Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Storyteller's Society Listen to the episode with Anne Brooks Learn more about Stacy Frazer Connect with Stacy on Instagram Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

Are you feeling frustrated with your writing? Do you struggle with setting up unrealistic expectations of yourself and your words? You’re not alone, and today, I will offer up a mindset shift. Join me as we unpack the importance of embracing gratitude for every part of the writing process—ESPECIALLY the words that don’t make it into your manuscript…

Are you a writer who struggles to write because of a chronic illness or a writer who desires to write a disabled character with integrity and authenticity? If so, this episode is for you. Certified Book Coach Sandra Postma and I discuss how chronic conditions can shape the creative process, tackling issues like fatigue and brain fog. Sandra, a chro…

Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Storyteller's Society Listen to the episode with Stacy Frazer Connect with Timothy on Twitter (X) Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Storyteller's Society Learn more about Anne Brooks Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Storyteller's Society Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

Feeling stuck at a creative crossroads? You’re not alone! In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I dive into that all-too-familiar struggle every writer faces when contemplating whether to push through or step back from a project. Drawing from insights in Seth Godin’s The Dip, I unpack the tricky phase where doubt creeps in, and we’re temp…

Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Thriller 101 Storyteller's Society Stay up to date on everything going on with the community Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

Do you want to be more efficient when it comes to your writing? Wish there was a way to understand what type of writing process would work well for you instead of trying and failing at a method that works well for others? Guess what? There is. It still takes work but makes a massive difference in my writing life. In this episode, I’m joined by Becc…

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Community Waitlist Episode with Jenna Satterthwaite How horror reflects societal fears and anxieties throughout different periods in history. What's next for societal fears reflected in our themes Insights into why certain genres remains a unique genre for exploring the darker side of human nature and social iss…

Are you good at acknowledging your efforts and celebrating your creative milestones? Like most of us, probably not. Does this make you a better, healthier, or happier writer? NOPE. Today, we discuss the damaging effects of not acknowledging our efforts and achievements (no matter how big or small) and break down some actionable steps and relevant s…

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Community Waitlist Episode with Jason Rekulak Connect with Jenna Satterthwaite Jenna's Substack Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

This one is for all the writers who have turned into parents or parents who’ve turned into writers. Becoming a parent changes you. Irrevocably. Sometimes it's amazing, sometimes (often) it's terrifying. Some days you look up and realize your actual boss is a tiny human that you created. It's a mind trip. Ad when those precious people grow into the …

Today, I talk with Julie Arts, an experienced book coach and 'query wizard,' to offer expert advice on how to write effective query letters. Julie shares her journey in the writing world, insights on crafting a compelling pitch, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips on querying agents. The episode is packed with valuable information designed…

Send me a Text Message! Episode with Marybeth Mayhew Whalen Learn more about the Thriller 101 Community Learn more about Jason Rekulak Connect with Jason Rekulak Jess Munday's Article Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

In this episode, I'm interviewed by Certified Book Coach Sara Gentry of Story Solutions for Writers. We chat about the challenge of managing fear and uncertainty in writing. I break down my philosophy on 'writing it scared' and highlight the importance of aligning intentions with actions. We discuss common fears writers face, the role of mentorship…

Send me a Text Message! Episode with Michelle Chouinard Learn more about the Thriller 101 Community Learn more about Marybeth Mayhew Whalen Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

It's the final quarter of 2024! These are the last 90 days to make good on writing goals, so let's make sure they are reasonable and attainable and not shoot ourselves in the foot and wind up feeling disappointed come January! In this episode, you'll learn how to "Do the Math" while applying the "Lens of Your Reality" and how to add a buffer for wh…

Send me a Text Message! Learn more about the Thriller 101 Community Connect with Michelle Chouinard Listen to Liz Alterman's interview Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

Today, I chat with romance author Roni Loren, a two-time Rita Award winner and Gallup® Certified Strengths Coach with the Better Faster Academy. The discussion dives into the controversial advice about editing as you go and how each writer's process is unique. Roni shares her journey, her struggles with self-doubt, and how she overcame burnout. Wit…

In this episode, we dive deep into the concepts of suspense and tension in storytelling. We clarify the differences between these often-confused terms and explain how both are essential for a compelling narrative. Learn through examining popular works of fiction how long-term and short-term suspense work together to keep readers engaged. This episo…

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Community Founding Member Waitlist Thriller 101 Community Episode Antagonist Checklist JM Donellan Episode Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I chat with author and Story Grid CEO Tim Grahl. We discuss Tim's challenging yet rewarding journey from struggling writer to accomplished author, highlighting the importance of mastering scene writing and the rigorous learning process that led to his new novel, "The Shithead," dubbed as Faust meets F…

Send me a Text Message! Click here for more information about the Thriller 101 Community Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

Today, we celebrate a podcasting milestone and discuss how knowing who you're writing for can help calm your inner critic so you can push past the fear and anxiety of the work not being good enough. In this episode, we delve into the story of E.B. White, a celebrated American author who also struggled with fear and anxiety, to draw inspiration and …

In this episode, I’m joined by the delightful Kid-Lit author Cynthia Platt. We talk about the process of writing her debut intergenerational, dual-timeline YA novel, Postcards For Summer, which I adored reading. Cynthia shares what she’s learned about finding a rhythm as a writer, granting herself permission to explore varied interests, and giving …

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we explore the art of crafting seamless flashbacks in fiction writing. I break down how and when to use a flashback effectively and the seven key elements every flashback needs to feel seamless and move the story forward. We talk about the pros and cons of flashbacks and how to place them for maximum …

