John Helps You Write Better

Don't fear the tropes and cliches

John Adamus — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk you about tropes and cliches. They're nothing to overthink or fear.

I've been sick. Have a podcast episode.

John Adamus — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I've gotten out of bed to talk to you about pushing yourself to work and being kind to yourself about doing it

You need to start AND finish AND finish what you start.

John Adamus — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about that first draft you've been working on since the dawn of time and somehow still haven't finished it yet.

You're going to need to learn to take a punch.

John Adamus — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how you're handling rejection and the less-than-ideal feedback you might be getting.

Why do you want to rush? What's the hurry?

John Adamus — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to ask you why you think "taking too long" matters and why you want to go faster.

And why exactly are you using AI?

John Adamus — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I'd like to ask you about why you're using AI to "edit" your work.

Separate your character from your plot

John Adamus — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to encourage you to make your character not just the being doing the plot, but a wholly formed person who happens to be doing a plot.

Local royalty vs global royalty AKA Who's the most specialest person?

John Adamus — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the royalty problem in your story.

Global global versus local global - Worldbuilding and scale

John Adamus — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how a character can operate in their world versus the world of the story.

Have you been complicating your world-building?

John Adamus — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:30:00 -0400

In today's episode, I've got the audio from a workshop I did this past weekend on world-building. I think it'll help you.

We never know what we're doing or where we're going, and that's fine.

John Adamus — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

As the year ends, I want to talk you about the not-knowing of making things and how it's okay to not know how things are going to be.

Answering 27 questions from webnovelists and new writers

John Adamus — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In this nearly 90-minute Q&A session, I answer 27 questions from webnovelists and new writers. I think you'll find it really useful and enjoyable.

You and your voice and trying to be like other authors

John Adamus — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about trying to ape someone else's style.

How are you feeling about your progress?

John Adamus — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk you about your goals and what you're doing to reach them.

Let's talk about beats and scenes

John Adamus — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

This is the audio from a workshop I gave on 12/21 to some webnovelists and self-publishing authors about scene and beat usage in their writing. I think you'll find this helpful

What the hell happened to Superman in the Superman movie?

John Adamus — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:30:00 -0400

In this episode, we need to talk about Superman.

And now, a word for co-authors

John Adamus — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I'd like to talk to you about co-authorship.

How's that fantasy going?

John Adamus — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk you about your fantasy of being a writer.

What do you think you're doing?

John Adamus — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's slightly cantankerous episode, I want to ask you what you think you're doing.

How Do I Make A Plot? (Audio from A Plot Building Session)

John Adamus — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this bonus audio from this past weekend, here's me talking to a group of writers about what plot is and what plot isn't and how to build an effective plot.

Why are you waiting?

John Adamus — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to ask you about why you're waiting and not making art.

Just start.

John Adamus — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want you to just start.

The anti-pants system of writing

John Adamus — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:45:00 -0400

In today's episode, I would like to tell you how to get away from pantsing forever.

The #1 excuse of pantsing.

John Adamus — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to take the bite out of pantsing's number one excuse.

Pantsing is making it harder for you to succeed, here's why

John Adamus — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to keep talking to you about pantsing. It's a theme all week.

Why Pantsing is Bad, part 1

John Adamus — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about why pantsing is ruining your writing.

You should be reading critically

John Adamus — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to explain what people mean when they say you should read more.

At and To and With

John Adamus — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, let's talk about how we talk to or at or with our readers.

"New" and "experienced" are labels that don't matter

John Adamus — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to explain how two labels so many writers use don't actually matter.

Can you connect with someone else?

John Adamus — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about abandoning the right/wrong dynamic.

The audio-only re-do of the Writers Chat for 11-19

John Adamus — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:15:00 -0400

In this re-do of a crashed stream, I answer questions about the state of the world, webnovels as pulps, cozy mysteries, grammar, and two brothers. Lots of good stuff here.

How's that voice going?

John Adamus — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about your voice and how you can be using it do to what you want.

Are you asking questions in your exposition?

