Best Stuart Wakefield Podcasts (2025)

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Becoming the Person Who Writes 10:05

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6d ago10:05

10:05

Stop waiting for motivation. Start acting from identity. In this mindset kickoff for Master Fiction Writing, we shift the sentence that runs your day from “I want to write a book” to “I’m a person who writes.” You’ll hear a simple, athlete-style routine (warm-up, reps, cooldown), examples, and a 10-minute drill that makes writing easier to start th…

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Open Strong, Close True: Drafting Your First and Final Scenes 14:05

13d ago14:05

14:05

Your novel’s bookends do the heavy lifting. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we pair Step 16 (Writing the Opening Scene) and Step 17 (Writing the Closing Scene) to help you start with momentum and finish with meaning. You’ll learn what a scene is (and why something must change every time), how to centre your protagonist’s thoughts and fee…

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Plot With Heart: The Inside Outline 9:01

21d ago9:01

9:01

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Plot Without Panic: Using the Pixar Story Spine 16:24

27d ago16:24

16:24

Plotting doesn’t have to feel like wrangling an octopus into a cardigan. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we turn to Pixar’s Story Spine - seven simple prompts that reveal your story’s engine: who we meet, what upends the status quo, how cause-and-effect escalates, where the climax hits, and what the change means. We unpack each beat (fro…

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Time & Bookends: Your Story’s Timeline, Start, and End 8:03

28d ago8:03

8:03

How much time passes between Page 1 and “The End” - and where, exactly, do you begin and finish? In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we pair Step 12 (Story Timeline) and Step 13 (Opening & Closing) to shape your novel’s container and its proof of change. You’ll learn how to define your story present (the “now” of your narrative), pick a time…

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Voice & Vantage: Who’s Telling the Tale... and When? 10:14

1M ago10:14

10:14

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the intricacies of narrative voice and perspective, focusing on the importance of point of view (POV) and time stance in storytelling. We'll discuss various narrative techniques, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical exercises to help writers refine their craft.…

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Whose Story Is It? Choosing Your Protagonist and Their Engine of Want 5:05

1M ago5:05

5:05

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of choosing the right protagonist for your story, emphasising the need for a single human centre that readers can connect with, the distinction between external wants and internal needs, and the significance of crafting tailored opposition to enhance conflict. We'll also cover …

1
Mastering World Building 9:09

1M ago9:09

9:09

In this episode, we'll delve into the intricacies of world building, establishing clear rules and consequences, and ensuring that characters and their motivations are relatable to readers. Practical exercises are provided to help writers create immersive worlds that enhance their narratives without overwhelming them with unnecessary details. We'll …

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Who is Your Ideal Reader? 5:37

1M ago5:37

5:37

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of identifying your ideal reader in the writing process, how understanding your audience can enhance the emotional connection of your story - and making it more impactful. By focusing on a specific reader rather than trying to please everyone, writers can create stories that re…

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Choosing Your Genre 6:30

1M ago6:30

6:30

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the critical step of choosing a genre in the story development process. We'll explain the importance of genre in guiding creative choices, setting reader expectations, and categorising stories effectively. We'll also cover major genres and their subgenres, the nuances of literary versus co…

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Crafting the Perfect Working Title 7:03

2M ago7:03

7:03

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the significance of choosing a working title in the story development process. A working title helps writers transition from vague ideas to a more concrete narrative, and the episode also includes practical exercises for generating strong titles that resonate with the story.…

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How to Write Jacket Copy Before You’ve Written the Book 7:45

2M ago7:45

7:45

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore Step 4 of the Story Development process: writing your book’s jacket copy before the book is even written. It might sound backwards, but crafting jacket copy early can sharpen your story’s focus, clarify the promise you’re making to readers, and help you stay on track as you write. We’ll break do…

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What’s the Plot? Boiling Your Story Down Without Losing the Heart 4:42

