Best Manuscript Development Podcasts (2025)

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210. 5 Tips For Writing A Multiple POV Novel Without Confusing Your Readers 11:55

4d ago11:55

11:55

Discover the five essential strategies for mastering multiple-POV novels without confusing your readers. Have you ever wondered if you could write a multi-POV story like The Girl on the Train? Or how about The Six of Crows? The kind that pulls you into multiple characters' worlds so completely that you feel like you know each one personally? Writin…

1
Tim Kirk - All His Damned Mother's Sons 26:37

4d ago26:37

26:37

What if Elvis died while serving in the Army? Who might emerge to try and replace the young, still emerging superstar? Tim Kirk discusses how his Hollywood screen chops influenced a tightly plotted story of four men Elvis' age who were influenced by what few realized in this altered timeline was a seismic event.…

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209. How to Revise Your Novel Like a Pro (Without Losing Your Mind) With Alice Sudlow 53:28

11d ago53:28

53:28

Discover the counterintuitive first draft editing approach that transforms messy manuscripts into page-turning novels readers love. Most fiction writers struggle with novel revision because they jump straight into editing their manuscript after finishing their first draft. This approach leads to endless rewrites, overwhelming confusion, and stories…

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208. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 6) 23:46

18d ago23:46

23:46

Real writers share how they broke free from endless rewrites and abandoned drafts to finally finish their novels in just 90 days—using the exact framework that can unlock your story too. In this episode, I’m sharing real, inspiring stories from fiction writers who went from stuck and overwhelmed to finishing their novels using the exact framework I…

1
Claire Booth - Throwing Shadows 20:27

22d ago20:27

20:27

Claire Booth beautifully blends real-life location with a mix of mystery and drama in Hank Worth 7. Throwing Shadows effectively demonstrates how past events ripple into present drama.By Terry Shepherd

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207. What Agents & Readers Want: How to Write a Story That Works 11:33

25d ago11:33

11:33

Have you ever sat down to write a novel and thought, “Where do I even begin?” Or maybe you’ve started writing, but something feels... off. The story isn’t coming together the way you imagined, and you’re not sure why. You’re not alone. Most writers struggle with this because they’re missing the foundational elements that make a story work. It’s not…

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Loxley Browne - The Charms Series 15:39

26d ago15:39

15:39

Author and entrepreneur Loxley Brown discusses her Charms book series, teaching young people about dreaming big and taking action to make those dreams real.By Terry Shepherd

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Tom Epperson - Baby Hawk 52:41

1M ago52:41

52:41

Tom Epperson, the screenwriter behind One False Move—the cult classic crime thriller co-written with his childhood friend Billy Bob Thornton. He's the author of the Edgar-nominated The Kind One and the haunting noir Sailor. But today, Tom Epperson is here to talk about something entirely different. His new book, Baby Hawk, is a bold, breathtaking d…

1
Brian Cranley - The Call of Wonder 20:43

1M ago20:43

20:43

Brian Cranley is a biomedical engineer turned theologian, whose new book The Call of Wonder invites readers to rediscover awe at the intersection of empirical discovery and spiritual truth. From the Big Bang to the human brain, from ancient wisdom to quantum theory, Cranley reveals how the mysteries of science may not oppose belief—but illuminate i…

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#206. Student Spotlight: How Gina Elizabeth Went From Stuck to Publishing Two Books in Just One Year 32:13

1M ago32:13

32:13

After years of getting stuck at chapter six, Gina Elizabeth finally discovered the missing piece that helped her finish writing not just one novel, but two books in a single year. Today I'm chatting with Gina Elizabeth, indie fantasy romance author of the Bonded in Blood series (and Notes to Novel graduate!), about her transformation from someone w…

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Bonus: Plotting for Pantsers: How 3 Writers Found Freedom in Story Structure 16:04

1M ago16:04

16:04

The myth that plotting kills creativity is keeping countless discovery writers stuck in an endless cycle of abandoned manuscripts—but what if structure could actually set your creativity free? If you're a pantser convinced that outlining will ruin your creative process, or you've been discovery writing through multiple unfinished manuscripts, this …

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#205. How Story Structure Can Free Your Creativity and Help You Finish Your Novel 14:24

1M ago14:24

14:24

The myth of "writing free" is keeping talented writers stuck on Chapter One. Here's why story structure actually enhances creativity—and how to use it to finally finish your novel. You've been told that outlining kills creativity. That real writers don't need structure. That planning your novel will turn it into a formulaic mess. But what if everyt…

1
Leslie Rasmussen - When People Leave 24:20

1M ago24:20

24:20

Leslie A. Rasmussen—award-winning author, former TV comedy writer, and a voice of sharp wit and emotional depth—joins us to talk about her latest novel, When People Leave. It’s a compelling exploration of sisterhood, grief, and the secrets that live just beneath the surface of the stories we think we know. Get the Book: https://www.lesliearasmussen…

