Master Fiction Writing

Ultimately, weaving the inner and outer narratives together requires a deep understanding of storytelling and character development. By crafting a compelling outer narrative and a layered inner narrative, writers can create stories that resonate with audiences on multiple levels and leave a lasting impact.   Let's take a closer look.

As humans, we have always been compelled to write stories, and it's through stories that we're able to express our most inner thoughts and feelings, as well as explore the unknown and create new, complex worlds. The reasons that we write stories are as varied and diverse as the stories themselves – some people write stories for entertainment, others to explore their own experiences, and some to bring about change in the world. No matter the reason, the power of story is undeniable. For ages, stories have been used to give shape to our values and beliefs, to record history, and to challenge us to think differently. Many of our most beloved stories – fairy tales, fables, and myths – have been passed down for generations, offering a window into a distant past, and conveying life lessons that still resonate today. But why do we write stories? What drives us to express our thoughts and feelings through the art of storytelling? To answer this question, it is important to look at the various motivations that can lead a person to write a story. So let's do it!

Last week, I got together with some writers and fellow book coaches, and we got on to the subject of likeable characters. I was particularly interested because I've recently encountered a character who isn't likeable, and it's pulling me out of their story. For years, writers have struggled with an age-old question: Do fictional characters need to be likeable? This question has spurred debate with people passionately defending both sides. The "likability" camp insists that if a character isn't agreeable, readers won't be able to connect with the story. On the opposite end of the spectrum lurks a faction determined to prove that unlikable characters can still be engaging. So, do fictional characters have to be likeable, or should they be able to bring something different to the table? Let's see if we can reach a verdict on whether likability is mandatory for our literary characters.

We all know how important it is to create believable characters in the stories we tell. But creating characters isn't always easy. To make sure that your characters are as three-dimensional and interesting as possible, you need to have answers to a lot of questions about them. At least seventy, if not more. You might be feeling overwhelmed right now, but take a deep breath and don’t worry – this doesn’t have to be a stressful process. We’re aiming to make this activity fun, lighthearted and inspirational! After all, the more questions you have answered before you start writing, the better your characters will be. The questions I'll be covering in this episode were ones I used as an actor for creating characters for the stage, and they're designed to explore your main characters in more depth, helping you to create characters with their own unique personality traits and backstories. Once you’ve got all of your answers, you’ll be in a much better position to start writing about them and giving them life. When answering the questions, don’t be afraid to be creative, and you don’t need to answer them in a specific order. This process is all about developing your own unique universe, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

I worked in the theatre from ages five to 32, and during that time I learned a lot. Like... a lot. In the main, I acted, but I also directed, designed and made costumes, worked backstage, and once designed a set that was completely made of sails. And I sewed those sails. Yes, me, and all on my own. So, working in the theatre, mainly as an actor, I had to learn how to inhabit a character, and I brought all of that to my creative writing practice - and more. You might have heard the name Konstantin Stanislavski. Stanislavski was a Russian theatre practitioner who developed a system many actors follow to train, prepare, and rehearse. I studied Stanislavski's methods, and here's what I think writers should take from his system. If you'd rather read, here's the accompanying blog post.

It has been said that the best way to break someone's heart is to write a romantic tragedy, but crafting a story that is heartbreaking, yet beautiful, takes skill and finesse. Here are a few tips on how to write a romantic tragedy that will leave your readers in tears.

Ah, the dreaded three act structure, four act structure, and five act structure. If you're a novelist who just isn't feeling structure, you're definitely not alone. You're ready to dive into the deep end and start planning your novel without any of these structures, but you don't know where to start. Fear not, intrepid writer! I'm here to guide you in the mysterious and wild world of novel planning without traditional structures.   Let's start with the basics, then ignore them. What is a three act structure, four act structure, or five act structure? Simply put, these are the most common forms of writing structure when it comes to novels. They all follow a basic outline of a beginning, middle, and end. The main difference between them is the number of acts. Simples!   Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's move on to planning a novel without this any of this traditional nonsense.

