Podcasts about writing fiction

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.

Writing Fiction, Monsters, and Industry Icons Can Be A Challenge!In this episode, co-hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons welcome Jim Beard, a prolific writer known for his work in various genres, including horror, pop culture, and pulp fiction. Jim discusses his latest projects, including his soon-to-be-released novel 'Shutter Stories: Corpus Vile,' which explores pulp horror. They also delve into the influence and legacy of comic book legend Jack Kirby, celebrating his work through Jim's book 'Jack of All Comics.' Additionally, Jim shares insights on his creative process, collaboration experiences, and the importance of versatility in writing. Don't miss this jam-packed episode filled with valuable lessons and a deep dive into the world of writing and comics!Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you're enjoying these episodes, please take a moment to help wet our whistle by clicking on the link to ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this week's episode, I look at what goes into a successful theme park, and compare it to the process of creating a compelling story. This coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Dragontiarna series at my Payhip store: FALLDRAGON25 The coupon code is valid through September 8, 2025 (please note the shorter expiration date). So if you need a new ebook this fall, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 266 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller and today is August 29th, 2025, and today we are considering if theme parks are like writing. Before we get into this topic, we'll have Coupon of the Week and then a progress update on my current writing projects. This week's coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Dragontiarna series at my Payhip store, and that coupon code is FALLDRAGON25. And as always, we'll have the coupon code and links in the show notes for this episode. This coupon code is only valid through September 8, 2025. That's only one week, so if you want to use it, act now. And if you need a new ebook for fall, we have got you covered. Now an update on my current writing projects. I am 63,000 words into Blade of Flames, the first book in my new epic fantasy Blades of Ruin series, and I think 63,000 words puts me about almost two thirds of the way through. I think the book will end up being between 90,000 and 100,000 words, so hopefully we are on track to have that out before the end of September. I'm also 5,000 words into Cloak of Worlds, which will be the 13th book in the Cloak Mage series. And if all goes well, I think that will probably be out in October, towards the end of October, maybe a Halloween book. In audiobook news, recording is still underway for Shield of Power (that will be excellently narrated by Brad Wills); we're coming up on the end of that, so should have some good news on that before too much longer. Recording is underway for Ghost in the Siege, and that will be excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy. So that is where I am at with my current writing and audiobook projects. Some good progress this week. 00:01:53 Main Topic: What Epic Universe Can Teach Us About Creating Memorable Characters Now on to our main topic this week: are theme parks like writing and what theme parks can teach us about creating memorable characters and settings. I have to admit, this is an unusual topic for me because I am not really a theme park person. I have several family members who are interested in the history of Disney Corporation, so I've picked up some through osmosis, but that's essentially it. This topic was suggested by my podcast transcriptionist, and it was an interesting idea, so I thought we would go with it. I don't really know all that much about theme parks. As I mentioned, I'm not really in the target audience and I'm not in the sort of demographic where I would watch, for example, someone's four hour live stream through the latest Disney attraction or whatever. Though I did watch the video that Jenny Nicholson put out last summer about her experience with the Star Wars “hotel”, and I think that was interesting as a piece of essentially documentary journalism depicting a tale of sort of corporate greed and cost cutting and how that can lead to inevitable failure. But that is a bit of a tangent from our main topic, which is whether or not writers can learn anything from theme parks. I did pick up enough through osmosis from the history of Disney to know that in the early days before the Disney Corporation became as sort of corporatized and cost cutting as is now, that when they built a new attraction, the attraction had to be able to tell a story, like there was some sort of a story that needed to be told or an essential narrative that needed to be followed through the layout of the attraction so the guests, if they were paying attention, would be told a story. So apparently the big news in the theme park universe this year is that Universal opened a new theme park called Universal Epic Universe in Florida in May 2025. The park is built on a central hub, which then divides out into five intellectual property based lands like Super Nintendo World with all of the Mario characters. What's interesting is that two of the five lands in the theme park are directly based on content that began as book series, the How to Train Your Island- Isle of Berk (which was originally written by Cressida Cowell) and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic, which was originally written by J.K. Rowling. One other land, The Dark Universe, draws heavily on the Frankenstein story, which was originally written by Mary Shelley (among other creatures like Dracula, who as a character originated in Bram Stoker's novel in the 19th century). Now, what does this have to do with writing? I mean, for most writers, the idea of becoming popular enough that people build theme parks based on your characters is probably a bit unrealistic as a career goal. However, I think there are lessons that can be learned there for writers about holding the interest and compelling readers. All three of the intellectual properties we discussed previously were more often known for their movie adaptations than the books they were originally based upon. But we can learn what makes memorable characters and settings in the book series and how a theme park would draw upon a beloved book series to generate ticket, merchandise, and food sales. I think it is both fair to say and a profound understatement that books, movies, and theme parks are wildly different kinds of art forms. However, the fundamental principles of storytelling, of world building do seem to apply across all three. So let's take a look at some of those principles. Part I: Creating Fictional Worlds Memorably People like distinct and creative worlds that make them feel immersed in something beyond mundane reality, even if that reality is not safe, easy, or pleasant. In all three stories that inspire these theme parks, the main character faces something that no one has before. Harry Potter readers can imagine that they're an owl delivery letter away from arriving at a new school full of friends, magic, and danger. How to Train Your Dragon lets readers soar through the air while rescuing a lovable dragon from a dark fate. Dragon riders are considered to be a special group of people in this world. Frankenstein allows us to imagine a world where humans are powerful enough to have power over life and death itself, though in the grand tradition of science fiction and horror, this always goes horribly wrong. After all, creating an artificial life form did not end