The Well-Storied Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kristen Kieffer
Insights, encouragement, and actionable advice designed to help writers craft sensational novels and build their best writing lives. Always in 30 minutes or less, so you can get back to writing. Hosted by author and Well-Storied.com founder Kristen Kieffer.
In today's episode, Kristen shares the second installment of Book Notes, a blog + podcast series that summarizes and provides key takeaways from books on writing, publishing, and creative living.
This episode explores Joanna Penn's "How to Market a Book" — a powerful reference guide that teaches authors how promote their books and build lucrative and long-lasting creative careers.
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/notes
Buy the book on Amazon: https://geni.us/zLZs (affiliate)
Buy the book on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/55478/9781912105878 (affiliate)
Listen on Audible: https://geni.us/ws-audible (*affiliate)
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
Find me on Instagram: @kristen_kieffer
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Running an Amazon ad campaign can be a great way to introduce your book to new readers and increase sales, but there’s no denying that Amazon Advertising comes with a learning curve.
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down an introduction to Amazon Ads as a book marketing tool and walks you through the process of creating your first Sponsored Product ad step by step.
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/marketing
Find me on Instagram: @kristen_kieffer
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
In today's episode, Kristen launches a new feature called Book Notes in which she summarizes and provides key takeaways from books on writing, publishing, and creative living.
This first edition of Book Notes explores Rachel Aaron's "2,000 to 10,000" — an actionable guide to boosting your creative efficiency.
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/notes
Buy the book on Amazon: https://geni.us/2kto10kbook (affiliate)
Buy the book on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/55478/9781548271107 (affiliate)
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
Find me on Instagram: @kristen_kieffer
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Do you often struggle to write full-length novels, never sure how to fill the gaps in your story without writing filler or fluff?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down one simple strategy for expanding your storytelling and crafting more complex plots: giving your protagonist a side quest!
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/plotting
Find me on Instagram: @kristen_kieffer
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
In a world where there’s so much noise and everyone sounds the same, writer, your unique story is needed more than ever.
Now, I don’t mean the idea that’s been watered down because you’ve been too busy comparing yourself to every other writer on the planet and convincing yourself what you’ve got isn’t good enough. I certainly don’t mean meshing those wondrous threads of imagination with what you assume to be dominating the bestsellers lists.
A story with no secondary characters is like a play without an ensemble. Without a strong supporting cast bringing the plot to life, the main characters would wander around aimlessly with no direction or conflict to spur them on. The best kind of books have a strong selection of secondary characters that readers fall in love with and want to see succeed in their endeavors, even more than the protagonist sometimes. But it is equally important not to let them take over the story or become so complicated that they overshadow the main character.
Do you often get lost in research rabbit holes or relentlessly re-read old work? Do you toggle between chapters in search of scenes you "feel" like writing — or often fail to write at all?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the three simple steps you can follow to ditch dissatisfying writing sessions in favor of writing with clarity, focus, and intention (and build a sustainable writing habit while you're at it!).
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/writingpractice
Find me on Instagram: @kristen_kieffer
Join the "Self-Publishing Simplified" street team: launch.well-storied.com
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Creative are knowledge workers who rely upon information and ideas to create fantastic work. So it’s no wonder that our heads are often chaotic or in the clouds, brimming with all sorts of thoughts that we struggle to organize and employ.
That's where a second brain comes into play. By taking the time to create a unified system for knowledge management, we can organize our creative work and get serious about writing with clarity and focus.
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down her preferred knowledge management system, why she loves it, and how you can set up your own!
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/life
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Storytelling is both an art and a craft — and like any craft, the skills required to write great stories can be taught and learned.
What are some of the other steps you can take to improve your skills and stories beyond simply consuming how-to content? And how can you best apply what you learn to truly level up in your craft?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the six essential strategies you can put into practice to pave the way for incredible growth in your writing life!
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/life
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Consistency is key to building a successful and fulfilling writing life, yet it's all too easy to procrastinate the act of putting pen to paper when our creative work gets tough.
How can we overcome this urge to avoid writing and start building a little creative momentum?
Kristen shares her top tips—including insights into why we procrastinate in the first place and why motivation as we know it is a myth—in today's episode of the podcast!
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/life
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Every writing journey has its bumps in the road. Sometimes those setbacks are of our own making, while other times they aren't our fault in the slightest.
Either way, there’s no doubt that setbacks can drain your mental and emotional energy.
Thankfully, there are steps that every writer can take to not only minimize the number of setbacks they experience but to weather creative turbulence with resilience and strength. What must you do to begin cultivating a little of this creative fortitude?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down her top eight tips for weathering creative setbacks with resilience!
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/mindset
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
As helpful as external feedback can be, there’s no doubt that allowing others to read and critique our work can be a terrifying process. Even with a positive attitude in place, criticism can sting.
But receiving feedback can also be an empowering and uplifting experience. How can we ensure that our own encounters with solicited criticism are as positive as possible?
Kristen breaks down five key tips that writers can use to handle constructive criticism with grace in today's episode!
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/editing
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
To succeed in the business of writing and selling books, you’ll need an online headquarters — a place that readers can visit to learn everything they need to know about who you are, what you write, and where they can purchase your books. In other words, you’ll need an author website.
What information should an author website include? How does one go about creating an author website, exactly? When is the right time to create and launch your online headquarters? Kristen breaks down each of these questions in turn in today's episode!
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/marketing
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Creative comparison often gets a bad rap. Like self-doubt, comparison can be a lens through which writers can identify the strengths and weaknesses in their work, ultimately helping them improve the quality of their skills and stories with intention.
But without the right attitude in place, ego and insecurity can blind writers to the insights that comparison can provide, warping constructive comparison into a dangerously destructive act.
So, how can you overcome unhealthy creative comparison? Kristen breaks down everything you need to know in today's episode, writer.
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/mindset
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
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Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/platform
To find commercial success, every author needs a platform -- the ability to sell books because of who they are or who they can reach. But how do you build a platform that helps you reach the right readers and sell more books?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the four foundational elements of any successful author platform, the five most popular strategies that authors use to expand their reach, and the key to successful platform growth that can make or break your success as an author.
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/death
Death can serve as a powerful storytelling tool in many ways, but with great power comes great responsibility. What's the secret sauce to killing off characters in a way that readers can respect?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the five key reasons that good storytellers choose to kill their characters.
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/three
Many writers dream of becoming full-time authors. But how exactly do successful self-published authors earn their livings?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the three P's of successful self-publishing: production, presentation, and promotion!
👉 Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers. 👈
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/decision
Both the traditional and independent publishing industries offer writers the fantastic opportunity to share their work with the world. But which path to publication is right for you?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of both publication paths, as well as common publishing misconceptions and a persistent limiting belief that may cloud your understanding of which path is best for you.
Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers.
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/emotions
Writers are commonly advised to craft complex characters. But what exactly makes a character complex?
In today's episode, Kristen explains why characters are often defined by the archetypes they embody and how developing characters who experience a wealth of emotions beyond their defining archetypical traits can lead to a cast that feels fully real and believable on the page.
Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers.
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/trust
Have you tried and failed to build a lasting writing habit time and time again?
Taking a break from writing when life gets tough is one thing. But when the slightest hint of upheaval repeatedly sends your creative practice into a tailspin, you know you have a bigger issue on your hands — and that is issue is almost certainly a lack of self-trust.
In today's episode, learn how you can begin building self-trust ASAP using atomic habits, as well as how to maintain your habit through turbulent times in your writing life.
Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers.
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
When I feel uninspired, I have a go-to activity that I refer to as "sketching." This isn't a guide on how to draw. The sketching I'm referring to is a written variation, and it has saved me from many panicked moments of not delivering.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/tracking
Want to create a better, stronger writing habit? One of the easiest ways to double down on your commitment to the craft is by habit tracking.
