Author Archives: Jeff Elkins

In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach, Laura Humm works with author Gemma Clatworthy on the climax of her work in progress. They focus on zooming into important emotional moments, helping the reader track were all the characters are, and ramping up empathy between characters to play off for conflict later. To find more of Gemma’sContinue reading “Episode 144 – Laura Humm, Gemma Clatworthy, and Building Impactful Scenes”

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Jason Hamilton (aka The Nerdy Novelist) to talk about how he is using ChatGPT to empower his writing. They discuss Jason’s history as an author and how using AI saved him from potentially walking away from the craft altogether. In addition to giving a ton of tips, JasonContinue reading “Episode 143 – The Nerdy Novelist Talks Writing with ChatGPT”

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Madeline Davis. Madeline was on the podcast looking at scene 1 in Episode 131. Jeff and Madeline look at a scene together and focus on her lead character Elanor. They look at Elanor’s voice together and how they just reflections and inner thoughts to bring out the voiceContinue reading “Episode 142 – Making Difficult Characters Likable with Madeline Davis”

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Author SW “Shane” Millar. They talk about Shane’s transition from a corporate day job to working for Fictionary, running his own business, and writing full time. They talk about his current works in progress, and then pivot to talking his experience rapid releasing books. They discuss Shane’s struggleContinue reading “Episode 141 – The Life of a Working Author with SW Millar”

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Joy Strouse to talk through the plot of the book she is writing. Looking at how she wants her characters to grow, Jeff and Joy plot out the necessary scenes Joy will need to write. To listen on Spotify, click here. To listen on iTunes, click here.Continue reading “Episode 140 – Story Plotting with Joy Strouse”

Jeff and J sit down and talk about AI. After getting their fears out in the open, they talk about how AI is currently effecting publishing, what they see coming, and where they are finding hope for the future of writing. J also explains how to start using Chat GPT to write with if youContinue reading “Episode 139 – The Future of Publishing is Now! with J Thorn”

In this episode, Jeff is joined by author Eric Heuser. Looking at a piece of Eric’s together, they talk about emotional writing, keeping dialogue realistic, and varying the pace of the dialogue to keep readers hooked. To listen on Spotify, click here. To listen on iTunes, click here. To listen on Google Podcasts, click here.Continue reading “Episode 138 – Eric Heuser and Varying Pace”

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Greta Boris and Megan Haskell from the Author Wheel Podcast to talk about their writing journeys, how they came to start a podcast, where they see authors hitting road blocks, and advice for finishing your novel.  Check out their new Kickstarter at https://www.subscribepage.com/authorbrandchallenge Or check out their website atContinue reading “Episode 137 – Greta Boris and Megan Haskell from The Author Wheel”

In this episode, Jeff and Laura take questions from the community. In the conversation, they cover: To listen on Spotify, click here. To listen on iTunes, click here. To listen on Google Podcasts, click here. To listen on Amazon Music, click here. If you would rather watch Jeff and Laura talk, check out the episodeContinue reading “Episode 136 – Jeff and Laura Q&A”

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Raina Ash. They discuss modulating voices to communicate emotion, using body language, slowing down during emotional moments, and not interrupting a scene’s energy.  Warning: this episode contains conversations about characters having suicidal thoughts and drug use. If you or someone you love is experiencing thoughts of suicide,Continue reading “Episode 135 – Building Emotional Scenes with Raina Ash”