Podcasts about structuring your novel

When we talk about mythic fiction, it's easy to assume mythic stories are created through familiar ingredients: archetypes, symbolism, old myths, epic structure. But I don't think that's where mythic storytelling begins. In this post/podcast, I explore seven practices and mindsets that help writers reconnect with what the lost art of mythmaking--not just  borrowing of old symbolic forms, but accessing the deeper creative process from which meaningful stories emerge in the first place. We talk about: • Why mythic stories often feel like they come *through* us rather than *from* us • How dreamzoning and flow states support deeper storytelling • Why "shoulds" can block archetypal imagination • How asking questions opens access to mythic resonance • The deeper shape beneath story structure • Why confronting the shadows matters for writers • How mythic storytelling functions as transformation and initiation Mythic fiction isn't just a genre or an aesthetic. At its deepest level, it is a way of relating to story itself. If you've ever wanted to write stories that feel more alive, more resonant, or more meaningful, but weren't sure how to move beyond technique alone, this conversation offers a practical place to begin. 01:50 What Is Mythic Fiction? 02:34 What Mythic Fiction Is Not 04:07 What Mythic Fiction Is 05:12 The Lost Art of Mythmaking 06:31 Practice #1: Entering the Flow State 08:49 Practice #2: Clear the "Shoulds" That Block Archetypal Imagination 09:58 Practice #3: Ask Questions Instead of Arriving With Answers 11:32 Practice #4: Study the Deeper Shape Beneath Story Structure 12:56 Practice #5: Study the Stories That Create Mythic Resonance 15:07 Practice #6: Be Fearless Enough to Enter the Shadows 17:11 Practice #7: Approach Archetypal Storytelling With Humility and Responsibility 18:16 Learning How to Imagine Better 19:22 Writing Masterclass: Alchemizing Plot, Character, and Theme Read the transcript: https://helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-write-mythic-fiction-practices LINKS & RESOURCES Want More? WRITING MASTERCLASS: Alchemizing Plot, Character, & Theme Sign Up Here: https://kmweilandstore.com/b/plot-character-theme-class In this masterclass, I explore how plot, character, and theme act as one cohesive symbolic structure capable of creating stories with emotional resonance, narrative momentum, and deeper thematic meaning. We'll talk about: • Aligning inner and outer arcs  • Creating stories that feel alive from the inside out  • Integrating plot, character, and theme organically  • Writing stories with greater depth and cohesion 

What makes a story feel truly mythic? Many writers assume mythic fiction comes from borrowing archetypes, retelling old myths, or layering symbolic imagery into a story. While there is immense value in studying mythology, fairy tales, folklore, and archetypal storytelling traditions, something important has been lost in many modern conversations about mythic fiction. The old myths aren't powerful merely because of their plot structure or symbolism. They are powerful because they emerged from their creator's living relationship with symbol, transformation, mystery, dream, and the deeper psyche. In this episode, I explore: •    Why so much modern "mythic storytelling" can feel strangely hollow  •    The difference between inherited myth and living myth  •    Why writers often approach archetypes from the outside in  •    How mythic resonance actually emerges in story  •    Why mythic storytelling matters during times of cultural transformation  •    How writers can reconnect to the symbolic imagination itself  What if the role of the writer is not simply to preserve mythology, but to participate in it? If you've ever wanted to write stories that feel more resonant, symbolic, emotionally alive, or spiritually meaningful, this episode explores the deeper source from which mythic fiction arises. 02:45 How Modern Writers Understand Mythic Fiction and Archetypal Storytelling 03:58 The Mythological and Folk Tale Lens for Mythic Fiction 04:32 The Anthropological & Psychological Lens for Mythic Fiction 05:10 Pop Culture & the Mythic Retelling 06:27 Studying Myth vs. Writing Mythic Fiction 09:03 Borrowing vs. Accessing Symbols 11:17 Inherited Myth vs. Living Myth 12:16 Mythic Fiction in Cultural Times of Transformation 13:43 Our Relationship to the Old Stories Grows Thin 14:55 Mythic Fiction Requires the Partnership of Intuition and Intellect 16:11 Mythic Fiction Reconnects Writers to the Deep Source of Story 18:38 The Need for New Myths in a Changing World 20:15 New Myths, Ancient Roots 21:15 Participating in Myth as Much as Preserving It 21:59 Reconnecting to Myth in Your Own Writing Process Read the transcript: https://helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-write-mythic-fiction LINKS & RESOURCES Want More? This conversation connects deeply to my class Alchemizing Plot, Character, & Theme: https://kmweilandstore.com/b/plot-character-theme-class In this masterclass, I explore how plot, character, and theme act as one cohesive symbolic structure capable of creating stories with emotional resonance, narrative momentum, and deeper thematic meaning. We'll talk about: •    Aligning inner and outer arcs  •    Creating stories that feel alive from the inside out  •    Integrating plot, character, and theme organically  •    Writing stories with greater depth and cohesion 