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down what habit tracking is, what writers should log when tracking, and how habit tracking can serve as a source of motivation, momentum, and a sense of accomplishment.
Grab your free writing habit tracker today by visit our episode transcript linked above.
Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers.
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
You’ve no doubt heard of plotters and pantsers—plotters like to plot and outline before they write; pantsers like to skip this step and instead write by the seat of their pants.
But what about obsessive plotters? Have you heard of those? Because that’s me.
I love outlining. Outlining is probably my favorite part of the writing experience. It’s like a puzzle—figuring out where everything goes and why, incorporating details in the best way possible. I love getting to know my characters and learning why they do what they do.
For a long time, I tried to find a way of outlining that allowed me to be as detailed as I wanted. I was looking for something visually oriented—something where I could see everything at a glance. I checked out lots of different programs, paid and free, and nothing ever quite worked out...until recently! A couple months ago, I discovered Trello.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/beats
Every story features at least one arc of events. This arc can be broken down into acts, which are comprised of chapters that contain scenes.
Inside every scene should live the most atomic aspect of storytelling's composition: the beat. What is a beat exactly? Why is it an essential element in any story, and how can you craft powerful beats of your own? Let's dive in!
Click here for Savannah Gilbo's articles on genre beats
Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers.
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Looking for a few new tools and resources to inspire your writing life? Look no further!
Creators around the web are sharing fantastic Black Friday deals on writing workbooks, e-courses, apps, and other tools designed specifically with writers in mind. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite deals for fiction writers, including sales on our resources here at Well-Storied. Take a peek:
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/efficiency
Wish you could crank out your stories more quickly? You aren’t alone.
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down why more isn't always better and shares the seven key aspects writers should cultivate if they want to build a strong foundation for better, faster writing.
Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers.
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/subplots
Subplots are more than just a secondary plotline in a story; They're secondary conflicts that arise from characters’ actions & reactions as they engage with the story’s central conflict.
What types of subplots exist, how can these secondary plotlines lend depth to your story, and most importantly, how can you craft effective subplots all your own? Let's dive into today's episode together, writer.
Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers.
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Editing can undo even the greatest writers. While the creative spirit flies high for writers during the drafting stage, many find editing to be boring and tedious. Some even skip the process altogether.
Unfortunately, there’s no way around the fact that editing is, for most, nowhere near as fun as the free sprint of a first draft. However, if you want to finish, pitch, and sell your story, then you must accept that your manuscript will need to undergo multiple types of editing, including development, line-, and copy-editing. A final proofread is also essential to identify any remaining grammar and style mistakes in the text.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/potential
Shiny new story ideas are doubtless tempting to pursue. The only issue? Some story ideas simply aren’t worth developing. In today's episode, Kristen explores two easy activities that can help you determine whether your new story idea has powerful narrative potential.
Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers.
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/storygoals
The surest way to drive your plot forward is to arm your characters with goals they’re motivated to achieve. Pit your characters’ goals against one another (or against their internal needs), and you’ll create deliciously engaging conflict that keeps readers turning pages.
But how does one develop goals that effectively serve their characters and story? Is it even necessary to give every character a goal, for that matter?
Let’s delve into this topic together in today's episode, writer!
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You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
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Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/perfect
As writers, holding our work to high standards can help us craft sensational stories. But when those high standards aren’t accompanied by a healthy creative mindset, the seeds of perfectionism can take root.
Why is this so dangerous? In today's episode, Kristen breaks down how perfectionism can wreak havoc on your writing life, how you can recognize the signs that you're struggling with perfectionist behaviors, and the steps you can take to kick perfectionism to the curb ASAP.
Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers.
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/themes
Themes are an integral part of any good story. Yet many genre fiction writers fail to consider their story’s themes, believing they have no place beyond literary novels — or worse yet, that authors who actively explore themes in their stories do so to preach to readers.
These harmful misconceptions hinder writers’ efforts to produce effective and engaging stories. Why? And how can you go about developing powerful themes for your story? Tune into today's episode to find out...
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All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
As a new writer, I had no idea how to approach the novel revision process. I had only ever revised short stories and academic papers before. Revising a long-form piece was a much larger task that required more moving parts and careful observation.
I took to the Internet in search of revision advice, but to my surprise, there wasn’t much detailed information available for new authors to learn from. Through a few limited resources and a lot of effort, I managed to work out a fairly good procedure that I want to share with you today in the hopes of shedding some light on the revision process for new writers.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/strongercharacters
If you want readers to invest in your characters and their journeys, then you must craft characters that readers can believe in—characters so well-developed and realistic that they seem to spring to life on the page.
But crafting a cast that moves beyond caricatures and cardboard cutouts can be difficult. What steps can you take to develop complex and compelling characters today?
Today's episode includes 33 tips you won’t want to miss…
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All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
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As writers, we tend to roll our eyes when we catch common tropes in literature. Popular writing advice teaches that tropes are bad and that writers should avoid them at all costs. For the most part, this is true. However, there are ways to reinvent old tropes that can breath fresh life into our stories.
But what is a trope, exactly? Great question!
A trope can be defined as a significant or recurrent theme in literature. Writers are often warned against using common tropes because they can weigh a story down, filling them with predictable and unimaginative elements that feel unprofessional (or even lazy), ultimately diminishing readers’ enjoyment of your work.
To give evidence to this assertion, let’s take a look at a few common character tropes…
While reading, we become active participants in a point-of-view character’s journey (seriously, our brains become the character). This means that when characters undergo a deep journey of change, we do too. Character arcs are the method through which authors move hearts, change minds, and influence the world.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/motivations
Your characters’ motivations hold the power to make or break readers’ interest in your story. Why? Because conflict means little without context.
But when you allow readers to understand and sympathize with your characters’ actions, you encourage the reader-character connection that keeps readers turning pages.
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down how you can develop powerful motivations for your characters by delving into the psychology of human behavior.
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All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
You can spend months crafting the perfect novel for your audience, only for it to sell poorly because you haven’t taken your metadata seriously. It may not be fair, but it’s true--the metadata for your eBook can make or break your sales. But what is metadata? Here’s a list of what it includes: 1. Book title 2. Subtitle 3. Series information 4. Description 5. Author 6. Contributors 7. Publisher 8. Keywords 9. Category You enter all of these metadata elements when you’re publishing your book.
If you write short fiction, submitting to literary magazines is a great way to find an audience. But with thousands of magazines to choose from, submissions might feel intimidating. Don't know where to begin? Or even what to think about when submitting to litmags? This guide breaks down the big considerations as you delve into the world of submissions.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/personalities
To fill our stories with characters who feel as real as the people around us, we must delve deeper than classic archetypes and easy characterizations. This work begins with developing richly complex personalities for our characters that lend to their most vibrant portrayals. Discover my favorite personality-building tool in today's episode!
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/lie
Emotional struggles are human struggles. To create conflict readers find compelling, it's worth considering the internal obstacles that directly impact your characters' ability to achieve a goal, experience personal growth, and/or realize a happier future. This is where the "lie" your characters believe comes into play...
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A step outline is more than just another pre-writing technique. It's an active document that can help you hone your novel at every stage of the writing process. Author and editor Mel Lee-Smith explains in this article for the Well-Storied blog!
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/social
My Social Media Announcement: www.well-storied.com/socialmedia
Do you need to maintain an active social media presence to be successful in your writing career? I explore this question in today's episode, breaking down how writers use social media to their advantage and whether engaging online is truly the best way to connect with writers, readers, and industry pros.
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I worked on my thriller, Murderabilia, for years. Imagine my surprise when the TV show, “The Prodigal Son,” aired in September with a nearly identical premise. In my book and the show, the son of a serial killer has not seen his imprisoned father since he was a boy. Many years later, someone commits a murder that looks just the way his father would do it. The police need the protagonist to work with his father to find the copycat killer. Had someone borrowed my work?
