PODCAST · education
Inside Creative Writing
by Inside Creative Writing
Inside Creative Writing is your go-to podcast for mastering the art and craft of storytelling. Whether you're writing your first novel or refining your skills, this podcast delivers practical techniques, deep insights, and real-world strategies to help you craft immersive, authentic stories.Hosted by Brad Reed, a writer, educator, and coach, Inside Creative Writing explores the techniques behind compelling fiction and creative nonfiction. Each episode dives into essential writing topics, from developing complex characters and crafting vivid scenes to structuring powerful narratives and revising with purpose.What You’ll Discover in This Podcast:Proven Writing Techniques – Learn practical methods used by successful authors to enhance your storytelling.Deep Dives into Craft – Explore the nuances of characterization, voice, pacing, and immersive world-building.Inspiration & Motivation – Break through writer’s block and stay committed to your creative journey.Expert Insights – Gain va
Episodes
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The Power of Little Mysteries
tHE POWER OF LITTLE MYSTERIES:How to Keep Readers Turning Pages — a podcast episode — How do you keep readers engaged in a novel without constant action or plot twists?One of the most effective ways to keep readers engaged is by incorporating “little mysteries,” unanswered questions or withheld...
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What If You’re Not the Kind of Writer You Thought You’d Be?
What If You’re Not the Kind of Writer You Thought You’d Be? — a podcast episode — What if I’m not the kind of writer I thought I’d be?Many writers start with a fixed idea of the kind of stories they’re supposed to write, but creative growth often reveals a different voice or genre that feels more...
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When Characters Take Control: Writing and the Internal Family System
WHEN CHARACTERS TAKE CONTROL:Writing and the Internal Family System — a podcast episode — Why do some characters take control of your story?Some characters seem to “take over” your story because they may represent parts of your own mind. According to Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory, the…
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Plan Your Novel with Index Cards!
PLAN YOUR NOVEL WITH INDEX CARDS!borrowing a Screenwriter’s Tool — a podcast episode — How can I use index cards to plot a novel?The index card method helps novelists visualize and organize their story by dividing it into key turning points across a four-row layout, one row per story act. Each…
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Boredom and Creativity: A Writing Superpower
BOREDOM AND CREATIVITY:A Writing Superpower — a podcast episode — Why is boredom important for writers?Boredom gives the brain space to reflect, wander, and make creative connections. Without constant distractions, writers can tap into deeper ideas and story insights that often remain buried...
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Why Do You Write? Finding Purpose Beneath the Pressure
WHY DO YOU WRITE?Finding Purpose Beneath the Pressure — a podcast episode — Why do writer’s write?Writers write to explore, express, and make sense of their inner and outer worlds—whether to connect, create, remember, or simply because they have to. Helping writers craft authentic, immersive...
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Reading Like A Writer: Unlocking the Secrets of Great Writing
Reading Like a Writer:Unlocking the secrets of Great Writing — a podcast episode — What is reading like a writer?To read like a writer means looking past the story to study how it was built. After the first read for pleasure, you revisit the text to examine structure, pacing, dialogue, and...
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Can a Scene Generator AI Help Me Write Better Scenes?
Can a Scene Generator AI Help Me Write Better Scenes? — a resource video — Can a Scene Generator AI Help Me Write Better Scenes?Yes, but not by replacing your creativity. Instead, it serves as a powerful tool to show you what’s been done before by thousands of other writers. Use it as a way to...
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Should I Use AI to Write My Novel?
Should I Use AI to Write My Novel? — a podcast episode — Can AI help you write a novel?AI can assist with structuring ideas, tracking details, and refining prose, but it lacks true creativity, emotional depth, and narrative instincts. Writers should use AI as a tool for support rather than a...
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Writing Resistance: How to Overcome the Hidden Obstacles to Writing
WRITING RESISTANCE: How to Overcome the hidden Obstacles To Writing — a podcast episode — Helping writers craft authentic, immersive stories.Find out more about us here. Inside Creative Writing Email this Page Share on Bluesky Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Threads...
