Shows
Writer Unleashed#99: How to Nail Down Your Story In 3 Simple SentencesIf I asked you what your story was about, could you sum it up in a few sentences and tell me all I need to know to want more? Maybe you have too many ideas swimming around your head, and your story is running away from you. Either way, you have a hazy, rambling idea about what your story is all about. That's every story in its early stages. So, in this episode, I want to invite you to do a little exercise in nailing down your story idea in 3...
2022-07-1921 minWriter Unleashed#98: Should You Hire An Editor?What does an editor do precisely? How do you choose an editor you can trust with your manuscript? How much do editors charge? And is hiring one worth the investment? In this episode, I'm answering the most frequently asked questions I get about editors. I'll demystify the editing process. So you can make an informed, prudent decision on whether to invest in an editor or not.And you'll get an inside view on how to edit your own work.We'll cover: The 3 phases of editing every book goes throu...
2022-07-1231 minWriter Unleashed#97: How to Stop Hating Everything You WriteHow do you tell the difference between genuinely bad writing and writing that's actually good... but you think it's bad because you're being over critical?How do you manage not liking what you write because you know you can do better? And so you end up not writing anything.What about when you want abandon your dreams of becoming an author because you re-read your work and you hate it all. And now you believe you're not good enough.Well, that's the story you're telling yourself. And it ends today.In...
2022-07-0515 minWriter Unleashed#96: What Readers Really Want From Your StoryWhy do readers read? Is it just for entertainment? To escape everyday life? Or is there a deeper need? What is it about story that keeps us captivated from beginning to end?It helps to understand why stories are so impactful and precisely what readers are hungry for when they turn to a book. In this episode we’re going to explore what your reader is actually responding to when he forgets about the real world and gets entranced by the world on the page. So you can use this intel to c...
2022-06-2817 minWriter Unleashed#95: How to Start Your Story With the End in MindWe're often instructed to hook readers in our opening paragraphs by enticing them with story questions. All good. But you can't really plant questions in the beginning without knowing how your story will ultimately end. There's a link between your story's beginning and its end. So the best way to hook your reader is to start with the end in mind. This creates two things readers crave: Curiosity and Suspense.But there's an art to it. A great opening both reveals and wi...
2022-06-2118 minWriter Unleashed#94: Three Simple Steps to Deeper Character DevelopmentLots of writers believe you can't deeply develop character until you know what happens on the plot level. But this is backwards. Ultimately, what moves your story forward is your protagonist's reactions, choices, and actions. Not the external events that activate those reactions. Your plot doesn't just need structural coherence. It needs emotional and psychological coherence.Simply put, before you develop your plot, before you write your opening scene, you need to know who it affects and why. In today's episode, we're...
2022-06-1418 minWriter Unleashed#93: Whose Story Is It?Call it your hero. Or your MC. But all stories need one main protagonist. When we don’t know who your main character is, we have no one to root for. Why is picking one character to focus on a good idea?We need to know who we’re experiencing your story through. Your protagonist is the portal. It's how we hook into your story from the first page to the last. In this episode, you'll learn why focusing on one character creates a richer experience for the reader, a...
2022-06-0717 minWriter Unleashed#92: Five Episodes to Elevate Your WritingWriter Unleashed is coming up on its 2-Year Anniversary!So in the spirit of celebration, I'm giving you a 5-episode playlist to help you wherever you are in your writing process right now. Narrowing down the list to just five was not easy breezy. I sifted through nearly 100 episodes, and I poured everything I've got into creating each and every one of them for you. But I drilled down to the ones that tackle some of the most common challenges throwing writers off their game, and I'm excited to share th...
2022-05-3114 minWriter Unleashed#91: Four Simple Steps to Major Writing BreakthroughsWhat does it take to make major breakthroughs in your writing consistently? How do you put yourself into an optimal state of creativity every time you sit down to write?When it comes to mastering your story, you need to be in a flow state. When you’re in flow, your creativity, your output, the quality of your writing is turbo-charged. You make more progress in half the time. But flow isn't just something you just flow in and out of. You need to create the conditions for flow to happen. Drawing...
2022-05-2428 minWriter Unleashed#90: Four Ways to Master Show, Don't TellStill not grasping the art of show, don't tell? That's because it's never fully explained. So writers show too little, or too soon, or they show poorly. Often, they don't show at all. In this episode, you'll ll get clear on what showing is, what telling is, and 4 effective ways to show like a pro. Episode WebsiteLinks mentioned in this episode:Episode 69: How to Create Plot Continuity With Character ThoughtNot sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will he...
2022-05-1730 minWriter Unleashed#89: What Plotters and Pantsers Both Get Wrong About StoryPlotters plot and pantsers wander. One approach isn't better than the other. They're just different impulses. But both are equally futile. Pantsers can wander aimlessly ad infinitum, and plotters often focus only on plot at the outset. Which is why they still get stuck in the messy middle. What both plotters and pantsers get wrong is how to bring story elements together to focus their material. In today's episode, we'll break down 3 story elements that work together in concert to create a story: Desire, Theme, and Plot. Episode WebsiteL...
2022-05-1020 minWriter Unleashed#88: "Outline First" and Other Rules You Should BreakMany writers have fixed ideas about the best ways to write and finish a story. But they don’t work for every writer. And in many instances, they don’t even work for the writers who swear by them. So in this episode, I'm going to challenge 3 common rules I hear over and over, and give you a different perspective to try on. Episode WebsiteLinks mentioned in this episode:Episode 11: How to Make Time to Write When You Have No TimeSplendid Spoon - Plant-based, feel-good food ready-to-eat meals
2022-05-0319 minWriter Unleashed#87: Four Writing Myths Holding You BackThere’s no shortage of writing advice. Especially in the online space. Google is not the best gatekeeper. And some FB groups are doling out conflicting advice, canned advice, bad advice. Writers hear the same advice so often, a lot of them have come to regard them as the only way to craft a story. But these are often half baked ideas that are keeping you from moving forward. They’re taking you totally in the wrong direction. They’re myths. Myths about plot and structure. Myths about how to create drama. And what it means to w...