Are you tired of jumping from distraction to distraction when trying to write? Perhaps this isn't a problem you need to solve but rather an element of your creative process worth embracing. Author Autumn Krause explains…
A character arc is a sequence of events that details a character’s internal struggle. In today's episode, Kristen Kieffer breaks down how to craft powerful positive change arcs that will see your characters overcome a core fear, flaw, or false belief to transform for the better.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/positive
Crafting Incredible Characters: www.well-storied.com/books
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To write inclusively is to take an active role in improving how marginalized communities are represented in literature by including a diverse cast of characters in your stories. Why is this such an important endeavor? And how can you ensure you represent characters accurately and well? Let's break this topic down in today's episode, writer!
(Note: Today is Thursday, March 26th, not Friday. Anyone else losing track of time while social distancing?)
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/inclusive
Build Your Best Writing Life: www.well-storied.com/bybwl
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Past events hold the power to shape who your character is and how they act when your story begins. With that in mind, today's episode takes a deep dive into backstory, exploring the aspect of your characters' pasts that holds perhaps the greatest potential to impact their present stories: their ghosts.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/ghost
Episode on Backstory: www.well-storied.com/backstory
Build Your Best Writing Life: www.well-storied.com/bybwl
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If you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective way to format your next book, allow me to introduce you to Vellum.
This book formatting software is incredibly intuitive and easy to use. Though designed with fiction in mind, you can use Vellum to format any book not in need of complicated interior design.
Because Vellum is a one-time purchase (I.e. $199.99 for e-book formatting, $249.99 for print + e-book formatting), it’s a cost-effective DIY formatting option for many independent authors, especially those planning to publish multiple books. And because you don’t need to purchase Vellum until you’re ready to generate your formatted files, you can download and trial Vellum for an unlimited amount of time.
Popular writing rules exist for a reason. Or do they? Writing is both an art and a craft. While language and storytelling serve as forms of self-expression, one can also learn structures and techniques that can help them become a better writer.
Such guidance exists in every creative art, from painting to dancing, playing music, and beyond. Why, then, might it be problematic to follow common writing rules?
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/writingrules
Build Your Best Writing Life: www.well-storied.com/bybwl
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Inside every writer sits a creative well. Whenever you sit down to write, you dip your bucket into this well, drawing the energy you need to attend the work at hand. Draw too deeply, however, and you'll run into writing burnout. Learn how to recover from this creative exhaustion and better mind your creative energy in today's episode.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/burnout
Build Your Best Writing Life: www.well-storied.com/bybwl
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Never is a reader more likely to set your book aside (and perhaps not pick it up again) than when they finish a chapter. Therefore, as a writer, it's important to consider how you'll make your chapter endings as gripping as possible.
In today's episode, I show you how to do just that by moving beyond the cliché cliffhanger to dig deep into the concept of turning points.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/pageturner
Build Your Best Writing Life: www.well-storied.com/bybwl
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If you consider yourself a pantser, you likely don’t spend much (or any) time pre-writing your stories prior to drafting. Instead, you “write by the seat of your pants,” using your first draft to explore and develop your story.
But just because you don’t find pre-writing helpful to your writing process doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of the power of story structure. Learn how in today's episode!
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/pantser
Build Your Best Writing Life: www.well-storied.com/bybwl
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If part of your personal definition of writing success includes making a living from your writing, it's time to start thinking like an entrepreneur. That's why today's episode breaks down the most common business models authors use to build their writing careers.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/startselfpublishing
Mentioned in Today's Episode:
• The Pros & Cons of Self-Publishing
• The Pros & Cons of Traditional Publishing
• Breaking Down 5 Keys to Writing Success
• Business Models for Authors
• The Cost of Self-Publishing Fiction
• Exclusivity vs Publishing Wide for Ebooks, Print, and Audio with Joanna Penn
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Are you willing to adopt an entrepreneurial spirit to make a living from your writing? If so, let's break down the most common business models authors use to build their writing careers in today's episode.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/business
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Did you know that audio can prove a powerful tool in writers' arsenals, especially when editing? Dustin Maxey, author and founder of Edit Out Loud, explains why and how you can incorporate audio into your writing process today!
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/audio
Edit Out Loud: www.editoutloud.com
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Are you ready to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be in your writing life? In today's episode, I break down the essential strategies for writing success I share in my new book for writers, Build Your Best Writing Life.Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/bestwritinglife
Newsletter Sign-Up: www.well-storied.com/join
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You know it’s essential to make time to write. You can’t maintain a consistent writing practice without carving out time in your schedule for creative work. But how are you supposed to make that time when you have a career, a family, a home, and other responsibilities to address? Today, I'm sharing the top five principles that can help you make the most of the writing time available to you.
Note: Today's episode is an excerpt from my upcoming book, "Build Your Best Writing Life", debuting January 2nd, 2020. To be the first to know when the book goes live, subscribe to my email list below.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/timetowrite
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As writers, it’s our job to craft fully-realized characters: characters that feel as real as the people around us. And like the people around us, this means our characters should be flawed.
Why, then, do so many inexperienced writers to shy away from crafting flawed characters? And what does it mean for a character flaw to have an impact on your story? Tune in to today's episode for answers to both of these questions about more!
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/flaws
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All writers experience creative frustration from time to time. But what if you experience creative frustration most of the time? Today, I'm sharing my top insights into the true nature of creative doubt and fear, as well as the strategies you can use to the battle against resistance in your writing life.
Note: Today's episode is an excerpt from my upcoming book, "Build Your Best Writing Life", debuting January 2nd, 2020.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/resistance
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The opening chapters of your story are doubtless some of the most important you will write. That's why I'm taking time today to share three lessons I learned from receiving a critique of my novel's first three chapters!
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/firstthreechapters
Isobelle Lans: www.inspiredlinesediting.com/my-services
Well-Storied Communities: www.well-storied.com/community
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Looking for a few new tools and resources to inspire your writing life? Look no further!
Though it isn’t yet Black Friday, companies and creators across the internet have already begun sharing fantastic deals on workbooks, e-courses, apps, and other tools designed specifically with writers in mind. Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite Black Friday deals for fiction writers, including sales on our resources here at Well-Storied. Take a peek:
From first kisses to sensual love scenes, crafting physical intimacy between your characters that doesn't feel cheesy or cringe-worthy can be tough. Today's episode breaks down my top tips for crafting an intimate scene that readers will love using techniques gleaned from Diana Gabaldon's "I Give You My Body (How I Write Sex Scenes)".
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/intimate
I Give You My Body by Diana Gabaldon (affiliate): https://amzn.to/2D3nr5z
How to Frame Scenes Like a Filmmaker: www.well-storied.com/framing
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Happy Monday, writers!
A few weeks ago, a freelance editor named Isobelle Lans reached out to ask if I’d like to participate in an interview about my personal writing life. Here at Well-Storied, I share the tools and techniques that have helped me develop my craft (and that can help you do the same), but I don’t often talk about the actual novels in which I put these insights into practice.
This is what Isobelle wished to discuss — my novels, the story world in which I write, and how both my life experiences and my work at Well-Storied have shaped both of these things. If this is something you’re interested in, stay tuned. Below, I’m sharing a sneak peek of the interview with a link to view the full copy over on Isobelle’s site, Inspired Lines Editing .
Preparing to work with a freelance editor for the first time? In today's episode, I'll share what you can expect from the experience, the ways in which editors' processes frequently differ, and the key tips you can apply to ensure you have a fantastic collaboration with your editor of choice!
