Master Fiction Writing

Do your characters keep feeling sad, furious, lonely, ashamed, or devastated on the page... but the reader still isn’t feeling much?In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we’re looking at the difference between explained emotion and experienced emotion. You’ll learn why naming a feeling isn’t always the same as creating it, and how to give the reader stronger emotional evidence through behaviour, body language, thought patterns, sensory detail, dialogue, silence, subtext, objects, and action under pressure.We’ll also look at when it’s perfectly fine to name an emotion directly, why over-explaining is such a normal drafting habit, and how to revise emotional labels into moments the reader can actually feel.The takeaway: your job isn’t to hide emotion from the reader. Your job is to make emotion happen inside the reader.If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support future episodes, you can buy me a virtual coffee over on Ko-fi: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/masterfictionwriting⁠No pressure at all, but it does help keep the podcast going, and lets me pretend I’m a terrifyingly organised media empire.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we untangle one of the most confusing pieces of fiction craft: third-person point of view.Because “write it in third person” sounds simple enough until you realise third person can mean several very different things.We’ll look at five major forms of third-person narration:Third-person objective, where the reader only sees what can be observed from the outside.Third-person limited, where we stay inside one character’s perspective at a time.Third-person deep or close limited, where the prose moves tightly into a character’s lived experience.Third-person multiple limited, where several characters carry the story in separate scenes or chapters.And third-person omniscient, where a larger narrative intelligence can move beyond any one character’s mind.Using the same scene, we’ll explore how each form changes the reader’s experience of intimacy, tension, voice, distance, and information.This is a practical, example-led episode for writers who want to understand not just what point of view is, but how to choose the right kind of third person for the story they’re trying to tell.And if you enjoy the podcast and would like to support future episodes, you can buy me a virtual coffee over on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/masterfictionwritingNo pressure at all, but it does help keep the podcast going, and lets me pretend I’m a terrifyingly organised media empire rather than one man talking earnestly about point of view into a microphone.

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.

Need a gentler kind of story without sacrificing plot? In this episode, I’m diving into the craft of cozy and feel-good fiction and unpacking how to write low-stakes stories that still have tension, momentum, and emotional payoff. We’ll look at why readers are drawn to comfort fiction, especially when real life feels relentless, and why “low stakes” never means “nothing matters.”I cover the key ingredients that make this kind of story work, including character goals, emotional stakes, tone, pacing, setting, community, and the subtle engines of anticipation that keep readers turning pages. I also talk about what goes wrong when cozy fiction becomes shapeless, sentimental, or overly reliant on “vibes,” and how to create genuine emotional refuge without draining the story of movement or meaning.Whether you already love writing warm, hopeful fiction or you’ve been quietly suspicious of anything described as cozy, this episode will help you see the real craft underneath it. Because writing comfort well is not easy. It’s structure in a soft jumper.

What makes a female character feel dangerously compelling rather than flat, clichéd, or simply “unlikeable”? In this episode, Stuart explores how to write wicked women with complexity, power, and emotional truth. From villains and antiheroes to politically sharp schemers and socially inconvenient women, this is a deep dive into the craft of creating female characters who refuse to behave nicely on the page or stage. With literary examples including Medea and Lady Macbeth, plus practical tools you can apply to your own work, this episode will help you write women who are morally complicated, dramatically alive, and impossible to ignore.

Writers are surrounded by bad advice masquerading as wisdom. In this episode, we take six of the most persistent fiction-writing myths and throw them politely but firmly in the bin. From talent and inspiration to first drafts, genre snobbery, publishing myths, and the idea that only bleak literary fiction counts as serious, this is a sharp, funny, practical reset for writers who are tired of feeling like they’re doing it wrong.

Why does tightening a draft so often feel slow, frustrating, and weirdly inconclusive? Usually because writers start at the sentence level instead of the structural one.In this episode, Stuart shares a faster, smarter way to revise by function rather than fussing. You’ll learn the three tightening passes he uses to diagnose saggy scenes (purpose, pressure, and payoff) along with a one-hour tightening sprint you can use on your own manuscript today. He also delivers a six-part kill list of common flab patterns, including throat-clearing openings, duplicated beats, over-explained emotion, and weak transitions.This is a practical, voice-friendly approach to revision that helps you cut what’s dragging without flattening what makes your work yours.

