Essential Guide to Writing a Novel Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:05:13 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1947997 en-us © 2026 Essential Guide to Writing a Novel yes Support this Podcast 07f708ea-ac24-53bd-a67e-6f7695d0e0b9 James Thayer episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) James Thayer https://storage.buzzsprout.com/6vn4wz2bk1riube016s1tqc5zwvq?.jpg Essential Guide to Writing a Novel Episode 208 - How to paint pictures with words. Episode 208 - How to paint pictures with words. Writing is magic.  We type on a keyboard, and then the words we type create powerful images in readers' minds.  Here is a discussion of our main tool for creating vivid images: detail.  Which details, how to use them, and examples from a detail master, Jean Shepherd.   And another angle: detail is as important in dialogue as it is in character and setting descriptions.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Writing is magic.  We type on a keyboard, and then the words we type create powerful images in readers' minds.  Here is a discussion of our main tool for creating vivid images: detail.  Which details, how to use them, and examples from a detail master, Jean Shepherd.   And another angle: detail is as important in dialogue as it is in character and setting descriptions.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18541507 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700 1790 full false Episode 207 - When the hero lies to the reader. Episode 207 - When the hero lies to the reader. Sometimes an unreliable narrator can be great fun to create, and great fun to read about.  Here are techniques for developing a protagonist the reader learns not to trust.  Also, how can we avoid dull interior monologue and  instead show readers what a character is thinking?

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Sometimes an unreliable narrator can be great fun to create, and great fun to read about.  Here are techniques for developing a protagonist the reader learns not to trust.  Also, how can we avoid dull interior monologue and  instead show readers what a character is thinking?

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18533487 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0800 1609 full false Episode 206 - How to get lots of plot ideas. Episode 206 - How to get lots of plot ideas. Novelist John D. McDonald said he had more plot ideas than time to write them.  That's not the case for most of us writers.  We usually are in chronic need of more plot, more story.  Here are techniques for inventing plot from James Scott Bell and Lester Dent.  Also: vivid character descriptions from Jean Shepherd, showing us how to create unforgettable characters.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Novelist John D. McDonald said he had more plot ideas than time to write them.  That's not the case for most of us writers.  We usually are in chronic need of more plot, more story.  Here are techniques for inventing plot from James Scott Bell and Lester Dent.  Also: vivid character descriptions from Jean Shepherd, showing us how to create unforgettable characters.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18519094 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0800 1833 full false Episiode 205 - How to stop stalling and get going. Episiode 205 - How to stop stalling and get going. Sometimes we are full  of ambition to write.  Yet we don't.  We put off our writing, then put it off again.  Why do we do that?  And what can be done to get us in front of the keyboard?  Here are thoughts on what we can do to get us producing.  Also, powerful first sentences drop the reader into the story after the action is already underway.  Here's how to do it, with examples from excellent writers.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Sometimes we are full  of ambition to write.  Yet we don't.  We put off our writing, then put it off again.  Why do we do that?  And what can be done to get us in front of the keyboard?  Here are thoughts on what we can do to get us producing.  Also, powerful first sentences drop the reader into the story after the action is already underway.  Here's how to do it, with examples from excellent writers.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18507912 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0800 1652 full false Episode 204 - Meaningless modifiers and what to cut. Episode 204 - Meaningless modifiers and what to cut. Some words don't add anything to a sentence other than confusion.   Here are several modifiers that our story is better without.  Also, is cutting ten percent of our manuscript a good goal when editing?  What should we cut to reach that ten percent? 

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Some words don't add anything to a sentence other than confusion.   Here are several modifiers that our story is better without.  Also, is cutting ten percent of our manuscript a good goal when editing?  What should we cut to reach that ten percent? 

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18493999 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0800 1680 full false Episode 203 - Argument makes our dialogue riveting. Episode 203 - Argument makes our dialogue riveting. Dialogue lets the reader become part of the story, as if the reader is standing next to the characters listening to them talk.  Not all conversation between characters is equal: argument is the most engaging dialogue.  An argument between characters in our story--the back and forth, the accusations and denials, the evasions and justifications--can be riveting.  Here are thoughts on writing the big argument scene.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Dialogue lets the reader become part of the story, as if the reader is standing next to the characters listening to them talk.  Not all conversation between characters is equal: argument is the most engaging dialogue.  An argument between characters in our story--the back and forth, the accusations and denials, the evasions and justifications--can be riveting.  Here are thoughts on writing the big argument scene.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18425874 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0800 1539 full false Episode 202 - How to have fun while writing. Episode 202 - How to have fun while writing. Writing fiction is work but it doesn't need to be a grind.  Here's how we can have fun while we write, things that'll give us a joyful kick, maybe even make us laugh.  Also: the important technique of the mini-backstory, which reveals so much about our character in so little space.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Writing fiction is work but it doesn't need to be a grind.  Here's how we can have fun while we write, things that'll give us a joyful kick, maybe even make us laugh.  Also: the important technique of the mini-backstory, which reveals so much about our character in so little space.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18406592 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0800 1637 full false Episode 201 - A formula for strong sentences. Episode 201 - A formula for strong sentences. Physics loves formulas: E=MC2.  How about writing?  Here is a formula for writing strong sentences, ones that are clear and have energy.  Our setting and character descriptions can also benefit from a formula, one that shows how to engage the reader.  That formula is talked about here, too.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Physics loves formulas: E=MC2.  How about writing?  Here is a formula for writing strong sentences, ones that are clear and have energy.  Our setting and character descriptions can also benefit from a formula, one that shows how to engage the reader.  That formula is talked about here, too.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18391866 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0800 1698 full false Episode 200 - How can we know if we can write? Episode 200 - How can we know if we can write? Do we have the skill to write a novel or short story?  Here are early clues that may let us  know.  Also, top writers' ten best rules of writing.  And J.R.R. Tolkien's techniques for writing fascinating settings.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Do we have the skill to write a novel or short story?  Here are early clues that may let us  know.  Also, top writers' ten best rules of writing.  And J.R.R. Tolkien's techniques for writing fascinating settings.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18192364 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0800 1598 full false Episode 199 - Writing a scene with many people and lots of motion. Episode 199 - Writing a scene with many people and lots of motion. Sometimes in our story we'll have a scene filled with people where everyone is moving all at once, such as a battle scene or mob scene or festival scene or street scene.  Here are techniques on crafting the scene so there's no confusion so readers can focus on the hero.  Also, what is the rule of exceptions?  And, can something bad happening to us make us better writers? 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Sometimes in our story we'll have a scene filled with people where everyone is moving all at once, such as a battle scene or mob scene or festival scene or street scene.  Here are techniques on crafting the scene so there's no confusion so readers can focus on the hero.  Also, what is the rule of exceptions?  And, can something bad happening to us make us better writers? 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18158075 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0800 1651 full false Episode 198 - A big way to make our dialogue riveting. Episode 198 - A big way to make our dialogue riveting. Readers love dialogue, the chance to eavesdrop on the characters.  Here is a good way to make that dialogue really worth listening to.  Also, here are techniques that can tie our scenes together, which Jack Bickham calls transitions and sequels.  In a story, what is a transition and what is a sequel?

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Readers love dialogue, the chance to eavesdrop on the characters.  Here is a good way to make that dialogue really worth listening to.  Also, here are techniques that can tie our scenes together, which Jack Bickham calls transitions and sequels.  In a story, what is a transition and what is a sequel?

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18082634 Fri, 02 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0800 1631 full false Episode 197 - That odd little thing for our character. Episode 197 - That odd little thing for our character. How can we make our character memorable for the reader?  How can we make the character leap off the page and stay in the reader's memory?  Here's how Sherwood Anderson did it.  And here are also character descriptions from another master, William Faulkner, showing us how to create big and bold characters.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> How can we make our character memorable for the reader?  How can we make the character leap off the page and stay in the reader's memory?  Here's how Sherwood Anderson did it.  And here are also character descriptions from another master, William Faulkner, showing us how to create big and bold characters.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-18056788 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1466 full false Episode 196 - Importance of the character arc. Episode 196 - Importance of the character arc. Readers want a character who can grow and change over the course of the story. Here is a discussion of the character arc: how we can use the arc to develop our character and the plot, giving the reader the big reward at the end of the story of a character who has met the moment with change.  Plus, here is how we can show (rather than tell) about a character's thoughts such as confusion and dread.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Readers want a character who can grow and change over the course of the story. Here is a discussion of the character arc: how we can use the arc to develop our character and the plot, giving the reader the big reward at the end of the story of a character who has met the moment with change.  Plus, here is how we can show (rather than tell) about a character's thoughts such as confusion and dread.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17978275 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1583 full false Episode 195 - The adopt a dog technique. Episode 195 - The adopt a dog technique. One of the best ways to have readers like our story is to have readers like--maybe even love--our main character.   But we usually don't want our protagonist to be a Pollyanna, always sweet and understanding.  Rather we want to create a fully-formed character--maybe with some weird or off-putting angles,  maybe some flaws and shortcomings--to make the character interesting and believable.  Here's a technique to make sure readers will root for our main character even if the character isn't usually endearing.  Also, here is how a master writer describes her settings.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> One of the best ways to have readers like our story is to have readers like--maybe even love--our main character.   But we usually don't want our protagonist to be a Pollyanna, always sweet and understanding.  Rather we want to create a fully-formed character--maybe with some weird or off-putting angles,  maybe some flaws and shortcomings--to make the character interesting and believable.  Here's a technique to make sure readers will root for our main character even if the character isn't usually endearing.  Also, here is how a master writer describes her settings.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17905684 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1741 full false Episode 194 - How to invent a strong plot. Episode 194 - How to invent a strong plot. We want to write but we don't have our story fully figured out.  What can we do?  Here are thoughts on inventing plot, things we can do to shake loose the plot from our brains.  Also, the techniques of a master of character description: Margaret Mitchell.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We want to write but we don't have our story fully figured out.  What can we do?  Here are thoughts on inventing plot, things we can do to shake loose the plot from our brains.  Also, the techniques of a master of character description: Margaret Mitchell.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17814857 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1558 full false Episode 193 - Plotting: go big or go home. Episode 193 - Plotting: go big or go home. Fiction's job is to entertain.  A main way to entertain is to be bold with our plot.  Here are thoughts on how to avoid the dull in our plot and how to create a story that keeps readers turning the pages.  Also, how to invent strong metaphors and similes.  And avoiding overly-precious, self-conscious writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Fiction's job is to entertain.  A main way to entertain is to be bold with our plot.  Here are thoughts on how to avoid the dull in our plot and how to create a story that keeps readers turning the pages.  Also, how to invent strong metaphors and similes.  And avoiding overly-precious, self-conscious writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17790683 Fri, 28 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1603 full false Episode 192 - Plotting: the importance of conflict, crisis, resolution. Episode 192 - Plotting: the importance of conflict, crisis, resolution. In fiction in all genres only trouble is interesting.  How do we writers use trouble in our story?  Here are thoughts on how we can plot using conflict, crisis, and resolution, a technique important for all genres.  Also, should we use beta readers?  And the add-a-quirk technique.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> In fiction in all genres only trouble is interesting.  How do we writers use trouble in our story?  Here are thoughts on how we can plot using conflict, crisis, and resolution, a technique important for all genres.  Also, should we use beta readers?  And the add-a-quirk technique.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17755812 Fri, 21 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1564 full false Episode 191 - Do we know enough to write the first sentence? Episode 191 - Do we know enough to write the first sentence? When do we know enough writing techniques to start our novel?  And when is the story ready to be written?  I'll try to answer both questions.  Also, how do great writers describe a character's appearance in ways that reveal the character's past and personality?  Here's how masterful writers do it.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> When do we know enough writing techniques to start our novel?  And when is the story ready to be written?  I'll try to answer both questions.  Also, how do great writers describe a character's appearance in ways that reveal the character's past and personality?  Here's how masterful writers do it.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17729896 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1475 full false Episode 190 - The right way to leave red herrings. Episode 190 - The right way to leave red herrings. Red herrings--false clues--are used in most all stories in all genres.  Here are the right and wrong ways to insert red herrings into our stories.  Also, here's how we can show--reveal--much about a character by describing a setting.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Red herrings--false clues--are used in most all stories in all genres.  Here are the right and wrong ways to insert red herrings into our stories.  Also, here's how we can show--reveal--much about a character by describing a setting.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17710328 Fri, 07 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1683 full false Episode 189 - Start as close to the end as possible. Episode 189 - Start as close to the end as possible. Kurt Vonnegut said we should "Start as close to the end as possible."  What did he mean?  How can we do so?  Here are thoughts on this famous piece of advice from a legendary novelist.  Also, avoiding the word "not" to give our sentences more energy.  And Orson Scott Card on creativity.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Kurt Vonnegut said we should "Start as close to the end as possible."  What did he mean?  How can we do so?  Here are thoughts on this famous piece of advice from a legendary novelist.  Also, avoiding the word "not" to give our sentences more energy.  And Orson Scott Card on creativity.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17659610 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1507 full false Episode 188 - How to make our writing fun. Episode 188 - How to make our writing fun. Is your writing time becoming a grind?  If so, here are some things that may reduce the grind and maybe even make  writing fun.  Also, here are thoughts on how we might write a sentence that is a timeless truth told in lovely language, an immortal sentence that will live forever.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Is your writing time becoming a grind?  If so, here are some things that may reduce the grind and maybe even make  writing fun.  Also, here are thoughts on how we might write a sentence that is a timeless truth told in lovely language, an immortal sentence that will live forever.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17613998 Fri, 24 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1808 full false Episode 187 - Giving readers what they want. Episode 187 - Giving readers what they want. We writers should consider giving readers what they want.  Well, what do they want?  Here is a discussion of the five things readers want in a novel.  Also: the dual timeline plot structure.  And F. Scott Fitzgerald's seven tips on writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We writers should consider giving readers what they want.  Well, what do they want?  Here is a discussion of the five things readers want in a novel.  Also: the dual timeline plot structure.  And F. Scott Fitzgerald's seven tips on writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17595183 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1726 full false Episode 186 - Showing--not telling--what a character is thinking. Episode 186 - Showing--not telling--what a character is thinking. Thoughts are interior, in our minds.  But there are ways to show--to give evidence--that reveal to the reader what our character is thinking.  Also, here is an important ingredient that many writers forget when describing a character.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Thoughts are interior, in our minds.  But there are ways to show--to give evidence--that reveal to the reader what our character is thinking.  Also, here is an important ingredient that many writers forget when describing a character.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17559916 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1654 full false Episode 185 - The keys to musical writing. Episode 185 - The keys to musical writing. The three most important words in our fiction are, "Story, story, story."  But we can also shoot for lovely, musical language that makes each sentence and paragraph a pleasure to read.  Here are thoughts on how to add music to our sentences.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> The three most important words in our fiction are, "Story, story, story."  But we can also shoot for lovely, musical language that makes each sentence and paragraph a pleasure to read.  Here are thoughts on how to add music to our sentences.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17526896 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1455 full false Episode 184 - Skipping the dull stuff in our plot. Episode 184 - Skipping the dull stuff in our plot. In his famous ten rules of writing, Elmore Leonard says that we shouldn't write things readers tend to skip.  What are those things?  How can we avoid writing them?  Also, should our story have  theme and, if so, how can we present it?

