In today's episode, I'm sharing my top ten tips for writing better scenes. Here's a preview of what's included: [01:45] Tip #1: Stick to one point-of-view character per scene. This will help you avoid head-hopping and getting off track. [02:45] Tip #2: Establish where and when each scene is taking place as soon as possible. Especially, if things have change ... Show More
Sep 29
#265. What Is Cozy Fiction? 10 Characteristics Cozy Writers Need to Know
Learn what makes cozy fiction work—and how to balance warmth, tension, character growth, and community to create the hopeful reading experience cozy readers expect.You know the feeling a cozy book gives you—warm, safe, like a world you don't want to leave. But when you sit down t ... Show More
26m 41s
Sep 22
#264. First Draft Mistakes: Jessica Brody & Savannah Gilbo Compare Notes
What are the most common first-draft mistakes writers make—and which ones actually need your attention while you’re drafting?In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Brody, author of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Page One to Done, to compare the mistakes we see writers make when ... Show More
29m 58s
Sep 15
#263. How Emily Henry Hooks Readers in Chapter One of Book Lovers
Your first chapter needs to hook the reader—but that doesn’t mean you need a huge plot twist, dramatic action, or a flashy meet-cute on page one.The first chapter of Emily Henry’s Book Lovers is mostly two sisters walking through New York and talking. There’s plenty of banter, in ... Show More
22m 55s
Sep 2024
Improve Your Writing Instantly
In this episode, I offer some tips and tricks to improve your writing. The book I reference: Kate Turabian's Student’s Guide to Writing College Papers, Fifth Edition *Sorry for the poor audio quality* If you want to support me, you can do that with these links: Patreon: https://w ... Show More
41m 42s
Aug 2023
Minipods - Audio storytelling episode five: Writing
Good writing connects you to your listeners, grabs their attention and makes them remember your story. BBC Academy trainer, Sam Upton, shares some tips to take your writing to the next level.This is the fourth in a series of minipods on audio storytelling, where Sam shares some i ... Show More
8m 40s
May 2025
20.21: The Lens of Context
This week, we’re digging into context—what it is, why it matters, and how it can totally transform your storytelling. Whether you're working in fantasy, sci-fi, or anything in between, the details you choose to include (or leave out) can make your world feel rich, real, and emoti ... Show More
21m 15s