Best Nanci Panuccio Podcasts (2025)

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#250: The Messy Middle: Why Drafts Lose Steam (and How to Revive Yours) 23:14

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3d ago23:14

23:14

If you’ve ever hit that point in your draft where the words feel heavy, the story starts to wander, and your momentum disappears—you’ve landed in the messy middle. Every writer faces it. The difference is, some know how to push through. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why the middle of a draft feels so hard—and how to revive your story so you…

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#249: 5 Reasons You're Still Not Finished With Your Novel 17:11

7d ago17:11

17:11

If your novel or memoir keeps stalling out, it’s not about talent or discipline. Chances are, something else is getting in your way. This episode uncovers what it is—and how to move past it. Episode Web Page If you've got 60 minutes, I've got a simple 3-part framework to bring focus and direction to your story without starting over and without a ri…

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#248: First Impressions Matter: Introducing Your Protagonist the Right Way 17:23

19d ago17:23

17:23

Your protagonist’s first appearance can make or break your story. That opening impression tells your reader whether they should lean in, or move on. Too often, writers get stuck in backstory, mundane routines, or quirky details that don’t really matter yet. The result? A flat introduction that fails to spark curiosity or connection. In this episode…

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#247: When You're Lost In The Mess Of Your Draft: How To Get Back On Track 15:29

26d ago15:29

15:29

Every writer hits that moment mid-draft where the story feels too big, too messy, too unclear. But getting lost in the middle of a draft doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re deep in the work. And the good news? There’s a way through. In this episode, I’ll help you zoom out, find the heart of your story again, and get back on track. So you ca…

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#246: The 9-to-5 Novelist: Why Your Day Job Might Be Your Secret Weapon 17:16

1M ago17:16

17:16

Most writers dream of quitting their jobs to write full-time. But here’s the twist: many of the greatest authors did their best work while juggling day jobs. In this episode, we’ll dive into the stories of famous writers who turned paychecks into pages, and how you can, too. Episode Web Page If you've got 60 minutes, I've got a simple 3-part framew…

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#245: When Great Story Ideas Fizzle Out (and How to Prevent It) 11:58

1M ago11:58

11:58

Most story ideas that excite you at 2 AM seem paper-thin by Thursday afternoon. Here's the truth: your idea probably isn't too small, you just haven't learned how to dig deeper. While other writers chase the next shiny concept, successful authors know how to mine the gold that's already there. In this episode, discover the specific questions that r…

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#244: 4 Strategies to Finally Finish the Story You Start 19:53

2M ago19:53

19:53

Do you have a folder full of half-finished drafts? You’re not alone. Almost every writer has started a story with excitement, only to abandon it when the magic fades. In this episode, I’ll share why this happens, the mindset shifts that help you stay the course, and four practical strategies to keep you moving forward even when the middle gets mess…

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#243: What If I’m Not Good Enough? A Pep Talk for New Writers 14:28

2M ago14:28

14:28

Every writer wrestles with doubt from time to time. But if you don’t know how to handle it, that doubt can stall your story for months or even years. In this episode, I’m dismantling three of the most common myths that keep writers stuck and replacing them with truths you can lean on. So you can keep showing up for your story with a sense of wonder…

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#242: Writing Backstory: 3 Game-Changing Tips 11:17

2M ago11:17

11:17

Backstory often gets blamed for slowing a story down. Writers are told to cut it, sprinkle it lightly, or avoid it altogether. But here’s the truth: the wrong backstory, delivered the wrong way, at the wrong time is the problem. Used with intention, backstory can reveal the wounds and desires that drive your character, raise the stakes, and transfo…

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#241: 3 Ways To Write A Hook-Worthy First Sentence 16:17

2M ago16:17

16:17

Your opening line is your reader’s first invitation into your story, so it has to do more than just start the book. It has to hook. In this episode, I'm sharing 3 powerful strategies to craft a first sentence that grabs your readers' attention and keeps them wanting more. Episode Web Page If you've got 60 minutes, I've got a simple 3-part framework…

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#240: 4 Powerful Ways To Show Character Change 19:41

2M ago19:41

19:41

We don’t just read stories to find out what happens. We read to witness who a character becomes. So how do you show that change? Not by stating it outright, or having another character comment on it, but through behavior, inner voice, and choices that reveal an internal shift. In this episode, we’re breaking down what character transformation looks…

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#239: 3 Quick Tips For Writing Stronger Dialogue 18:33

3M ago18:33

18:33

When dialogue works, it feels alive. It's charged with tension. It reveals character, drives the plot, and leaves space for the reader to lean in and feel what’s left unsaid. But when it doesn’t? It falls flat, feels forced, or gets skimmed over entirely. In this episode, I’m breaking down three essential tips to help you write dialogue that feels …

