John Helps You Write Better

Don't worry, you're an artist. 21.03.2024 11:21 ↓

In today's episode, we need to talk about what makes you an artist.

Can we talk about your worldbuilding? 20.03.2024 10:57 ↓

In today's episode I bring up 3 things maybe you haven't considered when it comes to how you're building the world of your story.

A few words about show and tell and putting a movie in the reader's mind 19.03.2024 1:14:36 ↓

In today's Writers Chat, I want to talk to you about Chekov, a jerk named Lubbock, showing, telling, how you express your story in the reader's imagination.

We need to have a few words (and a tool) about theme 19.03.2024 12:31 ↓

In today's episode, I've got a tool for you to help get your themes organized and represented in your manuscript.

David Milch has a different way of thinking about characters. 18.03.2024 21:58 ↓

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how David Milch sees characters.

We're going to talk about talking. 13.03.2024 13:18 ↓

In today's episode, let's have a dialogue about your dialogue.

Would you like 6 writing exercises? 12.03.2024 2:09:22 ↓

Here's the audio from today's 2 HOUR workshop covering some basic writing exercises and tools for telling your story better.

How to describe things. 12.03.2024 11:18 ↓

In today's episode, I want to answer one of the most basic writing questions - How do you describe something to the reader?

It's important to change focus from time to time. 11.03.2024 9:00 ↓

In today's episode I want to talk to you about a shift in my thinking.

A chatless Writers Chat for 3.5 05.03.2024 1:06:14 ↓

In this week's pre-recorded Writers Chat, I'm answering questions about genres, tension, organizing your story, publishing decisions, marketing, sales figures, and bad mental health days.

Talking about questions and diving boards 05.03.2024 15:04 ↓

In today's episode, I want to you think about the questions you ask, and if you've ever been on a diving board.

When I get stuck, should I write something new? 04.03.2024 11:07 ↓

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the downsides and upsides of starting something new when you're not sure what to write.

Perfect is dull. 29.02.2024 18:27 ↓

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how dull things can be when they're perfect.

Think about your characters and your reader 28.02.2024 14:35 ↓

In today's episode (sorry it's out late), I want to talk to you about characters and readers.

A low-key chill Writers Chat for 2.27 27.02.2024 1:23:57 ↓

In this week's Writers Chat, I answer questions about being overwhelmed, finishing your work, some fundamental starting points, and immune systems.

One of the most dangerous things ever. 27.02.2024 9:29 ↓

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about some dangerous that we should all stop accepting as normal and good and right.

What's your age again? 26.02.2024 8:33 ↓

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the person on the other end of you book.

A story about someone in their own way 21.02.2024 19:41 ↓

Be your best self.

A comprehensive and varied Writers Chat for 2.20 20.02.2024 1:26:22 ↓

In this week's Writers Chat, I answer questions about: getting dropped by a publisher; what to do with Larry the wizard; naming gods; handling your back catalogue; skipping query letters, and why I do what I do.

Talking about bad habits. 20.02.2024 14:18 ↓

In today's episode I want to bring up some bad habits, what to do about them, and trying to put an eye on your own.

Here's why you should care 19.02.2024 12:56 ↓

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about a question a lot of writers ask themselves.

Who's in charge here? 15.02.2024 10:00 ↓

In today's episode, I want to tell you about spicy paninis. Or something.

A very heartfelt Writers Chat for 2.14. 14.02.2024 1:25:07 ↓

In this week's Writers Chat, I talk about why GoodReads and the "spicy" label are garbage; how to market your work; how to take writing more seriously; how to help other people take your writing more seriously; how to use a pen name; what makes YA a YA; and flesh swords.

BYOB - Be Your Own Boss 14.02.2024 15:11 ↓

In today's episode, I'd like to invite you to be your own boss and do your writing job.

You, your publisher, and marketing 13.02.2024 11:19 ↓

In today's episode, I want to answer that "what do you mean I have to do my own marketing?" question from social media.