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

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.

In this special episode, I have the unique pleasure of sharing my own journey and insights as the author of "The Writer's Shield: Building Emotional Resilience for Writers." This is a deep dive into the heart of emotional resilience, a topic I am passionately dedicated to, especially in the context of the challenges that we, as writers, face.

During this interview, I open up about my personal experiences and the critical moments that led me to write "The Writer's Shield." I discuss the concept of emotional resilience for writers, shedding light on the strategies and tools that have been instrumental in my own journey and can support others in theirs. This episode is a candid look at the struggles with rejection, criticism, writer's block, and impostor syndrome, and how to emerge stronger from these experiences.

I also share tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, cultivating a positive mindset, and building the inner strength needed to navigate the ups and downs of a writing career. My aim is to provide listeners with practical, real-world advice that can be applied to their writing and personal lives.

As a special offer to my listeners, I encourage you to sign up for my mailing list. By joining, you'll receive regular updates filled with valuable content and resources tailored for writers. Plus, as a token of my appreciation, you'll receive a free copy of my book "The Writer's Shield: Building Emotional Resilience for Writers." This book is a culmination of my experiences and learnings, and I'm excited to share it with you. Sign up today to start fortifying your emotional resilience on your writing journey! https://www.thebookcoach.co/

Welcome back to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing" with me, your host, Stuart Wakefield, an Author Accelerator Certified book coach dedicated to helping you navigate the intricacies of crafting compelling fiction. Today's episode dives deep into the art of creating authentic characters through the power of dialogue.

Have you ever read a book where every character sounded exactly the same? Or watched a movie where the dialogue felt flat and unconvincing? In this episode, we'll explore how to avoid these common pitfalls by utilising character-specific language. This powerful technique involves tailoring vocabulary, syntax, and even the rhythm of speech to align with each character's unique background, education, and personality.

Join me as how we can use dialogue to breathe life into our characters. Whether it’s the refined articulation of a seasoned academic, the vibrant slang of a spirited teenager, or the concise pragmatism of a no-nonsense professional, you’ll learn how to give each of your characters a distinct and believable voice.

Plus, I'll share practical tips and exercises that you can apply to your own writing. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with the skills to create a rich tapestry of voices in your narratives, making your characters stand out and speak directly to the hearts of your readers.

Don't miss this journey into the heart of character development! Tune in to "Master Fiction Writing" and transform the way you write dialogue. Remember, in fiction, every word speaks volumes about your characters. Let's make sure they're saying the right things!

Join me and let's explore a range of transformative practices and exercises designed to elevate your writing journey. I'll talk about setting DREAM goals, the power of a grateful writing mindset, and the importance of regular reflection and adaptation in your craft. Whether you're looking to overcome a creative block, refine your skills, or simply find new ways to invigorate your writing practice, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

Perfect for both budding and experienced writers, this episode promises to leave you feeling motivated and equipped with new tools to make this year your most productive and creative yet. Tune in, and let's embark on this journey to make your writing aspirations a reality!

#WritingTips #CreativeJourney #WritersCommunity #UnlockYourPotential 🎧✍️📚

Join me in this enlightening episode of Master Fiction Writing, where we dive into the art of managing multiple writing projects without losing your mind or your creative spark. Hosted by me, Stuart Wakefield, an Author Accelerator Certified book coach, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and practical advice for writers at all stages.

We start by exploring the common challenges writers face when juggling various projects, from deadline pressures to creative fatigue. Then, we move on to the crucial task of setting priorities and goals, offering you tangible methods to navigate the often overwhelming writing landscape.

But that's not all! We delve into effective time management strategies specifically tailored for writers, helping you maximize your productivity while maintaining your creative flow. Discover the wonders of the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, and the Eisenhower Matrix, and learn how to apply them to your writing routine.

No episode on time management would be complete without discussing organizational tools and resources. We cover everything from project management software and writing apps to the more traditional methods like notebooks and calendars, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your style.