John Adamus — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about those times where you're asking the reader questions directly in the text.

11-12-24 Writers Chat

John Adamus — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:15:00 -0400

In this week's Writers Chat, I answer questions about insecurity, editors, prologues, conversations, payment plans, and genres.

How familiar are you with your genre?

John Adamus — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:30:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about genre and conventions.

You don't have to reinvent the wheel

John Adamus — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about not trying so hard to do something "new" in your writing.

We all face stairs.

John Adamus — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about my mom and some stairs.

Some disjointed thoughts on art and no one seeing it

John Adamus — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about what happens if you paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling in your garage.

Don't forget to connect to your reader

John Adamus — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about your reader and the bridge you're trying to build to them.

What kind of backstory are you writing?

John Adamus — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about the backstory you're using.

What kind of outline are you using?

John Adamus — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about your outline. Which kind are you using? Did you know about the other kind?

Your character operates with logic

John Adamus — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how your character is doing whatever they're doing.

Some options for the symphony of your opening

John Adamus — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to give you a few more options for opening your narrative that aren't dialogue.

Are you really sure about opening your work with dialogue?

John Adamus — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:30:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about that opening line your character says at the start of your story. Are you sure you want to do that?

I still don't want you worrying about pacing.

John Adamus — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I have more things to say about pacing. Stop worrying about it.

What you need to know about tension and release

John Adamus — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want talk to you about how to manipulate tension and do something with it, no matter what you're writing.

The return of the Writers Chat 10-17

John Adamus — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:45:00 -0400

The Writers Chat emerges from its long slumber to be your spot to get answers to all your creating, writing, editing, and publishing questions. In this chat, I talk about the value of art, why NCIS Origins doesn't work, why flashbacks can be boring, and how much procrastinating is "just right"

You should put some good out into the world.

John Adamus — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the power your words have.

No, I don't want you to worry about pacing.

John Adamus — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about your pacing and why it may not be the issue you're swearing that it is.

Big and little character goals

John Adamus — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the goals your character may have.

When was the last time you celebrated a win?

John Adamus — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about celebrating victories. If you've had any wins, they count.

Installing and uninstalling software in your head

John Adamus — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about what you've got in your head.

What you believe

John Adamus — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, let's talk about belief.

The danger of 77.63

John Adamus — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about seventy-seven dollars and sixty-three cents.

How to build an action scene

John Adamus — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how you're writing action beats.

How to build better dialogue and tension

John Adamus — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, let's talk about talking.

The switch you have to flip in your head

John Adamus — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the difference between thinking you're writing to make them happy and your writing making you happy.

To do lists, Costco, and your writing

John Adamus — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about getting things done and what Costco can teach us about how to do things.

Talking about haves and have nots (sort of)

John Adamus — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about some have and have nots that maybe come up in your creative process.

Please do not watch the new Matlock

John Adamus — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I would like to save you a whole hour of your life and tell you why you should avoid the new version of Matlock.

Warcraft and Writing, part 2

John Adamus — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I keep talking about the worst warlock in an MMO and how it parallels your writing journey

Warcraft and Writing, part 1

John Adamus — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the parallels between my not-so-great MMO playing and you working towards your publishing goals.

Answering "Where do I start?" part 3

John Adamus — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I conclude the three-part answer to "Where do I start?"

BONUS!! What are people looking for in your first pages?

John Adamus — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0400

In this BONUS episode, I want to talk to you about what you need to do in your first few pages, no matter what you're writing.

Answering "where do I start" part 2

John Adamus — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I continue to answer the question "Where do I start?"

Answering "Where do I start", part 1

John Adamus — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In today's episode, I answer the question "Where do I start?" which a lot of writers ask me and I feel like I don't answer clearly enough. Until now.

Are you "professional" ?

John Adamus — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about how loaded and vague the word "professional is and how you need to kick it out of your thinking as a writer.

The help goes where the help needs to go

John Adamus — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about what exactly the help you ask for from an editor looks like and how it works.