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#238: What To Do When Feedback Shakes Your Confidence 14:01

3M ago14:01

14:01

You’ve finally shared your pages with someone. Maybe it was a critique partner, a writing group, an editor, or beta reader. You were nervous, but hopeful, maybe even excited, and then the feedback came. And now you’re spiraling. Maybe they pointed out something you thought you’d nailed, or they didn’t understand your main character, or they told yo…

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#237: 3 Writing Myths That Might Be Holding You Back 17:45

3M ago17:45

17:45

There’s a lot of writing advice out there, but not all of it serves you. In this episode, we’re unpacking 3 common writing myths that might be slowing you down or making you second-guess your story. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this is your permission to let go of the “rules” and reconnect with the story you need to tell. Episode Web Page If you'v…

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#236: From Chaos To Clarity: How To Make Sense Of Your Messy Draft 18:51

3M ago18:51

18:51

Writing your first novel can feel like dumping 1000 puzzle pieces onto the floor without the picture on the box to guide you. You've got characters, scenes, maybe even a few moments you love, but you have no clear sense of what it all adds up to. If you're staring at your messy draft thinking, What even is this? - don't worry. You're not alone, and…

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#235: Why You’re Stuck At Chapter One (And How to Finally Move Forward) 18:56

4M ago18:56

18:56

Struggling to get past chapter one, even with a solid outline and a great idea? In this episode, we unpack why starting your novel feels so hard, what’s really behind the block, and how to take the first imperfect steps forward. Episode Web Page If you've got 60 minutes, I've got a simple 3-part framework to bring focus and direction to your story …

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#234: 5 Big First Chapter Mistakes (and How To Avoid Them) 23:07

4M ago23:07

23:07

In this episode, we’re zeroing in on one of the most important (and most rewritten) parts of your novel: the first chapter. A strong first chapter doesn’t need to be long or dramatic, but it does need to hook the reader, ground them in the world of the story, and raise a question they’re eager to follow. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on your …

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# 233: 3 Essential Elements That Make A Scene 22:05

4M ago22:05

22:05

You’ve written pages. Maybe even chapters. But your scenes still aren’t landing the way you imagined. The pacing drags. The tension fizzles. And you’re not sure why. In this episode, we’re diving into the 3 essential elements that make a scene work. So your story doesn’t just move forward, but pulls the reader in and keeps them hooked moment by mom…

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#232: Mental Fitness For Writers 18:03

4M ago18:03

18:03

Writing a book isn’t just a creative act—it’s a mental marathon. And if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in self-doubt, overwhelmed by the blank page, or spiraling after a tough writing day, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into what it really means to build mental fitness as a writer. You’ll learn why talent isn’t enough—and how dev…

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#231: 5 Ways to Bring Your Character’s Interior World Onto the Page 29:30

5M ago29:30

29:30

You've got an exciting plot. Compelling characters. And the action is moving along at a crisp pace. But something still feels flat. Chances are, your character’s inner world isn’t fully making it onto the page. In this episode, we’re talking about the layer that gives your story emotional weight and resonance—character interiority. You’ll learn: ✔️…

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# 230: Getting Out Of a Writing Slump (Without Forcing It) 21:18

5M ago21:18

21:18

Stuck in a writing slump? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about those hard, heavy moments when the words won’t come, your story feels stalled, and self-doubt creeps in. Slumps are a normal part of the creative cycle, but they can feel lonely and defeating when you’re deep in one. Today, I’m sharing gentle, practical ways to find yo…

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#229: 5 Ways To End Your Story 24:26

5M ago24:26

24:26

You’ve built your character's world and raised the stakes. But how do you end your story in a way that feels true and unforgettable? In this episode, I’m breaking down the 4 biggest mistakes writers make with endings, plus 5 different ways to close your story. You’ll also get practical tips for revising an ending that’s falling flat, and learn how …

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#228: 3 Powerful Ways To Open Your Story 21:06

5M ago21:06

21:06

Among the most important (and intimidating) decisions you'll make as a writer is how to begin your story. That opening moment sets the tone, establishes the world, and signals to your readers what kind of story they're stepping into. There isn't one right way to open your story. It's all play and experimentation. The key to a powerful ending is cho…

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#227: Say Less, Mean More: The Secret to Writing Great Dialogue 17:06

6M ago17:06

17:06

Writing dialog can feel deceptively simple. After all, it's just people talking, right? But in far too many stories, characters are recapping the plot or revealing too much of what they're thinking or feeling. The dialogue is pure exposition, doing too much of the story's heavy lifting. Great dialogue works on multiple levels, often saying more in …

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#226: Writing Your Story Setting: 4 Essential Techniques 25:21

