『Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors』のカバーアート

Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors

Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors

著者： Tim Kearney Fiction Writer / Teacher
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概要
 Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors is a hands-on training podcast that helps fiction writers of all skill levels build a repeatable skill set for finishing their work and writing consistently. The show provides a clear, easy-to-use, proven roadmap for turning ideas into completed fiction. Whether you're drafting your first short piece, revising a work in progress, or struggling to finish what you start, we can help. Each episode breaks down the writing tools, story techniques, and writer's troubleshooting skills fiction authors need to improve their craft, solve story problems, and build the habits required to write consistently. The goal is simple: help writers like you become productive authors. Are you an aspiring fiction writer ready to learn how to translate the vision in your mind and heart clearly onto the page, again and again? Are you a creative writer ready to stop fantasizing about stories and start finishing them? This is your moment. It's time to learn the tools and skills to craft the stories you were destined to write, and become the author you dream of being. Welcome to the Writer's Toolshed. This show is for you if you find yourself asking questions such as: How do I actually start writing fiction? Is my story idea good/original enough to be worth writing? (and what if someone else already did it?) Do I really have to write every day to be a 'real' writer? What does 'write what you know' really mean for fantasy / sci-fi? What does 'show, don't tell' actually mean-- and when is it okay to tell? What software or tools should I use to write my novel? (Scrivener vs Word vs Google Docs vs longhand) How do I beat writer's block instead of just staring at the cursor? How do I write an entire novel without getting lost or giving up? (outlining vs pantsing, second-draft fixes, etc.) How should I name my characters (and avoid cringey names)? I finished my first draft! Now what the hell do I do with it? (cool-down period, big-picture edits, line edits) How do I get useful feedback or beta reads-- without getting shredded or ignored? How do I actually get better as a writer? (beyond "read and write a lot.") How do I stay organized-- notes, timelines, worldbuilding, drafts, all of it? How long should my book/short story be, and how do I handle word-count expectations? How do I correctly format a manuscript so agents/editors don't bin it on sight? (Shunn format, fonts, margins, etc.) Should I self-publish or go the traditional route? How do I get an agent for my novel, step by step? Where and how can I sell my self-published ebooks and print books? (KDP, Kobo, D2D, etc.) Is it realistically possible to make a living as a fiction writer? (And what other writing jobs exist) How do I know if my writing is any good-- or if my novel is worth finishing? (Or "I'm writing my first novel and now I hate it, help") What exactly is fiction writing, and how is it different from other kinds of writing? What makes a character compelling instead of flat or cliché? How important is setting, and how do I make my world feel real without drowning readers in description? How do I come up with a strong plot instead of a bunch of random scenes? What's the role of conflict in fiction, and how much conflict is enough? How do I create suspense and tension without resorting to cheap tricks? What is a plot twist, and how do I write one that feels surprising but not random? How do I write realistic, interesting dialogue instead of wooden talking heads? How do I end a story in a way that feels satisfying and earned? What's a subplot and how do I weave subplots into the main story without losing focus? What's the difference between literary and genre fiction in terms of how I actually write the book? How long does it usually take to write a novel or short story (really)? How do I build a writing habit and stay motivated when life is busy? How do I overcome perfectionism and fear of failure on the page? (often framed as writer's block, but really mindset) How do I revise efficiently without endlessly tinkering and never finishing? How do I research for my fiction without getting lost in a rabbit hole? (history, science, police procedure, etc.) How can I improve my writing style or voice? Can I even change my voice on purpose? What's the difference between a short story and a novel in terms of structure and focus? How do I decide between traditional publishing, small presses, and self-publishing? How much money can I realistically expect to make from one novel? How do royalties, advances, and rights actually work for fiction authors? What are the most effective ways for a new novelist to find readers (without being spammy)? (mailing lists, social media, ads, etc.) Do I need a platform or social media following before I publish my book? How do I handle criticism and rejection without giving up? How do I know when feedback is right vs when to trust my own instincts? How do I deal with impostor syndrome-- am I a ...2026 アート 文学史・文学批評
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  • Why Godzilla Works: Storytelling Lessons for Fiction Writers (with Matt Click)

    Why Godzilla Works: Storytelling Lessons for Fiction Writers (with Matt Click)
    2026/11/06

    Join the Unstoppable Maker newsletter. Every Thursday, you'll get one simple, practical writing tool to help you make the next decision, solve the next story problem, and keep writing.

    Get the next tool delivered to your inbox.

