Master Fiction Writing

Letting your characters' words reveal their traits and emotions, instead of explaining them in the narrative, is an art - and one that many writers overlook. "Show, don't tell" is a fundamental principle in writing, especially when it comes to dialogue. It means allowing the reader to deduce character traits and emotions from what the characters say and do, rather than directly informing them thro...

In this scintillating episode of Master Fiction Writing , we're delving deep into the art of creating sexual tension that will leave your readers on the edge of their seats, yearning for more. Whether you're a budding writer looking to infuse passion into your storytelling or a dedicated fan eager to dissect your favorite romantic narratives, this episode promises to be an enlightening and seducti...

Today's episode is all about the spine-tingling magic that keeps readers flipping page after page — romantic tension. While sexual tension is a sizzling game of "will they or won't they get intimate?", romantic tension is a more profound, heart-pounding game of "will they or won't they end up together?" It's that underlying question, the heartbeat of every romance novel, and what makes readers inv...

In this episode, we're delving into the heart of what makes unconventional protagonists so captivating: their diversity. We'll explore how characters from different backgrounds, races, genders, and orientations have redefined heroism and left an indelible mark on literature. From classics to contemporary novels, we'll showcase characters who have shattered the mould and inspired readers around the...

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing," the podcast where we explore the art of storytelling from every angle. I'm your host, Stuart, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the enchanting world of symbolism in fiction. 📚 Join me as we unravel the mysteries behind symbols – those hidden keys that unlock layers of meaning within stories. As an Author Accelerator Certified...

Have you ever marveled at an actor's meticulous preparation for a role? The depth, the dedication, the transformation—it’s truly art in motion. Now, what if writers could harness that same dedication in their editing process? Join us as we unveil the second part of our deep dive into a revolutionary method of editing a novel—one that draws inspiration from the world of theatre. 🎭 Discover the 7-s...

Have you ever watched an actor prepare for a role? The meticulous detail, the character immersion, the rehearsal, feedback, and fine-tuning—it's a masterclass in creation and refinement. So, why can't writers adopt the same method? In this first part of two episodes, we're going to explore my new, innovative approach to editing a novel, one that draws inspiration from the world of theatre. You mig...

In June 2023, Sara Gentry from  Solutions for Writers invited me for an interview at KidLit Summer Camp. Despite not being a KidLit Book Coach myself, I agreed. After all, many writing techniques span many genres and categories, and that’s why I’m sharing this interview with you. During the conversation, Sara and I discussed how theatrical techniques can improve writing, especially for charac...

Ultimately, weaving the inner and outer narratives together requires a deep understanding of storytelling and character development. By crafting a compelling outer narrative and a layered inner narrative, writers can create stories that resonate with audiences on multiple levels and leave a lasting impact.   Let's take a closer look.

As humans, we have always been compelled to write stories, and it's through stories that we're able to express our most inner thoughts and feelings, as well as explore the unknown and create new, complex worlds. The reasons that we write stories are as varied and diverse as the stories themselves – some people write stories for entertainment, others to explore their own experiences, and some to br...

Last week, I got together with some writers and fellow book coaches, and we got on to the subject of likeable characters. I was particularly interested because I've recently encountered a character who isn't likeable, and it's pulling me out of their story. For years, writers have struggled with an age-old question: Do fictional characters need to be likeable? This question has spurred debate with...

We all know how important it is to create believable characters in the stories we tell. But creating characters isn't always easy. To make sure that your characters are as three-dimensional and interesting as possible, you need to have answers to a lot of questions about them. At least seventy, if not more. You might be feeling overwhelmed right now, but take a deep breath and don’t worry – this d...

I worked in the theatre from ages five to 32, and during that time I learned a lot. Like... a lot . In the main, I acted, but I also directed, designed and made costumes, worked backstage, and once designed a set that was completely made of sails. And I sewed those sails. Yes, me, and all on my own. So, working in the theatre, mainly as an actor, I had to learn how to inhabit a character, and I br...

It has been said that the best way to break someone's heart is to write a romantic tragedy, but crafting a story that is heartbreaking, yet beautiful, takes skill and finesse. Here are a few tips on how to write a romantic tragedy that will leave your readers in tears.

Writing a successful fictional narrative is the dream of many authors, but structuring the plot in a way that captivates readers can be a really daunting task because there are several approaches to organising a story. The three-act structure, four-act structure, and five-act structure are the most popular options. Each one offers unique advantages and disadvantages, but all three can be used to c...

I still feel bad about missing horror from my last article's list of literary genres. Because of that, I'm making it the first in line for my closer looks at each literary genre. (So don't come at me, okay?) Many of us have grown up with a love for the horror genre, whether it's through movies, television, or books. Horror has the ability to captivate our imaginations and transport us to a world f...

Welcome to the wonders of genre and how to ensure you’re well versed in the those available to you. Tapping into genre is a powerful force, satisfying readers because they know what they're getting.   Join me as we take a closer look at the main genres available to you as you plan to write.   Genre allows us to organise and classify all sorts of entertainment, everything from books to mo...

You’re making this world, you’ve got characters you’re in love with, and you’re writing your novel... then you get to that point where you become self-critical. “I’m not good enough,” you say. “Somebody's probably already told this story better than me. I’m going to get rejected, I’m going to get terrible reviews, and I’m going to get terrible sales.” So what can you do to help yourself through th...

  In this episode, I'll cover the crucial steps you need to know before you start writing a novel. Check out the accompanying blog post !

Okay, so don't let the title put you off. Morphological Analysis is neither as close to being as scary as it sounds nor as complicated to execute. What it can do is help you make interesting new connections between seemingly unrelated things. Those kinds of connections can result in stories no one saw coming. (I'm looking at you, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies .) Many moons ago, when I worked at...

Did you dilly-dally during 2022 and not get your book planned or started or finished? Will you dilly-dally during 2023 and not get your book planned or started or finished? Not on my watch! If you're going to make 2023 the bee's knees, then don't wait for the new year. Pencil in some 'me-time' this month to give yourself the upper hand. If you launch into 2023 with a burst of energy, you'll be lig...