Best Podcast About Writing A First Draft Of A Novel Podcasts (2023)

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Story Nerd

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The Woman King: when storylines compete 46:09

5h ago46:09

46:09

Creating multiple storylines is a popular approach for novelists and for writers who know what they're doing, the end result is nothing short of masterful. However, multiple storylines is an advanced writing technique and it can quickly and easily go off the rails. Unfortunately, that's what happened with The Woman King. Now, there's lots to admire…

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Story Nerd

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August Osage County: one for your repertoire 29:48

8d ago29:48

29:48

It's time for a brand new season and this time around, Valerie is studying cast design (a concept which revolutionized her writing) and Melanie is studying conflict. August: Osage County is a brilliant example of both - in fact, it's a brilliant example of a whole lot of storytelling principles, so this is one movie you'll want to add to your reper…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode 63 - April White - Research: How Much is Enough? 31:56

13d ago31:56

31:56

In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., April White, sits down with Alessandra Torre to talk about the real history and actual mysteries she researches for her books, and how to write responsibly in an age when representation and diversity is so important in our stories. Join us as we discuss how the truth can be a powerful tool fo…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode 67 - Jane L. Rosen - Screenwriter To Published Author 29:33

15d ago29:33

29:33

In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Authors Alessandra Torre and Jane L. Rosen will discuss how Jane went from Screenwriter To Published Author and how she takes her real life experiences & turns them into novels. This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in! you know you can get an expert analysis of y…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode 65 - Lael Raphael - Plotting for Pantsers 31:09

14d ago31:09

31:09

In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Authors Lael Raphael and Alessandra Torre will discuss how to use the Theory of the Outstanding Question to set up a plot which will engage and entertain readers. Join us as we discuss– What is an Outstanding Question? Two great examples of an Outstanding Question from movies and TV are: “Who…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode 66 - Kathleen Fine - Brainstorm to Book: Steps to Publishing 32:18

15d ago32:18

32:18

In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Authors Alessandra Torre and Kathleen Fine will discuss steps, advice, and tips on how first-time novel writers can get their book published. In this episode, she’ll share the inside scoop of what worked for her (and what didn’t) to ignite you into authorhood! This is an unedited chat loaded …

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode 64 - Kim Catanzarite - Phases of Editing 31:57

14d ago31:57

31:57

In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Authors Alessandra Torre and Kim Catanzarite will discuss the many phases of the editorial process—from the first draft to the proofreading pool and everything in between. Join us as we discuss what it really means to produce a finished manuscript, and how the editorial process can help get y…

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Story Nerd

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Best Advice: character development + worldbuilding 21:53

15d ago21:53

21:53

We've reached the end of another season and that means it's time for us to round up our a-ha moments and best lessons learned about how to develop characters and build fictional worlds. You'll want to bookmark this episode! For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inne…

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The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips

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TAP045, The Anatomy of a Scene: Goal, Tension, Conflict and Stakes | How to Write Great Scenes 23:26

18d ago23:26

23:26

So, how do you write a great scene? But not just a great scene but a scene that keeps a reader engaged and turning the pages, no matter what genre you're writing. The answer is in the details. In order to write great scenes, you need to pay attention to the anatomy of the scene. So, what do I mean by anatomy? I'm referring to the elements of a scen…

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Story Nerd

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The Electrical Life of Louis Wain: externalize the internal 40:34

25d ago40:34

40:34

This movie is all about the inner turmoil of Louis Wain. You may not recognize his name, but you'll recognize his art (it's worth Googling). If you have a pet cat, it's because of Louis Wain. Communicating a character's inner thoughts or mental state is a tricky thing for film to do. It can be tricky for novelists too because it often leads to long…

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Story Nerd

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Pretty Woman: a masterclass in the fundamentals 46:05

28d ago46:05

46:05

This movie is so light and joyful that it's easy to dismiss it as fluff, but nothing could be further from the truth. Pretty Woman is a masterclass in the fundamentals of storytelling. The plot isn't fancy (it isn't even original), but it's rock solid and the presentation of the characters is spot on. Yes, we're discussing character development and…

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Story Nerd

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Nanowrimo: how to win 10:33

29d ago10:33

10:33

Nanowrimo starts tomorrow and if you're going to win, you've got to have a strategy. It's no small task to write an entire draft of a novel in thirty days! Luckily, in this bonus episode Valerie is here with three proven strategies that to help you do just that. You don't need to follow all three, just pick one that works and go for it. Good luck! …

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Story Nerd

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Don't Worry Darling: where did it go wrong? 15:49

1M ago15:49

15:49

By popular request! So many of you have messaged Valerie about this movie, that she's finally decided to tackle it head on. All the questions you've sent in boil down to one thing...you didn't like the movie, but you can't put your finger on why. In this bonus episode, Valerie shares her insights. Given the star-power attached to this project, her …

