You’re a few chapters in. The world is taking shape. Your characters are alive. And then... nothing. You’re stuck.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we tackle one of the most common (and demoralising) parts of the writing process: what to do when your novel grinds to a halt.

Whether the problem is craft, mindset, or something in between, I share my hard-won insights to help you move forward with confidence. Expect practical guidance, emotional support, and the reminder that being stuck doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong - it means you care enough to get it right.

Find out more about my services here: https://www.thebookcoach.co/

Welcome to Master Fiction Writing!

In this conversation, Alexandra Vassilaros shares her journey as a writer and workshop founder, emphasising the transformative power of writing workshops, particularly in the context of grief and loss.

She discusses her Make Meaning Workshop, which helps participants explore their emotions and experiences through writing.

We delve into the importance of vulnerability, self-expression, and the challenges of self-censorship in writing.

Alexandra also offers insights into character development and the significance of diverse perspectives in storytelling, ultimately encouraging writers to embrace their authentic voices and tell their truths on paper.

Find more about the Make Meaning Workshop here.

Find out more about my book coaching services here.

Ugh - the blank page. Daunting at times, so I'll discuss the challenges and processes of writing fiction and memoirs, emphasising the importance of starting with curiosity rather than perfection, nurturing your protagonist, building the emotional core of your story, and finding a writing process that works for you.

I encourage you to embrace the messiness of the beginning, to write without fear, and to enjoy the journey of storytelling.

If you'd like help getting your story started, check out my website and the Story Development service.

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Susan Sloate - novelist, playwright, and former Hollywood story analyst - for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, hilarious, and packed with practical wisdom for writers.

Susan shares what she’s learned from writing over 25 books (including one in just three days!), working in the film industry during a writer’s strike, and attending Robert McKee’s legendary story seminars where she once helped shape the early idea for Groundhog Day.

We talk about:

• How she handles the dreaded middle of a story

• What to do when you don’t know your subject (spoiler: she once made a calf respond to Beatles songs)

• How her latest book, Scenes from a Song, taps into the emotional power of music

• And why she believes stories should leave readers with hope, not despair

Whether you’re a planner, a pantser, or somewhere in between, Susan’s insights will remind you that the best stories often come from trusting your gut and not being afraid to try the outrageous.

https://susansloate.com/

Not everyone will love your writing and that’s exactly how it should be. In this uplifting episode, I'll explore why trying to please everyone is the fastest way to water down your voice and how defining your ideal reader can transform your writing process. Learn how to shift from writing for the masses to writing with clarity, confidence, and connection. Your story isn’t for everyone. It’s for someone - and that someone is waiting.

Ready to get clear on who you’re writing for? Visit me at www.thebookcoach.co

How do you write a frozen corpse in a heated pool and make it believable? What’s the etiquette when cold-calling a forensic entomologist? And how do you stop your own research from hijacking the plot?

In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling mystery author Lee Clark, whose Matthew Paine Mysteries spans spans seven intricately researched novels. We dive into the weird, wonderful, and sometimes disturbing world of crime fiction research from poisons and human trafficking to cold cases and black diamonds.

Lee shares how she turns real-world expertise into gripping plot points, why she’s never afraid to approach a subject matter expert, and what she does when her characters (or her rabbit holes) take the story in unexpected directions. We also talk about writing emotional truth, editing with a scalpel, and the fine line between curiosity and chaos.

Whether you’re writing thrillers, historical fiction, or anything that requires digging into the dark corners of human behaviour, this episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and slightly worried about our search histories.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll explore the concept of book coaching, address common misconceptions and highlight its benefits for writers at various stages of their journey. I'll discuss the role of a book coach, who can provide strategic support rather than just editing or ghostwriting. I'll also emphasise the importance of finding the right coach and offer insights into what to expect from the coaching process, ultimately encouraging writers to seek help when needed.

Website: https://www.thebookcoach.co/

Book Coach Directory: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchme

In this episode, I talk to novelist Noël Stark about her journey from working in film and TV to crafting her first romance novel, 'Love, Camera, Action'.

We discuss the unique challenges of novel writing, the importance of character development, and the emotional landscapes that drive romance narratives.

And Noël shares insights on the writing process, the significance of chapter endings, and the evolving themes in romance literature, particularly the necessity of self-discovery before falling in love.

In this episode, I'll look at the importance of precision in fiction writing, providing practical tips on tightening scenes, enhancing emotional depth, and avoiding unnecessary repetition. I'll cover techniques such as entering late and leaving early, replacing vague summaries with specific details, and using dialogue intentionally to reveal character dynamics.

In this episode, Shara Moon discusses her new book 'Let Us March On', which tells the story of Lizzie McDuffie, an influential yet often overlooked figure in American history. Shara shares her journey of researching and writing the book, the challenges of balancing fact and fiction, and the importance of telling Lizzie's story in today's context. The discussion also touches on themes of activism, the role of women in history, and the significance of addressing difficult topics such as racial injustice. In this conversation, Shara Moon discusses the political shifts within the Black community during FDR's presidency, the challenges of writing historical fiction, and the importance of balancing fact with creative storytelling. She shares insights on the editing process, the transition from memoir to historical fiction, and her personal connection to Lizzie herself.