Asking for help makes a difference

John Adamus — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about asking for help with your work.

Why you don't need Nano part 2

John Adamus — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I continue to point out reasons why you need to yeet NaNo to the curb.

Why you don't need NaNoWriMo, part 1

John Adamus — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about ditching NaNo for good.

Please put your ego down a little. It's getting in the way.

John Adamus — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to remind you that you need to be open to all kinds of feedback - even the stuff that says you're maybe not as good as you think you are.

WORKSHOP AUDIO - What you need to know about Publishing

John Adamus — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:15:00 -0400

This past weekend I spoke at the virtual Story Valley Writing Conference. Here's the audio from the Sunday workshop and Q&A all about publishing.

WORKSHOP AUDIO! How to Build Characters

John Adamus — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:15:00 -0400

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to speak at the Story Valley virtual Writing Conference. Here is the audio from Saturday's panel on building characters.

Who's a good writer?

John Adamus — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to ask you to look at your definition of "good" when you talk about someone being a "good writer."

A challenge for those of you about to publish traditionally

John Adamus — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I'm issuing a challenge to any author about to publish their work traditionally and go out on submission.

What to do when your expectations aren't met

John Adamus — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to tell you about the road construction that isn't happening and how that can mean something to your writing.

The Writers Chat for 7.30

John Adamus — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:30:00 -0400

In this week's Writers Chat, it's 13 answers for 13 questions, including how to start a horror story, when you have enough beta readers, and how to prove that you're a good writer.

What to look for in a writing community or writing space

John Adamus — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the groups you join when you're a writer.

Don't rush to your end goal

John Adamus — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about why you shouldn't rush to fame you're expecting as an author.

How To Build An Audience

John Adamus — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:15:00 -0400

In this longer episode, I'd like to talk to you about building an audience.

Please ask questions

John Adamus — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the importance of asking questions.

Are you sure you need a SFW account and an NSFW account?

John Adamus — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I'd like to speak to those writers who are on the fence about making separate accounts for their SFW writing and their NSFW art.

Is serialization right for you?

John Adamus — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about Kindle Vella and serialization.

You have to do your best

John Adamus — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to remind you that you have to do your best, not your fastest.

Control your mind, not the reader

John Adamus — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the impact you can have on your reader.

Let's talk about plot twists.

John Adamus — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I have a few things to tell you about plot twists.

4 Mistakes You Might Be Making With Your Plot

John Adamus — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

in today's episode, here's the audio from yesterday's YouTube video all about mistakes in your plot

How about a marketing tip?

John Adamus — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I've got some marketing advice for you.

Are you reading carefully?

John Adamus — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about why people are always telling writers to read more.

I need you to try marketing

John Adamus — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about your approach to marketing.

How to write a book in less than forever

John Adamus — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about your writing schedule.

Say No To Hyperbole

John Adamus — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about why your preferred language for hyping up writers and books might not be helping.

So ... about that conference...

John Adamus — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the weekend I just had.

Hey, it's time to stop pants-ing

John Adamus — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about why you need to be more organized.

No, you don't want to be a short story writer

John Adamus — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about those short stories you're thinking about publishing.

I'd like you to swim upstream

John Adamus — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about chasing trends and trying to be an individual like all the other people doing the exact same stuff.

Rejection is a part of this whole endeavor

John Adamus — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I'd like to talk to those writers who are maybe thinking that the rejections they got are more personal than professional.

Don't let the naysayers stop you

John Adamus — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the people who won't like your work and how you can't let them stop you from writing.

Yes, you really need an editor, not just software

John Adamus — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about why you need a human editor and not just software to help you write your book.

You prepare as you go

John Adamus — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about preparation. I want to talk to you about this sense that you're scared of what's coming next and what to do about it.

About those 100 things you've started and never finished...

John Adamus — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In today's episode, I'd like to talk about your ever-growing pile of ideas you never work on or finish.

Get It Out Of Your Head If You Want It To Become Real

John Adamus — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to tell you that keeping your plans in your head is keeping you from accomplishing them.