Most importantly, we address the critical issue of maintaining your creative energy and avoiding burnout. Learn the importance of taking breaks, balancing your writing life with personal time, and setting realistic expectations to keep the joy in your writing journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, "Balancing Multiple Projects: Time Management for Writers" is packed with actionable advice, encouraging words, and a friendly voice to guide you through the complexities of managing multiple writing endeavors.

Tune in to Master Fiction Writing for an episode that promises to leave you feeling inspired, organized, and ready to tackle your writing projects with renewed vigor and clarity.

Letting your characters' words reveal their traits and emotions, instead of explaining them in the narrative, is an art - and one that many writers overlook.

"Show, don't tell" is a fundamental principle in writing, especially when it comes to dialogue. It means allowing the reader to deduce character traits and emotions from what the characters say and do, rather than directly informing them through narrative exposition. This approach draws readers deeper into the story, making them active participants in understanding and connecting with the characters.

And for dialogue? Well, that's what we'll cover in this episode!

In this scintillating episode of Master Fiction Writing, we're delving deep into the art of creating sexual tension that will leave your readers on the edge of their seats, yearning for more.

Whether you're a budding writer looking to infuse passion into your storytelling or a dedicated fan eager to dissect your favorite romantic narratives, this episode promises to be an enlightening and seductive journey through the art of crafting sexual tension.

Tune in, and get ready to turn up the heat in your own stories!

Today's episode is all about the spine-tingling magic that keeps readers flipping page after page — romantic tension.

While sexual tension is a sizzling game of "will they or won't they get intimate?", romantic tension is a more profound, heart-pounding game of "will they or won't they end up together?" It's that underlying question, the heartbeat of every romance novel, and what makes readers invest in the characters and their love journey.

In this episode, we'll break down the elements that contribute to romantic tension. We'll discuss the importance of believability, what makes the romance truly captivating, and the nuances that separate romantic tension from its steamier cousin, sexual tension.

Whether you're a seasoned romance writer or just getting started, we'll provide insights and tips on ensuring your story is bursting with the tension that readers crave. We’ll also touch on the role of dynamic characters, and why romantic tension is non-negotiable in a good romance novel.

So, grab your pen and notebook and let’s dive into the world of heartbeats, hesitant glances, and the thrilling unknowns of romantic tension!

Have you ever wondered how to create characters that feel like real people with rich histories?

In my new course, "Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory", you'll discover the power of linking backstory to desires, forging connections that propel your characters through the plot. You'll learn how to expertly unveil their pasts, layering emotions and experiences to create truly three-dimensional individuals.

Find out more here.

In this episode, we're delving into the heart of what makes unconventional protagonists so captivating: their diversity.

We'll explore how characters from different backgrounds, races, genders, and orientations have redefined heroism and left an indelible mark on literature. From classics to contemporary novels, we'll showcase characters who have shattered the mould and inspired readers around the world.

But it's not just about celebrating; it's about empowering writers too. I'll share practical tips on how to craft diverse and authentic characters in your own stories. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your literary journey, you won't want to miss this insightful episode.

If you're struggling with character backstory, check out my online course, Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory. You'll learn how to establish a character's past, create their motivations, how to get it all on the page, and much, much more.

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing," the podcast where we explore the art of storytelling from every angle. I'm your host, Stuart, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the enchanting world of symbolism in fiction.

📚 Join me as we unravel the mysteries behind symbols – those hidden keys that unlock layers of meaning within stories. As an Author Accelerator Certified book coach, I've helped countless writers shape their narratives into powerful tales that resonate. Today, I'm here to guide you through the magic of symbolism and how it can breathe life into your writing.

🔮 We'll journey through the significance of symbols, transcending their literal definitions to reveal the profound emotions and ideas they represent. From the elusive green light in "The Great Gatsby" to the innocence embodied by the mockingbird in "To Kill a Mockingbird," we'll uncover how masterful authors have harnessed symbols to elevate their narratives.

🌟 But this isn't just an exploration of the classics – it's a practical guide for writers like you. I'll offer actionable advice on choosing symbols thoughtfully, maintaining consistency, balancing subtlety with clarity, and engaging readers' interpretations. By the end of this episode, you'll be armed with the tools to infuse your stories with symbolism that resonates long after the last word is read.