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> In his famous ten rules of writing, Elmore Leonard says that we shouldn't write things readers tend to skip.  What are those things?  How can we avoid writing them?  Also, should our story have  theme and, if so, how can we present it?

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17471029 Fri, 26 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1643 full false Episode 183 - A key to making our sentences forceful. Episode 183 - A key to making our sentences forceful. What do Ernest Hemingway, Cormac McCarthy, and Elmore Leonard have in common?   Powerful stories, yes.  But also lean and forceful sentences.  Here's how they do it.  Also: in our plotting,what's an acceptable coincidence and what's a weak, story-ruining coincidence?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What do Ernest Hemingway, Cormac McCarthy, and Elmore Leonard have in common?   Powerful stories, yes.  But also lean and forceful sentences.  Here's how they do it.  Also: in our plotting,what's an acceptable coincidence and what's a weak, story-ruining coincidence?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17444988 Fri, 19 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1655 full false Episode 182 - Things to think about as we write the end of our story. Episode 182 - Things to think about as we write the end of our story. After months and month if writing, we'll near the end of our story.  Our novel is almost finished.  Here are things we should consider as we wrap up our story.  Also, for many of us editing our own story isn't as fun as writing.  Here are thoughts on how we can make sure we edit enough, and how we know when to quit editing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> After months and month if writing, we'll near the end of our story.  Our novel is almost finished.  Here are things we should consider as we wrap up our story.  Also, for many of us editing our own story isn't as fun as writing.  Here are thoughts on how we can make sure we edit enough, and how we know when to quit editing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17288512 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1481 full false Episode 181 - A critical difference between scene and summary. Episode 181 - A critical difference between scene and summary. Why should almost all of our story be scenes rather than summaries?  Here's how we can avoid summaries and instead write moment-by-moment real-time scenes in our fiction.  Also: here are perhaps the most beautiful sentences ever written in fiction.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Why should almost all of our story be scenes rather than summaries?  Here's how we can avoid summaries and instead write moment-by-moment real-time scenes in our fiction.  Also: here are perhaps the most beautiful sentences ever written in fiction.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17228788 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1571 full false Episode 180 - The critical distance between the reader and the action. Episode 180 - The critical distance between the reader and the action. The reader is like a camera as the scene unfolds.  Where should that camera be?  How far away from the characters and the action?  Here are thoughts on authorial distance, about the benefits of placing the camera--the reader--near or far.  Plus, how Charlotte Bronte worked. 

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> The reader is like a camera as the scene unfolds.  Where should that camera be?  How far away from the characters and the action?  Here are thoughts on authorial distance, about the benefits of placing the camera--the reader--near or far.  Plus, how Charlotte Bronte worked. 

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17197345 Fri, 29 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1675 full false Episode 179 - The critical writing techniques all in one episode. Episode 179 - The critical writing techniques all in one episode. Here are the most important fiction writing techniques boiled down to twenty-five minutes.  I've talked about all these elements in prior episodes but sometimes it's useful to hear things again.  This episode is a refresher.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are the most important fiction writing techniques boiled down to twenty-five minutes.  I've talked about all these elements in prior episodes but sometimes it's useful to hear things again.  This episode is a refresher.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17179388 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1635 full false Episode 178 - How to make readers laugh. Episode 178 - How to make readers laugh. We may be writing a comic novel or we may want to add humor to our thriller or romance or horror or literary novel.  Humor adds a strong element to most any story.  Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas: “Funny how?  I mean, funny like I'm a clown?  I amuse you?  I make you laugh?"  Well, yeah.  Let's see how we can make readers laugh.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We may be writing a comic novel or we may want to add humor to our thriller or romance or horror or literary novel.  Humor adds a strong element to most any story.  Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas: “Funny how?  I mean, funny like I'm a clown?  I amuse you?  I make you laugh?"  Well, yeah.  Let's see how we can make readers laugh.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17150999 Fri, 15 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1707 full false Episode 177 - The description double duty technique. Episode 177 - The description double duty technique. Good descriptions of characters should do double duty: they can let the reader know what the character looks like and the description can also suggest something about the character's personality.  Here are examples and thoughts on double duty descriptions.  Also, how Alice Walker works. 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Good descriptions of characters should do double duty: they can let the reader know what the character looks like and the description can also suggest something about the character's personality.  Here are examples and thoughts on double duty descriptions.  Also, how Alice Walker works. 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17102383 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1657 full false Episode 176 - Inventing a fabulous title. Episode 176 - Inventing a fabulous title. The title is the book browser's first impression of our novel.  The title should tempt the browser to pick up and open the book.  Here are thoughts on how we can give our story a strong, enticing title.  Also, how do famous authors edit their own manuscripts?  Maybe we can learn from them the best way to self-edit our stories.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> The title is the book browser's first impression of our novel.  The title should tempt the browser to pick up and open the book.  Here are thoughts on how we can give our story a strong, enticing title.  Also, how do famous authors edit their own manuscripts?  Maybe we can learn from them the best way to self-edit our stories.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17092079 Fri, 01 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1539 full false Episode 175 - Writing funny dialogue. Episode 175 - Writing funny dialogue. We can write dialogue that makes readers laugh.  Here are thoughts on creating funny conversations between our characters.  Plus, we don't need to have our character look into a mirror to describe herself, which has been done time and again.  Here are ways to avoid the mirror.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We can write dialogue that makes readers laugh.  Here are thoughts on creating funny conversations between our characters.  Plus, we don't need to have our character look into a mirror to describe herself, which has been done time and again.  Here are ways to avoid the mirror.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17065584 Fri, 25 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1548 full false Episode 174 - How to ruin our story's first sentences. Episode 174 - How to ruin our story's first sentences. A story's first sentence should make the reader ask, "What's next?"  They should propel the reader into the story.  Here's how to do it right and how to do it wrongly.  Also, three master writers show us how to describe a setting.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> A story's first sentence should make the reader ask, "What's next?"  They should propel the reader into the story.  Here's how to do it right and how to do it wrongly.  Also, three master writers show us how to describe a setting.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17042407 Fri, 18 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1589 full false Episode 173 - The magic of dialogue. Episode 173 - The magic of dialogue. Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read.  Our story should have lots of it.  Here's a powerful thing dialogue can do: it can reveal (that is, to show rather than tell) what a character is thinking.  The character's conversation can be lively and fun, and hearing the character speak is so much stronger than reading the character's mind.  Here are thoughts on writing revealing dialogue. 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read.  Our story should have lots of it.  Here's a powerful thing dialogue can do: it can reveal (that is, to show rather than tell) what a character is thinking.  The character's conversation can be lively and fun, and hearing the character speak is so much stronger than reading the character's mind.  Here are thoughts on writing revealing dialogue. 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-17013650 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1436 full false Episode 172 - Our first fifteen pages. Episode 172 - Our first fifteen pages. The  first pages of our novel should contain certain elements and avoid certain elements.  Here's a list of things to include and exclude in those first pages.  Plus, ways to write forceful, clear, and lovely sentences.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> The  first pages of our novel should contain certain elements and avoid certain elements.  Here's a list of things to include and exclude in those first pages.  Plus, ways to write forceful, clear, and lovely sentences.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16996638 Fri, 04 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1606 full false Episode 171 - Top ten list of bad advice for writers. Episode 171 - Top ten list of bad advice for writers. In these episodes I try to set out good writing advice but a lot of bad advice is out there, so here is a list of bad advice, and the list may help us avoid writing blunders.  Here are also ten dialogue mistakes, and avoiding them likely means we end up with engaging and even riveting dialogue for our characters.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> In these episodes I try to set out good writing advice but a lot of bad advice is out there, so here is a list of bad advice, and the list may help us avoid writing blunders.  Here are also ten dialogue mistakes, and avoiding them likely means we end up with engaging and even riveting dialogue for our characters.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16982402 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1749 full false Episode 170 - Writing the crowd scene. And guilt and pride. Episode 170 - Writing the crowd scene. And guilt and pride. Here are techniques for keeping focus in a scene where there is a crowd, with an example from Harper Lee.  And how Margaret Mitchell worked.  Plus: how can we show rather than tell about a character's guilt or pride.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are techniques for keeping focus in a scene where there is a crowd, with an example from Harper Lee.  And how Margaret Mitchell worked.  Plus: how can we show rather than tell about a character's guilt or pride.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16966733 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1742 full false Episode 169 - How to find a surefire plot. Episode 169 - How to find a surefire plot. Stephen King says there is no idea dump we can visit to find a good plot.  We have to create our own plots.  How can we do so?  Here's a discussion on creating plots.  Also, if Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition can learn to write, so can we.  And the critical technique of using the active sentence form.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Stephen King says there is no idea dump we can visit to find a good plot.  We have to create our own plots.  How can we do so?  Here's a discussion on creating plots.  Also, if Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition can learn to write, so can we.  And the critical technique of using the active sentence form.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16953553 Fri, 13 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1503 full false Episode 168 - Making our first sentence sparkle. Episode 168 - Making our first sentence sparkle. Does our story's first sentence cause the reader to ask, "What's next?"  Or does the reader say, "So what?"  Here are thoughts on creating a tense, sparkling first sentence.  Also, how the masters use specific, definite, and concrete details to convince the reader.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Does our story's first sentence cause the reader to ask, "What's next?"  Or does the reader say, "So what?"  Here are thoughts on creating a tense, sparkling first sentence.  Also, how the masters use specific, definite, and concrete details to convince the reader.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16930750 Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1690 full false Episode 167 - Revealing our character by the setting. Episode 167 - Revealing our character by the setting. Our setting descriptions should do more than describe a place.  They can also show the reader much about our character.  Here's how to do so.  Also: what's the main thing our plot needs: trouble.  Here's why.  And how Edna Ferber worked.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Our setting descriptions should do more than describe a place.  They can also show the reader much about our character.  Here's how to do so.  Also: what's the main thing our plot needs: trouble.  Here's why.  And how Edna Ferber worked.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16910967 Fri, 30 May 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1608 full false Episode 166- Showing our character's thoughts. Episode 166- Showing our character's thoughts. Two mistakes can ruin our presentation of what our character is thinking: telling rather than showing, and interior monologue.  Here are ways to present thoughts in a way that grabs the reader.  Also, how Octavia Butler worked.  And examples of wonderful character descriptions from masterful writers.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Two mistakes can ruin our presentation of what our character is thinking: telling rather than showing, and interior monologue.  Here are ways to present thoughts in a way that grabs the reader.  Also, how Octavia Butler worked.  And examples of wonderful character descriptions from masterful writers.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16884477 Fri, 23 May 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1523 full false Episode 165 - The rule of exceptions. Episode 165 - The rule of exceptions. Sometimes the strongest writing technique isn't the strongest in our story.  Every writing rule has exceptions, and here's a discussion on when to make exceptions.  Also, how to create a strong title for our novel and short story. 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Sometimes the strongest writing technique isn't the strongest in our story.  Every writing rule has exceptions, and here's a discussion on when to make exceptions.  Also, how to create a strong title for our novel and short story. 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16830007 Fri, 16 May 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1721 full false Episode 164 - Design our cover? And the masters on setting details. Episode 164 - Design our cover? And the masters on setting details. We are learning fiction techniques, and we are or soon will be skilled fiction writers.  Does this mean we should design our own book covers?  Also, Michael Chabon's terrific sense of smell.  And the use of details in the haunted house.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We are learning fiction techniques, and we are or soon will be skilled fiction writers.  Does this mean we should design our own book covers?  Also, Michael Chabon's terrific sense of smell.  And the use of details in the haunted house.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16800074 Fri, 09 May 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1768 full false Episode 163 - The benefits of an underdog. Episode 163 - The benefits of an underdog. Having readers fall in love with our character is so important, and making our hero an underdog is a good way to do it.  Here are thoughts on underdog characters.  Also, I'll read a few character descriptions from master story-tellers that may make us stronger writers.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Having readers fall in love with our character is so important, and making our hero an underdog is a good way to do it.  Here are thoughts on underdog characters.  Also, I'll read a few character descriptions from master story-tellers that may make us stronger writers.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16752399 Fri, 02 May 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1536 full false Episode 162 - The state fair plotting technique. Episode 162 - The state fair plotting technique. Our story should be like a state fair: one thing after another.  Here are some ideas on state fair plotting.  Plus: settings shouldn't be inert locations in our novel or short story but rather should work for our story.  Here's how to get the most from our settings.  Also: my experiment with AI proofreading.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Our story should be like a state fair: one thing after another.  Here are some ideas on state fair plotting.  Plus: settings shouldn't be inert locations in our novel or short story but rather should work for our story.  Here's how to get the most from our settings.  Also: my experiment with AI proofreading.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16725906 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1692 full false Episode 161 - Ways to give readers what they want. Episode 161 - Ways to give readers what they want. Readers want five things in a story, three of which are right in the beginning.  Here's a discussion of how to deliver those five things.  Plus, a character's thoughts are the least interesting aspect of a story.  How can we show what a character is thinking without entering her mind?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Readers want five things in a story, three of which are right in the beginning.  Here's a discussion of how to deliver those five things.  Plus, a character's thoughts are the least interesting aspect of a story.  How can we show what a character is thinking without entering her mind?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16677291 Fri, 18 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1606 full false Episode 160 - Should our story have a theme? Episode 160 - Should our story have a theme? Best-selling writers disagree on the importance of a theme in stories.  Here are thoughts on whether we should present a theme in our novel or short story.  And famous authors on their writing discipline.  Plus, mixing genres when telling an agent or publisher about our novel.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Best-selling writers disagree on the importance of a theme in stories.  Here are thoughts on whether we should present a theme in our novel or short story.  And famous authors on their writing discipline.  Plus, mixing genres when telling an agent or publisher about our novel.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16632738 Fri, 11 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1493 full false Episode 159 - A surefire way to generate plot, the sidekick. Episode 159 - A surefire way to generate plot, the sidekick. Putting a sidekick into our story adds many benefits, a main one being that readers love sidekicks.  Here are some techniques for creating a sidekick for our novel or short story.  Also, a list of catchy, memorable novel titles.  And a big question: how do bad novels get published?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Putting a sidekick into our story adds many benefits, a main one being that readers love sidekicks.  Here are some techniques for creating a sidekick for our novel or short story.  Also, a list of catchy, memorable novel titles.  And a big question: how do bad novels get published?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16610854 Fri, 04 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1629 full false Episode 158 - A lifetime's writing advice reduced to one minute. Episode 158 - A lifetime's writing advice reduced to one minute. Were a young writer to ask me for advice, and only had one minute to listen, here is what I'd say.  Plus: how Louisa May Alcott worked.  And, avoiding the blahs and self-doubts when writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Were a young writer to ask me for advice, and only had one minute to listen, here is what I'd say.  Plus: how Louisa May Alcott worked.  And, avoiding the blahs and self-doubts when writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16591298 Fri, 28 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1373 full false Episode 157 - How we writers can create a world. Episode 157 - How we writers can create a world. Remember the fabulous worlds that fantasy, sci fi, and historical writers create for us readers?  How do they do that?  What works so well?  I'll talk about world-building, not just for those novels but for all genres.  And also: more on the critical craft of character description.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Remember the fabulous worlds that fantasy, sci fi, and historical writers create for us readers?  How do they do that?  What works so well?  I'll talk about world-building, not just for those novels but for all genres.  And also: more on the critical craft of character description.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16569467 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1651 full false Episode 156 - How to write the fast start. Episode 156 - How to write the fast start. Many readers only give a story ten or twenty pages before putting it aside to look for something more interesting.  A fast start is the best way to maintain the reader's interest.  Here's how to write the fast start.  Also, how Alice Munro worked, and Richard Ford's rules of writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Many readers only give a story ten or twenty pages before putting it aside to look for something more interesting.  A fast start is the best way to maintain the reader's interest.  Here's how to write the fast start.  Also, how Alice Munro worked, and Richard Ford's rules of writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16533794 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1617 full false Episode 155 - The single most important ingredient in an unforgetable story. Episode 155 - The single most important ingredient in an unforgetable story. Manon in Paris asked, "Why do some novels move us more than others?"  Here is the single best way to make our story unforgettable, a story that moves the reader.  Also, have we heard the advice, "Write what you know?"  It's bad advice, and here are thoughts on it.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Manon in Paris asked, "Why do some novels move us more than others?"  Here is the single best way to make our story unforgettable, a story that moves the reader.  Also, have we heard the advice, "Write what you know?"  It's bad advice, and here are thoughts on it.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16490998 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1494 full false Episode 154 - Learning from the masterful writer Edna Ferber. Episode 154 - Learning from the masterful writer Edna Ferber. Edna Ferber was a master of character description.  Here are a few of her characters, and maybe we can pick up some of her skill.  Also, how many words a day do famous writers write, and how many words a day should we write?  And showing pain, as opposed to telling about pain.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Edna Ferber was a master of character description.  Here are a few of her characters, and maybe we can pick up some of her skill.  Also, how many words a day do famous writers write, and how many words a day should we write?  And showing pain, as opposed to telling about pain.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16443535 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1543 full false Episode 153 - A legendary novelist's lesson for us writers. Episode 153 - A legendary novelist's lesson for us writers. Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre is a classic of western literature, a novel that endures and still hugely entertains because . . . it's so great.   (How that for being profound?)  Charlotte Bronte offers an important lesson for today's writers, and I'll talk about her lesson in this episode.  Plus, the trouble with prologues.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre is a classic of western literature, a novel that endures and still hugely entertains because . . . it's so great.   (How that for being profound?)  Charlotte Bronte offers an important lesson for today's writers, and I'll talk about her lesson in this episode.  Plus, the trouble with prologues.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16409944 Fri, 21 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1498 full false Episode 152 - How the masters create their settings. Episode 152 - How the masters create their settings. Why are some novels so good?  One of the reasons is that the author is a master at setting descriptions.  How did Charlotte Bronte and Edna Ferber make their settings magical?  We'll talk about their techniques here.  Also, strong verbs versus weak verbs: how and why to choose the stronger action word.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Why are some novels so good?  One of the reasons is that the author is a master at setting descriptions.  How did Charlotte Bronte and Edna Ferber make their settings magical?  We'll talk about their techniques here.  Also, strong verbs versus weak verbs: how and why to choose the stronger action word.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16383806 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1764 full false Episode 151 - Mad Magazine, and techniques for riveting dialogue. Episode 151 - Mad Magazine, and techniques for riveting dialogue. My first encounter with Mad Magazine, a life changer.  And dialogue techniques that can help make our characters' conversations fascinating.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> My first encounter with Mad Magazine, a life changer.  And dialogue techniques that can help make our characters' conversations fascinating.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16336268 Fri, 07 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1643 full false Episode 150 - How to deliver a surprise in the story. Episode 150 - How to deliver a surprise in the story. Good stories are filled with surprises for the reader.  There are right and wrong ways for us writers to deliver surprises, and I'll talk about them here.  Also, the importance of a tie-up-later list.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Good stories are filled with surprises for the reader.  There are right and wrong ways for us writers to deliver surprises, and I'll talk about them here.  Also, the importance of a tie-up-later list.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16286321 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1708 full false Episode 149 - How masterful writers use details. Episode 149 - How masterful writers use details. What do George Orwell, Sara Gruen, Jean Shepherd, and John Steinbeck have in common?  Many things but foremost among them is their expert use of details that take readers away, that lift us readers out of our chairs and transport us to their places and times.  Here are thoughts on their use of details.  Also, we should avoid cliches like the plague. 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What do George Orwell, Sara Gruen, Jean Shepherd, and John Steinbeck have in common?  Many things but foremost among them is their expert use of details that take readers away, that lift us readers out of our chairs and transport us to their places and times.  Here are thoughts on their use of details.  Also, we should avoid cliches like the plague. 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16189823 Fri, 24 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1553 full false Episode 148: A magical way to end one scene and begin another. Episode 148: A magical way to end one scene and begin another. Here is a magical way to end a scene and to begin another without worrying about travel and time between scenes.  Also: avoiding dangling modifiers.  And how Bernard Malamud worked, and Helen Dunmore's rules of writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here is a magical way to end a scene and to begin another without worrying about travel and time between scenes.  Also: avoiding dangling modifiers.  And how Bernard Malamud worked, and Helen Dunmore's rules of writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16129061 Fri, 17 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1614 full false Episode 147 - Make sure it's important and make it short. Episode 147 - Make sure it's important and make it short. What should we do if we must--absolutely must--have an element in our story that might not be fully entertaining and engaging?   1) Make sure it's important and 2) make it short.  Here are thoughts about this critical technique.  Also, details in our descriptions are important, but which should we use and which should we leave out?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What should we do if we must--absolutely must--have an element in our story that might not be fully entertaining and engaging?   1) Make sure it's important and 2) make it short.  Here are thoughts about this critical technique.  Also, details in our descriptions are important, but which should we use and which should we leave out?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16046813 Fri, 10 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1558 full false Episode 146 - How to make our character unforgettable. Episode 146 - How to make our character unforgettable. We writers can use lovely phrases and perceptive observations when describing our character in our story, and yet the reader may still quickly forget the character.  Here's how to make a character stick in the reader's mind.  Also, are you a born writer?  Maybe so.  Here's why you might be.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We writers can use lovely phrases and perceptive observations when describing our character in our story, and yet the reader may still quickly forget the character.  Here's how to make a character stick in the reader's mind.  Also, are you a born writer?  Maybe so.  Here's why you might be.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-16032448 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0800 1614 full false Episode 145 - Bringing our settings to life. Episode 145 - Bringing our settings to life. We can show (as opposed to tell) as we create a setting for our story.  Showing will make our settings vivid, and will allow the setting description to do double duty: describe the place and suggest a mood.  Also, reasons to avoid meetings in our story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We can show (as opposed to tell) as we create a setting for our story.  Showing will make our settings vivid, and will allow the setting description to do double duty: describe the place and suggest a mood.  Also, reasons to avoid meetings in our story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15964044 Fri, 27 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1623 full false Episode 144 - One sentence can bring our character to life. Episode 144 - One sentence can bring our character to life. We'll build our character as we write along, adding descriptions and actions and dialogue.  But there is a way with only one or two sentences to reveal something powerful and memorable about the character--in just a few words--and I'll talk about the technique here.  Also, Joyce Carol Oates's rules of writing.  And punctuating dialogue, with important techniques about our character's spoken sentences so that our dialogue is a clear window to the story.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We'll build our character as we write along, adding descriptions and actions and dialogue.  But there is a way with only one or two sentences to reveal something powerful and memorable about the character--in just a few words--and I'll talk about the technique here.  Also, Joyce Carol Oates's rules of writing.  And punctuating dialogue, with important techniques about our character's spoken sentences so that our dialogue is a clear window to the story.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15944867 Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1632 full false Episode 143 - The three most important sentences when writing a scene. Episode 143 - The three most important sentences when writing a scene. Jack Bickham's three sentences on scene construction are the best I've found regarding how to write a scene.  Here are why these sentences are important for us writers.  Also: Sarah Ann Waters' terrific ten rules of writing.  And avoiding the word "not."

