The Write Better Fiction Podcast
Hello Fictioneers! Welcome to the Write Better Fiction Podcast, where you’ll discover how to, well... Write Better Fiction. I’m Shane Millar, urban fantasy and non-fiction author, and each week I’ll be interviewing an industry expert about the writing craft, publishing, marketing and the business of being an author. You can get your free Write Better Fiction Key Beats Cheat Sheet right now: https://wondrous-maker-6982.ck.page/5dea7d661b Buy the Write Better Fiction writing craft guides direct from me: https://payhip.com/shanemillar Now... Let’s get stuck in and Write Better Fiction!
Episodes
Monday Jul 10, 2023
Monday Jul 10, 2023
Want to know why attending author conferences is so valuable? Need to know if author conferences are worth it?
Welcome to episode 15 of The Write Better Fiction Podcast. Today, Shane chats to... himself. Awkward, but you're stuck with him this week. He's talking all about attending author conferences.
In this week's show, Shane covers:
- The three author conferences he's attended this year
- The differences between the conferences
- The benefits of networking with other authors in person
- The importance of managing your energy when attending conferences
- And more...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK This week's question is: How do you want your readers to feel when they read your books? Answer in the comments or on Instagram @swmillarauthor
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Support The Write Better Fiction Podcast on Patreon by visiting: https://patreon.com/writebetterfiction
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHANE
Author Website: https://swmillar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor
Monday Jul 03, 2023
Monday Jul 03, 2023
Want to know the secrets behind writing thrillers readers love? Need tips and tricks on how to develop your thriller characters? Want to know how to pace your thriller novel well?
Welcome to episode 14 of The Write Better Fiction Podcast. Today, Shane chats to mystery and thriller author Tom Fowler, all about how to write thrillers.
In this week's show, they cover:
- How to develop multi-dimensional thriller characters
- Strategies for creating tension and suspense
- How to write high stakes thriller fiction
- How to conduct research for your novels
- And more...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
This week's question is: What is your favourite genre to read and why?
Answer in the comments, or on Instagram @swmillarauthor
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Support The Write Better Fiction Podcast on Patreon by visiting: https://patreon.com/writebetterfiction
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TOM
Author Website: https://tomfowlerwrites.com/
Buy Direct From Tom: https://tomfowlerbooks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomfowlerwrites/
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHANE
Author Website: https://swmillar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor
Monday Jun 26, 2023
Monday Jun 26, 2023
Want to know the secrets behind launching a new author penname? Need tips and tricks on how to market your novels? Want to know how to give yourself the best chance of success as a writer?
Welcome to episode 13 of The Write Better Fiction Podcast. Today, Shane chats to rebel podcaster and spicy sapphic fantasy romance author, Sacha Black (aka Ruby Roe) all about launching her new penname.
In this week's show, they cover:
- How to develop a distinct author brand
- Strategies for building a reader base
- Balancing time and resources
- Different ways to approach book marketing and promotion
- And more...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK This week's question is: Which writing craft books do you recommend and why?
Answer in the comments, or on Instagram @swmillarauthor
SUPPORT THE SHOW Support The Write Better Fiction Podcast on Patreon by visiting: https://patreon.com/writebetterfiction
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SACHA
Sacha's Website: https://sachablack.co.uk/
Ruby's Website: https://rubyroe.co.uk/
Instagram (Sacha): https://www.instagram.com/sachablackauthor/
Tik Tok (Ruby): https://www.tiktok.com/@rubyroeauthor/
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHANE
Author Website: https://swmillar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Want to know the secret to feeling inspired as a write? Need tips and tricks to get ideas? Want to know why finding your why is crucial in your author life?
Welcome to episode 12 of The Write Better Fiction Podcast. Today, Shane chats to his critique partner in crime and podcast co-host on The Storytellers Faceoff Podcast. Cassie Newell is a fantasy author and The Sassy Writing Coach. They chat all about her book, Writer Fuel: Be Inspired to Start and Finish Your Story.
In this week's show, they cover:
- The importance of finding your why as an author
- Why starting a writing project before you're ready might be a good thing
- When and why you might need to pause, pivot, or quit
- How freeing it can feel to be a "B Author"
- And more...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
This week's question is: What do you do when you need to be inspired to write? Answer in the comments, or on Instagram @swmillarauthor
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Support The Write Better Fiction Podcast on Patreon by visiting: https://patreon.com/writebetterfiction
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CASSIE
Author Website: https://authorcmnewell.com/
Coaching Webiste: https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsassycassie/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sassywritingcoach/
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHANE
Author Website: https://swmillar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Want to know the secret to writing a successful series? Need series writing tips and tricks? Want to know what the top three advantages to writing in a series are?
Welcome to episode 11 of The Write Better Fiction Podcast. Today, Shane chats to bestselling fantasy author Helen Scheuerer, all about writing a successful series.