I'm making a thing!

John Adamus — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's very short episode, I'm announcing work on a new project.

I need you to stop only making up your story and start feeling it too

John Adamus — Wed, 29 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how you need to do more than just make up things on the page.

Make progress in writing by writing just one sentence

John Adamus — Tue, 28 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the value of writing one sentence.

My Dinner With Capitalism

John Adamus — Mon, 27 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you briefly about my ongoing struggle with being a guy who sells things.

Theme, Part 3: Why theme needs to matter to you as a writer

John Adamus — Thu, 23 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to wrap up my thoughts on theme by pointing out why it should matter so much more to you that you have a theme and are using it effectively.

5 Things To Be A Successful Writer (listen to me when you need a boost)

John Adamus — Wed, 22 May 2024 13:15:00 -0400

In this very special episode, I want to talk to you about being successful.

Theme, Part 2: Why themes matter in publishing

John Adamus — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about why publishing (especially traditional publishing) really wants you to have themes in your work.

Theme Part 1: What is it, where does it go?

John Adamus — Tue, 21 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about what a theme is and where it goes in your story.

You need structure. I'm sorry, you just need to learn some writing basics.

John Adamus — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to those writers who say things like "I don't really have a three-act structure" or "I'm a discovery writer."

How to Organize Your Story

John Adamus — Wed, 15 May 2024 00:30:00 -0400

In this week's Writers Chat, I want to help you organize your story. From the beginning. Yes really. All the way to the finished draft.

What happened to the craft of writing lately?

John Adamus — Wed, 15 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to kinda be an old man yelling at clouds and talk about a problem I see proliferating in writing.

Is a comic writer a "real" writer?

John Adamus — Mon, 13 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about who is or isn't a real writer.

Your characters need to be challenged

John Adamus — Thu, 09 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how you're challenging your characters and why you should if you're not already.

More stuff is not necessarily cooler.

John Adamus — Wed, 08 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about that bad writer habit of not challenging your character while also giving them huge accomplishments.

Even more writing exercises to help you write better

John Adamus — Tue, 07 May 2024 14:30:00 -0400

In today's episode, I've got some writing exercises to help you organize your characters, your themes, and the depth of your story. It gets crunchy but it will help you.

Please stop making diss tracks against yourself.

John Adamus — Tue, 07 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want you to quit rap battling yourself. It's not helping. And you deserve all the help and love and support you can get.

How to organize your own continuity (landscaper edition)

John Adamus — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you (while the landscapers fly a jet out my window) about managing your work's continuity.

How to deal with continuity and big messes of story

John Adamus — Thu, 02 May 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how you find your footing in big complicated series and amid all the many moving interwoven parts.

I have a few thoughts about X-Men 97

John Adamus — Wed, 01 May 2024 12:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, can we talk about some teens?

Everything You Might Want To Know About Writing A Scene

John Adamus — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0400

In this week's stream, let's talk scenes. Here's how to build them, what goes into them, what they need, and several kinds of them.

Rejection is what you make of it.

John Adamus — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about rejection and what it means for you (and how that doesn't mean quitting)

Doubt happens, here's what you can do about it.

John Adamus — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about self-doubt.

A quick note about TikTok

John Adamus — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to ask you a question about what's next.

Give your characters some goals to help the reader feel like things matter

John Adamus — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about why your characters need goals and what that looks like for your story.

Listen to this if you want help describing things in writing

John Adamus — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:45:00 -0400

In this week's Writers Chat, we should talk about description. How to write it, what the point is, how to make it work.

Don't change your art to "what sells"

John Adamus — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to remind you why you shouldn't keep changing your art to be whatever's selling well at the moment.

There are two boxes you can fill with your attention.

John Adamus — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to tell you about the choice you face every minute of every day about what you can and what you can't control.

Join you character in the moment to help your show/tell problems.

John Adamus — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how feelings hit the page.

The value in being yourself when you market your work

John Adamus — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about your marketing. And your you-ness.