particularly well for Victor Frankenstein in the first book. And where this comes into theme parks is that readers want to find a way to be included in the fictional world. In Harry Potter, readers can imagine which house they're sorted into based on personality traits. By choosing a house in the Hogwarts school or magic wands whose components reflect their personalities, they feel more included in the story because they know where they would belong in it. Many, many, many young adult series since then have tried to include some sort of factions or special lands or organizations in their stories for this reason, but it never seems to land quite as well as it did in the Harry Potter series. Though to be honest, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry seems like it would be immediately shut down if any sort of educational authority or ministry of education or department of education ever investigated it because it (laughs) is not a well-run school. In How to Train Your Dragon, dangerous dragons are not only faced, they're befriended and protected. Something frightening becomes a chance to feel powerful and help others. And readers often enjoy reading about dark creatures or villains like Frankenstein's monster because it makes the real world seem more secure or stable by comparison or because they feel like misfits or outcasts and can sympathize with these characters. Now, for writers, specific world building details often are very distinct things that readers remember, sometimes even more than the plot. For myself, that's worked advantageously with several of my different settings where some of the distinct details of the Cloak Games settings or the Half-Elven Thief settings stick in people's minds. For the examples we're talking about here, some readers might remember a biting textbook, a flying broomstick, or what's on the Hogwarts banquet table more than they remember the plots of the individual Harry Potter movies or books. Now for the theme parks, Universal Studios capitalizes on this and makes money by creating merchandise and food items from those moments in the books, and they give visitors an opportunity to buy a nice cold glass of Butterbeer or a t-shirt from their Hogwarts house. And that feels more special than buying a pair of, for example, Mickey Mouse ears because they have a preexisting connection with Harry Potter, and though it's extremely unlikely that any of us will end up owning a theme park, as writers, don't be afraid of adding details like that, very specific details like that to the world building because it does help create a distinctive atmosphere and help the readers connect with the story. Part II: Investing Audiences in Your Characters Now onto part two, investing audiences in your characters. It's a good idea to find a way to make the readers root for your characters. Harry Potter and Toothless the dragon both begin as scrawny, unloved, and unimpressive, but they rise in the face of danger to become brave and important. When characters team up in a structured way, such as Dumbledore's Army or the creation of the Berk Training Academy, it gives the readers a chance to imagine how they could join the main characters and be part of the group. It's also important to remember a character doesn't have to be likable to be memorable, though obviously this often works better for villains. For example, Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter is a very memorable character, even though she's totally unsympathetic and unlikable because she represents a sort of bureaucratic, pettiness, and evil that we inevitably all have to deal with at some point in our lives, whether in school or dealing with various bureaucracies (whether government or corporate) as we get older. Frankenstein's creature likewise isn't always likable, though he is sympathetic because he didn't ask to be created. His creator mistreated him. He tried to fit into human society and totally failed. So while he does many morally reprehensible things like for example, murdering Victor Frankenstein's bride to be, nonetheless he retains an element of sympathy because if he's a monster, it's because Victor Frankenstein created him to be a monster. Even when his decisions aren't ideal or are quite bad, his loneliness and curiosity are still deeply relatable. Part III: Adapting To Grow With Your Audience Now, Part III, adapting to grow with your audience/adding new characters to an existing world or an interconnected series. Don't be afraid to age up your characters and change them across a series. In Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragons, the characters age through series and face new and more complex challenges. Watching characters change is a great way to make them feel more lifelike and give them new complexities. I was reminded of that very recently with the publication of Ghost in the Siege, where I believe that is the 34th novel with Caina as the main character. Obviously she has changed and grown quite a bit since that first book all those years ago and some part of the plot was Caina coming to terms with how much she's changed and how much she's changed as a result of what she's had to do to save people she cares about, which is kind of an interesting comparison to the fact that I found it a bit challenging to write the book just because Caina has changed so much from her original start in trying to find a way to write that while remaining true to the character. Given how well the book has been received (thanks, everyone!), I think I might have landed on the mark for that one. If you want to continue in the world and write another series in the world, it's usually a good idea to include some carryover characters between the series. I've done that a lot with Frostborn, Sevenfold Sword, Dragontiarna, Dragonskull, and Shield War, where some characters continue over between the series. In the theme park, for example, in the Dark Universe, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her ancestor, Victor Frankenstein. That can also help to remind readers why they like the series so much by bringing back favorite characters. Returning to favorite locations in the series is a way to keep fans engaged, as long as it makes sense or fits the story. Give your books emotionally satisfying, not necessarily happy conclusions. Give them a chance to say goodbye to characters in places they've come to care about. Remember, the ending doesn't have to be happy. It doesn't have to be sad. It can be a bit of both. But what is important above all else is that the ending provides emotional resolution to the emotional conflicts and stakes raised within the story. Anything else and the readers will feel cheated. And now the conclusion. Fortunately, your readers won't have to wait in line for two hours to experience your characters the way that Epic Universe visitors must. But it's a testament to strong writing that people are willing to pay very large sums of money to do that, especially in Florida where the heat and the extreme humidity are constant, especially in summer. It's proof that well-developed settings, memorable characters, and immersive plots are important to readers and go a long way. Although you and I will probably not ever be theme park owners and I do not plan to ever go to Florida and go to Epic Universe, you can learn from how they build and maintain the relationship between their intellectual properties and their paying guests. Remember that you want compelling characters, a good story, and a satisfying conclusion. So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes at https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave your review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.  