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Write Great Dialogue… without Writing Dialogue?
Write Great Dialogue… Without Writing Dialogue? —a podcast episode — Helping writers craft authentic, immersive stories.Find out more about us here. Inside Creative Writing Email this Page Share on Bluesky Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Threads Share on Facebook…
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How to Make Readers Feel Emotion: The Key to Powerful Storytelling
How to Make Readers Feel Emotion: The Key to Powerful Storytelling — a podcast episode — Helping writers craft authentic, immersive stories.Find out more about us here. Inside Creative Writing Email this Page Share on Bluesky Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Threads...
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Conflict in Writing: How to Create Tension That Hooks Readers
CONFLICT IN WRITING: How to Create Tension That Hooks Readers — a podcast episode — Conflict in writing is the tension, struggle, or opposition that drives a story forward. It can be external (character vs. character, society, nature) or internal (character vs. self), but it always creates...
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Writing Challenges: Lessons from a New Writer's Journey with Jesse Hawley
WRITING CHALLENGES: Lessons from a New Writer’s Journey with Jesse Hawley — a podcast episode — New writers often overestimate their skills, avoid feedback, and get stuck between rigid rules and total creative freedom. Many write in isolation, struggling to spot their own weaknesses. This episode...
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How to Write Vivid Descriptions: Master the Art of Immersive Storytelling
HOW TO WRITE VIVID DESCRIPTIONS: Master the Art of Immersive Storytelling — a podcast episode — To write vivid descriptions, focus on one or two striking details rather than overwhelming the reader with long lists. Use sensory details—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—to make scenes come…
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How to Hook a Reader: The Power of First Impressions in Writing
HOW TO HOOK a READER: The Power of First Impressions in Writing — a podcast episode — Confirmation bias in writing influences how readers, agents, and publishers perceive a book based on first impressions. Titles, covers, formatting, and opening sentences create an initial bias that shapes how…
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How to Write Subtext: Every Detail is an Argument
HOW TO WRITE SUBTEXT: every Detail is An Argument — a podcast episode — Subtext is the unspoken meaning behind dialogue, character actions, and setting details. Instead of directly stating a character’s personality or emotions, skilled writers use small, intentional cues—like clothing, posture…
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Theme in Fiction Writing: How to Develop Meaningful Stories
THEME IN FICTION WRITING: How to Develop Meaningful Stories — a podcast episode — What is theme in fiction writing?Theme in fiction writing is the underlying message or central idea that gives a story deeper meaning. Unlike a topic, which is broad (e.g., “revenge” or “love”), theme is a specific...
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What to Do If You Have Writer’s Block: 3 Ways to Get Unstuck
Staring at a blank page, unsure what to do next? If you’ve ever felt stuck, this episode is for you. Writer’s block can feel paralyzing, but there are proven techniques to break through and keep writing—even when inspiration seems out of reach.
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Writing Subtext in Dialogue Using the ‘Third Thing’
Great dialogue isn’t just about what’s said—it’s about what’s left unsaid. Writing subtext in dialogue helps create realistic, emotionally charged conversations that engage readers and reveal deeper character motivations. In this episode, we break down how to use the "third thing" technique to…
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How to Write the First Chapter: Setting Up a Powerful Ending
Want to hook readers from page one? Learn how to write a strong first chapter and a compelling final scene to create a memorable novel.
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Find Time to Write a Book: A New Approach to Writing Priorities
Every writer has the same 24 hours in a day, yet some make consistent progress on their books while others struggle to even start. The difference? It’s not about finding time—it’s about making writing a priority.
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How to Plot a Book: The First Steps to a Page-Turning Story
Creating a page-turning plot doesn’t require a complicated formula—it starts with understanding the core structure of your story. In this episode, we explore a foundational plotting method that simplifies story development while ensuring reader engagement. At the heart of storytelling is the...
