Podcast appearances and mentions of Kevin T Johns

This week I have an interview with Kevin T. Johns, a writing coach and author who is also based in Ottawa, Canada, where I live. Our conversation revolves around the challenges aspiring authors face, particularly in completing their first draft, and how writers can better approach storytelling and the writing process.Kevin emphasizes that many writers spend too much time perfecting their first few scenes, not realizing that once the manuscript is complete, those scenes often need rewriting or cutting. His key advice is to write the first draft quickly to have something to work with, as the real work begins during the revision process. Kevin also points out that the education system contributes to the misconception that writing is a one-and-done process, as students often submit essays without ever revising them.Kevin's approach to helping writers focuses on commercial genres, such as horror, romance, sci-fi, and fantasy, where there are clear expectations for plot structure and genre conventions. He runs a program called "Story Plan," which helps writers plan the fundamental aspects of their story, from genre and structure to character arcs and theme. He encourages writers to know their genre and the expectations readers have, as this forms a contract between the writer and the reader. Planning helps create a coherent story and gives the writer confidence as they move through the drafting process.

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, host Kevin T. Johns explores the power and magic of words. He discusses how words have the ability to shape our understanding of reality and perception. Through examples from language evolution, psychology, and literature, Kevin illustrates how the introduction of new words and terms can completely change cultural conversations and perspectives over time.

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses 10 writing tips from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creator of the acclaimed TV show Fleabag.

Celebrating the 200th episode of the show and Star Wars Day 2024, writing coach Kevin T. Johns reflects on the profound impact that Star Wars has had on his life and career as a writer. In a personal exploration spanning his childhood memories to his current thoughts on the franchise, Kevin charts how Star Wars shaped his imagination, morality and storytelling over the decades. Listeners are treated to insightful reflections on nostalgia, character identification and the challenges of maintaining an iconic property over multiple owners. The episode offers resonant perspectives on fandom, disappointment, and the power of stories to influence our lives.

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns shares his thoughts on various memoirs he has enjoyed.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns reveals how his client was able to land an offer of representation from a literary agent after sending a single email.

Inspired by a Simon Sinek quote about arrogance and humility, in this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, host Kevin T. Johns explores how the modern view of writing as a talent differs from its historical roots as a trade.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns explains the story beats you can use to plot a fantastic final act for your book.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns shares the top ten pieces of advice he most often gives to writers.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns explains how authors can harness the power of ChatGPT to improve the environmental descriptions in their writing.

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns argues many beginner authors struggle because our public school and high school education systems fail to teach students the revision skills, experimentation, and risk-taking necessary to create art.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns describes the 6 different types of editors and the roles they play in the publishing and book production process. Listen now!

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns explains how to effectively use the literary technique of pathetic fallacy.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses the fascinating way that chaos and serendipity inform our lives, our careers, and our art.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses the fascinating way that chaos and serendipity inform our lives, our careers, and our art.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns explains why age isn't a hindrance to becoming an author and argues that it is, in fact, an advantage.

writing coach Kevin T. Johns acknowledges the importance of setting goals, but then asks the question, what if goals aren't really what we should be focused on?

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns outlines the mistakes writers often make when setting their project goals and timelines, describes why small achievable goals are essential, and breaks down half a dozen key performance indicators writers should be tracking in order to monitor their progress.

As the year draws to a close, writing coach Kevin T. Johns looks back on the fiction, nonfiction, business, and writer's craft books he read this year.

In episode 182 of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns explains, three, four, and five-act story structures, as well as circular structures, and more!

In episode 181 of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns breaks down the incredible importance of writers knowing their genre.

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns speaks with his client, award-winning romance author Anne Kane about the launch of her new book.

This episode of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns identifies 8 key things writers can learn from a drummer.

This episode of The Writing Coach podcast is the final part in a series where writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses elements of his new Scene Alchemy Essentials Checklist tool.

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast is the third part in a series where writing coach Kevin T. Johns reviews of the Scene Alchemy Essentials Checklist tool.

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns continues his review of the Scene Alchemy Essentials Checklist tool.

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns introduces his new scene Alchemy Essentials Checklist tool.

In this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns outlines half-a-dozen common mistakes he sees in the manuscripts of aspiring authors.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses the "literary elements" he considers the building blocks of a scene. He covers the four external literary elements and the four internal literary elements, and then asks whether a ninth should be included.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns explains why no writer gets it right on the first try and how writing is always iterative. He also explores the joys and benefits of the revision process.