2M ago4:42

4:42

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore Step 3 of the Story Development process: What’s the Plot? Forget sprawling outlines or complex twists. This stage is all about simplicity. You’ll learn how to write a short, clear, and purposeful summary of your story in just 50 words or less. Think of it as your story’s spine: the who, the what…

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What’s the Point? Why Every Story Needs One 5:08

2M ago5:08

5:08

If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through a novel draft wondering what it’s really about, this episode is for you. In the second instalment of my Story Development series, I explore Step 2 of the Blueprint for a Book: What’s Your Point? This is where your story starts to take shape around something deeper - a belief, a truth, an argument you’re…

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Why THIS Story? Uncovering the Heart of Your Novel 5:05

2M ago5:05

5:05

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll introduce the importance of understanding the 'why' behind writing a book. Before delving into plot or character, writers must explore their personal connection to the story. This foundational step is crucial for creating meaningful narratives that resonate with readers. I'll encourage you to reflect …

1
5 Steps to Mastering Revision 12:00

3M ago12:00

12:00

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I discuss the often daunting process of revising a manuscript. I outline a five-step approach to help writers manage revision overwhelm, emphasising the importance of starting with a high-level read, creating a prioritised revision plan, setting manageable goals, seeking constructive feedback, and celebrat…

1
5 Ways to Move Forward When Your Novel Stalls 7:18

3M ago7:18

7:18

You’re a few chapters in. The world is taking shape. Your characters are alive. And then... nothing. You’re stuck. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we tackle one of the most common (and demoralising) parts of the writing process: what to do when your novel grinds to a halt. Whether the problem is craft, mindset, or something in between, I…

1
The Healing Power of Writing 43:39

3M ago43:39

43:39

Welcome to Master Fiction Writing! In this conversation, Alexandra Vassilaros shares her journey as a writer and workshop founder, emphasising the transformative power of writing workshops, particularly in the context of grief and loss. She discusses her Make Meaning Workshop, which helps participants explore their emotions and experiences through …

1
Embracing the Blank Page 6:57

3M ago6:57

6:57

Ugh - the blank page. Daunting at times, so I'll discuss the challenges and processes of writing fiction and memoirs, emphasising the importance of starting with curiosity rather than perfection, nurturing your protagonist, building the emotional core of your story, and finding a writing process that works for you. I encourage you to embrace the me…

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She Helped Shape 'Groundhog Day' (Then Wrote 25 Books of Her Own) 1:11:31

3M ago1:11:31

1:11:31

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Susan Sloate - novelist, playwright, and former Hollywood story analyst - for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, hilarious, and packed with practical wisdom for writers. Susan shares what she’s learned from writing over 25 books (including one in just three days!), working in the film industry …

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Write for the Reader Who’s Waiting for You 4:47

4M ago4:47

4:47

Not everyone will love your writing and that’s exactly how it should be. In this uplifting episode, I'll explore why trying to please everyone is the fastest way to water down your voice and how defining your ideal reader can transform your writing process. Learn how to shift from writing for the masses to writing with clarity, confidence, and conn…

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"I Know 15 Ways to Kill My Husband (And Where to Hide His Body." 1:10:28

4M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

How do you write a frozen corpse in a heated pool and make it believable? What’s the etiquette when cold-calling a forensic entomologist? And how do you stop your own research from hijacking the plot? In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling mystery author Lee Clark, whose Matthew Paine Mysteries spans spans seven intricately researched novels. W…

1
Unlocking Your Writing Potential with a Book Coach 5:45

4M ago5:45

5:45

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll explore the concept of book coaching, address common misconceptions and highlight its benefits for writers at various stages of their journey. I'll discuss the role of a book coach, who can provide strategic support rather than just editing or ghostwriting. I'll also emphasise the importance of findin…

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Writing Romance: Insights from Author Noël Stark 54:24

6M ago54:24

54:24

In this episode, I talk to novelist Noël Stark about her journey from working in film and TV to crafting her first romance novel, 'Love, Camera, Action'. We discuss the unique challenges of novel writing, the importance of character development, and the emotional landscapes that drive romance narratives. And Noël shares insights on the writing proc…

