Master Fiction Writing
Episodes
Third Person Isn’t One Thing: How Narrative Distance Changes Everything
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we untangle one of the most confusing pieces of fiction craft: third-person point of view.Because “write ...
Writing Characters When You’re Afraid of Getting Them Wrong
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore one of the most quietly intimidating parts of writing fiction: creating characters when you’re...
Filter Words in Fiction: What to Cut, What to Keep, and Why
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Should you cut words like saw, felt, heard, realised, and remembered from your fiction? Often, yes. Always? Not even slightly. In this episode of Mast...
Cozy & Feel-Good Fiction: Crafting Low-Stakes Stories That Comfort Readers
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Need a gentler kind of story without sacrificing plot? In this episode, I’m diving into the craft of cozy and feel-good fiction and unpacking how to...
How to Write Wicked Women Who Feel Real
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a female character feel dangerously compelling rather than flat, clichéd, or simply “unlikeable”? In this episode, Stuart explores how...
The Fiction Writing Myths That Need to Get in the Bin
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Writers are surrounded by bad advice masquerading as wisdom. In this episode, we take six of the most persistent fiction-writing myths and throw them ...
Tighten Your Narrative Without Losing Your Voice
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why does tightening a draft so often feel slow, frustrating, and weirdly inconclusive? Usually because writers start at the sentence level instead of ...
Build Cause-and-Effect Scenes
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If your scenes keep slipping into “and then… and then… and then…”, this episode is for you. In this episode, Stuart breaks down one of the s...
The POV Contract: What You Owe the Reader in Scene 1
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest hidden causes of reader disengagement: unstable point of view. The problem usually is not whether you ch...
The Art of Character Want vs Need (Without Clichés)
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If your character’s “need” sounds like a motivational poster, readers won’t feel it in scene.In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, Stuart...
The Inciting Incident Isn’t Big. It’s Binding.
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Big events don’t create story. Binding does.In this practical follow-up to “The Art of a Story Premise That Actually Drives Scenes,” Stuart Wake...
The Art of a Story Premise That Actually Drives Scenes
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The difference between an “interesting” idea and a story that actually moves? Your premise.In this episode, I'll break down why so many drafts...
Worldbuilding Pitfalls That Quietly Sabotage Your Story
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode's for anyone writing speculative fiction who’s ever vanished into worldbuilding “for five minutes” and resurfaced three hours l...
Back to the Book: Restarting a Shelved Draft Fast
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Back to the Book: Restarting a Shelved Draft Fast is a practical, no-nonsense episode for writers who’ve stepped away from a manuscript and want to ...
Set Up Your 2026 Writing Year: A Plan That Survives Real Life
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Set yourself up for a 2026 writing year that actually survives real life. In this episode, you’ll build a simple, motivating plan without hustle-cul...
The Pink Plot Machine: Why Legally Blonde Is a Story-Structure Powerhouse
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is Legally Blonde secretly one of the best-plotted films of the 2000s? In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, host Stuart Wakefield performs a ful...
The Inciting Incident Isn’t Big. It’s Binding.
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your opening goes boom but your hero can shrug and carry on, that’s fireworks, not story. In this episode I breaks down the real job of an inciti...
Because > And Then: Building Stories with Causality (feat. Pride & Prejudice + Knives Out)
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
And then” isn’t a plot, it’s a queue. In this craft-forward episode, we swap “and then” for the more muscular because / but / therefore and ...
Whose Eyes, Which Truth? Mastering POV in Your Novel (with Live Rewrites)
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
POV isn’t just a grammar choice - it’s the engine that controls intimacy, suspense, and what your reader knows when.In this craft-deep episode, we...
Author Brain vs. Editor Brain (and When to Use Each)
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stop polishing your first paragraph into oblivion. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we split your process into two clean modes: Author Bra...
Becoming the Person Who Writes
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stop waiting for motivation. Start acting from identity. In this mindset kickoff for Master Fiction Writing, we shift the sentence that runs your day ...
Open Strong, Close True: Drafting Your First and Final Scenes
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your novel’s bookends do the heavy lifting. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we pair Step 16 (Writing the Opening Scene) and Step 17 (Writ...
Plot With Heart: The Inside Outline
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Outlining doesn’t have to strangle your creativity—or leave you drowning in spreadsheets. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we introduce ...
Plot Without Panic: Using the Pixar Story Spine
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Plotting doesn’t have to feel like wrangling an octopus into a cardigan. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we turn to Pixar’s Story Spine...
Time & Bookends: Your Story’s Timeline, Start, and End
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How much time passes between Page 1 and “The End” - and where, exactly, do you begin and finish? In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we pai...
Voice & Vantage: Who’s Telling the Tale... and When?
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the intricacies of narrative voice and perspective, focusing on the importance of poin...
Whose Story Is It? Choosing Your Protagonist and Their Engine of Want
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of choosing the right protagonist for your story, emphasising the need for...
Mastering World Building
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll delve into the intricacies of world building, establishing clear rules and consequences, and ensuring that characters and t...
