The Creative Writer's Toolbelt
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
Episode 82 - Interview with children's author Bob Hartman
15 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode first appeared (briefly!) back in 2014 but mysteriously disappeared, making it a missing episode. It's a conversation with the writer Bob...
Episode 81 - You have a deal with your readers - here's how to deliver your side of it
05 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we use the development of a scene to illustrate a critical element of the author:reader relationship, that’s the implied deal that y...
Episode 80 - The absolute essentials of writing a scene
24 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The scene is a key building block of a story, so how can we make sure that the scenes in our writing work? In this episode we explore the three key qu...
Episode 79 - The sound of your writing is critical to your success - here's how you can improve it
14 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a round up of everything we've been talking about concerning the sound of writing over the last few episodes. We look at tone, style, ...
Episode 78 - Conversation with Becky Chambers and Nisi Shawl + Indiegogo launch for the Handbook
09 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I'm excited to announce the launch of the Creative Writer's Toolbelt Handbook, a project to gather the very best advice and insight fr...
Episode 77 - Listen to the voices! What we can learn about voice from great writing
29 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are going to look at a number of very different examples of writing that excel in the area of how the writing sounds. They are deli...
Episode 76 - It's not just what you say it's the way that you say it. Why the sound of your writing matters.
19 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
There's a lot of truth in the old adage: "it's not what you say, it's the way that you say it". We all want to tell a great story, but part of that is...
Episode 75 - Unlocking the secrets of excellent writing style
08 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
What is excellent writing style? And how can we develop that style without simply mimicking the writers we admire? In this episode we apply some of th...
Episode 74 - Thirty Years of the Arthur C Clarke Award. A conversation with Award Director Tom Hunter
01 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The UK’s most prestigious Science Fiction literature prize, the Arthur C Clarke award, is 30 this year. In this episode I talk to Award Director Tom...
Episode 73 - Unlocking the secrets of tone style and voice
24 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode marks the start of a new series for the Creative Writer's Toolbelt, looking at the sound of our writing. We're going to cover a whole ran...
Episode 72 - Six principles for the perfect setting
14 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode wraps up our review of the dimension setting of creative writing, and building on the practical examples of episode 70 we take a whistle-...
Episode 71 - Interview with Ian McDonald
08 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a conversation with Northern Ireland based author Ian McDonald. Ian has been a professional writer for over twenty five years, and in ...
Episode 70 - Three stories - three genres -three settings
03 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past ten episodes of the podcast we've looked at a range of strategies and techniques to make story setting as compelling and attractive as p...
Episode 69 - Seasoning the story: how to seed information about character and setting into your work
16 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
So you've identified the key information about your settings and characters, and now you have to seed it into your work. If you do it right, you can c...
Episode 68 - Building characters from the foundations up: how to develop compelling characters & backstory
08 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode will guide you though the process of taking the raw material of your character research and ideas, and putting them through the prism of ...
Episode 67 - From Research to Reality: using the raw material of research to create compelling setting and backstory
02 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
You might have a lot of research for your story, but how do you apply it effectively to create a rich and compelling setting, not just for the story i...
Episode 66 - Conversation with Becky Chambers
14 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
My guest this week is the author Becky Chambers, author of the critically acclaimed novel 'The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet'. Becky’s novel was ...
Episode 65 - The Magpie and the Compost Heap: Curiosity and Curation for your future projects
12 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 64 we looked at what we can do to build and enhance setting in a current project, and in this episode we look at some of the practices and ...
Episode 64 - Research Respect and Reasoning: building the foundations of your story setting
05 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Great stories require a lot of research, but there's more to it than just surfing the net for a few interesting details. In this episode we look at ho...
Episode 63 - Interview with Peter F Hamilton
28 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a conversation with bestselling author Peter F Hamilton. In a career spanning nearly thirty years Peter has published seventeen books ...
Episode 62 - In at the deep end. How to immerse readers in your story
16 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the previous episode we explored the two essential qualities of setting through describing the need for setting to be credible and immersive. In th...
Episode 61 - Are you sitting comfortably? Why your setting must be Credible and Immersive
07 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast starts a new series on the subject of setting, and we begin by exploring why there are only two essential qualities needed for a setting ...
Episode 60 'Writing the Other' with Nisi Shawl and Daniel José Older
30 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
How should we present characters from a range of different backgrounds in our work? How can we portray these characters with integrity and respect, re...
Episode 59 - Character and characterisation: series wrapup
17 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a summary of the issues we have covered in the last dozen or so installments of The Creative Writer's Toolbelt, from the critical comp...
Episode 58 - Deep and narrow or broad and shallow? The essentials of Point of View
03 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Point of view (PoV) is critical to your story. The authorial decision you make about PoV will set the tone and voice of your work, and influence the r...
Episode 57 - Outstanding performance in a supporting role - making your supporting characters excellent
18 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
It's no surprise that many of the principles that we use to develop our lead characters also apply to our supporting cast. The critical objectives wit...
