The Well-Storied Podcast

By Kristen Kieffer

What's The Well-Storied Podcast about?

Insights, encouragement, and actionable advice designed to help writers craft sensational novels and build their best writing lives. Always in 30 minutes or less, so you can get back to writing. Hosted by author and Well-Storied.com founder Kristen Kieffer.

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The Well-Storied Podcast episodes:

11.04.2021
Book Notes: How to Market a Book by Joanna Penn
In today's episode, Kristen shares the second installment of Book Notes, a blog + podcast series that summarizes and provides key takeaways from books on writing, publishing, and creative living. This episode explores Joanna Penn's "How to Market a Book" —...
10.29.2021
How to Market a Book With Amazon Ad Campaigns
Running an Amazon ad campaign can be a great way to introduce your book to new readers and increase sales, but there’s no denying that Amazon Advertising comes with a learning curve. In today's episode, Kristen breaks down an introduction to...
10.21.2021
Book Notes: 2,000 to 10,000 by Rachel Aaron
In today's episode, Kristen launches a new feature called Book Notes in which she summarizes and provides key takeaways from books on writing, publishing, and creative living. This first edition of Book Notes explores Rachel Aaron's "2,000 to 10,000" —...
10.04.2021
How to Craft Complex Plots by Introducing Side Quests
Do you often struggle to write full-length novels, never sure how to fill the gaps in your story without writing filler or fluff? In today's episode, Kristen breaks down one simple strategy for expanding your storytelling and crafting more complex plots:...
09.02.2021
Three Simple Steps to a Satisfying Writing Session
Do you often get lost in research rabbit holes or relentlessly re-read old work? Do you toggle between chapters in search of scenes you "feel" like writing — or often fail to write at all? In today's episode, Kristen breaks down...
08.26.2021
How Writers Can Organize Creative Work in a Second Brain
Creative are knowledge workers who rely upon information and ideas to create fantastic work. So it’s no wonder that our heads are often chaotic or in the clouds, brimming with all sorts of thoughts that we struggle to organize and...
08.19.2021
How to Level Up Your Writing & Storytelling Skills
Storytelling is both an art and a craft — and like any craft, the skills required to write great stories can be taught and learned. What are some of the other steps you can take to improve your skills and...
08.05.2021
How to Maintain Momentum in Your Writing Practice
Consistency is key to building a successful and fulfilling writing life, yet it's all too easy to procrastinate the act of putting pen to paper when our creative work gets tough. How can we overcome this urge to avoid writing...
07.15.2021
How Writers Can Weather Creative Setbacks With Resilience
Every writing journey has its bumps in the road. Sometimes those setbacks are of our own making, while other times they aren't our fault in the slightest. Either way, there’s no doubt that setbacks can drain your mental and emotional energy. Thankfully,...
07.01.2021
How Writers Can Handle Constructive Criticism With Grace
As helpful as external feedback can be, there’s no doubt that allowing others to read and critique our work can be a terrifying process. Even with a positive attitude in place, criticism can sting. But receiving feedback can also be...
06.22.2021
How to Create a Sales-Boosting Author Website
To succeed in the business of writing and selling books, you’ll need an online headquarters — a place that readers can visit to learn everything they need to know about who you are, what you write, and where they can...
06.03.2021
How Writers Can Quit the Creative Comparison Game
Creative comparison often gets a bad rap. Like self-doubt, comparison can be a lens through which writers can identify the strengths and weaknesses in their work, ultimately helping them improve the quality of their skills and stories with intention. But...
05.24.2021
How to Build an Effective Author Platform
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/platform To find commercial success, every author needs a platform -- the ability to sell books because of who they are or who they can reach. But how do you build a platform that helps you reach the right...
05.06.2021
How to Craft Impactful Character Deaths
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/death Death can serve as a powerful storytelling tool in many ways, but with great power comes great responsibility. What's the secret sauce to killing off characters in a way that readers can respect? In today's episode, Kristen breaks...
04.20.2021
The Three P's of Successful Self-Publishing
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/three Many writers dream of becoming full-time authors. But how exactly do successful self-published authors earn their livings? In today's episode, Kristen breaks down the three P's of successful self-publishing: production, presentation, and promotion!
03.22.2021
Should You Publish Your Book Traditionally or Independently?
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/decision Both the traditional and independent publishing industries offer writers the fantastic opportunity to share their work with the world. But which path to publication is right for you? In today's episode, Kristen breaks down an overview of the...
02.12.2021
How to Craft Emotionally Complex Characters
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/emotions Writers are commonly advised to craft complex characters. But what exactly makes a character complex? In today's episode, Kristen explains why characters are often defined by the archetypes they embody and how developing characters who experience a wealth of...
01.21.2021
The Must-Have Foundation for Any Strong Writing Routine
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/trust Have you tried and failed to build a lasting writing habit time and time again? Taking a break from writing when life gets tough is one thing. But when the slightest hint of upheaval repeatedly sends your creative...
01.11.2021
How to Maintain Creative Momentum With Habit Tracking
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/tracking Want to create a better, stronger writing habit? One of the easiest ways to double down on your commitment to the craft is by habit tracking. In today's episode, Kristen breaks down what habit tracking is, what writers...
12.04.2020
Atomic Storytelling: Developing Effective Story Beats
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/beats Every story features at least one arc of events. This arc can be broken down into acts, which are comprised of chapters that contain scenes. Inside every scene should live the most atomic aspect of storytelling's composition: the...
11.16.2020
How to Write With Focus & Efficiency
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/efficiency Wish you could crank out your stories more quickly? You aren’t alone. In today's episode, Kristen breaks down why more isn't always better and shares the seven key aspects writers should cultivate if they want to build a strong...
10.29.2020
The Do's And Don'ts Of Crafting Subplots
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/subplots Subplots are more than just a secondary plotline in a story; They're secondary conflicts that arise from characters’ actions & reactions as they engage with the story’s central conflict. What types of subplots exist, how can these secondary plotlines...
10.08.2020
How to Test the Strength of Your Shiny New Story Idea
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/potential Shiny new story ideas are doubtless tempting to pursue. The only issue? Some story ideas simply aren’t worth developing. In today's episode, Kristen explores two easy activities that can help you determine whether your new story idea has...
09.11.2020
How to Define Your Characters' Story Goals
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/storygoals The surest way to drive your plot forward is to arm your characters with goals they’re motivated to achieve. Pit your characters’ goals against one another (or against their internal needs), and you’ll create deliciously engaging conflict that...