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Jack Bickham's three sentences on scene construction are the best I've found regarding how to write a scene.  Here are why these sentences are important for us writers.  Also: Sarah Ann Waters' terrific ten rules of writing.  And avoiding the word "not."

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15917218 Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1613 full false Episode 142 - A big technique for literary writing. Episode 142 - A big technique for literary writing. Many listeners are writing literary novels and stories.  Here is an important technique regarding construction of a literary story, and it also applies to commercial novels.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Many listeners are writing literary novels and stories.  Here is an important technique regarding construction of a literary story, and it also applies to commercial novels.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15883281 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1543 full false Episode 141 - How to begin and end scenes. Episode 141 - How to begin and end scenes. The easiest thing for a reader to do is to quit reading our story.  Here are ways to begin and end scenes that'll prevent that from happening.  Our scenes' beginnings and endings will propel the reader farther into the story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> The easiest thing for a reader to do is to quit reading our story.  Here are ways to begin and end scenes that'll prevent that from happening.  Our scenes' beginnings and endings will propel the reader farther into the story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15857029 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1651 full false Episode 140 - Tips from Stephen King on writing dialogue. Episode 140 - Tips from Stephen King on writing dialogue. Stephen King is a powerful storyteller, of course, and he is also a highly-skilled sentence-by-sentence writer.  Here are his tips on writing dialogue, plus thoughts from me about making our characters' dialogue riveting. 

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Stephen King is a powerful storyteller, of course, and he is also a highly-skilled sentence-by-sentence writer.  Here are his tips on writing dialogue, plus thoughts from me about making our characters' dialogue riveting. 

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15841814 Fri, 22 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1733 full false Episode 139 - Writing in the first person. Episode 139 - Writing in the first person. Readers love first person novels, where the hero talks directly to the reader.  Here are some techniques for first person writing.  Also, famous novelists reveal the books that made them want to be writers.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Readers love first person novels, where the hero talks directly to the reader.  Here are some techniques for first person writing.  Also, famous novelists reveal the books that made them want to be writers.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15822387 Fri, 15 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1624 full false Episode 138 - How to live a writer's life. Episode 138 - How to live a writer's life. Usually I talk about writing techniques but here are some living techniques for us writers.  And some famous writers' favorite writers and novels.  Plus: what Ernest Hemingway did when he was stuck.  Also: the magic of avoiding dialogue tag modifiers.  And Snoopy.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Usually I talk about writing techniques but here are some living techniques for us writers.  And some famous writers' favorite writers and novels.  Plus: what Ernest Hemingway did when he was stuck.  Also: the magic of avoiding dialogue tag modifiers.  And Snoopy.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15809127 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1677 full false Episode 137 - Twenty-one rules of writing. Episode 137 - Twenty-one rules of writing. How can an injury be good for us writers?  It was for Roald Dahl.  And here are Strunk and White's twenty-one rules of writing.  Also, Stephen King on descriptions.  And several famous setting descriptions, settings so good they are magical.  Plus, Toni Morrison reveals how she works.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> How can an injury be good for us writers?  It was for Roald Dahl.  And here are Strunk and White's twenty-one rules of writing.  Also, Stephen King on descriptions.  And several famous setting descriptions, settings so good they are magical.  Plus, Toni Morrison reveals how she works.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15795239 Fri, 01 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1680 full false Episode 136 - Benefits of a character's otherness. Episode 136 - Benefits of a character's otherness. A strong way to make a character likeable, and to have the reader root for her, is to have the character experience "otherness."  She's out of place.  She doesn't fit.  Here are techniques on how to do so.  Also, how F. Scott Fitzgerald worked.  And, no whining.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> A strong way to make a character likeable, and to have the reader root for her, is to have the character experience "otherness."  She's out of place.  She doesn't fit.  Here are techniques on how to do so.  Also, how F. Scott Fitzgerald worked.  And, no whining.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15787786 Fri, 25 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1626 full false Episode 135 - Maybe the strongest writing tool - contrast. Episode 135 - Maybe the strongest writing tool - contrast. Contrast is among the strongest tools we writers can use.  It's magic.  Here is a discussion of how and where to use contrast.  Also, Henry Miller's rules of writing and how John Grisham works.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Contrast is among the strongest tools we writers can use.  It's magic.  Here is a discussion of how and where to use contrast.  Also, Henry Miller's rules of writing and how John Grisham works.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15762717 Fri, 18 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1538 full false Episode 134 - A stong technique for describing a character's personality. Episode 134 - A stong technique for describing a character's personality. We can show (as opposed to tell) about a character's personality by describing the character's face and body, so that our physical description does double duty.  Jonathan Franzen's ten rules of writing.  And techniques to add atmosphere to our scenes.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We can show (as opposed to tell) about a character's personality by describing the character's face and body, so that our physical description does double duty.  Jonathan Franzen's ten rules of writing.  And techniques to add atmosphere to our scenes.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15752200 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1844 full false Episode 133 - In our plot what should we save for a sequel? Episode 133 - In our plot what should we save for a sequel? In our novel should we leave plot questions unanswered so we have compelling questions for a sequel?   Here are thoughts on how we can approach it.  Also, Hilary Mantel's ten rules of writing, how Anne Rice worked, and techniques for writing in the active voice.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> In our novel should we leave plot questions unanswered so we have compelling questions for a sequel?   Here are thoughts on how we can approach it.  Also, Hilary Mantel's ten rules of writing, how Anne Rice worked, and techniques for writing in the active voice.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15735789 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1590 full false Episode 132 - How to avoid the main reason readers stop reading a novel. Episode 132 - How to avoid the main reason readers stop reading a novel. Why do readers put down a novel for good before they reach the last page?  Here is a reason, maybe the main reason, and how we writers can avoid it.  Also, examples of failed showing, as opposed to telling.  And Margaret Atwood's rules of writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Why do readers put down a novel for good before they reach the last page?  Here is a reason, maybe the main reason, and how we writers can avoid it.  Also, examples of failed showing, as opposed to telling.  And Margaret Atwood's rules of writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15707859 Fri, 27 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1747 full false Episode 131 - A review of the ten strongest writing techniques. Episode 131 - A review of the ten strongest writing techniques. Here is a list of the top ten writing techniques in order of their importance, as best I can figure them out.  Also, good comments from a book coach.  And Zadie Smith's rules of writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here is a list of the top ten writing techniques in order of their importance, as best I can figure them out.  Also, good comments from a book coach.  And Zadie Smith's rules of writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15664205 Fri, 20 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1497 full false Episode 130 - Kurt Vonnegut's rules of writing, and powerful character descriptioins. Episode 130 - Kurt Vonnegut's rules of writing, and powerful character descriptioins. Here are Kurt Vonnegut's eight rules of writing.  Also, why reading an Andy Weir novel is such a good writing lesson.  And; character descriptions should do double duty.  Here is how, with examples from legendary writers.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are Kurt Vonnegut's eight rules of writing.  Also, why reading an Andy Weir novel is such a good writing lesson.  And; character descriptions should do double duty.  Here is how, with examples from legendary writers.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15638220 Fri, 13 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1651 full false Episode 129 - A scene with too many mistakes. Can we spot them? Episode 129 - A scene with too many mistakes. Can we spot them? Here is a scene with a strong plot point important to our story.  It should be powerful but it isn't because of technical mistakes in the writing.  Can we spot the mistakes?  Also, George Orwell's six rules of writing.  And a review of how and why to avoid filters.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here is a scene with a strong plot point important to our story.  It should be powerful but it isn't because of technical mistakes in the writing.  Can we spot the mistakes?  Also, George Orwell's six rules of writing.  And a review of how and why to avoid filters.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15606628 Fri, 06 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1580 full false Episode 128 - Should we be afraid our plot has been done before? Episode 128 - Should we be afraid our plot has been done before? What if we get the sense that our story is a trope, that the plot is a cliche, that it's been done before?  Here are thoughts on cliched stories.  Also, Christopher Vogler's twelve steps for plotting our story.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What if we get the sense that our story is a trope, that the plot is a cliche, that it's been done before?  Here are thoughts on cliched stories.  Also, Christopher Vogler's twelve steps for plotting our story.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15589019 Fri, 30 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1576 full false Episode 127 - Go big or go home plotting. Episode 127 - Go big or go home plotting. Classic novelists knew the strong technique regarding plotting and it's a terrific lesson for us: go big or go home.  And what if we want to ignore a proven technique?  And: thoughts on a character's stream of consciousness thinking.  Also, how to avoid overthinking our writing project.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Classic novelists knew the strong technique regarding plotting and it's a terrific lesson for us: go big or go home.  And what if we want to ignore a proven technique?  And: thoughts on a character's stream of consciousness thinking.  Also, how to avoid overthinking our writing project.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15527850 Fri, 23 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1687 full false Episode 126 - Should we hire a book coach? Episode 126 - Should we hire a book coach? When can a book coach help us and when can a coach not help us?  Here are thoughts on book coaches.  Also, the master George Orwell on describing a character.  Plus, improving our sentence-by-sentence writing by 1) showing, 2) offering details, and 3) avoiding summary words: three big techniques in one.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> When can a book coach help us and when can a coach not help us?  Here are thoughts on book coaches.  Also, the master George Orwell on describing a character.  Plus, improving our sentence-by-sentence writing by 1) showing, 2) offering details, and 3) avoiding summary words: three big techniques in one.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15488026 Fri, 16 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1712 full false Episode 125 - When to avoid the proven writing technique. Episode 125 - When to avoid the proven writing technique. Sometimes we don't need to use the standard and strong writing technique, and we can deviate from the proven technique.  When?  We'll talk about it here.  And here are some fun writing quotes.  Also, an example of how interior monologue deadens a scene, and how to change it to a scene that will engage and entertain the reader.  