2022-04-2623 minWriter Unleashed#86: Five Reasons You Have Writer's Block and How to Break Through ItWe all hit a block at some point in the writing process, even the best of us. Accomplished writers know how to navigate that impasse, to notice when and why they're getting blocked, so that they can move through it. But so many writers get stuck there, and they can't move forward. In this episode, we'll explore five reasons you may be experiencing writer's block. And you'll learn some strategies to blast through it.Episode WebsiteLinks mentioned in this episode:Episode 20: Four Ways Your Writing Group is Holding You Back...
2022-04-1923 minWriter Unleashed#85: How to Get Back into the Writing Zone After a Really Long BreakBetween careers, kids, and everything else life throws our way, sometimes we have to step back from our writing. Sometimes for months. Sometimes for years. So, how do you get back to your writing after a long hiatus? In today’s episode, I'm sharing strategies I’ve used to get back into the writing zone after an extended break. You'll also learn the secret to staying motivated, plus how to create an environment that supports your writing. Episode WebsiteLink Mentioned:Download Your FREE 9 Story Starters Guide HereNot sure i...
2022-04-1225 minWriter Unleashed#84: How to Keep Writing After RejectionRejection never feels good. And it can throw our entire identity as a writer into doubt. The question is…How do you get your confidence back? So that you can get back to work?In this episode, you'll learn 4 strategies to get back on track. So you can stop identifying with the rejection and become a more resilient and skilled writer. We'll also cover why even good books are rejected by publishers, and why you, as an unknown debut author, has an advantage. Episode Website
2022-04-0520 minWriter Unleashed#83: Four Ways to Open Your StoryYour story opening is your only chance to hook your reader. So you want to start strong. It doesn’t matter if the middle of your story is brilliant. Or your second chapter is fantastic. It doesn't matter if your story starts picking up speed 7 pages in. Readers won’t wait for that. In today’s episode, I’m going to break down 4 story openings to spark some ideas. So you can craft a story opening that keeps readers longing to read more.Episode WebsiteNot sure if your idea has what it...
2022-03-2929 minWriter Unleashed#82: How to Write Fiction That Feels TrueWhat makes a piece of writing feel false? What makes it feel true? Why does it move us? Or fail to? How do we drop readers directly into a character’s experience so that they become the character and go on the journey with them? In this episode, you'll borrow 3 acting techniques for writing stories that feel more real, more believable, and more true.Episode WebsiteDownload your FREE Character Questionnaire Also Listen to:Episode 81: Story Details: What to Leave In, What to Leave OutNot sure if y...
2022-03-2223 minWriter Unleashed#81: Story Details: What to Leave In, What to Leave OutDetails are the lifeblood of your story. And writing is all about the selection of those details. But how do you decide which details matter? When we sit down to write, we’re often bombarded with too many details. We’re in this constant and brutal battle with the facts of our experience, the details of the world, and the needs of our story. The question we must continually ask is, What do I leave in? What do I leave out? But selecting the right story details is easier than you think. Because you al...
2022-03-1516 minWriter Unleashed#80: Four Tips to Writing a Page TurnerWhat makes your story a page turner? What makes it so irresistible that readers devour every page? In today’s episode, we’re breaking down 4 tips to writing a page turner. Techniques that go beneath and beyond common structures like the Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, and the traditional 3-Act. So you can make your story stand out from the pile. And keep readers hooked scene by scene. Episode WebsiteFREE 3-Act WorksheetNot sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free qui...
2022-03-0833 minWriter Unleashed#79: How to Write Spellbinding ScenesScenes are the building blocks of your story. But how do you craft scenes that draw us in every single time? That keep us turning the page? In this episode you'll learn how to craft spellbinding scenes from beginning to end. In today's episode, we'll cover:The difference between scene and summary.Four essential things each scene should give your protagonist.How to set each scene's intentions.What it means to "advance your plot" and how to do it.and how to structure your scenes from start to finish. Episode WebsiteA...
2022-02-1526 minWriter Unleashed#78: Five Elements of a Riveting First SceneYour first scene is crucial. It’s what sets your story in motion. It's where you keep your reader or lose em'. So you want to craft this scene with intention. In this episode, you'll learn 3 essential things your first scene must accomplish. And we'll explore 5 core elements that go into every successful first scene, with examples from Neil Gaiman's novel, American Gods, and Lucy Grealy's memoir, Autobiography of a Face. Also Listen To:Episode 69: How to Create Plot Continuity With Character ThoughtNot sure if your idea has what it...
2022-02-0831 minWriter Unleashed#77: Common Writing Advice That's Holding You BackThere’s no one size fits all way to write. Still, there’s no shortage of advice on how to do it. But some advice can derail you for months, maybe years. Advice like reaching a certain word count per day. Or crafting your story with an ideal reader in mind. Or outlining before you’ve felt your way into your story. So, today I’m going to counter some of the most common advice I hear over and over and give you another perspective. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful s...
2022-02-0119 minWriter Unleashed#76: Writing Inspiration From the Masters Writing is solitary. And if you’re anything like me, you like to dip into some inspiration from time to time for a creative boost or deeper insight into the craft. So much of our progress depends on how we feel about the work. So in this episode, I’m going to pull some of my favorite quotes and unwrap them for the wisdom and creative fuel they offer on writing technique and the writing life.Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you...
2022-01-2518 minWriter Unleashed#75: What Professional Dancing Taught Me About WritingHave you ever thought, Writing should be easier for me than this? I sure did. I didn't know there was a craft to writing a novel. I thought talent and sheer passion would see me through. And then I became a professional competitive dancer and learned that desire and talent were just starter fuel. The truth is, writing is no easier than mastering any other art form. Talent is not enough. Technique on it's own is not enough. So, what does it take to master the art of writing? In this episode, I share what I learned as a da...
