Кращі подкасти про Novel Writing (2025)

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Episode 178 - How to make readers laugh. 27:34

день тому27:34

27:34

We may be writing a comic novel or we may want to add humor to our thriller or romance or horror or literary novel. Humor adds a strong element to most any story. Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas: “Funny how? I mean, funny like I'm a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh?" Well, yeah. Let's see how we can make readers laugh. Support the show…

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Debunking Harmful Writing Myths With Lisa Cron | Episode 36 58:52

4 дні тому58:52

58:52

👉 Click here to grab your free ticket to the WorldShift: Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit and hear Lisa Cron’s summit presentation—plus 30+ other craft-deep sessions from top speculative fiction coaches, authors, and industry pros. Most of what you’ve been taught about writing is wrong. At least, that’s what bestselling author and story coach Li…

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Collin Smith on Reputable Freelancers 17:44

5 днів тому17:44

17:44

How do authors find reputable freelancers? We've all heard the horror stories (or experienced them ourselves) about being ripped off or ghosted, the work not being acceptable, or that the "freelancer" fabricated their qualifications. Fortunately, it IS possible to find (and verify) reputable freelancers. Collin Smith, a freelance graphic designer f…

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Episode 177 - The description double duty technique. 27:37

9 днів тому27:37

27:37

Good descriptions of characters should do double duty: they can let the reader know what the character looks like and the description can also suggest something about the character's personality. Here are examples and thoughts on double duty descriptions. Also, how Alice Walker works. Support the show…

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Lessons from the Realm Makers Conference 4:53

12 днів тому4:53

4:53

These are the top 4 lessons I learned going to the Realm Makers Conference in July 2025. Realm Makers is a conference and community for Christian Speculative Fiction writers which has been going for more than ten years. Learn more about Realm Makers at https://www.realmmakers.com/ Send us a text What to do next… Sell your eBooks direct with Curios …

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Episode 176 - Inventing a fabulous title. 24:47

16 днів тому24:47

24:47

The title is the book browser's first impression of our novel. The title should tempt the browser to pick up and open the book. Here are thoughts on how we can give our story a strong, enticing title. Also, how do famous authors edit their own manuscripts? Maybe we can learn from them the best way to self-edit our stories. Support the show…

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Writing An Identity Not Your Own With Alex Temblador | Episode 35 1:07:40

18 днів тому1:07:40

1:07:40

👉 Click here to grab your free ticket to the WorldShift: Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit and hear Alex Temblador’s summit presentation—plus 30+ other craft-deep sessions from top speculative fiction coaches, authors, and industry pros. Worried you’ll get it wrong when writing a character whose identity isn’t your own—and that you’ll hurt someon…

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Why You Should Start an Author Newsletter Now 3:36

19 днів тому3:36

3:36

What's the deal with author newsletters? Do you really need one before you release your book? The answer is ABSOLUTELY YES. Author newsletters are data-backed as the number 1 way to reach your audience. Listen in for 3 major reasons to start your author newsletter today, even if you only email once a month. Send us a text What to do next… Sell your…

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Episode 175 - Writing funny dialogue. 25:48

23 дні тому25:48

25:48

We can write dialogue that makes readers laugh. Here are thoughts on creating funny conversations between our characters. Plus, we don't need to have our character look into a mirror to describe herself, which has been done time and again. Here are ways to avoid the mirror. Support the showJames Thayer

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Self Publishing Options: Direct vs. Indirect Sales 7:17

26 днів тому7:17

7:17

What are the self-publishing options available to indie authors? This is the third and last of three episodes unpacking the variety of ways authors can set themselves up for success with indie publishing. This episode dives into the differences between direct and indirect sales. Your author business will ultimately consist of a system that integrat…

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Episode 174 - How to ruin our story's first sentences. 25:36

30 днів тому25:36

25:36

A story's first sentence should make the reader ask, "What's next?" They should propel the reader into the story. Here's how to do it right and how to do it wrongly. Also, three master writers show us how to describe a setting. Support the showJames Thayer

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Self Publishing Options: eBook & Digital 8:37

рік тому8:37

8:37

What are the self-publishing options available to indie authors? This is the second of three episodes unpacking the variety of ways authors can set themselves up for success with indie publishing. This episode dives into the eBook and digital delivery platforms of Amazon, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Lulu, Curios, and BookFunnel. Send us a text What…