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Sometimes we don't need to use the standard and strong writing technique, and we can deviate from the proven technique.  When?  We'll talk about it here.  And here are some fun writing quotes.  Also, an example of how interior monologue deadens a scene, and how to change it to a scene that will engage and entertain the reader.  

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15436127 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1551 full false Episode 124 - Save the cat plotting. Episode 124 - Save the cat plotting. Blake Snyder's famous Save the Cat plotting--where he describes fifteen beats a movie screenplay should have--is useful for us novelists.  And wonderful setting descriptions from Willa Cather.  Also, what's wrong with this sentence: He scrunched his eyebrows in confusion?  And Neil Gaiman's eight rules of writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Blake Snyder's famous Save the Cat plotting--where he describes fifteen beats a movie screenplay should have--is useful for us novelists.  And wonderful setting descriptions from Willa Cather.  Also, what's wrong with this sentence: He scrunched his eyebrows in confusion?  And Neil Gaiman's eight rules of writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15379622 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1605 full false Episode 123 - The beauty of a professional submission. Episode 123 - The beauty of a professional submission. How can we submit a manuscript that meets the industry's format expectations and so avoids an amateurish look?  Here's how to do it.  Also, how the best-selling novelist Elin Hilderbrand live and work?  And a few comments on pumping up our creativity.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> How can we submit a manuscript that meets the industry's format expectations and so avoids an amateurish look?  Here's how to do it.  Also, how the best-selling novelist Elin Hilderbrand live and work?  And a few comments on pumping up our creativity.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15342025 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1495 full false Episode 122 - Getting inside a villain's mind. Episode 122 - Getting inside a villain's mind. We aren't villains, and we likely don't have the background and personality of a villain.  How can we get inside the mind of a villain for our story, so the villain engages the reader?  Here are techniques to do so.  Also, big and small things in a novel should be foreshadowed.  I'll mention why and how to use foreshadowing to give clues and red herrings to the reader, focusing on small things we might otherwise forget to tie up.  Also, here are my favorite funny titles of novels.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We aren't villains, and we likely don't have the background and personality of a villain.  How can we get inside the mind of a villain for our story, so the villain engages the reader?  Here are techniques to do so.  Also, big and small things in a novel should be foreshadowed.  I'll mention why and how to use foreshadowing to give clues and red herrings to the reader, focusing on small things we might otherwise forget to tie up.  Also, here are my favorite funny titles of novels.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15302935 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1646 full false Episode 121 - The biggest mistakes new writers make. Episode 121 - The biggest mistakes new writers make. Sometimes new writers have a strong plot idea and they begin writing without learning much about fiction writing.  Here are the ten most common mistakes new writers make, mistakes that are often prospect killers.   Also, how does Kristen Hannah work?  And: maybe the best way to learn how to write a novel.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Sometimes new writers have a strong plot idea and they begin writing without learning much about fiction writing.  Here are the ten most common mistakes new writers make, mistakes that are often prospect killers.   Also, how does Kristen Hannah work?  And: maybe the best way to learn how to write a novel.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15231712 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1508 full false Episode 120 - The most important element in fiction. Episode 120 - The most important element in fiction. We learn many techniques to improve our fiction writing.  Is there one big thing we should think about first, the most important element?  Yes, and we talk about it here.  Also, avoiding mixing up the grammatical person and the point of view.   How William Faulkner worked.  And; making a direct connection between our hero and the reader by showing kindness.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We learn many techniques to improve our fiction writing.  Is there one big thing we should think about first, the most important element?  Yes, and we talk about it here.  Also, avoiding mixing up the grammatical person and the point of view.   How William Faulkner worked.  And; making a direct connection between our hero and the reader by showing kindness.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15174768 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1661 full false Episode 119 - Making our sentences instantly stronger. Episode 119 - Making our sentences instantly stronger. Here is a technique--it's magical--to make our sentence-by-sentence writing instantly stronger; avoiding qualifiers.  And how to use good dialogue tags so the reader hears the dialogue rather than the clunky tags.  And important tips regarding back-story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here is a technique--it's magical--to make our sentence-by-sentence writing instantly stronger; avoiding qualifiers.  And how to use good dialogue tags so the reader hears the dialogue rather than the clunky tags.  And important tips regarding back-story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15040016 Fri, 28 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1514 full false Episode 118 - Naming characters and the framing device. Episode 118 - Naming characters and the framing device. Naming our story's characters is fun but there is a big technique involved, which we talk about in this episode.  Also; the iceberg theory of writing, and the story framing device.  Plus, examples of showing rather than telling about characters' moods.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Naming our story's characters is fun but there is a big technique involved, which we talk about in this episode.  Also; the iceberg theory of writing, and the story framing device.  Plus, examples of showing rather than telling about characters' moods.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-15003243 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1703 full false Episode 117 - Making multiple submissions, and a strong dialogue technique. Episode 117 - Making multiple submissions, and a strong dialogue technique. It's critical for us writers to make multiple simultaneous submissions.  Here are some thoughts on why it's so important.   And I mention a wonderful but counterintuitive technique that makes our dialogue smoother.   Also: the importance of a scene playing out minute-by-minute, without time skips.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> It's critical for us writers to make multiple simultaneous submissions.  Here are some thoughts on why it's so important.   And I mention a wonderful but counterintuitive technique that makes our dialogue smoother.   Also: the importance of a scene playing out minute-by-minute, without time skips.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14948788 Fri, 14 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1429 full false Episode 116 - Advice from your lifestyle counselor, and mistakes when describing our setting. Episode 116 - Advice from your lifestyle counselor, and mistakes when describing our setting. Where can we turn when wondering about whether we should continue reading a novel?  Right here, for some thoughts on reading.  Also, here is a discussion on big mistakes we might make when creating our story's setting, and how to avoid them.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Where can we turn when wondering about whether we should continue reading a novel?  Right here, for some thoughts on reading.  Also, here is a discussion on big mistakes we might make when creating our story's setting, and how to avoid them.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14806869 Fri, 07 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1832 full false Episode 115 - Downer titles and words that echo poorly. Episode 115 - Downer titles and words that echo poorly. Some novels--even novels that are great literature--have titles that are downers: titles that are sour and pessimistic.  Here are thoughts on why we might not want to give our novels downer titles.   Also, why we should avoid words that when too close together echo poorly, creating a distracting dissonance.   And how we writers can practice.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Some novels--even novels that are great literature--have titles that are downers: titles that are sour and pessimistic.  Here are thoughts on why we might not want to give our novels downer titles.   Also, why we should avoid words that when too close together echo poorly, creating a distracting dissonance.   And how we writers can practice.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14781620 Fri, 31 May 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1618 full false Episode 114 - A critical technique to make our story engaging. Episode 114 - A critical technique to make our story engaging. Details are proofs, evidence offered to the reader about our story.   Details will make our fiction engaging and will allow the story to grab readers.  But there are right and wrong ways to use details, and we'll talk about the difference.  Also, how should we handle back-story, politics, and society in our story?  And a goofy pop quiz.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Details are proofs, evidence offered to the reader about our story.   Details will make our fiction engaging and will allow the story to grab readers.  But there are right and wrong ways to use details, and we'll talk about the difference.  Also, how should we handle back-story, politics, and society in our story?  And a goofy pop quiz.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14712339 Fri, 24 May 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1519 full false Episode 113 - The clear window technique. Episode 113 - The clear window technique. For most of us our sentence-by-sentence writing should be a clear window to our story rather than a barrier to seeing the story.  Here are thoughts on the clear window.  Also, how George Orwell worked.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> For most of us our sentence-by-sentence writing should be a clear window to our story rather than a barrier to seeing the story.  Here are thoughts on the clear window.  Also, how George Orwell worked.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14653932 Fri, 17 May 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1581 full false Episode 112 - Writing in the past or present tense, and making submissions. Episode 112 - Writing in the past or present tense, and making submissions. What are the advantages and disadvantages of writing in the present tense?  And the past tense?   Also, a reminder about the importance of setting.  And I get on my high horse about writers needing persistence regarding submissions.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What are the advantages and disadvantages of writing in the present tense?  And the past tense?   Also, a reminder about the importance of setting.  And I get on my high horse about writers needing persistence regarding submissions.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14632853 Fri, 10 May 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1570 full false Episode 111 - If we have to have a big meeting, show rather than tell. Episode 111 - If we have to have a big meeting, show rather than tell. It's hard to make a big meeting scene interesting.  Much of the time meeting scenes should be avoided.  But if we must have a meeting, showing rather than telling will make it more interesting.   Plus, how Carson McCullers worked.  And some comments from feuding writers.  Also, an interview with Maeve Binchy.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> It's hard to make a big meeting scene interesting.  Much of the time meeting scenes should be avoided.  But if we must have a meeting, showing rather than telling will make it more interesting.   Plus, how Carson McCullers worked.  And some comments from feuding writers.  Also, an interview with Maeve Binchy.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14587740 Fri, 03 May 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1715 full false Episode 110 - Book cover design, and regaining enthusiasm. Episode 110 - Book cover design, and regaining enthusiasm. Good advice about designing your own book cover; don't.   If you self-publish your novel don't ruin it with a do-it-yourself book cover.   Here are thoughts on why you should hire a pro designer.  Also: why have we lost some enthusiasm for writing our novel, and how can we get it back?   And some of the loveliest sentences in literature.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Good advice about designing your own book cover; don't.   If you self-publish your novel don't ruin it with a do-it-yourself book cover.   Here are thoughts on why you should hire a pro designer.  Also: why have we lost some enthusiasm for writing our novel, and how can we get it back?   And some of the loveliest sentences in literature.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14567033 Fri, 26 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1605 full false Episode 109 - How we can stop stalling and get going. Episode 109 - How we can stop stalling and get going. Some of us have a hard time beginning the writing of our novels or short stories.  Here are the reasons why and things we might do to overcome them.   Also, the best first sentences in literature.  And now novelist John Cheever worked.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Some of us have a hard time beginning the writing of our novels or short stories.  Here are the reasons why and things we might do to overcome them.   Also, the best first sentences in literature.  And now novelist John Cheever worked.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14540349 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1584 full false Episode 108 - Every description should do double duty. Episode 108 - Every description should do double duty. We can avoid inert paragraphs by having our descriptions do more than one thing at once.   Descriptions of our characters, settings, and action and our dialogue can do double duty--two things at the same time--which will engage the reader and enliven our story.   Here's how .

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We can avoid inert paragraphs by having our descriptions do more than one thing at once.   Descriptions of our characters, settings, and action and our dialogue can do double duty--two things at the same time--which will engage the reader and enliven our story.   Here's how .