For most of human history, stories were not primarily viewed as commercial products to be sold. Story functioned first as myth, meaning-making, entertainment, cultural memory, and a way of understanding ourselves and the world around us. But in today's marketplace-driven culture, storytelling exists almost entirely within commercial systems—something that inevitably shapes not just what we create, but how we relate to story itself. In this episode, I explore the tension between story as product and story as something deeper, older, and more archetypal. From publishing culture and content creation to commercial pressure and creative burnout, modern storytelling increasingly exists inside systems designed around visibility, productivity, and sales. And although those systems offer real opportunities for writers, they can also subtly reshape not just what we create, but our relationship to the creative process itself. Writers deserve to be supported for their work, and stories deserve to reach audiences. But it's worth examining how the modern entertainment marketplace influences our understanding of story—particularly when success metrics begin to overshadow resonance, meaning, and the deeper relationship many writers feel toward creativity itself. We explore: - Story as process vs product - Commercial storytelling vs archetypal storytelling - The commodification of story - Creative flow vs content production - The relationship between marketplace culture and creative burnout - How writers can balance commercial success with creative wholeness This episode is an invitation to reexamine what story is, what role storytellers serve in society, and how writers can remain connected to the deeper meaning of story while still navigating the realities of the marketplace. TIMESTAMPS 2:09 Story-as-product vs. story-as-archetype 3:40 Story Did Not Originate as a Commodity 5:40 Value, Money, and Meaning in a Marketplace-Driven Culture 6:00 The Storytelling Animal 6:39 Before Words, There Were Stories 8:09 Storytelling as Medicine, Meaning, and Cultural Foundation 8:53 One of Contemporary Culture's Dissonances… 10:16 How Perspective Subtly Influences Our Relationship to Our Stories 12:04 The Contemporary Model for Storytelling 13:32 The Most Important Balancing Act 14:46 4 Tips for Writers to Balance Commercial Success and Creative Wholeness 15:23 Understand Your Own Unique Perspectives About Story 17:32 Define Success on Two Levels—Not One 18:59 Write Your Best Stories by Honoring Your Relationship to Story 20:38 Engage With Story as an Archetypal Force 22:40 It's About the Lens You're Writing Fro LINKS & RESOURCES Read the post/transcript: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-marketplace-shapes-storytelling

Many writers are struggling with burnout in today's creative landscape—but the cause isn't always personal habits. In this episode, I explore why writer burnout sometimes has less to do with storytelling itself and more to do with the conditions surrounding modern creative work. From constant output and visibility to the subtle pressure to keep up, many writers are navigating an environment that reshapes not just what we create but how writing feels. If writing has started to feel heavier, more resistant, or more like effort than discovery, this conversation looks at what that might be signaling beneath the surface. This is an exploration of the deeper emotional toll of writing today, the difference between creative process and content production, and how writers can begin to reframe burnout not as failure, but as information about alignment. 1:54 Maybe It's Not Writing. Maybe It's Everything Else 3:54 5 Reasons Writers Are Burning Out 5:53 The Market Is Oversaturated Because the Algorithm Is Insatiable 8:01 Recognize the Tension, Then Choose What Games You're Willing to Play 9:13 Scarcity, Fear, & Pressure From Within the Writing Community 10:54 Keep Your Heart Open and Your Head Clear 12:23 Originality Feels Harder to Access 13:52 Remember: Originality Is Not an Idea, It's a Feeling 15:35 Disconnection From the Body and Natural Rhythms 17:14 Honor the Process, Not Just the Product 18:36 A Deeper Evolution in How We Relate to Meaning 20:59 What Can We Do About Burnout? 22:37 Conquering Writer's Block and Summoning Inspiration Read the transcript: https://helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/why-writers-are-burning-out LINKS & RESOURCES - Find a Writing Buddy (2026 Edition!): Critique Partners, Beta Readers & More https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/find-a-writing-buddy-2026