09.04.2020
How to Overcome Perfectionism in Your Writing Life
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/perfect As writers, holding our work to high standards can help us craft sensational stories. But when those high standards aren’t accompanied by a healthy creative mindset, the seeds of perfectionism can take root. Why is this so dangerous?...
08.14.2020
How to Develop Your Story's Themes
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/themes Themes are an integral part of any good story. Yet many genre fiction writers fail to consider their story’s themes, believing they have no place beyond literary novels — or worse yet, that authors who actively explore themes...
07.31.2020
33 Ways to Write Stronger Characters
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/strongercharacters If you want readers to invest in your characters and their journeys, then you must craft characters that readers can believe in—characters so well-developed and realistic that they seem to spring to life on the page. But crafting a...
07.10.2020
How to Craft Powerful Character Motivations
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/motivations Your characters’ motivations hold the power to make or break readers’ interest in your story. Why? Because conflict means little without context. But when you allow readers to understand and sympathize with your characters’ actions, you encourage the...
05.26.2020
My Favorite Method for Building Characters' Personalities
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/personalities To fill our stories with characters who feel as real as the people around us, we must delve deeper than classic archetypes and easy characterizations. This work begins with developing richly complex personalities for our characters that lend...
05.22.2020
How to Build Emotional Conflict By Utilizing Your Character's Lie
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/lie Emotional struggles are human struggles. To create conflict readers find compelling, it's worth considering the internal obstacles that directly impact your characters' ability to achieve a goal, experience personal growth, and/or realize a happier future. This is where...
05.06.2020
Should Writers Maintain an Active Social Media Presence?
Episode Transcript: www.well-storied.com/social My Social Media Announcement: www.well-storied.com/socialmedia Do you need to maintain an active social media presence to be successful in your writing career? I explore this question in today's episode, breaking down how writers use social media to their advantage...
04.11.2020
How to Craft Positive Character Arcs
A character arc is a sequence of events that details a character’s internal struggle. In today's episode, Kristen Kieffer breaks down how to craft powerful positive change arcs that will see your characters overcome a core fear, flaw, or false...
03.26.2020
How (& Why) To Write Inclusive Fiction
To write inclusively is to take an active role in improving how marginalized communities are represented in literature by including a diverse cast of characters in your stories. Why is this such an important endeavor? And how can you ensure...
03.13.2020
How to Define Your Character's Ghost
Past events hold the power to shape who your character is and how they act when your story begins. With that in mind, today's episode takes a deep dive into backstory, exploring the aspect of your characters' pasts that holds...
02.28.2020
Should You Follow Popular Writing Rules?
Popular writing rules exist for a reason. Or do they? Writing is both an art and a craft. While language and storytelling serve as forms of self-expression, one can also learn structures and techniques that can help them become a...
02.21.2020
How to Recover From Writing Burnout
Inside every writer sits a creative well. Whenever you sit down to write, you dip your bucket into this well, drawing the energy you need to attend the work at hand. Draw too deeply, however, and you'll run into writing...
02.14.2020
How to Craft Page-Turning Chapter Endings
Never is a reader more likely to set your book aside (and perhaps not pick it up again) than when they finish a chapter. Therefore, as a writer, it's important to consider how you'll make your chapter endings as gripping...
02.07.2020
A Pantser's Guide to Story Structure
If you consider yourself a pantser, you likely don’t spend much (or any) time pre-writing your stories prior to drafting. Instead, you “write by the seat of your pants,” using your first draft to explore and develop your story. But just...
01.31.2020
A Quick-Start Guide to Self-Publishing Your Book
If part of your personal definition of writing success includes making a living from your writing, it's time to start thinking like an entrepreneur. That's why today's episode breaks down the most common business models authors use to build their...
01.24.2020
Business Models for Authors
Are you willing to adopt an entrepreneurial spirit to make a living from your writing? If so, let's break down the most common business models authors use to build their writing careers in today's episode. Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/business Enjoy the show?...
01.17.2020
7 Ways Audio Can Make Editing Fast & Easy
Did you know that audio can prove a powerful tool in writers' arsenals, especially when editing? Dustin Maxey, author and founder of Edit Out Loud, explains why and how you can incorporate audio into your writing process today! Article + Transcript:...
01.10.2020
How to Build Your Best Writing Life in 2020
Are you ready to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be in your writing life? In today's episode, I break down the essential strategies for writing success I share in my new book for...
12.27.2019
The Key To Making Time to Write
You know it’s essential to make time to write. You can’t maintain a consistent writing practice without carving out time in your schedule for creative work. But how are you supposed to make that time when you have a career,...
12.16.2019
How to Craft Impactful Character Flaws
As writers, it’s our job to craft fully-realized characters: characters that feel as real as the people around us. And like the people around us, this means our characters should be flawed. Why, then, do so many inexperienced writers to shy...
12.13.2019
How to Win the Battle Against Creative Resistance
All writers experience creative frustration from time to time. But what if you experience creative frustration most of the time? Today, I'm sharing my top insights into the true nature of creative doubt and fear, as well as the strategies...
12.06.2019
Three Lessons Learned From a 'First Three Chapters' Critique
The opening chapters of your story are doubtless some of the most important you will write. That's why I'm taking time today to share three lessons I learned from receiving a critique of my novel's first three chapters! Article + Transcript:...
11.22.2019
How to Craft Alluring Intimate Scenes
From first kisses to sensual love scenes, crafting physical intimacy between your characters that doesn't feel cheesy or cringe-worthy can be tough. Today's episode breaks down my top tips for crafting an intimate scene that readers will love using techniques...
11.15.2019
What to Expect When Working With a Freelance Editor
Preparing to work with a freelance editor for the first time? In today's episode, I'll share what you can expect from the experience, the ways in which editors' processes frequently differ, and the key tips you can apply to ensure...
11.08.2019
Why Publishing Won't Make You a "Real" Writer
Article + Transcript: www.well-storied.com/realwriter What does it mean to be a "real" writer? If you're waiting on publishing or commercial success to validate your skills and stories, you'll never find the creative confidence you crave. In today's episode, I explain why...
11.01.2019
Resolving Common Story Issues With "Show, Don't Tell"
The "Show, Don't Tell" technique is often used to craft immersive sensory descriptions. But what if it could also be used to solve some of the most common storytelling issues? Say goodbye to lengthy info-dumps, on-the-nose writing, and heavy-handed themes. In...

