Truth, Lies and Coffee: Recent Episodes
Robin McClure
A discussion-style writing podcast created by writers and for writers, where you can come to be encouraged and improve your craft.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
Robin and Karrah are taking a hiatus while spending time with family, friends, and enjoying the holidays. However, we're excited to be back in early January 2022 with new content.
We also wanted to leave you with some brief writing advice and encouragement and some of the things for which we are thankful.
Please let us know some of the things you're grateful for and any encouragement you'd like to share!
You can email us at truthliesandcoffee@gmail.com or you can reach us at Instagram: @Robin_McClure and @Karrah_Noelle
Enjoy the holidays and the onset of the winter season!
Theme is one tool authors use to bind a story together. It's the way we include something akin to a moral without outright stating it. Every part of the story will point back to it. But how?
Join Robin and Karrah as they discuss that very thing!
To get in touch and share your thoughts or ask questions, please email them at truthliesandcoffee@gmail.com or reach out to them on Instagram @Karrah_Noelle or @Robin_McClure
Okay, Storytellers, this episode is all about point of view, or POV. Who's telling the story? Is it written in first person, second person, third person limited, third person omniscient or is it an omniscient narrator? Is it in present tense or past tense?
We discuss examples of different stories that use each of these and why you might choose to use one over another while writing your novel - including that you just like it more.
Send us your thoughts at truthliesandcoffee@gmail.com or message us on Instagram: @Karrah_Noelle and @Robin_McClure.
We'd love to hear what you agree with, what you disagree with, and any examples you have that we missed.
What makes your world unique? How does your work? Who's in charge? What do they wear? What do they eat?
Join Karrah and Robin as they discuss worldbuilding, the process which helps authors answer these questions - and more - about their worlds. While having a solid knowledge of the world you're operating in isn't essential, it can definitely help create a more compelling world and make your novel standout.
And what about magic - and technology? What do those look like and do you really need to know how they work?
If you're looking for lists of questions to answer about your world, check out:
Patricia C. Wrede's Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions
The Ultimate Worldbuilding Questionnaire (131 questions)
Want to share your best worldbuilding tips? Enjoy the episode? reach out out to Karrah and Robin at truthliesandcoffee@gmail.com or contact them on Instagram at Karrah_Noelle and Robin_McClure
Join us as we chat all about setting and its importance in writing your novel (or short story). No empty white rooms here! Dynamic settings help bring stories to life because a reader feels they can really interact with them.
We would love to hear how you create setting and what you think.
Have questions or comments? Please email us at truthliesandcoffee@gmail.com or get in touch with us on Instagram! Our Insta handles are @Karrah_Noelle and @Robin_McClure
What does every novel need? Characters! Nobody wants to read a book about an unpopulated world - and it wouldn't be much fun to write, either. Join us today while we discuss character arcs, and how they contribute to creating memorable characters readers can bond with.
In this episode, we discuss The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins in detail - and there might be some spoilers if you haven't read it yet. So read it before listening, or be prepared to forgive us.
We also reference the writing book Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody.
To share your thoughts and opinions with us, send an email to truthliesandcoffee@gmail.com or reach out to us on Instagram: @Robin_McClure and @Karrah_Noelle
Wondering what plot elements you actually need to include in your story or novel? Come join the discussion! We're chatting about the five things your novel needs, with examples. (Spoiler Alert: We chat about The Night Circus in great detail, so if you haven't read it, go get a copy, or at least don't be angry with us!) We also discuss on-the-fly examples about each element to break it down in more detail and show how it can all work together.
Whether you're a plotter just starting a novel or a pantser who needs to tighten a few things or heighten the rising action, we've got you covered.
We'd love to hear your thoughts, too! Please reach out to us at truthliesandcoffee@gmail.com or on our individual instagram accounts: @Karrah_Noelle and @Robin_McClure
Resources we mentioned:
Save the Cat Writes a Novel
Story Slices
Are you a plotter or a pantser? Let's discuss famous authors, how they get their novels down on paper, and what you can do to tame the beast and write your novel from start to finish. We'd love your comments!
Resources discussed in this episode:
Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Story Slices by Madeline Smoot
Email us at truthliesandcoffee@gmail.com
New discussion-style writing podcast coming your way August 19. We can't wait for you to join us!