
With 26 years in theatre, broadcast media, and coaching under my belt, I know what makes stories work, and I want to share that with you because the world of storytelling is like the ocean: deep, mysterious, and a little scary to those who don't know how to navigate it.
And with so much left to luck and timing, it's my life's mission to give great books the best chance of getting into readers' hands.
I'm an Author Accelerator Certified book coach and was recognised as one of the top book coaches by Coach Foundation: https://coachfoundation.com/blog/top-book-coaches/
You can find my website at https://www.thebookcoach.co/
What does this story want because this character is queer?
That’s the question at the heart of this special episode recorded for ProWritingAid’s Write with Pride event.
Too often, queer characters are present in a story without their queerness meaningfully shaping what they want, what they fear, what they risk or who they become. Representation matters, but great fiction goes one step further by allowing identity to influence the emotional and structural movement of the story.
In this webinar, I introduce The Queer Story Engine: a practical five-part framework built around Desire, Danger, Belonging, Visibility and Change. Together, these elements help writers create queer characters whose identities are woven into the fabric of the narrative rather than simply named on the page.
Whether you’re writing fantasy, historical fiction, horror, romance, literary fiction or something entirely your own, this episode will give you practical revision questions you can apply immediately.
In this episode you’ll discover:
• Why representation and story integration are not the same thing.• How queerness can become a genuine source of plot, stakes and emotional movement.• Why queer joy can be every bit as powerful a story engine as conflict or danger.• How the same framework works across different genres and worlds.• A simple revision exercise you can return to throughout your writing process.
Download the free companion workbook:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NThkobC18oyEnceGBb2q8AI2SFCFefu8/view?usp=sharing
Find out more about my coaching:
https://www.thebookcoach.co
If this episode helps you see your story or your characters in a new way, I’d be delighted if you’d subscribe, leave a review, or share it with another writer.
Happy writing.
What if the impossible is the best way to tell the truth?
Speculative fiction isn’t really about dragons, spaceships, magic or dystopias.
At its heart, it’s about asking one deceptively simple question:
What if…?
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, Stuart Wakefield explores why writers have always imagined impossible worlds—and why the best speculative fiction reveals emotional truths that realism sometimes cannot.
Rather than taking a tour through the different subgenres, this episode looks at speculative fiction through the lens of story craft. You’ll discover why memorable speculative novels begin with human questions rather than clever ideas, how worldbuilding should grow naturally from theme, and why character, consequence and moral pressure matter far more than lore.
Using examples from classics and contemporary works including Frankenstein, The Left Hand of Darkness, Never Let Me Go, The Lord of the Rings, Arrival, The Road and many others, Stuart explores what separates speculative fiction that merely entertains from speculative fiction that stays with readers long after the final page.
Whether you’re writing fantasy, science fiction, horror, alternate history, magical realism or something that refuses to fit neatly into a genre, this episode will help you create stories that are emotionally truthful, structurally compelling and impossible to forget.
- Why the real power of speculative fiction lies in the Worldshift—the one impossible change that reshapes everything else.
- How to develop stronger “What if?” premises.
- Why worldbuilding should be a consequence of theme, not the starting point.
- How to build speculative worlds that naturally generate conflict.
- Why readers remember characters and consequences, not encyclopaedic lore.
- Common mistakes speculative writers make—and how to avoid them.
- Practical exercises you can apply to your own novel immediately.
Download the free Writer’s Notebook that accompanies this episode:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zrvW4E3kAb3xVmJEitvEgiGLetwhV2fC/view?usp=sharing
For more writing resources, articles and coaching, visit:
https://www.thebookcoach.co
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following Master Fiction Writing and leaving a rating or review. It helps more writers discover the show and become part of our growing community of serious storytellers.
Less stress. More story.
In the last episode, we explored why so many argument scenes feel artificial and discovered that arguments aren’t really conversations - they’re attempts to change another human being.
Now it’s time to get practical.
In this second part of our deep dive into writing conflict, we’ll explore the techniques professional writers use to create arguments that feel unpredictable, emotionally truthful and impossible to stop reading. We’ll look at dialogue as strategy rather than speech, uncover the power of subtext, examine how arguments escalate without simply becoming louder, and finish with a practical revision masterclass you can apply immediately to your own manuscript.
Whether you write fantasy, crime, romance, literary fiction, historical fiction or memoir, these techniques will help you create dialogue that changes relationships—and keeps readers turning the page.
- Why dialogue is a sequence of tactical decisions
- The hidden conversation beneath every line of dialogue
- How subtext creates emotional tension
- Why escalation has nothing to do with shouting
- Lessons from Marriage Story, Fleabag, Harold Pinter, Sally Rooney, Jane Austen and Stephen King
- A step-by-step revision masterclass for strengthening your own argument scenes
- An editing checklist you can use on every scene you write
Final thoughts and next week’s episode
- Every line of dialogue should represent a new tactic, not simply a repeated opinion.
- Great dialogue is driven by objectives rather than clever wording.
- The most powerful conversations happen beneath the surface of what’s actually said.
- Escalation comes from shrinking options, not increasing volume.
- Every successful argument scene changes the relationship between the characters.
Take an argument scene from your current manuscript.
Read through it once without changing a word.
Now, beside every line of dialogue, write down the tactic the character is using.
Are they explaining? Deflecting? Using humour? Avoiding the question? Changing the subject? Becoming vulnerable? Remaining silent?
If you notice the same tactic repeated over and over, experiment with changing it. Don’t alter the characters’ objectives - just the strategies they use to pursue them.
You’ll often discover that the scene suddenly becomes more dynamic without changing the plot at all.
Choose one important argument scene in your manuscript and revise it using the five editing passes from this episode:
- Objectives
- Subtext
- Tactics
- Power shifts
- Ending
Rather than asking, “Does this sound realistic?”, ask, “Does this relationship become something new by the end of the scene?”
- Marriage Story (Noah Baumbach)
- Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge)
- Sally Rooney
- Harold Pinter
- Jane Austen
- Stephen King
In next week’s episode, we’ll be diving into speculative fiction to coincide with my upcoming presentation at WorldShift 2026 - a free, six-day online conference for speculative fiction writers.
My session is called:
Make the Monster Matter: Turning Speculative Ideas into Emotional Stakes
We’ll explore how monsters, speculative systems and extraordinary worlds become truly compelling when they place emotional pressure on your protagonist and force impossible choices.
The presentation premieres on Tuesday 18 August at 9:00pm (UK time). It’s pre-recorded, but I’ll be live in the chat throughout to answer questions.
You can register for free here: https://worldshift2026.manyworldswriting.com
If you’d like expert support developing or revising your novel, visit: https://www.thebookcoach.co
Why do so many argument scenes feel strangely lifeless, even when characters are shouting, interrupting each other, and making excellent points?
Because conflict isn’t about disagreement.
It’s about change.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll explore why professional argument scenes feel so compelling, why amateur ones often become disguised exposition, and what readers are really looking for when two characters collide.
You’ll discover why characters rarely argue about the thing they’re actually arguing about, why objectives matter more than opinions, how identity drives conflict, and why the best arguments permanently alter relationships rather than simply exchange information.
Whether you’re writing literary fiction, crime, fantasy, romance, historical fiction or memoir, this episode will change the way you think about dialogue, conflict and scene construction.
- Why arguments aren’t conversations - they’re attempts to change another person.
- The hidden reason most fictional arguments fall flat.
- Why readers care more about emotional change than who’s right.
- How objectives create dramatic momentum.
- Why characters defend identity more fiercely than opinions.
- The psychology behind memorable conflict.
- How every argument should function as a miniature story.
- Why winning almost always comes at a cost.
- The importance of reversals, emotional movement and consequences.
Great argument scenes aren’t built around disagreement.
They’re built around incompatible futures.
When two characters argue, each is trying to reshape the other’s world in some way. Every line of dialogue should pursue an objective, every tactic should evolve when it fails, and every scene should leave the relationship changed.
Readers don’t become invested because someone wins the debate.
They become invested because something valuable is at risk.
Try this exercise:
Choose one argument scene from your current manuscript and ask yourself:
- What does each character want before the conversation begins?
- What future is each character trying to create?
- What identity is each character protecting?
- What changes by the end of the scene?
- If the argument disappeared completely, would the story still work?
If you struggle to answer those questions, you’ve probably found the scene’s biggest opportunity for revision.
The next time you write an argument, stop asking:
“What are my characters talking about?”
Instead ask:
“Who is trying to change whom—and what happens if they fail?”
That single shift in perspective will transform the way you approach dialogue.
If you’d like coaching, visit: www.thebookcoach.co
In the next episode, ee’ll move from theory into practice, exploring the tactics characters use when they’re trying to win: humour, guilt, silence, interruption, subtext, emotional escalation and the invisible strategies that make dialogue feel alive.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to Master Fiction Writing. Reviews and recommendations help other writers discover the show, and if you know someone wrestling with dialogue or conflict, send this episode their way.
After all, every writer has written an argument scene where two perfectly intelligent people calmly explain the theme of the novel to one another.
You don’t have to keep doing that.
Quiet scenes are often where manuscripts go flat, not because nothing explodes, but because nothing changes.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, Stuart Wakefield explores why low-action scenes still need movement, pressure, and consequence. Whether your characters are drinking tea, walking home, recovering from bad news, lying awake, remembering the past, or having a careful conversation, the scene still has to shift the story in some meaningful way.
Stuart breaks down the difference between external action and dramatic movement, explains how pressure can exist beneath silence, and shows how consequence can be subtle without being decorative.