If your scenes keep slipping into “and then… and then… and then…”, this episode is for you. In this episode, Stuart breaks down one of the simplest ways to create stronger cause-and-effect on the page: scene turns.You’ll learn what a turn actually is, why it matters, and four reliable types you can use to make any scene work harder. Stuart also walks you through a quick Scene Turn Audit you can use in revision, plus a mini quiz to help you test your understanding as you listen.In this episode:What a scene turn isWhy flat scenes often lack meaningful changeFour practical scene-turn types you can use straight awayA simple two-question audit for revising weak scenesA quick assignment to help you apply the tool to your own draftIf you want scenes that generate momentum instead of just filling space, this episode will help you build them!Follow the show for more practical story-development tools, and check out the earlier causality episode for a perfect companion listen.

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest hidden causes of reader disengagement: unstable point of view. The problem usually is not whether you chose first person, third person, or multiple POVs. It is whether the story keeps changing the rules. When that happens, readers don't experience it as a technical slip. They experience it as a breach of trust.You’ll learn what the POV contract really is, why Scene 1 is where that contract gets made, and how to strengthen the three promises that hold it together: access, attitude, and authority. We also dig into multi-POV switching rules, accidental head-hopping, and a simple micro-rewrite method you can use to test whether a scene is truly staying inside the promised viewpoint.By the end, you’ll have a practical POV checklist you can use straight away, plus a sharp sentence-level diagnostic to catch drift before your reader does.If your POV has ever felt a little slippery on the page, this episode will help you lock the rules in and keep the reader with you.

If your character’s “need” sounds like a motivational poster, readers won’t feel it in scene.In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, Stuart Wakefield breaks want vs need out of the self-help zone and turns it into a practical decision tool you can use immediately: the Want / Need / Cost triad.You’ll learn why vague “needs” kill scene friction, how to define want and need in operational terms, and how to add teeth with the Cost Ladder (three escalating levels: comfort, relationship/status, identity/future). Plus: a deliberately awful want/need example gets lovingly eviscerated… then rebuilt step-by-step into something specific, dramatic, and copyable. You’ll leave with a fast 5–10 minute assignment to generate your own triad and stress-test it against a scene, so your character choices start landing with consequences on the page. Follow the show for next week’s episode: POV contract—how to pick the right lens for this arc.

Big events don’t create story. Binding does.In this practical follow-up to “The Art of a Story Premise That Actually Drives Scenes,” Stuart Wakefield reframes the inciting incident as the moment your protagonist becomes unable to WALK AWAY and shows you how to build that pressure on purpose.You’ll learn what “binding” really means, why it’s the secret to Act 1 momentum (and the cure for saggy middles), and how to spot the most common fake-outs: false binds, external-only pressure, “volunteer” protagonists, and plot-by-coincidence.By the end, you’ll have a simple, copy-and-paste tool, The Binding Question Builder, and you’ll leave with one clear binding question you can apply to your story immediately.Want feedback? Follow the show and submit your binding question for a future anonymous breakdown episode—either on Spotify or by emailing [email protected]

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 automaticallyA quick Premise Stress Test (3 questions) to spot a situation disguised as a storyTwo live premise upgrades (weak → strong), plus 5 inevitable scenes for eachThe exact fill-in-the-blank sentence stem I use with clients to write a one-sentence premise with teethA 10-minute assignment to lock your premise so your scenes stop feeling optionalIf 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 fastThe five ways a moment can stick Bond, Irreversibility, New stakes, Direction, PressureA spoken mini-exercise you can even do while walking the dogA quick diagnostic to fix fake incidents that are loud but optionalA simple before and after that turns a limp delivery into a clock-ticking crisisWe'll also look at:Pride and Prejudice Darcy’s slight and Lizzy’s promise to herselfLegally Blonde Elle’s public vow to Harvard LawA Streetcar Named Desire Blanche’s choice to stay and concealWant 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 structureHow to convert event beats into decision beats with costsThe Because/But/Therefore test to expose sagging “and then” sequencesA 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 flowThe TK tactic and “Again:” restart to keep drafting forwardHow a verbs-and-cuts pass lifts energy, clarity, and pace fastThe one-line scene change test to confirm forward motion

Stop waiting for motivation. Start acting from identity. In this mindset kickoff for Master Fiction Writing, we shift the sentence that runs your day from “I want to write a book” to “I’m a person who writes.” You’ll hear a simple, athlete-style routine (warm-up, reps, cooldown), examples, and a 10-minute drill that makes writing easier to start than to avoid.You’ll learn:Why identity beats motivation for consistent pagesThe 3 design levers: place, time, triggerA tiny training loop: warm-up → reps → cooldownHow to separate Author Brain (draft) from Editor Brain (revise)The Minimum Viable Session: 10 minutes or 100 words—streaks over heroicsThe Creative ID Card: I write [genre] on [days] at [time/place] for [minutes] because [why]By the end, you’ll have a posted Creative ID Card, two sessions on your calendar, and tomorrow’s first 'ugly' line already typed!