Send us a textEp 657: The Power, Art, and Politics of Erotic Romance Writing with Megan LandonDive into a fascinating conversation with linguist and author Megan Landon about the power of language in erotic and romance writing. From the subtle distinctions between word choices to the broader implications of language in storytelling, this episode uncovers the craft behind creating intimate narratives.Megan shares insights from her workshop "The Allure of Words," exploring how language affects pacing and sensuality in writing. The discussion tackles challenging topics including the stigmatization of erotica, the evolving landscape of romantic fiction, and the political climate affecting authors in the genre.The conversation extends beyond craft to address crucial industry issues: the changing dynamics of romance conventions, the importance of inclusive spaces, and the role of emotional intelligence in storytelling. Particularly poignant is the examination of how patriarchal structures affect both women and men in the literary world.Ready to explore the intricate world of erotic writing and its place in modern literature? Listen to this enlightening episode that bridges linguistics, creativity, and social commentary in the romance genre.*Tune in to discover how language shapes our understanding of intimacy and storytelling.*Key Takeaways: • Megan Landon emphasizes the significant impact of language in storytelling, particularly in the genre of romance and sci-fi fantasy erotica, which is often underestimated.  • The discussion highlights the challenges writers face regarding word choice due to the stigmatization of erotica, revealing a nuanced struggle for creative expression.  • The podcast explores the effects of patriarchy on both genders within the realm of erotic fiction, suggesting that it can shape emotional connections and societal perceptions in unexpected ways.About Megan:Megan Landon is an award winning writer of sci-fi and fantasy romance and er*t'ca. Her stories are inspired by nature, science, language, and magic. She has a Ph.D. in linguistics and loves to play with the shades of nuance that exist between magic and science. Megan's work has been recognized by the Seattle Erotic Arts Foundation; Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers; Passionate Ink; Literally Lovesick; All the Filthy Details podcast; and the Golden Pigtails Awards.AUDIO RECORDING: Excerpt from Botany and Brujeria narrated by Lola Raine. meganlandon.commeganlandon.com/linksAudiobook excerpt Botany and Brujeria can be found at https://mybook.to/botanyOn Amazon (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/3JD8nB8SOCIALS: Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, Facebook: @meganlandonauthorSupport the showExclusives https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeNewsletters https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillow Affiliates Firm Tech 15% OFF with code ruan15 https://myfirmtech.com/ruanwillow BeeDee dating app https://beedee.app/?r=ohfuckyeahThe Fantasy Box DATE30 for $30 OFF 1st box https://thefantasybox.sjv.io/c/6250602/2141126/26423