🎭 Symbols are the heartbeat of storytelling, and in this episode, we'll show you how to wield them as instruments of depth and resonance. So, whether you're a seasoned author seeking fresh insights or an aspiring writer taking your first steps, tune in and join the conversation as we uncover the enduring allure of hidden meanings in literature.

🖋️ Ready to unleash the power of symbolism in your stories? Stick around for the practical exercises that will ignite your creative fire and empower you to embark on your own symbolic journey.

Hit that subscribe button to stay up-to-date with "Master Fiction Writing" because every story is waiting to be uncovered!

Have you ever marveled at an actor's meticulous preparation for a role? The depth, the dedication, the transformation—it’s truly art in motion. Now, what if writers could harness that same dedication in their editing process?

Join us as we unveil the second part of our deep dive into a revolutionary method of editing a novel—one that draws inspiration from the world of theatre. 🎭

Discover the 7-step journey, from "Character Study" to "Polishing the Performance", that borrows from an actor's toolkit but is tailored for writers. Today, we're diving deep into the steps of Blocking, Improvisation, Feedback, and Polishing the Performance. Whether you're an experienced novelist or just getting started, these insights will transform your editing game.

📖 Unravel the art of setting description, the magic of free writing, the value of constructive criticism, and the importance of a final polish.

Ready to reimagine your editing process and craft a manuscript that's truly stage-worthy? Grab your pen, put on your director's hat, and let's dive in! 🎬

Happy listening, and remember, in the theatre of writing, every word sets the stage! 🌟

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?

 

Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

 

Many writers experience this same struggle (me included). Whether you’re working on a novel or just trying to write an article, finding the motivation to get started—or keep going—can be difficult. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that can help keep your writing motivation high.

Have you ever watched an actor prepare for a role? The meticulous detail, the character immersion, the rehearsal, feedback, and fine-tuning—it's a masterclass in creation and refinement. So, why can't writers adopt the same method?

In this first part of two episodes, we're going to explore my new, innovative approach to editing a novel, one that draws inspiration from the world of theatre. You might wonder how the process of preparing for a role could possibly relate to the task of refining a manuscript, but the parallels are surprisingly rich and insightful.

I'll guide you through seven comprehensive steps—from "Character Study" and "Rehearsal", all the way through to the final "Polishing the Perofrmance". Each step borrows from an actor's approach to preparation, adapted to the needs of a writer polishing their novel.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or a fresh-faced newcomer, these steps will help breathe new life into your editing process, ensuring your final manuscript is ready to take the stage and captivate its audience.

In June 2023, Sara Gentry from Solutions for Writers invited me for an interview at KidLit Summer Camp.

Despite not being a KidLit Book Coach myself, I agreed. After all, many writing techniques span many genres and categories, and that’s why I’m sharing this interview with you.

During the conversation, Sara and I discussed how theatrical techniques can improve writing, especially for character building.

And we really get to the heart of the struggles writers can face, even beyond the work itself.

Ultimately, weaving the inner and outer narratives together requires a deep understanding of storytelling and character development. By crafting a compelling outer narrative and a layered inner narrative, writers can create stories that resonate with audiences on multiple levels and leave a lasting impact.   Let's take a closer look.

As humans, we have always been compelled to write stories, and it's through stories that we're able to express our most inner thoughts and feelings, as well as explore the unknown and create new, complex worlds. The reasons that we write stories are as varied and diverse as the stories themselves – some people write stories for entertainment, others to explore their own experiences, and some to bring about change in the world.

No matter the reason, the power of story is undeniable. For ages, stories have been used to give shape to our values and beliefs, to record history, and to challenge us to think differently. Many of our most beloved stories – fairy tales, fables, and myths – have been passed down for generations, offering a window into a distant past, and conveying life lessons that still resonate today.

But why do we write stories? What drives us to express our thoughts and feelings through the art of storytelling? To answer this question, it is important to look at the various motivations that can lead a person to write a story.

