AmericanWriters.com -- Creative Writing Podcast

Learn about Deus Ex Machina -- its pros and cons and how it can hurt fiction.

This episode doesn't just talk about what superficially motivates characters; it looks at the forces that need to stir at deeper levels.

Many authors are disparaged for using prologues to start their novels -- but is it such a bad practice after all?

Trim down your writing; think about what you should include in your narrative and what should you leave out. Also, learn the difference between story and narrative.

Many writers use their fiction as a form of activism. However, does it hurt the art form?

Learn about the four ways to approach reading a book.

Learn how external conflict can be written to underscore the turmoil brewing within the character's psyche.

Learn how writing is like painting a picture. However, this episode is not what you think; it has nothing to do with writing description. Give it a listen.

Make your characters consistent. Learn how things can easily go wrong.

Stop being so sentimental. If it serves your story, kill the characters you love.

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Step outside of yourself -- Stop making all your fiction thinly-veiled autobiography.

Should we be afraid of adverbs? Sometimes, yes. Listen to this and learn why.

Okay, write that hateful character -- but make sure that he is loveable.

Stop writing what you KNOW and start using your imagination!

Yes, internal conflict is the heart of characterization; but it's also at the heart of drama. Listen and learn.