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Artwork for Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

James Thayer
Writing Techniques
Character Development
Writing
Fiction Writing
Dialogue
Novel Writing
Showing Vs. Telling
Point Of View
Jack Bickham
Charles Dickens
Setting
Fiction
Writing Fiction
Interior Monologue
Storytelling Techniques
Creative Writing
Sentence Structure
Character Descriptions
Stephen King
Edna Ferber

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes214Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
FictionEducation

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Artwork for Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

Latest Episodes

If we emulate famous authors, won't we get better at writing?  Here are how some highly-skilled, best-selling authors write and live.  Plus: the three dumbest pieces of advice for writers.  And: George Orwell's rules of writing.

Here is a 20-episode... more

How can we get readers to admire and respect our hero, maybe even to fall in love with him?  Our hero can save the cat.  Here is how the screenwriters' save the cat technique can apply to our novels.  Also, best seller Lawrence Block on how we can us... more

Keeping a tight point of view is critical for our story.  Here's how we can stay inside the mind of our main character yet learn what others in the scene are thinking.  Plus, how John Grisham works.  And: how we can reveal what a character is thinkin... more

Sometimes writing can be a grind.  Here are things that are fun while writing that'll give us energy and keep us at our desks and allow us to pour joy into our words.  Also: we should avoid vanilla, meaningless word packages.  And here's how Kate Cho... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Host

Jim Thayer
Host of the podcast, Jim Thayer provides practical insights on how to improve writing skills and navigate the process of novel writing, drawing from both personal experience and literary expertise.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.7k ratings
  • Helpful & a JOY to listen to

    This podcast gives great practical tips for writing - lots of examples of the tips in action, too, which is helpful. James is a joy to listen to… he’s very passionate about writing & literature & has such a cheerful disposition to him that makes listening to his episodes delightful!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Anne Alden
    United States3 months ago
  • Vital information for all fiction writers.

    Updating this review two days after Christmas. I’m so sorry to hear that Jack has died. I always loved hearing about his antics. So sorry for your loss. They are like family to us.

    This podcast is packed with useful information. I love James’ quirky presentation and occasional digressions. Well worth subscribing.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lynn Mac
    Spain4 months ago
  • 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 States5 months 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 States8 months ago
  • Super helpful, but…

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

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    cletzerismyname
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners express that the content is repetitive over an extended period, suggesting that variety could enhance engagement.
Listeners appreciate the structured, practical advice provided for writers, often highlighting the engaging and supportive style of the host.
Many reviews note the wealth of examples and insights from notable authors that enhance the instructional quality of the episodes.
Overall, the podcast is viewed as a supportive environment for writers, with personal anecdotes that foster a sense of community among aspiring authors.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#183
United Kingdom/Education
Apple Podcasts
#155
Netherlands/Education
Apple Podcasts
#234
Ukraine/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 212 - Getting skilled with point of view.
Q: Ken asks how to show emotions via facial expressions without overdoing it, and how to convey inner thoughts through the face.
The host suggests focusing on showing rather than telling, using specific facial cues within the scene's context (e.g., eyes widening, jaw tightening) and pairing them with what's happening around the character to convey emotion credibly.
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.

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 and structured approach to novel writing, focusing on the intricacies of crafting compelling narratives and developing characters. Throughout various episodes, the host shares insights on essential writing techniques, such as sentence structure, character development, dialogue creation, and editing strategies. The discussions often reference notable authors and their works, providing listeners with relatable examples and valuable lessons to enhance their writing abilities. The content is aimed at aspiring writers seeking guidance on the creative process, making it an invaluable resource for anyone aiming to navigate the complexities of fiction writing.

A unique aspect of this podcast is its blend of instruct... more

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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. Helping Writers Become Authors
3. The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
4. Writing Excuses
5. Writer's Routine

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

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel launched 4 years ago and published 214 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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