With practical examples across fiction, memoir, romance, mystery, historical fiction, and speculative storytelling, this episode will help you diagnose quiet scenes that feel static and revise them into scenes that are tense, revealing, emotionally charged, or quietly devastating.
You can find the workbook here.
A phone call scene can look deceptively small on the page. Two people talk, some information changes hands, then someone hangs up, but if that’s all the scene is doing, it may be falling flat.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, Stuart Wakefield takes a deep dive into one of fiction’s most overlooked craft moments: the phone call scene. Why do so many phone calls in novels, short stories, and novellas feel like convenient little tubes for information? And how can writers turn them into scenes full of pressure, subtext, tension, comedy, longing, and consequence?
This episode explores why a phone call is never just two people talking. A good phone call scene can reveal a lie, expose a relationship dynamic, shift power between characters, create suspense, deepen romance, or make a reader laugh because the visible half of the scene is quietly falling apart.
You’ll learn how to diagnose a flat phone call, how to give your point-of-view character something active to want, how to use silence and pauses, and how to make the unseen caller a powerful dramatic force. Stuart also looks at how phone calls work across genres including romance, mystery, thriller, horror, comedy, family drama, literary fiction, historical fiction, and speculative fiction.
Includes practical revision questions and a simple exercise to help you rewrite one phone call scene in your own manuscript.
Links Mentioned
Stuart Wakefield / The Book Coach:www.thebookcoach.co
ProWritingAid Write With Pride week:https://prowritingaid.com/write-with-pride/sign-up
Stuart is presenting at ProWritingAid’s Write With Pride week on 24 June. Session title to be confirmed before publishing.
Action Items from This Episode
Find one phone call scene in your manuscript, ideally one that feels a little flat, functional, or overly focused on delivering information.
Read the scene once and highlight only the information being exchanged. What facts does the reader need to know?
Then ask:
- Why is this moment a phone call rather than an in-person scene, text, letter, or summary?
- What does the point-of-view character want before the call begins?
- What do they fear will happen?
- What are they trying not to say?
- What does the other caller want, hide, avoid, or control?
- What can the reader see that one or both characters cannot?
- What changes by the end of the call?
- What would be lost if the scene were cut?
Next, add the visible half of the scene. Where is your character? What are they doing while they speak? Who might overhear? What object, interruption, silence, or physical action could carry pressure?
Finally, rewrite the call so the spoken conversation and the visible scene tell slightly different truths.
Let the dialogue say one thing, then let the body, setting, silence, or timing reveal another.
That gap is where the reader leans in.
A character walking into a room might seem like simple scene logistics, but an entrance can reveal far more than movement. It can show power, fear, desire, belonging, exclusion, secrecy, status, and change before anyone says a word.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, Stuart Wakefield explores the doorway scene: those small but potent moments when a character crosses from one emotional territory into another. Whether your character is arriving at a party, entering a meeting room, returning to a family home, stepping into danger, or trying not to be noticed, the way they enter can quietly reshape the whole scene.
You’ll learn how to use entrances and arrivals to create story pressure, deepen character dynamics, reveal shifting relationships, and strengthen subtext without making every doorway feel grand or symbolic. This episode also includes practical revision questions and a simple writing exercise to help you spot underused threshold moments in your own manuscript.
The middle of a novel is often where writers begin to worry. The opening had energy, and the ending may be in sight, but somewhere in between, the story starts to feel slow, repetitive or strangely... directionless.
The usual advice is to raise the stakes, add conflict or introduce a twist. Those tools can help, but what if the real problem isn't that your protagonist needs more obstacles? What if they need a deeper understanding of what their goal is going to cost them?
In this episode, Stuart explores why a compelling middle does more than make a character’s original desire harder to achieve: it changes what achieving that desire would mean. Whether you’re writing romance, mystery, thriller, speculative fiction, historical fiction or family drama, you’ll learn how the middle can reveal the emotional, moral or personal question hiding beneath the visible plot.
You’ll also get a practical exercise to help diagnose a middle that isn’t working and uncover the more difficult question your story may be waiting to ask.
What actually makes a thriller a thriller? It isn’t just murder, spies, guns, plot twists, or car chases.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we take a deep dive into the thriller genre as a pressure system: sustained threat, escalating stakes, urgent choices, controlled information, and the nervous anticipation that keeps readers turning pages.
We’ll explore how thrillers differ from mystery, suspense, horror, and crime fiction; how to create tension without constant action; why stakes need to be specific and personal; how twists differ from revelations; and how writers in any genre can use thriller principles to make their stories more compelling.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode and you’d like to support Master Fiction Writing, you can buy me a coffee over on Ko-fi. The link is https://ko-fi.com/masterfictionwriting
Does every protagonist really need to change by the end of a story? Not always.
In this episode, we look beyond the familiar “your character must change” advice and explore positive arcs, negative arcs, steadfast characters, ensemble stories, and intentional stasis.
You’ll learn how to ask the better craft question: not “does my protagonist change?” but “what moves?”
Do your characters keep feeling sad, furious, lonely, ashamed, or devastated on the page... but the reader still isn’t feeling much?
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we’re looking at the difference between explained emotion and experienced emotion. You’ll learn why naming a feeling isn’t always the same as creating it, and how to give the reader stronger emotional evidence through behaviour, body language, thought patterns, sensory detail, dialogue, silence, subtext, objects, and action under pressure.
We’ll also look at when it’s perfectly fine to name an emotion directly, why over-explaining is such a normal drafting habit, and how to revise emotional labels into moments the reader can actually feel.
The takeaway: your job isn’t to hide emotion from the reader. Your job is to make emotion happen inside the reader.
If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support future episodes, you can buy me a virtual coffee over on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/masterfictionwriting
No pressure at all, but it does help keep the podcast going, and lets me pretend I’m a terrifyingly organised media empire.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we untangle one of the most confusing pieces of fiction craft: third-person point of view.
Because “write it in third person” sounds simple enough until you realise third person can mean several very different things.
We’ll look at five major forms of third-person narration:
- Third-person objective, where the reader only sees what can be observed from the outside.
- Third-person limited, where we stay inside one character’s perspective at a time.
- Third-person deep or close limited, where the prose moves tightly into a character’s lived experience.
- Third-person multiple limited, where several characters carry the story in separate scenes or chapters.
- And third-person omniscient, where a larger narrative intelligence can move beyond any one character’s mind.
Using the same scene, we’ll explore how each form changes the reader’s experience of intimacy, tension, voice, distance, and information.
This is a practical, example-led episode for writers who want to understand not just what point of view is, but how to choose the right kind of third person for the story they’re trying to tell.
And if you enjoy the podcast and would like to support future episodes, you can buy me a virtual coffee over on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/masterfictionwriting
No pressure at all, but it does help keep the podcast going, and lets me pretend I’m a terrifyingly organised media empire rather than one man talking earnestly about point of view into a microphone.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore one of the most quietly intimidating parts of writing fiction: creating characters when you’re afraid of getting them wrong.
Inspired by a listener question, this episode looks at the difference between research as preparation and research as protection. Research, plotting, and worldbuilding are essential tools, especially when your story is inspired by real histories, cultures, political conflicts, or human suffering. But sometimes those tools can become a very respectable hiding place from the messier, more intimate work of character.
We’ll look at why character work can feel so exposing, how to begin before you feel perfectly ready, and how to invent responsibly without becoming paralysed by fear. You’ll also learn practical ways into character, including dictated monologues, private letters, character complaints, petty desires, contradictions, and the wonderfully freeing “ugly first character pass.”
If you’ve ever delayed writing because you felt unqualified, uncertain, or afraid of causing harm, this episode offers a calmer, braver way forward. Not certainty. Not perfection. Just care, humility, specificity, and the courage to begin.
If the podcast helps you with your writing and you’d like to support the time, thought, and mildly alarming number of notes that go into each episode, you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/masterfictionwriting
Should you cut words like saw, felt, heard, realised, and remembered from your fiction? Often, yes. Always? Not even slightly. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, Stuart breaks down why so-called filter words and mental-processing verbs get flagged so often, how they can weaken immediacy and increase psychic distance, and why the advice to remove them can become unhelpfully rigid when treated as a rule rather than a craft decision. You’ll learn the difference between lazy filtering and purposeful usage, when these words genuinely flatten prose, when they’re necessary, and when they can actually strengthen voice, pacing, and emotional effect. With practical examples, revision guidance, and a more nuanced way to assess your own pages, this episode will help you stop editing by superstition and start editing with discernment.
Need a gentler kind of story without sacrificing plot? In this episode, I’m diving into the craft of cozy and feel-good fiction and unpacking how to write low-stakes stories that still have tension, momentum, and emotional payoff. We’ll look at why readers are drawn to comfort fiction, especially when real life feels relentless, and why “low stakes” never means “nothing matters.”
I cover the key ingredients that make this kind of story work, including character goals, emotional stakes, tone, pacing, setting, community, and the subtle engines of anticipation that keep readers turning pages. I also talk about what goes wrong when cozy fiction becomes shapeless, sentimental, or overly reliant on “vibes,” and how to create genuine emotional refuge without draining the story of movement or meaning.
Whether you already love writing warm, hopeful fiction or you’ve been quietly suspicious of anything described as cozy, this episode will help you see the real craft underneath it. Because writing comfort well is not easy. It’s structure in a soft jumper.
