Helping Writers Become Authors

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Hosted by award-winning story coach K.M. Weiland, the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast will take you deep into story theory, writing techniques, and all the incredible wisdom of story. There is no such thing as "just a story." Come along to find out how to write YOUR best story, astound the world, and (just maybe) change your life!

K.M. Weiland


    • May 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 13m AVG DURATION
    • 709 EPISODES

    4.8 from 887 ratings Listeners of Helping Writers Become Authors that love the show mention: thank you k, km, weiland, best writing podcast, writing fiction, craft of writing, writing podcasts, creative writing, hone, writing advice, instructive, writing process, excellent writing, always helpful, novel, instrumental, helps keep, published, gets right, writers.


    Ivy Insights

    The Helping Writers Become Authors podcast is an absolute gem for aspiring writers. With over 500 episodes, it offers a wealth of smart and simple analysis of story and character that is beneficial for any budding writer. K.M. Weiland's delivery has a nice, upbeat style that is easy to listen to, and her knowledge and expertise shine through in every episode. She provides practical tips, best practices, and examples that are both inspiring and thought-provoking.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to break down complex concepts into easily digestible chunks. Weiland has a knack for distilling the essence of her craft into quick lessons that are informative and instructive. Whether you're a novice writer or an experienced one, there is something to be gained from each episode. The episodes are quick and to the point, making it easy to fit them into your busy schedule.

    However, there is one minor drawback to this podcast: the occasional mispronunciation of words by Weiland. While she almost always uses these mispronounced words correctly, it can be a bit distracting for some listeners. However, this small quibble does not detract from the overall quality and value of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Helping Writers Become Authors podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in improving their writing skills. Weiland's passion for teaching shines through in every episode, and her ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner is commendable. Whether you're looking for practical advice on plot development or inspiration to keep pushing through tough writing spots, this podcast has it all. I highly recommend giving it a listen!



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    Latest episodes from Helping Writers Become Authors

    S17:E13: Crafting Archetypal Arcs With Enneagram Insights

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 34:09


    Discover the connection between archetypal arcs and Enneagram insights for transformative storytelling and character growth.

    S17:E12: Using the Enneagram for Character Development: Avoiding Repetition for Lies Each Type Might Believe

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 23:59


    Discover the unique lies each Enneagram subtype believes and how these shape their fears, desires, and character development in storytelling.

    S17:E11: The Most Dangerous Arc: Breaking Down the Corruption Character Arc

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 21:42


    Unlock the intricacies of the Corruption Character Arc. Discover how fear, pride, and desire lead to a character's downfall.

    S17:E10: Writing a Fall Arc: How to Show a Character's Moral Decline

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 18:36


    Writing a fall arc involves capturing characters' heartbreaking journeys. Discover techniques for depicting their moral decline.

    S17:09: Disillusionment Arc in Storytelling: A Powerful Tool for Character Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 19:26


    Understand the Disillusionment Arc in storytelling, a powerful journey portraying human growth through confronting stark realities.

    S17:E08: How Writers Can Use the Four Stages of Knowing in Character Arcs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 19:54


    Explore the four stages of knowing in character arcs to understand transformation and enhance your storytelling skills.

    S17:E07: How to Make Your Fantasy World Feel Real: 6 Pillars of Organic Worldbuilding

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 23:20


    From magic to government, discover the 8 key pillars of worldbuilding that will make your fantasy world feel real.

    S17:E06: Your Character's Three Choices: Character Goal Examples for Writers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 18:47


    Discover essential character goal examples for writers and learn how to craft compelling, multi-layered motivations using the "three choices."

    S17:E05: 5 Proven Ways to Conquer Self-Doubt in Writing

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 20:01


    Learn how to conquer self-doubt in writing and transform it into a driving force for growth and improvement.

    S17:E04: Exploring the Impact of AI on Fiction Writing: Opportunities and Challenges

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 22:55


    Delve into the impact of AI on fiction writing. Explore the opportunities and concerns surrounding the incorporation of AI in creative work.

