Author Archives: Jeff Elkins

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Carol Lynn Francis and looks at a chapter Carol has written. They talk about writing strategic and simple descriptions, writing in the 1st Person POV, writing reflections that keep the reader in the moment, and other ways the vehicle character can take the reader on an emotionalContinue reading “Episode 147 – Carol Lynn Francis and Getting Perspective from the Vehicle Character”

In this episode, Jeff is joined by New Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch the IX. Jeff and JP talk about what they are seeing in the author world, how they see AI impacting things, and what they are doing to stand out when markets seem to be burning down. This is a deep conversation aboutContinue reading “Episode 146 – Being an Author in Times of Change with JP Rindfleisch IX”

In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Emma Jane Heaton to look at the opening of Emma Jane’s work-in-progress. They talk about the four ways to start a book, understanding how you want the opening of your book to feel, making strategic choices for your book, letting readers hear the character’s voices, and leaningContinue reading “Episode 145 – Emma Jane Heaton and Building an Opening to Your Book”

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”