This week, we spoke with Angela Lacy McClintock, a writer and retired social worker who draws from her experience helping families in crisis to create works of fiction. You can find Angela on TikTok @author_angelamac, or seek out her books, The Boy in the Basement and Grave Justice.CONTENT WARNING - This episode includes mentions of abuse, including child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse.We're always looking for more guests to tell us about the things you love, so please reach out through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast guest submission form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!You can also follow us @throuthewindow on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tumblr ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to stay up-to-date on our projects, and don't forget to use #LoveThisThingCast to tell us about the things you love!

Send us a textOn this episode of the Philanthropisms podcast we talk to Alisha Fernandez Miranda, author of Someone's Gotta Give (out 5th August), a comic novel about the struggles of an American former fundraiser to balance motherhood, life in the UK and a new job working as a philanthropy adviser.Including: How did the book come about?How did the experience of working in philanthropy inform the book?Which archetypes and situations are people who work in nonprofits and philanthropy most likely to recognize?The book centres on the ethical and moral challenges of working within a flawed system to try and deliver impact/change, and the extent to which we are willing to make compromises in order to achieve some greater good – is this is a dilemma that a lot of people in the philanthropy world face?What role can fiction play in helping to get a better understanding of debates about philanthropy?Why hasn't it been that widely covered as a topic in books, films and TV before?What are some good examples of philanthropy and philanthropists in popular culture?Are there major differences between the culture of philanthropy in the UK and the US? Further Resources:Pre-order the book (or buy it from August 5th).Alisha's websiteWPM long read "Does Philanthropy Make You a Good Person?"

Intentional storytelling means making creative choices with purpose. Here's why that matters more than ever in an AI-driven content world.

NEW SERIES - Ever wanted to get inside the mind of an adult fiction author? This new series spotlights author through a monologue format, where authors take a deep dive into how they wrote their novel, where ideas come from, their challenges and wins, their fears, personal experiences, what it's like working with their publisher, the editing process and more. First up Mark Mupotsa-Russell, author of The Hitwoman's Guide to Reducing Household Debt, takes us through the process of writing his second book The Wolf Who Cried Boy! Check it out!

Fiona Cummins is an award-winning former journalist and a graduate of the Faber Academy Writing a Novel course. Rattle, her debut novel, was the subject of a huge international auction and has been translated into several languages. It received widespread critical acclaim from authors and reviewers. She has since written bestsellers The Collector, The Neighbour, When I Was Ten and Into the Dark in which she introduces DC Saul Anguish, a brilliant young detective with a dark past. Fiona lives with her family in Essex. Her latest book, Some of Us are Liars, is out now.We had great fun chatting with Fiona, hearing about the highs and lows of being a journalist (including her favourite celeb encounters), and also about how that experience has helped her as a fiction author. We also talk about what draws her to writing dark fiction and why every author needs tenacity to keep going in publishing.Links:Buy Fiona's books nowFollow Fiona on BlueskySupport us on Patreon and get great benefits!: https://www.patreon.com/ukpageonePage One - The Writer's Podcast is brought to you by Write Gear, creators of Page One - the Writer's Notebook. Learn more and order yours now: https://www.writegear.co.uk/page-oneFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramFollow us on BlueskyFollow us on Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Discover systems that can help you write different character arcs for the same character in your series. Keep stories interesting and unique!

In this episode, Jeff and Laura answer questions from the community. Questions include: Where is the sweet spot between frustrating the reader by having the characters either over-explain or under-explain how their world works? Do you have any advice on how to write movement without using the words directly associated with the action? For example, the phrase "The leaves rustled about him." Can this phrase serve as a substitute for he turned, he spun, he twirled, or even he levitated? I'd love to hear your thoughts on how we can use phrases creatively to signal different types of movement to readers. When querying agents whom you've already pitched to at a conference, what do i include, since they already want to see it. i know you told me some things, but still aren't 100%. thank you! What's one thing you can do while drafting that will make editing easier for yourself or a hired editor? How do I know if my story is working? How do I write toward the emotional payoff and set up a solid ending to the story without making the story predictable? Are there any differences between demonstrating character growth in inner dialog, character dialog vocalization, and actions / choices? Are there situations that stand out where one is better than the other? How can I know how much to trust my reader to “get it?” Where is the balance between telling them too much and creating nuance and mystery in my story? How do I push past competent writing to create something memorable? How do I know if my writing is any good? When is it time to stop revising? For more on the craft of writing or to join the community, come to https://dialoguedoctor.com/  