    S17:E03: The Writer's Road to Creative Burnout Recovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 23:47


    Recover from creative burnout with these holistic strategies. Create space in your life to rebuild creativity and overcome writer's block.

    S17:E02: The Rules of Fiction: What They Are and What They're Not

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 19:08


    Demystify the rules of fiction and learn how they empower storytelling. Discover how underlying structure enhances creative autonomy.

    S17:E01: Reflecting on 6 Life-Changing Lessons in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 24:29


    Gain insights from life-changing lessons and intentions for growth in the new year. Explore the powerful connection between writing and life.

    S16:E42: Top 10 Books I Read in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 8:18


    Discover the top 10 books of 2024. Dive into captivating fantasy novels and explore fascinating non-fiction works.

    S16:E41: Top 8 Lessons I've Learned as a Writer in 16 Years

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 30:47


    Discover the top lessons I've learned as a writer. Gain insights and inspiration from my personal experiences as a career writer.

    S16:E40: The 5 Gift Rule for Writers at Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 9:10


    Discover the 5 gift rule for writers this Christmas. Find sustainable and mindful gift ideas that will delight the writers in your life.

    S16:E39: Antagonist vs. Villain: What's the Difference?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 16:39


    Understanding the difference between antagonist vs. villain. Explore the complex dynamics that go beyond typical storytelling conventions.

    S16:E38: The 3 (Structurally) Most Important Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 18:40


    Explore the most important characters driving the narrative in a compelling story. Discover their motivations and how they impact outcome.

    S16:E37: Learn About the Different Types of POV (+Head-Hopping)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 25:50


    Discover the different types of Points of View (POV) in storytelling. Learn how to master narrative perspective for more engaging writing.

    S16:E36: The Resolution (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 12 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 11:49


    Discover the importance of the Resolution in storytelling. Learn how to bring closure to your story and leave readers with a final emotion.

    S16:E35: The Climax (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 11 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 12:17


    Crafting the perfect Climax for your novel is essential. Learn how to create tension, suspense, and unforgettable moments for your readers.

    S16:E34: The Third Plot Point (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 10 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 15:49


    Learn why the Third Plot Point is a vital turning point in your story structure. Understand how to set it up for a powerful ending.

    secrets third act story structure how to write a book plot points structuring your novel how to become a writer
    S16:E33: The Third Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 9 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 17:14


    Explore how to write an exciting and satisfying Third Act. Learn how to build an epic finale as your plot reaches its thrilling conclusion.

    S16:E32: How to Trust Yourself as a Writer (Not Relying on Advice Too Much)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 24:07


    Unleash your creativity and trust yourself as a writer. Discover how to overcome self-doubt and embrace your unique artistic voice.

    S16:E31: The Second Half of the Second Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 8 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 15:38


    Unleash the second half of the Second Act in your story. Explore how characters' decisions and inner growth drive the narrative.

    S16:E30: The Midpoint (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 7 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 13:49


    Uncover the power of the Midpoint in storytelling. Explore how this pivotal moment in the Second Act changes the paradigm of the story.

    S16:E29: The First Half of the Second Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 6 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 14:59


    Discover how to tackle the first half of the Second Act in your story with confidence. Learn valuable tips on structure and character.

    S16:E28: The Secret to Writing Strong Themes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 27:11


    Craft immersive stories by writing strong themes that resonate. Explore how to create narratives that connect with readers on a deeper level.

    S16:E27: The First Plot Point (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 4 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 17:01


    Uncover the power of the First Plot Point in storytelling. Learn how this seismic shift sets the stage for escalating tension and conflict.

    S16:E22: The Inciting Event (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 4 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 18:20


    Master the art of crafting a captivating Inciting Event in your story. Explore its significance and discover techniques to make it impactful.

    S16:E25: The First Act (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 3 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 18:57


    Understand the importance of the First Act in story structure. Learn how the Hook, Inciting Event, and First Plot Point set up the plot.