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Episode 173 - The magic of dialogue. 23:56

рік тому23:56

23:56

Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read. Our story should have lots of it. Here's a powerful thing dialogue can do: it can reveal (that is, to show rather than tell) what a character is thinking. The character's conversation can be lively and fun, and hearing the character speak is so much stronger than reading the character's mind. Here are thoug…

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Self Publishing Options: Print on Demand 9:09

рік тому9:09

9:09

What are the self-publishing options available to indie authors? This is the first of three episodes unpacking the variety of ways authors can set themselves up for success with indie publishing. This episode dives into the Print on Demand platforms of Amazon, IngramSpark, BookVault, and Lulu and what each platform is best at doing. Send us a text …

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Episode 172 - Our first fifteen pages. 25:53

рік тому25:53

25:53

The first pages of our novel should contain certain elements and avoid certain elements. Here's a list of things to include and exclude in those first pages. Plus, ways to write forceful, clear, and lovely sentences. Support the showJames Thayer

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Curios Cofounder Greg Keogh on Direct eBook Sales 51:21

рік тому51:21

51:21

www.curios.com/Joincolleenmitchellwrites How do you control direct eBook sales as an indie author? The big platforms take a dramatic cut of your profits, don't provide reader contact information, and can kick authors off if they think you're violating the rules... even if you aren't. So what's an indie to do? Selling direct doesn't have to involve …

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Episode 171 - Top ten list of bad advice for writers. 29:09

рік тому29:09

29:09

In these episodes I try to set out good writing advice but a lot of bad advice is out there, so here is a list of bad advice, and the list may help us avoid writing blunders. Here are also ten dialogue mistakes, and avoiding them likely means we end up with engaging and even riveting dialogue for our characters. Support the show…

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Dialogue Tags vs. Action Tags 3:43

рік тому3:43

3:43

SAID IS DEAD. Or is it? Do you even need to use dialogue tags? Action tags are the kings of showing over telling in dialogue, and when used correctly can deliver a far weightier emotional punch than dialogue tags. Listen in for more of why these two are different, and why there's a clear winner! Read my prequel novella, The Orphan's Gambit, for FRE…

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Episode 170 - Writing the crowd scene. And guilt and pride. 28:09

рік тому28:09

28:09

Here are techniques for keeping focus in a scene where there is a crowd, with an example from Harper Lee. And how Margaret Mitchell worked. Plus: how can we show rather than tell about a character's guilt or pride. Support the showJames Thayer

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What is Story Structure? 3:12

рік тому3:12

3:12

Struggling with a slow pace or a saggy middle? Story structure may be the answer. But what is story structure? In short, it's the skeleton of your book that lays out where major beats take place. But it's not a formula! Listen in to learn more about Story Structure at a high level. Send us a text What to do next… Sell your eBooks direct with Curios…

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Episode 169 - How to find a surefire plot. 25:03

рік тому25:03

25:03

Stephen King says there is no idea dump we can visit to find a good plot. We have to create our own plots. How can we do so? Here's a discussion on creating plots. Also, if Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition can learn to write, so can we. And the critical technique of using the active sentence form. Support the show…

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Literary Sins: Not Enough “GMC” 5:39

рік тому5:39

5:39

If your story feels weak, you may have a problem with your characters' goals, motivation, and conflict. Digging deeper into "GMC" will help strengthen the plot because GMC is what drives a story forward. Learn more about GMC in The Trope Thesaurus, by Jennifer Hilt. Send us a text What to do next… Sell your eBooks direct with Curios (keep 100% of s…

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Episode 168 - Making our first sentence sparkle. 27:17

рік тому27:17

27:17

Does our story's first sentence cause the reader to ask, "What's next?" Or does the reader say, "So what?" Here are thoughts on creating a tense, sparkling first sentence. Also, how the masters use specific, definite, and concrete details to convince the reader. Support the showJames Thayer

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JD Barker on Standing Out as an Author 21:29

рік тому21:29

21:29

Suspense thriller author JD Barker shares why it's important to think differently as an author, and how to build a stand-out author brand in today's publishing landscape. Connect with JD at jdbarker.com Send us a text What to do next… Sell your eBooks direct with Curios (keep 100% of sales) - Affiliate Link Take the 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge f…

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Episode 167 - Revealing our character by the setting. 26:48