In this podcast, Brian Asman talks about writing fiction fearlessly, and much more. About Brian Asman Brian Asman is a writer, actor, director, and producer from San Diego, CA. He's the author of Good Dogs, Man, F*ck this House, I'm Not Even Supposed to Be Here Today from Eraserhead Press, Neo Arcana, Nunchuck City and … Continue reading

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro   (00:00:45) - Introducing Nat Eliason   (00:01:27) - Nat's Diverse Career and Writing Journey   (00:01:47) - The Transition from Nonfiction to Fiction   (00:02:13) - The Seven Act Structure and Writing Process   (00:02:44) - Publishing with Scribe and Launching Husk   (00:03:24) - The Rewards and Challenges of Writing   (00:04:29) - Building an Audience and Marketing Strategies   (00:06:54) - Balancing Writing with Other Ventures   (00:09:09) - The Reality of a Writing Career   (00:10:49) - The Importance of Consistency and Commitment   (00:22:37) - Navigating Traditional and Self-Publishing   (00:23:05) - The Journey to Becoming an Author   (00:40:56) - Exploring the Shift from Nonfiction to Fiction   (00:41:40) - The Joy of Storytelling in Fiction   (00:44:00) - Challenges and Rewards of Writing Fiction   (00:47:44) - Outlining and Structuring Fictional Works   (00:57:38) - Marketing and Selling Self-Published Books   (01:10:38) - The Future of an Author's Career   (01:18:18) - Conclusion and Recommendations   Links: Nat on X Nat's Website Crypto Confidential Husk To support the costs of producing this podcast:  >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanack: www.navalmanack.com/  >> Buy a copy of The Anthology of Balaji: https://balajianthology.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage  >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun >> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter >> Text the podcast to a friend >> Or at least give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners! Important Quotes from the podcast on Business and Entrepreneurship   There is no skill called “business.” Avoid business magazines and business classes. - Naval Ravikant   You have to work up to the point where you can own equity in a business. You could own equity as a small shareholder where you bought stock. You could also own it as an owner where you started the company. Ownership is really important.     Everybody who really makes money at some point owns a piece of a product, a business, or some IP. That can be through stock options if you work at a tech company. That's a fine way to start.  Quotes from Nat: “Writing is the one thing I love doing enough to commit to for the next 30 years.” “Traditional publishing taught me how to make a really good book, but I wouldn't do it again.” “Holding your book for the first time—and shipping it yourself to your first readers—is pure magic.” “The best marketing for your book is writing the next one—that's the fiction game.” “I used to chase whatever was interesting… now I'm building something I want to last 30 years.” “Fiction lets me explore big ideas without pretending to be an expert.” “The self-pub stigma is fading… especially when the book looks and reads like a trad pub hit.” “Characters start doing things I didn't plan—then I realize, oh, that's why they're here.” “There's no product in the world like a book—you can sell the same file for 50 years.” “My dream is to have a warehouse full of books I wrote. That's the romantic version of success.”

How do you write what you know? By writing fiction based on your life. This doesn't mean writing memoir or simply changing the names of the people in your life: It could be a passing comment you hear at the bus stop, or someone's missing shoe you notice in the street, or it could even just be a feeling from a time in your life..the list goes on and on! In this episode of "Writer's Digest Presents," editor Michael Woodson sits down with author and literary agent Jessica Berg about how to write fiction based on your life, how you can find inspiration everywhere, how to mine your life for story ideas in real time, and more.

