Authors' Alcove for Fantasy Writers – Details, episodes & analysis

Confused about which plot threads to tie up—and which to let dangle? You’re not alone. Today we discuss when to leave plot threads open, how to track plot threads, and planting story seeds, among other ways of fixing story problems. Listen to Rebecca share her plot structure tips and what makes a good writer great! 

Want to know what makes a good writer great? Tune into our writing podcast for authors, where we explore plot structure tips, book editing hacks, and how to self-edit with intentionality. This week’s episode focuses on plot threads, subplots, and story seeds—and how to decide what needs a payoff.

In this episode of the Story Savvy series, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] dig into whether you need to resolve everything you foreshadowed—and what to do when you don’t.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

• How to decide whether to tie up a plot thread or leave it unresolved

• Best practices for handling open threads in standalone novels vs. series

• The difference between seeds and subplots—and why it matters

• How to track emotional payoff and avoid disappointing your readers

• The editing power of creating simple lists to manage subplots, characters, and setups

If you’ve ever felt like your ending was almost satisfying—but something was missing—this episode is for you.

Recommended Resources

Need a Developmental Editor? hartboundediting.comAuthor’s Alcove Membership: authorsalcove.comFantasy Book Giveaway: AuthorsAlcove.org

Chapters[00:00] Intro[00:27] Understanding Plot Threads[01:38] When Not to Tie Up Plot Threads[03:01] Foreshadowing in Series Writing[05:03] Best Practices for Leaving Threads Open[07:36] Tying Up Loose Ends[09:51] Tracking Seeds and Subplots[13:23] Understanding Seeds vs. Subplots[15:30] Ensuring Payoff for Seeds[18:01] The Importance of Intentionality

Feeling tangled in too many storylines? Wondering if your subplot is helping—or hurting—your novel? You’re not alone.Want to know what makes a good writer great? Tune into our writing podcast for authors, where we explore plot structure tips, how to structure a story plot, and book editing hacks. This week’s focus: plot threads and subplots. In this week’s episode of the Story Savvy series, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] unravel the confusion around subplots vs. plot threads. You’ll learn how to identify your main plot, what subplots are worth keeping, and how to revise your story so it most satisfies your reader. If you've ever forgotten to tie up a subplot, or tried to juggle too many plotlines and lost your readers along the way—this one's for you.This episode covers:How to figure out which plot is your novel’s backbone–main plotThe difference between plot threads and subplotsWhy less (subplots) is sometimes moreHow to check if a subplot is actually landing with your audienceWhen a subplot might need to be cut altogetherWhether you're editing your manuscript or plotting your next draft, this episode will give you tools to create tighter, more powerful fiction—without sacrificing depth.Recommended Resources:Need a Developmental Editor? Hart Bound EditingAuthor’ Alcove Membership: http://authrosalcove.comFantasy Book Giveaway: AuthorsAlcove.orgChapters[00:00] Intro[01:11] Understanding Main Plots vs. Subplots[04:32] The Importance of Knowing Your Primary Plot[06:04] Defining Plot Threads and Subplots[09:05] Balancing Subplots: Too Many or Too Few?[11:00] Evaluating Subplots During Revision[14:12] Connecting Subplots to the Main Plot[16:05] Common Mistakes in Subplot Integration[20:33] Wrapping Up Subplots, Is It a Must?

Struggling with first person POV versus third person POV? Wondering what makes a good writer great or how to improve story writing skills? In this advice-packed episode of 52-Week Story Savvy, editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] teams up with aspiring author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] to help you master your narrative voice.

Together, they explore the pros and cons of different POVs, tenses, and storytelling perspectives—sharing real examples. You’ll learn how your POV choice shapes your reader’s emotional connection, how to avoid common pitfalls like head-hopping, and when it’s okay to break the rules (and how to fix things if you already have).

Rebecca doesn’t just tell you what works—she explains why, so you can make confident, intentional choices that suit your story and genre. Whether you're writing a sprawling epic or a single-POV middle grade, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling more empowered, more prepared, and more excited to edit.

In This Episode:

• What tense and person choice really say about your story

• Deep POV vs distant narration: how close is too close?

• When to add a secondary POV—and when not to

• Practical self-editing tips for spotting consistency issues

• The head-hopping trap (and how to avoid it!)