Your novel’s bookends do the heavy lifting. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we pair Step 16 (Writing the Opening Scene) and Step 17 (Writing the Closing Scene) to help you start with momentum and finish with meaning. You’ll learn what a scene is (and why something must change every time), how to centre your protagonist’s thoughts and feelings, and a simple timer method to draft three different openings and three different endings - fast. Then we “mirror test” your bookends so the final scene proves the belief shift you promise on page one.You’ll learn:The four-beat scene engine: Want → Friction → Choice → ChangeHow to draft rough, 5–10 page scene sketches using TK placeholdersThree alternative ways to start (and end) the same story—by designThe “rhyme, don’t repeat” rule for opening/closing scenes that landLeave with a clear opening, a true ending, and a direction for everything in between.

Outlining doesn’t have to strangle your creativity—or leave you drowning in spreadsheets. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we introduce The Inside Outline: a fast, 2–3 page method that pairs each major Scene (what happens) with its Point (why it matters to your protagonist). The result? A plot that moves and a character arc that means something.You’ll hear how to build 10–15 Scene/Point pairs, link them with clean cause-and-effect (“because of that…”), and pressure-test the outline so stakes rise, tension builds, and the story delivers on genre promises. We’ll walk through examples—romance, and thriller—so you can hear exactly how to do it.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Scene/Point pairing that keeps plot and emotion glued togetherHow to use “because of that…” to create momentum (not coincidence)A quick 8-question stress test for your outline’s stakes, pacing, and arcWays to turn your Inside Outline into scenes, revisions, and a query-ready synopsisLeave with a living map you can actually write from: short, sharp, and tied to why your story matters.

Plotting doesn’t have to feel like wrangling an octopus into a cardigan. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we turn to Pixar’s Story Spine - seven simple prompts that reveal your story’s engine: who we meet, what upends the status quo, how cause-and-effect escalates, where the climax hits, and what the change means. We unpack each beat (from “Once upon a time…” to “And ever since that day…”) and keep things focused with just two “Because of that…” moves to force clean causality. You’ll hear quick, recognisable examples and leave with a concise spine you can expand into scenes—without drowning in index cards.You’ll learn:How to define your story’s “normal,” inciting incident, and rising consequencesWhy limiting yourself to two causal beats sharpens momentumHow to aim your climax at your character’s internal shiftHow to land an emotionally clear resolution

How much time passes between Page 1 and “The End” - and where, exactly, do you begin and finish? In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we pair Step 12 (Story Timeline) and Step 13 (Opening & Closing) to shape your novel’s container and its proof of change. You’ll learn how to define your story present (the “now” of your narrative), pick a time span that supports tension, and design opening/closing scenes that mirror each other to reveal transformation.In this episode, you’ll learn:What “story present” is—and why tense and chronology aren’t the same thingHow different time containers (day, season, year, decades) change pacing and stakesThe “mirror technique” for opening/closing scenes that land emotionallyCommon pitfalls (timeline mush, flashback overload, soft starts) and quick fixesMini exercises to name your container and draft before/after snapshotsLeave with a clear time frame, a purposeful opening, and a closing image that proves how your protagonist changes.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the intricacies of narrative voice and perspective, focusing on the importance of point of view (POV) and time stance in storytelling.We'll discuss various narrative techniques, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical exercises to help writers refine their craft.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of choosing the right protagonist for your story, emphasising the need for a single human centre that readers can connect with, the distinction between external wants and internal needs, and the significance of crafting tailored opposition to enhance conflict.We'll also cover the role of point of view in storytelling and provides practical exercises for writers to refine their narratives.

In this episode, we'll delve into the intricacies of world building, establishing clear rules and consequences, and ensuring that characters and their motivations are relatable to readers. Practical exercises are provided to help writers create immersive worlds that enhance their narratives without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.We'll also highlight common pitfalls to avoid in world building, encouraging writers to focus on realism and character-driven storytelling.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of identifying your ideal reader in the writing process, how understanding your audience can enhance the emotional connection of your story - and making it more impactful.By focusing on a specific reader rather than trying to please everyone, writers can create stories that resonate deeply and fulfil the needs of their audience.We'll also highlight the significance of envisioning the reader's experience and the potential impact of the book on their lives.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the critical step of choosing a genre in the story development process. We'll explain the importance of genre in guiding creative choices, setting reader expectations, and categorising stories effectively. We'll also cover major genres and their subgenres, the nuances of literary versus commercial fiction, and addresses common questions writers have about genre classification.Remember that while genre selection is essential, it doesn't have to be rigid and can evolve as the story develops!