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode 61 - Ines Johnson - Pacing Techniques 31:13

1M ago31:13

31:13

In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Alessandra Torre and Ines Johnson will discuss how to write more bingeworthy books using pacing techniques from episodic television structure. Novelists, are you ready to learn the pacing techniques employed by episodic television writers that keep millions in their seats through commercial b…

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The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips

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BTS056, AI-Generated Images, Designing Your Own Book Cover, Declining Free Downloads, and Struggling to Write Book Three 33:35

1M ago33:35

33:35

I'm back. And yes, it's been sixteen weeks since I released an episode of the podcast. Originally, I took the summer off because I needed to take a holiday from podcasting and writing. However, I did a bit of blogging during my break, where I discussed whether you should use AI-generated images in book covers. Also, I wrote a blog post on how to wo…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode #62 - Jessica Flory - Crafting Themes To Inspire 31:47

1M ago31:47

31:47

In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Alessandra Torre and Jessica Flory will discuss how to choose a relatable theme that will resonate with readers, how to use character arcs to bring out theme, and how to deliver a powerful message without sounding preachy or overbearing. Join us as we discuss crafting themes to inspire! This …

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode 60 - Rebecca Zanetti - Multi Genre Writing 30:26

1M ago30:26

30:26

In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Alessandra Torre and Rebecca Zanetti will discuss how to write across several genres and stay true to your brand. Join us as we discuss tips for writing fiction in different genres. This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in! This is an unedited chat loaded with que…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode 59 - Rhonda M. Lawson - Building Believable & Compelling Plots 36:24

1M ago36:24

36:24

In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Literary strategist, book coach and 23-time published author Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson joins us with actionable tips on building compelling plotlines through planning, foreshadowing and character development. Join us as we discuss building believable & compelling plots. This is an unedited chat lo…

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Story Nerd

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The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas: writing historical fiction 39:02

1M ago39:02

39:02

Anyone writing historical fiction needs to pay particular attention to how they build the world for the reader/viewer. In this week's episode, Melanie explains how to construct a fictional world around three main setting types. It's fascinating stuff! And Valerie explores what happens when the most interesting character in the story is NOT the prot…

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Story Nerd

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Big: writing comedic characters 36:26

1M ago36:26

36:26

It's one thing to write a dramatic character, but what if you want to write a comedic one? Do the same storytelling principles apply, or not? And what about the setting? It's yet another story set in New York so how did the writers distinguish it from the NYC we saw in FATAL ATTRACTION and CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? All this and much more in this wee…

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Story Nerd

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Everything Everywhere All At Once: was there a script? 54:33

2M ago54:33

54:33

Ok, so basically, this movie is a bunch of action scenes strung together with expository dialogue. It's heavy-handed with theme (dare we say didactic?) and is bizarre even by antiplot standards. But, it's kind of an interesting film to study for worldbuilding all the same. (Oh, and in this episode there's an unintended cameo by Luca, Valerie's yell…

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Story Nerd

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Fatal Attraction: who's the villain? 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

Hooboy, this movie gets better with age. Why? Because when we watch it through the lens of 2023 it has much more depth and nuance. Glenn Close's character (Alex) is supposed to be the villain, but is she really? If you want to create a multi-dimensional antagonist who drives the plot and raises the stakes, you've got to listen to this episode. For …

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Story Nerd

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District 9: worldbuilding 101 46:26

2M ago46:26

46:26

This is an episode you're going to want to bookmark because Melanie is offering up oodles of info about how to create a fictional world your readers will love. Yes, District 9 is science fiction, but the principles apply to all genres and all world types; contemporary, realistic, historical, fantasy...you name it. And Valerie continues her study of…

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Story Nerd

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Bridget Jones's Diary: why we love her 31:53

2M ago31:53

31:53

Because the novel is so funny and easy to read, and because the film is a romcom, it's easy to dismiss Bridget Jones's Diary as a simple story that Helen Fielding simply dashed off on a weekend. But nothing could be further from the truth. Even though it's a lighthearted story, Bridget is still a dimensional character and that's why we love her. Fo…

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Story Nerd

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Story 101: Poetic Device 16:02

2M ago16:02

16:02

Here's an episode that will help you improve your line writing. Yes, Melanie is focusing on the poetic devices of metaphor, simile, and allegory, but they also apply to prose. So if you want to crank your writing up a notch, this one's for you. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscr…

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Story Nerd

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Can You Ever Forgive Me: what's hiding under your bed? 32:00

