Writing a book is not a solo endeavor. Writers rely on beta readers to help them fine-tune their manuscript and ensure its success with agents, editors, and ultimately, their ideal audience.

But where do you find beta readers? At what stage of the process do you bring them in? What do you look for? And how do you work with them?

In this episode, we'll cover: 

• What beta readers are, and why aspiring writers don't make the best test audience
• At what stage of the writing process to enlist beta readers
• How to research and define your ideal reader
• Where to find beta readers and entice them to work with you
• How to get the right feedback to ensure the best outcome for your manuscript

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Plot twists are one of the most effective and exciting ways to bring intrigue and suspense to your story, and make it unforgettable. 

But when not executed or timed right, a plot twist can backfire.

In this episode, learn 3 techniques for writing a great plot twist, plus common pitfalls to avoid.

You'll learn:

• What a plot twist is, along with examples to illustrate
• 3 techniques that all great plot twists share
• How to avoid plot twist clichés
• The crucial difference between a plot point and a plot twist

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Often what gets in the way of an otherwise great scene is a lack of compelling character goals. Without a goal in each scene, a story lacks two vital things: tension and momentum.

In this episode, we’ll explore why you need a goal in every scene, and 3 types of goals that urge characters through the plot.

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What do you do when you want to write, but don't think you have anything to say?  Or you do have something to say, but don't know how to say it?
 
In this episode from the 2023 vault, you'll learn 3 powerful writing exercises to help you find your way into your story.

These exercises will help unearth material you can open up and use in your fiction or memoir.

Use them to start a story, warm up, or get unstuck.

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Scenes set up the structural pace of your story.

Some scenes are more action driven, so they move at a faster clip. Other scenes are more reflective, and move slower. Some scenes have more intensity, some have less.

Which is why you need different types of scenes. 

In this episode, we’ll explore  5 must-have scenes to include in your story. 

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Not sure how to structure your story? Start Here. This free 3-Act Worksheet gives you a clear framework so you know exactly what your beginning, middle, and end need to do — so you can stop guessing and start writing. Grab it free here.

Do you write your first scene over and over, trying to get it just right? But you never feel like you're nailing it?

Many writers spend way too much time on their opening scene without considering its role in the main character's entire arc of change. 

There's a relationship between your first scenes and last scenes.

To take the reader on the journey along with your character,  you want to craft your opening and ending scenes with each other in mind.

In this episode, we'll look at the relationship between your first scenes and final scenes, and how to write them.

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Not sure how to structure your story? Start Here. This free 3-Act Worksheet gives you a clear framework so you know exactly what your beginning, middle, and end need to do — so you can stop guessing and start writing. Grab it free here.

Ever receive feedback on your writing that crushed you to the core? 

In this episode, learn 5 ways to make sure you not only survive, but get the most constructive feedback on your story, with more generative results. 

You'll learn how to take a more active role in the feedback process, so you can leave with a more energized, excited vision for your story.  

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How do you create tension in your story that makes it impossible for readers to put it down?

By placing your characters in some kind of danger, even if it's subtle. Danger can be as harrowing as a plane crash, or as nuanced as unrequited love. 

In this episode, we'll explore two types of danger to raise tension, and make your story unputdownable.

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Not sure how to structure your story? Start Here. This free 3-Act Worksheet gives you a clear framework so you know exactly what your beginning, middle, and end need to do — so you can stop guessing and start writing. Grab it free here.

How much backstory does your story need? And how much backstory does your reader need?

In this reprise episode from the deep in the vault, learn what backstory is important for you to know as the author, and what backstory belongs on the page.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• The two things you need to get clear on when it comes to backstory
• The importance of crafting backstory that adapts to your story 
• The actor's technique to developing character through backstory
• How to decide what backstory is significant to your storyline and to your readers

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Explore Your Character's Backstory with  Your FREE Character Questionnaire Here

Also Listen To:
Episode 12: Four Ways to Write Effective Flashbacks

Often writers create antagonists who do bad, immoral, sometimes evil things.  They might be abusive or neglectful parents. An enemy. Or an otherworldly foe.

But when you're writing about your most trouble-rousing characters, you don't want to portray the givens. You want to surprise us.  You want to create an antagonist who's unforgettable. 

The stock villain gives the reader a stock reaction. And that's exactly what we want to avoid.

That's why in this episode, I'm sharing 5 ways to create a more captivating antagonist. 

So you can bring more nuance and complexity to your antagonist - and to your story.

Episode Web Page with Show Notes