Storycraft Mini-Series with Brandi Badgett: Backstory episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 5, 2026 · 28 MIN

Storycraft Mini-Series with Brandi Badgett: Backstory

from Creative, Actually Podcast · host E A Carter

Brandi Badgett, Fictionary’s star Editor and Instructor guides you through the most important aspects of storycraft to help you write your best book.Today’s topic is all about backstory: what is backstory and why it’s important and what three things you need to know about how to use backstory the best way possible. Brandi shares solutions on how to use backstory to write an engaging book while avoiding the dreaded info dump. (Yay!)I’m excited to share this series with you. Packed with lots of useful information and actionable tips, it’s perfect for both aspiring authors and seasoned writers!About Brandi Badgett:I am a wife and mother of five beautiful children. My husband is a rocket scientist, so we live in Alabama, just outside of Rocket City. I’m a lifelong bibliophile and learner which means my home is covered in books.I am a senior at BYU-Idaho, working on a degree in Family and Marriage Studies. The things I have learned in classes and reading studies have influenced my life greatly, and I hope to share the knowledge with others.I’ve played with writing since I was young, but when it came to a novel—I always got stuck until I landed upon Fictionary. Between the knowledge of story I learned there and the kindness of the community, I stayed for years and became a Certified StoryCoach Editor and Instructor.I also write fiction under my pen name Leigh Romero.Chapters & Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:55 What Backstory Means02:53 Wound - Belief - Behavior04:09 Worldbuilding as Backstory08:01 Why Backstory Matters10:09 Avoiding the Info Dump12:13 Breadcrumbing Examples15:52 Modern Readers and Pacing18:09 World First or Story First22:07 Balancing Worldbuilding Time25:29 How Fictionary Helps28:09 Final Thanks and Wrap UpLinks:FictionaryLove in DevelopmentLove in Development Goodreads pageDid you know that I work with amazing creatives from all over the world? If you are working on a project and you would like a mentor, coach, editor, or work through any stucks, I have plenty of ways to meet your needs and at every price point.I’d love to help you reach your goals!Check out what I can do for you! > Work with me This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eacarter.substack.com/subscribe

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Storycraft Mini-Series with Brandi Badgett: Backstory

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