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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K.M. Weiland Podcasts
In “You're A Better Artist Than You Think,” host Chris Oatley (Disney, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation) explores the mindset, strategies and practices of professional artists from a wide range of creative fields. Whether you're a total beginner or seasoned pro, this podcast provides actionable insights to enhance your creative skills and advance your artistic career. Get clear, relevant feedback on your work and personalized career guidance at MagicBoxAcademy.com
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Writing advice from people who know and people who don't. Practical skills meet ridiculousness as I talk with some of the best writers who are willing to actually be on this show with me, and get their input on how to live the writer life.
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Why Brushes Matter (with Procreate's Kyle Webster)
33:01
33:01
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33:01Procreate's Kyle Webster, the Internet's favorite digital art brush builder, on why brush choice matters more than many artists realize. -------- 00:00 Episode Start 02:40 Why Brushes Matter At Studios 08:45 Why Brushes Matter For Beginners 09:27 Why You Should "Audition" Your Digital Art Brushes 10:55 Why Brushes Matter for Artistic Style 13:45 W…
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S17:S24: Big vs. Small Character Arcs: Understanding the Degrees of Change in Storytelling
26:22
26:22
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26:22Not 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 mirr…
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S17:E23: How a Character’s Personality Shapes Arc, Voice, and Goals
22:06
22:06
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22:06What 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…
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S17:E22: Why All Stories Are Myth—and How They Transform Us
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21:17
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21:17Why 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…
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Writing Comics For Kids (with Shawn Pryor)
28:47
28:47
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28:47Shawn Pryor, author of over sixty published books and graphic novels (most for all ages), offers insights on outlining, working with artists and the essential role of conflict in story development. 01:55 An Expansive Bibliography 03:09 Finding Something To Say 04:37 The "Conflict List" 07:17 Developing The Outline 11:32 Placing The Act Breaks 13:56…
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S17:E21: What's Happened to Modern Storytelling? (+ 6 Ways Storytelling Can Find Its Soul Again)
24:34
24:34
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24:34Feeling bored at the movies? Learn what's happened to modern storytelling and what it will take to restore the magic and emotional impact.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E20: Writing Better Character Conflicts With the 5 Conflict Management Styles
21:59
21:59
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21:59Here's how writers can apply the five conflict management styles to create richer, more realistic character conflicts in your fiction.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E19: The 5 Types of Scene Endings Every Writer Must Master
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21:44
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21:44Discover 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.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E18: 7 Ways to Watch and Read More Intentionally
19:44
19:44
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19:44If writers don't consume stories with intention, who will? Here are 7 mindful habits to read more intentionally and get more from stories.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E17: What Makes a Story "Bad"? A Guide to Why Your Narrative Isn't Working
20:32
20:32
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20:32What makes a bad story? The answer may surprise you. Here's what really makes a story fail—and how to fix it.By K.M. Weiland
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Solve Plot Problems with "Mirrored" Story Structure (with KM Weiland)
58:22
58:22
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58:22KM Weiland, author of "Creating Character Arcs" and "Structuring Your Novel" reveals how to solve plot problems using "chiastic" or "mirrored" story structure. Plus: Understanding "The Thematic Lie" and building the most important structural "beat" in storytelling! -------- 00:00 Episode Start 02:15 Introduction To "Mirrored" Storytelling 03:04 The…
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S17:E16: Why Intentional Storytelling Matters in an Era of AI and Algorithm-Driven Content
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19:48
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19:48Intentional storytelling means making creative choices with purpose. Here’s why that matters more than ever in an AI-driven content world.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E15: How to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 2 of 2)
16:27
16:27
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16:27Discover how to honor your character's history while crafting different character arcs for the same character in new stories.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E14: How to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 1 of 2)
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17:11
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17:11Discover systems that can help you write different character arcs for the same character in your series. Keep stories interesting and unique!By K.M. Weiland
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In this episode of You're A Better Artist Than You Think: Why "time management" so rarely works for artists and four tips for a more effective solution. As creative people, we care a lot about time because our projects require so much of it. Furthermore, many, if not most of us want to spend more time working on our creative projects, not less. Eve…
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S17:E13: Crafting Archetypal Arcs With Enneagram Insights
34:09
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34:09Discover the connection between archetypal arcs and Enneagram insights for transformative storytelling and character growth.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E12: Using the Enneagram for Character Development: Avoiding Repetition for Lies Each Type Might Believe
23:59
23:59
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23:59Discover the unique lies each Enneagram subtype believes and how these shape their fears, desires, and character development in storytelling.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E11: The Most Dangerous Arc: Breaking Down the Corruption Character Arc
21:42
21:42
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21:42Unlock the intricacies of the Corruption Character Arc. Discover how fear, pride, and desire lead to a character's downfall.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E10: Writing a Fall Arc: How to Show a Character's Moral Decline
18:36
18:36
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18:36Writing a fall arc involves capturing characters' heartbreaking journeys. Discover techniques for depicting their moral decline.By K.M. Weiland
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12 Tips For Finishing Ambitious Creative Projects (with Victoria Ying)
49:34
49:34
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49:34Victoria Ying, animation visual development artist (Tangled, Frozen, Big Hero 6) and comics creator (City Of Secrets, Harvey winner Hungry Ghost) joins for today's episode of You're A Better Artist Than You Think! Learn how to avoid overwhelm, burnout and art-related injuries, set realistic deadlines and push through the boredom when attempting amb…
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S17:09: Disillusionment Arc in Storytelling: A Powerful Tool for Character Growth
19:26
19:26
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19:26Understand the Disillusionment Arc in storytelling, a powerful journey portraying human growth through confronting stark realities.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E08: How Writers Can Use the Four Stages of Knowing in Character Arcs
19:54
19:54
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19:54Explore the four stages of knowing in character arcs to understand transformation and enhance your storytelling skills.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E07: How to Make Your Fantasy World Feel Real: 6 Pillars of Organic Worldbuilding
23:20
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23:20From magic to government, discover the 8 key pillars of worldbuilding that will make your fantasy world feel real.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E06: Your Character's Three Choices: Character Goal Examples for Writers
18:47
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18:47Discover essential character goal examples for writers and learn how to craft compelling, multi-layered motivations using the "three choices."By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E05: 5 Proven Ways to Conquer Self-Doubt in Writing
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20:01Learn how to conquer self-doubt in writing and transform it into a driving force for growth and improvement.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E04: Exploring the Impact of AI on Fiction Writing: Opportunities and Challenges
22:55
22:55
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22:55Delve into the impact of AI on fiction writing. Explore the opportunities and concerns surrounding the incorporation of AI in creative work.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E03: The Writer’s Road to Creative Burnout Recovery
23:47
23:47
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23:47Recover from creative burnout with these holistic strategies. Create space in your life to rebuild creativity and overcome writer's block.By K.M. Weiland
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S17:E02: The Rules of Fiction: What They Are and What They're Not
19:08
19:08
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19:08Demystify the rules of fiction and learn how they empower storytelling. Discover how underlying structure enhances creative autonomy.By K.M. Weiland
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