рік тому26:48

26:48

Our setting descriptions should do more than describe a place. They can also show the reader much about our character. Here's how to do so. Also: what's the main thing our plot needs: trouble. Here's why. And how Edna Ferber worked. Support the showJames Thayer

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Exciting News from Tally Ink! 5:08

рік тому5:08

5:08

We've got an announcement! This coming October, the 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge is becoming FREE again! Listen in for the full details on this change, and what to expect from us going forward. Send us a text What to do next… Sell your eBooks direct with Curios (keep 100% of sales) - Affiliate Link Take the 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge for FREE…

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Episode 166- Showing our character's thoughts. 24:30

рік тому24:30

24:30

Two mistakes can ruin our presentation of what our character is thinking: telling rather than showing, and interior monologue. Here are ways to present thoughts in a way that grabs the reader. Also, how Octavia Butler worked. And examples of wonderful character descriptions from masterful writers. Support the show…

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Publishing Myth #3: You Don’t Need to Market 3:45

рік тому3:45

3:45

If you build it (write it) they will come, right? Not so fast. Publishing is just like any other industry.... If you want to be make money, you have to market your book. There's a pervasive myth among new authors that they can write a book, slap it on Amazon, and start making the big bucks overnight. But that's never the case, unless you have a str…

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Episode 165 - The rule of exceptions. 28:41

рік тому28:41

28:41

Sometimes the strongest writing technique isn't the strongest in our story. Every writing rule has exceptions, and here's a discussion on when to make exceptions. Also, how to create a strong title for our novel and short story. Support the showJames Thayer

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The Pros & Cons of DIY in Self-Publishing 13:59

рік тому13:59

13:59

There are many pieces in the self-publishing puzzle, but what are the pros and cons of DIY-ing them? Doing it yourself saves money (and time) but in many cases, the risks outweigh the benefits. This is a deeper dive into DIY and self-publishing, and goes to show there's more to the puzzle than we might think at first glance. Send us a text What to …

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Episode 164 - Design our cover? And the masters on setting details. 28:36

рік тому28:36

28:36

We are learning fiction techniques, and we are or soon will be skilled fiction writers. Does this mean we should design our own book covers? Also, Michael Chabon's terrific sense of smell. And the use of details in the haunted house. Support the showJames Thayer

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Mastering the Outline, with E.A. Winters 54:37

рік тому54:37

54:37

E.A. Winters, indie author of 9 books, joins me to discuss her outlining process. Developed over the last five or six years, E.A. has reached the point where her outlines are keystone to writing fast, relatively clean first drafts. She openly shares her author journey and advice that has helped her hone her outlining skills over the years. Send us …

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Episode 163 - The benefits of an underdog. 25:36

рік тому25:36

25:36

Having readers fall in love with our character is so important, and making our hero an underdog is a good way to do it. Here are thoughts on underdog characters. Also, I'll read a few character descriptions from master story-tellers that may make us stronger writers. Support the showJames Thayer

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The Final Episode in this Feed: Another preview of "A Good Story Well Told"! 1:05:36

рік тому1:05:36

1:05:36

It's another episode of Matt's new podcast, "A Good Story Well Told" with Jonathan Auxier, this time discussing "The Giver", but from now on, to get new content, you'll have to subscribe to the "A Good Story Well Told" feed. Meanwhile, this feed will remain active so you can enjoy the wonderful archives of Matt and James's content.…

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Literary Sins: DIY-ing EVERYTHING 9:40

рік тому9:40

9:40

Every indie author wants to save money on the process, but can you really DIY *everything*? If you're looking into DIY-ing everything from editing to formatting to cover design, there are some things to consider. Not all DIY is created equal, and there are some things that actually suffer from DIY-ing in the long term. Send us a text What to do nex…

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Ep84 – Interview with Curtis Ellett 47:48

рік тому47:48

47:48

Oliver sits down with the editor of the longest running, still-extant S&S magazine, Swords & Sorcery Magazine, Curtis Ellett! https://swordsandsorcerymagazine.comOliver Brackenbury

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Episode 162 - The state fair plotting technique. 27:19

рік тому27:19

27:19

Our story should be like a state fair: one thing after another. Here are some ideas on state fair plotting. Plus: settings shouldn't be inert locations in our novel or short story but rather should work for our story. Here's how to get the most from our settings. Also: my experiment with AI proofreading. Support the show…