6M ago25:21

25:21

Writing your story setting requires more than just pretty language, and does so much more than provide the physical setting. It anchors the reader in time and place while immersing them in a tactile sensory experience in every scene. In this episode, I'm going to give you 4 essential techniques for writing your story setting. You'll learn how to cr…

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#225: From First To Final Draft: 3 Phases Of Revision 20:06

6M ago20:06

20:06

Revising a first draft can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What do you cut? How do you keep your original vision alive How do you take all the moving parts and refine it into a more coherent, effective whole? In this episode, I’ll guide you through the three key phases of revision—and give you practical tips to help you shape your messy draf…

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#224: Then vs. Now: The Key To Writing A Strong Retrospective Voice 16:19

6M ago16:19

16:19

Retrospective narrators have the power to tell your story with both raw immediacy and hard earned wisdom. This narrator doesn’t just recall the past – he or she reinterprets it. What makes it tricky is that you’re not just telling the story of what happened. You’re telling it through two lenses: The younger self who lived it. And the older self who…

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#223: How To Write A Believable Child Narrator 23:43

6M ago23:43

23:43

There’s something captivating about seeing a story unfold through a child’s perspective. Child narrators strip away the layers of adult logic, cynicism and pretense, revealing raw wonder, confusion or even unexpected wisdom. But writing from a child’s perspective is deceptively difficult. Writers often fall into traps, making the child sound too in…

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#222: How To Master The Unreliable Narrator 26:51

7M ago26:51

26:51

The unreliable narrator is one of the most powerful storytelling techniques. Whether you're writing in first-person or third, an unreliable narrator compels readers to interpret what's happening, looking for clues that reveal the truth beyond the narrator's perspective. And this keeps readers hooked into your story until the very last page. In this…

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#221: Writing In First Person: 4 Common Pitfalls and How To Avoid Them 21:13

7M ago21:13

21:13

First person narration puts readers directly into a character's head, creating an intimate and immediate experience. This perspective allows for deep emotional connection and personal stakes. But it also comes with unique challenges. In this episode, I'm going to share 4 common pitfalls when writing in first person and how to avoid them. Episode We…

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#220: 3 Tips For Writing Hook-Worthy Opening Scenes 18:11

7M ago18:11

18:11

Your opening scenes are valuable real estate. You don't want to squander them on anything mundane or extraneous. Many writers start way too early in the story, often giving the everyday details of their character's life. Or they spend too much time introducing the character's world and not launching him or her into the action soon enough. And then …

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#219: Write More, Write Better: 3 Tips For Maximizing Your Time And Energy 14:01

8M ago14:01

14:01

Ever wish you could expand time and give more energy to your writing? In this episode, you'll learn about two types of time - one that restricts time and one that expands time. We'll also talk about how to manage common distractions, and what it really takes to stay motivated for the long game. Episode Website If you've got 60 minutes, I've got a s…

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#218: When And How To Write Multiple Points Of View 14:35

9M ago14:35

14:35

When is it a good idea to write from multiple points of view, rather than one point of view? And how do you do it? In this episode, I'll cover 4 reasons to use multiple points of view, how to write them, and common pitfalls to avoid. Episode Website If you've got 60 minutes, I've got a simple 3-part framework to bring focus and direction to your st…

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#217: 3 Reasons Your Scenes Aren't Working And What To Do Instead 16:31

9M ago16:31

16:31

What do you do when you're stuck in a scene, or you know the scene isn't working, and you just don't know why or how to move the scene forward? In this episode, we'll go over three reasons your scenes are stalling and what to do instead. Episode Website If you've got 60 minutes, I've got a simple 3-part framework to bring focus and direction to you…

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#216: How To Write With More Ease And Expansion This Year 13:41

9M ago13:41

13:41

Now that we're in a brand new year, it's a good time to reflect on what worked in the past year, what didn't work, and most importantly, what we can do differently to move the needle forward in 2025. Time is a precious resource, so we don't want to squander it spinning in the wrong direction again and again only to keep getting stuck. So in this ep…

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Replay: How To Recharge Your Motivation To Write 21:33

9M ago21:33

21:33

You’ve lost motivation and may even have stopped writing altogether. So how do you get your mojo back so you can bring your work in progress to the finish line? In this throwback episode, we'll explore 5 reasons our motivation fizzles out and how to turn it around. We'll talk about: the power of having a safe, judgement-free community what social s…

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Replay: The 3 Most Important Things To Evaluate In Your Story 18:21

9M ago18:21

18:21

Getting results in our writing is great. But a result-oriented mindset can hinder creativity and authenticity. In this throwback episode, you'll learn how to evaluate your work based on 2 important qualities: presence and truth. This is all about your emotional connection and belief in your story. It's a more transformational approach that values t…

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#215: 3 Character Foundations To Help Structure Your Story 15:52