We're living in a storytelling moment deeply fascinated by darkness—and for good reason. Stories have always helped us metabolize fear, trauma, and moral failure. But darkness is not meant to be the destination. In this episode, I explore why writers need a sense of wonder in fiction, not as escapism or denial, but as a way of completing the story arc. Wonder is what allows stories to move through the descent rather than getting stuck there and to imagine a future still worth moving toward. This is a reflection on how stories work psychologically and culturally, why so many books already carry hope with quiet integrity, and how writers (often without realizing it) contribute to building meaning, courage, and care through the stories they tell. In This Episode, We Explore: Why dark stories play an essential role in storytelling The danger of getting stuck in the descent Why stories must complete the arc The sense of wonder in fiction as moral imagination How stories help us imagine a future worth moving toward Links & Resources

Discover how the Midpoint in story structure is more than a Moment of Truth. It's self-recognition in which characters remember who they are.

Discover how to honor your character's history while crafting different character arcs for the same character in new stories.

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

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

We are talking a new way to plan and organize your novel and all that goes into writing a novel today with Seralynn Lewis. Seralynn is a Christian contemporary romance writer who writes full-time and has managed to get out 14 books in 4 years because of her organizational skills (and writing talent!) You can find more about Seralynn and join her newsletter here: https://seralynn.allauthor.com/Want to support me and my work? Find me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.comLooking for a Christmas gift? Journals, metal charm bookmarks and ...books! https://payhip.com/KatCaldwellRead the Bended Duet:Bended Loyalty: https://books.katcaldwell.com/loyaltyBended Love: https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-loveBended Dream: https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-prequel Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletterWant more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I'm reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/DeIidsoalEY - Footnotes newsletter - https://myimaginaryfriends.net/footnotes - Savage City is on sale! - https://books2read.com/savagecity - Preordder Daughter of the Merciful Deep - https://lpenelope.com/book/daughter-of-the-merciful-deep/ Mentioned: - Bookbub - ebook deals - Scribecount - track book sales - FaRoFeb - Fantasy Romance February - Write Your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell  - Creating Character Arcs by K.M. Weiland  - Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland  - Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody  - "Designing Thriller and Mystery Twists That Work" by Samantha Skal  - Ink & Magic podcast  - 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains by Sacha Black -  - Imaginary Worldbuilding course      The My Imaginary Friends podcast is a behind the scenes look at the journey of a working author navigating traditional and self-publishing. Join fantasy and paranormal romance author L. Penelope as she shares insights on the writing life, creativity, inspiration, and this week's best thing. Subscribe and view show notes at: https://lpenelope.com/podcast | Get the Footnotes newsletter & become an Imaginary Best Friend: https://myimaginaryfriends.net Support the show: Website | Instagram | Facebook Music credit: Say Good Night by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/SZkVShypKgM Affiliate Disclosure: I may receive compensation for links to products on this site either directly or indirectly via affiliate links. Heartspell Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Writing multiple plotlines in your fiction doesn't have to be hard. Learn to navigate the intricacies while balancing the pros and cons.

