Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

Readers want five things in a story, three of which are right in the beginning.  Here's a discussion of how to deliver those five things.  Plus, a character's thoughts are the least interesting aspect of a story.  How can we show what a character is thinking without entering her mind? Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/TheEssentialGuidetoWritingaNovel?view_as=patron]

Best-selling writers disagree on the importance of a theme in stories.  Here are thoughts on whether we should present a theme in our novel or short story.  And famous authors on their writing discipline.  Plus, mixing genres when telling an agent or publisher about our novel. Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/TheEssentialGuidetoWritingaNovel?view_as=patron]

Putting a sidekick into our story adds many benefits, a main one being that readers love sidekicks.  Here are some techniques for creating a sidekick for our novel or short story.  Also, a list of catchy, memorable novel titles.  And a big question: how do bad novels get published? Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/TheEssentialGuidetoWritingaNovel?view_as=patron]

Were a young writer to ask me for advice, and only had one minute to listen, here is what I'd say.  Plus: how Louisa May Alcott worked.  And, avoiding the blahs and self-doubts when writing. Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/TheEssentialGuidetoWritingaNovel?view_as=patron]

Remember the fabulous worlds that fantasy, sci fi, and historical writers create for us readers?  How do they do that?  What works so well?  I'll talk about world-building, not just for those novels but for all genres.  And also: more on the critical craft of character description. Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/TheEssentialGuidetoWritingaNovel?view_as=patron]