What makes a female character feel dangerously compelling rather than flat, clichéd, or simply “unlikeable”? In this episode, Stuart explores how to write wicked women with complexity, power, and emotional truth. From villains and antiheroes to politically sharp schemers and socially inconvenient women, this is a deep dive into the craft of creating female characters who refuse to behave nicely on the page or stage. With literary examples including Medea and Lady Macbeth, plus practical tools you can apply to your own work, this episode will help you write women who are morally complicated, dramatically alive, and impossible to ignore.
Writers are surrounded by bad advice masquerading as wisdom. In this episode, we take six of the most persistent fiction-writing myths and throw them politely but firmly in the bin. From talent and inspiration to first drafts, genre snobbery, publishing myths, and the idea that only bleak literary fiction counts as serious, this is a sharp, funny, practical reset for writers who are tired of feeling like they’re doing it wrong.
Why does tightening a draft so often feel slow, frustrating, and weirdly inconclusive? Usually because writers start at the sentence level instead of the structural one.
In this episode, Stuart shares a faster, smarter way to revise by function rather than fussing. You’ll learn the three tightening passes he uses to diagnose saggy scenes (purpose, pressure, and payoff) along with a one-hour tightening sprint you can use on your own manuscript today. He also delivers a six-part kill list of common flab patterns, including throat-clearing openings, duplicated beats, over-explained emotion, and weak transitions.
This is a practical, voice-friendly approach to revision that helps you cut what’s dragging without flattening what makes your work yours.
If your scenes keep slipping into “and then… and then… and then…”, this episode is for you. In this episode, Stuart breaks down one of the simplest ways to create stronger cause-and-effect on the page: scene turns.
You’ll learn what a turn actually is, why it matters, and four reliable types you can use to make any scene work harder. Stuart also walks you through a quick Scene Turn Audit you can use in revision, plus a mini quiz to help you test your understanding as you listen.
In this episode:
- What a scene turn is
- Why flat scenes often lack meaningful change
- Four practical scene-turn types you can use straight away
- A simple two-question audit for revising weak scenes
- A quick assignment to help you apply the tool to your own draft
If you want scenes that generate momentum instead of just filling space, this episode will help you build them!
Follow the show for more practical story-development tools, and check out the earlier causality episode for a perfect companion listen.
In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest hidden causes of reader disengagement: unstable point of view. The problem usually is not whether you chose first person, third person, or multiple POVs. It is whether the story keeps changing the rules. When that happens, readers don't experience it as a technical slip. They experience it as a breach of trust.
You’ll learn what the POV contract really is, why Scene 1 is where that contract gets made, and how to strengthen the three promises that hold it together: access, attitude, and authority. We also dig into multi-POV switching rules, accidental head-hopping, and a simple micro-rewrite method you can use to test whether a scene is truly staying inside the promised viewpoint.
By the end, you’ll have a practical POV checklist you can use straight away, plus a sharp sentence-level diagnostic to catch drift before your reader does.
If your POV has ever felt a little slippery on the page, this episode will help you lock the rules in and keep the reader with you.
If your character’s “need” sounds like a motivational poster, readers won’t feel it in scene.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, Stuart Wakefield breaks want vs need out of the self-help zone and turns it into a practical decision tool you can use immediately: the Want / Need / Cost triad.
You’ll learn why vague “needs” kill scene friction, how to define want and need in operational terms, and how to add teeth with the Cost Ladder (three escalating levels: comfort, relationship/status, identity/future). Plus: a deliberately awful want/need example gets lovingly eviscerated… then rebuilt step-by-step into something specific, dramatic, and copyable.
You’ll leave with a fast 5–10 minute assignment to generate your own triad and stress-test it against a scene, so your character choices start landing with consequences on the page.
Follow the show for next week’s episode: POV contract—how to pick the right lens for this arc.
Big events don’t create story. Binding does.
In this practical follow-up to “The Art of a Story Premise That Actually Drives Scenes,” Stuart Wakefield reframes the inciting incident as the moment your protagonist becomes unable to WALK AWAY and shows you how to build that pressure on purpose.
You’ll learn what “binding” really means, why it’s the secret to Act 1 momentum (and the cure for saggy middles), and how to spot the most common fake-outs: false binds, external-only pressure, “volunteer” protagonists, and plot-by-coincidence.
By the end, you’ll have a simple, copy-and-paste tool, The Binding Question Builder, and you’ll leave with one clear binding question you can apply to your story immediately.
Want feedback? Follow the show and submit your binding question for a future anonymous breakdown episode—either on Spotify or by emailing stuart@thebookcoach.co
The difference between an “interesting” idea and a story that actually moves? Your premise.
In this episode, I'll break down why so many drafts end up with “optional chapters” - scenes that could be shuffled, skipped, or swapped without changing anything. Then you’ll learn a simple, repeatable framework for building a premise that creates real story pressure: Protagonist + Pressure + Price.
You’ll get:
- The 3 ingredients that make a premise generate scenes automatically
- A quick Premise Stress Test (3 questions) to spot a situation disguised as a story
- Two live premise upgrades (weak → strong), plus 5 inevitable scenes for each
- The exact fill-in-the-blank sentence stem I use with clients to write a one-sentence premise with teeth
- A 10-minute assignment to lock your premise so your scenes stop feeling optional
If your idea feels compelling but your chapters feel… negotiable, this one will fix that.
If this clicked, hit Follow - and next week I’ll build the ‘binding question’ that turns your premise into an outline. Until the next time, happy storytelling.
This episode's for anyone writing speculative fiction who’s ever vanished into worldbuilding “for five minutes” and resurfaced three hours later with a fully functioning sewer system and… no actual scene.
This episode is about the quiet ways worldbuilding can sabotage your story when it becomes a substitute for plot, character, pacing, and reader trust. Not because worldbuilding is bad. Because it’s powerful.
And power needs a steering wheel.
In the episode, I break down the biggest traps and how to fix them fast, including:
-
The World Bible Trap, where planning replaces drafting.
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The Museum Tour Opening, where the story starts with a brochure.
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The Encyclopaedia Dump, where exposition sits on the reader’s chest.
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The Currency Exchange Problem, where too many invented terms overload the brain.
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The Map Is Not a Plot problem, where geography pretends it’s narrative.
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Rules Without Consequences, where magic and tech don’t actually bite.
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The Stakes Inflation Spiral, where you start with the apocalypse and have nowhere to go.
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The Contradiction Sinkhole, where reader trust quietly leaks away.
You’ll also get a simple “worldbuilding that serves story” framework you can apply to a current WIP in 20 minutes, plus a 10-minute rewrite challenge to turn exposition into action.
If you’re drafting or revising fantasy, sci-fi, horror, alternate history, or slipstream, this one will give you instant traction.
Listen, then try this quick diagnostic: if you cut a paragraph of worldbuilding, what actually breaks? If the answer is “nothing”… congratulations, you’ve found a scene-level diet plan.
If you enjoy the episode, like, share, and subscribe, then come on over to www.thebookcoach.co to check out my story development service.
Back to the Book: Restarting a Shelved Draft Fast is a practical, no-nonsense episode for writers who’ve stepped away from a manuscript and want to re-enter it without rereading the whole thing.
You’ll learn a 60-minute re-entry sprint to regain story context fast, a 2-hour reset to rebuild your “story map,” and a simple toolkit for avoiding the biggest time-wasters like polishing old chapters instead of writing new pages.
If opening your draft makes you think, “Who are these people and why are they in a barn?”, this episode will get you writing again today.
Set yourself up for a 2026 writing year that actually survives real life. In this episode, you’ll build a simple, motivating plan without hustle-culture guilt or impossible schedules.
We’ll choose a one- to three-word theme to guide your decisions, pick three clear priorities (plus one powerful “not this year”), map your year by quarters, and set a weekly minimum that keeps you moving even when life gets loud.
You’ll also learn how to put writing into your calendar for the next two weeks, create a few tiny systems that make showing up easier, and use a straightforward reset plan when you miss a week (because you will - and that’s normal).
Grab a notebook and follow along: by the end, you’ll have a writing map you can trust, and a next step you can take today.
Is Legally Blonde secretly one of the best-plotted films of the 2000s? In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, host Stuart Wakefield performs a full story autopsy on Elle Woods’ journey from dumped sorority president to victorious Harvard lawyer.
We dig into how the film builds a rock-solid causal chain (where every major beat grows logically from the last) and how Elle’s external quest (Harvard, the internship, the murder trial) welds perfectly to her internal arc from “choose me” to “I choose myself.” Along the way, we unpack the emotional climax after Callahan’s harassment, the perm-fuelled courtroom payoff, and why the Bend and Snap is the least important thing in this script.
You’ll walk away with concrete questions and exercises you can apply to your own story, whether you’re writing novels, screenplays, or plays. Spoilers for Legally Blonde abound, but the craft lessons are evergreen.
If your opening goes boom but your hero can shrug and carry on, that’s fireworks, not story. In this episode I breaks down the real job of an inciting incident - to bind your protagonist to an obligation that costs something now and points the story arrow.