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What Is Great Writing? Key Insights to Elevate Your Craft—with Barlow Adams
What separates great writing from average storytelling? In this episode, we break down the techniques that make writing powerful and memorable. If you want to elevate your craft, this conversation with Barlow Adams is for you.
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How to Overcome Perfectionism in Writing and Finish Your Book
Perfectionism isn’t helping your writing—it’s paralyzing it. If you’re constantly stuck rewriting the same chapters instead of finishing your book, it’s time to shift your approach. Let’s talk about how to overcome perfectionism in writing so you can finally move forward.
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How to Write Science Fiction with Gareth L. Powell
Want to write science fiction that captivates readers? Gareth L. Powell reveals his secrets to crafting immersive worlds, engaging characters, and compelling plots in this must-listen episode.
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Meditation for Writers: Unlock Focus and Creativity
Can meditation really make you a better writer? The answer is a resounding yes. Meditation for writers isn’t about clearing your mind—it’s about training it to stay focused, beat procrastination, and unleash your creativity. Let’s break it down.
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How to Get Story Ideas: Writing Inspiration Made Simple
Where do story ideas come from? It's one of the most common questions writers face, and in this episode, we break down practical ways to spark inspiration and transform raw ideas into compelling stories.
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Rhetorical Devices for Fiction Writers: Repetition and Polysyndeton
Every story is an argument, and the best fiction persuades readers to see the world in a new way. Discover how rhetorical devices like repetition and polysyndeton can make your writing unforgettable.
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Novel or Screenplay? How to Choose the Best Format for Your Story
Should your story be a novel or screenplay? The format you choose shapes how your story unfolds. In this episode, we break down the key differences so you can pick the best medium before investing months of writing time.
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How to Revise a Novel: Thinking Like a Sculptor
Writing a novel isn’t just about getting words on the page—it’s about shaping, refining, and polishing until it reads exactly as it was meant to. Let's explore how to revise a novel and know when it’s truly finished.
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Minimalist Writing: What Writers Can Learn from Cormac McCarthy
What makes minimalist writing so powerful? It’s about precision—stripping away excess to create prose that pulls readers in. Learn four key techniques to refine your writing.
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The Best Place to Write a Book
Is there a perfect place to write a book? Many writers think so—but waiting for ideal conditions can hold you back. Learn how to write anywhere and stay productive.
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The Best Place to Write a Book
Where Is the Best Place to Write a Book? The Truth Revealed Many writers believe they need a quiet, perfectly set-up space to write their book. But this idea can actually hold writers back. In this episode of Inside Creative Writing, Brad Reed challenges the myth of the perfect writing place and...
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How Figurative Language Makes Writing Better
What makes figurative language so powerful? It forces readers to participate in meaning-making rather than passively absorbing words. Learn how to craft metaphors that make your writing more immersive, and see how figurative language makes writing better.
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Somebody-Wanted-But-So: Plotting Device for Fiction Writers
Struggling with plotting your novel? The 'Somebody Wanted But So' technique breaks down storytelling into a simple, powerful framework that ensures strong character motivations and engaging conflict. Learn how to use it to craft compelling stories.
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What is an Inciting Incident?: How to Jumpstart Your Story
An inciting incident is the moment that changes everything, forcing your protagonist into action and setting the story in motion. Without it, there’s no compelling narrative.
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How to Write Better Dialogue: Secrets of Great Conversations
Writing dialogue can be one of the most challenging aspects of fiction. We’re told to make it sound natural, yet real-life conversations are often filled with filler, pauses, and repetition. How do you create dialogue that feels authentic but keeps the story moving? How do you make sure every…
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Are Adverbs Bad?: What Writers Need to Know
Adverbs have a bad reputation in the writing world. You've probably heard the advice: "Cut all adverbs!" Stephen King even went as far as to say, "The road to hell is paved with adverbs." But are adverbs bad? Do adverbs always weaken your writing, or can they sometimes enhance it?
