The Dialogue Doctor Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 327 - Plotting Your Sequel Based on Character Growth May 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff is joined by V.E. Griffith to brainstorm the plot and character arcs for the second book in Griffith's urban fantasy series. The session focuses on using character growth to drive the plot, a method Jeff advocates as the most effective way to build a story. They explore the growth arcs of two characters and then use the emotional beats of change to outline the plot of the book.

For more on the craft of writing, go to DialogueDoctor.com

Write, Wrong, Repeat - Episode 1 May 01, 2026

Show notes

"Write Wrong Repeat" is a monthly conversation between authors Crys Cain, Holly Lyne, Jeff Elkins, JP Rindfleisch IX, and Tom Holbrook about their lives as authors and what they are trying to write and sell their books.

Episode 326 - Masterful Microtension with C.S. Lakin Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff sits down to talk about her new book, Masterful Microtension. They discuss what microtension is, how to effectively use tools like metaphors and white space, how repetition works, character change, and lots more.

For more on the craft of writing, check out DialogueDoctor.com

Episode 325 - Fiction, Film, and All Story Telling In Between with Ron Newcomb Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff sits down with film maker and author Ron Newcomb. They talk about business and financing strategies, using validation tools, the Brain Trust model, the four keys to conversion, and the impact and use of AI. They cover the path to production, being a multi-hyphenate write, and focusing on hope.

For more on the craft of writing, check out DialogueDoctor.com.

Episode 324 - Writing Your Community & Character Growth Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Pa Theriot to talk about their work in progress. They discuss how Pa writes neurodivergent stories from a neurodivergent perspective, what to do when you are adding a POV to a full story, and how to find a wound for the POV that will allow for the themes you are looking for in your story.

For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

Episode 323 - Understanding Characters that Don't Change through The Big Lebowski Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff sits down with members of the Dialogue Doctor community to analyze the Coen brothers' movie The Big Lebowski. In the episode, they discuss writing character's who don't change, how anchors work, using symbolic parallels, and juggling multiple conversations at one time.

For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

Episode 322 - Creating Emotional Texture in Your Story with Beth Biss Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Author Beth Biss to talk about the emotional texture of her work in progress. They talk about the difference between plot and growth arcs, how conflicts should resolve in the piece, the alignment vs misalignment of the character and the reader, the reader's expectations, managing the reader's altitude of a scene, and using triggers in a character's emotional journey.

For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

Episode 321 - Adding Emotion to Action Scenes with John Krause Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff meets with author John Krause to talk about John's work in progress. Jeff talks about increasing the emotional saturation of the story through emotional vocalizations, building the tension oft he story, and maturing a character without a doing a montage of training. Also, they invent the phrase, "Castle Punk."

For more on the craft of writing, go to https://dialoguedoctor.com/

Episode 320 - Writing Screenplays vs Writing Novels with Emma Jane Heaton Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Emma Jane Heaton to talk about her writing and what she's been working on. They discuss the difference between writing screenplays and writing a novel and talk about what they've learned doing both.

Find Emma Jane's film work here: https://www.youtube.com/@EmHeatonFilm

For more on the craft of writing, check out: https://dialoguedoctor.com/

Episode 319 - Writing Complicated Scenes with Big Casts Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Joan Lightning. Jeff and Joan talk about her fantasy novel in progress. They look at an action scene with four cast members that is filled with action and complicated relationships.

For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

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