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

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"!Welcome to Chapter 71!My guest today is Dr. Constance Squires. She holds a Ph.D. in English from Oklahoma State University and teaches Creative Writing at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. In her new book, Low April Sun, Constance creates a novel around the events and the aftermath of the Murrah Bombing in Oklahoma City in 1995. She is also the author of the novels Along the Watchtower, which won the 2012 Oklahoma Book Award for Fiction and Live from Medicine Park, a 2018 Oklahoma Book Award finalist. In addition to these novels, Constance has a short story collection called Hit Your Brights and her short fiction has also appeared in Guernica, The Atlantic Monthly, Shenandoah, Identity Theory, Bayou, the Dublin Quarterly, This Land, and a number of other magazines.  ​Constance's nonfiction has appeared in Salon, the New York Times, the Village Voice, World Literature Today, the Philological Review, Largehearted Boy, and has been featured on the NPR program Snap Judgment.  She contributed to the RollingStone500: Telling Stories in Stereo (thers500.com). and wrote the screenplay for Sundance fellow Jeffrey Palmer's 2015 short film, Grave Misgivings. In our conversation, we talk a lot about Low April Sun and the challenges of creating fiction around significant real-world events. We also talk about the publishing journey and she gives some great advice for emerging writers. Connect with Constance: website | Instagram | FacebookMentioned on the Show:Falling Man - Don DelilloExtremely Loud and Incredibly Close - Jonathan Safran FoerLibra - Don DelilloThe Secret Garden - Frances Eliza Hodgson BurnettLittle House on the Prairie - Laura Ingalls WilderLittle Women - Louisa May AlcottUniversity of Oklahoma PressT.S. EliotEzra PoundDrive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead - Olga Tokarczuk James - Percival EverettRoots - Alex HaleyBlue Sky Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - John le CarreConnect with J: website | TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Once again, we don't often have fiction picks on I'd Rather Be Reading, but usually every year I leave you with a fiction book of the summer around this time of year—and here is one for you: Hotter in the Hamptons by none other than Tinx, who is my esteemed guest today! In case you're in the 1 percent of the population who isn't familiar with Tinx, she is an influencer that has become known as “TikTok's older sister” because of her advice about relationships and mental health. Her name is Christina Najjar, and her content focuses on celebrity commentary, dating advice, and so-called “starter packs for rich moms.” She attended Stanford and Parsons School of Design, and she too is a podcaster, hosting the It's Me, Tinx podcast. She has written a nonfiction book that came out in 2023 called The Shift: Change Your Perspective, Not Yourself, which tackles topics like self-confidence, friendships, dating, and more; now she's got a novel, Hotter in the Hamptons, coming out May 6, and it is as juicy as it gets. Tinx is already a New York Times bestselling author from her first book, and I fully expect her to become one again with Hotter in the Hamptons. There's so much in the book that is compelling—love, sex, friendship, fashion, influencer culture, the Hamptons—it's difficult for me to cover fiction because I just want to give it all away, but I refuse to do that. I found Tinx to be absolutely lovely; her calming, soothing voice will instantly relax you. I hope you enjoy this conversation and this book. Take a listen!Hotter in the Hamptons by Tinx

These novels are seeped in Canadiana – set in Montreal, Quebec in 2012, the novel explores the emerging fentanyl problem in Canada and the havoc it wrecks on people in Denny's life. The first in a series of detective novels, this is a great tale, I read it in a few sittings. With a background in poetry, Chris has a deft hand in painting scenes, truly bringing us into feeling the scenes he's painted. It's a good read.We also talk “inside baseball” about the process of publishing a book, independently. The big benefit – you have total creative control. There's good insight here if self-publishing is on your mind.I hope you enjoy this episode. Please, share it around, and if you're of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts; and give us a review. If you have comments or questions, please send them to meanderingswithtrudy@gmail.com.Episode links:Chapman Coaching Inc.If you'd like to buy his book, look for “The Freelancer,” by C.J. Fournier in your favourite independent bookstoreOne of the authors Chris mentioned was Graeme Greene“May 2-4 Weekend” in Canada is a play on words. 2-4 refers to a case of 24 beer. And the weekend celebrates the birthday of the colonial British Queen, Victoria. The weekend also marks the beginning of summer in Canada.Book cover designed by award winning designer, David Drummond of Salamander Hill design studioSome background about Canada's war in AfghanistanRoyalty free music is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-Huma