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14510150 Fri, 12 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1654 full false Episode 107 - The differences between literary and commercial fiction. Episode 107 - The differences between literary and commercial fiction. Should we categorize our novel as literary or commercial?  What are the benefits and drawbacks of doing so?  Also, we can improve our dialogue writing by reading great crime fiction.  And: the importance of avoiding filters.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Should we categorize our novel as literary or commercial?  What are the benefits and drawbacks of doing so?  Also, we can improve our dialogue writing by reading great crime fiction.  And: the importance of avoiding filters.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14480596 Fri, 05 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1741 full false Episode 106 - How to write a scene's sequel, and plotting the novel's middle. Episode 106 - How to write a scene's sequel, and plotting the novel's middle. Jack Bickham says that scenes should be followed by sequels.  Here are thoughts on how to write a sequel.  Also, the middle of a novel--sometimes called the Great Swampy Middle--can be hard to plot.  We'll discuss techniques on bulking up the middle of our story.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Jack Bickham says that scenes should be followed by sequels.  Here are thoughts on how to write a sequel.  Also, the middle of a novel--sometimes called the Great Swampy Middle--can be hard to plot.  We'll discuss techniques on bulking up the middle of our story.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14471684 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1621 full false Episode 105 - A technique for plotting scene to scene, and my failed writing experiment. Episode 105 - A technique for plotting scene to scene, and my failed writing experiment. What is the best way to plot our novel, plotting from scene to scene?  Here is a discussion of the critical technique of avoiding a scene's set up and wind down.  Also, I took part in a writing experiment and spectacularly failed, and here is an account of it.  I still wince when I recall it.  Also, a strong writing technique is avoiding "was" and "were."  We'll discuss why and how to do so.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What is the best way to plot our novel, plotting from scene to scene?  Here is a discussion of the critical technique of avoiding a scene's set up and wind down.  Also, I took part in a writing experiment and spectacularly failed, and here is an account of it.  I still wince when I recall it.  Also, a strong writing technique is avoiding "was" and "were."  We'll discuss why and how to do so.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14442853 Fri, 22 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0700 1658 full false Episode 104 - Let's get to work, and showing with dialogue. Episode 104 - Let's get to work, and showing with dialogue. What if we are stymied in our plotting, and can't think of enough story?  Here are some thoughts on how we might get to work.   Also; one of the best ways we can reveal our characters to readers is with the characters' own words, with their dialogue.  Here are some thoughts on showing--as opposed to telling--with dialogue.  Also, this episode contains the words "oaf," "poltroon," and "knucklehead," such words being like salt; they make anything better.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What if we are stymied in our plotting, and can't think of enough story?  Here are some thoughts on how we might get to work.   Also; one of the best ways we can reveal our characters to readers is with the characters' own words, with their dialogue.  Here are some thoughts on showing--as opposed to telling--with dialogue.  Also, this episode contains the words "oaf," "poltroon," and "knucklehead," such words being like salt; they make anything better.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14370080 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700 1622 full false Episode 103 - The joy of creating something out of nothing. And, is our new plot point a strong one? Episode 103 - The joy of creating something out of nothing. And, is our new plot point a strong one? We writers get to experience the joy of creating something--a character, a setting, an event--out of nothing.  And, how can we tell if the new plot point we've come up with is any good?  Are there questions we can ask ourselves to test our new plot point?  Also: who are the most memorable villains in fiction?  Here is Stephen King's list.  And here is something technical; how to paragraph dialogue.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We writers get to experience the joy of creating something--a character, a setting, an event--out of nothing.  And, how can we tell if the new plot point we've come up with is any good?  Are there questions we can ask ourselves to test our new plot point?  Also: who are the most memorable villains in fiction?  Here is Stephen King's list.  And here is something technical; how to paragraph dialogue.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14303359 Fri, 08 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1556 full false Episode 102 - Lovely sentence-by-sentence writing, and pumping up our creativity. Episode 102 - Lovely sentence-by-sentence writing, and pumping up our creativity. Most of us subscribe to the our-words-should-be-a-clear-window-to-the-story technique but some writers intentionally make their sentences beautiful so that we think about the words on the page.  Here are some thoughts on writing beautiful sentences.  Also, how can we pump up our creativity so as to get us off the dime regarding our plotting?  And Edna Ferber's striking character descriptions.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Most of us subscribe to the our-words-should-be-a-clear-window-to-the-story technique but some writers intentionally make their sentences beautiful so that we think about the words on the page.  Here are some thoughts on writing beautiful sentences.  Also, how can we pump up our creativity so as to get us off the dime regarding our plotting?  And Edna Ferber's striking character descriptions.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14219585 Fri, 01 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1555 full false Episode 101 - The phrases notebook, and avoiding our plot bogging down. Episode 101 - The phrases notebook, and avoiding our plot bogging down. A phrases notebook is a remarkably useful tool for writers.  Here's how to create one.  Also, sometimes while writing we might get the feeling that our plot is becoming aimless and that it is bogging down.  We'll list questions we can ask ourselves to determine if it's true, and how to fix the problem.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> A phrases notebook is a remarkably useful tool for writers.  Here's how to create one.  Also, sometimes while writing we might get the feeling that our plot is becoming aimless and that it is bogging down.  We'll list questions we can ask ourselves to determine if it's true, and how to fix the problem.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14120811 Fri, 23 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1586 full false Episode 100 - Getting into the flow, and the power of fiction. Episode 100 - Getting into the flow, and the power of fiction. Can we writers get into a mental state called the flow or the zone, then write 40 pages?  Maybe.  Here's how.  And: our fiction might someday change people's lives.   Also, showing--as opposed to telling--negative emotions such as disgust.  And a monkey in Thailand.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Can we writers get into a mental state called the flow or the zone, then write 40 pages?  Maybe.  Here's how.  And: our fiction might someday change people's lives.   Also, showing--as opposed to telling--negative emotions such as disgust.  And a monkey in Thailand.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14075909 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1756 full false Episode 99 - Traps when writing character-driven stories. Episode 99 - Traps when writing character-driven stories. Character-driven stories--which delve deeply into the hero's change and growth--can be moving and unforgettable for readers but there are traps that we can fall into when writing them.   Here they are, and how to avoid them.  Also, Kurt Vonnegut's technique of making a character want something right away.  And how Joyce Carol Oates works.   Also, the enduring appeal of Anne of Green Gables.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Character-driven stories--which delve deeply into the hero's change and growth--can be moving and unforgettable for readers but there are traps that we can fall into when writing them.   Here they are, and how to avoid them.  Also, Kurt Vonnegut's technique of making a character want something right away.  And how Joyce Carol Oates works.   Also, the enduring appeal of Anne of Green Gables.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-14025188 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1448 full false Episode 98 - Counterintuitive techniques that new writers might resist. Episode 98 - Counterintuitive techniques that new writers might resist. At some point all writers are new writers.  Here are some sure-fire fiction writing techniques that might not seem right, that are counterintuitive.  These are big techniques new writers often get wrong because at first glance they don't make sense.   Here's a list of these methods, and how to avoid getting them wrong.  

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> At some point all writers are new writers.  Here are some sure-fire fiction writing techniques that might not seem right, that are counterintuitive.  These are big techniques new writers often get wrong because at first glance they don't make sense.   Here's a list of these methods, and how to avoid getting them wrong.  

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13971083 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1532 full false Episode 97 - Clothing our characters. Also, how to end a scene. Episode 97 - Clothing our characters. Also, how to end a scene. How we dress our character will show--that is, to reveal--much about our characters to the reader.  Clothing is evidence of our character's personality, and a strong tool for us writers.   Also, Jack Bickham has solid advice on how to end our chapters.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> How we dress our character will show--that is, to reveal--much about our characters to the reader.  Clothing is evidence of our character's personality, and a strong tool for us writers.   Also, Jack Bickham has solid advice on how to end our chapters.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13912028 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1539 full false Episode 96 - How to create emotions in our characters and readers. Episode 96 - How to create emotions in our characters and readers. Huge rewards for fiction readers are a character's emotions; love, fear, gratitude, respect, loathing, and many others.  Here are techniques on how to create emotions in our characters that will  be intensely rewarding for readers.  Also: an example of the rule of exceptions regarding likeable characters..

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Huge rewards for fiction readers are a character's emotions; love, fear, gratitude, respect, loathing, and many others.  Here are techniques on how to create emotions in our characters that will  be intensely rewarding for readers.  Also: an example of the rule of exceptions regarding likeable characters..

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13874514 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1716 full false Episode 95 - More strong dialogue techniques. Episode 95 - More strong dialogue techniques. In the last episode we talked about major dialogue techniques.  Here are smaller ones--but still important techniques--that'll make our dialogue shine.  And: how does the best-selling novelist Jonathan Franzen work?  We'll find out.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> In the last episode we talked about major dialogue techniques.  Here are smaller ones--but still important techniques--that'll make our dialogue shine.  And: how does the best-selling novelist Jonathan Franzen work?  We'll find out.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13831614 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1447 full false Episode 94 - Seven big dialogue writing techniques. Episode 94 - Seven big dialogue writing techniques. Dialogue in fiction is fun to write and fun to read.  Here are seven techniques that'll help make our dialogue shine.  Also, why should we create a character readers hate?  Because those characters can be riveting, and are a strong element in the story.   Here are some famous examples from novels, not main villains, but rather secondary characters who make readers groan when they appear on the page.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Dialogue in fiction is fun to write and fun to read.  Here are seven techniques that'll help make our dialogue shine.  Also, why should we create a character readers hate?  Because those characters can be riveting, and are a strong element in the story.   Here are some famous examples from novels, not main villains, but rather secondary characters who make readers groan when they appear on the page.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13795670 Fri, 05 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0800 1657 full false Episode 93 - Can we avoid stupid writing? Episode 93 - Can we avoid stupid writing? Let's talk about stupid writing,  And: how to get our story going without over-explanation and back-story.  How John Updike and Frank Baum wrote.  And an encounter with Aphrodite in English 101.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Let's talk about stupid writing,  And: how to get our story going without over-explanation and back-story.  How John Updike and Frank Baum wrote.  And an encounter with Aphrodite in English 101.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13773799 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1824 full false Episode 92 - Fourteen scene mistakes and how to avoid them. Episode 92 - Fourteen scene mistakes and how to avoid them. Here is a list of the fourteen biggest mistakes we can make when creating our scene, and how to avoid them.  Also, we'll talk about how to avoid the dull tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock metronome beat when writing sentences.  And: showing rather than telling about a character's personality.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here is a list of the fourteen biggest mistakes we can make when creating our scene, and how to avoid them.  Also, we'll talk about how to avoid the dull tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock metronome beat when writing sentences.  And: showing rather than telling about a character's personality.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13752904 Fri, 22 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1616 full false Episode 91 - The benefits of a buddy, and Willa Cather and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Episode 91 - The benefits of a buddy, and Willa Cather and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Adding a close friend for our story's protagonist offers many benefits.  Here are some thoughts on buddies.  And: how did novelists Willa Cather and Nathaniel Hawthorne work?  Plus, techniques for avoiding interior monologue when our character is alone in the scene.  And: should we write the story that's loudest in our head or should we aim for the market?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Adding a close friend for our story's protagonist offers many benefits.  Here are some thoughts on buddies.  And: how did novelists Willa Cather and Nathaniel Hawthorne work?  Plus, techniques for avoiding interior monologue when our character is alone in the scene.  And: should we write the story that's loudest in our head or should we aim for the market?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13701152 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1637 full false Episode 90 - Techniques for creating riveting settings. Episode 90 - Techniques for creating riveting settings. Bland settings works against the story, and riveting settings propel the story forward.  Here are techniques for creating powerful settings that will engage the reader.  Also, the Wall Street Journal's interview of best-selling Ken Follett is fascinating, and here is some of it.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Bland settings works against the story, and riveting settings propel the story forward.  Here are techniques for creating powerful settings that will engage the reader.  Also, the Wall Street Journal's interview of best-selling Ken Follett is fascinating, and here is some of it.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13686469 Fri, 08 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1602 full false Episode 89 - Avoiding the biggest mistakes before we begin to write. Episode 89 - Avoiding the biggest mistakes before we begin to write. Here are thoughts on how to avoid early mistakes in our writing,  those blunders we might make before we write the first sentence of our story.    Also, a couple of wonderful quotation about writing.  And: new technology tools to help us writers.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are thoughts on how to avoid early mistakes in our writing,  those blunders we might make before we write the first sentence of our story.    Also, a couple of wonderful quotation about writing.  And: new technology tools to help us writers.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13656867 Fri, 01 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1550 full false Episode 88 - Writing the fight scene. Episode 88 - Writing the fight scene. Action is the most interesting element in most novels, and a fight is action.   Here are some techniques for writing a fight scene.   Also, here's an almost sure-fire way to prime the pump of our plotting, a way to invent more plot for our story.   And: thoughts about naming our characters.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Action is the most interesting element in most novels, and a fight is action.   Here are some techniques for writing a fight scene.   Also, here's an almost sure-fire way to prime the pump of our plotting, a way to invent more plot for our story.   And: thoughts about naming our characters.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13614016 Fri, 24 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1770 full false Episode 87 - How to write a fabulous first sentence. Episode 87 - How to write a fabulous first sentence. The first sentence of our story should suggest to the reader, "Come on in and listen."  A good first sentence propels the reader into the story, and here are some ways to write them.   Also: Stephen King's twenty important techniques for writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> The first sentence of our story should suggest to the reader, "Come on in and listen."  A good first sentence propels the reader into the story, and here are some ways to write them.   Also: Stephen King's twenty important techniques for writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13591828 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1781 full false Episode 86 - The importance of a tie-up later list. Also: sequels. Episode 86 - The importance of a tie-up later list. Also: sequels. Why should we keep a tie-up later list?   How to create one and their importance are mentioned.   And Angelou, King, and Tolstoy.  Also: should we plan a sequel?

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Why should we keep a tie-up later list?   How to create one and their importance are mentioned.   And Angelou, King, and Tolstoy.  Also: should we plan a sequel?

