Story First Podcast

Charles Johnson on "Digging Deep" into Your Craft

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What does it actually take to master your craft?

In this conversation, Charles Johnson breaks down the reality of becoming a writer—not as inspiration, but as discipline, iteration, and years of deep work.

From writing six unpublished “apprentice novels” to throwing away thousands of pages in pursuit of something better, Johnson shares what it really means to commit to the process. This isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about developing taste, refining your voice, and learning how to solve creative problems over time.

He explores:

  • Why most writers quit too early—and what it actually takes to get good
  • The role of revision, and why great work often means throwing most of it away
  • How “voice” isn’t something you choose—it’s something you earn through experience
  • Why storytelling is ultimately about logic, structure, and cause-and-effect
  • The importance of character, emotional honesty, and putting your work to the test

    • At its core, this episode is about going deeper—into your ideas, your process, and yourself.

    Because the work isn’t just about finishing something.

    It’s about becoming someone capable of creating it.

    So the question is:

    Are you willing to do the work it takes to get there?

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    Story First PodcastBy Story First Studio