In this episode, Leslye and Ines break down the necessary elements of First Scenes and First Lines. Want to see how we cracked the code to awesome beginnings? Curl up and listen close!   Grab K.M. Weiland's Structuring Your Novel for tips on crafting your first scenes here: https://amzn.to/3RXzad9   We love the movies too, but have you ever read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice? Check it out: https://amzn.to/3TDRiKp   Check out Leslye's voice with her masterful novels Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope - https://books2read.com/TheMonstersWeDefy Savage City by L. Penelope - https://books2read.com/savagecity Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope - https://books2read.com/earthsinger1 Whispers of Shadow and Flame by L. Penelope - https://amzn.to/2SGZtmF   Great First Line Examples Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor - https://amzn.to/3H5YHKI Uprooted by Naomi Novik - https://amzn.to/3GXwt54 Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover - https://amzn.to/3tC32T0 Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay - https://amzn.to/3NMp4t8 Paradise by Toni Morrison - https://amzn.to/3NMNoLw Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh - https://amzn.to/3vhCLtH   Want to learn worldbuilding from Leslye? Sign up here: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.net/ Want to learn story structure from Ines? Sign up here: https://ineswrites.com/PTP Get ready for Hostage to Pleasure, coming in next week! Grab your copy to read along: https://amzn.to/47M2BUy    Find the hosts online at: L. Penelope: https://lpenelope.com/  Ines Johnson: https://ineswrites.com/    Credits: "Moonlight Hall" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.

Consider the following four approaches to how to use archetypes in a series so you can determine which feels most resonant for your story.

Based on six transformational character arcs, these Archetypal Character Guided Meditations will help writers brainstorm even better stories.

An overview of the main concerns when deciding where to start plotting a story, depending on where it makes the most sense for you.

Six tips for how to write interesting happy scenes that will become some of your readers favorite moments in the story.

Understanding some of the main types of scenes can help you recognize which choice is right for your story at any particular moment.

Welcome Jen Craven to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Something that copywriting and book writing have in common is storytelling, and Jen Craven beautifully demonstrates how this can come together through emotional connection. This conversation is packed full of tips for character development, especially when handling multiple points of view, and structuring your story. Jen Craven is the author of upmarket women's fiction, where one decision changes everything. The author of two historical fiction novels, Best Years of your Life is her debut contemporary work. She writes from northwestern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her family. Visit - www.jencraven.com Book purchase link - Best Years of your Life

A closer look at the mechanics of structural timing. What is it? Why is it important? And how precise does it have to be?

How you structure a story with multiple main characters will depend on which type of plot you're working with.

How do authors outline their novels? Today's show will examine one of the best author resource from award-winning and internationally published author, K.M. Weiland, of acclaimed writing guides, such as Structuring Your Novel and Creating Character Arcs   to take an idea and make it a powerful story. ✨Highlights ✨✏️What is one of the best ways to stop writer's block ? ✏️ What are the top three ways to outline your novel?✏️ How can your story premise help you find the core of your story ?

Discover the pros and cons of opening your story in medias res (or "in the middle" of action) and use these tips to refine your use of it.

Is opening your story in medias res compatible with the Three-Act Structure? The secret is in understanding how the First Act functions.

In many ways, the New Normal World of a story's Resolution is what successfully completes the context of the entire story.

The Underworld of a Story's Third Act is symbolically important for creating powerful and realistic change with your characters and plot.

Writers can use the metaphoric Adventure World of a story's Second Act to better understand this crucial part of story structure.

Authors need to understand the four "worlds" represented within a story's structure, the first of which is the Normal World of the First Act.

Mentioned: - Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody – https://amzn.to/3xf7TFV - The Anatomy of Story by John Truby - https://amzn.to/3wwAzLE - Dan Wells' 7 Point Plot Structure - https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/seven-point-story-structure/ - Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland - https://amzn.to/3Mc5pjD - The Creative Penn podcast - https://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/ - Storyist writing software - https://storyist.com/ - Scrivener - https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview - Notion software - https://notion.so - ClickUp project management software - http://clickup.com - My author publication DB video & template - https://lpenelope.com/2020/08/manage-your-published-book-details-with-notion/ - Asana project management software - https://asana.com/ - "Second Brain" - a good, very short overview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBOHUBTsvHk - BB Edit - text editor - https://asana.com/ - Google Keep - https://keep.google.com     The My Imaginary Friends podcast is a weekly, behind the scenes look at the journey of a working author navigating traditional and self-publishing. Join fantasy and paranormal romance author L. Penelope as she shares insights on the writing life, creativity, inspiration, and this week's best thing. Subscribe and view show notes at: https://lpenelope.com/podcast | Get the Footnotes newsletter - http://lpen.co/footnotes Support the show - http://frolic.media/podcasts! Stay in touch with me! Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Music credit: Say Good Night by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/SZkVShypKgM Affiliate Disclosure: I may receive compensation for links to products on this site either directly or indirectly via affiliate links. Heartspell Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Examines the role of the antagonist in the second half of a story's structure--the Second Pinch Point through the Resolution.