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/freelanceeditor
Sara Letourneau: www.heartofthestoryeditorial.com
Sarah Kolb-Williams: www.kolbwilliams.com
Build Your Best Writing Life: launch.well-storied.com
Choosing The Right Freelance Editor for Your Manuscript: www.well-storied.com/freelance
Guide to Track Changes: www.liminalpages.com/how-to-use-track-changes-when-working-with-an-editor
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Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/realwriter
What does it mean to be a "real" writer? If you're waiting on publishing or commercial success to validate your skills and stories, you'll never find the creative confidence you crave. In today's episode, I explain why and break down the key to finding true joy, confidence, and fulfillment in your writing life.
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The "Show, Don't Tell" technique is often used to craft immersive sensory descriptions. But what if it could also be used to solve some of the most common storytelling issues?
Say goodbye to lengthy info-dumps, on-the-nose writing, and heavy-handed themes. In today's episode, I'm breaking down how you can use "Show, Don't Tell" to resolve common story critiques via the use of subtext. Hooray!
// Episode Links //
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/showdonttell
Build Your Best Writing Life: launch.well-storied.com
// Recent Guest Posts //
Three Tips for Crafting Lyrical Prose by Angela Hartgers: www.well-storied.com/lyrical
Guest Post Submission Guidelines: www.well-storied.com/guest
// Additional Links //
Well-Storied Communities: www.well-storied.com/community
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Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/cover
Despite the saying, readers do indeed judge books by their covers. That's why today's episode breaks down everything you need to know about commissioning a great cover design, including why a cover can make or break your book marketing, how much covers typically cost to commission, and what the process of working with a book cover designer looks like.
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/chemistry
There's something magical about romance, with its unique tension and allure and its will-they-or-won’t-they mystery that leads to such great page-turning material.
But that material can’t exist without strong romantic chemistry between the characters in question (as evidenced by many a lackluster rom-com, right?). And unfortunately, chemistry isn’t exactly easy to define or to craft.
That's why I'm sharing everything I've learned about building romantic chemistry between characters in today's episode, from what chemistry is to the four types of attraction that can lead to romantic chemistry and the key to crafting chemistry readers can believe in.
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Have you ever read a sentence that leaves your jaw resting atop your chest? Something so perfect, so planned, so melodic that you can’t help but marvel at the sheer mastery of the writer’s genius?
These examples of seemingly elusive “perfect sentences” are more than likely rhythmic ones, and are intentionally written with poetic cadence, smoothly disguised under the guise of mere storytelling.
Although these sentences may feel like they have a sort of je ne sais quoi , there are specific strategies you can use to weave some rhythm into your own fiction storytelling.
Looking for freelance editors is easier than ever, thanks to social media and the Internet. But choosing the right one for your manuscript? That can be tougher than you’d think.
So much goes into the process of contacting editors and weighing your options regarding budget, timetable, and other factors. As both a writer and an editor, I understand how intimidating and complex this decision can be. It’s tempting to choose an editor who offers the most affordably package or is available to work on your manuscript right away. But what if her personality doesn’t mesh well with yours? Or if her emails give the impression that she’s willing to work with you but not that interested in your story?
In other words, don’t just hire any editor. Hire the right editor, the one that’s the best fit for your project. Here are six factors that can help you make this important decision.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/alternative
Finding your personal writing process is essential to building a writing life you love, and this includes the method that helps you craft your best first drafts.
Traditionally, writers outline their stories, then use that outline to guide them as they draft their idea in full. But what if this method doesn’t work well for you?
In today's episode, Kristen shares three alternative drafting techniques that might just revolutionize your writing process.
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Writing challenges can present great opportunities to improve your writing skills and commitment to the craft. But writing challenges have a dark side that isn’t often discussed.
The drive to produce a specific creative output, especially within a limited time, can introduce an unhealthy pressure to succeed. This pressure can then lead to creative burnout, a broken writing habit, and feelings inadequacy and shame. These results don’t benefit your writing practice or long-term creative success in any way.
Still, these potential consequences don’t mean you should avoid participating in writing challenges. In addition to the benefits I shared above, completing a challenge can provide a sense of creative accomplishment and motivation. But how do you gain these positive benefits without encountering unhealthy pressure and its consequences?
Good news, writer! Today, I’m sharing my top eight tips for making the most of a writing challenge. Let's dig in!
// Episode Links //
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/challenge
Workbooks: www.well-storied.com/workbooks
(Save 50% through October 3rd, 2019 with the code 'preptober')
// Recent Guest Posts //
Anatomy of a Romantic Comedy by Lynsay McCaulley: www.well-storied.com/romcom
Guest Post Submission Guidelines: www.well-storied.com/guest
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They’ve hit the scene in an incredible way, from the slew of Netflix films to the rise in rom-com fiction (sometimes called “chick lit”) in both Adult and YA. But rom-coms never really went away. They simply faded for a time, with new books and films releasing at a slower pace — a great example of what can happen in the ever-shifting market.
With rom-coms once more on the rise, I’d like to break down the anatomy of the genre using the structure outlined in Billy Mernitt’s Writing the Romantic Comedy. (Note: Buy this book. Seriously. It’s a sharp tool in your writing arsenal. Mernitt explains each of his seven story beats with brilliant examples from existing rom-coms. It’s a must-read.)
In The Anatomy of a Romantic Comedy, Mernitt takes the classic three-act structure (e.g. Conflict, Crisis, Resolution) and renames each point to set them into a rom-com frame: Meet, Lose, Get.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/fight
With sky-high stakes, fast-paced action, and your characters’ adrenaline running high, fight scenes can be tricky to write.
Here’s the good news: No matter if you’re writing a sword fight, a bar room brawl, or a magical duel for the ages, Kristen is breaking down eight tips that will help you write an epic fight scene in today's episode!
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/format
Don’t underestimate the power of a quality interior book design.
If you're interested in self-publishing your work, it's important that you consider every element of your book's production, including how you'll format your book for easy reading. In today's episode, Kristen shares five common book formatting options to help you discover which is right for you and your book.
- Affiliate links below *
Option #1: Vellum
Option #2: Scrivener Compile
Option #3: Book Design Templates
Option #4: Adobe InDesign
Option #5: Professional Book Formatting
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Sitting down to write isn’t always easy. When creative work proves difficult, many writers turn to goal-setting to motivate themselves to action, only to experience shame and frustration as they fail to fulfill their goals. Sound familiar? You aren’t alone.
Goal-setting often proves an ineffective productivity hack for one simple reason: a goal is an aim; not an action plan.
In today's episode, I share how you can set truly effective macro- and micro-goals that will help you find creative focus, avoid writing burnout, and making consistent progress toward building the writing life you long to lead.
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Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/goals
On Writing Practices: www.well-storied.com/practice
Tools & Resources: www.well-storied.com/tools
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From the copy on your author website to the emails you send your readership and the marketing ads and campaigns you create —to thrive in your writing career, you must present your work to the world with professionalism.
One of my favorite tools for achieving professionalism is Grammarly. After crafting and revising content, Grammarly reveals key insights and inaccuracies that help me polish my work before I present it to the world. And making use of this AI-powered text editor is a joy thanks to its easy-to-use interface and various available formats.
Today, I’m sharing with you how I make use of the features available through Grammarly's online text editor at Grammarly.com. (Note: I've created a video to accompany today's podcast that's available through the episode transcript linked below.)
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/grammarly
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Why is it so hard to put pen to paper when you desperately long to write? The answer to this question is deceptively simple: because writing isn’t easy — and neither is drumming up the motivation to complete difficult creative work.
But with a well-established writing practice, there’s no need to chase the muse or strive to drum up a measure of motivation. You sit down and do the work because it’s your habit to do so. Because you’ve created a simple system that allows you to make slow but steady progress toward your goals and dreams regardless of the difficult work involved.
That is the power of habit — and in today's episode, I'm sharing everything you need to know about building a sustainable writing practice of your own.
