Master Fiction Writing

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 full story autopsy on Elle Woods’ journey from dumped sorority president...

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 inciting incident - to bind your protagonist to an obligation that costs...

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 show how tight causality turns scenes into story. You’ll get a clear...

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 demystify point of view by breaking it into three practical dials...

Stop polishing your first paragraph into oblivion. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we split your process into two clean modes: Author Brain for discovery and Editor Brain for decision—used at different times...

Stop waiting for motivation. Start acting from identity. In this mindset kickoff for Master Fiction Writing, we shift the sentence that runs your day from “I want to write a book” to “I’m a person who writes.” You’ll...

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 (Writing the Closing Scene) to help you start with momentum and finish with...

Outlining doesn’t have to strangle your creativity—or leave you drowning in spreadsheets. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we introduce The Inside Outline: a fast, 2–3 page method that pairs each major Scene...

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 - seven simple prompts that reveal your story’s engine: who we meet...

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 pair Step 12 (Story Timeline) and Step 13 (Opening & Closing) to shape your...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the intricacies of narrative voice and perspective, focusing on the importance of point of view (POV) and time stance in storytelling. We'll discuss various...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of choosing the right protagonist for your story, emphasising the need for a single human centre that readers can connect with, the distinction...

In this episode, we'll delve into the intricacies of world building, establishing clear rules and consequences, and ensuring that characters and their motivations are relatable to readers. Practical exercises are...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of identifying your ideal reader in the writing process, how understanding your audience can enhance the emotional connection of your story - and...

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 explain the importance of genre in guiding creative choices, setting reader...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the significance of choosing a working title in the story development process. A working title helps writers transition from vague ideas to a more concrete...

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 even written. It might sound backwards, but crafting jacket copy early...

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 twists. This stage is all about simplicity. You’ll learn how to write...

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 my Story Development series, I explore Step 2 of the Blueprint for a...

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll introduce the importance of understanding the 'why' behind writing a book. Before delving into plot or character, writers must explore their personal connection to the...

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 writers manage revision overwhelm, emphasising the importance of starting...

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 Fiction Writing, we tackle one of the most common (and demoralising) parts of...

Welcome to Master Fiction Writing! In this conversation, Alexandra Vassilaros shares her journey as a writer and workshop founder, emphasising the transformative power of writing workshops, particularly in the context...

Ugh - the blank page. Daunting at times, so I'll discuss the challenges and processes of writing fiction and memoirs, emphasising the importance of starting with curiosity rather than perfection, nurturing your...

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Susan Sloate - novelist, playwright, and former Hollywood story analyst - for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, hilarious, and packed with practical wisdom for...