    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

    What can fiction writers learn from Godzilla? As Godzilla Minus Zero arrives in theaters, writer and editor Matt Click joins me for a look back at the classic films-- and a conversation about character design, worldbuilding, and what keeps us coming back to the same giant monster kaiju.

    Matt recently watched all fifteen Showa-era Godzilla films (and is still going strong). We explore how Godzilla changes from a terrifying force of nature into a hero audiences cheer for, what stays recognizable across those changes, and how a creature with no dialogue can still have emotions we immediately understand.

    Along the way, we discuss:

    - How to study the stories you enjoy and find ideas for your own writing.
    - What makes a character recognizable across different stories and tones.
    - Why science fiction and fantasy worlds need to make sense within their own rules.
    - How the pursuit of originality can distract us from a simple idea we'd love to write.

    Matt also shares his three favorite films from this watch-through, with an honorable mention for anyone looking for a place to start. Our Current Best Approach: pay attention to what you love, investigate why it works, and bring those discoveries into your own fiction.

    And sometimes, remember: big dinosaur cool, and that is enough.

    This episode is for you if you have questions like:

    - What can Godzilla teach me about writing fiction?
    - What makes a fictional character memorable?
    - How do I make a monster or nonhuman character relatable?
    - How much can a character change and still feel like the same character?
    - How can I learn about storytelling by watching movies?
    - How do I find writing inspiration in the stories I already love?
    - How do I make a fantasy or science fiction world feel believable?
    - Why is internal consistency important in worldbuilding?
    - Does my story idea have to be completely original?
    - Can a simple idea be enough to build a story around?

    Episode 034 | Ep 34
    続きを読む 一部表示
    36 分
  • Free Fiction Writing Help: Let's Work Through Your Writing Problem

    Free Fiction Writing Help: Let's Work Through Your Writing Problem
    2026/10/26

    Join the Unstoppable Maker newsletter. Every Thursday, you'll get one simple, practical writing tool to help you make the next decision, solve the next story problem, and keep writing.

    Get the next tool delivered to your inbox.

    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

    I want to help you with the actual fiction you're working on-- for free.

    Since launching Fiction Writer's Toolshed, I've been turning my own writing process into practical, repeatable tools. Now I want to put those tools to work with other writers. You get specific, detailed help with your writing, and I get to test and refine the tools through real use.

    In this episode, I explain the offer, how we'll work together, and what I'm asking in return: subscribe to Unstoppable Maker, my newsletter, and let me share a useful portion of the advice so other writers can learn from it, too. You and your story can remain anonymous, and we'll agree on what I can share.

    To get started, subscribe below and reply to the welcome email. You don't need a polished explanation-- just tell me where you're getting stuck.

    Unstoppable Maker also brings you one useful writing tool each week. This invitation stays open while I can responsibly make time for it, with no guaranteed turnaround.

    This episode is for you if you have ANY fiction writing questions, but some examples are:
    - How do I write a novel as a beginner?
    - How do I outline a novel, chapter by chapter?
    - How do I write a fantasy novel?
    - How do I write a thriller or mystery that keeps readers guessing?
    - How do I write characters with depth?
    - How do I write a villain readers can't hate?
    - How do I write a plot twist that works?
    - How do I write dialogue that sounds natural?
    - How do I add tension to a scene?
    - How do I actually finish writing my book?
    続きを読む 一部表示
    14 分
  • The Business of Screenwriting: Pitching Scripts and Building Relationships (with Doug Hall)

    The Business of Screenwriting: Pitching Scripts and Building Relationships (with Doug Hall)
    2026/10/16

    Join the Unstoppable Maker newsletter. Every Thursday, you'll get one simple, practical writing tool to help you make the next decision, solve the next story problem, and keep writing.

    Get the next tool delivered to your inbox.

    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

    What does selling a screenplay require beyond writing a good script?

    In this episode of Fiction Writer's Toolshed, screenwriter and novelist Doug Hall returns to discuss the business of screenwriting.

    Drawing on his experience of selling a screenplay to Trimark Pictures and optioning scripts across several genres, Doug shares his perspective on understanding potential buyers, approaching producers, sending query letters, and staying flexible when an unexpected opportunity appears.

    Doug also explains why he recommends one specific and underestimated thing to all screenwriters, and how it can help you break into the business.

    A practical conversation about the relationship between the stories you want to write and the business of getting them made.

    Questions explored:

    - What should screenwriters understand about potential buyers?
    - How can flexibility help when pitching a screenplay?
    - Why does professionalism matter in a screenwriting career?
    - How can writing a single-location script improve your storytelling?

    Episode 032 | Ep 32
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    35 分
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