In this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses Star Wars, punk rock, and how writers should consider desperation as a preferable alternative to perfection.

writing coach Kevin T. Johns says goodbye to The Story Grid Podcast, which published its final episode last week. Kevin discusses the importance of the podcast, and his admiration for its hosts Shawn Coyne and Tim Grahl, and explains how their podcast was a profound act of generosity for both writing coaches and students of writer's craft.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns explains how to-do lists, checklists, standard operating procedures, and calendars can help writers and artists get organized, stay motivated, track progress, prioritize tasks, and achieve a flow state easier.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns explores Aristotle's "Doctrine of the Mean," and how it can help us understand why both living a virtuous life and writing a fantastic book are so difficult to achieve.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns explores the powerful role that change plays in storytelling.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns covers what to do at that critical moment in the creative process when your initial enthusiasm for a project begins to fade.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns explores time: how we use it, how to reclaim it, and when the right time is to take on a project like writing a book.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns tackles a hot topic in the world of writing these days: artificial intelligence (AI). Will AI writing soon replace human writing and should writers be fearful for the future of their livelihood? Find out in this episode.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses how in creating their art writers can often stir up memories, traumas, and deep emotions within themselves.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns shares four simple tips writers can implement to help set themselves up for long-term success.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns covers three techniques writers can use to create and benefit from momentum with their writing.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns addresses the much-asked question, "Can great writing be taught?"

Author Helen Pilz speaks with writing coach Kevin T. Johns about the launch of her new holiday-themed story, NEW YORK SNOW AND TURQUOISE.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns explains why so many writers hop from one project to the next without finishing anything.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses veteran authors and how their experiences in war may have impacted their fiction. 

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses 15 literally masterpieces under 60K words long.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns debunks the myth of the solitary author and discusses some of the most important and successful writer communities of the last 150 years.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses the three biggest problems writers face when crafting a first draft and how to overcome them.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns outlines his six-step roadmap for taking a book from initial idea creation through to publication.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns answers the question: Are there actually rules to writing and if so can you break them?

Writing a book is a complicated process and figuring out where to start can be confusing, especially for new authors. In this episode of The Writing Coach, Kevin T. Johns describes the perfect way to begin developing a story and exactly where you should start.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses the kinds of everyday real-life conflicts you can draw on to generate drama, tension, and emotional resonance in your writing.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses the benefits and drawbacks of writing while on vacation and recommends how best to go about mixing writing with relaxation.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses how the ever-changing perspective we have about our own art functions at the macro and micro levels, and how you can use that perspective to get through particularly challenging writing days.

Writing coach Kevin T. Johns discusses two different approaches to writing that can result in the creation of a masterpiece, and how current television shows like Kenobi are not following either of those paths.

Kevin T. Johns discusses energy management for writers in episode #130 of The Writing Coach podcast.

In episode #129 of The Writing Coach podcast, Kevin T. Johns shares 50 topics recently discussed in his First Draft and Final Draft group coaching programs.

In episode #128 of The Writing Coach podcast, Kevin T. Johns discusses the importance of wrist health and good ergonomics for writers, and outlines several approaches to writing that don't involve typing at a keyboard.

Author & Writing Coach, Kevin T. Johns, discusses his book Novel Advice. He shares tips on how to get the best out of your writing process. Also, check out Kevin's website and listen to his podcast, The Writing Coach: www.kevintjohns.com

Part of HKHSPod's mandate is to highlight the work of Canadian YA Lit writers. In this exclusive interview, Joe is joined by Kevin T. Johns, writing coach and author of The Page Turners series and M School, to discuss his work, his influences and why Drew Goddard should option his book for a movie. Find out more about Kevin's work on his website: http://www.kevintjohns.com/ or on Twitter at @Kevin_T_Johns Connect with the show on Twitter using #HKHSPod: Brenna: @brennacgray Joe: @bstolemyremote Or send us an email at hkhspod@gmail.com. See you on the page and on the screen!

Kevin Johns is a writer, ghost-writer, podcaster, writing coach... and punk rocker! Join me on this episode of The Author's Journey as Kevin shares his passion and extensive knowledge not only as a writer, but as an entrepreneur in the business of writing. Enjoy! ~Mony

Fellow writer, podcaster, ghostwriter, and writing coach Kevin T. Johns and I have a great (and honest) conversation about making the most of our time as busy writers.