
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
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 199 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | EducationFiction | |||

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
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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
I love the show. I’m writing a book and the advice
In this podcast has proven truly crucial.
Please come to the point. And make that point the same as the title.
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
I’m immediately out on any writing advice from someone who would advocate for using AI. Keep it.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #167 | |
Apple Podcasts | #245 | |
Apple Podcasts | #239 | |
Apple Podcasts | #243 | |
Apple Podcasts | #121 | |
Apple Podcasts | #186 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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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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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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