Here's what you'll learn:
- What “binding” means in plain English and how to spot it fast
- The five ways a moment can stick Bond, Irreversibility, New stakes, Direction, Pressure
- A spoken mini-exercise you can even do while walking the dog
- A quick diagnostic to fix fake incidents that are loud but optional
- A simple before and after that turns a limp delivery into a clock-ticking crisis
We'll also look at:
- Pride and Prejudice Darcy’s slight and Lizzy’s promise to herself
- Legally Blonde Elle’s public vow to Harvard Law
- A Streetcar Named Desire Blanche’s choice to stay and conceal
Want help binding your own opening? Start here and visit https://www.thebookcoach.co
And then” isn’t a plot, it’s a queue. In this craft-forward episode, we swap “and then” for the more muscular because / but / therefore and show how tight causality turns scenes into story. You’ll get a clear, jargon-free framework for chaining choices to consequences, plus two case studies that prove the point: a mini-autopsy of Pride & Prejudice and a contemporary comparison with Knives Out.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why causality (not act labels) is the real backbone of structure
- How to convert event beats into decision beats with costs
- The Because/But/Therefore test to expose sagging “and then” sequences
- A quick Coincidence Audit (allowed to enter a story, never to exit it)
- A repeatable Scene Ledger: Goal → Opposition → Outcome → New Problem → Forced Next Action
POV isn’t just a grammar choice - it’s the engine that controls intimacy, suspense, and what your reader knows when.
In this craft-deep episode, we demystify point of view by breaking it into three practical dials (access, scope, and distance) then walk through the pros and cons of first person, third limited (close and deep), free indirect style, omniscient, objective, second person, epistolary, multiple-POV, and stream of consciousness.
To make it real, we take a baseline scene (Edward at Inkerman hearing Pendleton’s voice) and rewrite it in each POV, showing exactly what changes on the page and how those changes shape reader experience, for better and for worse.
You’ll learn how to pick the right lens for a scene, avoid head-hopping and tense drift, trim filter words for immediacy, and keep character voice aligned with era and education.
Ideal for both first-time novelists and seasoned writers tuning their instrument!
Stop polishing your first paragraph into oblivion. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we split your process into two clean modes: Author Brain for discovery and Editor Brain for decision—used at different times for different jobs. You’ll hear a live “before/after” paragraph where we draft messy, then run a tight verbs-and-cuts pass that sharpens pace and tension without killing momentum. We’ll also set up a simple 30-minute loop you can run twice to produce real pages today.
You’ll learn:
- The core jobs of Author Brain (invent) vs. Editor Brain (select)
- Why separating them in time stops stalls and unlocks flow
- The TK tactic and “Again:” restart to keep drafting forward
- How a verbs-and-cuts pass lifts energy, clarity, and pace fast
- The one-line scene change test to confirm forward motion
Stop waiting for motivation. Start acting from identity. In this mindset kickoff for Master Fiction Writing, we shift the sentence that runs your day from “I want to write a book” to “I’m a person who writes.” You’ll hear a simple, athlete-style routine (warm-up, reps, cooldown), examples, and a 10-minute drill that makes writing easier to start than to avoid.
You’ll learn:
- Why identity beats motivation for consistent pages
- The 3 design levers: place, time, trigger
- A tiny training loop: warm-up → reps → cooldown
- How to separate Author Brain (draft) from Editor Brain (revise)
- The Minimum Viable Session: 10 minutes or 100 words—streaks over heroics
- The Creative ID Card: I write [genre] on [days] at [time/place] for [minutes] because [why]
By the end, you’ll have a posted Creative ID Card, two sessions on your calendar, and tomorrow’s first 'ugly' line already typed!
Your novel’s bookends do the heavy lifting. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we pair Step 16 (Writing the Opening Scene) and Step 17 (Writing the Closing Scene) to help you start with momentum and finish with meaning. You’ll learn what a scene is (and why something must change every time), how to centre your protagonist’s thoughts and feelings, and a simple timer method to draft three different openings and three different endings - fast. Then we “mirror test” your bookends so the final scene proves the belief shift you promise on page one.
You’ll learn:
- The four-beat scene engine: Want → Friction → Choice → Change
- How to draft rough, 5–10 page scene sketches using TK placeholders
- Three alternative ways to start (and end) the same story—by design
- The “rhyme, don’t repeat” rule for opening/closing scenes that land
Leave with a clear opening, a true ending, and a direction for everything in between.
Outlining doesn’t have to strangle your creativity—or leave you drowning in spreadsheets. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we introduce The Inside Outline: a fast, 2–3 page method that pairs each major Scene (what happens) with its Point (why it matters to your protagonist). The result? A plot that moves and a character arc that means something.
You’ll hear how to build 10–15 Scene/Point pairs, link them with clean cause-and-effect (“because of that…”), and pressure-test the outline so stakes rise, tension builds, and the story delivers on genre promises. We’ll walk through examples—romance, and thriller—so you can hear exactly how to do it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The Scene/Point pairing that keeps plot and emotion glued together
- How to use “because of that…” to create momentum (not coincidence)
- A quick 8-question stress test for your outline’s stakes, pacing, and arc
- Ways to turn your Inside Outline into scenes, revisions, and a query-ready synopsis
Leave with a living map you can actually write from: short, sharp, and tied to why your story matters.
Plotting doesn’t have to feel like wrangling an octopus into a cardigan. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we turn to Pixar’s Story Spine - seven simple prompts that reveal your story’s engine: who we meet, what upends the status quo, how cause-and-effect escalates, where the climax hits, and what the change means. We unpack each beat (from “Once upon a time…” to “And ever since that day…”) and keep things focused with just two “Because of that…” moves to force clean causality. You’ll hear quick, recognisable examples and leave with a concise spine you can expand into scenes—without drowning in index cards.
You’ll learn:
- How to define your story’s “normal,” inciting incident, and rising consequences
- Why limiting yourself to two causal beats sharpens momentum
- How to aim your climax at your character’s internal shift
- How to land an emotionally clear resolution
How much time passes between Page 1 and “The End” - and where, exactly, do you begin and finish? In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we pair Step 12 (Story Timeline) and Step 13 (Opening & Closing) to shape your novel’s container and its proof of change. You’ll learn how to define your story present (the “now” of your narrative), pick a time span that supports tension, and design opening/closing scenes that mirror each other to reveal transformation.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What “story present” is—and why tense and chronology aren’t the same thing
- How different time containers (day, season, year, decades) change pacing and stakes
- The “mirror technique” for opening/closing scenes that land emotionally
- Common pitfalls (timeline mush, flashback overload, soft starts) and quick fixes
- Mini exercises to name your container and draft before/after snapshots
Leave with a clear time frame, a purposeful opening, and a closing image that proves how your protagonist changes.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the intricacies of narrative voice and perspective, focusing on the importance of point of view (POV) and time stance in storytelling.
We'll discuss various narrative techniques, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical exercises to help writers refine their craft.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of choosing the right protagonist for your story, emphasising the need for a single human centre that readers can connect with, the distinction between external wants and internal needs, and the significance of crafting tailored opposition to enhance conflict.
We'll also cover the role of point of view in storytelling and provides practical exercises for writers to refine their narratives.
In this episode, we'll delve into the intricacies of world building, establishing clear rules and consequences, and ensuring that characters and their motivations are relatable to readers.
Practical exercises are provided to help writers create immersive worlds that enhance their narratives without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.
We'll also highlight common pitfalls to avoid in world building, encouraging writers to focus on realism and character-driven storytelling.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of identifying your ideal reader in the writing process, how understanding your audience can enhance the emotional connection of your story - and making it more impactful.
By focusing on a specific reader rather than trying to please everyone, writers can create stories that resonate deeply and fulfil the needs of their audience.
We'll also highlight the significance of envisioning the reader's experience and the potential impact of the book on their lives.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the critical step of choosing a genre in the story development process. We'll explain the importance of genre in guiding creative choices, setting reader expectations, and categorising stories effectively. We'll also cover major genres and their subgenres, the nuances of literary versus commercial fiction, and addresses common questions writers have about genre classification.
Remember that while genre selection is essential, it doesn't have to be rigid and can evolve as the story develops!
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the significance of choosing a working title in the story development process.
A working title helps writers transition from vague ideas to a more concrete narrative, and the episode also includes practical exercises for generating strong titles that resonate with the story.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore Step 4 of the Story Development process: writing your book’s jacket copy before the book is even written.
It might sound backwards, but crafting jacket copy early can sharpen your story’s focus, clarify the promise you’re making to readers, and help you stay on track as you write. We’ll break down what makes jacket copy work (and what doesn’t), why this step matters so much more than just marketing, and how to write 250 words that capture the heart, stakes, and soul of your story.
This episode will help you shift perspective from “writer” to “reader” and give you a powerful tool to guide your next draft.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore Step 3 of the Story Development process: What’s the Plot?
Forget sprawling outlines or complex twists. This stage is all about simplicity. You’ll learn how to write a short, clear, and purposeful summary of your story in just 50 words or less. Think of it as your story’s spine: the who, the what, and the why all tied back to your point.
Discover why simplifying your plot at this early stage helps you build a stronger, more flexible foundation and how to avoid the all-too-common trap of overcomplicating before your story is ready.
Whether you’re outlining your novel or revising one, this episode will help you strip your story down to what really matters.
If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through a novel draft wondering what it’s really about, this episode is for you.
In the second instalment of my Story Development series, I explore Step 2 of the Blueprint for a Book: What’s Your Point? This is where your story starts to take shape around something deeper - a belief, a truth, an argument you’re making about the world.
You’ll learn why every story is, at heart, trying to prove something, why clichés aren’t the enemy, and how one simple sentence can become the emotional compass for your entire book. Whether you’re writing about magical cakes or dystopian rebellions, this step will help you root your story in meaning.
Tune in to discover how to name the soul of your novel - and why that matters more than you think.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll introduce the importance of understanding the 'why' behind writing a book.
Before delving into plot or character, writers must explore their personal connection to the story. This foundational step is crucial for creating meaningful narratives that resonate with readers.
