Are your characters starting to sound a lot like you, but with different masks? Here's how to use Meisner Acting Techniques —emotional prep, moment-to-moment, and strong objectives — to write characters that feel real and unique!

In this episode, KJ dives into...

🧠 Actors' methods to avoid flat characters using character development principles derived from acting techniques

📚 Why only relevant backstory is needed to influence character behaviour

📉 How getting specific is the most effective way to create rich, complex characters

💡 How to write moment-to-moment, whether you're a pantser or a plotter!

✅ PLUS: Why having empathy for your enemies actually makes you a stronger writer

🎧 How do you make your characters feel real—do you rely on backstory, moment-to-moment choices, or something else? (Let us know in the comments)👇

❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot

_____________________________________________________________

🎙️Audiobook Narration/Social Media for Authors👇

www.pen2plot.com

✨F O L L O W U S✨

🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast

🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod

🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast

💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart

🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible

🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com

✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pen2plot.podcast?lang=en

✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨

K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.

Business inquiries: [email protected]

#Pen2Plot #characterbuilding #characterdevelopment #writingtechnique #writingchallenge #characteranalysis

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

0:43 - In Today's Episode

5:49 - Audiobook Narration By Pen2Plot

6:38 - Define a Clear Objective

10:11 - Allow Relationship Influence

11:38 - Reactions Guide Dialogue

15:09 - Why Empathy for Our Enemies Improves Our Writing

16:51 - Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎉 Think you’re too old (or too late) to start writing? You’re not alone, but 2025 might just be the perfect year to begin your creative journey.

In this episode, K.J. and Chelsey chat all about:

✍️ Why now is the best time in history to become a writer and bypass the gatekeepers!

📱 How new tools and platforms have evolved to put more power than ever in creatives' hands.

💭 Reflecting on our personal mental roadblocks around age, timing, and self-doubt

💌 PLUS: We have a special announcement for writers of any age who are ready to kickstart their creative writing journey this year ⭐Stay tuned until the end!

👇 What’s held you back from starting your creative journey? Let us know in the comments

❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot

_____________________________________________________________

✍️Check Out Pen2Plot's Novel Lab 👉 https://www.pen2plot.com/p2pcourses/pen2plot-novel-lab

✨F O L L O W U S✨

🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast

🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod

🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast

💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart

🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible

⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com

✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/

✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨

K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.

Business inquiries: [email protected]

#Pen2Plot #CreativeMindset #StorytellerLife #StopDreamingStartDoing #WriterMotivation #creativejourney

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🤖 Tempted to use AI in your story development? Plenty of writers are wondering about its current uses and if there is any ethical way to integrate it into our writing journey...or is it better to just boycott the tech altogether?

In this episode, KJ dives into...

🧠 The ethics of using AI in the creative process. Even if it's just to outline, brainstorm, or edit.

📚 Why this topic is so divisive in the creative world, and what the Pen2Plot community has to say.

📉 The uncomfortable questions: Does AI steal intellectual property? Or does it level the playing field?

💡 Where she draws the line, what tools she does use, and why human creativity matters more than ever!

✅ PLUS: If you're looking for ways to speed up your writing process without touching AI, stay until the end for some low-tech hacks that boost creativity and help avoid controversy.

🎧 Does it matter how a story was made if it is objectively good? Where do you draw the line? (Let us know in the comments)👇

❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot

_____________________________________________________________

✍️(For New Subscribers) Click Below for Pen2Plot's 9-Step Writing Productivity Workbook: https://pen2plot.substack.com/

✨F O L L O W U S✨

🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast

🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod

🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast

💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart

🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible

⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com

✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/

✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨

K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.

Business inquiries: [email protected]

#Pen2Plot #CreativeMindset #StorytellerLife #StopDreamingStartDoing #WriterMotivation #CreativeJourney

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

😥 Haven’t written in a while? Feeling like a "fake" writer? Trust me, you’re not alone! Life can throw off our creative flow, and getting back into writing can feel like a major challenge.

In this episode, we dive into:

✍️ What makes someone a "REAL" writer

😵‍💫 Overcoming imposter syndrome after a long writing break

✨How to reignite your inspiration and get back into your creative flow

✅ PLUS: Sharknado, Cocaine Bear, Twilight fandoms, and community stories to inspire AND make you laugh!