Mentioned:  - Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland - https://amzn.to/3Mc5pjD - Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody – https://amzn.to/3xf7TFV - Agents vs. attorneys - https://kriswrites.com/2022/04/27/business-musings-attorneys/ - Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness - Moonknight The My Imaginary Friends podcast is a weekly, behind the scenes look at the journey of a working author navigating traditional and self-publishing. Join fantasy and paranormal romance author L. Penelope as she shares insights on the writing life, creativity, inspiration, and this week's best thing. Subscribe and view show notes at: https://lpenelope.com/podcast | Get the Footnotes newsletter - http://lpen.co/footnotes Support the show - http://frolic.media/podcasts! Stay in touch with me! Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Music credit: Say Good Night by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/SZkVShypKgM Affiliate Disclosure: I may receive compensation for links to products on this site either directly or indirectly via affiliate links. Heartspell Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The major plot beats in a story are interwoven with the protagonist's journey. But what is the role of the antagonist in story structure?

Here are six important considerations to keep in mind when amping up your story's most important scenes--its set-piece scenes.

Learn how archetypes and story structure mirror each other in any individual book and can be used to further strengthen your story.

Here are a five important questions you, as a writer of fiction, can ask yourself to help you in making story structure your own.

There's nothing incorrect in using confrontation to create conflict in fiction. But to understand conflict as only confrontation is too narrow a definition.

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly and CeCe discuss the heartbreak of the querying process; the power imbalance between agents and authors; giving agents an idea of whether your novel is commercial or literary fiction; picking your comps and inciting incident; and avoiding two heroes' journeys in one query. Bianca also challenges Carly to name her nemeses. We all talk and disagree A LOT about Mare of Easttown, and we take more of your questions. After which, Bianca chats with Hannah Mary McKinnon, bestselling author of You Will Remember Me, about plotting, outlining and structuring your novel; skeleton drafts; the 16 beat structure; layering your novel during edits; and choosing POV. 

This week's best thing: SONG OF BLOOD & STONE makes TIME Magazine's 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time  Featured Podcast: Tea & Strumpets - https://www.romancepod.com/ Structuring Your Novel by  K. M. Weiland - https://amzn.to/3j9IRAG Screenwriting Tips for Authors by Alexandra Sokoloff - https://amzn.to/37k7us8 Write Your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell - https://amzn.to/2H52gps Super Structure: The Key to Unleashing the Power of Story by James Scott Bell - https://amzn.to/3jcpEy9 How To Create A Plot Outline In 8 Easy Steps (Dramatica theory) https://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/plot-outline.html The Good Lord Bird on Showtime   The My Imaginary Friends podcast is a weekly, behind the scenes look at the journey of a working author navigating traditional and self-publishing. Join fantasy and paranormal romance author L. Penelope as she shares insights on the writing life, creativity, inspiration, and this week's best thing. Subscribe and view show notes at: https://lpenelope.com/podcast | Get the Footnotes newsletter - http://lpen.co/footnotes Support the show - http://frolic.media/podcasts! Stay in touch with me! Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Music credit: Say Good Night by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarudCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/SZkVShypKgM Affiliate Disclosure: I may receive compensation for links to products on this site either directly or indirectly via affiliate links. Heartspell Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Setting up the normal world in your novel? How much time should be allotted before the inciting incident? Is there a word count minimum of setting up your main character’s normal world? I mention K.M. Weiland’s Structuring Your Novel in this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daria-white/message

Hooks. They are usually the first opening lines in your manuscript. It’s also your readers’ third impression of you as an author after your cover and blurb. What do you do? K.M. Weiland’s Structuring Your Novel is mentioned in this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daria-white/message

