S2 Episode 15: Backstory Essentials - Crafting Compelling Characters

S2 Episode 19: Why We Love Writing Twisted Little Stories

Why are we so drawn to dark stories anyway? In this episode, Rachel and Neno wander into the shadowy woods of storytelling to talk about writing dark scenes, dark moments, morally gray characters, gothic atmospheres, emotional wounds, sword fights, cozy villains, and why readers sometimes need stories that pack a punch. But this conversation isn’t really about “how to write darkness correctly.” It’s about why darkness matters in stories in the first place. We talk about the emotional truth behind dark fiction, the strange comfort of fictional suffering, and how stories can help us process fear, grief, loneliness, rage, vulnerability, and change from a safe distance. One minute we’re discussing fantasy battles and shadow daddies, and the next we’re talking about memoirs, healing, and why some stories need time before they’re ready to be told. Basically this episode is part writing conversation, part existential campfire chat in the woods during a thunderstorm. Bring snacks. Maybe a sword. 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... * Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourney [www.instagram.com/bookboundjourney] * Neno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion [www.instagram.com/nenoswritersrebellion] Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here [https://x0azoaybcuzzwbosmdre.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/story-weavers/home?invite=6978ef005d760b4226c83c10 ] Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook here: https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing [https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing] If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com [storystruckpodcast@gmail.com]. Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ [https://www.bookboundjourney.com/] Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com [https://www.writersrebellion.com] 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com [Micah@mechanimation.com]

S2 Episode 18: The Emotional Outline Changed Our Process

Ever stare at your plot and think, technically things are happening... but it's missing something? In this episode, Rachel and Nino dive into emotional outlines and why starting with your character’s transformation can completely change the way you build a story. We also get into how this method works for subplots, secondary characters, and even multi-book series. So, if you’ve ever frozen in front of your outline feeling like you’re staring up at a giant mountain of possibilities, this episode might be the thing that helps you find the trail again. Because sometimes the answer isn’t adding more plot. Sometimes it’s getting back in touch with your character. 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... * Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourney [www.instagram.com/bookboundjourney] * Neno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion [www.instagram.com/nenoswritersrebellion] If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com [storystruckpodcast@gmail.com]. Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook here: https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing [https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing] Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com [https://www.writersrebellion.com] Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ [https://www.bookboundjourney.com/] 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com [Micah@mechanimation.com]

S2 Episode 17 - Seven Ways to Reveal Character on the Page

What actually makes a character feel real? In this episode, Rachel and Nino break down 7 different ways to bring characters alive on the page for readers. Great character writing isn’t about avoiding telling altogether. It’s about understanding when to use description, action, dialogue, metaphor, physiology, thoughts, and feelings to create a layered, emotionally believable character. We talk about how each technique gives readers a different kind of information and why relying too heavily on just one can make characters feel flat, repetitive, or emotionally distant. From the way a character moves through a room to the thoughts they’d never say out loud, this episode explores how small details work together to create someone who feels fully alive on the page. 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... * Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourney [www.instagram.com/bookboundjourney] * Neno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion [www.instagram.com/nenoswritersrebellion] Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here [https://x0azoaybcuzzwbosmdre.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/story-weavers/home?invite=6978ef005d760b4226c83c10 ] Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook here: https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing [https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing] If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com [storystruckpodcast@gmail.com]. Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ [https://www.bookboundjourney.com/] Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com [https://www.writersrebellion.com] 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com [Micah@mechanimation.com]

S2 Episode 16: The Mindset You Need to Finish Your Book with Mike Alcantara

Whether you’re just starting or stuck somewhere in the process, this is the kind of conversation that makes writing a book feel possible again. In this episode, Rachel and Nino sit down with author Mike Alcantara to talk about the real process of writing and publishing a book—from the messy beginning stages to the “I’m so over this” moment that actually means you’re done. We dive into how Mike turned personal struggles, journaling, and problem-solving into a full framework and what it actually took to bring that idea to life. We’re also breaking down what makes a nonfiction book actually useful (not just inspirational). From actionable tools and worksheets to storytelling, structure, and those underrated “key insights” sections, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what separates a book people read… from a book people use. Get Mike's book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-problem-re-solving-solution-michael-d-alcantara/1149751716 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-problem-re-solving-solution-michael-d-alcantara/1149751716] 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... * Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourney [www.instagram.com/bookboundjourney] * Neno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion [www.instagram.com/nenoswritersrebellion] Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here [https://x0azoaybcuzzwbosmdre.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/story-weavers/home?invite=6978ef005d760b4226c83c10 ] Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook here: https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing [https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing] If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com [storystruckpodcast@gmail.com]. Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ [https://www.bookboundjourney.com/] Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com [https://www.writersrebellion.com] 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com [Micah@mechanimation.com]

S2 Episode 15: Backstory Essentials - Crafting Compelling Characters

In this episode, we break down how backstory actually works. You don’t need a 50-page character biography. What you do need is to understand the moments that shaped your character into who they are at the start of your story and how those moments are quietly driving every decision they make. We’re diving into a practical, psychology-based approach to backstory, aka, “therapizing" your characters. From core wounds and limiting beliefs to the patterns your character keeps reinforcing, this episode shows you how to uncover the real reasons your character behaves the way they do and how that becomes the engine of your plot. We also get into world building, family dynamics, and why your villain needs just as much depth as your protagonist (if not more). So grab a notebook and get ready to stop drowning on endless backstory or forcing plot points and start creating stories that feel inevitable, immersive, and keep readers turning pages. 💌 Don’t miss a thing: Subscribe and follow Storystruck wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Be sure to follow us... * Rachel's Instagram: bookboundjourney [www.instagram.com/bookboundjourney] * Neno's Instagram: nenoswritersrebellion [www.instagram.com/nenoswritersrebellion] Join the Story Weavers Community: Join here [https://x0azoaybcuzzwbosmdre.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/story-weavers/home?invite=6978ef005d760b4226c83c10 ] Get the FREE Intuitive Writing Mini Course and Workbook here: https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing [https://writersrebellion.com/intuitive-writing] If you have a suggestion for an episode, drop it in the comments below or email us at storystruckpodcast@gmail.com [storystruckpodcast@gmail.com]. Ready to go from draft to done? Visit Rachel's website today for editing services and writing classes https://www.bookboundjourney.com/ [https://www.bookboundjourney.com/] Want to actually start and finish writing your book (or have someone do it for you)? Check out Neno's book coaching and ghostwriting services at https://www.writersrebellion.com [https://www.writersrebellion.com] 🎵 Music Credits: Special thanks to Michah Silverstein for our beautiful music. If interested in hiring his musical talents, he can be contacted at Micah@mechanimation.com [Micah@mechanimation.com]