2022-01-1817 minWriter Unleashed#74: How to Keep A Consistent Writing Routine When You're Crazy BusyHow do you keep a consistent writing routine when you're life is hectic as all hell? How do you find time to write and fulfill life's never-ending hamster wheel of responsibilities? And where do you find the energy? In this episode, you'll hear the strategies I've been using for years to let writing co-exist with a crazy busy, but beautiful life as a single working mom. You'll learn a more abundant way to think about time, how to ride the momentum when you're at your best, and how to protect your creative time fiercely. Books mentioned:168 Hours...
2022-01-1123 minWriter Unleashed#73: Beyond the First Draft: 5 Storytelling Techniques for Better Story StructureHow can you be more efficient with structuring your story? How do you balance structure while keeping the story fresh and surprising? In this episode we're going to talk about 5 essential storytelling techniques that will help you structure your story into a riveting experience for your readers. You'll also learn how to hook your reader in your opening sentences instantly using one simple word. Also Listen to: Episode 71: Captivating CharactersEpisode 72: 3 Ways to Craft a Compelling Point of ViewNot sure if your idea has what it takes to become...
2021-12-2230 minWriter Unleashed#72: Beyond the First Draft: 3 Ways to Craft a Compelling Point of ViewDo you ever feel like you're tying yourself up in knots with all the different points of view your story has? POV is one of the most misunderstood and often poorly taught story elements. It's also one of the most important story decisions you make. But there's so much confusion about POV. In today's episode, we'll untangle some of the confusion. You'll learn what point of view is (and what it's not) and the 3 main constructs that create point of view. And a writing exercise to drive it all home, so grab something to write on and write with. ...
2021-12-1521 minWriter Unleashed#71: Beyond the First Draft: Captivating CharactersYou have your first draft. Or maybe you're stalled in your current work in progress. Now what? How do you finish what you started? Today, you'll learn how to move forward with your work in progress, or revise the draft you already have. This is part 1 of a 3 part mini series, Beyond the First Draft. This episode focuses on character development. You'll get clear on who your story is about, what your main character wants, how to build complexity into your characters, and how to reveal their nuances. Grab your FREE Character Questionnaire and Email Series here. ...
2021-12-0823 minWriter Unleashed#70: Five Common Writing Traps and How to Avoid ThemThere's a lot of writing advice floating around. But most of it shackles writers more than it helps, and sometimes leads to paint-by-number stories. In this episode, learn common traps when it comes to plot, action, backstory, show, don't tell, and point of view. You'll turn around misconceptions and learn what to do instead. Episode WebsiteNot sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in j...
2021-12-0120 minWriter Unleashed#69: How to Create Plot Continuity With Character ThoughtWhat does character thought have to do with plot? It's the connective tissue that brings continuity to your story, scene by scene. It helps fill in all those plot holes. And it keep your reader grounded in what's happening as your story advances. Character thought is part of the action. It's the connective tissue that accomplishes 3 things:reminds your reader what happened earlier, establishes desire and motive in the present, and creates suspense about what might happen next. In this episode, you'll learn 3 ways to have characters think their way through your...
2021-11-1715 minWriter Unleashed#68: How to Use Subplots to Amplify Your NovelHow do you harness the depth and complexity of your story material? And orchestrate all those story threads so that they intensify your plot? By creating subplots. Learn two ways subplots work, plus three places your subplots may already be hiding out in your WIP waiting to be developed. NanciPanuccio.com/68Links mentioned:FREE Character Questionnairenancipanuccio.com/character/Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your id...
2021-11-1013 minWriter Unleashed#67: The Most Overlooked Way to Show (Don't Tell) How a Character FeelsWhat’s the most overlooked way to show how a character feels?The vowel scale - the poet's secret weapon. Just like musical notes, vowel sounds have frequencies that create vibrations in the reader's body, making them feel with your character. In today's episode, you'll learn how to use the frequencies of these vowel sounds to reinforce the emotion, tone, images, and meaning of your story. Also Listen To:Episode 13: How to Write For Emotional ImpactNot sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story...
2021-11-0313 minWriter Unleashed#66: Two Simple Ways to Amp Up Suspense How do you create the kind of suspense that keeps readers riveted to your pages, hanging on every sentence? Suspense doesn't happen in the broad strokes - trouble, cliffhangers, sympathetic characters, etc. It's built sentence by sentence. And there are two simple techniques you can apply right now. In today's episode, you'll learn how to orchestrate details that bring tension and suspense right on the sentence level, creating insatiable readers. Go to the show notes at nancipanuccio/com/66Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? Th...
2021-10-2721 minWriter Unleashed#65: Cut The Cliches and Write Something OriginalReaders crave novelty and surprise. They don't want the same cliched description of a sunset. Or the expected character response to betrayal. But coming up with original ideas, especially for ordinary things like sunsets, requires us to tap into our own creative reservoir. In today's episode, we'll explore 4 ways to keep your creative channels open. So you can access your original take on the world, and write stories that surprise and delight. Dismantle 6 faulty mindsets coming between you and your best work, and unlock your voice with this FREE 6-Day Audio Course. Go Here...
2021-10-2017 minWriter Unleashed#64: Crush Self Doubt and Write Like You Mean ItHow do you keep writing when you're paralyzed by self doubt?By reprogramming faulty thought patterns.In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll re-frame common misconceptions about writing, and even misconceptions about your own abilities that are sabotaging you. We'll explore:What's really at the core of writer's block3 Common thoughts that derail writersThe truth about talentAnd why there's no such thing as failureWant to dismantle more faulty thought patterns and unleash your voice? Take my FREE 6-Day audio class. Click here to sign up....
