That's right! This week, authors Lyssa Mia Smith and Anna Mercier return to finish exploring the tax that all relationships should have in order to keep the reader engaged. We're talking tropes, line level tactics, and . . . Scottish accents?

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Think of your favorite bookish relationship, romantic or not. Why do you love them so much? The Hound and Arya. Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma. Shrek... and Fiona...? That's right, this week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith dig deep into what makes those relationships buzz: costs!

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We're back and ready to live, laugh, and learn in a whole new year. This week, join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they discuss how to build plots using layers, not complexity. Why? Because it'll make those big moments hit even harder! Also, those quiet, character building moments will feel so earned and needed!

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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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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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