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#204. Student Spotlight: Why Overlearning Is Holding You Back: Neroli Lacey’s Journey to Publishing Success 24:59

2M ago24:59

24:59

After years of collecting every writing craft book imaginable and studying with renowned editors, Neroli Lacey discovered that too much knowledge was actually keeping her stuck—until she learned to implement instead of accumulate. Today I'm chatting with Neroli Lacey, author of The Perfumer's Secret (a Pulitzer Prize Finalist, International Book Aw…

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Bonus: How 3 Perfectionists Finally Broke Free & Finished Their First Drafts 17:30

2M ago17:30

17:30

What if perfectionism is the real reason you haven't finished your novel—not lack of talent or time? "I need to get this right before I move on" keeps aspiring authors stuck forever. But here's what I've discovered... Perfectionism isn't about having high standards. It's about fear. Fear of judgment, failure, or not being "good enough." In this epi…

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#203. Why Writing Advice Is Keeping You Stuck (And What to Do Instead) 16:41

2M ago16:41

16:41

All those writing articles you've bookmarked? They might be the exact reason you can't finish your novel. Here's what's really happening—and the simple shift that changes everything. You know that browser folder labeled "Writing Advice"? The one with 147 articles about plot structure and 83 posts on character development? Yeah, that one. What if I …

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#202. Student Spotlight: How Kara Kentley Turned a Messy Draft Into a Published Romance (and How You Can Too) 51:04

2M ago51:04

51:04

After years of rewriting the same sagging middle and juggling two confusing timelines, Kara Kentley discovered the romance structure secrets that transformed her messy draft into a published novel that sells daily. Today I'm chatting with Kara Kentley, contemporary romance author of Another Summer and a Notes to Novel graduate, about how learning g…

1
Thomas Cullen - Charlie Man 15:48

2M ago15:48

15:48

This week, we welcome Thomas Cullen—federal trial judge, former U.S. attorney, and now debut novelist—to discuss his powerful new book, Charlie-Man. Set in Richmond, Virginia during the sweltering summer of 1994, Charlie-Man is a poignant coming-of-age novel that explores teenage love, identity, and the emotional challenges of growing up in the Ame…

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Researcher 2 Researcher podcast || Metabolic Bariatric Surgery edition: #8 Adolescents, operating or not? 56:16

2M ago56:16

56:16

Welcome to the Researcher 2 Researcher Podcast - the Bariatric Surgery Edition series. Our podcast, working in conjunction with Bariatric News, is made possible through collaboration with leading medical centers, universities, hospitals, and industry, as well as the contributions of esteemed surgeons and experts from around the globe. -------------…

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Bonus: Making Time To Write: How 3 Busy Writers Finished Their First Drafts 15:48

2M ago15:48

15:48

What if the reason you haven't written your novel has nothing to do with how many hours are in your day? "I don't have time to write" might be the most common excuse that stops aspiring authors before they even start. But here’s what I’ve learned after working with hundreds of writers… It’s not about how much time you have that matters. It’s about …

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#201. The Time Myth: Why ‘Finding Time to Write’ Actually Makes It Harder 14:56

2M ago14:56

14:56

Feel stuck "finding time" to write your novel? You might be solving the wrong problem. Here's what's really going on—and what to do instead. Why does finding time to write feel impossible sometimes? We blame our busy schedules (and yes, that's definitely part of it). But there's something else lurking beneath the surface that stops your writing pro…

1
Jenny Dandy - The Brownstone on E. 83rd 27:12

2M ago27:12

27:12

Jenny Dandy bursts onto the crime fiction scene with The Brownstone on E. 83rd—a sharp, twisty mystery praised by Carter Wilson and William Boyle. We talk undercover agents, dangerous secrets, and why it’s never too late to start writing. With her second book on the way, Jenny Dandy is just getting started. #CrimeFiction #MysteryBooks #JennyDandy #…

1
Bonus: From Stuck to Breakthrough: How 3 Writers Found Their Path Forward 16:29

2M ago16:29

16:29

What if the reason you're stuck on your novel isn't about talent or creativity, but simply a missing piece of the puzzle that could change everything? Every writer knows that soul-crushing feeling of being completely stuck. Not just procrastinating or battling writer's block, but that specific paralysis where you love your story idea, want to write…

1
#200. Why Most Writers Give Up (And How to Finally Finish Your Novel) 15:17

2M ago15:17

15:17

Ever wonder why 97% of aspiring authors never finish their books? The answer might surprise you. If you've been dreaming about writing a novel but find yourself starting and stopping, getting stuck in the middle, or just staring at a blank page wondering where to even begin, you're not alone. Here's what I've noticed after working with hundreds of …