2021-10-1311 minWriter Unleashed#63: Is Your Writing Style Upstaging Your Story?Style can be the downfall of an otherwise stunning story. That's because the writing calls too much attention to itself and upstages the characters. It fights against your story and keeps your reader from getting fully engrossed. Worse, it keeps you from getting deeply involved with your own story. In today's episode, we'll talk about the elements that make up your writing style, and how to make sure your style integrates with your story. You want style to complement your story, not fight against it. We'll explore:Core ele...
2021-10-0613 minWriter Unleashed#62: Two Common Mistakes That Land Your Manuscript in the Reject Pile and How to Fix ThemWhat's one of the quickest way to get your manuscript in the reject pile? Too many adjectives and adverbs. Writers often think adjectives and adverbs describe vividly. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Instead, they bloat your story with empty filler. And bore your reader. In today's episode, you'll learn how to eliminate or minimize adjectives and adverbs and replace them with more vivid language that activates the reader's imagination. Have your manuscript handy to start editing. You'll learn how to:Choose adjectives that sur...
2021-09-2916 minWriter Unleashed#61: Alternatives to Chronological Story Time You Probably Haven't Heard OfDon't think or write chronologically? No worries. Stories bend to their own laws of time. In today's episode, we'll look at 4 ways to manipulate time in your story. These will give you more range as the author, and more tension and suspense for your reader. We'll explore:Using flashbacks to frame your storyUsing the figure 8 structure around an image or eventCreating suspense through flash forwards Reverse Chronological OrderAlso Listen to:3 Common Flashback Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemFor more free resources, visit Nancipanuccio.comJ...
2021-09-2214 minWriter Unleashed#60: Three Flashback Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemFlashbacks need to be handled with craft and intention. Just like any other interruption from the present story, a flashback can kick your reader out of the story. And that's precisely what we want to avoid.In today's episode, I'm sharing 3 common missteps writers make with flashback, and how to avoid them. We'll explore how to:Reign in overused flashbacksPlace flashbacks where they matterUse repetition and variation to give your story a memoryKeep your reader grounded in time shiftsAlso listen to: Episode 12: Four Ways to Write E...
2021-09-1515 minWriter Unleashed#59: The Writer's Voice- A Conversation With Writer/Performer Bonnie Lykes BiglerBonnie Lykes Bigler is a writer and spoken word performer and host of The Writers' Voice on WIOX 91.3 FM. In this radio re-broadcast, we talk all things writing - why we write, what stops us in our tracks and how to keep writing in the face of rejection, loss of motivation, and writer's fatigue. We talk about the importance of learning how to read like a writer, and the ship and learn approach I learned from one of my coaches, and more. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? Th...
2021-09-0829 minWriter Unleashed#58: Three Ways You're Telling When You Should Be ShowingShow, don’t tell has got to be the most canned advice bandied about.Yes, you should show. But that doesn’t mean you never tell. Telling does have its place.So the question becomes, when is it better to show rather than tell?In today’s episode, I’ll share the three main ways writers tell when it’s better to show, and how to convert telling into showing. There's also a quick writing exercise at the end, so have your pen and paper handy.Here’s what we’ll cover:
2021-09-0113 minWriter Unleashed#57: Three Essential Pillars of Point of View (That Have Nothing To Do With Which Person Your Write In) POV is the thing that flummoxes writers the most. A big part of the confusion is a misguided focus on which person you write from. But this has virtually nothing to do with POV and confuses writers more than it helps. So in this episode I’m going to simplify POV for you and distill it into the 3 main things you need to focus on, so you can develop a strong point of view that gives your story unity, rhythm and resonance.We'll cover:What POV is and how to construc...
2021-08-2512 minWriter Unleashed#56: Three Quick Editing Tips to Craft Riveting SentencesYou can engineer a stellar plot line, dream up characters with compelling conflicts — all the broad strokes – but it’s the accumulation of small word choices that keep readers spellbound. In today's episode, I'm giving you 3 quick editing tips you can apply right now to instantly transform your story. Just by tweaking your verbs. So grab your WIP and let's do this together. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in jus...
2021-08-1811 minWriter Unleashed#55: Is Your Story Plot Driven or Character Driven?The question isn't whether your story is character driven or plot driven. Or even how to write one or the other.The question is..How do you integrate character with plot?Because both are inseparable.If one or the other dominates, your story falls apart.On today's episode, I'll share 3 ways to integrate character with plot.We'll cover:The purpose of plotHow to keep the plot threat alive for your character's own goodBuilding emotions How to avoid a one-note character
2021-08-1114 minWriter Unleashed#54: Structure Your WIP With This 3-Act Framework Where are you getting most stuck in your work in progress? The beginning? The end? Or are you getting stalled in the middle? In this episode, I'm giving you a 3-Act framework to help guide you through the writing process. So that you’re not drowning in your own material, and can finish your story faster and better. If you’re an exploratory writer who finds outlines a buzz kill, this framework will give you just enough structure to give you direction and focus. And if you’re a plotter who thrives with a plan...
2021-08-0418 minWriter Unleashed#53: How to Write Dialogue That Sounds NaturalStory dialogue is not the same as real-life dialogue. It's shaped with intention, word by word. Even so, we should pay attention to the nuances and the rhythm of real-life conversations.We want to be looking for the ways people don’t listen to one another. The ways we dance around hard truths.In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore how to bring tension into your dialogue by focusing on the thing your characters don't want to say or hear.We'll explore:Our natural urge to evade dif...
2021-06-1611 minWriter Unleashed#52: The Number One Mistake Writers Make With DialogueWhat's the number one mistake writers make with dialogue? Writing way too much of it.In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore 3 ways to shape compelling dialogue that rings true to your reader. We'll cover:How to avoid dialogue that tells too much The primary audience you should be writing dialogue for The single most important thing you need to know about your characters before they speakHow to use compression and beats to have readers leaning in word by wordFor deeper insight into what's underneath what your cha...
