Afleveringen
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In this episode, I'll look at the importance of precision in fiction writing, providing practical tips on tightening scenes, enhancing emotional depth, and avoiding unnecessary repetition. I'll cover techniques such as entering late and leaving early, replacing vague summaries with specific details, and using dialogue intentionally to reveal character dynamics.
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In this episode, Shara Moon discusses her new book 'Let Us March On', which tells the story of Lizzie McDuffie, an influential yet often overlooked figure in American history. Shara shares her journey of researching and writing the book, the challenges of balancing fact and fiction, and the importance of telling Lizzie's story in today's context. The discussion also touches on themes of activism, the role of women in history, and the significance of addressing difficult topics such as racial injustice. In this conversation, Shara Moon discusses the political shifts within the Black community during FDR's presidency, the challenges of writing historical fiction, and the importance of balancing fact with creative storytelling. She shares insights on the editing process, the transition from memoir to historical fiction, and her personal connection to Lizzie herself.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Join me for a fascinating conversation with Dumbify founder David Carson, where we dive into the power of so-called âdumbâ ideasâand why they might just be the secret to creative brilliance.
Weâll explore how absurdity, humour, and playfulness can fuel innovation in storytelling, the mental models that help spot good dumb ideas, and how embracing the unconventional can lead to surprising breakthroughs. Plus, weâll touch on bold marketing strategies, the future of creative writing, and why curiosity is the ultimate creative superpower.
Get ready to rethink what makes an idea truly smart!
Visit David at his website! https://www.david-carson.com/
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In this conversation, filmmaker Christian Schu shares his journey from the insurance industry to becoming a self-taught filmmaker. He discusses the importance of embracing one's creative identity, the leap of faith required to pursue storytelling in any form, and the significance of storytelling in commercial projects. Christian emphasises understanding the target audience and crafting narratives that resonate emotionally. He also explores techniques for effective storytelling, the distinction between character and characterisation, and the emotional connections that can be made through film and writing.
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In this episode, we'll discuss the common struggles writers face when nearing the completion of their first draft. We'll address the pressures of perfectionism, fear of judgment, and loss of momentum, providing insights and strategies to help writers overcome these challenges, emphasising the importance of finishing a draft, the value of feedback, and the need to reconnect with the joy of storytelling. I'll offer some practical questions and approaches to support writers in their journey towards completion.
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In this episode, we'll discusses the importance of self-kindness and the reasons why one might choose not to write a book in the current year. We'll emphasise the need to assess personal circumstances, motivations, and life priorities before committing to such a significant endeavour. By allowing oneself the grace to pause, writers can reduce stress, reflect on their ideas, and ultimately approach writing with renewed energy and focus when the time is right.
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In this episode, I explore the challenges of "shiny object syndrome", particularly in the context of creative projects. I share my personal experience of being drawn to a new play commission while nearing completion of my novella. I'll delve into the psychological aspects of creativity, the allure of new projects, and practical strategies to maintain focus and commitment to ongoing work, emphasising the importance of self-regulation, intrinsic motivation, and delayed gratification in overcoming distractions and achieving long-term creative goals.
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It was great to be interviewed by Sara Gentry about creating characters!
We delve into the significance of character backstory in storytelling, distinguishing between world backstory and character backstory - and emphasising the importance of understanding a character's history to make them relatable and believable.
We talk about how backstory influences character decisions, the necessity of managing multiple characters, and the concept of "minimum viable backstory".
Takeaways
Backstory is essential for character development. Understanding a character's history helps readers connect. World backstory and character backstory serve different purposes. Characters need relatable motivations to engage readers. The complexity of characters can enhance storytelling. Managing multiple characters requires varying levels of backstory. Minimum viable backstory is crucial for side characters. Character reactions should be rooted in their backstory. Writers should focus on the cause and effect of character actions. Resources like podcasts and courses can aid in character development. Unlocking the Secrets of Character Backstory The Art of Character Development "Stuart is the king of character." "Backstory makes somebody feel real." "The minimum viable backstory."Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Character and Backstory
01:22Understanding Backstory: World vs. Character
04:54 The Importance of Backstory in Storytelling
08:36 Character Consistency and Relatability
13:21 Managing Character Backstories in Complex Narratives
21:47 The Minimum Viable Backstory for Characters
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In this conversation, Jennie Nash and I delve into the intricacies of fiction writing, focusing on the Blueprint for a Book and the limitations of traditional beat sheets. We discuss the importance of understanding a writer's intent, the emotional connection with readers, and the role of creativity within constraints. Jennie shares her insights on the Inside Outline, a tool designed to help writers explore their stories from the inside out, ensuring that every plot point is tied to an emotional reason. The discussion emphasises the need for writers to connect with their material and their audience, ultimately aiming to create impactful stories.
For a FREE copy of Blueprint for a Book, click HERE.
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In this conversation, Emma Dhesi and I explore the themes of personal growth, the Four Pillars to Author Success , and the importance of celebrating small wins. We discuss how clients evolve from feeling inexperienced to becoming peers in the coaching process, emphasising the significance of acknowledgment in personal development. Our conversation also highlights the journey of self-improvement and the necessity of recognising progress, no matter how small!
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In this episode, I discusses the pros and cons of using multiple points of view (POVs) in writing.
