The Dialogue Doctor Podcast

Episode 322 - Creating Emotional Texture in Your Story with Beth Biss

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Author Beth Biss to talk about the emotional texture of her work in progress. They talk about the difference betw...

Episode 321 - Adding Emotion to Action Scenes with John Krause

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff meets with author John Krause to talk about John's work in progress. Jeff talks about increasing the emotional saturation of the...

Episode 320 - Writing Screenplays vs Writing Novels with Emma Jane Heaton

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Emma Jane Heaton to talk about her writing and what she's been working on. They discuss the difference bet...

Episode 319 - Writing Complicated Scenes with Big Casts

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Joan Lightning. Jeff and Joan talk about her fantasy novel in progress. They look at an action scene with ...

Episode 318 - Broken Stories and Ones that Work - A Time with Tom

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 318 of the Dialogue Doctor Podcast, Jeff and Tom talk about stories that work and stories that don't. They discuss new stats on authors usi...

Episode 317 - Writing Children and Dreams with Laura Humm

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm works with Denis Kurlas on his work in progress. They talk about writing child voices in adult liter...

Episode 316 - Analyzing Raising Arizona

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the Coen Brother's classic movie, Raising Arizona. We analyze the cast of the movie focusing on the main characters and...

Episode 315 - The War of Art by Steven Pressfield - A Joint with JP

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff is joined by Dialogue Doctor Coach and author JP Rindfliesch IX to talk about The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. They discuss ...

Episode 314 - Writing Science Fiction with Energy with John Krause

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with John Krause to look at John's most recent work in progress. They talk about science fiction and how to keep the d...

Episode 313 - Using the Enneagram for Characterization with Claire Taylor

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff and Claire talk about Claire's new book "Write Iconic Characters" in which Claire uses the Enneagram to show how to write divers...

Episode 312 - World Building and Dialogue with LeAnn Robinson

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with science fiction author LeAnn Robinson. They talk about world building in a way that will hook readers.  For more...

Episode 311 A Coaches Call with JP Rindfleisch IX and Laura Humm

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff is joined by Dialogue Doctor Coaches JP Rindfleisch IX and Laura Humm. They talk about life and catch up with one another after ...

Episode 310 - Conversations About Querying with Dixie Williams

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Dixie Williams to talk about querying and their experiences trying to sell their work. 

Episode 309 - Tools and Tips for Building a Measurable Plan

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff talks about building a measurable plan for your writing. He starts by talking through the 5 stage system he uses for planning. J...

Episode 308 - "Help! I'm a Writer. What Do I Do Next? with Pa Theriot

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Pa Theriot. Pa and Jeff talk about what they should work on next. It's a question every author faces at so...

Episode 307 - How to Pitch with the Pitch Master Lindsey Hughes

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeff is joined by Pitch Master Lindsey Hughes. Jeff and Lindsey discuss career coaching. Then they dive into pitches sent in by listeners o...

Episode 306 - Writing Holiday Party Scenes

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Jeff sits down with romance author Ginny Moore to talk about writing big cast scenes that have strong emotional flow and bui...

Episode 305 - You Need Support - Time with Tom

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff is joined by author, editor, and former bookstore owner, Tom Holbrook. Jeff and Tom talk about stories they love, stories that a...

Episode 304 - Understanding the Emotional Flow of Your Story

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Author Beth Biss to discuss Beth's work in progress. They focus on the emotional experience of Beth's main charac...

Episode 303 - Learning from a Masterful Short Story - An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with members of the Dialogue Doctor Community to talk about An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by the father of True Cr...

Episode 302 - Author Nation Recap!

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with authors Christine Daigle, Tom Hollbrook, and JP Rindfleisch IX to talk about their experience at Author Nation. 

Episode 301 - World Building with Emotion

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm sits down with author Liz Woodiwiss. They look at a Call to Action scene Liz has written and discuss...

Episode 300 - The Dialogue Doctor DNA

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff breaks down every theory and tool the Dialogue Doctor Team has created about writing. He talks about:  Why you should focus on...

Episode 299 - Writing the Perfect Sidekick

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to write better mystery stories? In this episode of The Dialogue Doctor Podcast, Jeff Elkins sits down with crime and mystery writer Doug Dorow f...

Episode 298 - Writing a High Impact Final Boss Fight Scene

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeff Elkins is joined by author V.E. Griffth. Together, they examine the climatic fight of V.E.'s action novel. They discuss aligning the f...

