Ep. 617: Genre Tips: How to Write Myster...

How do you write subplots without ending up with a story that feels like a collection of disconnected pieces? In this episode, I explore how to write subplots that strengthen the main plot by integrating secondary characters, conflicts, relationships, and themes into one cohesive ... Show More

If you've ever wondered how to write subtext without leaving readers confused—or explaining so much that the subtext disappears—these five principles can help. Subtext is everything a story communicates without saying it outright. It can deepen characters, relationships, dialogue ... Show More

Character misdirection does more than set up clever betrayals. By using False Allies and False Enemies, writers can deepen conflict, complicate character arcs, and create plot twists that feel both surprising and inevitable. In this video, I explore four variations of character m ... Show More

Good stories are filled with surprises for the reader. There are right and wrong ways for us writers to deliver surprises, and I'll talk about them here. Also, the importance of a tie-up-later list. Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course cov ... Show More

Mightly push your powerful writing to the top of the highest literary peaks! Or… work on your craft. CONSUME: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett or its sequel, World Without End. Or, for a less committal and free option, the BBC fiction podcast "Home Front" CREATE: Think abo ... Show More

Your Hosts: Howard, Mary Robinette, Dan, and Amal Many of us write characters who know more than we know, and/or who think faster than we do. Writing those characters is tricky. In this episode we talk about our own tricks, and the tricks we've seen others use. Credits: This epis ... Show More

<p>Words falling flat? Learn how to write words (and stories!) that readers can't get enough of. You'll hear from multipassionate writers Cole Schafer and Tina Wells as they peel back the curtain on crafting copy that sells and books that become bestsellers. If you're looking for ... Show More

A talented artist is even more talented at forgery. He crosses paths with the rich, famous, and fabulous, and his forgeries are eventually forged themselves. Truly and wonderfully ridiculous, no?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

<p>How do authors weave stories that effortlessly keep readers hooked from start to finish?<br/><br/>Well, today&apos;s episode is all about unravelling the secret to telling irresistible stories in your book. We&apos;re diving deep into the art of connecting with readers on an e ... Show More

<p>This is a B2 story in the genre of mystery or thriller. It&apos;s called Drawing Conclusions, which is one of the expressions I explain before I start the story.<br/><br/><b>B2 phrases:</b><br/>- drawing conclusions<br/>- Mrs Robinson had neither seen nor heard Lorna since<br/ ... Show More

<p>Why do we always fall for surprise endings? It turns out that our capacity to be easily fooled in books and movies is made possible by a handful of predictable mental shortcuts. We talk this week with Vera Tobin, one of the world's first cognitive scientists to study plot twis ... Show More

The battle of wits between Holmes and Adler reaches its thrilling conclusion as the great detective sets an ingenious trap. But even though his plan unfolds perfectly, he discovers that he may have underestimated his opponent... A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Hugh Bonne ... Show More