😆 What’s a “B-rated” book or movie that actually inspires you? Drop your faves in the comments below! 👇

❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot

_____________________________________________________________

⚔️Click below for our exclusive interview with sci-fi fantasy author Kevin Weir: https://youtu.be/iq0G_L6E18M

✨F O L L O W U S✨

🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast

🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod

🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast

💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart

🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible

🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com

✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pen2plot.podcast

✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨

K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.

Business inquiries: [email protected]

#Pen2Plot #CreativeMindset #StorytellerLife #StopDreamingStartDoing #WriterMotivation #CreativeJourney #impostersyndrome

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💭✨ "What’s your Plan B when the dream doesn’t work out?" If you’re tired of being asked that question, you’re not alone. Good news: there is a smarter way to build a backup plan—one that doesn’t toss your creative goals in the trash.

In this episode, KJ shares…

🧠 Why choosing to invest huge amounts of time in a "safer" path can sabotage our creative momentum.

📅 How reframing "Plan B" as a strategic contingency plan for our creative goals can keep us focused as well as financially stable.

📉 Why a day job isn’t a cushion—it’s an illusion of safety that can keep storytellers stuck.

✅ PLUS: Actionable mindset shifts to help you reclaim your focus, commit to the creative life you actually want, and use your muggle work as fuel, not a fallback.

🎧 Which mindset shift resonated most with you? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot

_____________________________________________________________

⚔️Click below for our exclusive interview with sci-fi fantasy author Kevin Weir: https://youtu.be/iq0G_L6E18M

✨F O L L O W U S✨

🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast

🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod

🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast

💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart

🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible

⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com

✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/

✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨

K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.

Business inquiries: [email protected]

#Pen2Plot #CreativeMindset #StorytellerLife #StopDreamingStartDoing #WriterMotivation #CreativeJourney #planb

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💭✨ Giving up on the dream of being a storyteller? It might just be the best thing you can do for your creative life.

In this episode, KJ shares…

🧠 Why letting go of the fantasy of our creative dreams can actually bring more clarity, focus, and creative joy.

📅 How shifting from dreaming to planning has changed everything—from writing a novel and growing Pen2Plot to building a sustainable creative business.

📉 Why failure isn’t the end—it’s data, not defeat. KJ shares raw, honest personal reflections on rejection, burnout, and bouncing back.

💡 Actionable mindset shifts to help you stop waiting for permission and start building the creative life you want—right now.

✅ PLUS: KJ reveals the five core mindset pillars that helped transform storytelling from a distant goal into a grounded, purpose-filled plan.

🎧 Let us know which mindset shift resonated most with you in the comments! 👇

🩷CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com

_____________________________________________________________

⚔️Click below for our exclusive interview with sci-fi fantasy author Kevin Weir: https://youtu.be/iq0G_L6E18M

✨F O L L O W U S✨

🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast

🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod

🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast

💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart

🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible

⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/

✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨

K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.

Business inquiries: [email protected]

#Pen2Plot #CreativeMindset #StorytellerLife #StopDreamingStartDoing #WriterMotivation #CreativeJourney

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍾🙌 Our first-ever guest episode! We’re joined by award-winning author and director Kevin Weir for a deep dive into his dark sci-fi fantasy adventures.

In this episode, we're sharing…

🎙️ Our first-ever podcast guest is the award-winning, genre-blending author and director Kevin Weir! Kevin joins us for an epic creative deep dive to chat all about his work in dark sci-fi fantasy.

📚 How Kevin decides which medium (film, print, or books) best fits his stories, the power of world-building, and why he loves genre-blending.

✨ How reader feedback influences his work, plus his most memorable fan interactions from book signings and conventions.

✅ PLUS: Kevin shares his thoughts on self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, the signature elements of a “Kevin Weir story,” and teases what’s next for All Gods Fall.

Which of Kevin’s sci-fi fantasy adventures are you adding to your TBR? Let us know in the comments! 👇

🩷CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com

_____________________________________________________________

✨K E V I N S B O O K S ✨

🖤Ink for Blood: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ink-for-blood-kevin-weir/1141873188

🔫Endless Hunger: https://www.amazon.com/Endless-Hunger-Kevin-Weir-ebook/dp/B07CYH116H/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530559660&sr=8-1&keywords=endless+hunger

🪽All Gods Fall Season 1: Storms: https://www.amazon.com/All-Gods-Fall-Season-One/dp/1777327415

👻Hauntings and Hoar Frost: https://www.rhondaparrish.com/home/publications/anthologies/hauntings-and-hoarfrost/

✨F O L L O W K E V I N✨

💗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinweirauthor/

✍️Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kevinweirauthor

🦋Bluesky: https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/kevinweir.bsky.social

🗨️Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/StrawdogG2

🌐Website: www.kevinweirbooks.com

✨F O L L O W U S✨

🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast

🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod

🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast

💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart

🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible

⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/

✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨

K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.