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

Send us a textSeason 5, Episode 585: The Healing Power of Smut, Part 2: Writing and Self-Acceptance with Author Jacques Gerard. In this episode of Oh F*ck Yeah, I welcome back for the fourth time, the charismatic Jacques Gerard for a deep dive into the healing power of writing smut, erotica, and erotic romance. As we explore personal journeys of self-acceptance, the conversation flows from the importance of honesty in writing to the liberating experience of embracing one's unique desires. Jacques shares his experiences with foot fetishism and how writing has been a pivotal part of his healing process. We discuss the societal pressures that often stifle individuality and the joy of discovering a community that celebrates diverse preferences. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that encourages listeners to love themselves and embrace their true identities through creativity and expression.Topics discussed:Healing Power Of Writing, Healing Through Reading, Self-Acceptance, Creativity As Healing, Midlife Empowerment, Personal Growth, Writing Journey, Spiritual Awakening, Honesty In Writing, Overcoming Societal Norms, Individuality In Literature, Emotional Well-Being, Self-Discovery, Foot Fetish Acceptance, Artistic Expression, Mental Health, Writing And Self-Love, Breaking Free From Expectations, Creative Process, Self-Validation Through Writing, writing about foot fetishes, indie author, self-publishing, publishing platforms, self-discovery in sexuality, mental health, sexual health, wellbeingSummary Outline:1. Introduction and Podcast Platforms2. The Healing Power of Writing3. Embracing Individuality4. Personal Stories of Acceptance5. The Role of Creativity in Healing6. Conclusion and Future PlansShownotes created with the assistance of Headliner ai.Jacques Gerard's writing:As Jacques Gerard on Substack, Medium, Ream, Amazon "The Barefoot Burglar" (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/4hurCIj Listen to The Healing Power of Smut, Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/16787440Support the showSubscribe for exclusive episodes: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge

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

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

I want to explore how AI can assist in fiction writing, especially using open-source models that allow for greater control, creativity, and long-form storytelling. With tools like LM Studio and Hugging Face, we can download powerful AI models capable of maintaining story coherence, helping authors generate complex narratives, and even unlocking new storytelling possibilities. So, the idea is to create a structured approach to fiction writing with AI. By organizing story elements—characters, setting, mystery, and plot—into a detailed text file ("Telus file"), we can guide AI models to produce high-quality, structured narratives. The goal is not to replace authors but to empower them with AI-assisted storytelling. Who wants to experiment with this approach? Or does anyone know of better AI tools for fiction writing? With larger context models and improving AI capabilities, we might be close to AI-assisted novels that rival human-written stories! Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X: https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiessler Become a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our new book... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 Watch the video version of this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gugpMuxCT4 MORE FULL FILM COURAGE INTERVIEWS https://tinyurl.com/mr42eye2 BUY THE BOOK - THE USUAL UNCERTAINTIES: STORIES - https://amzn.to/3WO36cw BUY THE BOOK - LAST WORD - https://amzn.to/3Cflf9u MORE VIDEOS WITH JONATHAN BLUM https://buff.ly/43NxPc9 Jonathan Blum grew up in Miami and graduated from UCLA and the Iowa Writers' Workshop. He is the author of two books of fiction: The Usual Uncertainties (Rescue Press, 2019), a story collection, and Last Word (Rescue Press, 2013), a novella. Both were named one of the best books of the year by Iowa Public Radio, and The Usual Uncertainties was named one of the 15 Best Short Story Collections of 2019 by Electric Literature. Blum has twice appeared on KCRW's Bookworm. His short stories have been published in Gulf Coast, Kenyon Review, Northwest Review, Playboy, and Shanxi Literature, among others. His short story, "The White Spot," which was published in Electric Literature with an introduction by Deborah Eisenberg, appears in the award-winning anthology The Best Peace Fiction (University of New Mexico Press, 2021). He has taught fiction writing at The University of Iowa, Drew University, and the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, and is the recipient of a Michener-Copernicus Society of America Award, a Hawthornden Fellowship in Scotland, and a grant from the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation. He has also been a guest writer at the Tianjin Binhai New Area International Writing Program in China. He lives in Los Angeles. WRITING CLASSES WITH JONATHAN BLUM https://jonathanblumwriter.com/classes CONNECT WITH JONATHAN BLUM https://jonathanblumwriter.com VIEWERS ALSO WATCHED 3 Ways To Open A Story - https://youtu.be/3no2un4Elik If You Can't Answer This Question Don't Write The Story - https://youtu.be/PGbNlKVU7Ok Don't Get It Right, Get It Written! - https://youtu.be/V6Yql0jrjow This Is Why It Doesn't Matter If Every Story Has Been Told - https://youtu.be/xaBsNggof68 Write Your Life And Become A Better Storyteller - https://youtu.be/xFK5Ih3CPFc CONNECT WITH FILM COURAGE http://www.FilmCourage.com http://twitter.com/#!/FilmCourage https://www.facebook.com/filmcourage https://www.instagram.com/filmcourage http://filmcourage.tumblr.com http://pinterest.com/filmcourage SUBSCRIBE TO THE FILM COURAGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://bit.ly/18DPN37 SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage LISTEN TO THE FILM COURAGE PODCAST https://soundcloud.com/filmcourage-com (Affiliates) SAVE $15 ON YOUTUBE TV - LIMITED TIME OFFER https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r0847ysqgrrqgp ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 Stuff we use: LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *These are affiliate links, by using them you can help support this channel.

