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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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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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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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

Episode Web Page

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

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

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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

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How do you make writing a priority when other commitments compete?  When you have a full time career and family? 

We all know writing a book is a colossal commitment. And it's so easy to get off track, especially when so much is competing for our time and attention.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through strategies to maximize your time, energy, and focus. So you can write without stress and overwhelm.   

You'll learn to:

• Re-frame your relationship to time and find a lot more of it
• Create a writing environment that inspires you
• Bring more vitality to your writing sessions
• Plan and focus on the right next steps

Episode Web Page with Show Notes

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