by Nanci | May 18, 2026 | Character, Craft, Podcast, Structure
Your story feels stuck. You’ve reread the chapters, moved scenes around, added more conflict. But something still isn’t working and you can’t name what it is. There’s a layer underneath every stuck story that most writers never think to...
by Nanci | Mar 23, 2026 | Character, Craft, Podcast
Every writer knows the feeling. Your story is on fire, you’re excited about what’s on the page, then boom — your story dies in the middle. The excitement fades, the scenes stop feeling alive, and no matter how many times you reread or rework your outline,...
by Nanci | Nov 10, 2025 | Character, Craft, Plot, Podcast
What’s the difference between a character driven story and a plot driven story? And how do you know which one your story falls under? Every good story is driven by both character and plot. It’s just a matter of degree. So the question isn’t which...
by Nanci | Sep 15, 2025 | Character, Craft, Podcast
Every story depends on how you introduce your protagonist. That first impression matters. If it falls flat or doesn’t provoke curiosity, your reader might not even make it to chapter two. In this episode, we’ll talk about the most common mistakes writers...
by Nanci | Jul 21, 2025 | Character, Craft, Podcast
We don’t just read stories to find out what happens. We read to witness who a character becomes. So how do you show that change? Not by stating it outright, or having another character comment on it, but through behavior, inner voice, and choices that reveal an...
by Nanci | May 26, 2025 | Character, Craft, Podcast, Point of View
Writing a book isn’t just a creative act, it’s a mental marathon. And if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in self-doubt, overwhelmed by the blank page, or spiraling after a tough writing day, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into what it really means to...