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Artwork for Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

James Thayer
Character Development
Fiction Writing
Writing Fiction
Character-Driven Stories
Writing
Scene Writing
Dialogue Techniques
Phrases Notebook
Writing Techniques
Dialogue Writing Techniques
Creative Writing
Storytelling Techniques
Plot-Driven Stories
Common Writing Errors
Anne Of Green Gables
Ernest Hemingway
Story Structure
BCBC Plotting
Character Voice
Real-Time Dialogue

Hosted by James Thayer, the podcast is a practical, step-by-step manual on how to craft a novel. It presents a set of tools for large issues such as story development and scene construction (Kirkus Reviews said Thayer's novels are "superbly crafted') and it also examines techniques that will make your sentence-by-sentence writing shine. The New York Times Book Review has said Thayer's "writing is ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes199Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationFiction

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Artwork for Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

Latest Episodes

Sometimes in our story we'll have a scene filled with people where everyone is moving all at once, such as a battle scene or mob scene or festival scene or street scene.  Here are techniques on crafting the scene so there's no confusion so readers ca... more

Readers love dialogue, the chance to eavesdrop on the characters.  Here is a good way to make that dialogue really worth listening to.  Also, here are techniques that can tie our scenes together, which Jack Bickham calls transitions and sequels.  In ... more

How can we make our character memorable for the reader?  How can we make the character leap off the page and stay in the reader's memory?  Here's how Sherwood Anderson did it.  And here are also character descriptions from another master, William Fau... more

Readers want a character who can grow and change over the course of the story. Here is a discussion of the character arc: how we can use the arc to develop our character and the plot, giving the reader the big reward at the end of the story of a char... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Number of Listeners
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Host

Jim Thayer
Host of the Essential Guide to Writing a Novel. He is known for his structured and encouraging teaching style, providing relatable examples and practical advice for writers.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.6k ratings
  • Pragmatic and Professional

    I’m nine episodes in, and honestly, it feels like slipping into an old-school Novel Writing 101 lecture where the professor actually likes teaching. Thayer is organized, generous with examples, and somehow pulls off a charming faux-modesty that gives the whole thing a warm, gently humorous vibe.

    Full confession: I’ve never written a novel, and now I’m trying to write one. (Don’t laugh. Or do. It’s fine.) There are countless writing resources out there—some ramble, some are drowning in self-pr... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MrDzyn
    United Statesa month ago
  • Incredibly good

    I love the show. I’m writing a book and the advice

    In this podcast has proven truly crucial.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Happykittyonthemoon
    United States4 months ago
  • Super helpful, but…

    Please come to the point. And make that point the same as the title.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    cletzerismyname
    United States5 months ago
  • I finally had to unfollow

    I couldn’t do it anymore. The manner of speaking - on a PODCAST - is stilted and unnatural. Like he’s having a heard time reading what he wrote. Such a monotone drone that all the words blend together and it just serves as background noise.

    I’ve read several books on the craft, certainly not a ton. I’ve lost count of how many episodes of this pod I’ve finished and attempted to finish, and I get nothing new from this podcast. Clearly, this is the pod form of his book? I understand the purpose f... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Dumbname25
    United States6 months ago
  • Advocates for using AI

    I’m immediately out on any writing advice from someone who would advocate for using AI. Keep it.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    jorobe
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the organized structure and warmth of the host's teaching style, comparing it to a supportive writing class or course.
Many reviews highlight the podcast as an invaluable resource for aspiring writers, with specific mention of its practical tips and examples from literature.
Feedback ranges from high praise for actionable writing advice and engagement to criticism over delivery style or perceived content quality.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#167
United Kingdom/Education
Apple Podcasts
#245
Canada/Education
Apple Podcasts
#239
Australia/Education
Apple Podcasts
#243
Italy/Education
Apple Podcasts
#121
Poland/Education
Apple Podcasts
#186
Ireland/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 191 - Do we know enough to write the first sentence?
Q: At what point in your process do you feel ready to begin drafting?
A writer should assess their confidence in writing techniques and clarity of plot before beginning to draft.
Episode 186 - Showing--not telling--what a character is thinking.
Q: What would be the best writing practice when it comes to writing chapters we are not happy with?
It's suggested to finish the chapter and move on, making notes about what might need improvement for later.
Episode 182 - Things to think about as we write the end of our story.
Q: Do you have advice on getting over that editing dread?
Editing is a necessary part of the writing life, and while it may be tedious, it's essential for improving the manuscript.
Episode 176 - Inventing a fabulous title.
Q: What is your opinion on how to edit your first draft?
The editing process varies widely among writers, with some editing heavily and others editing very little or not at all, as individual preferences and methods differ significantly.
Episode 159 - A surefire way to generate plot, the sidekick.
Q: How do bad novels get published?
A good story, weakly told will do better than a weak story, well told; publishers prioritize a compelling story above all.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

What is Essential Guide to Writing a Novel about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers a practical framework for aspiring novelists, guiding them through the intricacies of writing fiction with an emphasis on technique and clarity. The episodes cover various topics, including story development, plot construction, and character development, providing actionable advice aimed at both novice and seasoned writers. Notably, the host shares insights drawn from a wealth of literary examples, encouraging listeners to embrace bold storytelling and refine their writing skills. Each episode is likely to bolster listeners' confidence, inspiring them to tackle their writing projects with renewed vigor and craft compelling narratives.

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Which podcasts are similar to Essential Guide to Writing a Novel?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Essential Guide to Writing a Novel:

1. Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips
2. The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
3. Writing Excuses
4. The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
5. Helping Writers Become Authors

How many episodes of Essential Guide to Writing a Novel are there?

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel launched 4 years ago and published 199 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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