Full show notes here: www.authorlkhill.compost/ep256 Get my 10 Universal Plot Points Mini Course (FREE) here: https://bit.ly/10ppminicourse  

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

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

Kick-off 2025 with Levi and Jennie Lusko in their first-ever live Q&A episode of Hey! It's The Luskos! They explore setting a vision for 2030, balancing faith with family and sports, and share practical tips for aspiring writers. Discover their favorite family traditions, how they navigate big life changes, and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of it all. Whether you're seeking motivation for the New Year, advice on Christian parenting, or insights on personal growth, this episode is packed with faith-filled wisdom and fun. Don't miss it! Connect with us on social!Levi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Download free Vision Map: https://bit.ly/3Dz5CxA "You in 5 Years" Sermon Series: https://bit.ly/41WX2Tr Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI Timestamps:07:13 - Starting the Live Q&A with Audience Questions08:12 - Thoughts on the Moon and Mars Race​09:21 - Where to Start When Writing a Book​14:29 - Managing Kids, Sports, and Keeping Jesus First​20:52 - Balancing Family Traditions and Spiritual Priorities​30:51 - Should Tattoos and Piercings Affect Ministry Roles?​34:51 - How to Decide When It's Time to Move Jobs or Cities​49:55 - The Three Most Influential People in Our Lives​53:03 - The Esau Syndrome and Trading Lifelong Gifts​31:08 - Plans for Writing Fiction in the Future​32:20 - Navigating Family Members Passing Away Gracefully​36:15 - Re-preaching a Sermon Series with New Perspective​

Kick-off 2025 with Levi and Jennie Lusko in their first-ever live Q&A episode of Hey! It's The Luskos! They explore setting a vision for 2030, balancing faith with family and sports, and share practical tips for aspiring writers. Discover their favorite family traditions, how they navigate big life changes, and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of it all. Whether you're seeking motivation for the New Year, advice on Christian parenting, or insights on personal growth, this episode is packed with faith-filled wisdom and fun. Don't miss it! Connect with us on social!Levi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Download free Vision Map: https://bit.ly/3Dz5CxA "You in 5 Years" Sermon Series: https://bit.ly/41WX2Tr Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI Timestamps:07:13 - Starting the Live Q&A with Audience Questions08:12 - Thoughts on the Moon and Mars Race​09:21 - Where to Start When Writing a Book​14:29 - Managing Kids, Sports, and Keeping Jesus First​20:52 - Balancing Family Traditions and Spiritual Priorities​30:51 - Should Tattoos and Piercings Affect Ministry Roles?​34:51 - How to Decide When It's Time to Move Jobs or Cities​49:55 - The Three Most Influential People in Our Lives​53:03 - The Esau Syndrome and Trading Lifelong Gifts​31:08 - Plans for Writing Fiction in the Future​32:20 - Navigating Family Members Passing Away Gracefully​36:15 - Re-preaching a Sermon Series with New Perspective​

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

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

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

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

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

Andrew Klavan is a bestselling author, screenwriter, and cultural commentator known for his incisive insights and engaging storytelling. With a career spanning decades, he has penned numerous novels, many of which have been adapted into films. Klavan's work often explores themes of morality and identity, blending suspense with sharp social commentary. As a frequent contributor to various media outlets, he brings a unique perspective to contemporary issues, making him a compelling voice in today's discourse. Join Andrew as he dives into thought-provoking conversations and unpacks the complexities of modern life on his podcast. Show Sponsors: Exodus 90: https://exodus90.com/matt Strive 21: https://strive21.com/matt Hallow: https://hallow.com/mattfradd   @AndrewKlavan  Andrew's New Book: https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com/products/a-woman-underground  

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

Guest Jennifer Brody, also known as Disney Chills author Vera Strange, talks about what it's like to write fiction for the biggest storytelling company in the world.  We also ask a ton of questions about her new novel, A SACRIFICE OF BLOOD AND STARS. Deep Cuts is created by Scott Sigler and A B Kovacs Edited by Steve Riekeberg Production Assistance by Allie Press Copyright 2024 by Empty Set Entertainment  You killed 101 dalmatians, and you need a storefront to sell that one-of-a-kind coat? Save 99% off the first year of a new dot-com with the GoDaddy Promo Code CJCFOSSIG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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