Claim OwnershipHelping Writers Become Authors
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℗ & © 2024 K.M. Weiland
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Hosted by award-winning story coach K.M. Weiland, the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast will take you deep into story theory, writing techniques, and all the incredible wisdom of story. There is no such thing as "just a story." Come along to find out how to write YOUR best story, astound the world, and (just maybe) change your life!
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Today, I'm turning forty and taking a quiet moment to reflect on the decade that brought me here. My thirties were a season of transformation, challenge, and deep awakening. They changed me utterly, teaching me about pain as a portal, creativity as a life force, and story as the map that guides us home to ourselves. In this episode, I'm sharing 40 Things You Might Not Know About Me—a blend of the personal and the profound, from lessons on love, self-sovereignty, and radical ownership, to small joys like morning rituals and the comfort of old movies. It's a celebration of what it means to grow, to heal, and to keep choosing life again and again and again. Whether you're at a turning point yourself or simply in need of a little perspective and inspiration, I hope these reflections remind you that every story, including yours, is always unfolding. Read the full transcript here: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/40-things-you-might-not-know-about-me-turning-40-reflections
Do you ever feel stuck in the "in-between" sections of your story that come after one major plot point but before the next? You're not alone. Many writers can identify the big beats of their story's structure, but find the real challenge is connecting those plot points in a way that feels organic and alive. In this episode, K.M. Weiland shares a powerful shift in perspective: learning to see your story not just as a list of beats or acts, but as eight connected sections, each one shaped by the turning point before it and driving toward the one ahead. You'll learn how to: Build scene sequences instead of isolated scenes. Use the Intent–Reaction–New Intent rhythm to maintain momentum. Let each section take on its own thematic color to keep the story flowing. Drawing examples from The Lion King, K.M. shows how the "in-between moments" are where character transformation truly unfolds. If you've ever felt your story sag between the big events, this episode will help you fill those spaces with purpose, emotion, and movement. Find the full transcript here: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/connect-plot-points-keep-story-moving
What would stories be without their long, uncertain middles? In this episode, we explore the real purpose of the Second Act in story structure. The Secodn is the heart of every story, where transformation happens. You'll learn why this "middle" isn't just filler, but the symbolic journey that tests your characters, deepens your theme, and gives your ending power and meaning. Whether you're struggling with the "murky middle" or want to understand how to make your story's structure feel organic and emotionally resonant, this discussion will help you see the Second Act for what it truly is: the story itself.
Discover how the Midpoint in story structure is more than a Moment of Truth. It's self-recognition in which characters remember who they are.
Not every story needs a protagonist who undergoes a massive, life-altering transformation. Some of the most memorable tales hinge on smaller, quieter shifts, or even on characters who remain steadfast throughout. In this episode, we'll explore the full spectrum of character arcs: Big arcs that redefine a protagonist's worldview Small arcs that mirror the subtle growth we experience every day Flat arcs where characters stay true but still drive change in others We'll also talk about how to decide which degree of change best fits your story, why arcs that are mismatched to the plot stakes can leave readers unsatisfied, and how aligning your character's inner journey with your plot creates powerful resonance. Whether you're writing a standalone novel or a long-running series, understanding the difference between big, small, and Flat Arcs will give you more flexibility (and more power) when crafting your characters' journeys.
What makes a character unforgettable? It's not just quirks or dialogue. It's personality. Your characters' personalities shape their arcs, influence their voices, drive their goals, and and connect plot and theme into a cohesive whole. In this episode, we'll explore why personality is the secret ingredient to compelling storytelling and how you can use it to create characters who resonate with readers long after the final page. You'll Learn: 3 reasons personality is the foundation of great characters 4 ways personality drives storytelling (arc, voice, conflict, theme) 10 practical tips for weaving personality into your plot, dialogue, and arcs How to use tools like the Enneagram and MBTI to stress-test your character development Whether you're outlining your next novel or revising a draft, this episode will help you unlock deeper, more authentic storytelling through the lens of personality.
