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...

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, 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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

📚 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...

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/

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

🎙️ 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...

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...

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...

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...