32 episodes

With over a quarter-century of rich experience in theatre, broadcast media, and coaching, I've gleaned invaluable insights into the delicate tapestry of storytelling. And now, through "Master Fiction Writing," I'm thrilled to share these insights with you. Just as the vast ocean remains deep, enigmatic, and somewhat intimidating to those unfamiliar with its waves, the realm of storytelling can feel boundless and overwhelming. But fear not, for I'm here to be your compass, your guide to mastering the craft of fiction writing.

Each episode, I'll help you unpack the profound art of narrative creation, from the inception of a gripping plot to the final touches that make characters memorable. We'll dive into actionable advice, seasoned by years of hands-on experience and enriched by conversations with some of the literary world's brightest stars.

Having been recognised as one of the top book coaches by Coach Foundation and holding a certification from Author Accelerator, my life's mission is crystal clear: to give phenomenal stories the best chance of gracing bookshelves and finding their rightful place in readers' hands. In a world where success often teeters between luck and timing, "Master Fiction Writing" seeks to tip the scales in favour of skill, passion, and artistry.

For a deeper dive into my coaching and resources, you're warmly invited to visit my website at https://www.thebookcoach.co/. Together, let's embark on a journey through the majestic ocean of storytelling, navigating its depths and unlocking its secrets. Subscribe today and set sail toward your destiny as a masterful storyteller. 🖋📖🎧🌊

Master Fiction Writing Stuart Wakefield

    • Arts
    • 4.1 • 9 Ratings

With over a quarter-century of rich experience in theatre, broadcast media, and coaching, I've gleaned invaluable insights into the delicate tapestry of storytelling. And now, through "Master Fiction Writing," I'm thrilled to share these insights with you. Just as the vast ocean remains deep, enigmatic, and somewhat intimidating to those unfamiliar with its waves, the realm of storytelling can feel boundless and overwhelming. But fear not, for I'm here to be your compass, your guide to mastering the craft of fiction writing.

Each episode, I'll help you unpack the profound art of narrative creation, from the inception of a gripping plot to the final touches that make characters memorable. We'll dive into actionable advice, seasoned by years of hands-on experience and enriched by conversations with some of the literary world's brightest stars.

Having been recognised as one of the top book coaches by Coach Foundation and holding a certification from Author Accelerator, my life's mission is crystal clear: to give phenomenal stories the best chance of gracing bookshelves and finding their rightful place in readers' hands. In a world where success often teeters between luck and timing, "Master Fiction Writing" seeks to tip the scales in favour of skill, passion, and artistry.

For a deeper dive into my coaching and resources, you're warmly invited to visit my website at https://www.thebookcoach.co/. Together, let's embark on a journey through the majestic ocean of storytelling, navigating its depths and unlocking its secrets. Subscribe today and set sail toward your destiny as a masterful storyteller. 🖋📖🎧🌊

    Amplifying Emotions: A Conversation with Becca Puglisi

    Amplifying Emotions: A Conversation with Becca Puglisi

    In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I sit down with the remarkable Becca Puglisi, co-author of the bestselling series from Writers Helping Writers. Join us as Becca takes us on a journey from the inception of the first book to the expansion of the series, sharing invaluable insights into the art of character development along the way.
    Discover the inspiration behind the 'Emotion Thesaurus' and how it has become an essential tool for writers worldwide. Becca delves into the challenges and triumphs of creating the series, the collaborative process with co-author Angela Ackerman, and how feedback from the writing community has shaped their work.
    And don't forget the very latest book in the series - 'The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Stress and Volatility'!

    • 57 min
    Crafting the Perfect Paragraph: A Guide

    Crafting the Perfect Paragraph: A Guide

    Unlock the secrets of writing compelling paragraphs that captivate your readers!
    In this episode post, you'll learn how to create vivid imagery, build emotional resonance, and master pacing for maximum impact.
    Whether you're just starting your writing journey or refining your craft, discover practical tips and exercises to elevate your storytelling.

    • 11 min
    Crafting the Perfect Sentence: A Guide

    Crafting the Perfect Sentence: A Guide

    As creative writers, each sentence we craft serves our story. But how do we elevate our writing from good to unforgettable? It all starts with mastering the art of sentence construction.
    This episode dives into the essentials of crafting powerful, impactful sentences. Whether you're just beginning your writing journey or looking to refine your skills, this article is packed with insights and exercises that will transform your approach to writing.

    • 12 min
    Misconceptions Writers Have (And How a Book Coach Can Help)

    Misconceptions Writers Have (And How a Book Coach Can Help)

    In this episode, we plunge headfirst into the tumultuous world of writing myths and the harsh self-criticisms that writers often battle. Why do writers sabotage their own success? Is it easier to believe in fallacies than to face the hard truths? We're dissecting these questions and more!
    We’ll unravel common misconceptions about the writing process, from the myth of waiting for inspiration to strike, to the pitfalls of chasing a perfect first draft.
    Prepare to be challenged and enlightened!
    If you want to work with me, you can book a free, 20-minute discovery call here: https://calendly.com/stuartwakefield/book-coaching-discovery-call

    If you want to work with a different book coach, there's a fantastic online database of certified book coaches here: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchme

    For a crash course on the nine Muses, check out this video! https://youtu.be/eTckaxEhC5U

    • 28 min
    The Art of Character Backstory

    The Art of Character Backstory

    📚 Unlock the Secrets of Compelling Character Backstories! 📚
    Crafting captivating characters is the cornerstone of great storytelling. Dive into the art of character development in this latest episode! Learn how to infuse depth and authenticity into your narratives by mastering the art of crafting compelling backstories.
    Discover techniques to seamlessly integrate backstory into your storytelling, avoiding common pitfalls like info dumping and irrelevance. From engaging dialogue to powerful flashbacks, explore the tools that bring characters to life and drive your plot forward.
    Striking a balance between revealing backstory and maintaining narrative focus is key to captivating your audience.
    Explore further with the online course, Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory, to master these storytelling techniques. Unlock the secrets for just $47!

    • 34 min
    Interview: Margaret McNellis, historical fiction writer.

    Interview: Margaret McNellis, historical fiction writer.

    In this episode, I'm delighted to be interviewing Margaret McNellis, a historical fiction writer with whom I've had the pleasure of working on two of her books: Daughter of the Seven Hills (due for publication on 21st May 2024) and Hearts of Iron & Gold.
    We talk about all things historical fiction, from the challenges of research to wearing funny hats.
    Oh, and we talk about what it's like to be coached!
    You can find Margaret's site here: https://mcnelliswrites.com/

    • 1 hr 11 min

Customer Reviews

4.1 out of 5
9 Ratings

9 Ratings

Mjk_1028 ,

Brilliant

This podcast is extremely insightful, useful, and well articulated! I’m also so glad you included Frankenstein in your top 10 horror novels; it’s my favorite novel of all time!

Mcubed82 ,

Love, love, love!

Stuart’s podcast can help new and seasoned writers alike. His vulnerability and honesty are heartwarming, and his advice is clarifying and helpful. This writer is hooked!

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