Writing a successful fictional narrative is the dream of many authors, but structuring the plot in a way that captivates readers can be a really daunting task because there are several approaches to organising a story. The three-act structure, four-act structure, and five-act structure are the most popular options. Each one offers unique advantages and disadvantages, but all three can be used to create a powerful and compelling narrative. Let's take a closer look. You can read the accompanying blog post here.

I still feel bad about missing horror from my last article's list of literary genres. Because of that, I'm making it the first in line for my closer looks at each literary genre. (So don't come at me, okay?) Many of us have grown up with a love for the horror genre, whether it's through movies, television, or books. Horror has the ability to captivate our imaginations and transport us to a world filled with thrills and chills. We’re drawn to the suspense and unknowns that await us either on the next frame or on the next page. In this episode, I'll look at horror's history, its sub-genres, and my top 10 horror novels. Settle in and get ready to explore the dark corners of... well... pretty much everything. You can find the accompanying blog post here: https://www.thebookcoach.co/post/a-closer-look-at-the-horror-genre

It takes a great deal of imagination and craftsmanship to write a novel. But what if you’re just getting started?   Before you can dive right into the creative process of crafting the perfect story, there are a few important steps you'll need to take. Knowing what these steps are and how to go about them can help you stay organised and make the writing process easier.   In this episode, I'll cover the crucial steps you need to know before you start writing a novel.   Check out the accompanying blog post!

Okay, so don't let the title put you off. Morphological Analysis is neither as close to being as scary as it sounds nor as complicated to execute. What it can do is help you make interesting new connections between seemingly unrelated things. Those kinds of connections can result in stories no one saw coming. (I'm looking at you, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.) Many moons ago, when I worked at Ford Motor Company, and later at what is now Warner Bros. Discovery, I ran innovation workshops and Morphological Analysis was one tool I used with my students. Of all the innovation tools I used, Morphological Analysis stuck with me because it's great for writers. Back then, it was all about problem statements, functions, and morphologies, but what stood out to me were dimensions. Stories have dimensions. They have genre, character, style, structure, content and so on. I've used the tool with clients as part of my Story Development package, but I thought it'd be useful to share it with you. Here's the blog post that goes with this episode and it has diagrams so you can better visualise how it all fits together: https://www.thebookcoach.co/post/how-to-create-story-ideas-using-morphological-analysis