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Readers today want to get deep into our characters rather than being told what they are feeling. Which means our characters must feel, react, emote, and process in natural, believable ways. Deep POV has become the norm across genres.
“Show, don’t tell” is the golden rule of fiction. But it’s easier said than done. If we show too much, we risk boring our readers (and ourselves) or overwriting. If we show too little, we risk failing to adequately reveal the character’s emotions and, hence, fail to evoke any emotional response in our readers.
As we balance narrative, backstory, dialogue, action, and direct thoughts, we have to be mindful of the overarching purpose of all of it: to artfully show the character’s emotional state through her mind-set, thoughts, behavior, dialogue, and body language. It is not easy to do well. The saying “Easy reading is hard writing” is a truth seasoned authors know well.
A little beta reader feedback can go a long way toward improving the quality of your work.
In last week’s episode, I answered six common questions about working with beta readers, including what beta readers are, why their feedback is invaluable, and how you can find the beta readers who will provide the most constructive feedback on your work.
Today, I’m following that introduction with a guide to creating the very best beta experience for both you and your readers. Remember, beta readers are providing you with a free service. It’s your job to make that work as enjoyable as possible for your beta readers — and when you do, you may just find that you set yourself up for a fantastic beta reader experience as well.
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In the aftermath of the USWNT’s World Cup victory, some of Ashlyn Harris’s Instagram stories showcased the team’s celebrations in the locker room. In them, champagne is spilled, trophies are kissed, players show off ridiculous dance moves and laugh at each other. But there’s one video among this bunch that stands out. And no, it isn’t the twerking video. It’s the one with Megan Rapinoe entering the locker room with the caption, “When you’ve been waiting for pinoe to be done with press conferences.”
It’s clear as Rapinoe arrives that this locker room is the one place in the world she most wants to be and that the entire team wants her there, too. And it struck me as appropriate—humane, even—that the team gets to celebrate without the media watching. That after so many hours in the spotlight on the world stage, with such pressure and focus, they get to unwind with each other. They get to let down their guard—their public selves—and share their joy with the only people who fully understand it.
There’s a lesson here for writers.
Nothing improves the quality of your writing like a little objective feedback.
A few well-honed self-editing skills can go a long way, but at the end of the day, you’re simply too close to your work to truly revise and refine it to be the best that it can be. This is where beta readers come in handy.
In this new two-part blog & podcast series, I'll break down everything you need to know about working with beta readers: what they are, the value they can bring to your work, where to find them, and how to set yourself up for the very best beta reader experience.
// Episode Links //
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/beta
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Are You At The Helm of Your Writing Success by Clare Di Liscia: www.well-storied.com/helm
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The online writing community can provide a world of support and encouragement in your writing journey.
But socializing and networking with fellow writers can be a daunting task, even for chatty extroverts. As a writer who leans more toward introversion, I’ve had to learn how to engage in the online writing community in a way that is comfortable to me — but that also but pushes me out of my comfort zone in a healthy way.
Today, I’d love to share with you, my fellow introverted writers, how I’ve made the most of engaging online…
When you decide to be an author, you will encounter strangers, people you consider friends, and even family who will — with the best intentions — gasp, “you should focus on your kids” or “that ship has sailed.” I’m here to tell you that ship, your ship, is docked in the harbor. It only needs three things to get you to the write destination: a captain, a fierce wind, and a push.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/lyfp
Getting published isn't just for the lucky. Today's episode breaks down the key points from Landing Your First Publication by Mandy Wallace, a short story writing prompt + publication strategy guide that is truly the only resource you need if you want to stop wishing and starting making your publication dreams come true.
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There are so many things in a writer’s life that can make finishing a novel difficult. For writers living with depression, this is especially true.
Depression can make your focus cloudy, make you feel apathetic toward things you care about, make it feel impossible to get out of bed, and altogether make your writing aspirations seem like pipe dreams. Even if writing is something you enjoy, depression can make it a miserable task, which can whittle away at your desire to do it at all. I should know. I’ve lived with depression since I was eight years old and was eventually diagnosed at fourteen.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/backstory
Part of crafting characters involves exploring their history. Just as your lived experiences have shaped the person you are today, a character’s backstory has the power to provide depth and understanding to their characterization. But crafting a rich and compelling character backstory is far from simple.
What elements should you consider when weaving your character’s history? Better yet, how do you translate that history onto the page without bogging down your story? Let’s answer both of these questions and more in today’s episode!
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Beginning your journey as a writer is challenging.
We’ve all faced obstacles in our writing lives — whether it’s rejection, self-doubt, criticism, or something else. We’ve all thought, “What if my novel just isn’t good enough?”. When we read great books with complex characters and fantastic plot arcs — books so engrossing we can’t put them down — we compare our novels to those amazing books. “Why would someone read my story when that author’s book is so much better?”
But that’s the thing. If you look at those authors, they’ve been writing for what — ten years? Now they have a publishing contract, an editor, beta readers, and others to support them in their work. But when they first started writing, they had the same doubts and fears. They all faced struggle. Today, let’s tackle those doubts, fears and struggles head on.
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/flashback
Flashback scenes are some of the most difficult to write.
An ineffective flashback may bore readers, jarring them out of the story, making them wish the author would just get on with it. Excessively lengthy and frequent flashbacks may even make readers set a book aside.
How can you ensure your story’s flashbacks don’t make readers’ eyes glaze over? Let’s break down how you can craft these tricky contextual scenes with confidence, clarity, and success.
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What is flash fiction, and why should you write it? I’ll tell you. But first, can I ask a question?
Are you reading this blog post on your phone? I’d bet money your answer is yes. Most of us spend more time pointing our noses at screens than buried in books or magazines. Rather than fight this, the modern writer should ask, “How do I best take advantage of this medium?” (A question that would likely horrify Ray Bradbury, God rest his soul.)
Content abounds on the internet, and when readers’ options are limitless, it stands to reason that shorter content has a better chance of being read. As fledgling writers, we want to get our names out there, right? That’s why the short, impactful form of flash fiction is an optimal way to showcase our writing chops to casual readers.
Eager to improve the quality of your writing? Don't underestimate the power of tightening your prose. In today's episode, I'm sharing the eight items you should cut or reconsider when editing fiction, helping you transform weak and clumsy writing into irresistible read.
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Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/reconsider
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You can only call yourself a writer if you actually write, right?
Often, we writers have the best intentions to make time for our practices, but those plans fall through. Day jobs, family, social lives, and making dinner have all been known to make us go from thinking “I’m going to write today!” to “Maybe tomorrow…”
So, how do you make sure you actually sit down to write instead of continually postponing it?
Feel like your writing skills aren't doing your stories justice?
I hear you, writer. I love crafting characters, plots, settings, and story worlds, but I lack a natural knack for prose. Unsatisfied with my writing, I've spent the past several years working day in and day out to level up my writing game, and though I'll always be improving, I'm proud of where my prose now stands.
The process of improving your writing can certainly be intimidating. In today's episode, I aim to help you overcome that overwhelm by breaking down the elements of prose you should consider at each step in the writing process: drafting, revising, and editing.
Improving your writing takes time and determination, no doubt, but you are as good a writer as you work to be. Let's get to work.
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Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/prose
On Patreon: www.patreon.com/wellstoried
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How to Find Your Writing Rhythm Using the Snowball Effect by Diana James: wwww.well-storied.com/snowball
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So, you’re fearful of putting your writing out there into the world…
Well, you’re not alone. Every writer experiences anxiety about letting other people read their work. Every writer fears rejection and criticism. Today, I’d like to help you overcome these fears by sharing insights gained from my own submission experience.
So there you sit. Again. Be it electronic or physical paper, the anxiety-inducing blank page stares back at you for the umpteenth time.