So let's do it!

Last week, I got together with some writers and fellow book coaches, and we got on to the subject of likeable characters. I was particularly interested because I've recently encountered a character who isn't likeable, and it's pulling me out of their story.

For years, writers have struggled with an age-old question: Do fictional characters need to be likeable? This question has spurred debate with people passionately defending both sides. The "likability" camp insists that if a character isn't agreeable, readers won't be able to connect with the story. On the opposite end of the spectrum lurks a faction determined to prove that unlikable characters can still be engaging.

So, do fictional characters have to be likeable, or should they be able to bring something different to the table? Let's see if we can reach a verdict on whether likability is mandatory for our literary characters.

We all know how important it is to create believable characters in the stories we tell. But creating characters isn't always easy. To make sure that your characters are as three-dimensional and interesting as possible, you need to have answers to a lot of questions about them. At least seventy, if not more.

You might be feeling overwhelmed right now, but take a deep breath and don’t worry – this doesn’t have to be a stressful process. We’re aiming to make this activity fun, lighthearted and inspirational! After all, the more questions you have answered before you start writing, the better your characters will be.

The questions I'll be covering in this episode were ones I used as an actor for creating characters for the stage, and they're designed to explore your main characters in more depth, helping you to create characters with their own unique personality traits and backstories. Once you’ve got all of your answers, you’ll be in a much better position to start writing about them and giving them life.

When answering the questions, don’t be afraid to be creative, and you don’t need to answer them in a specific order. This process is all about developing your own unique universe, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

I worked in the theatre from ages five to 32, and during that time I learned a lot. Like... a lot.

In the main, I acted, but I also directed, designed and made costumes, worked backstage, and once designed a set that was completely made of sails. And I sewed those sails. Yes, me, and all on my own.

So, working in the theatre, mainly as an actor, I had to learn how to inhabit a character, and I brought all of that to my creative writing practice - and more.

You might have heard the name Konstantin Stanislavski. Stanislavski was a Russian theatre practitioner who developed a system many actors follow to train, prepare, and rehearse. I studied Stanislavski's methods, and here's what I think writers should take from his system.

If you'd rather read, here's the accompanying blog post.

It has been said that the best way to break someone's heart is to write a romantic tragedy, but crafting a story that is heartbreaking, yet beautiful, takes skill and finesse.

Here are a few tips on how to write a romantic tragedy that will leave your readers in tears.

Ah, the dreaded three act structure, four act structure, and five act structure. If you're a novelist who just isn't feeling structure, you're definitely not alone. You're ready to dive into the deep end and start planning your novel without any of these structures, but you don't know where to start. Fear not, intrepid writer! I'm here to guide you in the mysterious and wild world of novel planning without traditional structures.   Let's start with the basics, then ignore them. What is a three act structure, four act structure, or five act structure? Simply put, these are the most common forms of writing structure when it comes to novels. They all follow a basic outline of a beginning, middle, and end. The main difference between them is the number of acts. Simples!   Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's move on to planning a novel without this any of this traditional nonsense.

Writing a successful fictional narrative is the dream of many authors, but structuring the plot in a way that captivates readers can be a really daunting task because there are several approaches to organising a story.

The three-act structure, four-act structure, and five-act structure are the most popular options. Each one offers unique advantages and disadvantages, but all three can be used to create a powerful and compelling narrative.

Let's take a closer look.

You can read the accompanying blog post here.

In this episode, I’ll be talking to author and teacher Elisabeth Sharp McKetta.

Elisabeth is the author of 13 books, including “She Never Told Me About the Ocean," "Ark," and "Edit Your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intention in a Messy World.”

We’ll 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 you’d like to know more, Elisabeth also delivered the TEDxBoise talk “Edit Your Life Like a Poem,” 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

I still feel bad about missing horror from my last article's list of literary genres. Because of that, I'm making it the first in line for my closer looks at each literary genre.

(So don't come at me, okay?)

