Best Stuart Wakefield Podcasts (2025)

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

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24h 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

3d 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

13d 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…

1
Why THIS Story? Uncovering the Heart of Your Novel 5:05

19d 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 …

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5 Steps to Mastering Revision 12:00

26d 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…

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

1M 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…

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The Healing Power of Writing 43:39

2M 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 …

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Embracing the Blank Page 6:57

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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…

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Unlocking Your Writing Potential with a Book Coach 5:45

3M 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

4M 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…

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The Art of Tightening Your Narrative 19:52

5M 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

6M 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…

1
Embracing Absurdity: The Power of Dumb Ideas 53:58

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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…

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The Psychology Behind Creative Distractions 8:27

9M 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

9M 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

10M 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 …

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

11M 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

1y 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…

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Life Editing for Writers With Elisabeth Sharp McKetta 49:34

1y 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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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…

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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…

1
How to Create Romantic Tension 13:06

2y ago13:06

13:06

Today's episode is all about the spine-tingling magic that keeps readers flipping page after page — romantic tension. While sexual tension is a sizzling game of "will they or won't they get intimate?", romantic tension is a more profound, heart-pounding game of "will they or won't they end up together?" It's that underlying question, the heartbeat …

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Unconventional Protagonists: Breathing Life into Unique Characters 21:47

2y ago21:47

21:47

In this episode, we're delving into the heart of what makes unconventional protagonists so captivating: their diversity. We'll explore how characters from different backgrounds, races, genders, and orientations have redefined heroism and left an indelible mark on literature. From classics to contemporary novels, we'll showcase characters who have s…

1
The Art of Symbolism 19:19

2y ago19:19

19:19

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing," the podcast where we explore the art of storytelling from every angle. I'm your host, Stuart, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the enchanting world of symbolism in fiction. 📚 Join me as we unravel the mysteries behind symbols – those hidden keys that unlock layers of meaning w…

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Taking the Stage, Part Two: Edit Your Novel the Theatrical Way 22:47

2y ago22:47

22:47

Have you ever marveled at an actor's meticulous preparation for a role? The depth, the dedication, the transformation—it’s truly art in motion. Now, what if writers could harness that same dedication in their editing process? Join us as we unveil the second part of our deep dive into a revolutionary method of editing a novel—one that draws inspirat…

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Taking the Stage, Part One: Edit Your Novel the Theatrical Way 15:01

2y ago15:01

15:01

Have you ever watched an actor prepare for a role? The meticulous detail, the character immersion, the rehearsal, feedback, and fine-tuning—it's a masterclass in creation and refinement. So, why can't writers adopt the same method? In this first part of two episodes, we're going to explore my new, innovative approach to editing a novel, one that dr…

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An Interview With Me: Writing, Theatre and All the Things 33:59

2y ago33:59

33:59

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 technique…

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What Is Narrative Duality and How Can We Use It? 6:55

2y ago6:55

6:55

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.…

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Why Do We Write Stories? 21:14

2y ago21:14

21:14

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, other…

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Do Characters Need to be Likeable? 10:04

2+ y ago10:04

10:04

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 …

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70+ Character Development Questions You Need the Answers To 9:44

2+ y ago9:44

9:44

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 no…

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What Writers Can Learn From Stanislavski's Acting System 14:10

2+ y ago14:10

14:10

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 …