Did you dilly-dally during 2022 and not get your book planned or started or finished? Will you dilly-dally during 2023 and not get your book planned or started or finished? Not on my watch! If you're going to make 2023 the bee's knees, then don't wait for the new year. Pencil in some 'me-time' this month to give yourself the upper hand. If you launch into 2023 with a burst of energy, you'll be light years ahead, heading into January with a sharp eye, a precise plan, and pure grit! Here are seven things to do before New Year's Day: 1. Review your year 2022 has plenty of wisdom to share! Before it slips away, take a moment to reflect on your experiences and cherish the moments that will stick with you for the years to come. And don't be afraid to look at what slipped, why it slipped, and what you can do to stop that happening again. For me, I'd hoped to finish my novel, Spirit of Water. I've been trying to finish that bad boy for 10 years. 10! Yeah, I relaunched my coaching business, started a part-time, freelancing position with Author Accelerator, wrote a novelette, Out in the Cold, compiled and published my writing group's first anthology, and three episodes of a new comedy TV show, but not finishing that novel is bugging me. And why did that happen? Because on my daily list of things to do, my writing came last. 2. Get clear on what’s most important Cramming your day with a hundred and one tiny tasks won't suddenly make you the person you want to be. But if you get clear on your core values, it's like getting a mystical guiding light to show you the path towards your top priorities. So define what matters most to you, and then follow the energetic breadcrumbs to get where you're going. On my daily list of things to do, my writing will come first, closely followed by my coaching work. 3. Set a context for 2023 Pinpoint the things you'd like to achieve. Define a word for the year that will grant you permission to say YIPEE to the stuff that resonates with you and BOO to the stuff that doesn't jive. My 2023 word is "accomplished". I want to accomplish these goals: Secure a spot on a Creative Writing PhD course. Publish Spirit of Water. Author Accelerator certification as a nonfiction book coach (stretch goal because it depends on my practicum client). Publish the next novel in my Bacchus Chronicles series. 4. Review your habits James Clear says, “you get what you repeat”.   Are your habits helpful or hurtful? Could you benefit from incorporating some new tricks into your lifestyle to guarantee your success? Be sincere with the behaviours you take on autopilot and determine if it's time to roll out some modifications. I've had a rough few months. One of our dogs put up a brave battle with cancer but passed away on December 10th. There's never a good time for a pet to pass away, but both my husband and I were suffering with the most awful chest infections. Since then I haven't bothered setting my 7 A.M alarm... and now my days are all over the place. As of tomorrow, I'll be setting that 7 A.M. alarm and getting some structure back into my days. I deserve to end my working days feel with a completed "To Feel" list. Which bring us to... 5. Make a "To Feel" list Achievements are great for injecting some purpose into your life. But what sort of person do you want to be and how do you want to feel? A "To Feel" is a sensational journalling technique that can help you explore a more intentional life experience. I learned about "To Feel" list from my bestie. She says that we'll die with an unfinished "To Do" list, so why not concentrate on doing the things that contribute to how we want to feel? In the words of Oscar Wilde, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.” Build a "To Feel" list, and you'll find it simpler to experience 'the rarest thing in the world'. On my daily list of things to feel, 'feel like a writer' will come first. I'll want to write if I want to feel like a writer. 6. Create your support structure Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Who will surround you in 2023 and help you thrive? For example: Is it time to join a writing group? I didn't have any local writing groups, so I started two writing groups from my National Novel Writing Month cohorts, first in Essex and now in Hertfordshire. Each month, we make commitments where we'll be by the next meeting and during every meeting at least one of us says, "And I wouldn't have done it without you lot". Would you go further with an accountability buddy or mentor? Having someone out there who's expecting pages from you is a huge motivator. Do you want to find more online groups where ‘your people’ hang out? My writing group is online, and it's just as social as it is productive. Plus, you don't have to haul your cookies out of the house for the meetings. Does your friendship group nourish and support you? If they don't, consider that writing group, accountability buddy or mentor—they understand the writing life. Does your family nourish and support you? See above! 7. Set a three-month goal Goals provide you with a beacon of light, guiding your every move. Accomplishing things that matter most to you gives you a sense of grandeur - as if you were a master builder of your own destiny. So don't simply set goals, but craft them. This way, you can ensure that your dreams and aspirations are well within reach. I've ordered a copy of The 12 Week Year for Writers: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Your Writing Done (affiliate link) by A. Trevor Thrall because I want to feel accomplished by hitting the deadlines for my goals. This year, I've proved to TV producers—and myself—that I can rewrite an entire episode in 24 hours. Imagine what I can do with the novel I've been putting off for 10 years! If you think mentoring might be a good option for you, check out my monthly mentoring service. What fresh adventures await you in 2023? Here’s to making the coming year one for the books. YOUR books!

In June 2023, Sara Gentry from Solutions for Writers invited me for an interview at KidLit Summer Camp. Despite not being a KidLit Book Coach myself, I agreed. After all, many writing techniques span many genres and categories, and that’s why I’m sharing this interview with you. During the conversation, Sara and I discussed how theatrical techniques can improve writing, especially for character building. And we really get to the heart of the struggles writers can face, even beyond the work itself.

Unlock the secrets of writing compelling paragraphs that captivate your readers! In this episode post, you'll learn how to create vivid imagery, build emotional resonance, and master pacing for maximum impact. Whether you're just starting your writing journey or refining your craft, discover practical tips and exercises to elevate your storytelling.

As creative writers, each sentence we craft serves our story. But how do we elevate our writing from good to unforgettable? It all starts with mastering the art of sentence construction. This episode dives into the essentials of crafting powerful, impactful sentences. Whether you're just beginning your writing journey or looking to refine your skills, this article is packed with insights and exercises that will transform your approach to writing.

