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 connection. Your story isn’t for everyone. It’s for someone - and that someone is waiting.

Ready to get clear on who you’re writing for? Visit me at www.thebookcoach.co

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. We dive into the weird, wonderful, and sometimes disturbing world of crime fiction research from poisons and human trafficking to cold cases and black diamonds.

Lee shares how she turns real-world expertise into gripping plot points, why she’s never afraid to approach a subject matter expert, and what she does when her characters (or her rabbit holes) take the story in unexpected directions. We also talk about writing emotional truth, editing with a scalpel, and the fine line between curiosity and chaos.

Whether you’re writing thrillers, historical fiction, or anything that requires digging into the dark corners of human behaviour, this episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and slightly worried about our search histories.

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 finding the right coach and offer insights into what to expect from the coaching process, ultimately encouraging writers to seek help when needed.

Website: https://www.thebookcoach.co/

Book Coach Directory: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchme

In this episode, I talk to debut 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 process, the significance of chapter endings, and the evolving themes in romance literature, particularly the necessity of self-discovery before falling in love.

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 character dynamics.

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. The discussion also touches on themes of activism, the role of women in history, and the significance of addressing difficult topics such as racial injustice. In this conversation, Shara Moon discusses the political shifts within the Black community during FDR's presidency, the challenges of writing historical fiction, and the importance of balancing fact with creative storytelling. She shares insights on the editing process, the transition from memoir to historical fiction, and her personal connection to Lizzie herself.

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 the unconventional can lead to surprising breakthroughs. Plus, we’ll touch on bold marketing strategies, the future of creative writing, and why curiosity is the ultimate creative superpower.

Get ready to rethink what makes an idea truly smart!

Visit David at his website! https://www.david-carson.com/

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 understanding the target audience and crafting narratives that resonate emotionally. He also explores techniques for effective storytelling, the distinction between character and characterisation, and the emotional connections that can be made through film and writing.