Point of view (POV) is the narrative perspective that guides the reader through the story. Multiple POVs can add depth and complexity to a story, but they also come with potential pitfalls. Pitfalls of multiple POVs include character chaos, plot complexity, and reader overwhelm. Start with one additional POV before diving into multiple POVs. Exercises like character journals, dialogue-only scenes, and POV shifts can help in distinguishing character voices and maintaining distinct perspectives.00:00 Introduction and Background
03:27 The Allure of Multiple POVs
05:05 Pitfalls of POV Polygamy
06:30 Maintaining Character Voice in Third Person
11:33 Exercises to Hone Your Skills
12:53 It's Your Turn
15:48 Deciding Whether to Use Multiple POVs
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Creating a realistic and relatable main character is crucial for a good romance novel. This involves giving them a history, their own journey, a job, relationships with others, physical flaws, strength, failure, sexuality, and the spotlight. These elements help readers understand and bond with the main character, making the story more engaging and resonant.
Takeaways
A main character's history, beliefs, and actions should be influenced by their past experiences. Main characters should have their own journey and not solely exist to fall in love with the love interest. Giving main characters a job helps build their sense of self and adds depth to their story. Main characters' relationships with others can illuminate their lives and provide support and growth. Physical flaws make main characters more realistic and relatable. Strength should be tempered with vulnerability to create a well-rounded main character. Failure is relatable and can lead to character growth and redemption. Sexuality is an important aspect of a romance novel's main character. The main character should be at the center of the story and constantly involved in the plot. Creating a realistic and relatable main character is essential for reader engagement and resonance. -
Do you feel stuck in a rut with your writing? Do you struggle to even sit down to write? Does the blank page seem to loom over you like a cloud, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, and heading for Netflix?
Donât worry, youâre not alone!
Many writers experience this same struggle (me included). Whether youâre working on a novel or just trying to write an article, finding the motivation to get startedâor keep goingâcan be difficult. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that can help keep your writing motivation high.
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In this episode, Iâll be talking to author and teacher Elisabeth Sharp McKetta.
Elisabeth is the author of 13 books, including âShe Never Told Me About the Ocean," "Ark," and "Edit Your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intention in a Messy World.â
Weâll delve into the importance of creativity, mental health, and the practice of writing, but Elisabeth also shares her experiences living in a tiny house with her family, emphasising how the simplicity and minimalism of small spaces can enhance focus and creativity.
Elisabeth provides insights into her writing process, the importance that therapeutic first drafts, and the joy of discovering deeper connections and themes.
And this episode highlights the importance of editing one's life to make room for creativity, the value of indulgence in writing practices, and the significance of understanding one's personal connection to their work.
Elisabeth's wisdom and experiences offer valuable lessons for writers and creatives looking for more time for their craft.
And if youâd like to know more, Elisabeth also delivered the TEDxBoise talk âEdit Your Life Like a Poem,â further showcasing her expertise and passion for intentional living and creativity.
Elisabeth's Website: https://elisabethsharpmcketta.com/
Elisabeth's TEDxBoise Talk: https://youtu.be/-ZXHIrZMeCQ?si=dnWkEmZWVrkl7sv3
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In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I sit down with the remarkable Becca Puglisi, co-author of the bestselling series from Writers Helping Writers. Join us as Becca takes us on a journey from the inception of the first book to the expansion of the series, sharing invaluable insights into the art of character development along the way.
Discover the inspiration behind the 'Emotion Thesaurus' and how it has become an essential tool for writers worldwide. Becca delves into the challenges and triumphs of creating the series, the collaborative process with co-author Angela Ackerman, and how feedback from the writing community has shaped their work.
And don't forget the very latest book in the series - 'The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus: A Writerâs Guide to Character Stress and Volatility'!
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Unlock the secrets of writing compelling paragraphs that captivate your readers!
In this episode post, you'll learn how to create vivid imagery, build emotional resonance, and master pacing for maximum impact.
Whether you're just starting your writing journey or refining your craft, discover practical tips and exercises to elevate your storytelling.
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As creative writers, each sentence we craft serves our story. But how do we elevate our writing from good to unforgettable? It all starts with mastering the art of sentence construction.
This episode dives into the essentials of crafting powerful, impactful sentences. Whether you're just beginning your writing journey or looking to refine your skills, this article is packed with insights and exercises that will transform your approach to writing.
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In this episode, we plunge headfirst into the tumultuous world of writing myths and the harsh self-criticisms that writers often battle. Why do writers sabotage their own success? Is it easier to believe in fallacies than to face the hard truths? We're dissecting these questions and more!
Weâll unravel common misconceptions about the writing process, from the myth of waiting for inspiration to strike, to the pitfalls of chasing a perfect first draft.
Prepare to be challenged and enlightened!
If you want to work with me, you can book a free, 20-minute discovery call here: https://calendly.com/stuartwakefield/book-coaching-discovery-call
If you want to work with a different book coach, there's a fantastic online database of certified book coaches here: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchme
For a crash course on the nine Muses, check out this video! https://youtu.be/eTckaxEhC5U
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đ Unlock the Secrets of Compelling Character Backstories! đ
Crafting captivating characters is the cornerstone of great storytelling. Dive into the art of character development in this latest episode! Learn how to infuse depth and authenticity into your narratives by mastering the art of crafting compelling backstories.
Discover techniques to seamlessly integrate backstory into your storytelling, avoiding common pitfalls like info dumping and irrelevance. From engaging dialogue to powerful flashbacks, explore the tools that bring characters to life and drive your plot forward.
Striking a balance between revealing backstory and maintaining narrative focus is key to captivating your audience.
Explore further with the online course, Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory, to master these storytelling techniques. Unlock the secrets for just $47!
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In this episode, I'm delighted to be interviewing Margaret McNellis, a historical fiction writer with whom I've had the pleasure of working on two of her books: Daughter of the Seven Hills (due for publication on 21st May 2024) and Hearts of Iron & Gold.
We talk about all things historical fiction, from the challenges of research to wearing funny hats.
Oh, and we talk about what it's like to be coached!
You can find Margaret's site here: https://mcnelliswrites.com/
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