You’ve read plenty of articles explaining that most writers deal with this same situation all the time. All you need to do is push through the writer’s block, right? So you sit and sit and sit, waiting for inspiration to strike. Only it doesn’t. The longer you wait, the more frustrated you become. Finally you walk away, vowing to “try again tomorrow with a clear head.”
“If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.” — Stephen King
Earlier this year, I mentioned in a newsletter that I had set out to read 100 books in 2019. Five months and 35 books later, I've decided to call this challenge quits. Why? Well, the answer's a bit complex, as is the reason I decided to take on this challenge.
In today's episode, I'm sharing the dangers of setting arbitrary creative goals and chasing other authors' ideals. If you don't share my Type A personality, this may all seem a bit silly. But if, like me, you often find yourself victim to doubt, burnout, and the Comparison Trap, this one's for you.
// Episode Links //
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/readingchallenge
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Your Write Dream: www.facebook.com/groups/writedream
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Five Simple Tips for Conquering Creative Burnout by Jess Costello: www.well-storied.com/creativeburnout
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Thinking about entering a writing contest? How about submitting your work for feedback from industry professionals? Author Michelle Cornish has years of experience in both of these endeavors, and today on the Well-Storied blog, she’s sharing her top tips for submission success!
You’re excited about your novel idea. You want to write it, and you know you should be working on it, but life keeps getting in the way. When you do have time to write, you find yourself too physically and mentally exhausted. Burnt out to a crisp.
No matter where you are in life, you likely balance so many commitments that coming home to stare at a computer screen after a long day of school or work can seem like just another chore. Taking a break feels counterintuitive. Doesn’t that make the problem worse? How can taking a break from your passion prove refreshing?
Every phenomenal story unfolds in a series of scenes. And if each scene in a book is a link in a chain, one weak link can threaten the overall power of a story. How, then, do we craft well-structured and compelling scenes for our stories?
In today's episode, we break down what exactly defines a scene (hint: it's not just a fun, frightening, or steamy moment between characters), the six elements that most compelling scenes contain, and how you can ensure your scene serves a powerful purpose by utilizing a quick summary formula. Shall we dive in?
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Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/scenes
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I've long wondered if I'm falling behind in my writing life. I blog about writing (and talk about it here on the podcast), but I haven't yet published my fiction. And as I toil away on my manuscript, it seems like every other writer I see is passing me by, hot on the trail of their writing dreams. Am I falling behind? Am I working hard enough? Am I enough?
These are the doubts that I've lived with for many years, and though I'm still a work-in-progress, I've done a tremendous amount of work to overhaul my limiting beliefs and build confidence in my creative process. Have you also worried that you're failing to live up to your creative potential? Today, I'd like to share with you five hard truths I've learned in working to overcome the fear that I'm falling behind. Let's dive in.
// Episode Links //
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/fallingbehind
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/motifs
Motifs are one of those literary devices that are often ignored because of the belief that they only have a place in academic circles. But in truth, motifs serve two key purposes that can be just as powerful in genre fiction as in literary novels.
In today's episode, I’m breaking down exactly what a motif is, the purposes it can serve, and how you can begin making use of motifs in your own stories today. I also share examples of motifs from The Great Gatsby, A Game of Thrones, and Bridge to Terabithia.
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/living
Interested in building a career as a published author? Don't dive in just yet...
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down several common myths about publishing for profit and discusses how successful novelists earn their livings. She also doles out the key questions every writer should ask before committing to a writing career.
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/imposter
Have you ever worked hard to achieve an important writing milestone, only to downplay your accomplishment?
Have you ever sat frozen in fear while staring down a new project, terrified that others will think your work just isn’t up to scratch?
Have you ever wondered if you “have what it takes” to be a writer, unsure if you can even claim the title?
This, my friend, is Imposter Syndrome.
In today's episode, Kristen down what Imposter Syndrome is (and isn't), eight ways you can combat this pesky phenomenon (because you cannot lead your best writing life if believe that you’re unworthy of success), and the role that confidence plays in your creative pursuits.
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Whether you’re preparing to write your first novel or short story, screenplay or video game script, or something else entirely, working in a new creative medium can prove an intimidating process. To better prepare, here are eight lessons I learned from diving into my first non-fiction book on writing!
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We often think of character arcs, which map a character’s internal journey over the course of a story, as being transformative in nature. But what about those characters who don’t experience an internal transformation?
Do they lack the development needed to make their stories richly compelling?
Not in the least — or rather, not necessarily. Today, Kristen Kieffer breaks down the static arc, in which a character fights to hold true to their values in the face of great temptation.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/static
Crafting Incredible Characters: www.well-storied.com/books
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Will your character's tragic flaw or limiting belief ultimately prove their downfall? In today's episode, Kristen breaks down how you can develop and structure a powerful negative change arc for your story today!
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/negative
Crafting Incredible Characters: www.well-storied.com/books
K.M. Weiland: www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com
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Interested in writing a book series? Not all series are created equal. In fact, there are three distinct ways you can structure a book series, and understanding which structure is right for your stories and career goals is key to setting yourself up for series success.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/series
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“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” — Stephen King. How can reading with a critical eye help us improve our writing skills? Let's break down everything you need to know today on the podcast!
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/reading
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Writing doubts get the best of all of us, but we don't have to stay stagnant for days, weeks, months, or even years on end. So what's the key to working through and moving forward? Let's talk about cultivating an attitude of bravery, writer!
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/doubts
Find me on Instagram: @kristen_kieffer
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Defining your personal writing style and voice can help you gain confidence in your creative work, but how exactly do you go about building that sense of assurance? Grab a cuppa and settle in, writer. It's time we had a chat!
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Has your passion for writing dwindled? Do you find yourself stuck in a rut, no matter how much you want to write? It’s time we had a chat about creative passion, writer — and more importantly, how to rediscover it for yourself.
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Why does it often prove so difficult to get our butts in our chairs and our fingers on the keys? Today, let’s talk about the phenomenon of resistance and how we can overcome it to build life-long, creatively fulfilling writing habits!
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At the heart of every good story lies an arc, a series of related events that compels readers to engage with the narrative. As writers, why is it important to understand which arcs drive our stories? Let’s examine the difference between plot-driven and character-driven narratives today!
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Struggling to juggle your work on multiple manuscripts? It's time to find some balance, writer. Let's talk about implementing a drafting cycle in today's episode!
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Frustrated with your productivity as a writer? Whether you’re struggling to find the time to write or failing to utilize the time you already have, let's talk about some tips to level up the hours you spend creating.
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Easily distracted by new story ideas? Can't seem to finish a full draft? Writers, let's break this vicious cycle by learning how to overcome shiny new idea syndrome and find writing focus — all in today's episode!
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Building a consistent creative practice is key to achieving our writing goals, but with all the chaos of life, establishing a writing routine is often far from easy. How can we conquer creative blues and find a routine that leaves us feeling free? Let's discuss, writers!
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Scene cards are one of the most versatile tools in a writer's arsenal. Just how can they come in handy? I'm sharing how I've made use in today's episode, writers!
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“Show, Don’t Tell” is far and away one of the most common pieces of writing advice. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. What does this adage really mean, and how can you balance it in your work? Let's discuss today, writers!
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Like any industry or creative hobby, the writing world comes with its fair share of lingo. Ready to be in the know? Today's episode is for you, writer!
- Apologies for the occasional static in today's episode. My microphone has been giving me a bit of technical trouble lately.
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Every story is a carefully woven tapestry of tensions. But how can you weave each thread with care? Let's discuss my top tension-building tips in today's episode, writers.
- I mislabeled this episode as #89 in the intro. It's #90, baby!
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Ah, the Great Prologue Debate. Should you or should you not include a prologue in your story? And if you're going to write a prologue, how can you do so well? Let's discuss in today's episode, writers!
