If you've been with us for a while, you might recall our episode on romance arcs. Well, we've got a treat for you! There's more to creating crackling romance than conflict, and it's a lot simpler than you think. It's all about the KISS method, or keeping it simple! Join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they discuss this new method for analyzing a great romance!

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How do you avoid an overly complicated plot? How do you write a plot twist so good readers will scream? It's as simple as setting up story beats at every opportunity and paying off on them in satisfying ways. This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss exactly that--setup and payoff!

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This week, author Lyssa Mia Smith puts on her psychology hat to lead us through emotional energy. It's sometimes more important to understand what characters are trying not to feel, and readers love the ways they try and suppress those emotions. Darcy hand flex from Pride and Prejudice anyone???

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This week, we're turning to the wisdom of character creator extraordinaire, Clare Osongco! We're talking maximizing various POVS, digging deep into how scenes truly impact characters, and so much more!

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Clare Osongco's Website

This week, join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they discuss what three main elements make the perfect beginning of any story.

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The wait is over, folks! Author Lyssa Mia Smith is here to report on how the Turning to Story practices worked for her as she fast drafted a project. Did she have to majorly rewrite? Did she end with a workable draft? Just how many tears did she cry?! It's all out on the table this week!

It's season 5! We're back! We're... talking characters again! Join authors Lyssa Mia Smith and Anna Mercier as they discuss how to use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to craft stunning, well-round characters. Come for the craft knowledge, stay for the giggles!

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This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith, tackle how to maximize conflict using opposing character goals. What the heck does that mean? It means intentionally giving two or more characters desires that are mutually exclusive. It’s making sure character goals collide. They are in conflict with each other. Only one can win. Join us to learn more!

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This week, we're breaking down the art of good prose; specifically, how it delivers the promise of the premise. We're talking sentence lengths, verbs, and punctuation!

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Listen, we could tell you all day what it takes to make a query and a novel sparkle, but why not hear it from a star agent like Michaela (Mike) Whatnall? That's right! This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith chat with Mike Whatnall of the Dystel, Goderich & Bourret agency about what makes a project really stand out and the answer is: specificity. Mike's craft insight covers everything from pitches to magic systems and everything in between.

Michaela Whatnall's Website

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