1
The Art of Tightening Your Narrative 19:52

6M ago19:52

19:52

In this episode, I'll look at the importance of precision in fiction writing, providing practical tips on tightening scenes, enhancing emotional depth, and avoiding unnecessary repetition. I'll cover techniques such as entering late and leaving early, replacing vague summaries with specific details, and using dialogue intentionally to reveal charac…

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The Art of Historical Fiction: Lessons from Shara Moon 38:34

7M ago38:34

38:34

In this episode, Shara Moon discusses her new book 'Let Us March On', which tells the story of Lizzie McDuffie, an influential yet often overlooked figure in American history. Shara shares her journey of researching and writing the book, the challenges of balancing fact and fiction, and the importance of telling Lizzie's story in today's context. T…

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Embracing Absurdity: The Power of Dumb Ideas 53:58

8M ago53:58

53:58

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Dumbify founder David Carson, where we dive into the power of so-called “dumb” ideas—and why they might just be the secret to creative brilliance. We’ll explore how absurdity, humour, and playfulness can fuel innovation in storytelling, the mental models that help spot good dumb ideas, and how embracing t…

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From Insurance to Filmmaking: A Journey of Storytelling Passion 52:59

8M ago52:59

52:59

In this conversation, filmmaker Christian Schu shares his journey from the insurance industry to becoming a self-taught filmmaker. He discusses the importance of embracing one's creative identity, the leap of faith required to pursue storytelling in any form, and the significance of storytelling in commercial projects. Christian emphasises understa…

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Conquering the Final Stretch: Finishing Your Book 13:15

9M ago13:15

13:15

In this episode, we'll discuss the common struggles writers face when nearing the completion of their first draft. We'll address the pressures of perfectionism, fear of judgment, and loss of momentum, providing insights and strategies to help writers overcome these challenges, emphasising the importance of finishing a draft, the value of feedback, …

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Why You Shouldn't Write a Book This Year (And That's Okay) 10:31

9M ago10:31

10:31

In this episode, we'll discusses the importance of self-kindness and the reasons why one might choose not to write a book in the current year. We'll emphasise the need to assess personal circumstances, motivations, and life priorities before committing to such a significant endeavour. By allowing oneself the grace to pause, writers can reduce stres…

1
The Psychology Behind Creative Distractions 8:27

10M ago8:27

8:27

In this episode, I explore the challenges of "shiny object syndrome", particularly in the context of creative projects. I share my personal experience of being drawn to a new play commission while nearing completion of my novella. I'll delve into the psychological aspects of creativity, the allure of new projects, and practical strategies to mainta…

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The Art of Character Development 26:43

11M ago26:43

26:43

It was great to be interviewed by Sara Gentry about creating characters! We delve into the significance of character backstory in storytelling, distinguishing between world backstory and character backstory - and emphasising the importance of understanding a character's history to make them relatable and believable. We talk about how backstory infl…

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Breaking Free from Beat Sheets with Jennie Nash 1:09:09

11M ago1:09:09

1:09:09

In this conversation, Jennie Nash and I delve into the intricacies of fiction writing, focusing on the Blueprint for a Book and the limitations of traditional beat sheets. We discuss the importance of understanding a writer's intent, the emotional connection with readers, and the role of creativity within constraints. Jennie shares her insights on …

1
The Four Pillars to Author Success with Emma Dhesi 1:07:50

1y ago1:07:50

1:07:50

In this conversation, Emma Dhesi and I explore the themes of personal growth, the Four Pillars to Author Success , and the importance of celebrating small wins. We discuss how clients evolve from feeling inexperienced to becoming peers in the coaching process, emphasising the significance of acknowledgment in personal development. Our conversation …

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Navigating the Challenges of Using Multiple POVs in Your Story 16:29