Who is Your Ideal Reader?
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of identifying your ideal reader in the writing process, how understanding...
Choosing Your Genre
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the critical step of choosing a genre in the story development process. We'll expl...
Crafting the Perfect Working Title
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the significance of choosing a working title in the story development process.A working t...
How to Write Jacket Copy Before You’ve Written the Book
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore Step 4 of the Story Development process: writing your book’s jacket copy before the book is ev...
What’s the Plot? Boiling Your Story Down Without Losing the Heart
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore Step 3 of the Story Development process: What’s the Plot?Forget sprawling outlines or complex ...
What’s the Point? Why Every Story Needs One
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through a novel draft wondering what it’s really about, this episode is for you.In the second instalment of ...
Why THIS Story? Uncovering the Heart of Your Novel
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll introduce the importance of understanding the 'why' behind writing a book.Before delving i...
5 Steps to Mastering Revision
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I discuss the often daunting process of revising a manuscript.I outline a five-step approach to help writer...
5 Ways to Move Forward When Your Novel Stalls
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You’re a few chapters in. The world is taking shape. Your characters are alive. And then... nothing. You’re stuck.In this episode of Master Fictio...
The Healing Power of Writing
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Master Fiction Writing!In this conversation, Alexandra Vassilaros shares her journey as a writer and workshop founder, emphasising the tran...
Embracing the Blank Page
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ugh - the blank page. Daunting at times, so I'll discuss the challenges and processes of writing fiction and memoirs, emphasising the importance o...
She Helped Shape 'Groundhog Day' (Then Wrote 25 Books of Her Own)
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Susan Sloate - novelist, playwright, and former Hollywood story analyst - for a conversation that’s e...
Write for the Reader Who’s Waiting for You
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not everyone will love your writing and that’s exactly how it should be. In this uplifting episode, I'll explore why trying to please everyone i...
"I Know 15 Ways to Kill My Husband (And Where to Hide His Body."
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you write a frozen corpse in a heated pool and make it believable? What’s the etiquette when cold-calling a forensic entomologist? And how do...
Unlocking Your Writing Potential with a Book Coach
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll explore the concept of book coaching, address common misconceptions and highlight its benefits for...
Writing Romance: Insights from Author Noël Stark
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk to novelist Noël Stark about her journey from working in film and TV to crafting her first romance novel, 'Love, Camera, ...
The Art of Tightening Your Narrative
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'll look at the importance of precision in fiction writing, providing practical tips on tightening scenes, enhancing emotional d...
The Art of Historical Fiction: Lessons from Shara Moon
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Shara Moon discusses her new book 'Let Us March On', which tells the story of Lizzie McDuffie, an influential yet often overlooked fi...
Embracing Absurdity: The Power of Dumb Ideas
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join me for a fascinating conversation with Dumbify founder David Carson, where we dive into the power of so-called “dumb” ideas—and why they mi...
From Insurance to Filmmaking: A Journey of Storytelling Passion
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, filmmaker Christian Schu shares his journey from the insurance industry to becoming a self-taught filmmaker. He discusses the im...
Conquering the Final Stretch: Finishing Your Book
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll discuss the common struggles writers face when nearing the completion of their first draft. We'll address the pressures...
Why You Shouldn't Write a Book This Year (And That's Okay)
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll discusses the importance of self-kindness and the reasons why one might choose not to write a book in the current year. We'll e...
The Psychology Behind Creative Distractions
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I explore the challenges of "shiny object syndrome", particularly in the context of creative projects. I share my personal experience...
The Art of Character Development
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It was great to be interviewed by Sara Gentry about creating characters! We delve into the significance of character backstory in storytelling, distin...
Breaking Free from Beat Sheets with Jennie Nash
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Jennie Nash and I delve into the intricacies of fiction writing, focusing on the Blueprint for a Book and the limitations of tra...
The Four Pillars to Author Success with Emma Dhesi
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Emma Dhesi and I explore the themes of personal growth, the Four Pillars to Author Success , and the importance of celebrating s...
Navigating the Challenges of Using Multiple POVs in Your Story
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discusses the pros and cons of using multiple points of view (POVs) in writing. Point of view (POV) is the narrative perspective...
How to Create a Realistic, Relatable Main Character for your Romance Novel
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Creating a realistic and relatable main character is crucial for a good romance novel. This involves giving them a history, their own journey, a job, ...
Strategies to Maintain Your Motivation to Write
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel stuck in a rut with your writing? Do you struggle to even sit down to write? Does the blank page seem to loom over you like a cloud, lea...
Life Editing for Writers With Elisabeth Sharp McKetta
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’ll be talking to author and teacher Elisabeth Sharp McKetta. Elisabeth is the author of 13 books, including “She Never Told Me ...
Amplifying Emotions: A Conversation with Becca Puglisi
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I sit down with the remarkable Becca Puglisi, co-author of the bestselling series from Writers Helping Writ...
