I’ve finally finished the 3rd novel in my action thriller series. In this episode, I’ll explain the challenges that slowed me down and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. The good news?

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Your villains need just as much care and attention as your heroes. After all, audiences love a well-crafted bad guy. In this episode, Craig Rainey breaks down what makes the perfect villain, sharing his thoughts on the traits, motivations, and complexities that make a great antagonist truly memorable. From flawed humanity to the dark charisma that draws readers in, Craig explores the essential elements that create a villain audiences love to hate—and why they’re so crucial to any story.

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Balancing a writing career with the demands of everyday life is no easy feat. In this episode, Craig Rainey shares his strategies for staying productive as a writer while juggling the responsibilities of work and life. From time management tips to maintaining creativity under pressure, Craig offers practical advice on how to keep your writing career moving forward without burning out.

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Dialogue is one of the most challenging aspects of writing—it’s essential to get it right. In this episode, Craig Rainey reveals his methods for crafting riveting dialogue that pulls readers in and keeps them engaged. From capturing authentic voices to creating tension and pacing, Craig shares the techniques he uses to make conversations feel real and impactful in his stories.

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Craig Rainey shares essential tips for becoming a better writer, proving that you don’t need to be an English teacher to understand the rules of the writing craft. In this episode, he offers straightforward advice on mastering the basics, from structure and style to finding your voice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, these practical tips will help you navigate the writing road with confidence.

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Craig Rainey dives into the world of colorful supporting characters and why they’re so essential to any story. In this episode, he explores the importance of these 'backing' characters, how they can add depth and richness to your plot, and what makes them truly memorable. From the creative process of developing them to their role in enhancing the main narrative, Craig shares his approach to crafting side characters that leave a lasting impression.

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Converting Stolen Valor into a screenplay was a learning experience for Craig Rainey, highlighting the subtle—and not so subtle—differences between writing a novel and writing for the screen. In this episode, Craig shares the challenges he faced, the key distinctions between the two formats, and the techniques he used to adapt his story for film. Whether you're a novelist looking to venture into screenwriting or simply curious about the process, Craig’s insights offer valuable lessons on storytelling across mediums.

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Craig Rainey delves into his writing process for the Carson Brand series, sharing how the storylines come together and what inspires his action-packed novels. However, even seasoned authors face challenges—Craig opens up about the 'plot block' he’s encountering with the third book in the series. In this episode, he discusses how he’s working through it and what it’s like to hit creative roadblocks, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of writing a long-running series.

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After pouring his efforts into the wrong marketing strategies, Craig Rainey had to hit the reset button and start from scratch with his publishing marketing. In this episode, he shares the lessons learned from those missteps and the journey of rebuilding his approach. Tune in to hear about the challenges, frustrations, and ultimate breakthroughs Craig experienced while finding the right path for marketing his books.

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Craig Rainey shares his thoughts on the popular Paramount TV series Yellowstone. While he acknowledges the show's potential and compelling premise, he believes it falls short due to focus group-driven writing. In this episode, Craig discusses what worked, what didn’t, and how creative decisions can be hampered when storytelling caters too much to audience feedback. Tune in for a fresh perspective on Yellowstone and the impact of focus group influence on storytelling.

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