    S16:E24: The Hook (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 2 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 16:39


    Learn how the Hook grabs readers from the very first page with an irresistible question that piques their curiosity and keeps them reading.

    S16:E23: 5 Reasons Story Structure Is Important (Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 1 of 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 15:04


    Uncover why story structure is important. Learn how understanding story structure can help you create resonating and seamless narratives.

    S16:E22: Launch Day! Two New Books for Writers (+Win a Freewrite Alpha!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 11:01


    Discover the keys to effective plot structure with two new books for writers from K.M. Weiland. Build a strong foundation for your stories!

    S16:E21: Everything You Need to Know About the Lie the Character Believes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 24:48


    Discover the secrets of the Lie the Character Believes. Explore the impact of this crucial storytelling element.

    S16:E20: Juggling Life and Writing: 9 Tips for Maintaining Creative Focus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 17:13


    Learn effective strategies for juggling life and writing, including ways to maintain creative focus amid distractions.

    S16:E19: Scene Structure and Transitions in Big Scenes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 22:58


    Learn how to seamlessly transition out of big set pieces in your story. Discover practical tips for scene structure and transitions.

    discover structure transitions scenes how to write a book structuring your novel how to become a writer
    S16:E18: 5 Strategies for Writing the Parts You Don't Like

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 19:01


    Discover effective strategies for writing the parts you don't like and maintaining creative flow through elements that trigger resistance.

    S16:E17: Troubleshooting Your Story's Ending

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 16:38


    Learn how to troubleshoot your story's ending and craft a compelling climax. Tips on character arcs and themes for a satisfying conclusion.

    tips ending troubleshooting how to write a book structuring your novel how to become a writer
    S16:E16: Enneagram Types for Writers: Types 5-9

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 23:53


    Unlock the power of self-awareness in your writing journey with the Enneagram types for writers. Learn strengths and weaknesses of Types 5-9.

    S16:E15: Enneagram Types for Writers: Types 1-4

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 24:24


    Discover Enneagram types for writers and how they can enhance your understanding of yourself and your craft. Types 1-4 in this episode.

    S16:E14: How to Use Symbolic and Archetypal Settings in Your Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 27:04


    Unleash archetypal settings in your stories. Discover how symbolic and archetypal settings elevate narratives and resonate with readers.

    S16:E13: Checklist for Beginning Your Story: Plot Considerations

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 25:56


    Start off right with this checklist for beginning your story. Grab your readers' attention and keep them engaged by establishing the plot.

    S16:E12: How to Choose Story Settings: The 4 Basic Types of Setting

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 20:36


     Learn the four basic types of setting as a way to help you choose story settings that create meaningful connections among characters.

    S16:E11: From Lead to Gold: The Alchemy of Character Arc With Carl Jung

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 22:51


    Delve into the alchemy of character arc. Explore the parallels between alchemy, Jungian analysis, and story structure.

    S16:E10: Checklist for Beginning Your Story: Introducing Your Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 26:33


    Master the art of introducing your characters in your first chapter. Learn to hook readers and lay the foundation for character development.

    S16:E9: Announcing the Shadow Archetypes Course! (+Giveaway)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 13:05


    Discover the power of shadow archetypes in character development. Join the Shadow Archetypes course to write stories of depth and complexity.

    S16:E8: 6 Tips to Write Deeply Emotional Fiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 22:41


    Learn the art of writing deeply emotional fiction. Discover six tools to infuse stories with emotional resonance that lingers for readers.

    S16:E7: How to Use Antagonists in Your Story: The Right Way and the Wrong Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 24:07


    Learn how to use antagonists to create unforgettable plots. Strengthen narratives and build your characters' journey with this skill.

    S16:E6: Writing 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Backstory

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 25:00


    Use this essential guide to backstory to share the history of your characters and story world with your audience at just the right moments.

    S16:E5: Burned Out on the Business of Writing? 6 Insights to Rediscover Joy and Passion in Your Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 26:44


    Learn how to regain a sense of creative fulfillment in the business of writing and get tips for managing the pressures of marketing fiction.

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