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the significance of choosing a working title in the story development process.A working title helps writers transition from vague ideas to a more concrete narrative, and the episode also includes practical exercises for generating strong titles that resonate with the story.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore Step 4 of the Story Development process: writing your book’s jacket copy before the book is even written.It might sound backwards, but crafting jacket copy early can sharpen your story’s focus, clarify the promise you’re making to readers, and help you stay on track as you write. We’ll break down what makes jacket copy work (and what doesn’t), why this step matters so much more than just marketing, and how to write 250 words that capture the heart, stakes, and soul of your story.This episode will help you shift perspective from “writer” to “reader” and give you a powerful tool to guide your next draft.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore Step 3 of the Story Development process: What’s the Plot?Forget sprawling outlines or complex twists. This stage is all about simplicity. You’ll learn how to write a short, clear, and purposeful summary of your story in just 50 words or less. Think of it as your story’s spine: the who, the what, and the why all tied back to your point.Discover why simplifying your plot at this early stage helps you build a stronger, more flexible foundation and how to avoid the all-too-common trap of overcomplicating before your story is ready.Whether you’re outlining your novel or revising one, this episode will help you strip your story down to what really matters.

If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through a novel draft wondering what it’s really about, this episode is for you.In the second instalment of my Story Development series, I explore Step 2 of the Blueprint for a Book: What’s Your Point? This is where your story starts to take shape around something deeper - a belief, a truth, an argument you’re making about the world.You’ll learn why every story is, at heart, trying to prove something, why clichés aren’t the enemy, and how one simple sentence can become the emotional compass for your entire book. Whether you’re writing about magical cakes or dystopian rebellions, this step will help you root your story in meaning.Tune in to discover how to name the soul of your novel - and why that matters more than you think.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll introduce the importance of understanding the 'why' behind writing a book.Before delving into plot or character, writers must explore their personal connection to the story. This foundational step is crucial for creating meaningful narratives that resonate with readers.I'll encourage you to reflect on your motivations and the emotional stakes involved in your storytelling, ultimately guiding you to write with purpose and depth.If you're curious about working with me, head on over to my website at https://www.thebookcoach.co

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I discuss the often daunting process of revising a manuscript.I outline a five-step approach to help writers manage revision overwhelm, emphasising the importance of starting with a high-level read, creating a prioritised revision plan, setting manageable goals, seeking constructive feedback, and celebrating progress.And a message from Alexandra Vasailaros touch on the transformative power of writing through personal crises, encouraging writers to embrace their raw emotions as a source of creativity.

You’re a few chapters in. The world is taking shape. Your characters are alive. And then... nothing. You’re stuck.In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we tackle one of the most common (and demoralising) parts of the writing process: what to do when your novel grinds to a halt.Whether the problem is craft, mindset, or something in between, I share my hard-won insights to help you move forward with confidence. Expect practical guidance, emotional support, and the reminder that being stuck doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong - it means you care enough to get it right.Find out more about my services here: https://www.thebookcoach.co/

Welcome to Master Fiction Writing!In this conversation, Alexandra Vassilaros shares her journey as a writer and workshop founder, emphasising the transformative power of writing workshops, particularly in the context of grief and loss.She discusses her Make Meaning Workshop, which helps participants explore their emotions and experiences through writing.We delve into the importance of vulnerability, self-expression, and the challenges of self-censorship in writing.Alexandra also offers insights into character development and the significance of diverse perspectives in storytelling, ultimately encouraging writers to embrace their authentic voices and tell their truths on paper.Find more about the Make Meaning Workshop here.Find out more about my book coaching services here.

Ugh - the blank page. Daunting at times, so I'll discuss the challenges and processes of writing fiction and memoirs, emphasising the importance of starting with curiosity rather than perfection, nurturing your protagonist, building the emotional core of your story, and finding a writing process that works for you.I encourage you to embrace the messiness of the beginning, to write without fear, and to enjoy the journey of storytelling.If you'd like help getting your story started, check out my website and the Story Development service.

