Agnes Wolfe asks advice from a developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell on how to structure a novel plot, strengthen your plot, and edit your book yourself. In this seventh episode of the 52-week Story Savvy series, Rebecca, founder and host of Hart Bound Editing [http://hartboundediting.com], shares expert insights alongside Agnes Wolfe, host of Authors’ Alcove [http://authorsalcove.com].

This episode focuses on essential storytelling techniques, including plot development rules, crafting a strong beginning, middle, and end, and how to become a better fiction writer. Whether you’re outlining, drafting, or editing, these strategies will help elevate your novel.

• What makes a good fantasy story stand out in a crowded genre?

• How to write good character development and avoid common pitfalls.

• Best practices for self-editing to refine pacing and clarity.

Rebecca also offers advice from a developmental editor on making your novel more engaging, avoiding structure mistakes, and fine-tuning your storytelling. Whether you’re working on your first draft or polishing a final manuscript, this episode is packed with actionable writing tips.

Rebecca’s Recommended Resources:Story Grid https://storygrid.comDevelopmental Editing Services (Expert Feedback):[https://hartboundediting.com

Have questions about self-editing or writing in your genre? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll answer them in future episodes!

Episode Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro

[01:30] What Does It Really Mean to Have a Beginning, Middle, and End?

[03:53] How Do Different Act Structures Impact Storytelling?

[05:10] When Does One Act End, and the Next Begin?

[09:51] What Makes a Powerful Beginning?

[12:33] How Can I Prevent a Boring Middle?

[16:39] How Can I Be Sure My Ending is Satisfying?

[19:38] Are Cliffhangers a Good Idea or Frustrating for the Reader?

[22:50] How Do I Know if My Story Needs a Complete Structural Change?

[27:42] How Do I Know if My Story Is Well Structured?

In this fantasy writing podcast, we had the opportunity to talk about mythology in fiction in this dark fantasy author interview with our incredible guest: Spencer Hixon, author of A Sinister Love, a dark fantasy novel with unique psychological twists and deeply human themes. We’ll dive into how he balances writing, fatherhood, and ADHD—and how his experiences shape his stories. Plus, he has a new book on the horizon, Fate & Fortune, coming out May 1! Stay tuned for insights into character development, indie publishing, and the psychology of fantasy storytelling.

In this episode, we explore:✨ Psychological depth in fantasy and how Spencer balances realism and magic✨ How ADHD influences his writing process and creativity✨ Crafting characters with real mental health struggles, like PTSD and depression✨ The significance of mythology and unique names in his books✨ Navigating the indie publishing world and working with a small press✨ The challenges and rewards of narrating his own audiobooks✨ Hyperphantasia vs. Aphantasia: How mental imagery affects storytelling✨ The time travel mechanics in Fate & Fortune and how they shape the plot✨ Fun stories from being an identical twin—does he ever swap places?✨ What’s next for Spencer, and why you should keep an eye on his work!

Plus, Spencer answers a bonus mystery question—which one of his characters would he invite to dinner and why?

🔗 Connect with Spencer Hixon: Follow him on Instagram, check out his website spencerhixon.com, and grab a copy of A Sinister Love! Blog: http://yetanotherwritersblog.blogspot.com

📚 Get more from Authors’ Alcove!Website: http://authorsalcove.comJoin our Facebook group:Fantasy Writing Accountability: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasywritingaccountabilityBook Giveaways: http://authorsalcove.orgSupport the podcast & get exclusive content: http://patreon.com/authorsalcove

✨ Subscribe, follow, and leave a review—let’s keep the fantasy magic alive!

In this episode ofThe Writing Corner with Authors' Alcove, we sit down with Myrenne Mae, the acclaimed fantasy author and guest co-host for this month'sMeet the Author Book Club. Join us as we dive into an in-depth discussion about the enchanting world of her latest work, her creative writing process, and the themes that inspire her storytelling. We'll also touch on what it's like to step into the shoes of a co-host for the first time.

This episode is packed with insightful conversation, behind-the-scenes stories, and inspiration for writers and fantasy lovers alike. Don't miss out on the lively dialogue as we explore the intersection of fantasy, magic, and the art of storytelling!

🔗 Subscribe for more author interviews, writing tips, and book discussions!

✨ Want to participate in futureMeet the Author sessions? Visit our website:authorsalcove.com to sign up and join the conversation!

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BECOME A PROOFREADER/EDITOR! Guaranteed work as a proofreader/editor, if you pass the exam with an 80% or higher!!: https://give.knowadays.com/6DcL9W

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Agnes Wolfe and Avily Jerome, a Realm Awards Finalist, have a great discussion, while sharing fantasy storytelling techniques and discussing fantasy world building. As we dive into the thrilling world of urban fantasy with bestselling author Avily Jerome! Avily, the mastermind behindThe Breeding and over a dozen supernatural fantasy books, is also a freelance editor and mentor helping writers bring their stories to life.