Business inquiries: [email protected]

#writingcommunity #booktube #scififantasy #authortube #kevinweir #whenworldscollide #authorinterview

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🌿 Dreaming of a full-time creative life but feeling out of reach? What if building your dream career as a writer was more possible than you think?

In this episode, we're sharing…

🎙️ Big news: Pen2Plot is expanding into Pen2Plot Productions — a media company offering audiobook services, book marketing, and social media management for authors

📚 Podcast updates: We're back on a regular schedule this March!

✨ Guest reveal: Our first-ever podcast guest — a genre-blending sci-fi/fantasy author — joins us soon!

✅ PLUS: How we're creating resources to support and encourage you on your writing journey — because your stories deserve to be told.

What’s your biggest creative dream? Let us know in the comments! 🌟👇

🩷SUPPORT THE PEN2PLOT PODCAST: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

_____________________________________________________________

✨F O L L O W U S✨

🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast

🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod

🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast

💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart

🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible

⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/

✨R E S O U R C E S ✨

Pen2Plot Productions: bit.ly/pen2plot_productions

✨ A B O U T ✨

K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.

Business inquiries: [email protected]

#writingcommunity #booktube #goalsetting #authortube #audiobooknarration #booklover #dreambig #motivation #inspiration

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

😩 Ever felt like your writing goals were too big to achieve? What if the process of failing forward could transform your approach to success?

In this episode, we’re diving into...

✍️ The lessons learned from a failed writing challenge (and how it changed how I approach goal-setting forever)

🚀 Why aiming for high word count might not always be the best strategy

🔥 The key steps to creating a goal-setting framework that works for you ✅PLUS: A nine-step strategy to help you tackle your writing goals in 2025!

"Have you ever set a huge writing goal? What did you learn from that experience?"

⭐ Let us know in the comments! 👇

🩷SUPPORT THE PEN2PLOT PODCAST: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

_____________________________________________________________

✨F O L L O W U S✨

🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast

🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod

🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast

💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart

🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible

⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/

✨R E S O U R C E S ✨

Brandon Sanderson's BYU Lectures: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSH_xM-KC3Zv-79sVZTTj-YA6IAqh8qeQ

Leila Hormozi's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@leilahormozi

9-Step Writing Success in 2025 Workbook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17up4qnCTiGQba3xfE65w4dOAB-2RLc_S/view?usp=sharing

✨ A B O U T ✨

K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are dynamic duos that have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.

Business inquiries: [email protected]

#writingcommunity #booktube #goalsetting2025 #authortube #brandonsanderson #leilahormozi #writingchallenge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎄 Struggling to find time to write during the holidays? Is writing even worth it during the hustle and bustle?

In this festive episode, we’re chatting about...

🎅 How to make a writing plan that works, even during the busiest time of year

⏱️ Tips and tricks to sneak in writing time between all the holiday chaos

🎁 Finding unexpected inspiration—even if you’re not a fan of the holiday season

✅ PLUS: ✨ A writing research challenge to keep you inspired into the next year!

"Are you planning to catch up on writing during the holidays? 🤔"

🎉 Let us know in the comments below! 👇

🩷SUPPORT THE PEN2PLOT PODCAST: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

_____________________________________________________________

✨F O L L O W U S✨

🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast

🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod

🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast

💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart

🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible

⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon

✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/

✨S U B M I S S I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S ✨

Third Street Review: https://third-street-review.org/submissions/

Dulcet Literary Magazine: https://www.dulcetlitmag.com/submit

(WOW) Women on Writing: https://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php#FlashFictionContest

Prairie Fire: https://www.prairiefire.ca/contests/

WISING UP PRESS: http://universaltable.org/wisingup.html

Room Magazine: https://roommagazine.com/contests/

Boulevard Magazine: https://www.boulevardmagazine.org/short-fiction-contest

✨ A B O U T ✨

K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo that has collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.

Business inquiries: [email protected]

#writingcommunity #booktube #careerchoice #christmasbreak #writingessentials #writingtipsforbeginners #christmaschallenge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.