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13565455 Fri, 10 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1490 full false Episode 85 - Dialogue's three most important techniques. Episode 85 - Dialogue's three most important techniques. Listening to characters speak is a great pleasure for readers.  It's as if the reader is a character in the scene, listening in, eavesdropping.  Here are the three most important dialogue writing techniques I can think of.   Also; how can we make our third-person narrator as intimate with the reader as a first-person narrator?  Some thoughts are offered on how to get the reader close to the third-person character.   And: Mark Twain's daily writing habits.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Listening to characters speak is a great pleasure for readers.  It's as if the reader is a character in the scene, listening in, eavesdropping.  Here are the three most important dialogue writing techniques I can think of.   Also; how can we make our third-person narrator as intimate with the reader as a first-person narrator?  Some thoughts are offered on how to get the reader close to the third-person character.   And: Mark Twain's daily writing habits.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13526122 Fri, 03 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1561 full false Episode 84 - Why we should create a funny character, and how to do so. Episode 84 - Why we should create a funny character, and how to do so. Humorous characters are fun to read about and fun to write about.  Here are some thoughts on why funny characters are important in our stories, and some techniques for creating funny characters.  Also: Charles Dickens' daily work schedule.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Humorous characters are fun to read about and fun to write about.  Here are some thoughts on why funny characters are important in our stories, and some techniques for creating funny characters.  Also: Charles Dickens' daily work schedule.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13498122 Fri, 27 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1472 full false Episode 83 - How to show our character's thoughts to avoid interior monologue. Episode 83 - How to show our character's thoughts to avoid interior monologue. Here are ways to show with action and dialogue what our character is thinking so we can avoid visiting the character's mind for interior monologue, usually the least interesting element of a story.   And we visit Somerset Maugham, Truman Capote, and Herman Melville.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are ways to show with action and dialogue what our character is thinking so we can avoid visiting the character's mind for interior monologue, usually the least interesting element of a story.   And we visit Somerset Maugham, Truman Capote, and Herman Melville.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13474372 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0700 1565 full false Episode 82 - Finding the courage to write, and describing our first-person hero. Episode 82 - Finding the courage to write, and describing our first-person hero. Do we need courage to write our first novel?  If so, where do we find it?  Also, writing the physical description of our hero in a first-person novel can be tricky.  Here are thoughts on how we might do so.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Do we need courage to write our first novel?  If so, where do we find it?  Also, writing the physical description of our hero in a first-person novel can be tricky.  Here are thoughts on how we might do so.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13437216 Fri, 13 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1741 full false Episode 81 - The top ten fiction writing techniques. Episode 81 - The top ten fiction writing techniques. Here's a list of the most important techniques we should think about when plotting and writing our novel or short story.  Also, more on making our settings work for our story.  And, how we can show rather than tell about love.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here's a list of the most important techniques we should think about when plotting and writing our novel or short story.  Also, more on making our settings work for our story.  And, how we can show rather than tell about love.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13417331 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1598 full false Episode 80 - Maybe we are writing magic, and strong versus weak words. Episode 80 - Maybe we are writing magic, and strong versus weak words. Did soon-to-be famous writers know as they drafted their novels that they were creating magic for readers?   Maybe.   Maybe not.   And how can we choose the strong word instead the the weak, so that our sentence shines?  Also, here are thoughts on how long our chapters should be, and how to make sure they are not too long and not too short.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Did soon-to-be famous writers know as they drafted their novels that they were creating magic for readers?   Maybe.   Maybe not.   And how can we choose the strong word instead the the weak, so that our sentence shines?  Also, here are thoughts on how long our chapters should be, and how to make sure they are not too long and not too short.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13357033 Fri, 29 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1581 full false Episode 79 - Tips for writing YA fiction. Also: adding detail to our scenes. Episode 79 - Tips for writing YA fiction. Also: adding detail to our scenes. Young adult fiction is a vast market, and many wonderful writers create YA novels.  Here are some thoughts on YA, some techniques we might keep in mind as we put together a story meant for teenagers.  Also, what is the balance between not enough detail and too much detail in our scenes?   I'll set out a formula.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Young adult fiction is a vast market, and many wonderful writers create YA novels.  Here are some thoughts on YA, some techniques we might keep in mind as we put together a story meant for teenagers.  Also, what is the balance between not enough detail and too much detail in our scenes?   I'll set out a formula.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13312236 Fri, 22 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1665 full false Episode 78 - Developing a distinctive voice, and flashbacks. Episode 78 - Developing a distinctive voice, and flashbacks. A distinctive voice can add a charming or compelling aspect to a story.  What is voice?  And do we need a distinctive voice?  Maybe not, maybe so.  Here are thoughts about a voice for our stories.  Also mentioned are ideas and techniques regarding flashbacks.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> A distinctive voice can add a charming or compelling aspect to a story.  What is voice?  And do we need a distinctive voice?  Maybe not, maybe so.  Here are thoughts about a voice for our stories.  Also mentioned are ideas and techniques regarding flashbacks.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13278183 Fri, 15 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0700 1586 full false Episode 77 - Eleven techniques for writing strong sentences. Episode 77 - Eleven techniques for writing strong sentences. The words on our page should be a clear window to our story.   How can we do that?  Here are eleven techniques to make our sentences forceful and clear.   Also, some comments on the story arc.   What is a story arc?  Is the concept useful?

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> The words on our page should be a clear window to our story.   How can we do that?  Here are eleven techniques to make our sentences forceful and clear.   Also, some comments on the story arc.   What is a story arc?  Is the concept useful?

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13251796 Fri, 08 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1574 full false Episode 76 - Writing our synopsis, and avoiding filters. Episode 76 - Writing our synopsis, and avoiding filters. A literary agent or a publisher may ask for a synopsis of our novel, a three to five-page summary.  Here are techniques on how to write one.  Also, can artificial intelligence write fiction?  We'll find out.  Plus, ridding our sentences of filters to get the reader closer to the scene.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> A literary agent or a publisher may ask for a synopsis of our novel, a three to five-page summary.  Here are techniques on how to write one.  Also, can artificial intelligence write fiction?  We'll find out.  Plus, ridding our sentences of filters to get the reader closer to the scene.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13218179 Fri, 01 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1533 full false Episode 75 - The magical difference between scene and summary. Episode 75 - The magical difference between scene and summary. New writers tend to put too much summary into their stories.  I'll talk about how to avoid that mistake, making sure that most of our novels are scenes.   Why is this so important?   Scenes are much more engaging for the reader than are summaries.   Also, here's how to show--rather than tell--about our characters' aches and pains.   And here's a list of the twelve best novels of all time.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> New writers tend to put too much summary into their stories.  I'll talk about how to avoid that mistake, making sure that most of our novels are scenes.   Why is this so important?   Scenes are much more engaging for the reader than are summaries.   Also, here's how to show--rather than tell--about our characters' aches and pains.   And here's a list of the twelve best novels of all time.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13194439 Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0700 1509 full false Episode 74 - How to describe our villainous villain, and how to get unstuck. Episode 74 - How to describe our villainous villain, and how to get unstuck. A great pleasure in our fiction reading is coming across a dastardly villain, someone so bad and so well-described we will never forget him or her.  Hannibal Lecter.  Nurse Ratched.  Huckleberry Finn's father Pap.   How can writers create such a villain?  Here are techniques, in particular regarding the physical description of the villain.   Also discussed is how we can get unstuck in our plotting or writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> A great pleasure in our fiction reading is coming across a dastardly villain, someone so bad and so well-described we will never forget him or her.  Hannibal Lecter.  Nurse Ratched.  Huckleberry Finn's father Pap.   How can writers create such a villain?  Here are techniques, in particular regarding the physical description of the villain.   Also discussed is how we can get unstuck in our plotting or writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13174081 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1558 full false Episode 73 - How to make settings work for our story, and how writers get to work each day. Episode 73 - How to make settings work for our story, and how writers get to work each day. Here are two errors we might make when describing our setting.  First, using a dull setting.  And, second, making the setting inert, that is, not having the setting contribute to the story.   Here are techniques to avoid both mistakes.  Plus, we'll look at how other novelists get to work each day, how they manage to sit themselves down and start writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are two errors we might make when describing our setting.  First, using a dull setting.  And, second, making the setting inert, that is, not having the setting contribute to the story.   Here are techniques to avoid both mistakes.  Plus, we'll look at how other novelists get to work each day, how they manage to sit themselves down and start writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13143735 Fri, 11 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1512 full false Episode 72 - Finding an agent, and writing a query. Episode 72 - Finding an agent, and writing a query. Once we have completed our novel, it may be time to obtain the services of a literary agent.  Here are thoughts on how to find good ones, and how to write a query asking them to look at your manuscript 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Once we have completed our novel, it may be time to obtain the services of a literary agent.  Here are thoughts on how to find good ones, and how to write a query asking them to look at your manuscript 

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13127302 Fri, 04 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1972 full false Episode 71 - Using the critical tool of contrast. And writing vivid character descriptions. Episode 71 - Using the critical tool of contrast. And writing vivid character descriptions. Blue is bluer when placed next to yellow.  Here are techniques on the use of contrast to make our scenes and characters more vivid.  Also, we can learn how to describe characters--and we can be inspired--by reading how the masters create their characters.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Blue is bluer when placed next to yellow.  Here are techniques on the use of contrast to make our scenes and characters more vivid.  Also, we can learn how to describe characters--and we can be inspired--by reading how the masters create their characters.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13103334 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1675 full false Episode 70 - Writing a story in the first-person. Episode 70 - Writing a story in the first-person. Here are some thoughts about how we can write our story in the first-person, some techniques that will capture the reader.   Also, usually the fewer the adverbs and adjectives, the stronger the writing.  Here's how we can reduce the number of modifiers in our fiction.  And here's a list of the six funniest novels of all time.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are some thoughts about how we can write our story in the first-person, some techniques that will capture the reader.   Also, usually the fewer the adverbs and adjectives, the stronger the writing.  Here's how we can reduce the number of modifiers in our fiction.  And here's a list of the six funniest novels of all time.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13067368 Fri, 21 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1431 full false Episode 69 - Learning character and setting descriptions from the masters. Episode 69 - Learning character and setting descriptions from the masters. One of the best ways to learn the craft of fiction is to read the works of great writers, those novelists who know how to offer the reader unforgettable images of new places and new people.   Here are examples of character and setting descriptions from skilled writers.   Listening to them, we'll be inspired to create vivid and enchanting descriptions

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> One of the best ways to learn the craft of fiction is to read the works of great writers, those novelists who know how to offer the reader unforgettable images of new places and new people.   Here are examples of character and setting descriptions from skilled writers.   Listening to them, we'll be inspired to create vivid and enchanting descriptions

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13052997 Fri, 14 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1529 full false Episode 68 - Do we have an idea or a plot? Also: how to write joyful dialogue. Episode 68 - Do we have an idea or a plot? Also: how to write joyful dialogue. What's the difference between an idea and plot?  It's important to know as we begin writing.  Also, readers love joyous dialogue.  Here are thoughts on how to write it.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What's the difference between an idea and plot?  It's important to know as we begin writing.  Also, readers love joyous dialogue.  Here are thoughts on how to write it.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13014253 Fri, 07 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1540 full false Episode 67 - Lighting the writing fuse, and showing rather than telling about the setting. Episode 67 - Lighting the writing fuse, and showing rather than telling about the setting. What in our lives made us want to write?  Here's a discussion about lighting that fuse.  Also: here are techniques for showing rather than telling about our story's setting.  And discussed also is a wonderful way to learn to write that takes little extra time or effort.  Finally, how to write dialogue when the characters are afraid.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What in our lives made us want to write?  Here's a discussion about lighting that fuse.  Also: here are techniques for showing rather than telling about our story's setting.  And discussed also is a wonderful way to learn to write that takes little extra time or effort.  Finally, how to write dialogue when the characters are afraid.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12981938 Fri, 30 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1631 full false Episode 66 - Creating characters readers love. Also; techniques for writing sad dialogue. Episode 66 - Creating characters readers love. Also; techniques for writing sad dialogue. A main reason readers put a novel on their all-time top-ten favorites list is because they fall in love with a character.  Here's how we can create characters readers will love.  Also discussed are techniques for writing sad dialogue.  And also: how to get unstuck when writing or novel or short story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> A main reason readers put a novel on their all-time top-ten favorites list is because they fall in love with a character.  Here's how we can create characters readers will love.  Also discussed are techniques for writing sad dialogue.  And also: how to get unstuck when writing or novel or short story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13003619 Fri, 23 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1515 full false Episode 65 - A writer's thoughts on ChatGPT. And the benefits of identifying our genre. Episode 65 - A writer's thoughts on ChatGPT. And the benefits of identifying our genre. I've been checking out the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, and here are some impressions of its use for writers.  And: what are the benefits of identifying our novel as being in a genre?  Also, more on  those pesky dialogue tag modifiers.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> I've been checking out the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, and here are some impressions of its use for writers.  And: what are the benefits of identifying our novel as being in a genre?  Also, more on  those pesky dialogue tag modifiers.  

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12967470 Fri, 16 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1628 full false Episode 64 - How to get started writing, and tips on romantic and angry dialogue. Episode 64 - How to get started writing, and tips on romantic and angry dialogue. How can we get off the dime and start writing our novel or short story?  Here are some thoughts.  Also, readers love emotional dialogue; techniques to write romantic dialogue and angry dialogue are discussed.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> How can we get off the dime and start writing our novel or short story?  Here are some thoughts.  Also, readers love emotional dialogue; techniques to write romantic dialogue and angry dialogue are discussed.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13002826 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1566 full false Episode 63 - How to bring our settings to life, and writing the romantic scene. Episode 63 - How to bring our settings to life, and writing the romantic scene. Here is a strong technique for immersing readers in our settings.  Readers will think they are right there with our characters.  Also, almost all stories should have a romance, and keys to writing romance scenes are reviewed.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here is a strong technique for immersing readers in our settings.  Readers will think they are right there with our characters.  Also, almost all stories should have a romance, and keys to writing romance scenes are reviewed.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12961094 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1917 full false Episode 62 - A technique for bringing our characters to life, and writing the action scene. Episode 62 - A technique for bringing our characters to life, and writing the action scene. Here is a strong technique to make our characters vivid and memorable for the reader.   And also: most novels should have action scenes.   The craft of writing a powerful action scene is reviewed.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here is a strong technique to make our characters vivid and memorable for the reader.   And also: most novels should have action scenes.   The craft of writing a powerful action scene is reviewed.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12925317 Fri, 26 May 2023 05:00:00 -0700 1711 full false Episode 61 - How to detect and fix a sloppy scene. Also: how to unleash story ideas. Episode 61 - How to detect and fix a sloppy scene. Also: how to unleash story ideas. Sometimes a scene we've written just doesn't feel right.  Something is amiss but we can't put our fingers on it.  Here's a method to figure out what might be wrong and how to fix it.  Also: we can get stuck in our thinking about the plot.  Where should the story go next?  What should we add?  Here are ideas on inventing plot points.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Sometimes a scene we've written just doesn't feel right.  Something is amiss but we can't put our fingers on it.  Here's a method to figure out what might be wrong and how to fix it.  Also: we can get stuck in our thinking about the plot.  Where should the story go next?  What should we add?  Here are ideas on inventing plot points.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12880030 Fri, 19 May 2023 05:00:00 -0700 1361 full false Episode 60 - Fabulous sentences of fiction, font fiddling, and slow motion. Episode 60 - Fabulous sentences of fiction, font fiddling, and slow motion. A terrific way for writers to find inspiration is to hear legendary sentences from famous novels.  Here are a few.  Should we fiddle with fonts in our manuscript?   And slow motion is a powerful tool for our scenes.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> A terrific way for writers to find inspiration is to hear legendary sentences from famous novels.  Here are a few.  Should we fiddle with fonts in our manuscript?   And slow motion is a powerful tool for our scenes.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12836114 Fri, 12 May 2023 05:00:00 -0700 1365 full false Episode 59 - Plotting with a spreadsheet. And the unreliable narrator. Also, fiddling with the flow of time. Episode 59 - Plotting with a spreadsheet. And the unreliable narrator. Also, fiddling with the flow of time. Can we use a spreadsheet to plot our novels?   Some authors do.   Here are thoughts about using Excel for outlining a story.   Also, most main characters in a novel tell the truth to the reader.   But some don't.   Sometimes an unreliable narrator is a strong tool for plotting.   Plus, should authors fiddle with the speed of time in our novels?   Hurrying time and skipping time?   Here are some techniques regarding the flow of time in our stories.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Can we use a spreadsheet to plot our novels?   Some authors do.   Here are thoughts about using Excel for outlining a story.   Also, most main characters in a novel tell the truth to the reader.   But some don't.   Sometimes an unreliable narrator is a strong tool for plotting.   Plus, should authors fiddle with the speed of time in our novels?   Hurrying time and skipping time?   Here are some techniques regarding the flow of time in our stories.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12789934 Fri, 05 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1451 full false Episode 58 - Making writing less daunting, and some techniques to avoid weak sentences. Episode 58 - Making writing less daunting, and some techniques to avoid weak sentences. How can we handle the dispiriting feeling that writing our novel is a huge, endless, and hard chore with completion far in the future, if ever?  Here are some thoughts about facing our big writing project.  Also mentioned are some sentence-by-sentence writing mistakes that are easy to avoid.  And this episode presents some specific words we can delete from our manuscript, and our story will magically be better.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> How can we handle the dispiriting feeling that writing our novel is a huge, endless, and hard chore with completion far in the future, if ever?  Here are some thoughts about facing our big writing project.  Also mentioned are some sentence-by-sentence writing mistakes that are easy to avoid.  And this episode presents some specific words we can delete from our manuscript, and our story will magically be better.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12741589 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0700 1719 full false Episode 57 - An important tool, the timeline. Also, authorial distance. Episode 57 - An important tool, the timeline. Also, authorial distance. Creating a timeline can help us keep things straight as we plot and write.  Also, here's a discussion of authorial distance, which is the closeness or distance the reader feels from the scene's subjects.  And a list of ways to avoid sentence-by-sentence weak writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Creating a timeline can help us keep things straight as we plot and write.  Also, here's a discussion of authorial distance, which is the closeness or distance the reader feels from the scene's subjects.  And a list of ways to avoid sentence-by-sentence weak writing.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12705836 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0700 1426 full false Episode 56 - How many characters are too many? And he wore his guilt like a harness. Episode 56 - How many characters are too many? And he wore his guilt like a harness. For each scene, the perfect number of characters exists.  We'll talk about that number.  Too few, and we don't have a scene.  Too many, and the scene is like a subway at rush hour.  Also, here are some techniques regarding metaphors and similes, a skill that can make our writing more lyrical and engaging.   Please note: I will be out of the office next week, and so won't upload a new episode next Friday, but will return for a new episode the following Friday.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> For each scene, the perfect number of characters exists.  We'll talk about that number.  Too few, and we don't have a scene.  Too many, and the scene is like a subway at rush hour.  Also, here are some techniques regarding metaphors and similes, a skill that can make our writing more lyrical and engaging.   Please note: I will be out of the office next week, and so won't upload a new episode next Friday, but will return for a new episode the following Friday.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12649512 Fri, 14 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0700 1637 full false Episode 55 - How many words should we write a day? And the use of contrast. Episode 55 - How many words should we write a day? And the use of contrast. How many words a day?  Too fast, and our story might be sloppy.  Too slow, and we'll never finish.  Here are some thoughts about our pace of writing.  And also; contrast is a critical tool for us writers.  How can we use it?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> How many words a day?  Too fast, and our story might be sloppy.  Too slow, and we'll never finish.  Here are some thoughts about our pace of writing.  And also; contrast is a critical tool for us writers.  How can we use it?

