Master Fiction Writing

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of identifying your ideal reader in the writing process, how understanding your audience can enhance the emotional connection of your story - and making it more impactful. By focusing on a specific reader rather than trying to please everyone, writers can create stories that resonate deeply and fulfil the needs of their au...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the critical step of choosing a genre in the story development process. We'll explain the importance of genre in guiding creative choices, setting reader expectations, and categorising stories effectively. We'll also cover major genres and their subgenres, the nuances of literary versus commercial fiction, and addresses common...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the significance of choosing a working title in the story development process. A working title helps writers transition from vague ideas to a more concrete narrative, and the episode also includes practical exercises for generating strong titles that resonate with the story.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing , we explore Step 4 of the Story Development process: writing your book’s jacket copy before the book is even written. It might sound backwards, but crafting jacket copy early can sharpen your story’s focus, clarify the promise you’re making to readers, and help you stay on track as you write. We’ll break down what makes jacket copy work (and what doesn’t)...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing , we explore Step 3 of the Story Development process: What’s the Plot? Forget sprawling outlines or complex twists. This stage is all about simplicity. You’ll learn how to write a short, clear, and purposeful summary of your story in just 50 words or less. Think of it as your story’s spine: the who, the what, and the why all tied back to your point. Discov...

If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through a novel draft wondering what it’s really about, this episode is for you. In the second instalment of my Story Development series, I explore Step 2 of the Blueprint for a Book: What’s Your Point? This is where your story starts to take shape around something deeper - a belief, a truth, an argument you’re making about the world. You’ll learn why every st...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll introduce the importance of understanding the 'why' behind writing a book. Before delving into plot or character, writers must explore their personal connection to the story. This foundational step is crucial for creating meaningful narratives that resonate with readers. I'll encourage you to reflect on your motivations and the emotio...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I discuss the often daunting process of revising a manuscript. I outline a five-step approach to help writers manage revision overwhelm, emphasising the importance of starting with a high-level read, creating a prioritised revision plan, setting manageable goals, seeking constructive feedback, and celebrating progress. And a message from Alexandra Vasaila...

You’re a few chapters in. The world is taking shape. Your characters are alive. And then... nothing. You’re stuck. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing , we tackle one of the most common (and demoralising) parts of the writing process: what to do when your novel grinds to a halt. Whether the problem is craft, mindset, or something in between, I share my hard-won insights to help you move forw...

Welcome to Master Fiction Writing! In this conversation, Alexandra Vassilaros shares her journey as a writer and workshop founder, emphasising the transformative power of writing workshops, particularly in the context of grief and loss. She discusses her Make Meaning Workshop, which helps participants explore their emotions and experiences through writing. We delve into the importance of vulnerabi...

Ugh - the blank page. Daunting at times, so I'll discuss the challenges and processes of writing fiction and memoirs, emphasising the importance of starting with curiosity rather than perfection, nurturing your protagonist, building the emotional core of your story, and finding a writing process that works for you. I encourage you to embrace the messiness of the beginning, to write without fea...

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Susan Sloate - novelist, playwright, and former Hollywood story analyst - for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, hilarious, and packed with practical wisdom for writers. Susan shares what she’s learned from writing over 25 books (including one in just three days!), working in the film industry during a writer’s strike, and attending Robert McK...

Not everyone will love your writing and that’s exactly how it should be. In this uplifting episode, I'll explore why trying to please everyone is the fastest way to water down your voice and how defining your ideal reader can transform your writing process. Learn how to shift from writing for the masses to writing with clarity, confidence, and connection. Your story isn’t for everyone. It’s fo...

How do you write a frozen corpse in a heated pool and make it believable? What’s the etiquette when cold-calling a forensic entomologist? And how do you stop your own research from hijacking the plot? In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling mystery author Lee Clark , whose Matthew Paine Mysteries spans spans seven intricately researched novels. We dive into the weird, wonderful, and sometimes d...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll explore the concept of book coaching, address common misconceptions and highlight its benefits for writers at various stages of their journey. I'll discuss the role of a book coach, who can provide strategic support rather than just editing or ghostwriting. I'll also emphasise the importance of finding the right coach and offer insights i...

In this episode, I talk to novelist Noël Stark about her journey from working in film and TV to crafting her first romance novel, 'Love, Camera, Action'. We discuss the unique challenges of novel writing, the importance of character development, and the emotional landscapes that drive romance narratives. And Noël shares insights on the writing process, the significance of chapter endings,...

In this episode, I'll look at the importance of precision in fiction writing, providing practical tips on tightening scenes, enhancing emotional depth, and avoiding unnecessary repetition. I'll cover techniques such as entering late and leaving early, replacing vague summaries with specific details, and using dialogue intentionally to reveal character dynamics.

In this episode, Shara Moon discusses her new book 'Let Us March On', which tells the story of Lizzie McDuffie, an influential yet often overlooked figure in American history. Shara shares her journey of researching and writing the book, the challenges of balancing fact and fiction, and the importance of telling Lizzie's story in today's context. The discussion also touches on themes of activism,...

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Dumbify founder David Carson , where we dive into the power of so-called “dumb” ideas—and why they might just be the secret to creative brilliance. We’ll explore how absurdity, humour, and playfulness can fuel innovation in storytelling, the mental models that help spot good dumb ideas, and how embracing the unconventional can lead to surprising breakthr...

In this conversation, filmmaker Christian Schu shares his journey from the insurance industry to becoming a self-taught filmmaker. He discusses the importance of embracing one's creative identity, the leap of faith required to pursue storytelling in any form, and the significance of storytelling in commercial projects. Christian emphasises understanding the target audience and crafting narratives...

In this episode, we'll discuss the common struggles writers face when nearing the completion of their first draft. We'll address the pressures of perfectionism, fear of judgment, and loss of momentum, providing insights and strategies to help writers overcome these challenges, emphasising the importance of finishing a draft, the value of feedback, and the need to reconnect with the joy of...

In this episode, we'll discusses the importance of self-kindness and the reasons why one might choose not to write a book in the current year. We'll emphasise the need to assess personal circumstances, motivations, and life priorities before committing to such a significant endeavour. By allowing oneself the grace to pause, writers can reduce stress, reflect on their ideas, and ultimately approach...

In this episode, I explore the challenges of "shiny object syndrome", particularly in the context of creative projects. I share my personal experience of being drawn to a new play commission while nearing completion of my novella. I'll delve into the psychological aspects of creativity, the allure of new projects, and practical strategies to maintain focus and commitment to ongoing work, emphasisi...

It was great to be interviewed by Sara Gentry about creating characters! We delve into the significance of character backstory in storytelling, distinguishing between world backstory and character backstory - and emphasising the importance of understanding a character's history to make them relatable and believable. We talk about how backstory influences character decisions, the necessity of manag...

In this conversation, Jennie Nash and I delve into the intricacies of fiction writing, focusing on the Blueprint for a Book and the limitations of traditional beat sheets. We discuss the importance of understanding a writer's intent, the emotional connection with readers, and the role of creativity within constraints. Jennie shares her insights on the Inside Outline, a tool designed to help writer...