Crafting the Perfect Paragraph: A Guide
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets of writing compelling paragraphs that captivate your readers! In this episode post, you'll learn how to create vivid imagery, build...
Crafting the Perfect Sentence: A Guide
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 masteri...
Misconceptions Writers Have (And How a Book Coach Can Help)
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we plunge headfirst into the tumultuous world of writing myths and the harsh self-criticisms that writers often battle. Why do writer...
The Art of Character Backstory
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📚 Unlock the Secrets of Compelling Character Backstories! 📚 Crafting captivating characters is the cornerstone of great storytelling. Dive into ...
Interview: Margaret McNellis, historical fiction writer.
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Interview With Me: Emotional Resilience For Writers
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, I have the unique pleasure of sharing my own journey and insights as the author of "The Writer's Shield: Building Emotional R...
Crafting Character Voices: Bringing Your Characters to Life
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing" with me, your host, Stuart Wakefield, an Author Accelerator Certified book coach dedicated...
Embracing Progress: A Writer's Guide to a Productive New Year
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me and let's explore a range of transformative practices and exercises designed to elevate your writing journey. I'll talk about setting DREAM go...
Balancing Multiple Projects: Time Management for Writers
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in this enlightening episode of Master Fiction Writing, where we dive into the art of managing multiple writing projects without losing your m...
Crafting Character Voices: Show, Don't Tell
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Letting your characters' words reveal their traits and emotions, instead of explaining them in the narrative, is an art - and one that many writers ov...
How to Create Sexual Tension
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this scintillating episode of Master Fiction Writing, we're delving deep into the art of creating sexual tension that will leave your readers on th...
How to Create Romantic Tension
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is all about the spine-tingling magic that keeps readers flipping page after page — romantic tension. While sexual tension is a sizz...
Unconventional Protagonists: Breathing Life into Unique Characters
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're delving into the heart of what makes unconventional protagonists so captivating: their diversity. We'll explore how characters ...
The Art of Symbolism
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
🎙️ Welcome to another episode of "Master Fiction Writing," the podcast where we explore the art of storytelling from every angle. I'm your host, ...
Taking the Stage, Part Two: Edit Your Novel the Theatrical Way
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever marveled at an actor's meticulous preparation for a role? The depth, the dedication, the transformation—it’s truly art in motion. No...
Taking the Stage, Part One: Edit Your Novel the Theatrical Way
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever watched an actor prepare for a role? The meticulous detail, the character immersion, the rehearsal, feedback, and fine-tuning—it's a m...
An Interview With Me: Writing, Theatre and All the Things
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In June 2023, Sara Gentry from Solutions for Writers invited me for an interview at KidLit Summer Camp. Despite not being a KidLit Book Coach mys...
What Is Narrative Duality and How Can We Use It?
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ultimately, weaving the inner and outer narratives together requires a deep understanding of storytelling and character development. By crafting a co...
Why Do We Write Stories?
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As humans, we have always been compelled to write stories, and it's through stories that we're able to express our most inner thoughts and feelings, ...
Do Characters Need to be Likeable?
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, I got together with some writers and fellow book coaches, and we got on to the subject of likeable characters. I was particularly intereste...
70+ Character Development Questions You Need the Answers To
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all know how important it is to create believable characters in the stories we tell. But creating characters isn't always easy. To make sure that y...
What Writers Can Learn From Stanislavski's Acting System
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I worked in the theatre from ages five to 32, and during that time I learned a lot. Like... a lot. In the main, I acted, but I also directed, design...
How to Write a Romantic Tragedy That Will Break Your Reader's Heart
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It has been said that the best way to break someone's heart is to write a romantic tragedy, but crafting a story that is heartbreaking, yet beautiful,...
7 Story Planning Methods That Don't Give a Stuff About Structure
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ah, the dreaded three act structure, four act structure, and five act structure. If you're a novelist who just isn't feeling structure, you're defin...
Which Novel Structure Works Best? Three Acts? Four Acts? Five?
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Writing a successful fictional narrative is the dream of many authors, but structuring the plot in a way that captivates readers can be a really daun...
A Closer Look at the Horror Genre
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I still feel bad about missing horror from my last article's list of literary genres. Because of that, I'm making it the first in line for my closer ...
An Overview of the Literary Genres
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the wonders of genre and how to ensure you’re well versed in the those available to you. Tapping into genre is a powerful force, satisf...
How to Beat Imposter Syndrome
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You’re making this world, you’ve got characters you’re in love with, and you’re writing your novel... then you get to that point where you be...
Don't Miss These Crucial Steps Before Writing Your Novel
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It takes a great deal of imagination and craftsmanship to write a novel. But what if you’re just getting started? Before you can dive righ...
How to Create Amazing Story Ideas Using Morphological Analysis
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Okay, so don't let the title put you off. Morphological Analysis is neither as close to being as scary as it sounds nor as complicated to execute. Wh...
7 Things To Do Now To Prepare For Next Year's Writing
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did you dilly-dally during 2022 and not get your book planned or started or finished? Will you dilly-dally during 2023 and not get your book planned...