10M ago15:52

15:52

The most common struggle writers have when writing a novel is structure. Both plotters and pantsers get overwhelmed with the sheer volume of material and ideas they have about their story. Invariably, the story becomes unwieldy and falls apart. When a story breaks down, it's because the underlying foundation isn't strong enough to hold the story up…

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#214: Why Your Story Matters 18:17

10M ago18:17

18:17

Why do we read stories? And why do we write them? We'll uncover the irresistible pull stories have on us, and why your story matters to those who read it. But in order for your story to matter to readers, it must matter to you first. So in this episode, you'll learn that why you write is far more important than what you write. Episode Website If yo…

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#213: How To Show The Passage of Time In Your Novel 25:43

10M ago25:43

25:43

Keeping your story grounded in time balances the pace of your story and helps readers navigate your character’s journey. But how do you show the passage of time in your novel without jarring, or worse, boring your reader? In this episode, you’ll get clear on the passage of time in your story so you can seamlessly guide the reader as your characters…

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#212: 5 Great Gifts For Writers 17:42

10M ago17:42

17:42

Well, it's officially gift giving season, and your family and friends might be asking, “What do you want for Christmas?” Maybe you have a writer in your life and you want to get something special, and you’re wondering, What would support her? What would help her develop her craft? Maybe you want to buy a gift for yourself. In this episode, I’m shar…

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#211:Cause and Effect: A Character Driven Approach To Plot 12:02

11M ago12:02

12:02

Cause and effect is one of the major tenets of a cohesive plot so everything is knit together to shape your story. Every cause leads to an effect. It's often described as a chain reaction. One event leads to another, and another and another. But when we think of cause and effect solely in what happens, we're missing a big piece of the story. When t…

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#210: Beneath the Plot: 3 Character Secrets Driving Your Story 15:17

11M ago15:17

15:17

How do you build character into the structure of your story? What's the story beneath the plot? Structure alone won't create the energy and momentum a story thrives on. There's the story underneath driving the plot, and that's all about character. In this episode, I'll reveal 3 secrets about your character that will help you build momentum right in…

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#209: Unpredictable: 4 Ways To Keep Readers Guessing 20:36

11M ago20:36

20:36

Predictability may keep us feeling certain and safe in real life. But it's fatal in story. You never want the reader to see what's coming next. Once the reader can predict how the plot will unfold - when there's nothing to wonder about, worry about, guess, or infer - there's no reason to read any further. So you want to stay one step ahead of your …

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#208: Beyond Archetype: How To Write A Fascinating Villain 18:40

11M ago18:40

18:40

How do you write beyond the stock, archetypical villain? ? How do you make him or her believable and intriguing? How do you surprise us? In this episode, I'm sharing 3 ways to make your villain multi-dimensional and complex, even if he or she's downright evil. You'll learn how to write a villain who fascinates. Episode Website If you've got 60 minu…

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#207: 5 Questions To Nail Down Your Central Story Idea 20:31

12M ago20:31

20:31

If I were to ask you what is your story’s central idea, could you sum it up in a few sentences? A big challenge many writers face is keeping their story focused on one single driving point, let alone articulate it. When there’s no central focal point, readers get lost, confused, frustrated and bored. They stop reading. In today’s episode, I’ll give…

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#206: 3 Tips For Writing In First-Person 20:09

12M ago20:09

20:09

First-person often feels like the natural choice when writing a story. But first-person comes with its own set of challenges and limitations. Sometimes first-person characters merely report the action without interesting contrasts between that character's version of the story's events, and what might also be true. In this episode, I'm sharing 3 tip…

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#205: 3 Ways To Build Belief In Your Story 20:30

12M ago20:30

20:30

When reading fiction or a memoir, a reader's brain actively simulates the experience of the characters. The reader becomes so absorbed in the story, they experience it as though it's true. They believe in it. But before a reader can believe in your story, you have to believe in it first. In this episode, I'm sharing 3 pathways to building belief in…

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#204: In Praise of Anti-Heroes: 4 Ways To Make Yours Unforgettable 18:41

1y ago18:41

18:41

What is an anti-hero and why do they fascinate us? How do they keep us invested in their plight scene after scene, even as they do immoral, criminal, or deplorable things? In this episode, we'll talk about different anti-heroes from film and fiction, and I'll share 4 ways to write an anti-hero with complexity, magnetism, and unforgettable appeal. E…

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#203: The 2 Most Important Qualities To Evaluate in Your Story 19:24

1y ago19:24

19:24

Getting results in our writing is great. But a result-oriented mindset can hinder creativity and authenticity. In this episode, you'll learn how to evaluate your work based on 2 important qualities: presence and truth. This is all about your emotional connection and belief in your story. It's a more transformational approach that values the ongoing…