Podcast Episodes

Erin Brockovich: writing underdogs

Season 17 Episode 1702

This season I'm blowing the idea that ‘characters need arcs’ out of the water. Erin Brockovich is a constant character and she’s an underdog. With th…

1 month, 3 weeks ago

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The Man Who Knew too Much: honestly, kinda weird

Season 17 Episode 1701

On the list of films that haven't aged too well, THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH is near the top. Because it's Hitchcock I'll get flack for saying that, bu…

2 months ago

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What Went Right: the princess bride

Season 16 Episode 1611

Using a framing story in your novel? Maybe you're writing multiple plot lines. Or perhaps you want to know what truly masterful storytelling looks li…

2 months, 1 week ago

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What Went Wrong: the golden compass

Season 16 Episode 1610

If you’re wondering what NOT to do when adapting your novel, there are great tips in this episode. We've all experienced the feeling of walking out o…

2 months, 2 weeks ago

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Our Best Advice: hero's monologue + the shadow

Season 16 Episode 1609

We're wrapping up Season 16 with our best advice, lessons learned and a-ha moments about The Shadow and The Hero's Monologue. If you didn't get a cha…

2 months, 3 weeks ago

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Rebecca: character shadows

Season 16 Episode 1608

You control the shadows in your characters. This week we reveal how a negative shadow looms large despite being dead. Daphne du Maurier’s ‘Rebecca’ c…

3 months ago

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The Invisible Man (archive)

Season 16

Genre is enigmatic (at best). Writers, agents, readers, and editors, all have different perspectives, and sometimes they lead to heated debates. In t…

3 months, 1 week ago

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Sense and Sensibility (archive)

Season 16

Did you know that the beginning of your story, and the end of your story, work together as a unit? This this episode, which originally aired back in …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

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The Last of Sheila (archive)

Season 16

Holy smokes! Now THIS is how you write a murder mystery. If you're a mystery writer, or simply want to watch an absolutely fantastic film during the …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

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Wayne's World (archive)

Season 16

Wayne's World is a superior example of an anti-plot story (and it's hilarious to boot!). As Melanie and I take a much deserved recording break to enj…

3 months, 4 weeks ago

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