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Susan Sloate - novelist, playwright, and former Hollywood story analyst - for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, hilarious, and packed with practical wisdom for writers.Susan shares what she’s learned from writing over 25 books (including one in just three days!), working in the film industry during a writer’s strike, and attending Robert McKee’s legendary story seminars where she once helped shape the early idea for Groundhog Day.We talk about:How she handles the dreaded middle of a storyWhat to do when you don’t know your subject (spoiler: she once made a calf respond to Beatles songs)How her latest book, Scenes from a Song, taps into the emotional power of musicAnd why she believes stories should leave readers with hope, not despairWhether you’re a planner, a pantser, or somewhere in between, Susan’s insights will remind you that the best stories often come from trusting your gut and not being afraid to try the outrageous.https://susansloate.com/

Not everyone will love your writing and that’s exactly how it should be. In this uplifting episode, I'll explore why trying to please everyone is the fastest way to water down your voice and how defining your ideal reader can transform your writing process. Learn how to shift from writing for the masses to writing with clarity, confidence, and connection. Your story isn’t for everyone. It’s for someone - and that someone is waiting.Ready to get clear on who you’re writing for? Visit me at www.thebookcoach.co

How do you write a frozen corpse in a heated pool and make it believable? What’s the etiquette when cold-calling a forensic entomologist? And how do you stop your own research from hijacking the plot?In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling mystery author Lee Clark, whose Matthew Paine Mysteries spans spans seven intricately researched novels. We dive into the weird, wonderful, and sometimes disturbing world of crime fiction research from poisons and human trafficking to cold cases and black diamonds.Lee shares how she turns real-world expertise into gripping plot points, why she’s never afraid to approach a subject matter expert, and what she does when her characters (or her rabbit holes) take the story in unexpected directions. We also talk about writing emotional truth, editing with a scalpel, and the fine line between curiosity and chaos.Whether you’re writing thrillers, historical fiction, or anything that requires digging into the dark corners of human behaviour, this episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and slightly worried about our search histories.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll explore the concept of book coaching, address common misconceptions and highlight its benefits for writers at various stages of their journey. I'll discuss the role of a book coach, who can provide strategic support rather than just editing or ghostwriting. I'll also emphasise the importance of finding the right coach and offer insights into what to expect from the coaching process, ultimately encouraging writers to seek help when needed.Website: https://www.thebookcoach.co/Book Coach Directory: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchme

In this episode, I talk to novelist Noël Stark about her journey from working in film and TV to crafting her first romance novel, 'Love, Camera, Action'.We discuss the unique challenges of novel writing, the importance of character development, and the emotional landscapes that drive romance narratives.And Noël shares insights on the writing process, the significance of chapter endings, and the evolving themes in romance literature, particularly the necessity of self-discovery before falling in love.

In this episode, I'll look at the importance of precision in fiction writing, providing practical tips on tightening scenes, enhancing emotional depth, and avoiding unnecessary repetition. I'll cover techniques such as entering late and leaving early, replacing vague summaries with specific details, and using dialogue intentionally to reveal character dynamics.

In this episode, Shara Moon discusses her new book 'Let Us March On', which tells the story of Lizzie McDuffie, an influential yet often overlooked figure in American history. Shara shares her journey of researching and writing the book, the challenges of balancing fact and fiction, and the importance of telling Lizzie's story in today's context. The discussion also touches on themes of activism, the role of women in history, and the significance of addressing difficult topics such as racial injustice. In this conversation, Shara Moon discusses the political shifts within the Black community during FDR's presidency, the challenges of writing historical fiction, and the importance of balancing fact with creative storytelling. She shares insights on the editing process, the transition from memoir to historical fiction, and her personal connection to Lizzie herself.

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Dumbify founder David Carson, where we dive into the power of so-called “dumb” ideas—and why they might just be the secret to creative brilliance.We’ll explore how absurdity, humour, and playfulness can fuel innovation in storytelling, the mental models that help spot good dumb ideas, and how embracing the unconventional can lead to surprising breakthroughs. Plus, we’ll touch on bold marketing strategies, the future of creative writing, and why curiosity is the ultimate creative superpower.Get ready to rethink what makes an idea truly smart!Visit David at his website! https://www.david-carson.com/

In this conversation, filmmaker Christian Schu shares his journey from the insurance industry to becoming a self-taught filmmaker. He discusses the importance of embracing one's creative identity, the leap of faith required to pursue storytelling in any form, and the significance of storytelling in commercial projects. Christian emphasises understanding the target audience and crafting narratives that resonate emotionally. He also explores techniques for effective storytelling, the distinction between character and characterisation, and the emotional connections that can be made through film and writing.

In this episode, we'll discuss the common struggles writers face when nearing the completion of their first draft. We'll address the pressures of perfectionism, fear of judgment, and loss of momentum, providing insights and strategies to help writers overcome these challenges, emphasising the importance of finishing a draft, the value of feedback, and the need to reconnect with the joy of storytelling. I'll offer some practical questions and approaches to support writers in their journey towards completion.