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Last week's episode with Kathy Reichs Learn more about Liz Alterman Listen to the last conversation I had with Liz Eloise Corvo: How to Navigate a Book Contract Ever wondered how to master the intricate art of crafting multi-perspective thrillers? You're in for a treat with our latest episode of Thril…

This week, we're tackling the daunting task of editing your manuscript. Savannah Gilbo, a certified developmental editor and book coach, and I walk you through how to break down the self-editing process into manageable phases. From taking essential breaks to detailed step-by-step strategies, we cover how to transform your messy first draft into a p…

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Kathy Reichs 3 Story Elements You Need in Your Opening Paragraphs EPISODE INFO: How about some writing advice from an author who’s books inspired twelve seasons of an award winning television show? You know the show Bones? It’s is a drama series created for Fox and ran from 2005 to 20…

Techniques to Convey Backstory Without Bogging Down the Narrative: Context & Memory Today, we dig into the topic of backstory, specifically focusing on how to effectively deliver it without bogging down your narrative by using context and memory to weave backstory seamlessly into your story. Using examples from Rebecca Yarrow's Fourth Wing and VE S…

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Check out the Thriller Opening Data Tracker HERE Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

Today, we're diving into the world of book cover design. I'm thrilled to be joined by Katia from Miblart, a team of professional book cover designers who create marketable book covers for indie authors and publishers. We explore the importance of having a finalized manuscript before commissioning a cover, the types of book covers available, and whe…

Send me a Text Message! Click here for more information about the pitching system that guarantees full requests or your money back. Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

How to Craft Relevant Backstory for Complex Characters, Conflicts, Plots, and Worlds If you’ve ever been stuck while drafting your manuscript and don’t know what comes next, consider looking at your backstory for the answers! Tune in to Episode 19 of The Write It Scared Podcast with host book coach and writer Stacy Frazer to learn how to craft a re…

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Lisa Kusel Jessica Payne Episode Heather Levy Episode Lisa Unger Episode EPISODE INFO: Ever wondered how authors create those unforgettable characters that seem to linger in your mind after the last page? You know, those characters that feel like they’re living and breathing? Well, to…

In this episode of the Write It Scared Podcast, it’s my pleasure to welcome the inspiring Jennie Nash, CEO of Author Accelerator, to discuss her journey from writing instructor and author to successful book coach and business leader. Jennie illuminates the transformative power of book coaching, emphasizing the importance of individual attention and…

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Tweet me @DavidRGwynBy David

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Jessica Payne Previous episode with Jessica Payne Jennifer Chevais Episode EPISODE INFO: You’re going to get insights into exactly how Jessica writes her books now that she’s a seasoned author. And then you’ll hear why she says you should, under no circumstances, copy her process. We’…

In Episode 17 of the Write it Scared podcast, book coach Stacy Frazer explores three common unhelpful writing assumptions that could be holding you back from crafting your best book. Stacy shares insights into why the belief that writing should be easy is not only false but dangerous, discusses the unrealistic expectation that first drafts should b…

Delve into the intricacies of writing for middle-grade readers with award-winning author and book coach Janet Fox and host Stacy Frazer. Janet shares her journey from writing for her dyslexic son to becoming a mentor for aspiring writers, offering invaluable insights into the importance of understanding your audience and creating resonant character…

Welcome to episode 15 of the Write it Scared podcast! Today, we're doing a deep dive into writing character interiority. Discover what interiority is, how to use it effectively in your writing, and when to use it to convey your character's true emotions, motivations, and inner states. I'll share examples to illustrate how offering readers glimpses …

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Jennifer Chevais Dr. Leslie Dobson Episode Read Roxie Key's Article Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: If you ever find yourself wondering what agents think about while reading your submission, then you’re in the right place. If you ever find yourself wondering what agents th…

On this episode of the Write It Scared Podcast, I talk with Middle-Grade Horror Novelist Wendy Parris about her writing journey–from zero background in writing to learning all the things to publishing a novel that now sits in over 300 libraries, with another due out in September of 2024! It's hard to believe she almost gave up, and the thing that s…

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Learn more about Dr. Leslie Dobson Alex Kenna Episode Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: Dr. Leslie Dobson is not my typical guest on Thriller 101. But when I say she delivered for the writing community, I mean it. By the end of this episode you’ll have a better sense of how to build characte…

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we discuss the difficulties writers face when their personal emotional wounds intersect with their storytelling. I offer practical advice, including prioritizing mental well-being, writing lean, summarizing or skipping emotionally charged scenes, channeling emotions, taking breaks with accountability,…

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Pitch Your Article to Thriller 101 Learn more about Alex Kenna Roxie Key Episode Viviana Vasiu's article: 3 Agent Offers in 48 Days Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: I firmly believe that quality thrillers, mystery, suspense, and crime fiction use this technique where there’s tension in the …

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I interview Cassie Newell, an award-winning YA fantasy author and certified fiction book coach. We chat about how we both came to embrace writing later in life, our struggles with perfectionism, and the importance of ideation and story development. Cassie shares her journey from struggling with a lear…

Send me a Text Message! Thriller 101 Newsletter Pitch Your Article to Thriller 101 Learn more about Roxie Key Daniel Hurst Episode Eloise Corvo's article: Turning a Standalone Mystery into the First in a Series Connect with David on Twitter EPISODE INFO: How should you start your novel? Should you have a prologue? Should you jump right into the act…

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we dig deep into the concept of 'voice', an often ambiguous term that confounds many writers. Voice is a unique blend of the author's own perspective, their narrative choices, and their characters' personalities. I offer actionable advice on how to discover and refine one's author's voice, choose the …