3M ago32:00

32:00

Very few movies make an adult afraid of what's hiding under her bed, but this is one of them...and it isn't even a horror movie. That's the power of effective world-building! Even though this movie is set in NYC, it's a version of the city that's specific to the protagonist. How is the world of your story specific to your protagonist? For access to…

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Story Nerd

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Ray: a product of his environment 32:42

3M ago32:42

32:42

It's a brand new season and that means brand new topics. For the next ten weeks, Valerie will study character development and Melanie will study world-building. These massive topics go hand-in-hand because every protagonist is a product of his/her environment. This is a season you don't want to miss! For access to writing templates and worksheets, …

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Story Nerd

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Death on the Nile: the moustache mystery (archive) 48:44

3M ago48:44

48:44

This might be one of Agatha Christie's best known mysteries, but does it work for a modern audience? This week, Valerie and Melanie analyze Sir Kenneth Branagh's version of Christie's classic tale, and discuss just how far into a story the inciting incident can be. And don't miss Melanie's super sleuth skills in action as she uncovers a major plot …

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Story Nerd

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Skyfall: m is for mother? (archive) 59:51

3M ago59:51

59:51

In this episode, Melanie's study of subtext has revealed something odd (and slightly uncomfortable). It seems that, according to Skyfall at least, M stands for mother. But why should Judi Dench's M be a maternal figure for James Bond? Valerie's study of Act 2 uncovers a striking similarity to last week's film: Back to the Future. What on earth coul…

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Story Nerd

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The Water Horse: keep subplots at bay (archive) 45:26

4M ago45:26

45:26

It's not uncommon for a subplot, or secondary character, to take over a story - especially when a writer is still learning the ropes. So, how do you keep a subplot in check and what do you do if it starts taking over? In this week's episode, Valerie and Melanie discuss just that. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hour…

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Story Nerd

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West Side Story: innovative or cliche? (archive episode) 45:43

4M ago45:43

45:43

West Side Story (2021) has been lauded for its depiction of race and racial tension, but how has it handled the love story? In his retelling of this age-old story, did Spielberg innovate the genre or did he perpetuate stereotypes? For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie…

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Story Nerd

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Wanted: AI Prompt Engineer 1:02:07

4M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

For better or worse, Generative AI will change the job market. Some professions will disappear and new ones will be created. One of the new jobs popping up is called an AI Prompt Engineer and companies like Netflix have already started their hiring spree. But what exactly is a prompt engineer? Will the job put authors out of business, or will it ul…

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Story Nerd

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Alec Sokolow: the hero's journey 30:00

4M ago30:00

30:00

Hey, this is Valerie. I recently had the good fortune to study with Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, Alec Sokolow. (Super cool, right!?) Somehow or other, I got up enough nerve to ask him for an interview and he graciously took 30 minutes out of his day to share with us his pro tips, tricks and advice. Oh, and he lets us in on his secret for w…

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Story Nerd

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Our Best Advice: empathy + stakes 20:27

4M ago20:27

20:27

In this episode, Valerie and Melanie wrap up season six with a look at all the lessons they've learned about creating empathy for a protagonist, and establishing the stakes of a story. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innerci…

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Story Nerd

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Operation Mincemeat: truth is stranger than fiction 38:50

4M ago38:50

38:50

Even though Operation Mincemeat hides its imperfections behind a star-studded cast, it's still a good example of how to raise the stakes in story. Mind you, if this was a work of pure fiction, a writer would never get away with it - there are way too many coincidences. But hey, it's Colin Firth. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and m…

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Story Nerd

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WALL-E: the basics, mastered 28:32

5M ago28:32

28:32

There's nothing fancy about the storytelling in Pixar's WALL-E. It's a solid story that relies on the fundamentals to engage its audience, and it's an approach that led them to gross over $521 million. Too often new writers reject the basics instead of embracing them. In WALL-E, empathy is established early and the stakes are clear. Mastering the b…

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The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips

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BTS055, My Experiment with Tempting Readers to Impulse Buy the Second Book in My Series. Did It Work? 32:30

5M ago32:30

32:30

So, I have a confession to make. Actually, I've been struggling to sell paid books. Sure, I can give them away for free, but paid is a different problem altogether. I've been struggling to sell Duplicity, the second book in my James Lalonde Amateur Sleuth Mystery Series. A few days before my forty-second birthday, I realised that FreeBooksy had a s…

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Story Nerd

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Manchester by the Sea: I'm not crying, you're crying 39:08

5M ago39:08

39:08

This movie does so many things well, it's a great one for both novelists and screenwriters to have in their repertoire of reference stories. We're studying stakes and empathy this season and boy does Manchester by the Sea deliver. If you haven't seen it yet, add it to your short list and have the tissues handy. Trust us on this one. For access to w…