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12607978 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0700 1473 full false Episode 54 - Fear of failure, author photos, and the use of humor. Episode 54 - Fear of failure, author photos, and the use of humor. Here are thoughts on how we might handle doubts about our writing abilities, the fear of failure.  Plus, more tips on facing the camera.   And: humor is a wonderful tool for writers.  Add some laughs to our stories.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are thoughts on how we might handle doubts about our writing abilities, the fear of failure.  Plus, more tips on facing the camera.   And: humor is a wonderful tool for writers.  Add some laughs to our stories.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12555287 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1514 full false Episode 53 - Embarrassing stuff, and the middle of the novel. Episode 53 - Embarrassing stuff, and the middle of the novel. We shouldn't write about embarrassing stuff, and here's a list.  Also, here are techniques to rev up the middle of the novel, often the hardest part to write.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We shouldn't write about embarrassing stuff, and here's a list.  Also, here are techniques to rev up the middle of the novel, often the hardest part to write.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12507948 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0700 1423 full false Episode 52 - Making our sentences more lively, and avoiding reader disbelief. Episode 52 - Making our sentences more lively, and avoiding reader disbelief. Here's a strong way to make our sentences pop, to make our writing lively and energetic.   Also: how to keep the reader engaged by reducing disbelief and so making our story more real.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here's a strong way to make our sentences pop, to make our writing lively and energetic.   Also: how to keep the reader engaged by reducing disbelief and so making our story more real.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12459796 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700 1532 full false Episode 51 - The wonder factor. Episode 51 - The wonder factor. Let's apply the wonder factor to our stories, giving readers elements that will make them shake their heads and smile, and so remember our writing.  And here also are techniques to avoid inertia in our writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Let's apply the wonder factor to our stories, giving readers elements that will make them shake their heads and smile, and so remember our writing.  And here also are techniques to avoid inertia in our writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12413526 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0800 1533 full false Episode 50 - The right kind of surprise ending, and wonderful character descriptions. Episode 50 - The right kind of surprise ending, and wonderful character descriptions. The ending of our novel should be a surprise but not a complete surprise.  Here are techniques for crafting that balance.  And famous character descriptions can inspire us to create our own fascinating character portraits.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> The ending of our novel should be a surprise but not a complete surprise.  Here are techniques for crafting that balance.  And famous character descriptions can inspire us to create our own fascinating character portraits.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Buzzsprout-12367509 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1645 full false Episode 49 - Avoiding the biggest mistake, and keeping the POV tight. Episode 49 - Avoiding the biggest mistake, and keeping the POV tight. If we are going to spend a year or two writing a novel, shouldn't we avoid a mistake in our very first chapter that ruins the novel's chances with agents and publishers?  Here's the mistake and how to avoid it.  Also mentioned are techniques on keeping the point of view tight.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> If we are going to spend a year or two writing a novel, shouldn't we avoid a mistake in our very first chapter that ruins the novel's chances with agents and publishers?  Here's the mistake and how to avoid it.  Also mentioned are techniques on keeping the point of view tight.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12320573 Fri, 24 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1342 full false Episode 48 - Writing strong dialogue, and Ray Bradbury on plotting. Episode 48 - Writing strong dialogue, and Ray Bradbury on plotting. Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read.  What's the best way to mix dialogue with action?  How can we make sure dialogue and action work together to propel the story forward?  And how science fiction legend Ray Bradbury came up with his plots.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read.  What's the best way to mix dialogue with action?  How can we make sure dialogue and action work together to propel the story forward?  And how science fiction legend Ray Bradbury came up with his plots.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12272754 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0800 1545 full false Episode 47 - A strong plotting technique, and leeches. Episode 47 - A strong plotting technique, and leeches. Sometimes when plotting we run out of ideas.  Here's a good way to prime the plotting pump.  And more on qualifiers, the leeches that infest the pond of prose.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Sometimes when plotting we run out of ideas.  Here's a good way to prime the plotting pump.  And more on qualifiers, the leeches that infest the pond of prose.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-12225553 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0800 1347 full false Episode 46 - What if no one comes to our book signing? And crafting our narrative voice. Episode 46 - What if no one comes to our book signing? And crafting our narrative voice. No one in line to buy an autographed copy of your novel?  You are not alone.  The Wall Street Journal tells of famous authors who have suffered empty bookstores.  And techniques for fitting our narrative voice to our genre

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> No one in line to buy an autographed copy of your novel?  You are not alone.  The Wall Street Journal tells of famous authors who have suffered empty bookstores.  And techniques for fitting our narrative voice to our genre