Many of us have grown up with a love for the horror genre, whether it's through movies, television, or books. Horror has the ability to captivate our imaginations and transport us to a world filled with thrills and chills. We’re drawn to the suspense and unknowns that await us either on the next frame or on the next page.

In this episode, I'll look at horror's history, its sub-genres, and my top 10 horror novels.

Settle in and get ready to explore the dark corners of... well... pretty much everything.

You can find the accompanying blog post here: https://www.thebookcoach.co/post/a-closer-look-at-the-horror-genre

Welcome to the wonders of genre and how to ensure you’re well versed in the those available to you. Tapping into genre is a powerful force, satisfying readers because they know what they're getting.   Join me as we take a closer look at the main genres available to you as you plan to write.   Genre allows us to organise and classify all sorts of entertainment, everything from books to movies to video games. And it also informs how we buy and sell them.   Fiction is focused on the imaginative, involving characters and plot lines that have been invented by the author.   Non-fiction, on the other hand, focuses on the real and is usually based on facts and events.   To be truly well-versed in genre, one must delve into each, so let's get started...

You’re making this world, you’ve got characters you’re in love with, and you’re writing your novel... then you get to that point where you become self-critical.

“I’m not good enough,” you say. “Somebody's probably already told this story better than me. I’m going to get rejected, I’m going to get terrible reviews, and I’m going to get terrible sales.”

So what can you do to help yourself through those times?

You can read the accompanying blog post here.

It takes a great deal of imagination and craftsmanship to write a novel. But what if you’re just getting started?   Before you can dive right into the creative process of crafting the perfect story, there are a few important steps you'll need to take. Knowing what these steps are and how to go about them can help you stay organised and make the writing process easier.   In this episode, I'll cover the crucial steps you need to know before you start writing a novel.   Check out the accompanying blog post!

Okay, so don't let the title put you off. Morphological Analysis is neither as close to being as scary as it sounds nor as complicated to execute. What it can do is help you make interesting new connections between seemingly unrelated things. Those kinds of connections can result in stories no one saw coming. (I'm looking at you, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.)

Many moons ago, when I worked at Ford Motor Company, and later at what is now Warner Bros. Discovery, I ran innovation workshops and Morphological Analysis was one tool I used with my students. Of all the innovation tools I used, Morphological Analysis stuck with me because it's great for writers.

Back then, it was all about problem statements, functions, and morphologies, but what stood out to me were dimensions. Stories have dimensions. They have genre, character, style, structure, content and so on.

I've used the tool with clients as part of my Story Development package, but I thought it'd be useful to share it with you.

Here's the blog post that goes with this episode and it has diagrams so you can better visualise how it all fits together: https://www.thebookcoach.co/post/how-to-create-story-ideas-using-morphological-analysis

Did you dilly-dally during 2022 and not get your book planned or started or finished?

Will you dilly-dally during 2023 and not get your book planned or started or finished?

Not on my watch!

If you're going to make 2023 the bee's knees, then don't wait for the new year. Pencil in some 'me-time' this month to give yourself the upper hand.

If you launch into 2023 with a burst of energy, you'll be light years ahead, heading into January with a sharp eye, a precise plan, and pure grit!

Here are seven things to do before New Year's Day:

1. Review your year

2022 has plenty of wisdom to share! Before it slips away, take a moment to reflect on your experiences and cherish the moments that will stick with you for the years to come. And don't be afraid to look at what slipped, why it slipped, and what you can do to stop that happening again.

For me, I'd hoped to finish my novel, Spirit of Water. I've been trying to finish that bad boy for 10 years. 10!

Yeah, I relaunched my coaching business, started a part-time, freelancing position with Author Accelerator, wrote a novelette, Out in the Cold, compiled and published my writing group's first anthology, and three episodes of a new comedy TV show, but not finishing that novel is bugging me.

And why did that happen? Because on my daily list of things to do, my writing came last.

2. Get clear on what’s most important

Cramming your day with a hundred and one tiny tasks won't suddenly make you the person you want to be. But if you get clear on your core values, it's like getting a mystical guiding light to show you the path towards your top priorities. So define what matters most to you, and then follow the energetic breadcrumbs to get where you're going.

