Amie Kaufman On Writing

Sep 08 2024 46 ep. 10 mins 206

Amie Kaufman On Writing Podcast artwork

New York Times and internationally bestselling author Amie Kaufman answers one question each week about writing craft. Full of practical tips and an exercise each week, this is a show for writers, for readers who want a backstage look at how their favourite authors craft their stories, or for creative writing classrooms.

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How To Get Better At Writing

Sep 08 2024 14 mins

We're back after a long break with a new episode -- maybe the most useful one yet -- and an update on future plans. If you want to stay in the loop re future opportunities to learn from Amie, make sure you're on the mailing list, which you can join at amiekaufman.substack.com

Turning a Character Into a Plot with Lili Wilkinson (Season 4, Bonus Episode 2)

Jul 19 2023 11 mins

We’ll be back in a couple of months with the second half of Season 4, and in the meantime, I have a couple of fantastic bonus episodes for you. When I got a question about how to turn a character idea into a story idea, I knew Lili was the person to answer it. Listeners, you can find Lili on Instagram at @liliwilkinson, or online at her website, where you can learn more about her

Writing For Tabletop Games with James Sutter (Season 4, Bonus Episode 1)

Jun 27 2023 10 mins

We’ll be back in a couple of months with the second half of Season 4, and in the meantime, I have a couple of fantastic bonus episodes for you. First up, we're going to hear from James Sutter. James is the co-creator of the Pathfinder and Starfinder roleplaying games—if you’re not a tabletop gamer, they’re similar to games like D&D. He’s also an author, and his latest nov

Creating a Magic System

May 14 2023 11 mins

Creating a magic system that really works takes effort. Every time you think you’ve got it working, someone points out some what-if hypothetical, and you’re back to the drawing board, trying to plug more leaks in your logic bucket. When it does work, though – well, all of us have been swept away at one point or another by the feeling we’re truly in another world, and a stor

Research for Worldbuilding with Kate J. Armstrong

May 07 2023 28 mins

I started writing an episode to answer a question about worldbuilding and research—and then I realised that I already have the perfect resource for you. All of you know by now that my lovely producer Kate is also Kate J. Armstrong, author of Nightbirds, a brilliant book about girls who can gift magic to you with a kiss. Kate and I host the Pub Dates podcast, where we take listene

Character Descriptions

Apr 30 2023 11 mins

The way a character narrating a book—or even just a character whose point of view we share—is going to describe someone they see every day is going to be really different to the way they describe a newcomer. Let's break down some of techniques you can use to describe a familiar character in a way that serves the story and feel true to the person describing them. If you're liste

Creating a Map

Apr 23 2023 12 mins

I LOVE maps: I think they really add something to a world—when done well, everything from the style in which the map is drawn, to what’s included can contribute to the story. Today I'm going to give you my three best tips for creating one for your story. I have a new book out in a week! The Isles of the Gods is a fantasy novel set on the high seas, full of magic, romance, slumb

Creating Romantic Tension

Apr 17 2023 12 mins

All my books are romances. I love them: the yearning, the will-they-won’t-they, and sometimes just the how-on-earth-can-they of it. Whether it’s a tortured, star-crossed love affair or a cosy romance set somewhere sweet, I’m here for it. Today I’m going to give you three tips I keep in mind when writing my own romances. I have a new book out in just a couple of weeks! The I

Writing the End of the World with London Shah (Season 3, Bonus Episode 2)

Dec 04 2022 10 mins

When I got a question about writing apocalyptic worlds, I knew that London should be the one to answer it. She has so much wisdom on this subject to share. Find out more about London at her website. You will find a transcript of this episode on my website, which is also where you can sign up for my new newsletter and find out about my other podcast, Pub Dates, which is taking you b

Writing Ensemble Casts with M.K. England (Season 3, Bonus Episode 1)

Oct 23 2022 9 mins

When I recieved a question on how to create a compelling cast of characters, I knew M.K. England was the person to answer it. M.K. is a pro at building a dynamic ensemble cast, and this episode is jam-packed with their practical advice on how to make sure your cast of characters are all distinct, unique, and play well off each other. Find out more about M.K. at their website. You w