The First Draft Club

How do we include background without boring the reader?

All stories have a history. How much of that history you share with the reader, and where you bring it in, can determine whether that reader sticks with your book or not. In this episode, we discuss a rule of thumb for incorporating backstory into your novel or memoir.

S01 E10 How do we include background without boring the reader? [Reissue]

This episode originally aired on 8/14/2020. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.

All stories have a history. How much of that history you share with the reader, and where you bring it in, can determine whether that reader sticks with your book or not. In this episode, we discuss a rule of thumb for incorporating backstory into your novel or memoir.

What if I don't know what it is I'm writing?

Am I writing a short story or a novel? Am I ready to write my memoir? Mary addresses how to decide, and when the right time is to make the call.

S01 E09 What if I don’t know what it is I’m writing? [Reissue]

This episode originally aired on 8/7/2020. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.

Am I writing a short story or a novel? Am I ready to write my memoir? Mary addresses how to decide, and when the right time is to make the call.

How do I make it through the murky middle?

Every writer struggles with the middle. In this episode, Mary shares her favorite tactic for making it through.

S01 E08 How do I make it through the murky middle? [Reissue]

This episode originally aired on 7/31/2020. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.

 

Every writer struggles with the middle. In this episode, Mary shares her favorite tactic for making it through.

When will I feel like a "real" writer?

A writer asks when writing her book will start to feel like a real project, and not like a side hobby she may or may not finish.

S01 E07 When will I feel like a “real” writer? [Reissue]

This episode originally aired on 7/24/2020. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.

A writer asks when writing her book will start to feel like a real project, and not like a side hobby she may or may not finish.

To outline, or not to outline?

That is the question.

S01 E06 To outline, or not to outline? [Reissue]

This episode originally aired on 7/17/2020. Due to a technical issue with Apple Podcasts deleting our episodes, this is a repost. New episodes will not have this notice.

That is the question.