In this episode, we plunge headfirst into the tumultuous world of writing myths and the harsh self-criticisms that writers often battle. Why do writers sabotage their own success? Is it easier to believe in fallacies than to face the hard truths? We're dissecting these questions and more! We’ll unravel common misconceptions about the writing process, from the myth of waiting for inspiration to strike, to the pitfalls of chasing a perfect first draft. Prepare to be challenged and enlightened! If you want to work with me, you can book a free, 20-minute discovery call here: https://calendly.com/stuartwakefield/book-coaching-discovery-call If you want to work with a different book coach, there's a fantastic online database of certified book coaches here: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchme For a crash course on the nine Muses, check out this video! https://youtu.be/eTckaxEhC5U

📚 Unlock the Secrets of Compelling Character Backstories! 📚 Crafting captivating characters is the cornerstone of great storytelling. Dive into the art of character development in this latest episode! Learn how to infuse depth and authenticity into your narratives by mastering the art of crafting compelling backstories. Discover techniques to seamlessly integrate backstory into your storytelling, avoiding common pitfalls like info dumping and irrelevance. From engaging dialogue to powerful flashbacks, explore the tools that bring characters to life and drive your plot forward. Striking a balance between revealing backstory and maintaining narrative focus is key to captivating your audience. Explore further with the online course, Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory, to master these storytelling techniques. Unlock the secrets for just $47!

In this episode, I'm delighted to be interviewing Margaret McNellis, a historical fiction writer with whom I've had the pleasure of working on two of her books: Daughter of the Seven Hills (due for publication on 21st May 2024) and Hearts of Iron & Gold. We talk about all things historical fiction, from the challenges of research to wearing funny hats. Oh, and we talk about what it's like to be coached! You can find Margaret's site here: https://mcnelliswrites.com/

In this special episode, I have the unique pleasure of sharing my own journey and insights as the author of "The Writer's Shield: Building Emotional Resilience for Writers." This is a deep dive into the heart of emotional resilience, a topic I am passionately dedicated to, especially in the context of the challenges that we, as writers, face. During this interview, I open up about my personal experiences and the critical moments that led me to write "The Writer's Shield." I discuss the concept of emotional resilience for writers, shedding light on the strategies and tools that have been instrumental in my own journey and can support others in theirs. This episode is a candid look at the struggles with rejection, criticism, writer's block, and impostor syndrome, and how to emerge stronger from these experiences. I also share tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, cultivating a positive mindset, and building the inner strength needed to navigate the ups and downs of a writing career. My aim is to provide listeners with practical, real-world advice that can be applied to their writing and personal lives. As a special offer to my listeners, I encourage you to sign up for my mailing list. By joining, you'll receive regular updates filled with valuable content and resources tailored for writers. Plus, as a token of my appreciation, you'll receive a free copy of my book "The Writer's Shield: Building Emotional Resilience for Writers." This book is a culmination of my experiences and learnings, and I'm excited to share it with you. Sign up today to start fortifying your emotional resilience on your writing journey! https://www.thebookcoach.co/

Welcome back to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing" with me, your host, Stuart Wakefield, an Author Accelerator Certified book coach dedicated to helping you navigate the intricacies of crafting compelling fiction. Today's episode dives deep into the art of creating authentic characters through the power of dialogue. Have you ever read a book where every character sounded exactly the same? Or watched a movie where the dialogue felt flat and unconvincing? In this episode, we'll explore how to avoid these common pitfalls by utilising character-specific language. This powerful technique involves tailoring vocabulary, syntax, and even the rhythm of speech to align with each character's unique background, education, and personality. Join me as how we can use dialogue to breathe life into our characters. Whether it’s the refined articulation of a seasoned academic, the vibrant slang of a spirited teenager, or the concise pragmatism of a no-nonsense professional, you’ll learn how to give each of your characters a distinct and believable voice. Plus, I'll share practical tips and exercises that you can apply to your own writing. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with the skills to create a rich tapestry of voices in your narratives, making your characters stand out and speak directly to the hearts of your readers. Don't miss this journey into the heart of character development! Tune in to "Master Fiction Writing" and transform the way you write dialogue. Remember, in fiction, every word speaks volumes about your characters. Let's make sure they're saying the right things!