What's The Well-Storied Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Well-Storied Podcast episodes:

Book Notes: How to Market a Book by Joanna Penn

How to Market a Book With Amazon Ad Campaigns

Book Notes: 2,000 to 10,000 by Rachel Aaron

How to Craft Complex Plots by Introducing Side Quests

Three Simple Steps to a Satisfying Writing Session

How Writers Can Organize Creative Work in a Second Brain

How to Level Up Your Writing & Storytelling Skills

How to Maintain Momentum in Your Writing Practice

How Writers Can Weather Creative Setbacks With Resilience

How Writers Can Handle Constructive Criticism With Grace

How to Create a Sales-Boosting Author Website

How Writers Can Quit the Creative Comparison Game

How to Build an Effective Author Platform

How to Craft Impactful Character Deaths

The Three P's of Successful Self-Publishing

Should You Publish Your Book Traditionally or Independently?

How to Craft Emotionally Complex Characters

The Must-Have Foundation for Any Strong Writing Routine

How to Maintain Creative Momentum With Habit Tracking

Atomic Storytelling: Developing Effective Story Beats

How to Write With Focus & Efficiency

The Do's And Don'ts Of Crafting Subplots

How to Test the Strength of Your Shiny New Story Idea

How to Define Your Characters' Story Goals

How to Overcome Perfectionism in Your Writing Life

How to Develop Your Story's Themes

33 Ways to Write Stronger Characters

How to Craft Powerful Character Motivations

My Favorite Method for Building Characters' Personalities

How to Build Emotional Conflict By Utilizing Your Character's Lie

Should Writers Maintain an Active Social Media Presence?

How to Craft Positive Character Arcs

How (& Why) To Write Inclusive Fiction

How to Define Your Character's Ghost

Should You Follow Popular Writing Rules?

How to Recover From Writing Burnout

How to Craft Page-Turning Chapter Endings

A Pantser's Guide to Story Structure

A Quick-Start Guide to Self-Publishing Your Book

Business Models for Authors

7 Ways Audio Can Make Editing Fast & Easy

How to Build Your Best Writing Life in 2020

The Key To Making Time to Write

How to Craft Impactful Character Flaws

How to Win the Battle Against Creative Resistance

Three Lessons Learned From a 'First Three Chapters' Critique

How to Craft Alluring Intimate Scenes

What to Expect When Working With a Freelance Editor

Why Publishing Won't Make You a "Real" Writer

Resolving Common Story Issues With "Show, Don't Tell"