On my daily list of things to do, my writing will come first, closely followed by my coaching work.

3. Set a context for 2023

Pinpoint the things you'd like to achieve.

Define a word for the year that will grant you permission to say YIPEE to the stuff that resonates with you and BOO to the stuff that doesn't jive.

My 2023 word is "accomplished". I want to accomplish these goals:

• Secure a spot on a Creative Writing PhD course.

• Publish Spirit of Water.

• Author Accelerator certification as a nonfiction book coach (stretch goal because it depends on my practicum client).

• Publish the next novel in my Bacchus Chronicles series.

4. Review your habits

James Clear says, “you get what you repeat”.

 

Are your habits helpful or hurtful? Could you benefit from incorporating some new tricks into your lifestyle to guarantee your success? Be sincere with the behaviours you take on autopilot and determine if it's time to roll out some modifications.

I've had a rough few months. One of our dogs put up a brave battle with cancer but passed away on December 10th. There's never a good time for a pet to pass away, but both my husband and I were suffering with the most awful chest infections. Since then I haven't bothered setting my 7 A.M alarm... and now my days are all over the place. As of tomorrow, I'll be setting that 7 A.M. alarm and getting some structure back into my days. I deserve to end my working days feel with a completed "To Feel" list.

Which bring us to...

5. Make a "To Feel" list

Achievements are great for injecting some purpose into your life. But what sort of person do you want to be and how do you want to feel? A "To Feel" is a sensational journalling technique that can help you explore a more intentional life experience.

I learned about "To Feel" list from my bestie. She says that we'll die with an unfinished "To Do" list, so why not concentrate on doing the things that contribute to how we want to feel?

In the words of Oscar Wilde, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.”

Build a "To Feel" list, and you'll find it simpler to experience 'the rarest thing in the world'.

On my daily list of things to feel, 'feel like a writer' will come first. I'll want to write if I want to feel like a writer.

6. Create your support structure

Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Who will surround you in 2023 and help you thrive?

For example:

• Is it time to join a writing group? I didn't have any local writing groups, so I started two writing groups from my National Novel Writing Month cohorts, first in Essex and now in Hertfordshire. Each month, we make commitments where we'll be by the next meeting and during every meeting at least one of us says, "And I wouldn't have done it without you lot".

• Would you go further with an accountability buddy or mentor? Having someone out there who's expecting pages from you is a huge motivator.

• Do you want to find more online groups where ‘your people’ hang out? My writing group is online, and it's just as social as it is productive. Plus, you don't have to haul your cookies out of the house for the meetings.

• Does your friendship group nourish and support you? If they don't, consider that writing group, accountability buddy or mentor—they understand the writing life.

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 Writer’s Guide to Character Stress and Volatility'!

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.

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.

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!

We’ll 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

📚 Unlock the Secrets of Compelling Character Backstories! 📚

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!

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/

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

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.

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!

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore one of the most quietly intimidating parts of writing fiction: creating characters when you’re afraid of getting them wrong.

Inspired by a listener question, this episode looks at the difference between research as preparation and research as protection. Research, plotting, and worldbuilding are essential tools, especially when your story is inspired by real histories, cultures, political conflicts, or human suffering. But sometimes those tools can become a very respectable hiding place from the messier, more intimate work of character.

We’ll look at why character work can feel so exposing, how to begin before you feel perfectly ready, and how to invent responsibly without becoming paralysed by fear. You’ll also learn practical ways into character, including dictated monologues, private letters, character complaints, petty desires, contradictions, and the wonderfully freeing “ugly first character pass.”

If you’ve ever delayed writing because you felt unqualified, uncertain, or afraid of causing harm, this episode offers a calmer, braver way forward. Not certainty. Not perfection. Just care, humility, specificity, and the courage to begin.