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Writing with Publishing in Mind: The Traditional Publishing Pathway Explained | Episode 34 25:40

рік тому25:40

25:40

So many writers dream of getting a traditional book deal—but the process to get there can feel confusing, overwhelming, and totally out of reach. In this episode, I’m giving you a bird’s-eye view of the entire traditional publishing journey—from that first spark of a novel idea to the moment you finally see your book on the shelf. We’ll talk about …

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3 Tips to Confidently Approach Your First Draft 3:51

рік тому3:51

3:51

There are an infinite number of tips that writers could attempt to keep in mind while writing their first drafts. Every writer's toolbox is different, but if these 3 tips work for you, they could become your go-tos for first drafts.... Especially if you want to get yours done in the next 60 days. Send us a text What to do next… Sell your eBooks dir…

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Introducing a new podcast: A Good Story Well Told with Jonathan Auxier 42:03

рік тому42:03

42:03

It's a special preview of the first episode of Matt's new podcast with Jonathan Auxier: A Good Story Well Told. Search for and subscribe to the new podcast to get a second episode now!Matt Bird and James Kennedy

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Episode 161 - Ways to give readers what they want. 26:46

рік тому26:46

26:46

Readers want five things in a story, three of which are right in the beginning. Here's a discussion of how to deliver those five things. Plus, a character's thoughts are the least interesting aspect of a story. How can we show what a character is thinking without entering her mind? Support the showJames Thayer

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Literary Sins: Improper Research 4:49

рік тому4:49

4:49

Did you research those little details enough? There's a delicate balance between too much and just right, but at the opposite end of the spectrum is not even bothering with research.... Research that would ensure you're not making mistakes an expert would notice. Check out the full episode on why it's important to research even the minor details. S…

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Ep83 – Interview with Charles Tyra 43:55

рік тому43:55

43:55

In which Oliver sits down with a fellow publisher who is about to launch their second magazine. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/crtyra/goblins-and-galaxies-magazine https://goblinsandgalaxies.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570266211248Oliver Brackenbury

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Episode 160 - Should our story have a theme? 24:01

рік тому24:01

24:01

Best-selling writers disagree on the importance of a theme in stories. Here are thoughts on whether we should present a theme in our novel or short story. And famous authors on their writing discipline. Plus, mixing genres when telling an agent or publisher about our novel. Support the showJames Thayer

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How to Avoid Flat, Static, Mary Sues 5:37

рік тому5:37

5:37

How do you know if your main characters have the best characterizations to be a main character? If you've ever scratched your head over what it means for characters to be flat or round, static or dynamic, (and what the heck a Mary Sue is) then this episode is for you. Send us a text What to do next… Sell your eBooks direct with Curios (keep 100% of…

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Episode 159 - A surefire way to generate plot, the sidekick. 27:09

рік тому27:09

27:09

Putting a sidekick into our story adds many benefits, a main one being that readers love sidekicks. Here are some techniques for creating a sidekick for our novel or short story. Also, a list of catchy, memorable novel titles. And a big question: how do bad novels get published? Support the showJames Thayer

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Do You Need a Pen Name? 9:14

рік тому9:14

9:14

Are you thinking about using a pen name for your books? Not every author will choose to use one, but a nom de plume can be an attractive choice depending on your circumstances. In this episode, we talk about the top 5 reasons authors use pen names, pros and cons of using them, and a few things to consider when choosing and establishing a pen name. …

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Episode 158 - A lifetime's writing advice reduced to one minute. 22:53

рік тому22:53

22:53

Were a young writer to ask me for advice, and only had one minute to listen, here is what I'd say. Plus: how Louisa May Alcott worked. And, avoiding the blahs and self-doubts when writing. Support the showJames Thayer

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How to Know Your Book’s Age Group 5:45

рік тому5:45

5:45

Do you know what age group your book falls into? Figuring out the difference between children's books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, new adult, and adult can be difficult to navigate. While knowing your age group is important for marketing and pitching down the line, it can also drive your writing decisions in the first draft. Listen in…

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Episode 157 - How we writers can create a world. 27:31

рік тому27:31

27:31

Remember the fabulous worlds that fantasy, sci fi, and historical writers create for us readers? How do they do that? What works so well? I'll talk about world-building, not just for those novels but for all genres. And also: more on the critical craft of character description. Support the showJames Thayer

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