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How to Plan a Book: The Snowflake Method with Randy Ingermanson
Struggling to organize your novel? Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of the story you want to tell? Randy Ingermanson, theoretical physicist turned bestselling author, has cracked the code on how to plan a book with his Snowflake Method—a step-by-step approach that transforms chaotic ideas…
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Defamiliarization: The Key to Writing That Feels Fresh and Immersive
Why do some stories feel electric—like they’re waking us up to the world in a way we’ve never experienced before—while others fade into the background? The secret often lies in defamiliarization.
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Inspiration for Writing: ‘Glimmers’ with Pam Houston
Have you ever had a moment—a fleeting, ordinary moment—that just stuck with you? Maybe it was the way sunlight hit the sidewalk, a stranger’s laugh in a quiet café, or a line of conversation overheard in passing. You’re not sure why, but something about it feels important, like it’s an…
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What is an Unreliable Narrator? Storytelling Through Deception
Not every storyteller can be trusted. In this episode, we explore the unreliable narrator—what they are, how they shape storytelling, and how you can craft one that keeps readers questioning everything. Listen now and learn how to turn narrative deception into a powerful tool.
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How to Write Great Fiction: 27 Tenets with Alan Heathcock
Want to know how to write great fiction? In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author Alan Heathcock to break down the 27 tenets of fiction writing, the power of immersive settings, and why writing is more about discovery than perfection.
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Write Immersive Scenes: Mise-en-Scène in Writing
Want to write immersive scenes that pull readers in? This episode explores how film techniques like mise-en-scène can transform your writing, making every word work harder to enhance theme, mood, and character development.
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Grammar Tips for Writers: Essential Writing Tips with Jenny Baranick
Struggling with grammar mistakes in your writing? This episode breaks down essential grammar tips for writers and shows how grammar can actually be fun!
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Spark Creativity: Creative Exercises for Writers
Struggling to spark creativity in your writing? Explore two powerful techniques—reversals and random metaphors—that will help you develop unique characters, settings, and plots.
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How to Make Characters Feel Real: A Writer’s Guide
Struggling with how to make your characters feel real? Learn how to create vivid, believable characters that come alive for readers. Discover key techniques for maintaining verisimilitude and avoiding common pitfalls that break the illusion of reality in fiction.
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Engage Readers: Crafting Stories That Pull Them In
Struggling to engage readers and draw them into your story? This episode of Inside Creative Writing explores powerful techniques that make readers feel like active participants in your fiction. Listen now to transform your storytelling.
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Do I Need a Prologue? Inside Creative Writing Podcast Intro
Should your novel start with a prologue? In this episode, we explore when a prologue strengthens your story and when it's better to dive right into the action. Listen in to learn how to decide if your book truly needs one.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Inside Creative Writing is your go-to podcast for mastering the art and craft of storytelling. Whether you're writing your first novel or refining your skills, this podcast delivers practical techniques, deep insights, and real-world strategies to help you craft immersive, authentic stories.Hosted by Brad Reed, a writer, educator, and coach, Inside Creative Writing explores the techniques behind compelling fiction and creative nonfiction. Each episode dives into essential writing topics, from developing complex characters and crafting vivid scenes to structuring powerful narratives and revising with purpose.What You’ll Discover in This Podcast:Proven Writing Techniques – Learn practical methods used by successful authors to enhance your storytelling.Deep Dives into Craft – Explore the nuances of characterization, voice, pacing, and immersive world-building.Inspiration & Motivation – Break through writer’s block and stay committed to your creative journey.Expert Insights – Gain va
HOSTED BY
Inside Creative Writing
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Inside Creative Writing have?
Inside Creative Writing currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Inside Creative Writing about?
Inside Creative Writing is your go-to podcast for mastering the art and craft of storytelling. Whether you're writing your first novel or refining your skills, this podcast delivers practical techniques, deep insights, and real-world strategies to help you craft immersive, authentic stories.Hosted...
How often does Inside Creative Writing release new episodes?
Inside Creative Writing has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Inside Creative Writing?
You can listen to Inside Creative Writing on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Inside Creative Writing?
Inside Creative Writing is created and hosted by Inside Creative Writing.
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