Helping Writers Become Authors

What makes a character unforgettable? It's not just quirks or dialogue. It's personality. Your characters' personalities shape their arcs, influence their voices, drive their goals, and and connect plot and theme into a cohesive whole. In this episode, we'll explore why personality is the secret ingredient to compelling storytelling and how you can use it to create characters who resonate with rea...

Why All Stories Are Myth (and How They Transform the Psyche) What if every story you've ever loved—whether it's Spirited Away , The Lord of the Rings , or Pride & Prejudice —wasn't just entertainment or even "realistic" fiction, but myth in disguise? In this week's episode of the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast, we explore the mythic foundation of narrative and why all stories are myth at t...

Feeling bored at the movies? Learn what's happened to modern storytelling and what it will take to restore the magic and emotional impact.

Here's how writers can apply the five conflict management styles to create richer, more realistic character conflicts in your fiction.

Discover the 5 types of scene endings—Yes, No, No But, and No And—and why one of them might be weakening your story's momentum.

If writers don't consume stories with intention, who will? Here are 7 mindful habits to read more intentionally and get more from stories.

What makes a bad story? The answer may surprise you. Here's what really makes a story fail—and how to fix it.

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

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!

Discover the connection between archetypal arcs and Enneagram insights for transformative storytelling and character growth.

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

Unlock the intricacies of the Corruption Character Arc. Discover how fear, pride, and desire lead to a character's downfall.

Writing a fall arc involves capturing characters' heartbreaking journeys. Discover techniques for depicting their moral decline.

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

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

From magic to government, discover the 8 key pillars of worldbuilding that will make your fantasy world feel real.

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

Learn how to conquer self-doubt in writing and transform it into a driving force for growth and improvement.

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

Recover from creative burnout with these holistic strategies. Create space in your life to rebuild creativity and overcome writer's block.

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.

Discover the top 10 books of 2024. Dive into captivating fantasy novels and explore fascinating non-fiction works.

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