I'll encourage you to reflect on your motivations and the emotional stakes involved in your storytelling, ultimately guiding you to write with purpose and depth.
If you're curious about working with me, head on over to my website at https://www.thebookcoach.co
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I discuss the often daunting process of revising a manuscript.
I outline a five-step approach to help writers manage revision overwhelm, emphasising the importance of starting with a high-level read, creating a prioritised revision plan, setting manageable goals, seeking constructive feedback, and celebrating progress.
And a message from Alexandra Vasailaros touch on the transformative power of writing through personal crises, encouraging writers to embrace their raw emotions as a source of creativity.
You’re a few chapters in. The world is taking shape. Your characters are alive. And then... nothing. You’re stuck.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we tackle one of the most common (and demoralising) parts of the writing process: what to do when your novel grinds to a halt.
Whether the problem is craft, mindset, or something in between, I share my hard-won insights to help you move forward with confidence. Expect practical guidance, emotional support, and the reminder that being stuck doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong - it means you care enough to get it right.
Find out more about my services here: https://www.thebookcoach.co/
Welcome to Master Fiction Writing!
In this conversation, Alexandra Vassilaros shares her journey as a writer and workshop founder, emphasising the transformative power of writing workshops, particularly in the context of grief and loss.
She discusses her Make Meaning Workshop, which helps participants explore their emotions and experiences through writing.
We delve into the importance of vulnerability, self-expression, and the challenges of self-censorship in writing.
Alexandra also offers insights into character development and the significance of diverse perspectives in storytelling, ultimately encouraging writers to embrace their authentic voices and tell their truths on paper.
Find more about the Make Meaning Workshop here.
Find out more about my book coaching services here.
Ugh - the blank page. Daunting at times, so I'll discuss the challenges and processes of writing fiction and memoirs, emphasising the importance of starting with curiosity rather than perfection, nurturing your protagonist, building the emotional core of your story, and finding a writing process that works for you.
I encourage you to embrace the messiness of the beginning, to write without fear, and to enjoy the journey of storytelling.
If you'd like help getting your story started, check out my website and the Story Development service.
In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Susan Sloate - novelist, playwright, and former Hollywood story analyst - for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, hilarious, and packed with practical wisdom for writers.
Susan shares what she’s learned from writing over 25 books (including one in just three days!), working in the film industry during a writer’s strike, and attending Robert McKee’s legendary story seminars where she once helped shape the early idea for Groundhog Day.
We talk about:
- How she handles the dreaded middle of a story
- What to do when you don’t know your subject (spoiler: she once made a calf respond to Beatles songs)
- How her latest book, Scenes from a Song, taps into the emotional power of music
- And why she believes stories should leave readers with hope, not despair
Whether you’re a planner, a pantser, or somewhere in between, Susan’s insights will remind you that the best stories often come from trusting your gut and not being afraid to try the outrageous.
https://susansloate.com/
Not everyone will love your writing and that’s exactly how it should be. In this uplifting episode, I'll explore why trying to please everyone is the fastest way to water down your voice and how defining your ideal reader can transform your writing process. Learn how to shift from writing for the masses to writing with clarity, confidence, and connection. Your story isn’t for everyone. It’s for someone - and that someone is waiting.
Ready to get clear on who you’re writing for? Visit me atwww.thebookcoach.co
How do you write a frozen corpse in a heated pool and make it believable? What’s the etiquette when cold-calling a forensic entomologist? And how do you stop your own research from hijacking the plot?
In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling mystery author Lee Clark, whose Matthew Paine Mysteries spans spans seven intricately researched novels. We dive into the weird, wonderful, and sometimes disturbing world of crime fiction research from poisons and human trafficking to cold cases and black diamonds.
Lee shares how she turns real-world expertise into gripping plot points, why she’s never afraid to approach a subject matter expert, and what she does when her characters (or her rabbit holes) take the story in unexpected directions. We also talk about writing emotional truth, editing with a scalpel, and the fine line between curiosity and chaos.
Whether you’re writing thrillers, historical fiction, or anything that requires digging into the dark corners of human behaviour, this episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and slightly worried about our search histories.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll explore the concept of book coaching, address common misconceptions and highlight its benefits for writers at various stages of their journey. I'll discuss the role of a book coach, who can provide strategic support rather than just editing or ghostwriting. I'll also emphasise the importance of finding the right coach and offer insights into what to expect from the coaching process, ultimately encouraging writers to seek help when needed.
Website: https://www.thebookcoach.co/
Book Coach Directory: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchme
In this episode, I talk to novelist Noël Stark about her journey from working in film and TV to crafting her first romance novel, 'Love, Camera, Action'.
We discuss the unique challenges of novel writing, the importance of character development, and the emotional landscapes that drive romance narratives.
And Noël shares insights on the writing process, the significance of chapter endings, and the evolving themes in romance literature, particularly the necessity of self-discovery before falling in love.
In this episode, I'll look at the importance of precision in fiction writing, providing practical tips on tightening scenes, enhancing emotional depth, and avoiding unnecessary repetition. I'll cover techniques such as entering late and leaving early, replacing vague summaries with specific details, and using dialogue intentionally to reveal character dynamics.
In this episode, Shara Moon discusses her new book 'Let Us March On', which tells the story of Lizzie McDuffie, an influential yet often overlooked figure in American history. Shara shares her journey of researching and writing the book, the challenges of balancing fact and fiction, and the importance of telling Lizzie's story in today's context. The discussion also touches on themes of activism, the role of women in history, and the significance of addressing difficult topics such as racial injustice. In this conversation, Shara Moon discusses the political shifts within the Black community during FDR's presidency, the challenges of writing historical fiction, and the importance of balancing fact with creative storytelling. She shares insights on the editing process, the transition from memoir to historical fiction, and her personal connection to Lizzie herself.
Join me for a fascinating conversation with Dumbify founder David Carson, where we dive into the power of so-called “dumb” ideas—and why they might just be the secret to creative brilliance.
We’ll explore how absurdity, humour, and playfulness can fuel innovation in storytelling, the mental models that help spot good dumb ideas, and how embracing the unconventional can lead to surprising breakthroughs. Plus, we’ll touch on bold marketing strategies, the future of creative writing, and why curiosity is the ultimate creative superpower.
Get ready to rethink what makes an idea truly smart!
Visit David at his website! https://www.david-carson.com/
In this conversation, filmmaker Christian Schu shares his journey from the insurance industry to becoming a self-taught filmmaker. He discusses the importance of embracing one's creative identity, the leap of faith required to pursue storytelling in any form, and the significance of storytelling in commercial projects. Christian emphasises understanding the target audience and crafting narratives that resonate emotionally. He also explores techniques for effective storytelling, the distinction between character and characterisation, and the emotional connections that can be made through film and writing.
In this episode, we'll discuss the common struggles writers face when nearing the completion of their first draft. We'll address the pressures of perfectionism, fear of judgment, and loss of momentum, providing insights and strategies to help writers overcome these challenges, emphasising the importance of finishing a draft, the value of feedback, and the need to reconnect with the joy of storytelling. I'll offer some practical questions and approaches to support writers in their journey towards completion.
In this episode, we'll discusses the importance of self-kindness and the reasons why one might choose not to write a book in the current year. We'll emphasise the need to assess personal circumstances, motivations, and life priorities before committing to such a significant endeavour. By allowing oneself the grace to pause, writers can reduce stress, reflect on their ideas, and ultimately approach writing with renewed energy and focus when the time is right.
In this episode, I explore the challenges of "shiny object syndrome", particularly in the context of creative projects. I share my personal experience of being drawn to a new play commission while nearing completion of my novella. I'll delve into the psychological aspects of creativity, the allure of new projects, and practical strategies to maintain focus and commitment to ongoing work, emphasising the importance of self-regulation, intrinsic motivation, and delayed gratification in overcoming distractions and achieving long-term creative goals.
It was great to be interviewed by Sara Gentry about creating characters!
We delve into the significance of character backstory in storytelling, distinguishing between world backstory and character backstory - and emphasising the importance of understanding a character's history to make them relatable and believable.
We talk about how backstory influences character decisions, the necessity of managing multiple characters, and the concept of "minimum viable backstory".
Takeaways
- Backstory is essential for character development.
- Understanding a character's history helps readers connect.
- World backstory and character backstory serve different purposes.
- Characters need relatable motivations to engage readers.
- The complexity of characters can enhance storytelling.
- Managing multiple characters requires varying levels of backstory.
- Minimum viable backstory is crucial for side characters.
- Character reactions should be rooted in their backstory.
- Writers should focus on the cause and effect of character actions.
- Resources like podcasts and courses can aid in character development.
- Unlocking the Secrets of Character Backstory
- The Art of Character Development
- "Stuart is the king of character."
- "Backstory makes somebody feel real."
- "The minimum viable backstory."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Character and Backstory
01:22Understanding Backstory: World vs. Character
04:54 The Importance of Backstory in Storytelling
08:36 Character Consistency and Relatability
13:21 Managing Character Backstories in Complex Narratives
21:47 The Minimum Viable Backstory for Characters
In this conversation, Jennie Nash and I delve into the intricacies of fiction writing, focusing on the Blueprint for a Book and the limitations of traditional beat sheets. We discuss the importance of understanding a writer's intent, the emotional connection with readers, and the role of creativity within constraints. Jennie shares her insights on the Inside Outline, a tool designed to help writers explore their stories from the inside out, ensuring that every plot point is tied to an emotional reason. The discussion emphasises the need for writers to connect with their material and their audience, ultimately aiming to create impactful stories.