In this episode, we explore:✨ Thepantser writing method and how Avily crafts unexpected plot twists✨Building urban fantasy worlds that feel both magical and real✨ Thebalance of writing and family life as a mom of five✨Common editing mistakes and how to avoid them✨Supernatural themes and how to keep them fresh✨ The impact ofThe Breeding being aRealm Awards finalist✨ Unique hobbies, liketrolling scammers and sword fighting as a pirate✨Indie marketing strategies and the best ways to reach readers✨ Engaging with readers onInstagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Plus, Avily answers abonus mystery question—which one of her characters would she invite to dinner and why?

🔗Connect with Avily Jerome: Follow her on Instagram @avilyjeromebooks, check out her TikTok, and visit her Facebook page. http://spencerhixon.com http://yetanotherwritersblog.blogspot.com

📚Get more from Authors’ Alcove!Website: https://authorsalcove.comBook Giveaway:https://authorsalcove.org Join our Facebook group:Fantasy Writing Accountability: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasywritingaccountabilitySupport the podcast & get exclusive content: https://patreon.com/authorsalcove

Don’t forget to grab a copy ofThe Breeding and immerse yourself in Avily’s supernatural urban fantasy world!

✨ Subscribe, follow, and leave a review—let’s keep the fantasy magic alive!

Today’s episode will tell youhow to become a better fiction writer,how to edit your book yourself, andhow to strengthen your plot. Today I got expert advice from a developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell of Hart Bound Editing. We discuss how to make informed decisions about story structure, pacing, and length.

In episode six of the Story Savvy Self-Editing Series, the Hart Bound Editing Podcast partners with Authors' Alcove to break down the key factors that determine whether a book should be shortened, expanded, or divided into multiple volumes, by understanding pacing, novel structure, and much more.

This 52-week series is designed to guide writers through the self-editing process with confidence. Agnes Wolfe, host of Authors' Alcove [http://authorsalcove.com], asks critical questions to Rebecca Hartwell, a developmental editor and founder of Hart Bound Editing [http://hartboundediting.com]. Together, they discuss:

• How to evaluate whether your book should be split into multiple parts

• Strategies for identifying and removing unnecessary content

• How pacing and structure impact reader engagement

• What to consider when expanding a story without adding fluff

Rebecca provides expert insights on preserving the integrity of your story while improving its structure, and Agnes shares her experiences as an aspiring author navigating the editing process.

How to Determine the Right Book Length – Insights from Rebecca: [https://hartboundediting.com]Writing with Purpose – Tips from Agnes Wolfe: [http://authorsalcove.com]

Have thoughts or questions on book length and structure? Leave a comment, and Rebecca and Agnes may address them in an upcoming episode.

[00:00] Intro

[01:08] Is My Story One Cohesive Narrative or Multiple Stories?

[05:05] Is My Story Too Long or Too Short?

[08:27] How Can I Find Out the Ideal Word Count for My Novel?

[10:47] How Do I Know When My Book Needs to Be Broken Down Into Two or More Parts?

[14:25] How Do I Know When My Book Needs Slimmed Down?

[18:48] Where Do I Split My Book, If I Decide to Turn My Novel Into Two?

[20:25] What If My Novels Are Too Short Once I Split My Big Novel Into Two?

[22:38] If My Story Feels Too Short, What Can I Add, Without Adding Fluff?

[24:57] If My Story Feels Too Long, What Can I Take Away?

[27:18] How Do I Know If I Have Good Pacing?

What makes a good writer great? How can I improve my storytelling skills? These are just a couple questions I got answered when I asked foradvice from a developmental editor Rebecca Hartwel of Hart Bound Editing as we discussed how to protect our most beloved parts of our story, during the editing process.

In episode 5 of the Story Savvy Self-Editing Series, the Hart Bound Editing Podcast joins forces with Authors' Alcove to explore the importance of protecting your story’s core elements during revisions, and making sure that you know what your non-negotiables are, so that your final piece is a story that you love.

This 52-week series is designed to help writers navigate self-editing with confidence, providing tools and insights to turn a good story into a great one. Agnes Wolfe, host of Authors' Alcove [http://authorsalcove.com], asks key questions to Rebecca Hartwell, a developmental editor and founder of Hart Bound Editing [http://hartboundediting.com]. Together, they discuss how knowing your non-negotiables can make feedback less overwhelming and ensure your story stays true to your vision.

• Why defining your non-negotiables helps you stay connected to your story.