2021-06-0910 minWriter Unleashed#51: Three Ways to Beat Writer's BlockHow do you keep writing when you're totally blocked? When you feel like you have utterly nothing to say?In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, I'll give you a 3-step strategy for breaking through. In today's episode, we'll explore:What writer's block isWhat causes it3 Strategies to unblock yourselfNot sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in just three simple steps. You’ll walk away with a one-sentence premise you...
2021-06-0213 minWriter Unleashed#50: How Much Backstory Does Your Reader Really Need To Know?How much backstory does your story need? And how much backstory does your reader need? Learn what backstory is important for you to know as the author, and what backstory belongs on the page. In today's episode, we'll cover:The two things you need to get clear on when it comes to backstoryThe importance of crafting backstory that adapts to your story The actor's technique to developing character through backstoryHow to decide what backstory is significant to your storyline and to your readersExplore Your Character's Backstory with Your FREE Character Qu...
2021-05-2615 minWriter Unleashed#49: The Quickest Way to Engage Your ReaderThe way to engage your readers and keep them absorbed sentence by sentence is to draw them into the tactile world of your story and evoke their sensations. Not the fact that it's raining, as E.L. Doctorow said. But the feeling of being rained upon. So, how do we evoke our readers' sensations? That's what we'll dive into in today's episode. On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore:Why readers respond to sensory detail.How to select the right details for your scenes.How to evoke...
2021-05-1915 minWriter Unleashed#48: Does Your Story Need An Antagonist?Does your story need an antagonist?The short answer is yes. But to avoid the formulaic good vs. bad story, there are deeper questions to unwrap. In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore:Why the standard definition of antagonist may be limiting your storyThe 2 most important questions to ask when developing antagonistsWhat we mean by conflictA more nuanced and compelling approach to creating antagonists. Want to go deeper into the soul of your character and defy stereotype? Grab your FREE Character Questionnaire here. And if you w...
2021-05-1211 minWriter Unleashed#47: Even Minor Characters Play a Major RoleEvery character you include, no matter how minor, or however brief their appearance, must serve the story you're telling. Nobody should be in a scene for mere decoration or as a prop. There are no minor characters. Every character in your story needs to be made use of or let go of. In today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll talk about how to craft minor characters who have a major impact. And I’ll give you some examples to drive it all home. While you're here, do you have your FREE Cha...
2021-05-0512 minWriter Unleashed#46: What's the Theme of Your Story? And Why Does It Matter?What is theme? And why does it matter to your story? In today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll talk about what theme is, what it isn’t, and how to arrive at yours. We'll explore:The common definition of theme that's keeping your story on the surfaceHow to avoid off-the-rack themes that have no impact on readersHow to create a useful thematic statement that focuses and unifies your storyThe best way to arrive at your story's themeTo help you explore your themes, download your FREE 9 Story Starters PDF right here...
2021-04-2813 minWriter Unleashed#45: How to Hook Readers in Your First SentenceIf your first sentence is a dud, chances are readers won't give you a second chance. In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore 5 elements that will hook your readers from the get-go and keep them wanting more. We'll peek under the hood of some great hook sentences from the masters, and unpack what makes each one irresistible. We'll explore how to:Withhold to create suspenseRaise expectations and curiosityJuxtapose details to create tensionSet your story in motionAnd to help your practice crafting hook sentences, download your FREE Guide, 9 Story S...
2021-04-2116 minWriter Unleashed#44: How to Fix a Broken PlotIs your plot broken? First, what is a broken plot? It's when you start out with one conflict but lose confidence in your ability to move that conflict forward through a series of actions. So you shift to another conflict or even a third. And pretty soon, readers are disoriented because they don't know where to focus. That's because there's more than one story happening. In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore:The 3 things you need to get clear on to fix or avoid a broken plotThe es...
2021-04-1412 minWriter Unleashed#43: Five Ways to Transform Real People into Fascinating Fictional CharactersJust because you're basing characters on real people doesn't make them believable or interesting. It's far more important for your story to work than it is for it to be true. And even when people are portrayed realistically, they still might read as stereotypes. In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll go over 5 techniques to transform real people into fascinating characters who stay with the reader long after the story ends. We'll explore: How to imagine your way into what you don't know about a person Why focusing on wh...
2021-04-0721 minWriter Unleashed#42: What Kind of Writer Are You?Are you a memoir writer? Or a fiction writer? A novelist? Or short story writer? Lots of people have a story to tell. But some are still flying blind after years, even decades of trying to nail down their story and elevate it to a publishable caliber.If that sounds like you, you may be focusing on the content of your story rather than its form. And form drives content.On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore: The difference between writing a novel, memoir, or short storyThe simi...
2021-03-3121 minWriter Unleashed#41: The Struggle Most Writers Never Talk AboutIn the theater of our mind, our story is a multi-dimensional, techno-color, high-def world teeming with life. But inevitably, in our early attempts to transfer that vision onto the page, that world disintegrates.It’s where a lot of writers get lost. Or stop writing altogether.In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore how writers like Ann Patchett and Ta-Nehisi Coates get past this very struggle. We'll explore:Why there's no such thing as failure (unless you stop writing)The 3 stages of artistic developmentThe Mozart mythWhat mastery is...
2021-03-2423 minWriter Unleashed#40: Show Don't Tell: Revealing Character Through Body LanguageIt’s a scientific fact: body language speaks volumes about what’s truly in our hearts and minds. And the same is true of your characters. Facial expressions, mannerisms, gestures, eye movements — non-visual cues, no matter how subtle, divulge what a person may be feeling in any given moment. It’s one of the best ways to show, don’t tell. In today’s episode of Writer unleashed, we’ll explore:How we decode non-verbal cues of people we encounter every dayHow to avoid labeling character emotion and reveal what they’re really feelingWhat...