For a FREE copy of Blueprint for a Book, click HERE.
In this conversation, Emma Dhesi and I explore the themes of personal growth, the Four Pillars to Author Success , and the importance of celebrating small wins. We discuss how clients evolve from feeling inexperienced to becoming peers in the coaching process, emphasising the significance of acknowledgment in personal development. Our conversation also highlights the journey of self-improvement and the necessity of recognising progress, no matter how small!
In this episode, I discusses the pros and cons of using multiple points of view (POVs) in writing.
- Point of view (POV) is the narrative perspective that guides the reader through the story.
- Multiple POVs can add depth and complexity to a story, but they also come with potential pitfalls.
- Pitfalls of multiple POVs include character chaos, plot complexity, and reader overwhelm.
- Start with one additional POV before diving into multiple POVs.
- Exercises like character journals, dialogue-only scenes, and POV shifts can help in distinguishing character voices and maintaining distinct perspectives.
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:27 The Allure of Multiple POVs
05:05 Pitfalls of POV Polygamy
06:30 Maintaining Character Voice in Third Person
11:33 Exercises to Hone Your Skills
12:53 It's Your Turn
15:48 Deciding Whether to Use Multiple POVs
Creating a realistic and relatable main character is crucial for a good romance novel. This involves giving them a history, their own journey, a job, relationships with others, physical flaws, strength, failure, sexuality, and the spotlight. These elements help readers understand and bond with the main character, making the story more engaging and resonant.
Takeaways
- A main character's history, beliefs, and actions should be influenced by their past experiences.
- Main characters should have their own journey and not solely exist to fall in love with the love interest.
- Giving main characters a job helps build their sense of self and adds depth to their story.
- Main characters' relationships with others can illuminate their lives and provide support and growth.
- Physical flaws make main characters more realistic and relatable.
- Strength should be tempered with vulnerability to create a well-rounded main character.
- Failure is relatable and can lead to character growth and redemption.
- Sexuality is an important aspect of a romance novel's main character.
- The main character should be at the center of the story and constantly involved in the plot.
- Creating a realistic and relatable main character is essential for reader engagement and resonance.
Do you feel stuck in a rut with your writing? Do you struggle to even sit down to write? Does the blank page seem to loom over you like a cloud, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, and heading for Netflix?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Many writers experience this same struggle (me included). Whether you’re working on a novel or just trying to write an article, finding the motivation to get started—or keep going—can be difficult. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that can help keep your writing motivation high.
In this episode, I’ll be talking to author and teacher Elisabeth Sharp McKetta.
Elisabeth is the author of 13 books, including “She Never Told Me About the Ocean," "Ark," and "Edit Your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intention in a Messy World.”
We’ll delve into the importance of creativity, mental health, and the practice of writing, but Elisabeth also shares her experiences living in a tiny house with her family, emphasising how the simplicity and minimalism of small spaces can enhance focus and creativity.
Elisabeth provides insights into her writing process, the importance that therapeutic first drafts, and the joy of discovering deeper connections and themes.
And this episode highlights the importance of editing one's life to make room for creativity, the value of indulgence in writing practices, and the significance of understanding one's personal connection to their work.
Elisabeth's wisdom and experiences offer valuable lessons for writers and creatives looking for more time for their craft.
And if you’d like to know more, Elisabeth also delivered the TEDxBoise talk “Edit Your Life Like a Poem,” further showcasing her expertise and passion for intentional living and creativity.
Elisabeth's Website: https://elisabethsharpmcketta.com/
Elisabeth's TEDxBoise Talk: https://youtu.be/-ZXHIrZMeCQ?si=dnWkEmZWVrkl7sv3
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I sit down with the remarkable Becca Puglisi, co-author of the bestselling series from Writers Helping Writers. Join us as Becca takes us on a journey from the inception of the first book to the expansion of the series, sharing invaluable insights into the art of character development along the way.
Discover the inspiration behind the 'Emotion Thesaurus' and how it has become an essential tool for writers worldwide. Becca delves into the challenges and triumphs of creating the series, the collaborative process with co-author Angela Ackerman, and how feedback from the writing community has shaped their work.
And don't forget the very latest book in the series - 'The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Stress and Volatility'!
Unlock the secrets of writing compelling paragraphs that captivate your readers!
In this episode post, you'll learn how to create vivid imagery, build emotional resonance, and master pacing for maximum impact.
Whether you're just starting your writing journey or refining your craft, discover practical tips and exercises to elevate your storytelling.
As creative writers, each sentence we craft serves our story. But how do we elevate our writing from good to unforgettable? It all starts with mastering the art of sentence construction.
This episode dives into the essentials of crafting powerful, impactful sentences. Whether you're just beginning your writing journey or looking to refine your skills, this article is packed with insights and exercises that will transform your approach to writing.
In this episode, we plunge headfirst into the tumultuous world of writing myths and the harsh self-criticisms that writers often battle. Why do writers sabotage their own success? Is it easier to believe in fallacies than to face the hard truths? We're dissecting these questions and more!
We’ll unravel common misconceptions about the writing process, from the myth of waiting for inspiration to strike, to the pitfalls of chasing a perfect first draft.
Prepare to be challenged and enlightened!
- If you want to work with me, you can book a free, 20-minute discovery call here: https://calendly.com/stuartwakefield/book-coaching-discovery-call
- If you want to work with a different book coach, there's a fantastic online database of certified book coaches here: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchme
- For a crash course on the nine Muses, check out this video! https://youtu.be/eTckaxEhC5U
📚 Unlock the Secrets of Compelling Character Backstories! 📚
Crafting captivating characters is the cornerstone of great storytelling. Dive into the art of character development in this latest episode! Learn how to infuse depth and authenticity into your narratives by mastering the art of crafting compelling backstories.
Discover techniques to seamlessly integrate backstory into your storytelling, avoiding common pitfalls like info dumping and irrelevance. From engaging dialogue to powerful flashbacks, explore the tools that bring characters to life and drive your plot forward.
Striking a balance between revealing backstory and maintaining narrative focus is key to captivating your audience.
Explore further with the online course, Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory, to master these storytelling techniques. Unlock the secrets for just $47!
In this episode, I'm delighted to be interviewing Margaret McNellis, a historical fiction writer with whom I've had the pleasure of working on two of her books: Daughter of the Seven Hills (due for publication on 21st May 2024) and Hearts of Iron & Gold.
We talk about all things historical fiction, from the challenges of research to wearing funny hats.
Oh, and we talk about what it's like to be coached!
You can find Margaret's site here: https://mcnelliswrites.com/
In this special episode, I have the unique pleasure of sharing my own journey and insights as the author of "The Writer's Shield: Building Emotional Resilience for Writers." This is a deep dive into the heart of emotional resilience, a topic I am passionately dedicated to, especially in the context of the challenges that we, as writers, face.
During this interview, I open up about my personal experiences and the critical moments that led me to write "The Writer's Shield." I discuss the concept of emotional resilience for writers, shedding light on the strategies and tools that have been instrumental in my own journey and can support others in theirs. This episode is a candid look at the struggles with rejection, criticism, writer's block, and impostor syndrome, and how to emerge stronger from these experiences.
I also share tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, cultivating a positive mindset, and building the inner strength needed to navigate the ups and downs of a writing career. My aim is to provide listeners with practical, real-world advice that can be applied to their writing and personal lives.
As a special offer to my listeners, I encourage you to sign up for my mailing list. By joining, you'll receive regular updates filled with valuable content and resources tailored for writers. Plus, as a token of my appreciation, you'll receive a free copy of my book "The Writer's Shield: Building Emotional Resilience for Writers." This book is a culmination of my experiences and learnings, and I'm excited to share it with you. Sign up today to start fortifying your emotional resilience on your writing journey! https://www.thebookcoach.co/
Welcome back to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing" with me, your host, Stuart Wakefield, an Author Accelerator Certified book coach dedicated to helping you navigate the intricacies of crafting compelling fiction. Today's episode dives deep into the art of creating authentic characters through the power of dialogue.
Have you ever read a book where every character sounded exactly the same? Or watched a movie where the dialogue felt flat and unconvincing? In this episode, we'll explore how to avoid these common pitfalls by utilising character-specific language. This powerful technique involves tailoring vocabulary, syntax, and even the rhythm of speech to align with each character's unique background, education, and personality.
Join me as how we can use dialogue to breathe life into our characters. Whether it’s the refined articulation of a seasoned academic, the vibrant slang of a spirited teenager, or the concise pragmatism of a no-nonsense professional, you’ll learn how to give each of your characters a distinct and believable voice.
Plus, I'll share practical tips and exercises that you can apply to your own writing. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with the skills to create a rich tapestry of voices in your narratives, making your characters stand out and speak directly to the hearts of your readers.
Don't miss this journey into the heart of character development! Tune in to "Master Fiction Writing" and transform the way you write dialogue. Remember, in fiction, every word speaks volumes about your characters. Let's make sure they're saying the right things!
Join me and let's explore a range of transformative practices and exercises designed to elevate your writing journey. I'll talk about setting DREAM goals, the power of a grateful writing mindset, and the importance of regular reflection and adaptation in your craft. Whether you're looking to overcome a creative block, refine your skills, or simply find new ways to invigorate your writing practice, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.
Perfect for both budding and experienced writers, this episode promises to leave you feeling motivated and equipped with new tools to make this year your most productive and creative yet. Tune in, and let's embark on this journey to make your writing aspirations a reality!