• Why choosing the right narrator for each scene can transform your book

Recommended Resources:

• Developmental Editing Services (Expert Feedback) – [https://hartboundediting.com]

• Authors’ Alcove Membership Site – [http://authorsalcove.com]

• Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

• Story Grid – https://storygrid.com

• Save the Cat – https://savethecat.com

• How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis by Brian Cohen

Looking for writer improvement and want to know what makes a good writer great? In this episode, Rebecca shares how to edit your book yourself and offers practical fantasy book blurb advice. Unlike typical writing tutorials, she explores how your blurb can actually shape and strengthen your story while you revise.

In this newest installment of 52-Week Story Savvy, editor Rebecca Hartwell (hartboundediting.com) and aspiring author Agnes Wolfe (authorsalcove.com) talk about how writing your blurb early on can bring clarity to your plot, characters, and emotional arc. Whether you're working on a rough draft or tightening up your final revision, this episode helps you align your manuscript with the promises you’re making to readers in your blurb.

You’ll hear Rebecca break down what a blurb is—and what it definitely isn’t—and walk you through how to craft one that captures the soul of your story. She shares her five-step method for writing blurbs that engage readers, expose weak spots in your narrative, and meet genre expectations. For writers who struggle with blurbs (you’re not alone!), Rebecca also recommends Brian Cohen’s How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis as a must-have tool in your writing toolkit.

In This Episode:

• How to craft a compelling blurb that highlights your story’s conflict, stakes, and emotional drive

• Why distinguishing a blurb from a synopsis matters and how it affects reader interest

• A clear five-step process to help you draft, revise, and polish your book blurb

• Ways to use your blurb as a lens for self-editing and improving story cohesion

• Common blurb pitfalls to avoid, from overcrowded character lists to tone mismatches

Recommended Resources:

• Developmental Editing Services (Expert Feedback) – [https://hartboundediting.com]

• Authors’ Alcove Membership Site – [http://authorsalcove.com]

• Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

• Story Grid – https://storygrid.com

• Save the Cat – https://savethecat.com

• How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis by Brian Cohen

[00:00] Intro

[01:51] What is a blurb—and what isn’t it?

[04:17] When should you write your blurb?

[05:42] Why write a blurb before finishing your book?

[06:34] What resources and steps can help you write a strong blurb?

[14:18] How can your blurb help you reevaluate your story?

[22:28] Is it necessary to write your blurb early in the process?

[29:54] What should you do if your blurb and book don’t match?

Curious about how to structure a story plot to create great pacing? Rebecca reveals what makes a good writer great as she dives into what are some good storytelling techniques, explores how to write a good plot for a story, and offers tips on how to improve story writing skills. 

Today, in this newest episode of 52-Week Story Savvy, Rebecca Hartwell (Hart Bound Editing) and aspiring author Agnes Wolfe (Authors’ Alcove) break down one of the trickiest parts of self-editing: pacing. Whether your story drags or moves too fast, Rebecca offers actionable steps to help you fine-tune your emotional rhythm and keep your readers turning pages.

This episode covers everything from identifying when your pacing is off to knowing how (and where) to fix it. You’ll learn how to map emotional highs and lows, structure your scenes for momentum, and avoid the burnout/boredom trap that so many stories fall into. Plus, Rebecca shares pro editor tips like using visual scene mapping, adjusting chapter structure, and avoiding info-dumping while still delivering rich story detail.

In This Episode:

• How to create a visual “pacing map” of your novel using a spreadsheet

• Learn how to ensure every scene moves the story forward

• How to fix pacing without rewriting your entire book

• Solving pacing problems

• Balancing tension with calmer moments. 

Recommended Resources:

• Developmental Editing Services (Expert Feedback) – [https://hartboundediting.com]

• Authors’ Alcove Membership Site – [http://authorsalcove.com]

• Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

• Story Grid – https://storygrid.com

• Save the Cat – https://savethecat.com

[00:00] Intro

[01:28] What Is Pacing?

[03:33]  How Can We Identify Overwriting and Underwriting?

[06:20] How to Know When to Create a Chapter Break, and When to Break Them?

[10:39] How Can We Prevent Our Reader from Getting Bored or Burning Out?