Why All Stories Are Myth (and How They Transform the Psyche) What if every story you've ever loved—whether it's Spirited Away, The Lord of the Rings, or Pride & Prejudice—wasn't just entertainment or even "realistic" fiction, but myth in disguise? In this week's episode of the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast, we explore the mythic foundation of narrative and why all stories are myth at their core. Together, we'll look at how archetypal story structure emerges across cultures and genres, why every character in a tale can be seen as an aspect of the psyche, and how archetypal character arcs—from the Hero's Journey to the Maiden, Queen, King, Crone, and Mage—offer writers a timeless blueprint for building powerful, resonant fiction. When you understand story as mythic storytelling—as a dream of the unconscious, a symbolic map of initiation and transformation—you begin to see how narrative has always been about more than plot. Story is the theater of the self. It's how writers and readers alike experience growth, healing, and the deeper truths of being human. Join me as we step into the mystery of mythic storytelling and discover how these ancient patterns can transform not just your stories, but your writing life.
Feeling bored at the movies? Learn what's happened to modern storytelling and what it will take to restore the magic and emotional impact.
Here's how writers can apply the five conflict management styles to create richer, more realistic character conflicts in your fiction.
Discover the 5 types of scene endings—Yes, No, No But, and No And—and why one of them might be weakening your story's momentum.
If writers don't consume stories with intention, who will? Here are 7 mindful habits to read more intentionally and get more from stories.
What makes a bad story? The answer may surprise you. Here's what really makes a story fail—and how to fix it.
Intentional storytelling means making creative choices with purpose. Here's why that matters more than ever in an AI-driven content world.
Discover how to honor your character's history while crafting different character arcs for the same character in new stories.
Discover systems that can help you write different character arcs for the same character in your series. Keep stories interesting and unique!
Discover the connection between archetypal arcs and Enneagram insights for transformative storytelling and character growth.
Discover the unique lies each Enneagram subtype believes and how these shape their fears, desires, and character development in storytelling.
Unlock the intricacies of the Corruption Character Arc. Discover how fear, pride, and desire lead to a character's downfall.
Writing a fall arc involves capturing characters' heartbreaking journeys. Discover techniques for depicting their moral decline.
Understand the Disillusionment Arc in storytelling, a powerful journey portraying human growth through confronting stark realities.
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Sound quality in this one is non comprehensive sorry 🙄😏
Is there any way you can keep these wonderful podcasts going automatically one after the other? I'm having to continually stop & move to the next one - I'm currently cleaning the car and gardening - such a pain when these podcasts are so interesting & helpful - thanks from New Zealand ♥️⚘
Hi, good for you putting this together. You're reading from a page right, it would sound great if you read from notes...
This episode is not listenable 😑
so relatable!! for every creative. totally where I am right now. trying to silence that dang ego haha
I love your podcast! I find your tips very helpful for developing plots but I also like that you talk about the writing lifestyle in general. Listening to your podcast is the perfect way for me to chill in the morning with a cup of tea and get in the writing mood. :)
I just started writing a story that will utilize multiple povs. Thanks for your advice.
This is gold! The BEST podcast on writing on the web!
Outstanding !
I'm well on my way to filling some serious story gaps because of your help defining character arcs. Thank you!
This is a fantastic resource for writers at all stages, but especially those in the early part of their adventure. Thank you!
I needed this. Thank you. Please, please continue making these! It's hard to find quality podcasts in writing.
Hi Katie!!!!!!
Love your podcasts! I listen while driving and hour to and from work and it has inspired me to get back into my writing with enthusiasm. I've been listening to many other writing podcasts but then I found yours a week ago. Yours simply is the most inspiring for me, it's the only ones I listen to now. A big thank you from me.
I really enjoyed the one episode I managed to download. I've tried again and again but can't download here. What's up?
Excellent tips for any writer.
As a reporter I found it difficult to write creatively as I once had in college. But K.M. has inspired my inner creativity I buried. Now while I don't think I'll be tackling a novel, or even a novella, yet, I am starting to get in the practice again short story writing.
Not bad at all. Two simple things that would help a lot though; -a pop filter, or at least a windscreen; if you can't, for some reason, get either, try running the finished audio product through a De-Esser program to filter out the hisses. -Maybe lengthen the pod by a few minutes, and/or possibly add a music background to the promotional bits to space it out better