2021-03-1711 minWriter Unleashed#39: How to Write Captivating Character DescriptionWe're all tired of being introduced to characters like the young man in his twenties with jet black hair, emerald green eyes, and a chiseled jaw.Even if a character looks like that, there are ways to make him more surprising and unforgettable. In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll break down 3 techniques to write descriptions that bring characters to life. Want to connect with more like-minded writers? Join us on our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. Joining is free. Not sure if your idea has what i...
2021-03-1014 minWriter Unleashed#38: How to Create Characters Readers Care AboutHow do you create characters readers care about? So that the reader can't help but keep reading? In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, I'll explore 5 common character mistakes and how to avoid them to create characters readers care about. We'll explore how to:Avoid the stock characterChoose one compelling protagonistComplicate your character's desireRaise the stakesCreate interesting changeAlso listen to:Episode 37: Three Questions to Ask Before You Plot Your StoryWant to connect with more like-minded writers? Join us on our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. Joi...
2021-03-0315 minWriter Unleashed#37: Three Questions to Ask Before You Plot Your StoryWhat questions should you ask before you plot your story? Whether you outline every chapter, or write from the hip, on today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, I’ll break down 3 questions you should explore before you outline your plot.We'll explore:What story isHorizontal plots and vertical plots and how they intersectCharacter Viewpoint - who your story is aboutDesire and Resistance and how this impacts your plotAlso listen to:Episode 31: What Most Writers Get Wrong About Point of ViewWant to connect with more like-minded writ...
2021-02-2413 minWriter Unleashed#36: Three Storytelling Techniques to Steal From Superbowl AdsWhether you're a football fan, or not, the Superbowl ads are often storytelling works of art.On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll unwrap 3 storytelling techniques you can swipe from your favorite Superbowl ads and apply to your story right away. We'll explore:The reverse engineering approach to story structure. How to dramatize conflict early on.How to use a shot summary to refine and shape your story. Want to connect with more like-minded writers? Join us on our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. Joining is free. ...
2021-02-1715 minWriter Unleashed#35: What Does It Take To Become a Successful Writer? What does it take to become a successful writer? On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, author and media consultant Simona David and I unpack the journey and the process. We explore: My exploratory approach to early draftsWhat it means to write what you knowWhat revision can tell us about what our story’s trying to becomeHow to work with and through uncertaintyHow to draw readers in emotionallyThe actor’s technique to character developmentHow to write believable dialogueMy take on what it means to be a successful writer...and much, much more.Simona Da...
2021-02-1042 minWriter Unleashed#34: How to Write Backstory Without Boring Your ReaderHow much backstory is too much? Backstory is one of the trickiest things to get effectively onto the page. Too much of it and your reader loses track, forgets, or even stops caring about what’s happening in your story's present. In today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore the 3 most common missteps writers make about backstory, plus 3 tips to help you write backstory without putting your story on snooze. We'll explore:What backstory is and why it's useful 3 common mistakes new writers make when writing backstoryWhy less backstory is alwa...
2021-02-0316 minWriter Unleashed#33: Three Ways to Avoid MelodramaThere's a delicate balance between bringing a scene to the dramatic brim, and spilling over the top into melodrama. On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, I'll share 3 techniques for avoiding melodrama, plus a writing exercise to bring it all home.We'll explore:The power of restraint The near-death experience approach to tragedy in storyHow to use objects to carry character emotion. If you want to connect with more like-minded writers, and with me, join us on our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. Joining is free. Not sure if you...
2021-01-2714 minWriter Unleashed#32: Five Ways to Avoid the Stock VillainHow do you avoid writing the stock villain? How do you move beyond the cliche to create a bad guy that surprises us? That goes against the status quo? On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll explore 5 ways to create a villain that defies stereotype. We'll discuss:What readers really want from your villainHow to explore what's underneath your character's bad actsBetter questions to get under your villain's skinHow to tap into your own impulses to write more nuanced and believable villainsGrab your free Character Questionnaire on this free r...
2021-01-2012 minWriter Unleashed#31: What Most Writers Get Wrong About Point of ViewOf all the things I see tripping writers up, point of view is the most common and persistent.It's one of the most misunderstood elements of writing.It's also one of the most essential things to get right. On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll explore:3 common missteps writers make about point of viewWhat point of view is…and what it isn’t. Why first, second, and third-person has virtually nothing to do with point of view. When to use multiple points of view. And when not to. And...
2021-01-1315 minWriter Unleashed#30: How to Stop Dreaming and Write for Real in 202197% of writers never finish their book. And out of that 3% who do finish their books, only 1 to 2 percent of them ever publish. On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll break down some of the most common barriers to bringing your story to the finish line, and how to use brain science to become part of that 3% who finishes the book. 2021, here we come. We'll explore:Why talent isn't enough and the mindset you must cultivate insteadThe power of community to inspire and keep you accountableWhat you need more of than timeThe brain...
2021-01-0620 minWriter Unleashed#29: How to Re-Ignite Your Motivation to WriteSome days you're on fire. Other days, you feel like a dried up spec of dust. With no soul. You’ve lost motivation and may even have stopped writing altogether. So how do you get your mojo back so you can bring your work in progress to the finish line? On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore 5 reasons our motivation fizzles out and how to turn it around. We'll talk about: the power of having a safe, judgement-free community what social scientists have discovered about what really motivates us. (this...
2020-12-3022 minWriter Unleashed#28: You Already Know How to Write AtmosphereHow do we create atmosphere in story in a way that evokes mood, and simultaneously reveals the inner life of your character? Well, you already know how to do this. On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll talk about what you instinctively know about creating mood and atmosphere, and how to use your instincts to create it on the page. And we’re going to do a writing exercise at the end of the episode, so have your pen and paper handy.Not sure if your idea has what it takes to b...