Episode 56 - Toolbelt EXTRA: Interview with Al Robertson
11 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Toolbelt EXTRA is an additional episode outside of the usual fortnightly regular podcasts. In these longer episodes we take a deep dive into the life ...
Episode 55 - Don't just talk the talk! Squeezing everything out of your characters interactions
04 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
I'm responding to a listener question in this episode by looking at the issue of character interaction. How can we use it to best effect, and what are...
Episode 54 - Interview with crime writer Wendy H Jones
21 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Wendy H Jones is a self-published crime writer and part of the controversial "Tartan Noire" movement of Scottish Crime Fiction. Wendy has published th...
Episode 53 - Perfecting the devil. How to create a deliciously wicked antagonist
07 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about the protagonist's nemesis, the antagonist. Traditionally seen as 'the bad guy' the antagonist's real function in a story is ...
Episode 52 - Superfood for the writer's brain
25 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, released on Christmas Day 2015, we take time out from the usual teaching and interviews for a few minutes to reflect on the relentles...
Episode 51 - True to the End. The keys to developing your protagonist's character arc
09 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Nothing holds the reader in your story like a compelling, authentic character, and an essential element of developing a character is developing their ...
Episode 50 - Interview with Nancy Kress
27 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
For the fiftieth episode I'm delighted to present an interview with Nebula and Hugo award winning author Nancy Kress. Nancy is the author of twenty-se...
Episode 49 - Tailored for a perfect fit. Find the right characteristics for your cast of characters
13 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes it's just one or two well placed,well fitting characteristics that make a character. In this episode we are going to look at what kind of ch...
Episode 48 - The blade in the mind. Exploiting the interior life of your characters
30 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
What is the interior life of the character, and what sort of interior life should we be showing in our work? This episode looks at the thoughts and f...
Episode 47 - Get 'em off the couch! Goals motivation and passion as the driving forces for your characters
15 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Jeanne Cavelos, the Director of the Odyssey Writing Workshop says that the number one piece of advice she gives to writers is this: give your characte...
Episode 46 - The Essence of character
03 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
What is the essence of a character? Why is the creation and presentation of that essence the most important challenge for character development in cre...
Episode 45 - Interview with editor and agent Julie Crisp
18 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is an interview with the freelance editor, script doctor, and literary agent Julie Crisp. Julie has over fifteen years’ experience wor...
Episode 44 - Finish with Style! The Resolution stage of your story
04 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Finishing your story takes as much skill and wisdom as telling it, and there's more to a good finish that clearing up the battle field and writing THE...
Episode 43 - Judgement Day! How to get the best out of the climax stage of your story
21 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we look at stage five of the six stage story process - the climax stage. We are going to answer the question "what is the climax?" and...
Episode 42 - Exploiting the Crisis stage of your story
06 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we look at stage four of the six stage story process, the Crisis. There is no better time in your story to showcase the strengths, wea...
Episode 41 - Conversation with historian writer and speaker Nick Page
23 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is an interview with the author and historian, Nick Page. Nick, who describes himself as a 'writer for hire', has been a freelance writer...
Episode 40 - Show them the magic. Making your story excellent through the Momentum stage
10 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This is the second of two podcasts focusing on stage three of the six stage story process. What can you achieve during the broad expanse of your story...
Episode 39 - Harnessing the power of human psychology for your story
25 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we start to explore the third of the six stages of story, and answer the question: how can we make this tricky middle section of our w...
Episode 38 - We have lift off! Getting the best out of the inciting incident
12 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
How do you get the most out of the inciting incident in your story? Here are three challenges that you should set your inciting incident, and it shoul...
Episode 37 - Grab them by the eyeballs!
29 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
What are the three key objectives you need to achieve at the start of your story? In this episode we will be exploring in more detail stage one of the...
Episode 36 - The DNA of Story. The six stage model of great storylines
16 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
How do stories work? What are the stages in a story, and what are the objectives of those different stages? Understanding the answers to these questio...
Episode 35 - Interview with Lee Harris Senior Editor at Tor.com
02 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is an interview with Lee Harris, Senior Editor at Tor.com. We find out what keeps him reading a manuscript, the MOST important lesson you...
Episode 34 - Story theory: a powerful addition to your writer's toolbelt
18 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Studying story theory might sound like a bit of an academic exercise, but don't be put off! In this episode we explore how story theory can help you u...
Episode 33 - Self-publishing for everyone. Advice for all writers from four authors who published their own work
03 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Four different writers, four different approaches to publishing your own work. In the first half of this episode, I talk to bestselling author and pro...
Episode 32 - Interview with Alastair Reynolds
21 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This is a bonus episode, featuring an interview with the British Science Fiction writer Alastair Reynolds. In this interview we discuss Al's advice to...
Episode 31 - From Aristotle to Stephen King. Story theory tips for your writer's toolbelt
21 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we condense about 2,300 years of story theory into ten minutes(!) and then look at four practical lessons we can apply to our writing,...
