Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchA Most Wanted Man: why now?
Season 9 Episode 907
Readers are on a need to know basis. That means that, as storytellers, we only tell them what they need to know, and only when they need to know it. …
2 years ago
THIS is how your novel gets noticed!
Season 9
There are two ways to write great stories. The first involves at least 20 years of reading, writing and being rejected. The second, which is much fas…
2 years ago
The Good Liar: surprise v twist
Season 9 Episode 906
The movie had both me and Valerie on the edge of our seats. When we come across a masterful movie we pull out as much as we can for you. This episode…
2 years, 1 month ago
See How They Run: wasted potential
Season 9 Episode 905
A comedic take on a murder mystery had so much potential, but unfortunately, the creators of SEE HOW THEY RUN wasted it with what can only be describ…
2 years, 1 month ago
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: when did Smiley know?
Season 9 Episode 904
It's a long episode this week because there's a whole lot to talk about in this excellent adaptation of John le Carre's bestselling novel. Melanie gi…
2 years, 1 month ago
The Game: why endings are important
Season 9 Episode 903
By the time we get to the end of our manuscript, we can feel drained creatively. The temptation to phone it in looms large. But be careful. No matter…
2 years, 1 month ago
The Dry: an introduction to outback noir
Season 9 Episode 902
This week Valerie and Melanie continue their study of left-brained stories. They step into the outback to discover how Australian crime writers creat…
2 years, 2 months ago
Crooked House: left-brained stories
Season 9 Episode 901
It's time for a brand new season of the show and this time around, Valerie and Melanie are studying the same topic: left-brained stories. Never heard…
2 years, 2 months ago
Character Lessons from an Actor
Season 8
For the past two seasons Valerie has been talking about character dimension and cast design. The key to understanding both concepts is to recognize t…
2 years, 2 months ago
Our Best Advice: conflict + cast design
Season 8 Episode 811
This week Valerie and Melanie round up their a-ha moments and the lessons they've learned over the past ten episodes. What are their key takeaways wr…
2 years, 2 months ago