1y ago16:29

16:29

In this episode, I discusses the pros and cons of using multiple points of view (POVs) in writing. Point of view (POV) is the narrative perspective that guides the reader through the story. Multiple POVs can add depth and complexity to a story, but they also come with potential pitfalls. Pitfalls of multiple POVs include character chaos, plot compl…

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How to Create a Realistic, Relatable Main Character for your Romance Novel 6:51

1y ago6:51

6:51

Creating a realistic and relatable main character is crucial for a good romance novel. This involves giving them a history, their own journey, a job, relationships with others, physical flaws, strength, failure, sexuality, and the spotlight. These elements help readers understand and bond with the main character, making the story more engaging and …

1
Strategies to Maintain Your Motivation to Write 8:12

1+ y ago8:12

8:12

Do you feel stuck in a rut with your writing? Do you struggle to even sit down to write? Does the blank page seem to loom over you like a cloud, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, and heading for Netflix? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many writers experience this same struggle (me included). Whether you’re working on a novel or just tryi…

1
Life Editing for Writers With Elisabeth Sharp McKetta 49:34

1+ y ago49:34

49:34

In this episode, I’ll be talking to author and teacher Elisabeth Sharp McKetta. Elisabeth is the author of 13 books, including “She Never Told Me About the Ocean," "Ark," and "Edit Your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intention in a Messy World.” We’ll delve into the importance of creativity, mental health, and the practice of writing, but Elisabe…

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Amplifying Emotions: A Conversation with Becca Puglisi 57:24

1+ y ago57:24

57:24

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I sit down with the remarkable Becca Puglisi, co-author of the bestselling series from Writers Helping Writers. Join us as Becca takes us on a journey from the inception of the first book to the expansion of the series, sharing invaluable insights into the art of character development along the way. Discov…

1
Crafting the Perfect Paragraph: A Guide 11:49

1+ y ago11:49

11:49

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…

1
Crafting the Perfect Sentence: A Guide 12:04

1+ y ago12:04

12:04

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 skil…

1
Misconceptions Writers Have (And How a Book Coach Can Help) 28:45

1+ y ago28:45

28:45

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 proces…

1
The Art of Character Backstory 34:01

1+ y ago34:01

34:01

📚 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 seaml…

1
Interview: Margaret McNellis, historical fiction writer. 1:11:36

1+ y ago1:11:36

1:11:36

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 h…

1
Interview With Me: Emotional Resilience For Writers 43:47

1+ y ago43:47

43:47

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. Durin…

1
Crafting Character Voices: Bringing Your Characters to Life 8:38

2y ago8:38

8:38

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 bo…

1
Embracing Progress: A Writer's Guide to a Productive New Year 12:57

2y ago12:57

12:57

Join me and let's explore a range of transformative practices and exercises designed to elevate your writing journey. I'll talk about setting DREAM goals, the power of a grateful writing mindset, and the importance of regular reflection and adaptation in your craft. Whether you're looking to overcome a creative block, refine your skills, or simply …

1
Balancing Multiple Projects: Time Management for Writers 18:01

2y ago18:01

18:01

Join me in this enlightening episode of Master Fiction Writing, where we dive into the art of managing multiple writing projects without losing your mind or your creative spark. Hosted by me, Stuart Wakefield, an Author Accelerator Certified book coach, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and practical advice for writers at all stages. We …

1
Crafting Character Voices: Show, Don't Tell 8:10

2y ago8:10

8:10

Letting your characters' words reveal their traits and emotions, instead of explaining them in the narrative, is an art - and one that many writers overlook. "Show, don't tell" is a fundamental principle in writing, especially when it comes to dialogue. It means allowing the reader to deduce character traits and emotions from what the characters sa…

1
How to Create Sexual Tension 13:19

2y ago13:19

13:19

In this scintillating episode of Master Fiction Writing, we're delving deep into the art of creating sexual tension that will leave your readers on the edge of their seats, yearning for more. Whether you're a budding writer looking to infuse passion into your storytelling or a dedicated fan eager to dissect your favorite romantic narratives, this e…