#WritingTips #CreativeJourney #WritersCommunity #UnlockYourPotential 🎧✍️📚
Join me in this enlightening episode of Master Fiction Writing, where we dive into the art of managing multiple writing projects without losing your mind or your creative spark. Hosted by me, Stuart Wakefield, an Author Accelerator Certified book coach, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and practical advice for writers at all stages.
We start by exploring the common challenges writers face when juggling various projects, from deadline pressures to creative fatigue. Then, we move on to the crucial task of setting priorities and goals, offering you tangible methods to navigate the often overwhelming writing landscape.
But that's not all! We delve into effective time management strategies specifically tailored for writers, helping you maximize your productivity while maintaining your creative flow. Discover the wonders of the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, and the Eisenhower Matrix, and learn how to apply them to your writing routine.
No episode on time management would be complete without discussing organizational tools and resources. We cover everything from project management software and writing apps to the more traditional methods like notebooks and calendars, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your style.
Most importantly, we address the critical issue of maintaining your creative energy and avoiding burnout. Learn the importance of taking breaks, balancing your writing life with personal time, and setting realistic expectations to keep the joy in your writing journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, "Balancing Multiple Projects: Time Management for Writers" is packed with actionable advice, encouraging words, and a friendly voice to guide you through the complexities of managing multiple writing endeavors.
Tune in to Master Fiction Writing for an episode that promises to leave you feeling inspired, organized, and ready to tackle your writing projects with renewed vigor and clarity.
Letting your characters' words reveal their traits and emotions, instead of explaining them in the narrative, is an art - and one that many writers overlook.
"Show, don't tell" is a fundamental principle in writing, especially when it comes to dialogue. It means allowing the reader to deduce character traits and emotions from what the characters say and do, rather than directly informing them through narrative exposition. This approach draws readers deeper into the story, making them active participants in understanding and connecting with the characters.
And for dialogue? Well, that's what we'll cover in this episode!
In this scintillating episode of Master Fiction Writing, we're delving deep into the art of creating sexual tension that will leave your readers on the edge of their seats, yearning for more.
Whether you're a budding writer looking to infuse passion into your storytelling or a dedicated fan eager to dissect your favorite romantic narratives, this episode promises to be an enlightening and seductive journey through the art of crafting sexual tension.
Tune in, and get ready to turn up the heat in your own stories!
Today's episode is all about the spine-tingling magic that keeps readers flipping page after page — romantic tension.
While sexual tension is a sizzling game of "will they or won't they get intimate?", romantic tension is a more profound, heart-pounding game of "will they or won't they end up together?" It's that underlying question, the heartbeat of every romance novel, and what makes readers invest in the characters and their love journey.
In this episode, we'll break down the elements that contribute to romantic tension. We'll discuss the importance of believability, what makes the romance truly captivating, and the nuances that separate romantic tension from its steamier cousin, sexual tension.
Whether you're a seasoned romance writer or just getting started, we'll provide insights and tips on ensuring your story is bursting with the tension that readers crave. We’ll also touch on the role of dynamic characters, and why romantic tension is non-negotiable in a good romance novel.
So, grab your pen and notebook and let’s dive into the world of heartbeats, hesitant glances, and the thrilling unknowns of romantic tension!
Have you ever wondered how to create characters that feel like real people with rich histories? In my new course, "Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory", you'll discover the power of linking backstory to desires, forging connections that propel your characters through the plot. You'll learn how to expertly unveil their pasts, layering emotions and experiences to create truly three-dimensional individuals.
Find out more here.
In this episode, we're delving into the heart of what makes unconventional protagonists so captivating: their diversity.
We'll explore how characters from different backgrounds, races, genders, and orientations have redefined heroism and left an indelible mark on literature. From classics to contemporary novels, we'll showcase characters who have shattered the mould and inspired readers around the world.
But it's not just about celebrating; it's about empowering writers too. I'll share practical tips on how to craft diverse and authentic characters in your own stories. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your literary journey, you won't want to miss this insightful episode.
If you're struggling with character backstory, check out my online course, Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory. You'll learn how to establish a character's past, create their motivations, how to get it all on the page, and much, much more.
🎙️ Welcome to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing," the podcast where we explore the art of storytelling from every angle. I'm your host, Stuart, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the enchanting world of symbolism in fiction.
📚 Join me as we unravel the mysteries behind symbols – those hidden keys that unlock layers of meaning within stories. As an Author Accelerator Certified book coach, I've helped countless writers shape their narratives into powerful tales that resonate. Today, I'm here to guide you through the magic of symbolism and how it can breathe life into your writing.
🔮 We'll journey through the significance of symbols, transcending their literal definitions to reveal the profound emotions and ideas they represent. From the elusive green light in "The Great Gatsby" to the innocence embodied by the mockingbird in "To Kill a Mockingbird," we'll uncover how masterful authors have harnessed symbols to elevate their narratives.
🌟 But this isn't just an exploration of the classics – it's a practical guide for writers like you. I'll offer actionable advice on choosing symbols thoughtfully, maintaining consistency, balancing subtlety with clarity, and engaging readers' interpretations. By the end of this episode, you'll be armed with the tools to infuse your stories with symbolism that resonates long after the last word is read.
🎭 Symbols are the heartbeat of storytelling, and in this episode, we'll show you how to wield them as instruments of depth and resonance. So, whether you're a seasoned author seeking fresh insights or an aspiring writer taking your first steps, tune in and join the conversation as we uncover the enduring allure of hidden meanings in literature.
🖋️ Ready to unleash the power of symbolism in your stories? Stick around for the practical exercises that will ignite your creative fire and empower you to embark on your own symbolic journey.
Hit that subscribe button to stay up-to-date with "Master Fiction Writing" because every story is waiting to be uncovered!
Have you ever marveled at an actor's meticulous preparation for a role? The depth, the dedication, the transformation—it’s truly art in motion. Now, what if writers could harness that same dedication in their editing process?
Join us as we unveil the second part of our deep dive into a revolutionary method of editing a novel—one that draws inspiration from the world of theatre. 🎭
Discover the 7-step journey, from "Character Study" to "Polishing the Performance", that borrows from an actor's toolkit but is tailored for writers. Today, we're diving deep into the steps of Blocking, Improvisation, Feedback, and Polishing the Performance. Whether you're an experienced novelist or just getting started, these insights will transform your editing game.
📖 Unravel the art of setting description, the magic of free writing, the value of constructive criticism, and the importance of a final polish.
Ready to reimagine your editing process and craft a manuscript that's truly stage-worthy? Grab your pen, put on your director's hat, and let's dive in! 🎬
Happy listening, and remember, in the theatre of writing, every word sets the stage! 🌟
Have you ever watched an actor prepare for a role? The meticulous detail, the character immersion, the rehearsal, feedback, and fine-tuning—it's a masterclass in creation and refinement. So, why can't writers adopt the same method?
In this first part of two episodes, we're going to explore my new, innovative approach to editing a novel, one that draws inspiration from the world of theatre. You might wonder how the process of preparing for a role could possibly relate to the task of refining a manuscript, but the parallels are surprisingly rich and insightful.
I'll guide you through seven comprehensive steps—from "Character Study" and "Rehearsal", all the way through to the final "Polishing the Perofrmance". Each step borrows from an actor's approach to preparation, adapted to the needs of a writer polishing their novel.
Whether you're a seasoned writer or a fresh-faced newcomer, these steps will help breathe new life into your editing process, ensuring your final manuscript is ready to take the stage and captivate its audience.
In June 2023, Sara Gentry from Solutions for Writers invited me for an interview at KidLit Summer Camp.
Despite not being a KidLit Book Coach myself, I agreed. After all, many writing techniques span many genres and categories, and that’s why I’m sharing this interview with you.
During the conversation, Sara and I discussed how theatrical techniques can improve writing, especially for character building.
And we really get to the heart of the struggles writers can face, even beyond the work itself.
Ultimately, weaving the inner and outer narratives together requires a deep understanding of storytelling and character development. By crafting a compelling outer narrative and a layered inner narrative, writers can create stories that resonate with audiences on multiple levels and leave a lasting impact. Let's take a closer look.
As humans, we have always been compelled to write stories, and it's through stories that we're able to express our most inner thoughts and feelings, as well as explore the unknown and create new, complex worlds. The reasons that we write stories are as varied and diverse as the stories themselves – some people write stories for entertainment, others to explore their own experiences, and some to bring about change in the world.
No matter the reason, the power of story is undeniable. For ages, stories have been used to give shape to our values and beliefs, to record history, and to challenge us to think differently. Many of our most beloved stories – fairy tales, fables, and myths – have been passed down for generations, offering a window into a distant past, and conveying life lessons that still resonate today.
But why do we write stories? What drives us to express our thoughts and feelings through the art of storytelling? To answer this question, it is important to look at the various motivations that can lead a person to write a story.
So let's do it!
Last week, I got together with some writers and fellow book coaches, and we got on to the subject of likeable characters. I was particularly interested because I've recently encountered a character who isn't likeable, and it's pulling me out of their story.
For years, writers have struggled with an age-old question: Do fictional characters need to be likeable? This question has spurred debate with people passionately defending both sides. The "likability" camp insists that if a character isn't agreeable, readers won't be able to connect with the story. On the opposite end of the spectrum lurks a faction determined to prove that unlikable characters can still be engaging.
So, do fictional characters have to be likeable, or should they be able to bring something different to the table? Let's see if we can reach a verdict on whether likability is mandatory for our literary characters.