Episode 297 - Becca Syme Returns

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Becca Syme. Jeff and Becca talk about the state of publishing, howt things have changed, and how writers should s...

Episode 296 - The Hidden Tools of Comedy by Steve Kaplan - a Joint with JP

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff is joined by his writing partner, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch the IX. Jeff and JP talk about the book The Hidden Tools ...

Episode 295 - Pitching Your Work with Laura Goode

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with the amazing author, Laura Goode. Jeff and Laura talk about the art of pitching your work, performative confidence...

Episode 294 - Creating Powerful Emotional Moments

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Mary Van Everbroeck to work through a short story she's written. They talk about the complexity of writing...

Episode 293 - Writing Child Voices, Making Characters Distinct, & What Makes a Thriller?

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm meets with two of the Dialoggers for an "Office Hour." In this session, Laura and the Dialoggers tal...

Episode 292 - Novel Analysis - My Friends by Fredrik Backman [SPOILERS]

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff, Laura, and a few members of the community discuss the book My Friends by Fredrik Backman. [WARNING! SPOILERS] They get into the...

Episode 291 - Aligning Plot and Emotional Climax with John Krause

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author John Krause to talk about John's work in progress. They look at John's Middle Grade mystry thriller and di...

Episode 290 - Do Not Finish Books & More - A Dialogue Doctor Coaches Call

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff, JP Rindfleisch IX, and Laura Humm (all the Dialogue Doctor Coaches) come together for a COACHES CALL! They discuss why they sto...

Episode 289 - "Save the Cat Writes a Novel" - A Joint with JP

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff and JP Rindfleisch IX dig into the book Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. They discuss the the major teachings of th...

Episode 288 - Editing and Understanding Characters at the Scene Level with Laura Humm

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm sits down with author Danielle Bonneau to talk about Danielle's work in progress. They focus on an i...

Episode 287 - Pitching with Pitch Master Lindsey Hughes

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Pitch Master Lindsey Hughes to discuss why pitching is important and how to pitch your work. They then read pitch...

Episode 286 - The Artisan Author with Johnny B Truant

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Johnny B Truant to talk about his new work The Artisan Author. They discuss how he understands himself as an auth...

Episode 285 - Answering All Your Publishing Questions with Emily Barrosse

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff is joined by publishing veteran and founder of Bold Story Press, Emily Barrosse. Emily tackles 7 (plus a few more) questions fro...

Episode 284 - How to Plot a 2nd Book and Build a Series

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Dixie Williams. Dixie has finished her first novel and would like to write a second about one of the side ...

Episode 283 - Time with Tom!

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff is joined by Tom Holbrook (author, editor, coach, and former bookstore owner). They discuss story and what they are seeing as ed...

Episode 282 - Writing YA and Leading with Emotion

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm sits down with author Ted Atchley to look at a scene from his work in progress. They discuss charact...

Episode 281 - Examining Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff meets up with three of the members of the Dialogue Doctor Community to dissect and learn from the short story Sonny's Blues by J...

Episode 280 - Adding Emotional Weight with Dennis Kurlas

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Dennis Kurlas to talk about his work in progress. They discuss the options you have when your novel is alm...

Episode 279 - Jeff and Laura Q&A

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff and Laura answer questions from the community. Questions include: Where is the sweet spot between frustrating the reader by havi...

Episode 278 - Story Structure: Plots, Mosaic Plots, and Love Actually

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff teaches the Dialoggers about plot structure. Together they work through plot styles for single vehicle and multi vehicle stories...

Episode 277 - Building a Series Through Character Growth

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Holly Lyne to talk about her series in progress. Jeff and Holly revive her excitement for the series and d...

Episode 276 - Writing Unlikeable Characters

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch IX sits down with author Emma-Jane Heaton to discuss the story Emma-Jane is working on. They tal...

Bonus Episode - Kickstarter

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode, JP Rindfleisch IX talks about his ongoing successful Kickstarter. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jprindfleischix/mosswoo...

Episode 275 - Your Sophomore Year of Writing

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff interviews Angela Haas and Cassie Newell from The Author Next Door podcast. Jeff, Angela, and Cassie discuss the life of an auth...

Episode 274 - Writing Character Voices of Different Ages

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm explains how voices should change with a character's age. She talks about how children should sound ...