2020-12-2316 minWriter Unleashed#27: Writer Rejected: How to Bounce Back FastYou’ve spent months, maybe years writing your story. So you finally get the courage to send it out into the world - to an agent, a literary magazine, a publisher, or your writer’s group. And then you get a form rejection letter (the worst kind), or feedback from your peers that makes you want to give up the writing life altogether. How do you bounce back? On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, I’ll share 3 tips on re-framing rejection so that you can get back in the saddle and write stronger and better than...
2020-12-1613 minWriter Unleashed#26: Writing About Someone You Know - Is Your Story Worth It?You can change a character's hair color, geography, age, or gender, but often what inhibits our voice is a concern that we'll offend someone we know. A parent. A sibling. A school mate. So, what do we do? We whitewash the truth. Or we avoid writing our story altogether. On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore:3 reasons you need to tell your storyWhy secrets need to be unloadedThe power of compassion for yourself and yes, even for your oppressorsHow to own your side of the truthAlso, Listen ToEpiso...
2020-12-0916 minWriter Unleashed#25: Why Your Voice MattersYour voice is your most fundamental creative asset. But how do you access it? How do you let it flourish on the page? On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll explore why your voice matters to you --and to your readers. I’ll also give you a writing prompt to invite your voice to come out and play... so have your pen and paper ready. On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore:Why craft is useless without voiceHow to avoid a dull, mid-level voice Why your resistance is a good ind...
2020-12-0216 minWriter Unleashed#24: You Already Know How To Write DialogueYou have captivating characters, a page-turning plot, gorgeous imagery. But as soon as your characters start speaking, does your story falls flat?Here's the thing. You already know how to write crisp, compelling dialogue. On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore 5 things to pay attention to in the conversations around you. This is all instruction for your story dialogue. We'll cover:Common mistakes writers make when writing dialogueSubtextMisdirectionCross purposesNon-verbal dialogueWe'll end with a 2-part eavesdropping exercise. Want to create multi-dimensional characters who defy stereotype? Grab y...
2020-11-2520 minWriter Unleashed#23: The Number 1 Mindset All Great Writers ShareWhat's the number 1 mindset that separates great writers from the novice? A willingness to embrace uncertainty. And to not only embrace it but to create, cultivate and dance with it. On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore:How avoiding uncertainty is straitjacketing your writingWhy beneath chaos lies order and harmonyThe difference between convergent and divergent thinkingHow to use contradiction to hook readersHow to collaborate with your uncertainty to produce your most powerful, surprising work. Related Episodes19. Should I Outline Before I Write?21. How to Craft Your Ideal Story Ending...
2020-11-1817 minWriter Unleashed#22: Three Ways to Avoid Character StereotypeHow do we create characters readers believe in? How do we write beyond stereotype? On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll explore 3 ways to create multi-dimensional characters. We'll explore: Plot-driven versus character-driven stories.The difference between empathy and sympathy.What really drives a reader's connection to your character.How to tap into your own impulses to create characters who breathe on the page. Want to create multi-dimensional characters who defy stereotype? Grab your Free Character Questionnaire here. Not sure if your idea has what i...
2020-11-1112 minWriter Unleashed#21: How to Craft Your Ideal Story EndingHow do we craft an ending that lands with the reader? How do we avoid what author David Jauss calls "the literary equivalent of a faked orgasm?"On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore 5 ways to avoid an ending that's too tidy, predictable, or lame. We'll talk about:Interesting character change over timeWhy a change in your reader is more important than character changeThe relationship between your story's beginning and endingWhy the strongest endings are not invented but discoveredRelated episodeEpisode 3 - Three Story Op...
2020-11-0418 minWriter Unleashed#20: Four Ways Your Writing Group is Holding You Back (and What To Look For In Your Next Writing Tribe)Is your writing group holding you back? Inhibiting for you? Confusing you? Making you doubt yourself? Or is it supporting you to grow? On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore 4 ways your writing group may be grid-locking you, and the 5 most important things to look for in a writing tribe. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in just three simple steps. You’ll walk away with a one-sentence premise you can buil...
2020-10-2813 minWriter Unleashed#19: Should I Outline Before I Write?Or should I just wing it, flying blind?I get this question a LOT. And while there 's no one-size-fits all approach to the creative process, the outline first approach can stifle most writers and gridlock their stories.So why the urge to outline? An outline is safe. Knowable. Certain.Having that road map should produce our best stories, then, right?Well, not exactly.On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, learn why not knowing where your story's going can produce your strongest, most surprising work.
2020-10-2113 minWriter Unleashed#18: How to Write With Unstoppable InspirationInspiration is a mysterious, mercurial force.Sometimes it shows up, sometimes it doesn’t.But what if we could summon inspiration at will? If each time we sat down to write, we could reach that magic zone where the words flowed freely onto the page?What if there were some particular rituals, or triggers to that special consciousness that guaranteed an unstoppable, no-holds-barred writing session?On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll explore:How to summon your inner muse.Why relaxing into your own creative process is ess...
2020-10-1414 minWriter Unleashed#17: How to Generate Unlimited Story IdeasHow do you nudge your way into a story? How do you generate ideas?Do you start with a childhood memory? A vintage photograph? An overheard conversation?We all have our own way in. And our creative processes are as singular as fingerprints.On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll explore 4 steps so you can generate story ideas on tap. You'll learn:The art of scratching for a small idea first.How to capture stray ideas.How to recycle and transform your ideas. Why the early stage...
2020-10-0713 minWriter Unleashed#16: Five Things About Revision I Wish I'd Known SoonerI used to live for the rush of that first draft. And dread revision. The more I tried to revise the more lost in the mess of my draft I'd become. That's because I didn't understand what revision was, or how to do it. Fast forward to today. I not only have control over my revision process, it's hands down my favorite part of writing. So, what changed? My misconceptions about the writing process and some slow, steady insights about how to approach rewriting. On today's episode, we'll debunk...