[15:45] What Patterns Should We Have in Emotional Pacing?

[21:52] How Do You Avoid Plodding Along?

[30:43] Actionable Steps To Correct Pacing

What haunts us—and why do we return to those shadows in fiction? Listen to our interview with Beth Castrodale about horror writing craft and writing supernatural suspense 

In this episode of Authors’ Alcove: For Fantasy Writers, I sit down with award-winning author Beth Castrodale to discuss her chilling and emotionally resonant gothic horror novel, The Inhabitants. We explore the art of writing haunted houses and supernatural fiction, how Beth weaves modern themes like the #MeToo movement into the gothic tradition, and the challenges (and joys) of crafting horror stories that linger with readers long after the final page.

Beth shares her writing process, publishing experiences, marketing tips for horror authors, and offers advice for writers ready to take their first step into the horror genre. Plus—a few fun twists along the way, including a haunted house icebreaker and her dream character for our Fantasy Writing Accountability Group!

🔥 Don’t miss our Spring & Summer Book Giveaways at authorsalcove.org—Spring features Sinister Love, and Summer will spotlight The Inhabitants by Beth Castrodale and Angel of Water and Shadow by Tory Gruyon.

🌟 Want early access to episodes and exclusive content? Support the show at patreon.com/authorsalcove.

📝 Writers—join our free Fantasy Writing Accountability Group on Facebook for tips, encouragement, and community: Join Here.

📺 Watch and subscribe on YouTube: Authors' Alcove Fantasy Writing

May your quill stay sharp and your imagination boundless.

Step into the world of Tarot and Fiction, as we discuss writing about Real Figures with Spark Press author Susand Wands. This historical fantasy author, creator of the Arcana Oracle Series. In this episode of Authors’ Alcove: For Fantasy Writers, we explore how Susan mastered the art of writing about real figures—specifically Pamela Colman Smith, the visionary artist behind the modern tarot deck.

Susan shares how her background in theatre and passion for tarot and fiction led to the creation of this richly detailed trilogy. We also chat about her journey as a Spark Press author, the process behind turning her series into audiobooks with insider audiobook publishing tips, and why visionary fiction deserves a bigger spotlight.

🎁 Her full series is part of our Summer Book Giveaway! Enter to win here:https://kingsumo.com/g/1rj8dz3/summer-giveaway-spotlight-the-arcana-oracle-series-by-susan-wands

🌐 Want to grow as a writer or fantasy reader?Join our membership community for free writing resources and upcoming author events at authorsalcove.com

💬 Get involved in our Facebook Writing Accountability Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasywritingaccountability/member-requests

🎙️ Support the show and access bonus content on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/authorsalcove

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and comment on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorsAlcoveFantasyWriting

Today, Rebecca teaches us how to write a fantasy novel for beginners, how to strengthen your plot, and how to edit your book yourself as we explore the importance of research in fiction writing in this latest episode of the 52-Week Story Savvy series.

Rebecca Hartwell, founder of Hart Bound Editing (hartboundediting.com), joins aspiring author Agnes Wolfe from Authors’ Alcove (authorsalcove.com) for a fun and insightful conversation about what makes a story really work. They dive into character development, common research traps, and how to create an immersive, believable story without overloading your reader with details.

In this episode, Rebecca shares practical advice on spotting knowledge gaps, avoiding research rabbit holes, and weaving facts into your story without losing the magic of storytelling. She also offers tips on balancing authenticity with creativity and handling sensitive cultural details with care.

• When and how to begin researching your story

• How to avoid research rabbit holes that stall your writing

• Balancing accuracy with storytelling in fantasy

• Common research mistakes (and how to fix them)

• How much research you really need for mythical creatures and worldbuilding

• Writing historically or culturally accurate settings without sounding like a textbook

• The biggest pitfalls of over-researching vs. under-researching

Whether you're still brainstorming or knee-deep in revisions, these tips will help you strike the perfect balance between research and creativity — and keep your writing moving forward.