If the podcast helps you with your writing and you’d like to support the time, thought, and mildly alarming number of notes that go into each episode, you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/masterfictionwriting

Should you cut words like saw, felt, heard, realised, and remembered from your fiction? Often, yes. Always? Not even slightly. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, Stuart breaks down why so-called filter words and mental-processing verbs get flagged so often, how they can weaken immediacy and increase psychic distance, and why the advice to remove them can become unhelpfully rigid when treated as a rule rather than a craft decision. You’ll learn the difference between lazy filtering and purposeful usage, when these words genuinely flatten prose, when they’re necessary, and when they can actually strengthen voice, pacing, and emotional effect. With practical examples, revision guidance, and a more nuanced way to assess your own pages, this episode will help you stop editing by superstition and start editing with discernment.

The difference between an “interesting” idea and a story that actually moves? Your premise.

In this episode, I'll break down why so many drafts end up with “optional chapters” - scenes that could be shuffled, skipped, or swapped without changing anything. Then you’ll learn a simple, repeatable framework for building a premise that creates real story pressure: Protagonist + Pressure + Price.

You’ll get:

• The 3 ingredients that make a premise generate scenes automatically

• A quick Premise Stress Test (3 questions) to spot a situation disguised as a story

• Two live premise upgrades (weak → strong), plus 5 inevitable scenes for each

• The exact fill-in-the-blank sentence stem I use with clients to write a one-sentence premise with teeth

• A 10-minute assignment to lock your premise so your scenes stop feeling optional

If your idea feels compelling but your chapters feel… negotiable, this one will fix that.

If this clicked, hit Follow - and next week I’ll build the ‘binding question’ that turns your premise into an outline. Until the next time, happy storytelling.

This episode's for anyone writing speculative fiction who’s ever vanished into worldbuilding “for five minutes” and resurfaced three hours later with a fully functioning sewer system and… no actual scene.

This episode is about the quiet ways worldbuilding can sabotage your story when it becomes a substitute for plot, character, pacing, and reader trust. Not because worldbuilding is bad. Because it’s powerful.

And power needs a steering wheel.

In the episode, I break down the biggest traps and how to fix them fast, including:

- The World Bible Trap, where planning replaces drafting.

- The Museum Tour Opening, where the story starts with a brochure.

- The Encyclopaedia Dump, where exposition sits on the reader’s chest.

- The Currency Exchange Problem, where too many invented terms overload the brain.

- The Map Is Not a Plot problem, where geography pretends it’s narrative.

- Rules Without Consequences, where magic and tech don’t actually bite.

- The Stakes Inflation Spiral, where you start with the apocalypse and have nowhere to go.

- The Contradiction Sinkhole, where reader trust quietly leaks away.

You’ll also get a simple “worldbuilding that serves story” framework you can apply to a current WIP in 20 minutes, plus a 10-minute rewrite challenge to turn exposition into action.

If you’re drafting or revising fantasy, sci-fi, horror, alternate history, or slipstream, this one will give you instant traction.

Listen, then try this quick diagnostic: if you cut a paragraph of worldbuilding, what actually breaks? If the answer is “nothing”… congratulations, you’ve found a scene-level diet plan.

If you enjoy the episode, like, share, and subscribe, then come on over to www.thebookcoach.co to check out my story development service.

Back to the Book: Restarting a Shelved Draft Fast is a practical, no-nonsense episode for writers who’ve stepped away from a manuscript and want to re-enter it without rereading the whole thing.

You’ll learn a 60-minute re-entry sprint to regain story context fast, a 2-hour reset to rebuild your “story map,” and a simple toolkit for avoiding the biggest time-wasters like polishing old chapters instead of writing new pages.

If opening your draft makes you think, “Who are these people and why are they in a barn?”, this episode will get you writing again today.

Set yourself up for a 2026 writing year that actually survives real life. In this episode, you’ll build a simple, motivating plan without hustle-culture guilt or impossible schedules.

We’ll choose a one- to three-word theme to guide your decisions, pick three clear priorities (plus one powerful “not this year”), map your year by quarters, and set a weekly minimum that keeps you moving even when life gets loud.