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/participate
Want to challenge yourself to write with consistency and commitment?
Consider joining this year’s NaNoWriMo challenge. Short for National Novel Writing Month, this annual event challenges participants to write 50,000 words of fiction in the month of November, an average of 1,667 words per day.
Every year, over 500,000 writers worldwide take part in this online and in-person event — and that number continues to grow.
What makes NaNoWriMo such a popular affair? And why should you consider participating? Let's delve into this topic together in today's episode, writer!
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/tenreasons
Traditional word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs are fantastic entry-level writing tools, but their limited features can prove frustrating when working on long-form projects.
That's why Kristen is breaking down ten great reasons to write your novel in Scrivener, a writing app designed specifically with extensive projects in mind.
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Should you work with a critique partner to better your writing? And if so, how can you build an ideal critique partner relationship? Let's discuss everything you need in today's episode!
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A little fluff never hurt anyone, but an overindulgence can certainly kill the easy pace of a story. How can you identify and cut the filler from your own manuscript? Let's discuss today, writers!
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What should we consider when cutting elements that don't serve our stories, even those we love? Let's talk about killing our darlings in today's episode, writers!
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What in the world are plot holes? And how can you find and fix them in your story? We're breaking down everything you need to know in today's episode of the podcast, writer!
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The terms "editing" and "revising" are often used interchangeably, but what do they actually mean? And what tasks are involved in both? Let's discuss in today's episode of the podcast!
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Struggling to feel confident in your self-editing skills? In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the importance of gaining an objective eye and the steps you can take to develop your own.
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So, you've finished your first draft. Congratulations! But wait, don't dive straight into revising. Today we're breaking down ten steps you should tackle first!
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Does it really matter if you write your book in first-person or third-person? In past or present tense? In some cases, yes. Let's discuss why today!
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Get inside the mind of your protagonist by learning to write in Deep Point-Of-View, a common genre-fiction technique for writing engaging stories!
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What are some common mistakes writers make when world-building? And how can we combat these common pitfalls? Let's discuss, writers!
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/magic
As fun as fantastical powers can be to write, crafting your story's magic system with care is key. If you fail to understand the role that magic will play in your story and develop your system accordingly, then you run the risk of undercutting the conflict and tension that keep readers turning pages.
Not sure what I mean? Let’s delve further into this topic together in today's episode!
Sanderson's First Law of Magic: https://www.brandonsanderson.com/sandersons-first-law/
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/penname
No matter the reason you’d like to use a pen name, selecting the pseudonym that best fits you and your work can be tough.
What factors should you consider?
Is it possible to choose an ineffective pen name?
Is the use of a pseudonym even right for you?
Kristen breaks down each of these questions in today's episode!
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Should you include fictional language in your stories? And if you do choose to do so, how can you create a conlang with purpose and care? Let's discuss in today's episode!
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Completing novel research doesn't have to be a pluck-out-your-own-eyeballs kind of event. Learn how to approach research with focus and intention today!
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Some speculative fiction stories are set in imaginary worlds, others in alternative or fantastical realities here on Earth. Regardless of where your story takes place, developing fully-realized cultures is crucial to immersive world-building.
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the role that culture plays in world-building, the two main approaches to developing fictional cultures, and the twelve common cultural elements you'll want to consider when bringing your world to life!
Find the episode transcript at: www.well-storied.com/culture
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How can we write our best stories when living with depression? I share tips from my own experience in today's episode of the podcast.
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Everyone loves a good villain, but crafting antagonists that go beyond mere mustache-twirling can be tough. Let's talk about writing truly bone-chilling villains in today's episode, writers!
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Feel like you've created paper-thin caricatures rather than fully-developed characters? Today's episode presents six characterization questions you should ask yourself ASAP.
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Aren't sure if your multi-pov story is proving effective? Catch my best tips for working in multiple perspectives in today's episode of the podcast!
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As writers, we need to reconsider how we approach the descriptions of our characters' appearances. Why so? And how can we work to bring our characters' looks to life? Let's dive in!
NOTE: I gave the wrong link to the new email course, Developing Complex Characters, at the end of today's episode. The correct link is www.well-storied.com/charactercourse. My apologies!
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How can defining your story's ideal reader lend clarity and direction to your work? We'll answer this question AND break down the process of discovering your own ideal reader in today's episode, writers!
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How can you create an emotional connection that hooks readers into your story? It all begins with relatable characters. In today's episode, I explain why and provide a few key tips you don't want to miss!
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Does your story's sidekick serve a purpose? Learn how to craft a right-hand character that adds real and memorable value to your story with the tips and tricks in today's episode!
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/dialogue
Crafting richly nuanced and realistic dialogue is no easy task. In today's episode, Kristen breaks down 19 tips you can implement to level up the quality of your characters' conversations ASAP.
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Writing a romance novel or romantic subplot for your story? Don't miss these important do's and don'ts that will keep your love interest from falling flat!
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We can all think of a few memorable mentor characters — Gandalf, Dumbledore, Haymitch and Effie Trinket — but how can we craft ones of our own? Let's discuss in today's episode!
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/mentor
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Are your story's supporting characters receiving enough attention? In today's episode, Kristen shares her top tips for crafting well-developed secondary characters that will never fall flat!
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Living the writing life isn't always easy. In today's episode, I'm sharing ten hard truths that may not be easy to hear but will help you live your best writing life all the same. Let's dive in!
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Encouraging Truths Episode: #57
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We all need a little encouragement from time to time. Today, I'm sharing ten truths to help you banish writing doubts and begin living your very best writing life!
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Breathing life into your story's setting is certainly no easy task, but have no fear. I'm sharing my top tips for crafting immersive setting descriptions in today's episode of the podcast!
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/worldbuilding
Eager to immerse readers in your story’s fantastical world?
Like any part of the writing process, effective world-building takes time, intention, and attention to detail. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down each of the major elements you should consider when building your story’s fictional world.
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/develop
There’s an exciting new story idea stuck in your head. But how can you expand that idea into a well-developed story you’re ready to write?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the eleven foundational steps all writers can take to develop their stories before hitting the blank page.
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Have a hundred thrilling story ideas rumbling around your brain? Choosing which idea to write next may not be easy, but today we're outlining a few tips and tricks that can make the process a bit less painful and a whole lot more purposeful. Let's go!
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/brainstorm
Often, it seems the longer we work to devise the concept for our next great novel, the more distant our muse becomes. A lack of inspiration can lead to mounting frustration that keeps us from picking up the pen. How, then, can we overcome this form of writer’s block and begin generating new story ideas like the ever-inspired writers we long to be?
Today, I’m going to break down three powerful brainstorming methods that can stir your muse to life in no time.
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How can you craft an outline that serves as a powerful tool in your drafting arsenal? Are outlines even necessary in the first place? We'll answer all these questions and more in today's episode of the podcast!
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/hero
In 1949, mythologist Joseph Campbell published The Hero With a Thousand Faces, which outlines the structure of the journeys that archetypical heroes experience in world myths.
This structure became known as the monomyth, or Hero’s Journey, and has since served as the framework behind many popular speculativefiction books and films, including Star Wars, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, The Hunger Games, Ender's Game, and The Lord of the Rings.Learn how to utilize the Hero's Journey plot structure to outline your own epic fantasy or science fiction story in today's episode!
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First drafts are never perfect, but how can you write a first draft that leaves you feeling creatively fulfilled and ready to tackle the next step in your writing journey? These five questions may just revolutionize your drafting process!
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Is fast-drafting the key to finally rocking your first draft? Whether you struggle to finish, find yourself constantly editing as you write, or simply aren't satisfied with your current drafting process, this technique may be for you!
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To create characters as real as the people around us, we must remember to forge for them their own unique voices. But how do you go about defining those voices? Let's break it down in today's episode of the podcast!