• Story Grid – [https://storygrid.com]

• Developmental Editing Services (Expert Feedback) – [https://hartboundediting.com]

• Authors’ Alcove Membership Site – [http://authorsalcove.com]

• Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

In This Episode:Recommended Resources:

[00:00] Intro

[01:36] Understanding When to Start Researching

[02:34] Why Even Experts Need to Double-Check Their Knowledge

[03:30] How to Identify and Correct Knowledge Gaps in Your Writing

[06:20] The Role of Research in Fantasy Worldbuilding

[07:38] Choosing a Historical or Technological Basis for a Fantasy World

[11:31] Researching Mythical Creatures While Maintaining Creative Freedom

[13:29] How to Portray Different Cultures and Time Periods with Respect

[15:33] Common Research Mistakes Writers Make and How to Avoid Them

[23:08] Finding the Right Balance Between Research and Writing

Today, Rebecca teaches us how to write compelling villains, how to write character arcs, and how to make your character strong as we explore crafting compelling antagonists in this latest episode of the 52-Week Story Savvy series. Rebecca Hartwell, founder of Hart Bound Editing [http://hartboundediting.com], joins aspiring author Agnes Wolfe from Authors’ Alcove [http://authorsalcove.com] to break down how to write a good protagonist, avoid weak villains, and ensure your antagonist drives the plot effectively.

This episode explores how to craft an antagonist that truly challenges the protagonist, strengthens the story’s stakes, and prevents conflict from feeling contrived. Rebecca shares expert insights on building motivation, avoiding cliché villains, and ensuring the antagonist actively opposes the hero while maintaining depth and complexity.

• The biggest mistakes writers make when creating antagonists—and how to fix them.

• How to write a compelling antagonist that drives conflict and tension.

• Avoiding one-dimensional or cartoonish villains.

• Ensuring the antagonist pushes the protagonist toward meaningful growth.

• Balancing villainous motivations to make them believable and engaging.

• Why a strong antagonist makes the protagonist’s journey more satisfying.

• How to craft an antagonist that resonates with readers while keeping them truly dangerous.

Whether you’re writing your first book or refining an existing manuscript, these strategies will help you build an antagonist that elevates your story and keeps readers engaged.

• Story Grid – [https://storygrid.com]

• Developmental Editing Services (Expert Feedback) – [https://hartboundediting.com]

• Authors’ Alcove Membership Site – [http://authorsalcove.com]

• Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

Intro 

What Makes a Great Antagonist?

Does an Antagonist Have to Be Like Sauron or Voldemort?

How Is Creating a Classic Villain Different from Other Antagonists?

Should I Have Just One Main Antagonist?

How Do I Ensure My Antagonist Effectively Pushes the Protagonist?

Should a Fantasy Villain Be Sympathetic or Purely Evil?

How Do I Handle an Antagonist’s Motivations Over a Series?

Does Genre Influence the Type of Antagonist I Should Use?

Should a Villain Believe They Are the Hero of Their Own Story?

What Are the Biggest Mistakes When Writing an Antagonist?

This Episode Covers:Recommended Resources:

I had so much fun talking with AnnMarie about her fantasy story inspiration and fantasy realm building, as well as how to co write a book. Discussing fantasy world-building is always such a joy, especially as we discussed how to get traditionally published with a small press. In this episode of Authors' Alcove: For Fantasy Writers, host Agnes Wolfe sits down with AnnMarie Knorr Fischer, co-author of Arcane Assassin: Path of Annihilation, the thrilling first book in The Raven Naelo Saga. This epic fantasy adventure features rogue warriors, necromancers, soul-stealing artifacts, and an unforgettable trip into the forbidden Fey Realm.AnnMarie shares what it’s like co-writing fantasy with her wife Rachel, how their DnD campaigns sparked the story, and why collaboration makes storytelling richer. You'll get insights into character development, publishing with Sunbury Press, and building immersive worlds—plus a few behind-the-scenes moments that writers won’t want to miss.💥 Be sure to:Explore our membership site for fantasy writers & readers: https://authorsalcove.comEnter our Spring Book Giveaway: https://authorsalcove.orgSupport us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/authorsalcoveJoin the Facebook Fantasy Writers Accountability Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasywritingaccountability/member-requests📚 Grab Arcane Assassin: Path of Annihilation from Sunbury Press:https://www.sunburypress.com/collections/r-a-fischer/products/arcane-assassin-path-of-annihilation?variant=42501595725917Subscribe for more interviews, giveaways, and deep-dives into the magic behind the words.