The Creative Writer's Toolbelt

Getting Point of View (PoV) right is one of the fundamental challenges for any writer. In the first of a two-part series on the subject, we look at what point of view is, and how to make a success of third person limited point of view in your work.

I recently spoke with fellow podcaster, essayist and award-winning journalist Brendan O'Meara. We talked about the challenges that writers of both fiction and non-fiction face, the issue of finding time to write, the value of having momentum, and the goal of building up a body of work to close the creative gap

I recently spoke with fellow podcaster, essayist and award-winning journalist Brendan O'Meara. We talked about the challenges that writers of both fiction and non-fiction face, the issue of finding time to write, the value of having momentum, and the goal of building up a body of work to close the creative gap

Writing the first draft of a novel, like scaling the north face of the Eiger, presents particular difficulties. In this episode, we look at what those challenges are, and how we can overcome them to get the first draft done.

Writing the first draft of a novel, like scaling the north face of the Eiger, presents particular difficulties. In this episode, we look at what those challenges are, and how we can overcome them to get the first draft done.

Deus Ex Machina or 'god out of the machine' endings have a rich heritage going back to the Ancient Greek Theatre. But they are a terrible model for endings in creative writing. In this episode, we explore what Deus Ex Machina endings are, why they are so bad for creative writers, and how we can create a much better ending that will give credibility to our work and satisfy our readers.

Deus Ex Machina or 'god out of the machine' endings have a rich heritage going back to the Ancient Greek Theatre. But they are a terrible model for endings in creative writing. In this episode, we explore what Deus Ex Machina endings are, why they are so bad for creative writers, and how we can create a much better ending that will give credibility to our work and satisfy our readers.

This episode is a conversation with story grid developmental editor Lori Puma. In our conversation we talk about why stories matter, and what we as writers should do about that. We discuss the way in which Story Grid, and a developmental editor can actually help authors, and we reflect on the way in which personal tragedy can inform both our lives and our stories. You can find out more about the Story Grid process here: www.storygrid.com and about non-violent communication here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX4N0VryiC4 And you can find out more about Lori at her website: www.loripuma.com

This episode is a conversation with story grid developmental editor Lori Puma. In our conversation we talk about why stories matter, and what we as writers should do about that. We discuss the way in which Story Grid, and a developmental editor can actually help authors, and we reflect on the way in which personal tragedy can inform both our lives and our stories. You can find out more about the Story Grid process here: www.storygrid.com and about non-violent communication here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX4N0VryiC4 And you can find out more about Lori at her website: www.loripuma.com

Writer's have the most important job in the world. Does that sound like hubris? Well I would suggest that it isn't. Stories are of profound importance, and as storytellers, we are the custodians of these precious artefacts, as such it behoves us to be as authentic as possible, to practice our craft, and to be as brave and persistent as we can be.

Writer's have the most important job in the world. Does that sound like hubris? Well I would suggest that it isn't. Stories are of profound importance, and as storytellers, we are the custodians of these precious artefacts, as such it behoves us to be as authentic as possible, to practice our craft, and to be as brave and persistent as we can be.

This episode is a conversation with award winning science fiction and alternative reality author Gareth L Powell. We talk about how maturing as a writer and a person can inform our work, Gareth’s advice for developing authentic and rich characters, and the inspiration behind his new book Embers of War. Gareth can be reached at his website www.garethlpowell.com and on twitter at @garethlpowell

This episode is a conversation with award winning science fiction and alternative reality author Gareth L Powell. We talk about how maturing as a writer and a person can inform our work, Gareth’s advice for developing authentic and rich characters, and the inspiration behind his new book Embers of War. Gareth can be reached at his website www.garethlpowell.com and on twitter at @garethlpowell

This episode is a conversation with book coach Jennie Nash. We learn about the difference between wishing you had written a book and actually writing one, the three essential pillars of effective book coaching, and how to work out what your story is really about. Don't just have a good idea, write the book! Jennie can be reached at jennienash.com and authoraccelerator.com/blueprintworkshop

This episode is a conversation with book coach Jennie Nash. We learn about the difference between wishing you had written a book and actually writing one, the three essential pillars of effective book coaching, and how to work out what your story is really about. Don't just have a good idea, write the book! Jennie can be reached at jennienash.com and authoraccelerator.com/blueprintworkshop