Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the fifth book in the Harry Potter series![03:40] A very quick summary of the first chapter[06:25] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings[25:00] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid[57:00] Final thoughts and episode recapRate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know what your favorite part of the episode was, too! Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.Ep. 59 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's StoneEp. 60 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of SecretsEp. 61 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of AzkabanEp. 64 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Goblet of FireWorkshop: How to Write Compelling and Well-Structured Scenes Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Join the host and developmental editor Abigail Perry as they analyze the first chapter of Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire. They discuss the transition to darker themes, scene structure, value changes, and pivotal moments in the chapter. The analysis delves into character motivations, conflicts, and the shift from life to death, creating a captivating exploration of J.K. Rowling's writing style.

In this episode, I'm sharing the three contextual elements you'll want to include at the beginning of each one of your scenes. We'll also look at how these three elements show up in the opening of a scene from the novel An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. Here's a preview of the key points:[03:10] Key element #1: Where and when is this scene taking place?[04:35] Key element #2: What is your POV character's mental and emotional state?[08:55] Key element #3: What is your POV character's goal and motivation?[17:35] Final thoughts and episode recapSubscribe & Review in Apple PodcastsAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts!If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast, and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!Links mentioned in this episode:Ep. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured SceneBook: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa TahirSupport the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Crime stories are all about solving or committing a crime. Readers love following clues and seeing justice prevail. The key scenes in crime novels include the discovery of a crime, personal commitment to solving the case, understanding the antagonist's motives, and reaching a moment of despair. These essential scenes make up a successful crime story.

In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the third book in the Harry Potter series:[03:00] A very quick summary of the first chapter[04:50] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings [21:00] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid[40:00] Final thoughts and episode recapFollow & Review in Apple PodcastsAre you following my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today so that you don't miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not following the show, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to follow this show in Apple Podcasts!If you're already a follower, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. These reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website (www.abigailkperry.com) or you can find her on Instagram @abigailkperry.Ep. 59 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's StoneEp. 60 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of SecretsEp. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured SceneWorkshop: How to Write Compelling and Well-Structured Scenes Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Join fellow developmental editor Abigail Perry as they analyze the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets using Paula Munier's key questions and The Story Grid's storytelling principles. They discuss character dynamics, suspense, and mystery, highlighting the value shifts and changes in tactics for Harry, while focusing on the build-up of suspense and narrative setup.

In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. Join me and fellow developmental editor, Abigail Perry, as we nerd out about the first book in the Harry Potter series:[04:30] A very quick summary of the first chapter[07:00] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings [38:00] A micro analysis of the two scenes within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid[60:00] Final thoughts and episode recapFollow & Review in Apple PodcastsAre you following my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today so that you don't miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not following the show, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to follow this show in Apple Podcasts!If you're already a follower, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. These reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website (www.abigailkperry.com) or you can find her on Instagram @abigailkperry.Ep. 60 - First Chapter Analysis: Harry Potter & the Chamber of SecretsEp. 40 - How to Write a Well-Structured SceneWorkshop: How to Hook Readers in Your First 5 Pages Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Learn about the common querying mistakes writers make, such as sending queries too early or to the wrong person. Discover the importance of following submission guidelines, clarifying genre, and crafting a professional query letter. Avoid pitfalls like vague story summaries and inappropriate comp titles to increase your chances of literary success.

Author Emma Dhesi discusses genre in writing, focusing on thrillers and The Silence of the Lambs. The podcast explores conventions, key scenes, and crafting tension in thriller storytelling. The discussion highlights the importance of genre choice, protagonist development, and maintaining tension to engage readers.

Exploring action genre conventions and themes, the podcast delves into the protagonist's journey of overcoming obstacles and defeating evil. With insights from The Hunger Games, it discusses protagonist talents, moral compass, and the impact of genre conventions on reader engagement. From life and death stakes to heroism, the podcast explores what makes action stories so thrilling and inspirational.