Episode 273 - Brainstorming with Tarot

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch IX helps Jeff figure scenes to the screenplay he is writing using Tarot. Jeff and JP talk plot a...

Episode 272 - How to Sell with Rob Jolles

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff is joined by sales expert Rob Jolles. Rob schools Jeff on what selling is, how to convince people, and why selling is critical t...

Episode 271 - Humanizing a Villain with Laura Humm

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm sits down with author Jenny Wilson to talk about Jenny's work in progress. They dive into Jenny's pr...

Episode 270 - Time with Tom

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff is joined by Tom Holbrook for another TIME WITH TOM. In this episode, they discuss Tom's transition out of bookstore ownership, ...

Episode 269 - How Perspective Changes a Scene

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Author Don Elliot to talk about his epic fantasy series. They look at Don's opening scene and talk about how addi...

Episode 268 - Zen in the Art of Writing

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Joint with JP, Jeff and JP examine Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury. They discuss Ray Bradbury's writing challenge, why someone shoul...

Episode 267 - Tips on Editing Your Story

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch IX sits down with four authors for an "office hour." Office hours are times when members from th...

Episode 266 - Plotting Long Story Lines and Finishing the Book

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff and Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm take questions from the community. They discuss how to manage beta readers, how to find the...

Episode 265 - Maintaining Emotional Impact with Laura Humm

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm sits down with author Scott Veatch to talk about his work in process. They dig deep into one of Scot...

Episode 264 - Pitching Your Work with the Pitch Master

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, 8 members of the dialogue doctor community sent in pitches of their work. Jeff sits down with Lindsey Hughes to discuss the goods and...

Episode 263 - Using Tarot for Plot Brainstorming

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch IX sits down with author Lisa Bonneau to talk over her plot. They use tarot cards to work out th...

Episode 262 - Making the Emotional Journey Clear

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author WV Rarick to look at WV's work in progress. They discuss when you should reveal how your character looks, ...

Episode 261 - AI Diagnostics with J Thorn

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Godfather of the Dialogue Doctor Podcast, J Thorn returns to talk about a new AI tool he has created. Using multiple AI Engines J...

Episode 260 - Dialogue Doctor Coaches Unite!

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, the coaches handle topics raised by the Dialoggers. After catching up on their work, the coaches discuss branding, social med...

Episode 259 - Combining Genres with Laura Humm

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura Humm and author Mary Van Everboeck talk about Mary's work. They discuss what Mary is hoping for from her work, how she has evol...

Episode 258 - Poetry Time with Ed - Allen Ginsberg

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Dialogue Doctor, our poetry teacher Edward Gillespie returns to teach Jeff all about Allen Ginsberg. They read some of Ginsberg...

Episode 257 - Building Complex Plots with Laura Humm

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm sits down with author Emma Jane Heaton to talk about the three book science fiction series Emma is w...

Episode 256 - Cast Breakdown - Nobody Wants This

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff and several of the Dialoggers discuss the Netflix romantic comedy, Nobody Wants This. They talk about the cast, how the personal...

Episode 255 - Time with Tom

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom Holbrook returns for another Time with Tom. In this episode, Tom and Jeff break down their favorite stories recently, talk about ...

Episode 254 - Understanding the Tools to Write Emotion

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Lisa Bonneau to look at the story she is working on. Lisa comes to the session with three questions: How ...

Episode 253 - Publishing with Emily Barrosse

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff interviews Emily Barrosse from Bold Story Press. They discuss Emily's 32 years in the publishing industry, how she has seen publ...

Episode 252 - Character Growth in Paranormal Romance

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura Humm sits down for an Ask Me Anything session with author Julie Catherine. They talk about using different plot frameworks acro...

Episode 251 - Jeff and Laura Q&A

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff and Laura come together for a Q&A. Questions from the Dialoggers included: ---How do you keep track of everything for long, comp...

Episode 250 - Deep Perspective and the Middle of Your Story - Office Hours with JP

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch IX holds Office Hours with three authors. Office Hours are times when authors and hangout with a...

Episode 249 - Structuring Dialogue and Emotional Flow with Dillon Mesquitta

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Dillon Mesquitta to talk about Dillon's work in progress. They discuss the structure of Dillon's dialogue ...

Episode 248 - Building a Difficult Character with Carol Painter

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Carol Painter to talk about her work in progress. They discuss a difficult character who's story ends in t...