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#199. Struggling With Flat Characters? These 5 Books Will Transform Your Writing 14:54

3M ago14:54

14:54

Master character development with these five must-read books that transform static characters from boring to brilliant. You've created characters with compelling backstories, but somehow, they still feel... flat. They move through your plot but don't feel like real people. Here's the thing: character development is what makes readers fall in love w…

1
Alex Kenna - Burn This Night 25:11

3M ago25:11

25:11

What happens when an author, who also happens to be a dynamic prosecutor imagines the worst possible person's darkest intentions? Alex Kenna hits it out of the park.By Terry Shepherd

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#198. Book Reviews: Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Reader Feedback (With Emily Golden & Rachel May) 48:13

3M ago48:13

48:13

Learn how to handle book reviews without letting them crush your confidence or derail your writing dreams. Receiving your first book review can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Whether it's a glowing five-star love letter or a brutal one-star takedown, reader reviews can send even the most confident authors into an emotional tails…

1
Andy Crocker - The Unconditionals 24:24

3M ago24:24

24:24

In his motivational debut, Andy Crocker details "The Unconditionals," 5 words that define a purposeful life.By Terry Shepherd

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#197. How to Write a Novel That Hooks Readers Through Curiosity (Not Confusion) 15:03

3M ago15:03

15:03

Master the art of creating irresistible, page-turning curiosity without confusing or frustrating your readers. Have you ever written what you thought was a brilliantly mysterious scene, only to have readers say they were completely lost? Or maybe you've struggled with knowing how much information to reveal and when? Here's what most writers don't r…

1
Daniel Hendrick - Know You Know 39:59

3M ago39:59

39:59

"Know You Know" charts Daniel Hendrick's saga of extraordinary achievement, stunning loss and miraculous return. A life-changing story of faith and resilience.By Terry Shepherd

1
Dwight Holing - The Thunder Head 23:51

3M ago23:51

23:51

Author Dwight Holing introduces his latest Nick Drake novel, "The Thunder Head," where developers and ranchers clash over the future of pristine Oregon land and Nick finds himself in the crosshairs.By Terry Shepherd

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#196. The Pros and Cons of Writing A Novel With Multiple Points of View 18:55

3M ago18:55

18:55

Discover the pros and cons of writing a novel from multiple POVs—including how to avoid the #1 mistake that kills multi-POV novels. Are multiple point-of-view characters right for your story? Will they create the kind of depth that keeps readers hooked, or will they just leave you with a tangled mess of voices that never quite click together? Writi…

1
Terri Lewis - Behold the Bird in Flight 26:49

3M ago26:49

26:49

Terri Lewis introduces "Behold the Bird in Flight," an incredible true story of Isabelle d’Angoulême, the nearly forgotten queen brought vividly to life with poetic grace and historical rigor.By Terry Shepherd

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SE07 EP12 - A Feast for Ear and Eye: The Alamire Manuscripts - with Dr. Emily Thelen 33:52

4M ago33:52

33:52

Join Dr. Emily Thelen as she takes us on a tour of the masterfully illuminated manuscripts of the Alamire collection of Renaissance manuscripts from the Low Countries, and explains to us the Confraternity culture of Catholic society that brought about such wonderful masterpieces. Learn more about Dr. Thelen's work here: https://independent.academia…

1
Marty Ross-Dolen - Always There - Always Gone 29:08

4M ago29:08

29:08

Marty Ross-Dolen joins us to discuss her powerful new book, "Always There, Always Gone." When her grandparents were killed in a midair plane collision in 1960, it marked a generational rupture that would shape her family's story for decades. With deep clinical insight and poetic grace, Marty tells a story that is intimate, illuminating, and unforge…

1
Bruce Campelia - Passing on the Light 22:54

4M ago22:54

22:54

Engineer, health advocate, and author Bruce Campelia joins us to explore the deep connections between well-being, storytelling, and lifelong curiosity. From founding a kids’ health nonprofit to writing the Light Passer series, Bruce shares how stories—and the act of reading—continue to shape minds across generations.…

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#195. How Deliberate Practice Can Improve Your Fiction Writing (With Tim Grahl) 36:02

4M ago36:02

36:02

Master the fundamental building block of fiction writing with this one exercise that's helped writers break through years of stalled progress in just weeks. Ever wonder why some writers seem to improve rapidly while others stay stuck for years, despite writing every single day? 🤔 The difference isn't talent or luck—it's deliberate practice. Most as…