In this week's show, they cover:
- The difference between dynamic and static series
- The top three advantages to writing in a series
- Why you need expansion and exit strategies
- Tips for giving your series the greatest chance of success
- And more...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
This week's question is: What is your favourite book series of all time and why? Answer in the comments, or on Instagram @swmillarauthor
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Support The Write Better Fiction Podcast on Patreon by visiting: https://patreon.com/writebetterfiction
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HELEN
Website: https://helenscheuerer.com/
For Writers: https://helenscheuerer.com/for-authors/
Instagram: https://shop.writerscookbook.com/ Instagram: hhttps://www.instagram.com/helenscheuerer/
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHANE
Author Website: https://swmillar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Want to create believable characters readers love? How can you make sure your fictional characters feel real? What are some great tips for character creation?
Welcome to episode 10 of The Write Better Fiction Podcast. Today, Shane chats to bestselling romance author and podcaster Kristina Adams, all about creating believable characters.
In this week's show, they cover:
- Character driven vs plot driven stories
- Character goals, objectives, flaws, and motivations
- How to write a killer character arc
- The dangers of creating perfect love interests
- And more...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK This week's question is: Who is your favourite fictional character?
Answer in the comments, or on Instagram @swmillarauthor
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Support The Write Better Fiction Podcast on Patreon by visiting: https://patreon.com/writebetterfiction
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KRISTINA
Author Website: https://www.kristinaadamsauthor.com/
The Writer's Cookbook: https://www.writerscookbook.com/
Courses: https://shop.writerscookbook.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaadamsauthor/
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHANE
Author Website: https://swmillar.com
nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor
Monday May 29, 2023
Monday May 29, 2023
Want to publish your books wide, but don't know where to start? How can you make sure you're doing all the right things? What are some great tips for wide publishing?
Welcome to episode 9 of The Write Better Fiction Podcast. Today, Shane chats to author and podcaster Mark Leslie Lefebvre, all about publishing books wide.
In this week's show, they cover:
- Mindset issues authors face when publishing wide
- The benefits of wide publishing
- The drawbacks of wide publishing
- How using an aggregator can make wide publishing easier
- And more...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
This week's question is: What is the biggest lesson you've learned since you started writing? Answer in the comments, or on Instagram @swmillarauthor
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Support The Write Better Fiction Podcast on Patreon by visiting: https://patreon.com/writebetterfiction
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MARK
Author Website: https://markleslie.ca/
Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing: https://starkreflections.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markleslielefebvre/
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHANE
Author Website: https://swmillar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor
Monday May 22, 2023
Monday May 22, 2023
Want to write, publish and sell short fiction, but don't know where to start? How can you make sure you're on the right track? What are some great tips for all things short fiction?
Welcome to episode 8 of The Write Better Fiction Podcast. Today, Shane chats to the host of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple, all about selling short fiction.
In this week's show, they cover:
- What short fiction is and some of the different short fiction forms
- The benefits of writing short fiction
- Actionable tips for selling short fiction
- How to make the most out of anthologies and collections
- And more...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK This week's question is: What is your favourite short story?
Answer in the comments, or on Instagram @swmillarauthor
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Support The Write Better Fiction Podcast on Patreon by visiting: https://patreon.com/writebetterfiction
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MATTY
Author Website: https://www.mattydalrymple.com/
The Indy Author: https://www.theindyauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matty.dalrymple/
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHANE
Author Website: https://swmillar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
So you want self-edit your novel, but don't know where to start? How can you make sure you're revising the right things? What are some great tips for editing your work?
Welcome to episode 7 of The Write Better Fiction Podcast. Today, Shane chats to the author of The Novel Editing Workbook, Kris Spisak, all about how to edit your novel.
In this week's show, they cover:
- Why having the right mindset is important for self-editing
- Tips for structuring marvellous stories
- How to write fantastic characters
- When you should edit your prose, along with how to tips
- And more...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
This week's question is: What is your favourite part of the writing process and why?
Answer in the comments, or on Instagram @swmillarauthor
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Support The Write Better Fiction Podcast on Patreon by visiting: https://patreon.com/writebetterfiction
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KRIS
Author Website: https://kris-spisak.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kris.spisak/
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHANE
Author Website: https://swmillar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor
Monday May 08, 2023
Monday May 08, 2023
So you want to set goals but don't know where to start. How can you design your goals so they're achievable? What are some great tips for goal setting?
Welcome to episode 6 of The Write Better Fiction Podcast. Today, Shane chats with fellow urban fantasy author, podcaster, and author coach, Holly Lyne, all about goal setting for writers.
In this week's show, they cover:
- Why it's important to consider your current circumstances before setting goals
- The definition of crisis mode and how to deal with it
- How to apply S.M.A.R.T. goals to your writing life
- Why you should focus on your version of success
- And more...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
This week's question is: What's your biggest author goal?
Answer in the comments, or on Instagram @swmillarauthor
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Support The Write Better Fiction Podcast on Patreon by visiting: https://patreon.com/writebetterfiction
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOLLY
Author Website: https://hblyne.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hblyne/
The Writer Roadmap Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writer-roadmap
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHANE
Author Website: https://swmillar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swmillarauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swmillarauthor
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