Today we have a special crossover event between The Indie Film Hustle Podcast and The Bulletproof Screenplay podcast. Since I’m the host of both podcasts I thought it would be fun and educational to do these kinds of episodes every once in a while. Today’s guest is best selling author K.M. Weiland, the author of Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author’s Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development.K.M. Weiland lives in make-believe worlds, talks to imaginary friends, and survives primarily on chocolate truffles and espresso. She is the IPPY, NIEA, and Lyra Award-winning and internationally published author of the acclaimed writing guides Outlining Your Novel, Structuring Your Novel, and Creating Character Arcs, as well as Jane Eyre: The Writer’s Digest Annotated Classic, the historical/dieselpunk adventure Storming, the portal fantasy Dreamlander, the medieval epic Behold the Dawn, and the western A Man Called Outlaw. When she’s not making things up, she’s busy mentoring other authors on her award-winning website Helping Writers Become Authors.We dig in deep on plot, story structure and of course character arcs. Enjoy my conversation with K.M. Weiland.

In Part Two of this file the multiple award-winning, internationally published author, podcaster, and writing coach, K.M. Weiland, stopped by the show to chat with me about Helping Writers Become Authors, balancing creativity and logic, and beating writer’s block. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! As an award-winning author of acclaimed writing guides — including standouts Outlining Your Novel, Structuring Your Novel, and Creating Character Arcs — Ms. Weiland uses part of her writing day helping mentor authors via her online writer’s community. Her website Helping Writers Become Authors has collected many accolades, including Writer’s Digest “Best Websites for Writers” multiple years running, and nurtures a community of scribes dedicated to helping “… show you how to write your best story — change your life — and astound the world.” In addition to developing an app for writers, her weekly podcast, and steady social media presence, Katie also somehow finds time to write and self-publish both historical and speculative fiction. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half you can find it right here. In Part Two of this file K.M. Weiland and I discuss: Her love of Scrivener for taking notes, organizing, and outlining her books How writers can combat “internet brain” Why tapping into your subconscious is vital for writers How to manage your creative energy Why writers need tap into their “rascal spirits” Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes If you’re ready to see for yourself why over 201,344 website owners trust StudioPress — the industry standard for premium WordPress themes and plugins — just go to StudioPress.com Toby Lyles, podcast editor and wizard at TwentyFourSound.com How Award-Winning Author & Educator K.M. Weiland Writes: Part One KMWeiland.com HelpingWritersBecomeAuthors.com K.M. Weiland on Amazon Helping Writers Become Authors Podcast – K.M. Weiland Novel Finding: Reading Literary Fiction Improves Empathy K.M. Weiland on Facebook K.M. Weiland on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter

The multiple award-winning, internationally published author, podcaster, and writing coach, K.M. Weiland, stopped by the show to chat with me about Helping Writers Become Authors, balancing creativity and logic, and beating writer’s block. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today! As an award-winning author of acclaimed writing guides including standouts Outlining Your Novel, Structuring Your Novel, and Creating Character Arcs Ms. Weiland uses part of her writing day to help mentor authors via her online writer’s community. Her website Helping Writers Become Authors has collected many accolades, including Writer’s Digest “Best Websites for Writers” multiple years running, and nurtures a community of scribes dedicated to helping “… show you how to write your best story — change your life — and astound the world.” In addition to developing an app for writers, her weekly podcast, and steady social media presence, Katie also somehow finds time to write and self-publish both historical and speculative fiction. If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. In Part One of this file K.M. Weiland and I discuss: How sharing her writing journey launched her career as both an author and educator What writers need to remember about the intersection of business and art Why if you’re going to be a writer … you have to read How her routine helps her easily shift gears from fiction to non-fiction On Conquering Writer’s Block and Summoning Inspiration Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes If you’re ready to see for yourself why over 201,344 website owners trust StudioPress — the industry standard for premium WordPress themes and plugins — just go to StudioPress.com How Award-Winning Author & Educator K.M. Weiland Writes: Part Two KMWeiland.com HelpingWritersBecomeAuthors.com K.M. Weiland on Amazon Helping Writers Become Authors Podcast – K.M. Weiland Outlining Your Novel Workbook Computer Program Copyblogger.com K.M. Weiland on Facebook K.M. Weiland on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter

This week on the podcast we're thrilled to have historical/speculative author and all-around writing guru, K.M. Weiland. We covered a lot of ground in both episodes, so it's well worth a listen! A good deal of our first podcast revolves around Katie's new book, Storming, which I (Liberty) highly recommend. It's a great introduction to the dieselpunk subgenre, and besides that, a very enjoyable read. Katie discusses why she set the story in her hometown, and how fun it was to dig into her town's history. She also talks about some of her story research, which revolves heavily around barnstorming and the absolutely insane stunts people pulled back in the day when barnstorming was popular. She gives some examples, which I think stunned all three of us. Perhaps it will surprise you as well. In the second podcast, we discuss Katie's extensive outlining and editing processes. If you've never had a chance to read Outlining Your Novel or Structuring Your Novel, you're in for an eye-opening interview. When we say it's extensive...well, let's just say that we were only able to hit the highlights of her process. There's a reason why it takes three years for her to put out a new novel! Katie also shares a bit about her overall marketing strategy, and how to set your writing as a priority. Both pieces are very informative and thought-provoking. As always, we have a lot of laughs, talk about fandoms and superheroes, and wander off-topic a bit. Thanks so much to K.M. Weiland for joining us! We hope she'll be back in the future. Links to things discussed: K.M. Weiland Helping Writers Become AuthorsStorming Outlining Your Novel Timothy Zahn - Thrawn TrilogyI, Jedi by Michael A. Stackpole Orson Scott Card Charles Dickens Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin Series ChristianWriters.com Realm Makers NaNoWriMo The Creative Penn

This week on the podcast we're thrilled to have historical/speculative author and all-around writing guru, K.M. Weiland. We covered a lot of ground in both episodes, so it's well worth a listen! A good deal of our first podcast revolves around Katie's new book, Storming, which I (Liberty) highly recommend. It's a great introduction to the dieselpunk subgenre, and besides that, a very enjoyable read. Katie discusses why she set the story in her hometown, and how fun it was to dig into her town's history. She also talks about some of her story research, which revolves heavily around barnstorming and the absolutely insane stunts people pulled back in the day when barnstorming was popular. She gives some examples, which I think stunned all three of us. Perhaps it will surprise you as well. In the second podcast, we discuss Katie's extensive outlining and editing processes. If you've never had a chance to read Outlining Your Novel or Structuring Your Novel, you're in for an eye-opening interview. When we say it's extensive...well, let's just say that we were only able to hit the highlights of her process. There's a reason why it takes three years for her to put out a new novel! Katie also shares a bit about her overall marketing strategy, and how to set your writing as a priority. Both pieces are very informative and thought-provoking. As always, we have a lot of laughs, talk about fandoms and superheroes, and wander off-topic a bit. Thanks so much to K.M. Weiland for joining us! We hope she'll be back in the future. Links to things discussed: K.M. Weiland Helping Writers Become AuthorsStorming Outlining Your Novel Timothy Zahn - Thrawn TrilogyI, Jedi by Michael A. Stackpole Orson Scott Card Charles Dickens Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin Series ChristianWriters.com Realm Makers NaNoWriMo The Creative Penn

Did you know a full understanding of the Key Event, its role in story structure, and its timing will help you write stronger First Plot Points?

One of the stickiest questions any writer is likely to face is: What's the difference between a reactive protagonist and a passive protagonist?

When your story's Midpoint properly facilitates the all-important shift in the middle of your story, your conflict is sure to progress in a powerful way.

The Climactic Moment is the reason your story is even being told in the first place. Needless to say, it's pretty important you get it right. Find out how!

What are pinch points? Of all the important moments in your story, they are most likely to be neglected. But they're crucial to your story structure.

The trouble with identifying the Inciting Event is that the term is applied rather wildly to half a dozen different moments in the story. Which is right?

Today, I'm excited to put an end to the guessing about the "Big Secret" and unveil a new resource for authors. The official Story Structure Database.