Inside Creative Writing

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By: Inside Creative Writing

Inside Creative Writing is your go-to podcast for mastering the art and craft of storytelling. Whether you're writing your first novel or refining your skills, this podcast delivers practical techniques, deep insights, and real-world strategies to help you craft immersive, authentic stories. Hosted by Brad Reed, a writer, educator, and coach, Inside Creative Writing explores the techniques behind compelling fiction and creative nonfiction. Each episode dives into essential writing topics, from developing complex characters and crafting vivid scenes to structuring powerful narratives and revising with purpose. What You’ll Discover in This Podcast: Proven Writing Techniques – Learn practical methods used by s...

What If You’re Not the Kind of Writer You Thought You’d Be?
Yesterday at 1:25 AM

What If You’re Not the Kind of Writer You Thought You’d Be?

— a podcast episode —

What if I’m not the kind of writer I thought I’d be?
Many writers start with a fixed idea of the kind of stories they’re supposed to write, but creative growth often reveals a different voice or genre that feels more authentic. Embracing this shift isn’t failure; it’s part of discovering your true identity as a writer.


When Characters Take Control: Writing and the Internal Family System
04/23/2025

WHEN CHARACTERS TAKE CONTROL:
Writing and the Internal Family System

— a podcast episode —

Why do some characters take control of your story?
Some characters seem to “take over” your story because they may represent parts of your own mind. According to Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory, the human psyche is made up of different internal parts—each with its own voice, perspective, and motivation. When writing, these parts can emerge as characters, expressing thoughts or emotions you might not consciously recognize. Letting characters lead can reveal deeper truths and add emotional depth to your story


Plan Your Novel with Index Cards!
04/16/2025

PLAN YOUR NOVEL WITH INDEX CARDS!
borrowing a Screenwriter’s Tool

— a podcast episode —

How can I use index cards to plot a novel?
The index card method helps novelists visualize and organize their story by dividing it into key turning points across a four-row layout, one row per story act. Each card represents a single scene, allowing writers to pace their novel, identify structural weaknesses, and rearrange plot points easily before drafting.


Boredom and Creativity: A Writing Superpower
04/10/2025

BOREDOM AND CREATIVITY:
A Writing Superpower

— a podcast episode —

Why is boredom important for writers?
Boredom gives the brain space to reflect, wander, and make creative connections. Without constant distractions, writers can tap into deeper ideas and story insights that often remain buried beneath the noise of modern life.


Why Do You Write? Finding Purpose Beneath the Pressure
04/03/2025

WHY DO YOU WRITE?
Finding Purpose Beneath the Pressure

— a podcast episode —

Should I keep writing even if I never get published?
The most important reason to keep writing, even without the promise of publication, is to honor your passion and creative voice. Writing from a place of truth and emotional necessity, not market pressure or platform-building, creates authentic stories that matter. The process itself is the art, and that alone gives it lasting value.


Reading Like A Writer: Unlocking the Secrets of Great Writing
03/27/2025

READING LIKE A WRITER:
Unlocking the secrets of Great Writing

— a podcast episode —

What is reading like a writer?
To read like a writer means looking past the story to study how it was built. After the first read for pleasure, you revisit the text to examine structure, pacing, dialogue, and emotional beats. It’s about learning how great writing works so you can use those tools in your own.


Can a Scene Generator AI Help Me Write Better Scenes?
03/21/2025

Can a Scene Generator AI Help Me Write Better Scenes?

— a resource video —

Can a Scene Generator AI Help Me Write Better Scenes?
Yes, but not by replacing your creativity. Instead, it serves as a powerful tool to show you what’s been done before by thousands of other writers. Use it as a way to avoid clichés, overdone tropes, and overly familiar writing that your readers have seen before.

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Should I Use AI to Write My Novel?
03/18/2025

SHOULD I USE AI TO WRITE MY NOVEL?

— a podcast episode —

Can AI help you write a novel?
AI can assist with structuring ideas, tracking details, and refining prose, but it lacks true creativity, emotional depth, and narrative instincts. Writers should use AI as a tool for support rather than a replacement for human storytelling.


How Figurative Language Makes Writing Better
#39
10/20/2018

How Figurative Language Makes Writing Better

Figurative language makes writing better by adding depth, emotion, and engagement. Metaphors and similes create vivid imagery, helping readers connect with the story on a deeper level. When used effectively, figurative language turns passive reading into an interactive experience, making the text more memorable and immersive.


Writing Resistance: How to Overcome the Hidden Obstacles to Writing
#37
10/12/2018

WRITING RESISTANCE:
How to Overcome the hidden Obstacles To Writing

— a podcast episode —

Helping writers craft authentic, immersive stories.
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