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11992467 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0800 1606 full false Episode 45 - Techniques to make our dialogue riveting. Episode 45 - Techniques to make our dialogue riveting. Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read.  Here is a strong technique to make our dialogue fascinating for readers.  Also, novel writing's rule of exceptions.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read.  Here is a strong technique to make our dialogue fascinating for readers.  Also, novel writing's rule of exceptions.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11952359 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0800 1229 full false Episode 44 - How to avoid another prospect-killing mistake. Episode 44 - How to avoid another prospect-killing mistake. We'll talk in this episode about another big mistake, one that will cause agents and editors to put aside our manuscripts after four or five pages.  Also, some dialogue is better than other dialogue, and so here are tips on writing fascinating dialogue.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We'll talk in this episode about another big mistake, one that will cause agents and editors to put aside our manuscripts after four or five pages.  Also, some dialogue is better than other dialogue, and so here are tips on writing fascinating dialogue.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Buzzsprout-11924002 Fri, 23 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0800 1302 full false Episode 43 - Dialogue should do double duty. Here's how. Episode 43 - Dialogue should do double duty. Here's how. Dialogue that does only one thing might be inert.  Talk between our characters should do double duty, and here are techniques about how to write double-duty dialogue.   Also, how to avoid the as-you-know syndrome in dialogue.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Dialogue that does only one thing might be inert.  Talk between our characters should do double duty, and here are techniques about how to write double-duty dialogue.   Also, how to avoid the as-you-know syndrome in dialogue.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11884443 Fri, 16 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0800 1592 full false Episode 42 - The single most important writing technique. Episode 42 - The single most important writing technique. What's the one most important writing technique for novelists?  If we get it wrong it sinks our publishing chances.  We'll talk about how to get it right.   Also, how to add the charming or funny or odd trait to our character that will make him or her stick in the reader's mind.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What's the one most important writing technique for novelists?  If we get it wrong it sinks our publishing chances.  We'll talk about how to get it right.   Also, how to add the charming or funny or odd trait to our character that will make him or her stick in the reader's mind.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11842572 Fri, 09 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0800 1472 full false Episode 41 - How can we know if we have the talent to write? Episode 41 - How can we know if we have the talent to write? Can we know in advance if we have the talent to write a novel, before we spend the time and effort to write it?  Here are some thoughts.  Also, we can get better at close observing and phrase- making, and some techniques are discussed.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Can we know in advance if we have the talent to write a novel, before we spend the time and effort to write it?  Here are some thoughts.  Also, we can get better at close observing and phrase- making, and some techniques are discussed.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11802408 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0800 1566 full false Episode 40 - Creating villainous villains. Episode 40 - Creating villainous villains. Here are techniques for creating fictional villains readers will love to loathe and fear.  We writers can make readers shudder when our scoundrels  appear.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are techniques for creating fictional villains readers will love to loathe and fear.  We writers can make readers shudder when our scoundrels  appear.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11760704 Fri, 25 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0800 1583 full false Episode 39 - How to create characters readers love. Episode 39 - How to create characters readers love. Readers want to fall in love with our characters.  Here are some techniques about how to create characters readers will be passionate about, and so will dislike seeing the novel end.  Also, some advice on handling minor characters.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Readers want to fall in love with our characters.  Here are some techniques about how to create characters readers will be passionate about, and so will dislike seeing the novel end.  Also, some advice on handling minor characters.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11722032 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0800 1526 full false Episode 38 - We shouldn't write these scenes, and strong techniqes for character description. Episode 38 - We shouldn't write these scenes, and strong techniqes for character description. Some scenes are too much, and they may ruin a novel for readers.  What are they?  Plus, here are some good techniques for describing our characters, having our descriptions do double duty.  And don't forget the quirks.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Some scenes are too much, and they may ruin a novel for readers.  What are they?  Plus, here are some good techniques for describing our characters, having our descriptions do double duty.  And don't forget the quirks.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11676399 Fri, 11 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0800 1721 full false Episode 37 - When to stop preparing and start writing. Episode 37 - When to stop preparing and start writing. How can we know when we've prepared enough?  Is it time to start chapter 1?  Here's a list of eight things we probably should have figured out before we start our first chapter.  Also, how to show rather than tell about emotions and reactions.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> How can we know when we've prepared enough?  Is it time to start chapter 1?  Here's a list of eight things we probably should have figured out before we start our first chapter.  Also, how to show rather than tell about emotions and reactions.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11631422 Fri, 04 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0700 1587 full false Episode 36 - The most interesting to the least interesting aspects of a novel. Episode 36 - The most interesting to the least interesting aspects of a novel. Some elements of a novel are more interesting than others, and some are less interesting.  Writers should give readers more of the involving and fascinating aspects, and here is a ranked list of those elements.  Also, a look at how three great writers describe their characters, and what we can learn from them.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Some elements of a novel are more interesting than others, and some are less interesting.  Writers should give readers more of the involving and fascinating aspects, and here is a ranked list of those elements.  Also, a look at how three great writers describe their characters, and what we can learn from them.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11586316 Fri, 28 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0700 1641 full false Episode 35 - A close look at scene structure, and avoiding mushy sentences. Episode 35 - A close look at scene structure, and avoiding mushy sentences. Scene structure is an art hidden from the reader but critical for the success of a scene.  We'll talk about structure in this episode.  Also, here is one of the best ways to avoid mushy, colorless sentences that don't grip the reader.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Scene structure is an art hidden from the reader but critical for the success of a scene.  We'll talk about structure in this episode.  Also, here is one of the best ways to avoid mushy, colorless sentences that don't grip the reader.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11542296 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0700 1398 full false Episode 34 - Why and how to practice writing, and more thoughts on thoughts. Episode 34 - Why and how to practice writing, and more thoughts on thoughts. Should we as writers practice our craft?  What are the benefits, and how should we do so?  And here are more ideas about making clear to readers what our character is thinking.  Also, here are some laughably bad sentences.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Should we as writers practice our craft?  What are the benefits, and how should we do so?  And here are more ideas about making clear to readers what our character is thinking.  Also, here are some laughably bad sentences.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11500474 Fri, 14 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1446 full false Episode 33 - Danger signs our plot is dull. Episode 33 - Danger signs our plot is dull. Here are eight signs that our plot isn't as interesting as we'd like, which is to say; it's dull.  And how to fix it.  Also, how do we carve out the time to write in our busy lives?  A good author reveals how she did it.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are eight signs that our plot isn't as interesting as we'd like, which is to say; it's dull.  And how to fix it.  Also, how do we carve out the time to write in our busy lives?  A good author reveals how she did it.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11457244 Fri, 07 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0700 1498 full false Episode 32 - A formula for showing, and clear and spare writing. Episode 32 - A formula for showing, and clear and spare writing. We should show as opposed to tell most of the time.  But sometimes telling is fine.  Here is a formula for when to show and when to tell.   Also, we'll talk about techniques for clear and spare writing.  And the reason Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is my favorite novel.  And a wonderfully funny sentence from Lee Child.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We should show as opposed to tell most of the time.  But sometimes telling is fine.  Here is a formula for when to show and when to tell.   Also, we'll talk about techniques for clear and spare writing.  And the reason Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is my favorite novel.  And a wonderfully funny sentence from Lee Child.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11414560 Fri, 30 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1580 full false Episode 31 - Favorite novels and check-mark plotting. Episode 31 - Favorite novels and check-mark plotting. Making a list of our favorite novels is fun and it can teach us something about writing, plus the strong technique of check-mark plotting.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Making a list of our favorite novels is fun and it can teach us something about writing, plus the strong technique of check-mark plotting.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11373266 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0700 1341 full false Episode 30 - Plotting and the power struggle. Episode 30 - Plotting and the power struggle. Plotting our story is so important that we return to it here.  How can we know what works and doesn't work in a story?  We'll talk about plotting techniques including good advice from a Pulitzer Prize winner.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Plotting our story is so important that we return to it here.  How can we know what works and doesn't work in a story?  We'll talk about plotting techniques including good advice from a Pulitzer Prize winner.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Buzzsprout-11331634 Fri, 16 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1563 full false Episode 29 - The pattern of a novel. Episode 29 - The pattern of a novel. Successful novels almost always follow a pattern, and we'll talk about the pattern in this episode.  Also, what put you in mind of writing fiction?  I'd like to hear from you about it.  And several more odd book titles.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Successful novels almost always follow a pattern, and we'll talk about the pattern in this episode.  Also, what put you in mind of writing fiction?  I'd like to hear from you about it.  And several more odd book titles.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11289545 Fri, 09 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0700 1652 full false Episode 28 - The enchanter quality, and weather and rudeness. Episode 28 - The enchanter quality, and weather and rudeness. Vladimir Nabokov said a writer should have the enchanter quality.  Here are examples from H.P. Lovecraft.  And how does Nora Roberts work?  Also, showing rather than telling about the weather and personality.  And some John Lennon.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Vladimir Nabokov said a writer should have the enchanter quality.  Here are examples from H.P. Lovecraft.  And how does Nora Roberts work?  Also, showing rather than telling about the weather and personality.  And some John Lennon.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11249981 Fri, 02 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1669 full false Episode 27 - The importance of genres and formulas. And thoughts about titles. Episode 27 - The importance of genres and formulas. And thoughts about titles. Formulas became formulas because they work.  Our genre will offer guidelines (formulas) for our plots.  And: titles are fun to think about but it's sometimes hard to invent a good one.  Here are some thoughts about coming up with a good title.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Formulas became formulas because they work.  Our genre will offer guidelines (formulas) for our plots.  And: titles are fun to think about but it's sometimes hard to invent a good one.  Here are some thoughts about coming up with a good title.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11208614 Fri, 26 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1470 full false Episode 26 - Navel gazing and how to avoid it. And more on showing Episode 26 - Navel gazing and how to avoid it. And more on showing Interior monologue and how to avoid it.  And more techniques regarding the critical skill of showing rather than telling.  And visits to John Steinbeck and Willa Cather.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Interior monologue and how to avoid it.  And more techniques regarding the critical skill of showing rather than telling.  And visits to John Steinbeck and Willa Cather.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11165980 Fri, 19 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1632 full false Episode 25: The magic of writing. Cause and effect. And thinking. Episode 25: The magic of writing. Cause and effect. And thinking. We writers may never know to whom our words will have a profound meaning.  Plus, the importance of cause and effect.  And the perils of interior monologue.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We writers may never know to whom our words will have a profound meaning.  Plus, the importance of cause and effect.  And the perils of interior monologue.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11127762 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1519 full false Episode 24 - Showing others our work. And strong sentence-by-sentence writing techniques. Episode 24 - Showing others our work. And strong sentence-by-sentence writing techniques. Should we show friends and family our manuscripts as we compose them?  Good reasons for and against exist.  The key to vivid writing: be specific, definite, and concrete.  Plus, famous romantic lines, avoiding useless analogies, and a technique for vivid writing: using verbs rather than verb objects.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Should we show friends and family our manuscripts as we compose them?  Good reasons for and against exist.  The key to vivid writing: be specific, definite, and concrete.  Plus, famous romantic lines, avoiding useless analogies, and a technique for vivid writing: using verbs rather than verb objects.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11086903 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0700 1479 full false Episode 23: Editing our own manuscript Episode 23: Editing our own manuscript What should we look for when editing our own manuscript?  How do famous authors do it?  What should we look for as we edit?  This episode discusses the editing process, the good and bad of it.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> What should we look for when editing our own manuscript?  How do famous authors do it?  What should we look for as we edit?  This episode discusses the editing process, the good and bad of it.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11048354 Fri, 29 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1600 full false Episode 22: A summary of earlier episodes, and techniques for musical writing. Episode 22: A summary of earlier episodes, and techniques for musical writing. Topics of earlier episodes are boiled down to sixteen points, and we'll talk about them briefly.  Also, here are some things we can do to make our sentence-by-sentence writing more pleasing to readers' eyes and ears.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Topics of earlier episodes are boiled down to sixteen points, and we'll talk about them briefly.  Also, here are some things we can do to make our sentence-by-sentence writing more pleasing to readers' eyes and ears.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-11011397 Fri, 22 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0700 1746 full false Episode 21: Creativity and how to get it. Episode 21: Creativity and how to get it. How can we shake loose from our brains plots for our novels?  Here's my favorite way.  Plus, benefits and perils of writing with a partner.  More on accents.  And avoiding adverbs, which are not a writer's friend.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> How can we shake loose from our brains plots for our novels?  Here's my favorite way.  Plus, benefits and perils of writing with a partner.  More on accents.  And avoiding adverbs, which are not a writer's friend.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10967664 Fri, 15 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0700 1605 full false Episode 20 - Reasons we fail to start. Episode 20 - Reasons we fail to start. Why don't we begin our novel?  Here's a reason, and a way to avoid it.  Plus, we'll talk about qualifiers and intensifiers, the leeches of language.  And some thoughts on profanity and slang.  And why age benefits novelists.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Why don't we begin our novel?  Here's a reason, and a way to avoid it.  Plus, we'll talk about qualifiers and intensifiers, the leeches of language.  And some thoughts on profanity and slang.  And why age benefits novelists.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10921753 Thu, 07 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0700 1565 full false Episode 19 - More on modifiers, including the useless and the dangling. And clunky reach words. Episode 19 - More on modifiers, including the useless and the dangling. And clunky reach words. Many adjective and adverb s do nothing but pad a sentence, making the sentence rickety.  Here are some techniques on avoiding these useless or unintentionally funny modifiers.  Plus, some words are just too much.  We'll avoid these, too.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Many adjective and adverb s do nothing but pad a sentence, making the sentence rickety.  Here are some techniques on avoiding these useless or unintentionally funny modifiers.  Plus, some words are just too much.  We'll avoid these, too.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10746982 Mon, 06 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0700 1626 full false Episode 18 - Lots of things to avoid: the negative, cliches, and too many modifiers. Episode 18 - Lots of things to avoid: the negative, cliches, and too many modifiers. In this episode we focus on sentence-by-sentence writing.  How can we make our sentences vivid and powerful?   Some strong techniques are discussed, such as avoiding cliches like the plague.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> In this episode we focus on sentence-by-sentence writing.  How can we make our sentences vivid and powerful?   Some strong techniques are discussed, such as avoiding cliches like the plague.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10736371 Sat, 04 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0700 1593 full false Episode 17 - Keep it simple but not too simple, and metaphors. Episode 17 - Keep it simple but not too simple, and metaphors. Our writing should be a clear window to the story, and a technique is to, in Einstein's phrase, keep it simple but not too simple.  Here are some techniques for doing that, along with a discussion of metaphors and similes.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Our writing should be a clear window to the story, and a technique is to, in Einstein's phrase, keep it simple but not too simple.  Here are some techniques for doing that, along with a discussion of metaphors and similes.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10702206 Sun, 29 May 2022 14:00:00 -0700 1553 full false Episode 16: Theme, odd questions, more on conflict, and vivid writing. Episode 16: Theme, odd questions, more on conflict, and vivid writing. As writers, should we be concerned with a themes for our stories?   And a critical question: are writers allowed to be weird?  We'll also return to the need for early conflict in our stories, and then go on to discuss vivid writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> As writers, should we be concerned with a themes for our stories?   And a critical question: are writers allowed to be weird?  We'll also return to the need for early conflict in our stories, and then go on to discuss vivid writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10657531 Sat, 21 May 2022 11:00:00 -0700 1665 full false Episode 15 - Techniques for writing about settings. Episode 15 - Techniques for writing about settings. Our setting -- the place and time of the scene -- anchor our characters the the ground.  Here are techniques for writing our settings to get the most from them, so that they play a strong role in the story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Our setting -- the place and time of the scene -- anchor our characters the the ground.  Here are techniques for writing our settings to get the most from them, so that they play a strong role in the story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10628957 Mon, 16 May 2022 14:00:00 -0700 1847 full false Episode14: The fourth wall, the ending, and some bad writing. Episode14: The fourth wall, the ending, and some bad writing. Our topics this episode are how to avoid breaking the fourth wall, onomatopoeia (clunk, thud, kersplat), and techniques on ending the novel.  We'll also talk about some bad writing, really bad writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Our topics this episode are how to avoid breaking the fourth wall, onomatopoeia (clunk, thud, kersplat), and techniques on ending the novel.  We'll also talk about some bad writing, really bad writing.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10601612 Wed, 11 May 2022 12:00:00 -0700 1628 full false Episode 13: More on dialogue, and techniques about foreshadowing and coincidences Episode 13: More on dialogue, and techniques about foreshadowing and coincidences Dialogue is so important to our stories that we'll talk more about it here.  Then we'll move on to foreshadowing--including the Chekhov's famous gun--and coincidences., where one is fine but two are not.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Dialogue is so important to our stories that we'll talk more about it here.  Then we'll move on to foreshadowing--including the Chekhov's famous gun--and coincidences., where one is fine but two are not.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10572184 Fri, 06 May 2022 12:00:00 -0700 1578 full false Episode 12 - Dialogue Episode 12 - Dialogue A fictional character's dialogue sounds like a person speaking in real life, but not too much like a person speaking in real life.  In this episode we'll talk about dialogue techniques that draw the reader into the story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> A fictional character's dialogue sounds like a person speaking in real life, but not too much like a person speaking in real life.  In this episode we'll talk about dialogue techniques that draw the reader into the story.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10522931 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0700 1518 full false Episode 11: Point of view and voice. Episode 11: Point of view and voice. Here are techniques to control our point of view so that our story doesn't have a dizzying quality as the reader jumps from one character's mind to another character's mind.  We'll also discuss a writer's narrative voice.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Here are techniques to control our point of view so that our story doesn't have a dizzying quality as the reader jumps from one character's mind to another character's mind.  We'll also discuss a writer's narrative voice.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10480737 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0700 1568 full false Episode 10: More show and tell, and the grammatical person. Episode 10: More show and tell, and the grammatical person. The difference between showing and telling is so important that we continue with it in this episode, including the technique of saving it for later.  Plus, we'll talk about the grammatical person.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> The difference between showing and telling is so important that we continue with it in this episode, including the technique of saving it for later.  Plus, we'll talk about the grammatical person.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10449786 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0700 1446 full false Episode 9: Showing versus telling Episode 9: Showing versus telling We'll talk about the most critical skill for vivid writing, showing versus telling.  Showing reveals.  Telling explains.  Showing is almost always more involving for the reader, and we'll discuss how to show rather than tell..

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We'll talk about the most critical skill for vivid writing, showing versus telling.  Showing reveals.  Telling explains.  Showing is almost always more involving for the reader, and we'll discuss how to show rather than tell..

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10408063 Sat, 09 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0700 1721 full false Episode 8 - Scene and summary Episode 8 - Scene and summary We'll discuss the difference between summary and scene., and why writing scenes rather than summaries is so important.  Point of view will also be briefly touch on, along with techniques on how to end a scene  Rhythmic placement of scenes is also a topic in this episode.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We'll discuss the difference between summary and scene., and why writing scenes rather than summaries is so important.  Point of view will also be briefly touch on, along with techniques on how to end a scene  Rhythmic placement of scenes is also a topic in this episode.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10377465 Mon, 04 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -0700 1502 full false Episode 7 - How to craft a scene. Episode 7 - How to craft a scene. Crafting a scene involves mechanics hidden from readers.  Here are techniques that lead to the success of a scene: ways to grab the reader, immerse him or her in the scene, and then launch the reader into the next scene.  

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Crafting a scene involves mechanics hidden from readers.  Here are techniques that lead to the success of a scene: ways to grab the reader, immerse him or her in the scene, and then launch the reader into the next scene.  

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13024920 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0700 1394 full false Episode 6: Villains and sidekicks. Episode 6: Villains and sidekicks. How can we create compelling villains and lovable and maybe eccentric sidekicks?  How many characters should we put in a scene?  How about basing a character on a friend or relative?  And are there tips for naming our characters?  Learn these techniques and more ini this episode.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> How can we create compelling villains and lovable and maybe eccentric sidekicks?  How many characters should we put in a scene?  How about basing a character on a friend or relative?  And are there tips for naming our characters?  Learn these techniques and more ini this episode.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10305973 Wed, 23 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0700 1534 full false Episode 5: Creating compelling characters. Episode 5: Creating compelling characters. Characters in fiction come in a huge variety, and creating characters involves techniques that discussed in this episode.  There are reasons we find Scout Finch and Hermione Granger and Jack Aubrey and Katniss Everdeen so compelling, and let's find out why.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Characters in fiction come in a huge variety, and creating characters involves techniques that discussed in this episode.  There are reasons we find Scout Finch and Hermione Granger and Jack Aubrey and Katniss Everdeen so compelling, and let's find out why.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13003216 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0700 1512 full false Episode 4: Pace, the first sentence, back-story, over-description Episode 4: Pace, the first sentence, back-story, over-description We'll talk about how to keep the reader involved in  the story, how to move a plot forward.  And we'll discuss one of my favorite topics: the novel's first sentence.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> We'll talk about how to keep the reader involved in  the story, how to move a plot forward.  And we'll discuss one of my favorite topics: the novel's first sentence.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10219255 Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0800 1575 full false Episode 3 - Go big or go home. Episode 3 - Go big or go home. Is there an idea dump where we can find a fresh plot for our novel or a strong plot point for the next chapter of our novel?  No, but good methods exist to develop plots, and that's the topic of this episode.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Is there an idea dump where we can find a fresh plot for our novel or a strong plot point for the next chapter of our novel?  No, but good methods exist to develop plots, and that's the topic of this episode.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-13057365 Thu, 03 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0800 1535 full false Episode 2: Getting ready to start writing a novel. Episode 2: Getting ready to start writing a novel. Getting ready to start a novel.  Drafting a  a plan (timetable).  An outline (pros and cons).  Other useful pre-writing and during-the-writing documents.  Recommendations for a novel's length.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Getting ready to start a novel.  Drafting a  a plan (timetable).  An outline (pros and cons).  Other useful pre-writing and during-the-writing documents.  Recommendations for a novel's length.

Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, scenes, sentence-level craft, and much more.  Each episode is focused and about 30 minutes.  The full class—all 20 episodes—is available now for a one-time price of forty-nine dollars.  If you want structured, concise guidance, click the Buy the Master Class link in the show notes to get started.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10176054 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0800 1649 full false Episode 1: Learning and getting better at the craft of writing. Episode 1: Learning and getting better at the craft of writing. Follow the rules.  Go with what works to increase our chances of getting published.  Writing can be learned.  And if we know how to write, we can get better.  A critical ingredient: persistence.  One negative thing about learning to write.  Leaning to concentrate.  And a technique about weeping.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> Follow the rules.  Go with what works to increase our chances of getting published.  Writing can be learned.  And if we know how to write, we can get better.  A critical ingredient: persistence.  One negative thing about learning to write.  Leaning to concentrate.  And a technique about weeping.

Support the show

Buy the master class.

]]> James Thayer Buzzsprout-10174926 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0800 1682 full false