Inside Creative Writing

Want to write science fiction that captivates readers? Gareth L. Powell reveals his secrets to crafting immersive worlds, engaging characters, and compelling plots in this must-listen episode.

Can meditation really make you a better writer? The answer is a resounding yes. Meditation for writers isn’t about clearing your mind—it’s about training it to stay focused, beat procrastination, and unleash your creativity. Let’s break it down.

Where do story ideas come from? It's one of the most common questions writers face, and in this episode, we break down practical ways to spark inspiration and transform raw ideas into compelling stories.

Every story is an argument, and the best fiction persuades readers to see the world in a new way. Discover how rhetorical devices like repetition and polysyndeton can make your writing unforgettable.

Should your story be a novel or screenplay? The format you choose shapes how your story unfolds. In this episode, we break down the key differences so you can pick the best medium before investing months of writing time.

Writing a novel isn’t just about getting words on the page—it’s about shaping, refining, and polishing until it reads exactly as it was meant to. Let's explore how to revise a novel and know when it’s truly finished.

What makes minimalist writing so powerful? It’s about precision—stripping away excess to create prose that pulls readers in. Learn four key techniques to refine your writing.

Is there a perfect place to write a book? Many writers think so—but waiting for ideal conditions can hold you back. Learn how to write anywhere and stay productive.

Where Is the Best Place to Write a Book? The Truth Revealed Many writers believe they need a quiet, perfectly set-up space to write their book. But this idea can actually hold writers back. In this episode of Inside Creative Writing, Brad Reed challenges the myth of the perfect writing place and explains why successful writers learn to work anywhere. Why Writers Struggle with Finding the Perfect W...

What makes figurative language so powerful? It forces readers to participate in meaning-making rather than passively absorbing words. Learn how to craft metaphors that make your writing more immersive, and see how figurative language makes writing better.

Struggling with plotting your novel? The 'Somebody Wanted But So' technique breaks down storytelling into a simple, powerful framework that ensures strong character motivations and engaging conflict. Learn how to use it to craft compelling stories.

An inciting incident is the moment that changes everything, forcing your protagonist into action and setting the story in motion. Without it, there’s no compelling narrative.

Writing dialogue can be one of the most challenging aspects of fiction. We’re told to make it sound natural, yet real-life conversations are often filled with filler, pauses, and repetition. How do you create dialogue that feels authentic but keeps the story moving? How do you make sure every line serves a purpose without feeling contrived?

Adverbs have a bad reputation in the writing world. You've probably heard the advice: "Cut all adverbs!" Stephen King even went as far as to say, "The road to hell is paved with adverbs." But are adverbs bad? Do adverbs always weaken your writing, or can they sometimes enhance it?

Struggling to organize your novel? Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of the story you want to tell? Randy Ingermanson, theoretical physicist turned bestselling author, has cracked the code on how to plan a book with his Snowflake Method—a step-by-step approach that transforms chaotic ideas into a solid, compelling novel.

Why do some stories feel electric—like they’re waking us up to the world in a way we’ve never experienced before—while others fade into the background? The secret often lies in defamiliarization.

Have you ever had a moment—a fleeting, ordinary moment—that just stuck with you? Maybe it was the way sunlight hit the sidewalk, a stranger’s laugh in a quiet café, or a line of conversation overheard in passing. You’re not sure why, but something about it feels important, like it’s an inspiration for writing.

Not every storyteller can be trusted. In this episode, we explore the unreliable narrator—what they are, how they shape storytelling, and how you can craft one that keeps readers questioning everything. Listen now and learn how to turn narrative deception into a powerful tool.

Want to know how to write great fiction? In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author Alan Heathcock to break down the 27 tenets of fiction writing, the power of immersive settings, and why writing is more about discovery than perfection.

Want to write immersive scenes that pull readers in? This episode explores how film techniques like mise-en-scène can transform your writing, making every word work harder to enhance theme, mood, and character development.

Struggling with grammar mistakes in your writing? This episode breaks down essential grammar tips for writers and shows how grammar can actually be fun!

Struggling to spark creativity in your writing? Explore two powerful techniques—reversals and random metaphors—that will help you develop unique characters, settings, and plots.

Struggling with how to make your characters feel real? Learn how to create vivid, believable characters that come alive for readers. Discover key techniques for maintaining verisimilitude and avoiding common pitfalls that break the illusion of reality in fiction.

Struggling to engage readers and draw them into your story? This episode of Inside Creative Writing explores powerful techniques that make readers feel like active participants in your fiction. Listen now to transform your storytelling.

Should your novel start with a prologue? In this episode, we explore when a prologue strengthens your story and when it's better to dive right into the action. Listen in to learn how to decide if your book truly needs one.