You’ll also learn how to put writing into your calendar for the next two weeks, create a few tiny systems that make showing up easier, and use a straightforward reset plan when you miss a week (because you will - and that’s normal).

Grab a notebook and follow along: by the end, you’ll have a writing map you can trust, and a next step you can take today.

Is Legally Blonde secretly one of the best-plotted films of the 2000s? In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, host Stuart Wakefield performs a full story autopsy on Elle Woods’ journey from dumped sorority president to victorious Harvard lawyer.

We dig into how the film builds a rock-solid causal chain (where every major beat grows logically from the last) and how Elle’s external quest (Harvard, the internship, the murder trial) welds perfectly to her internal arc from “choose me” to “I choose myself.” Along the way, we unpack the emotional climax after Callahan’s harassment, the perm-fuelled courtroom payoff, and why the Bend and Snap is the least important thing in this script.

You’ll walk away with concrete questions and exercises you can apply to your own story, whether you’re writing novels, screenplays, or plays. Spoilers for Legally Blonde abound, but the craft lessons are evergreen.

If your opening goes boom but your hero can shrug and carry on, that’s fireworks, not story. In this episode I breaks down the real job of an inciting incident - to bind your protagonist to an obligation that costs something now and points the story arrow.

Here's what you'll learn:

• What “binding” means in plain English and how to spot it fast
• The five ways a moment can stick Bond, Irreversibility, New stakes, Direction, Pressure
• A spoken mini-exercise you can even do while walking the dog
• A quick diagnostic to fix fake incidents that are loud but optional
• A simple before and after that turns a limp delivery into a clock-ticking crisis

We'll also look at:

• Pride and Prejudice Darcy’s slight and Lizzy’s promise to herself
• Legally Blonde Elle’s public vow to Harvard Law
• A Streetcar Named Desire Blanche’s choice to stay and conceal

Want help binding your own opening? Start here and visit ⁠⁠https://www.thebookcoach.co⁠⁠

And then” isn’t a plot, it’s a queue. In this craft-forward episode, we swap “and then” for the more muscular because / but / therefore and show how tight causality turns scenes into story. You’ll get a clear, jargon-free framework for chaining choices to consequences, plus two case studies that prove the point: a mini-autopsy of Pride & Prejudice and a contemporary comparison with Knives Out.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why causality (not act labels) is the real backbone of structure

• How to convert event beats into decision beats with costs

• The Because/But/Therefore test to expose sagging “and then” sequences

• A quick Coincidence Audit (allowed to enter a story, never to exit it)

• A repeatable Scene Ledger: Goal → Opposition → Outcome → New Problem → Forced Next Action

POV isn’t just a grammar choice - it’s the engine that controls intimacy, suspense, and what your reader knows when.

In this craft-deep episode, we demystify point of view by breaking it into three practical dials (access, scope, and distance) then walk through the pros and cons of first person, third limited (close and deep), free indirect style, omniscient, objective, second person, epistolary, multiple-POV, and stream of consciousness.

To make it real, we take a baseline scene (Edward at Inkerman hearing Pendleton’s voice) and rewrite it in each POV, showing exactly what changes on the page and how those changes shape reader experience, for better and for worse.

You’ll learn how to pick the right lens for a scene, avoid head-hopping and tense drift, trim filter words for immediacy, and keep character voice aligned with era and education.

Ideal for both first-time novelists and seasoned writers tuning their instrument!

Stop polishing your first paragraph into oblivion. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we split your process into two clean modes: Author Brain for discovery and Editor Brain for decision—used at different times for different jobs. You’ll hear a live “before/after” paragraph where we draft messy, then run a tight verbs-and-cuts pass that sharpens pace and tension without killing momentum. We’ll also set up a simple 30-minute loop you can run twice to produce real pages today.

You’ll learn:

• The core jobs of Author Brain (invent) vs. Editor Brain (select)

• Why separating them in time stops stalls and unlocks flow

• The TK tactic and “Again:” restart to keep drafting forward

• How a verbs-and-cuts pass lifts energy, clarity, and pace fast

• The one-line scene change test to confirm forward motion