1
Peter Samuelson - Finding Happy 51:51

4M ago51:51

51:51

Peter Samuelson—film producer, nonprofit pioneer, and self-described pro-social entrepreneur—proves that doing good can also be bold, messy, and full of meaning. In Finding Happy: A User’s Guide to Your Life with Lessons from Mine, Peter shares raw, funny, and inspiring stories from a life spent helping others while figuring things out for himself.…

1
A.O. Wagner - The Karma Kantata 21:46

4M ago21:46

21:46

Today’s guest is the enigmatic A.O. Wagner, a reclusive yet captivating voice in fiction and author of The Karma Kantata trilogy. Blending suspense with spiritual and philosophical depth, Wagner’s work explores the hidden forces behind technology, society, and fate.By Terry Shepherd

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#194. Self-Publishing Your Novel: A 10 Step Guide for First-Time Authors 35:00

4M ago35:00

35:00

Congratulations! You've finished writing your novel, and you've set your sights on self-publishing. But now you're staring at your manuscript, wondering, "Where do I start?" If you're feeling overwhelmed by the self-publishing process, you're not alone. Most first-time authors don't realize just how many decisions the self-publishing process involv…

1
Tori Eldridge - Kaua'i Storm 27:41

4M ago27:41

27:41

The stuff you've never heard before about how Tori Eldridge auditioned for, and won the gig to narrate her thrilling new novel KAUA‘I STORM. We've got a clip. (And she did a terrific job writing AND reading!)By Terry Shepherd

1
Dale Lisa Flint - Finding Juliet 21:28

4M ago21:28

21:28

Dale Lisa Flint has spent a lifetime chasing stories — on the stage, behind the scenes, and now on the page. With humor, heart, and an unflinching eye, she invites readers into a world where every moment tells a deeper truth.By Terry Shepherd

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#193. How Dictation Can Help You Write Faster With Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer 37:33

4M ago37:33

37:33

Learn how dictation is your secret weapon for capturing story ideas, supporting overall health, and writing up to 3,000 words per hour. Are you curious about how dictation can improve your health and mobility, enhance your natural storytelling flow, and revolutionize your time management—even if you've tried and failed at it before? Well, then, you…

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The Marketing Magic - How to position your book without feeling salesy 25:30

4M ago25:30

25:30

Ever feel like shouting “Buy my book!” from the rooftops... and then immediately cringing? Yeah, same. In this episode of The Quill Oracles, I’m diving into the often awkward world of marketing your book without losing your soul (or your lunch). We’re talking intention, authenticity, and the real reason your book isn’t for everyone—it’s for your Na…

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#192. 5 Big-Picture First Draft Mistakes (& How To Fix Them) 20:54

4M ago20:54

20:54

Discover the five most common big-picture mistakes writers make in their first drafts—and learn exactly what you can do to fix them. Congratulations, you finished your first draft! …But now what? If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed as you dive into editing your messy first draft, you're so not alone. As a developmental editor, I've reviewed hund…

1
Steve Eoannou - After Pearl 22:06

4M ago22:06

22:06

With his usual twists and turns and richly drawn characters, Stephen G. Eoannou introduces a new PI and his brilliant assistant, struggling to build a business during WWII.By Terry Shepherd

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#191. Fiction Genres Made Easy: Understanding the 5 Dimensions of Genre 26:21

5M ago26:21

26:21

Discover the five ways to talk about your story’s genre so you can write, edit, and publish your novel with clarity and confidence. Ever found yourself staring at a blinking cursor, excited about your story idea but utterly confused about how to describe its genre? 😩 This kind of uncertainty isn't just frustrating. It can have serious consequences …

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Tony Stewart - Carrying the Tiger 28:02

5M ago28:02

28:02

Tony Stewart, author of Carrying the Tiger, opens up about his late wife Lynn’s battle with cancer and the emotional journey that followed. Tony shares how writing helped him heal, the importance of allowing complicated emotions, and how love endures even after unimaginable loss.By Terry Shepherd

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SE07 EP11 - A Church Musician’s Guide to the History of the Pronunciation of Latin - with Dr. John Pepino 57:11

5M ago57:11

57:11

Looking for a historical and ecclesiastical framework by which to understand performance decisions about the pronunciation of Latin? Join Dr. John Pepino as he explains the origins of the Latin language and how we know anything about the pronunciation of classical Latin, describes the style and handing on of the golden age of Latin, discusses the r…

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SE07 EP10 - Should Postludes Be Loud? And Other Organ Repertoire Questions for the Catholic Parish Organist - with Prof. Christopher Berry 40:30

5M ago40:30

40:30

Join us as we outline strategies for making playing great repertoire every Sunday and feast day possible, even if you're a really busy parish music director. Prof. Christopher Berry, who will be teaching the Organ Literature course this summer at the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music takes us through some of the foundations for developing a game p…

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