2020-09-3011 minWriter Unleashed#15: How to Find Your Creative FlowIn order to nail down a solid, productive writing practice, to reach the level of mastery that ultimately leads to publication, you need to be in a state of flow. But how do we find flow in our writing when we’re not in the mood to write? And how do we stay in a state of flow? On today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll talk about: How to anchor yourself in your work so that you can reach and stay in a state of flow easily. How you...
2020-09-2317 minWriter Unleashed#14: How to Intensify Your Story's DramaHappiness may be great in real life. But it’s fatal in story.Few things numb readers more than characters surrounded by birdsong and puppies who aren’t risking something deeply important.There’s no payoff when everything works out all hunky-dory. Or when the outcome is as simple as a character getting what he wants. Or not.Readers are hungry for danger. We’re just hardwired that way.We want drama. On today's episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore:What we mean by drama.How...
2020-09-1617 minWriter Unleashed#13: How to Write for Emotional ImpactWe want to move our readers emotionally. We want them to feel our character’s joy, pain, and everything in between. But one of the surest ways to sever the reader’s emotional connection is to be overly direct about how a character feels. In today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, we’re going to break down 4 techniques to get the greatest emotional payoff from your scenes. We'll explore:The biology of emotion.How to blast through the reader's intellect to his most primitive emotions. How to avoid emotional cliches. The power of juxtaposit...
2020-09-0915 minWriter Unleashed#12: Four Ways to Write Effective FlashbacksA flashback moves readers back in time. It interrupts the flow of the story to catch up on what happened before page 1. But when writers overuse flashbacks, readers grow impatient. They lose interest in, or even forget, what’s happening in the “now” of the story. Yes, we should explore our story’s past. But at some point in revision, we need to reign the past in. We need to select and shape only those flashback episodes that are crucial to understanding the story’s present. It all boils down to 2 things:Relevance an...
2020-09-0214 minWriter Unleashed#11: How To Make Time To Write When You Have No TimeTime is finite. It’s not a renewable resource. We have so much crammed into our day - our jobs, our kids, our spouses, our homes. And even if we do find pockets of time to write, we’re flat out stonkered by the time we get to our keyboard.Because, here’s the thing. Writing requires clean focus. We need to be firing on all cylinders. It’s not just about finding the hours to write, it’s the quality of mind we bring to those hours. But we all have more time than we think. A...
2020-08-2619 minWriter Unleashed#10: What is Writer's Voice?You hear it all the time - Find your voice!Publishers say they're looking for "fresh new voices."But what does writer's voice mean, exactly? In today's episode, we'll explore:What writer's voice isHow you can encourage your voice to come out and play. Excerpts from stories by Meghan Daum and Ernest Hemingway to get a fix on what makes their voices distinct from any other. And I'll give you an exercise straight from Twyla Tharp's book, The Creative Habit, to help you access your own voice. Not...
2020-08-1917 minWriter Unleashed#9: How To Keep A Consistent Writing RoutineWhy is it so damn hard to keep a writing routine? In today’s episode, of Writer Unleashed, I’ll give you 3 strategies backed by science to break through your barriers so you can start and keep a consistent, thriving writing practice. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in just three simple steps. You’ll walk away with a one-sentence premise you can build your entire book on, and the clarity and confidence to keep goi...
2020-08-1217 minWriter Unleashed#8: Five Ways to Improve Your Writing (that have nothing to do with writing)Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in just three simple steps. You’ll walk away with a one-sentence premise you can build your entire book on, and the clarity and confidence to keep going.Download Your Quick Guide HereWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.
2020-08-0515 minWriter Unleashed#7: Losing the PlotA plot outline provides a blueprint. It’s safe, known territory. It would seem then that knowing where our story is going before we write should produce our best stories.But this is far from the truth.Today, we’re going to talk about why too much focus on plot can make your story dead on arrival. We’ll also talk about the difference between story and plot. Nope, they’re not the same thing. But you cannot have one without the other. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become...
2020-07-2924 minWriter Unleashed#6: Show and Tell"Show, don't tell" is a common writing mantra. And while it's solid advice, it gives telling the short shrift. Sometimes it's better to show and sometimes it's better to tell. You can't do one or the other arbitrarily. In this episode of Writer Unleashed, we'll explore when to show and when to tell, and how to blend both showing and telling to their best-combined effect. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of yo...
2020-07-2217 minWriter Unleashed#5: Five Ways Out of a Writing FunkIf you’re like me, there comes that moment when you loathe what you’ve written.You read what poured out on the page in a meteor shower of inspiration. And then everything that felt glittering and brilliant just yesterday now feels trite. Flat. Messy. Implausible.We read our favorite books and think, Jeez, I’ll never write like that. My work’s no good. I’m no good.This is our inner spoiler talking. And it’s inherent in any act of creation.In today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, I’m going to g...
2020-07-1516 minWriter Unleashed#4: What's Your Story About?What’s your story about? In other words, what's your plot? What happens?If you’re anything like me, you trip over this question. You find it hard to sum up your story in an elevator pitch. That’s because it's the wrong question to ask. In today’s episode of Writer Unleashed, I’ll give you 3 questions to help you get clear on, not only what your story is about, but why your story matters.Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free...
2020-07-0814 minWriter Unleashed#3: Three Story Opening Techniques to Hook ReadersYou only have a matter of seconds to hook your reader into your story. Start too soon or too late, give away too much or too little, and your reader moves onto another book or hops on Netflix. So, how do you craft a story opening that pulls readers in and keeps them wanting more? In today's episode, we'll explore 3 story opening techniques that captivate. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your ide...
2020-07-0117 minWriter Unleashed#2: How to Keep Writing After Your Work's Been CriticizedHow do you keep writing after your work's been criticized? In today's podcast, I'm going to share 5 mindset shifts to help you not only survive harsh feedback, but come back writing stronger than ever. Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in just three simple steps. You’ll walk away with a one-sentence premise you can build your entire book on, and the clarity and confidence to keep going.Dow...
2020-06-2416 min