We all know how important it is to create believable characters in the stories we tell. But creating characters isn't always easy. To make sure that your characters are as three-dimensional and interesting as possible, you need to have answers to a lot of questions about them. At least seventy, if not more.
You might be feeling overwhelmed right now, but take a deep breath and don’t worry – this doesn’t have to be a stressful process. We’re aiming to make this activity fun, lighthearted and inspirational! After all, the more questions you have answered before you start writing, the better your characters will be.
The questions I'll be covering in this episode were ones I used as an actor for creating characters for the stage, and they're designed to explore your main characters in more depth, helping you to create characters with their own unique personality traits and backstories. Once you’ve got all of your answers, you’ll be in a much better position to start writing about them and giving them life.
When answering the questions, don’t be afraid to be creative, and you don’t need to answer them in a specific order. This process is all about developing your own unique universe, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
I worked in the theatre from ages five to 32, and during that time I learned a lot. Like... a lot.
In the main, I acted, but I also directed, designed and made costumes, worked backstage, and once designed a set that was completely made of sails. And I sewed those sails. Yes, me, and all on my own.
So, working in the theatre, mainly as an actor, I had to learn how to inhabit a character, and I brought all of that to my creative writing practice - and more.
You might have heard the name Konstantin Stanislavski. Stanislavski was a Russian theatre practitioner who developed a system many actors follow to train, prepare, and rehearse. I studied Stanislavski's methods, and here's what I think writers should take from his system.
If you's rather read, here's the accompanying blog post.
It has been said that the best way to break someone's heart is to write a romantic tragedy, but crafting a story that is heartbreaking, yet beautiful, takes skill and finesse.
Here are a few tips on how to write a romantic tragedy that will leave your readers in tears.
Writing a successful fictional narrative is the dream of many authors, but structuring the plot in a way that captivates readers can be a really daunting task because there are several approaches to organising a story.
The three-act structure, four-act structure, and five-act structure are the most popular options. Each one offers unique advantages and disadvantages, but all three can be used to create a powerful and compelling narrative.
Let's take a closer look.
You can read the accompanying blog post here.
I still feel bad about missing horror from my last article's list of literary genres. Because of that, I'm making it the first in line for my closer looks at each literary genre.
(So don't come at me, okay?)
Many of us have grown up with a love for the horror genre, whether it's through movies, television, or books. Horror has the ability to captivate our imaginations and transport us to a world filled with thrills and chills. We’re drawn to the suspense and unknowns that await us either on the next frame or on the next page.
In this episode, I'll look at horror's history, its sub-genres, and my top 10 horror novels.
Settle in and get ready to explore the dark corners of... well... pretty much everything.
You can find the accompanying blog post here: https://www.thebookcoach.co/post/a-closer-look-at-the-horror-genre
Welcome to the wonders of genre and how to ensure you’re well versed in the those available to you. Tapping into genre is a powerful force, satisfying readers because they know what they're getting. Join me as we take a closer look at the main genres available to you as you plan to write. Genre allows us to organise and classify all sorts of entertainment, everything from books to movies to video games. And it also informs how we buy and sell them. Fiction is focused on the imaginative, involving characters and plot lines that have been invented by the author. Non-fiction, on the other hand, focuses on the real and is usually based on facts and events. To be truly well-versed in genre, one must delve into each, so let's get started...
You’re making this world, you’ve got characters you’re in love with, and you’re writing your novel... then you get to that point where you become self-critical.
“I’m not good enough,” you say. “Somebody's probably already told this story better than me. I’m going to get rejected, I’m going to get terrible reviews, and I’m going to get terrible sales.”
So what can you do to help yourself through those times?
You can read the accompanying blog post here.
In this episode, I'll cover the crucial steps you need to know before you start writing a novel. Check out the accompanying blog post!
Okay, so don't let the title put you off. Morphological Analysis is neither as close to being as scary as it sounds nor as complicated to execute. What it can do is help you make interesting new connections between seemingly unrelated things. Those kinds of connections can result in stories no one saw coming. (I'm looking at you, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.)
Many moons ago, when I worked at Ford Motor Company, and later at what is now Warner Bros. Discovery, I ran innovation workshops and Morphological Analysis was one tool I used with my students. Of all the innovation tools I used, Morphological Analysis stuck with me because it's great for writers.
Back then, it was all about problem statements, functions, and morphologies, but what stood out to me were dimensions. Stories have dimensions. They have genre, character, style, structure, content and so on.
I've used the tool with clients as part of my Story Development package, but I thought it'd be useful to share it with you.
Here's the blog post that goes with this episode and it has diagrams so you can better visualise how it all fits together: https://www.thebookcoach.co/post/how-to-create-story-ideas-using-morphological-analysis
Did you dilly-dally during 2022 and not get your book planned or started or finished?
Will you dilly-dally during 2023 and not get your book planned or started or finished?
Not on my watch!
If you're going to make 2023 the bee's knees, then don't wait for the new year. Pencil in some 'me-time' this month to give yourself the upper hand.
If you launch into 2023 with a burst of energy, you'll be light years ahead, heading into January with a sharp eye, a precise plan, and pure grit!
Here are seven things to do before New Year's Day:
- Review your year 2022 has plenty of wisdom to share! Before it slips away, take a moment to reflect on your experiences and cherish the moments that will stick with you for the years to come. And don't be afraid to look at what slipped, why it slipped, and what you can do to stop that happening again.
For me, I'd hoped to finish my novel, Spirit of Water. I've been trying to finish that bad boy for 10 years. 10!
Yeah, I relaunched my coaching business, started a part-time, freelancing position with Author Accelerator, wrote a novelette, Out in the Cold, compiled and published my writing group's first anthology, and three episodes of a new comedy TV show, but not finishing that novel is bugging me.
And why did that happen? Because on my daily list of things to do, my writing came last.
- Get clear on what’s most important Cramming your day with a hundred and one tiny tasks won't suddenly make you the person you want to be. But if you get clear on your core values, it's like getting a mystical guiding light to show you the path towards your top priorities. So define what matters most to you, and then follow the energetic breadcrumbs to get where you're going.
On my daily list of things to do, my writing will come first, closely followed by my coaching work.
- Set a context for 2023 Pinpoint the things you'd like to achieve.
Define a word for the year that will grant you permission to say YIPEE to the stuff that resonates with you and BOO to the stuff that doesn't jive.
My 2023 word is "accomplished". I want to accomplish these goals:
- Secure a spot on a Creative Writing PhD course.
- Publish Spirit of Water.
- Author Accelerator certification as a nonfiction book coach (stretch goal because it depends on my practicum client).
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Publish the next novel in my Bacchus Chronicles series.
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Review your habits James Clear says, “you get what you repeat”.
Are your habits helpful or hurtful? Could you benefit from incorporating some new tricks into your lifestyle to guarantee your success? Be sincere with the behaviours you take on autopilot and determine if it's time to roll out some modifications.
I've had a rough few months. One of our dogs put up a brave battle with cancer but passed away on December 10th. There's never a good time for a pet to pass away, but both my husband and I were suffering with the most awful chest infections. Since then I haven't bothered setting my 7 A.M alarm... and now my days are all over the place. As of tomorrow, I'll be setting that 7 A.M. alarm and getting some structure back into my days. I deserve to end my working days feel with a completed "To Feel" list.
Which bring us to...
- Make a "To Feel" list Achievements are great for injecting some purpose into your life. But what sort of person do you want to be and how do you want to feel? A "To Feel" is a sensational journalling technique that can help you explore a more intentional life experience.
I learned about "To Feel" list from my bestie. She says that we'll die with an unfinished "To Do" list, so why not concentrate on doing the things that contribute to how we want to feel?
In the words of Oscar Wilde, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.”
Build a "To Feel" list, and you'll find it simpler to experience 'the rarest thing in the world'.
On my daily list of things to feel, 'feel like a writer' will come first. I'll want to write if I want to feel like a writer.
- Create your support structure Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Who will surround you in 2023 and help you thrive?
For example:
- Is it time to join a writing group? I didn't have any local writing groups, so I started two writing groups from my National Novel Writing Month cohorts, first in Essex and now in Hertfordshire. Each month, we make commitments where we'll be by the next meeting and during every meeting at least one of us says, "And I wouldn't have done it without you lot".
- Would you go further with an accountability buddy or mentor? Having someone out there who's expecting pages from you is a huge motivator.
- Do you want to find more online groups where ‘your people’ hang out? My writing group is online, and it's just as social as it is productive. Plus, you don't have to haul your cookies out of the house for the meetings.
- Does your friendship group nourish and support you? If they don't, consider that writing group, accountability buddy or mentor—they understand the writing life.
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Does your family nourish and support you? See above!
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Set a three-month goal Goals provide you with a beacon of light, guiding your every move. Accomplishing things that matter most to you gives you a sense of grandeur - as if you were a master builder of your own destiny. So don't simply set goals, but craft them. This way, you can ensure that your dreams and aspirations are well within reach.
I've ordered a copy of The 12 Week Year for Writers: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Your Writing Done (affiliate link) by A. Trevor Thrall because I want to feel accomplished by hitting the deadlines for my goals. This year, I've proved to TV producers—and myself—that I can rewrite an entire episode in 24 hours. Imagine what I can do with the novel I've been putting off for 10 years!
If you think mentoring might be a good option for you, check out my monthly mentoring service.
What fresh adventures await you in 2023? Here’s to making the coming year one for the books.
YOUR books!