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Choosing the perfect title for a story is tough. There's no real process to it, no formula. Or is there? After studying book titles pretty intensively these past few weeks, I have a few tips & tricks for choosing a captivating book title that I think you may enjoy!
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Main characters can make or break a story's success, but knowing whether you've chosen the perfect protagonist to tell your story doesn't have to be a stab in the dark. Why? Let's discuss in today's episode!
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Have you ever noticed the short quotations at the beginnings of a book or its chapters? Those are called epigraphs, and today we'll discuss whether or not you should include them in your stories.
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Are you struggling with a writing issue you just can't seem to shake? Or feeling intimidated by your latest big writing goal? Learn how to conquer writing overwhelm today with this easy divide-and-conquer system!
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Have you ever thought about writing with filmmaking in mind? In today's episode, we're discussing how a basic understanding of common film shots can help you better craft visceral, visual scenes. Ready to jump in?
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We all want to be successful. But what does writing success mean to you, and how can you achieve it? Let's break it down in today's episode!
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Writers, it's time to go out with a bang! Learn how to write a killer climactic sequence in today's episode on the third act of the 3-Act Story Structure. (Spoiler Alert for The Hunger Games, Pride & Prejudice, and The Fault in Our Stars...)
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Don't settle for Sagging Middle Syndrome! If you struggle to connect random scenes into a proper narrative, worry that your book will bore readers, or often leave your first drafts unfinished, this breakdown of Act Two is for you. (Spoiler Alert for The Hunger Games, Pride & Prejudice, and The Fault in Our Stars...)
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Are you ready to write an amazing opening sequence for your story, one that hooks readers in for the long haul? Learn how to nail your novel's opening act in this first installment of our series on the 3-Act Story Structure. (Spoiler Alert for The Hunger Games, Pride & Prejudice, and The Fault in Our Stars...)
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Is a daily writing routine right for you? In today's episode, Kristen shares her own experience in forging a 1,000-day daily writing streak, as well as the pros and cons of creating a daily practice of your own.
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Does your story feel too fast or too slow at times? Are you worried about whether a lack of consistent pacing will discourage readers from finishing your novel?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down why consistent pacing is so important, how to mindfully build strong pacing into your story, and even how to break your consistent pacing to achieve specific effects within your story.
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/antagonist
Every story needs a good villain, right? Well, not so fast…
Conflict drives plot, certainly. But it doesn’t take a mustache-twirling supervillain or omnipotent Dark Lord to create the conflict your protagonist will encounter.
In fact, there are four main types of antagonists that appear in fiction. Understanding how each type operates can help you develop the most effective, edge-of-your-seat conflict for your story. So let's discuss!
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/subplots
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo (i.e. National Novel Writing Month) this November? If so, today's episode breaks down eight essential tips you need to know to make the most of this epic writing challenge.
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In need of a little encouragement? In today's episode, Kristen breaks down ten inspiring truths that will help you rock your writing ASAP.
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If character is the backbone of story, internal conflict is the backbone of character. But what exactly is internal conflict, and how can you build it into your story with ease? Let's talk about that in today's episode of the podcast!
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Structure is the backbone of any great plot. In today's episode, Kristen breaks down three plot structures often employed by authors of bestselling books.
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Conflict is the crux of any good story. In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the difference between external and internal conflict, the four types of external conflict you can use in your story, and how to weave external conflict into your story with ease.
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Let's face it: writing is hard. It's no wonder we often find ourselves struggling to sit down and get to work. In today's episode, Kristen discusses how to fight back against writing procrastination like a champ!
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In today's episode, Kristen discusses five alternative frameworks you can use (beyond a simple solo POV) to successfully present your story to readers.
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In today's episode, Kristen discusses if and how we can make the mental and emotional space to write when the evening news is overwhelming and life reads like conflict straight out of a history book.
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In today's episode, Kristen breaks down nine of your commonly asked questions about crafting trilogies in a new Q&A!
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Today's episode marks the second installment in our miniseries on crafting trilogies. Ready to learn how to craft epic character arcs for your trilogy? Tune in to today's discussion!
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In this episode, Kristen introduces a new mini-series on crafting trilogies and dives straight in by breaking down the three main types of trilogies, as well as four different plot structures you can follow when crafting your own.
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In this episode, Kristen talks about New Adult fiction, including the stigma surrounding it and how, as writers, we can push past that stigma and make the most of this emerging fiction market.
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/selfpubpros
The Ultimate Self-Publishing Tool Kit: www.well-storied.com/toolkit
Think you might like to self-publish your book? Great!
There are many valid reasons to opt out of the traditional publishing industry in favor of sharing your work independently. But to truly ensure that self-publishing is right for you, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both publication paths.
In today’s episode, Kristen explores the pros and cons of independent publishing, the chosen path to publication for millions of writers worldwide.
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/cost
The freedom to publish whatever you want whenever you’d like makes self-publishing an attractive option for many writers. But such freedom comes, quite literally, at a cost.
How much would it set you back to self-publish a book? In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the most common self-publishing expenses, including what each service entails and the general range of prices you'll find from reputable online companies and freelancers.
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/publishingpros
Both the traditional and independent publishing industries offer writers the fantastic opportunity to share their work with the world. But which path to publication is right for you?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of publishing traditionally.
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Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/tradpub
If you’re gearing up to publish your first book, then you might be wondering what the traditional publishing process looks like.
What’s involved in finding and signing with a literary agent? How exactly do you land a book deal? And what happens after you ink your name on the dotted line?
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down an overview of the process that most debut authors follow as they build careers within the traditional publishing industry.
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In today's episode, Kristen talks about how to build a consistent writing routine that doesn't drag you down, but rather allows you to make the absolute most of your limited writing time!
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In today's episode, Kristen breaks down how to build your novel's core stakes and continue to expand upon them on a scene-by-scene basis, helping you build a book so intriguing readers will fly through its pages!
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/stakes
Support the Podcast: www.patreon.com/wellstoried
Well-Storied Communities: www.well-storied.com/community
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
In today's episode, learn how to create a Writer's Mission Statement using 5 key elements that will keep you motivated and focused as you work toward your writing goals.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/mission
Support the Podcast: www.patreon.com/wellstoried
Well-Storied Communities: www.well-storied.com/community
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/openinglines
Opening lines can be tricky. You only have a sentence or two to hook readers, to grip their attention strongly enough that they’ll allow you to draw them deeper into the heart of your story world.
In today's episode, Kristen breaks down how strong opening lines hook readers, how you craft openers that pack a powerful punch, and the five main ways you can frame your lines for maximum effect.
Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review! Both go a long way toward helping the podcast grow and reach new writers.
You can also fuel the next episode by buying me a coffee: www.ko-fi.com/kristen
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
In today's episode, Kristen explores some of the steps you can take to begin building a professional writing career today, no matter where you are in your writing journey.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/career
Support the Podcast: www.patreon.com/wellstoried
Well-Storied Communities: www.well-storied.com/community
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
Chapters do more than just add structure to your story; they can create a sense of pacing and page-turning urgency. In today's episode, Kristen talks all about how to write chapters that captivate!
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/chapters
Support the Podcast: www.patreon.com/wellstoried
Well-Storied Communities: www.well-storied.com/community
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)
To write great stories, we must find comfort in our writerly skin. Today, Kristen shares her top ten tips and tricks for taking care of yourself as a writer so you can build a happy, healthy, and fulfilling writing life.
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/selfcare
Support the Podcast: www.patreon.com/wellstoried
Well-Storied Communities: www.well-storied.com/community
All Episodes: www.well-storied.com/podcast
You can find the show on: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Youtube, RSS, and other popular podcatchers!
Support the show (http://www.ko-fi.com/kristen)