Episode 30 - Hit the ground running: how to write a great opening line
07 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
How do you start a story? With a compelling opening line, of course. In this episode we will look at how you can write a great opening line, what the ...
Episode 29 - Interview with Jeanne Cavelos
19 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a "must listen" for all writers of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. My guest is Jeanne Cavelos the primary instructor and Directo...
Episode 28 - Harness the power of foreshadowing
07 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
What is foreshadowing? How does it work, and how can you use it to enhance and enrich your writing? In this episode we will look at the different type...
Episode 27 - What is the guiding principle behind your story?
24 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
What's the most important thing in creating a plot and story development? It's knowing your guiding principle, or 'Controlling Idea' as the master of ...
Episode 26 - How to deal with a mid-story crisis
10 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
You know that feeling, you are about 20k to 30k words in to the story, and you suddenly begin to wonder where it's all going. Is this story really any...
Episode 25 - Interview with Marie Bilodeau
27 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
This is a guest episide with Ottawa-based storyteller and science-fiction/fantasy writer, Marie Bilodeau. Marie's writings have been nominated four t...
Episode 24 - Planners and Pantsers
13 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
One of the more contentious debates in creative writing is the question of whether authors should plan and outline, or simply go with the flow and div...
Episode 23 - Story structure - first things first
29 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing our review of the essentials of plot, in this episode we look at the things you need to deal with early in the story, namely setting out th...
Episode 22 - Interview with Claire Keane
15 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is an interview with artist and children’s writer and illustrator, Claire Keane. Until 2013 Claire was based at Disney studios where sh...
Episode 21 The Fundamentals of Plot
01 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
We've started on the process of building a story from the ground up, and we're going to kick off with plot. In this episode we look at three aspects o...
Episode 20 - Building a story from the ground up
18 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to start planning that story, but with so many aspects to creative writing and the creative process being such a subjective and mysterious t...
Episode 19 - Writing for others-writing for yourself
04 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Back to first principles. We're asking a couple of fundamental questions in this episode as the foundation for going on to look at a whole range of as...
Episode 18 - The HARVARD Model for developing characters
20 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The HARVARD model is a systematic process for developing the personae of your characters. It's different from other character generators in two ways: ...
Episode 17 -Interview with Derek Kunsken
05 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In one of our occasional interviews on the Writer's Toolbelt, I talk to award winning SciFi and fantasy author Derek Kunsken about showing and telling...
Episode 16 - Three tests that will tell you how successful your characters really are
23 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
So how good are your characters? Can you tell? Here are three tests that you can use to work out how effective your characters are. You can also use t...
Episode 15 - Characters with Edge
09 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Great books can have ordinary characters plunged into extraordinary situations - but they can also have extraordinary characters who create their own ...
Episode 14 - Deeds not words
27 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
It's what your character does, rather than what you say about them, that defines them for the reader. In this episode Andrew talks about how action de...
Episode 13 - Character Motivation
12 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing our series on characterisation, in this episode we look at character motivation and why the motivation for the characters in our writing mu...
Episode 12 - What three qualities do you need to be a good writer?
26 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
What are the personal qualities you need, not only keep you writing but to help you improve in your craft? Andrew shares his views on why perseverance...
Episode 11 - Creating the individual character
13 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In the last episode we looked at character integrity and how this is founded on 1.Believability/plausibility and 2. The character as an individual. In...
Episode 10 - Getting to know you! Believability and consistency as the keys to developing character integrity
01 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
This episode introduces the core requirements for good character development: character integrity and individuality. We will look at individuality nex...
Episode 9 - Get Active! Using the right verbs and the right voice to energise your story
03 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I cover two issues, using precise and powerful verbs, and also using the active rather than passive voice to energise and drive your s...
Episode 8 - 'Just in time' storytelling
19 Apr 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Grabbing the reader's attention immediately is a vital part of storytelling. Often writers will start a story too early, or fill the first critical pa...
Episode 7 - What the rejection letter doesn't tell you
05 Apr 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast I explore some of the mistakes that editors look out for. Here are ten things to think about before you submit your work - get them ri...
Episode 6 - The serious business of writing something funny
22 Mar 2014
Contributed by Lukas
This is the last of the five techniques for showing not telling - and arguably it's the hardest one to do. Humour is a serious business and requires p...
Episode 5 - The power of suggestion
08 Mar 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we look at another dimension of showing not telling, and that's the potential for hinting, suggesting or implying something rather tha...
Episode 4 - The zest of the orange the icy tingle of the stream in winter
22 Feb 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I will explain how you can use sensory language to show rather than tell your story
Episode 3 - Sparse and Specific Description
16 Feb 2014
Contributed by Lukas
How to use a small number of very specific descriptive cues to show your reader both scene and character
Episode 2 - Dialogue
07 Feb 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Practical, accessible advice on using dialogue in your creative writing to develop character, build tension and progress the plot of your story.
Episode 1 - Showing not telling
24 Jan 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The Creative Writer's Toolbelt provides practical, accessible advice for Creative Writers