Episode 247 - A Joint with JP - Examining the Dip by Seth Godin

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coaches Jeff Elkins and JP Rindfleisch IX discuss "The Dip" by Seth Godin. Jeff walks JP through the book and they ta...

Episode 246 - Scene Beats with Laura Humm and Dennis Kurlas

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm sits down with author Dennis Kurlas to talk about a scene in Dennis' work in progress. They talk thr...

Episode 245 - Author Mindset with Honoree Corder

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff talks with thought leader and inspirational thinker Honoree Corder. They discuss accepting yourself and your work, the power of ...

Episode 244 - Plotting Your Story with JP Rindfleisch IX and Payton Lyle

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch the IX holds and Ask Me Anything session with Payton Lyle. After hearing what Payton wants from ...

Episode 243 - How to Pitch Your Work with Lindsey Hughes

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with The Pitch Master, Lindsey Hughes to talk about pitching your story. They discuss the difference between a screenp...

Episode 242 - Character Growth and Building Tension with JP Rindfleisch IX and Farriz Mashudi

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch IX sits down with Farriz Mashudi to look at her first chapter and talk about her story. JP and F...

Episode 241 - Michele Berger, Short Stories, and Walter Mosley's Crime Fiction

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Michele Berger. They discuss Michele's new book Doll Seed and then pivot to examining the writing of Walte...

Episode 240 - Writing Action Scenes and the Big Cast with Phil Yates

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Phil Yates look at a historical fiction novel Phil is writing. They discuss writing action scenes and mana...

Episode 239 - Dialogue Doctor Coaches Unite!

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the three Dialogue Doctor Coaches (Jeff, Laura, and JP) unite to talk about what they are learning, what they are working on, and why...

Episode 238 Maximizing Dialogue in Your Story with Mendi

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff and Mendi look at the beats of her story and talk about how to create a powerful emotional experience by using dialogue. They ho...

Episode 237 - An Office Hour with Laura Humm

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura Humm takes questions from the Dialogue Doctor Community. They discuss how to use interior monologue and building emotion, the d...

Episode 236 - How to Build a Cast with Victoria Tait

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this session, Jeff and Victoria Tait take a deep dive into building a cast. They talk about building characters across a series, the VEAH system, h...

Episode 235 - Character Growth and Building Characters - an Office Hour with JP Rindfleisch IX

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch IX holds and office hour. He and the other Dialoggers on the call discuss JP's book the Story Hy...

Episode 234 - Turning Summaries into Scenes with Liz Mason

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with new author Liz Mason to talk about Liz's work in process. The talk about how the reader experiences emotion in a ...

Episode 233 - An Office Hour with Coach Laura Humm

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm holds an Office Hour with four different authors. Together they discuss, how to keep track of the de...

Episode 232 - How to Build a Main Character Dialogue Dash Style

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we share a webinar from the Spring Dialogue Dash. We talk about how to build a main character. We discuss developing a character's pe...

Episode 231 - Cast Analysis of Knives Out

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with members of the community to analyze the cast of Knives Out. They discuss how the multiple vehicle structure works...

Episode 230 - Creating Characters with Emotional Resonance with Holly Lyne

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Holly Lyne to look at her work in progress. They talk about laying out the emotional beats of a scene, wor...

Episode 229 - Empowering Your Writing through the Enneagram with Claire Taylor

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author and Enneagram guru Claire Taylor. Jeff and Claire talk about why author's should know their number, how th...

Episode 228 - Showing vs Telling with AG Bowman and JP Rindfleisch IX

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch IX sits down with author AG Bowman to discuss AG's opening scene. They discuss how to show the s...

Episode 227 - Creating Great Work with Ann Garvin

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, JP sits down with Author Ann Garvin. Ann is a scientist turned humorist, a USA TODAY and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of five ...

Episode 226 - Writing a Big Family Scene with Dixie Williams and Laura Humm

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm sits down with new author Dixie Williams to look at a scene Dixie has written. They talk about writi...

Episode 225 - Talking Great Stories - Time with Tom

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this Time with Tom, Editor, Bookstore Owner, and author Tom Holbrook takes time out of his vacation to talk books and personal updates with Jeff. T...

Episode 224 - Powerful Scenes and Short Stories with Mary Van Everboeck

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Mary Van Everboeck to talk about a short story she is writing. They talk about finding themes, creating dr...