• How to accept feedback without compromising what’s most important to you.

• Practical strategies to refine your story while maintaining its heart.

Rebecca shares expert guidance on setting creative boundaries while staying open to improvements, while Agnes provides relatable insights from an aspiring author’s perspective.

• Protecting What Matters in Your Story: Expert insights from Rebecca: [https://hartboundediting.com]

• Writing with Passion & Purpose: Inspiration from Agnes Wolfe: [http://authorsalcove.com]

Have questions about defining your non-negotiables? Drop them in the comments, and Rebecca and Agnes may answer them in a future episode!

In this episode, they explore:Recommended Resources:[00:00] Intro[01:14] What Are Non-Negotiables?[02:32] Why Is It Important to Know Your Non-Negotiables?[04:20] How Big Should I Make My Edits?[06:22] What If My Story Strays from What Is Special to Me?[12:32] What Questions Should I Ask to Decide If a Scene Stays?[15:46] How Do I Know If I Have Scenes That Take Away from What Is Important to Me?[17:51] How Can I Refine My Story to Better Showcase the Elements I Am Most Passionate About?[19:37] How Do We Handle Negative Feedback About What We Love?

Are you ready to learn how to write a novel that sells and discover book marketing strategies beyond social media? 📚 In this episode of Authors' Alcove: For Fantasy Writers, host Agnes Wolfe sits down with bestselling author Lana McAra to discuss the power of emotional storytelling, marketing your book without relying on social platforms, and how to craft stories that truly resonate with readers.

Lana shares insights from her comprehensive guide, How to Write a Novel That Sells, which goes beyond the craft of fiction and dives deep into marketing tactics for authors. Whether you're a new writer or a seasoned author, you won't want to miss these actionable tips for crafting compelling stories and reaching your ideal audience.

💬 We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below. What questions would you ask Lana McAra about writing and marketing your book?

👇 Helpful Links & Resources:🎙 Support the podcast and get exclusive content: http://patreon.com/authorsalcovepodcast📚 Visit Authors' Alcove for writing resources and giveaways: http://authorsalcove.com📝 Join our Writing Accountability Group: http://facebook.com/groups/writingaccountabilitygroup🌐 Connect with Lana McAra:

• Website: https://www.lanamcara.com/

• Podcast: https://www.fictionwriterspodcast.com/

• Book: https://www.howtowriteanovelthatsells.net/

📢 Follow Authors' Alcove on Facebook:

• https://www.facebook.com/authorsalcove

Want to connect with more writers? Check out the Writing Accountability Group on Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/writingaccountabilitygroup

💡 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

Want to know what makes a good writer great? Stay tuned to learn how self editing your novel leads to writer improvement, while we uncover how to find the central message of a story. In the 4th episode of the Story Savvy Self-Editing Series, the Hart Bound Editing Podcast teams up with Authors' Alcove to help writers uncover the heart of their story or the story’s message.

This 52-week series is designed to guide writers through the self-editing process, offering tools and insights to turn a good story into a great one. Agnes Wolfe, host of Authors' Alcove [http://authorsalcove.com], brings questions to Rebecca Hartwell, a developmental editor and founder of Hart Bound Editing [http://hartboundediting.com]. Together, they share practical tips and strategies to help authors refine their narratives and deepen their stories’ impact.

In this episode, they explore:

Why identifying the heart of your story is key to resonating with readers.

How to pinpoint the core event, character journey, and overarching message.

How focusing on these elements during self-editing can sharpen your storytelling.

Rebecca dives into actionable advice for brainstorming and refining your story’s deeper themes, sharing her proven techniques for aligning plot, characters, and theme. Agnes adds her perspective as an aspiring author, providing relatable insights to encourage writers at every stage.

Recommended Resources:

Refining Your Story’s Core: Professional tips from Rebecca: [https://hartboundediting.com]

Fantasy Writing Inspiration: Practical advice from Agnes Wolfe: [http://authorsalcove.com]

Do you have questions about defining your story’s heart? Share them in the comments, and Rebecca and Agnes will address them in a future episode!

[0.00] Intro

[03:52] What is the Heart of the Story?

[05:24] What is the Double Factor Problem?

[07:57] Is the Heart of the Story the Same as the Message and “North Star”?

[08:36] When Should We Know the Heart of the Story?

[12:37] When Writing a Series, Should Themes be Different?

[14:35] What if the Heart of Your Story Does Not Fit the Traditional Elements?

[24:53] How Does Knowing the Heart of the Story Help Us?

[30:19] How Do Symbols and Imagery Impact the Heart of the Story?

[35:17] Do We Really Need to Know the Heart of Our Story?

[42:24] What Questions Should You Ask to Draw Out the Heart of the Story?