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Story Nerd

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Good Luck to You, Leo Grande: do you empathize? 44:48

5M ago44:48

44:48

This one's coming to you by popular request! The #1 comment from women who've watched this movie is that it's too close for comfort, so that makes it a perfect choice for a study of empathy. What is it about Emma Thompson's character that resonated with so many viewers? What does she stand to lose? As an added bonus, this episode even a cameo by Me…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode #58: Dylan Thomas Pratt - Continuing the legacy of Scott Pratt 32:18

5M ago32:18

32:18

Dylan Thomas Pratt, son of the late, great international best-selling author Scott Pratt who’s work has sold more than six million copies, will discuss the evolution of his role in the further development of his father’s work. His father, Scott Pratt was known for both his Joe Dillard series and his Darren Street series. Join in as we discuss conti…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode 57: Pamela Fagan Hutchins - Killing it with a Crime Fiction Series 30:55

5M ago30:55

30:55

Pamela Fagan Hutchins, USA Today bestselling and Silver Falchion Best Mystery winning author of 24 mystery/suspense/thriller novels (Patrick Flint & What Doesn’t Kill You) discusses tips for writing a compulsively readable crime fiction series. In this unedited chat, she answers questions and give actionable tips. Listen in! This is an unedited cha…

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Story Nerd

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The Hate U Give: delete the first 28 minutes 39:04

5M ago39:04

39:04

Well, they rushed this one. Given the subject matter, this film deserved to have much more care and attention given to it. Instead, it feels like the studio was in such a hurry to get it to market (given the social tensions at the time of release), that they ignored basic storytelling principles. At least it's a great example of what not to do. Oh,…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode #56: James Rosone - Crafting Successful Series 30:07

6M ago30:07

30:07

James Rosone discusses how to craft a series that draws readers into books seven, eight, and beyond. In this unedited chat, he answers questions and give actionable tips. Listen in! This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in! you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes? Get your book analyzed her…

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Novel Marathon

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Mile 8 & 9: Plotting with Post-its, plus: Writing with the ending in mind 9:41

6M ago9:41

9:41

🏃Welcome to Mile 8 & 9 of Novel Marathon – The 2023 Edition! 🏃When it comes to writing styles, we talk about “planners” and “pantsers” as if they are two different species – as in “men are from Mars, women are from Venus.” 🙄 And maybe that’s true for some people. However, by and large, humans are more interesting than that. I was researching differ…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode #55: LT Ryan - Crafting Compelling Characters 32:36

6M ago32:36

32:36

Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author of several mysteries and thrillers, including the Jack Noble and Rachel Hatch series., LT Ryan, discusses crafting compelling characters in order to create the best character-driven stories. In this unedited chat, he answers questions and give actionable tips. Listen in! This is an unedi…

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Story Nerd

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Is AI good or bad for writers? 31:27

6M ago31:27

31:27

Everyone's talking about AI these days, and for good reason. Experts say that AI will have a bigger influence on our lives than electricity. So what does that mean for writers? Will AI be a tool that helps us write better stories? Or, is it something that will put us out of business? Tune in to this bonus episode to hear our initial thoughts. For a…

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode 54 : A.L. Jackson - Deepening Character Developments 33:20

6M ago33:20

33:20

NYT bestselling author A.L. Jackson shares insight on how to develop unforgettable characters that will live in our readers’ hearts forever. In this unedited chat, she answers questions and give actionable tips. Listen in! This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in! you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in…

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The Authorpreneur Podcast - Writing & Self Publishing Tips

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BTS054, Changes to the KDP Print Pricing, New Categories in KDP, and a Solution to My Series Mistakes 27:13

6M ago27:13

27:13

In the April Behind the Scenes Author Diary, I mentioned that I screwed up my amateur sleuth mystery series; well, a solution might be at hand. So, in this episode, I discuss my plans for my James Lalonde Amateur Sleuth Mystery series books three and four and a new shiny object. On top of this, I discuss a few self-publishing updates and selling di…

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Story Nerd

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As Good As It Gets: creating unlikable characters 35:04

6M ago35:04

35:04

Melvin Udall is not a nice man, but he sure is interesting and that's what makes this episode so important for writers. We concern ourselves with whether or not our reader will like our main character, but seldom do we consider whether our main character is interesting, or fascinating. Fascination is what we're after, not likability. For access to …

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First Draft Friday: Conversations about author craft

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Episode #53 - Timothy Byron: Character Bias 32:04

6M ago32:04

32:04

Author Timothy Byron discusses how an author’s subconscious biases, and life experiences may determine the traits and personality types of their characters. In this unedited chat, he answers questions and give actionable tips. Listen in! This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in! you know you can get an expert analysis o…

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Podcast About Writing A First Draft Of A Novel

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