Helping Writers Become Authors

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 594: 8 Ways to Avoid Cardboard Characters (and Plot Contrivances While You're At It) Jun 27, 2022

Show notes

If your story suffers from cardboard characters, it probably also suffers from plot contrivances. Good news: if you fix one, you fix both.

Ep. 593: Understanding the New Normal World of a Story's Resolution Jun 20, 2022

Show notes

In many ways, the New Normal World of a story's Resolution is what successfully completes the context of the entire story.

Ep. 592: Understanding the Underworld of a Story's Third Act Jun 13, 2022

Show notes

The Underworld of a Story's Third Act is symbolically important for creating powerful and realistic change with your characters and plot.

Ep. 591: Understanding the Adventure World of a Story's Second Act Jun 06, 2022

Show notes

Writers can use the metaphoric Adventure World of a story's Second Act to better understand this crucial part of story structure.

Ep. 590: Understanding the Normal World of a Story's First Act May 30, 2022

Show notes

Authors need to understand the four "worlds" represented within a story's structure, the first of which is the Normal World of the First Act.

Ep. 589: Deepening Your Story's Theme With the Thematic Square May 23, 2022

Show notes

If you want to deepen the complexity of your story's theme, one tool you can employ is Robert McKee's thematic square.

Ep. 588: 6 Ways to Find Your Best Ideas Before You Start Writing May 16, 2022

Show notes

Use these six ways to find your best ideas for writing your book, as you cultivate, channel, and honor your deeper inspiration.

Ep. 587: The Role of the Antagonist in Story Structure, Pt. 2 of 2 May 09, 2022

Show notes

Examines the role of the antagonist in the second half of a story's structure--the Second Pinch Point through the Resolution.

Ep. 586: The Role of the Antagonist in Story Structure, Pt. 1 of 2 May 02, 2022

Show notes

The major plot beats in a story are interwoven with the protagonist's journey. But what is the role of the antagonist in story structure?

Ep. 585: Do You Have to Write Every Day? 10 Pros and Cons Apr 25, 2022

Show notes

Should writers make it a habit to write every day? Here are five pros of writing every day, as well as five potential cons.