John Helps You Write Better

Setting Goals vs Settling 28.11.2023 12:59 ↓

In today's episode I need to talk to you about goal setting and your effort in reaching those goals.

Don't handwave your big payoff away 27.11.2023 12:07 ↓

In today's episode, I want to talk about the garbage that is a third-act handwave. Thanks to Doctor Who for trashing its ending so I had something to talk about.

A music-less Chat for 11.21 21.11.2023 1:13:41 ↓

Due to a weird technical thing I haven't fixed yet, there's no music bed with this week's Chat, which is weird, I know. I'll fix it. But for now, today, let's talk about amateurs, professionals, cursing, NaNo, failure, expectations, and forewords.

Don't overthink your reviews. 21.11.2023 10:54 ↓

Give yourself 5 stars.

How Andor Can Help You Write Better 21.11.2023 1:06:30 ↓

I love Andor. I think it's time we talk about how it can help you write better.

A word about growth and evolution 20.11.2023 10:48 ↓

I tried watching some TV, then this podcast happened

Let's talk about superfans, part 2 16.11.2023 15:24 ↓

Today I wrap up the 2-parter on superfans.

Let's talk about superfans, part 1 15.11.2023 13:42 ↓

Do you know what a superfan is?

The Writers Chat of 11/14, the one you've been waiting for 14.11.2023 1:41:06 ↓

And in today's Chat, I talk a lot about: believing yourself, the difference between a pimp and a gatekeeper, knowing when you're done, and why you should eat all your burger and fries.

How's your safety net looking? 14.11.2023 14:29 ↓

This one time I went to the circus and years later I do this for a living.

Have you looked at your expectations lately? 13.11.2023 15:36 ↓

Today seems like a fine day to check in with your expectations.

How do you spend your time? 09.11.2023 9:29 ↓

Have you ever looked at your schedule?

Sometimes it's okay to do different 08.11.2023 8:51 ↓

In today's episode, I have some thoughts about shaking up how you approach what you're doing.

A fun-filled Writers Chat for 11.7 07.11.2023 1:24:53 ↓

In this week's thrilling Writers Chat, I talk about: NaNoWriMo, publishing costs, breaking down stories, editing, and writer nostalgia.

A story about some puppets 07.11.2023 10:08 ↓

Let me tell you about the time I was interested in some puppets.

The problem with puzzling vs plotting vs pantsing 06.11.2023 18:18 ↓

In today's episode I have a few things to say about all the different divides we have about how to write a story. This one goes to some places. Strap in.

Answering a question about character movement 02.11.2023 12:28 ↓

Here today for you I have a question that didn't make this week's Chat - how do you handle characters moving so frequently from place to place? (Hint: it's not as complicated as some people make it)

How does your writer garden grow? 01.11.2023 11:49 ↓

In today's episode I have a few things to say about how we get better as writers.

A particularly vulnerable but not necessarily spooky Writers Chat for 10.31 31.10.2023 1:37:15 ↓

In this week's Chat, I talk about publishing via blogpost, trusting yourself creatively, writing while depressed, how much of an asshole I used to be, and a few horror movies to help you write better

Impressionism vs realism in writing styles 31.10.2023 11:00 ↓

Hey, can we talk about how you describe stuff?

Listen to this if you're worried that you're taking too long or you're not good enough as a writer 26.10.2023 1:41:42 ↓

NOTE: this one is a little on the long side (1 hr, 40ish minutes), but I think this is going to help you if you're the sort of writer who has plenty of reasons to tell the world why you're having trouble why you're not good enough. Here's how to get better.

A very believe-in-yourself installment of the Writers Chat for 10.24 24.10.2023 1:27:18 ↓

In today's episode I talk a lot about what it means to be good enough, why I don't want to be an agent, how to market things, why no one should care about speed, and whether or not there's a muse. This is a good episode. You'll like it.

What's your relationship with time like? 24.10.2023 18:11 ↓

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about time. This episode is particularly good for people who often think they're not writing fast enough or doing enough or that they need to be doing more in less time in order to be "good enough."

Listen to this episode when you feel like you're out of options. 23.10.2023 20:31 ↓

In today's episode, I talk about resistance, fear, and how you're good enough to do more than exhaust yourself.

BONUS CHAT QUESTION - What's the action economy look like? 19.10.2023 10:48 ↓

In today's episode I talk about the action economy and how it's just not for big climaxes.