Gambits for your narrative

John Adamus — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about how you can draw the reader in only to reveal Bruce Willis is dead the whole time.

Plot, plot, plot, plot

John Adamus — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:30:00 -0400

In this week's stream (on a Monday?!) I want to talk to you about building, developing, and fixing your plot.

Your narrative and your feet

John Adamus — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk you about how stories are like dancing.

The episode with the mud puddle story

John Adamus — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to tell you about some people and a mud puddle.

Does that (fill-in-the-blank) really help me?

John Adamus — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about my inbox and what it can teach us both about how we approach our creative lives.

5 Elements Of A Scene

John Adamus — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:15:00 -0400

In this week's Chat, I want to talk to you about 5 components of what you're writing. WARNING: this one is information dense. You'll want to take some notes.

Are you paying attention, part 2

John Adamus — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I ask you a follow-up question about what else you might be paying attention to.

Are you paying attention?

John Adamus — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I ask you a simple question - are you paying attention?

You're good enough to do better.

John Adamus — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 11:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about those breaks you've been taking and the things you've been afraid of.

There isn't a wrong way to outline

John Adamus — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk you about your outline and about what it needs to do.

6 more writing exercises for you

John Adamus — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:15:00 -0400

In today's Writers Chat, I've got six more exercises and things to think about when it comes to helping your story gain better plots, characters, and worlds.

A quick note to writers on TikTok looking for advice

John Adamus — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to address writers on TikTok who are still writing their books while also taking shots of advice to the face from all corners.

How do you know when you have enough detail?

John Adamus — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how you're describing things and when enough's enough.

INTERVIEW WITH AN AUTHOR!! Erin Lodes has a book, you should read it

John Adamus — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's very special episode, I talk to an author who I've known for years about her process and her debut novel, out later this week.

For more details about Erin, head to http://linktr.ee/erinwritesthings

A writing exercise about stakes

John Adamus — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

Following up on the previous discussion of stakes, here's an exercise to help you sort out your stakes.

Your Guide to Stakes

John Adamus — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:45:00 -0400

In this week's Writers Chat I thought we should talk about stakes - what they are and aren't, how to use them, and why they matter.

I've got some vulnerability exercises for you today.

John Adamus — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I challenge you to take a look at yourself and write about what you see.

This is an episode where I encourage you to be vulnerable.

John Adamus — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I'm going to ask you to bravely take a look at yourself and use what you see to fuel your writing.

Don't worry, you're an artist.

John Adamus — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, we need to talk about what makes you an artist.

Can we talk about your worldbuilding?

John Adamus — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I bring up 3 things maybe you haven't considered when it comes to how you're building the world of your story.

A few words about show and tell and putting a movie in the reader's mind

John Adamus — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:30:00 -0400

In today's Writers Chat, I want to talk to you about Chekov, a jerk named Lubbock, showing, telling, how you express your story in the reader's imagination.

We need to have a few words (and a tool) about theme

John Adamus — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I've got a tool for you to help get your themes organized and represented in your manuscript.

David Milch has a different way of thinking about characters.

John Adamus — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how David Milch sees characters.

We're going to talk about talking.

John Adamus — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, let's have a dialogue about your dialogue.

Would you like 6 writing exercises?

John Adamus — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:45:00 -0400

Here's the audio from today's 2 HOUR workshop covering some basic writing exercises and tools for telling your story better.

How to describe things.

John Adamus — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to answer one of the most basic writing questions - How do you describe something to the reader?

It's important to change focus from time to time.

John Adamus — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about a shift in my thinking.

A chatless Writers Chat for 3.5

John Adamus — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0400

In this week's pre-recorded Writers Chat, I'm answering questions about genres, tension, organizing your story, publishing decisions, marketing, sales figures, and bad mental health days.

Talking about questions and diving boards

John Adamus — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to you think about the questions you ask, and if you've ever been on a diving board.

When I get stuck, should I write something new?

John Adamus — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the downsides and upsides of starting something new when you're not sure what to write.

Perfect is dull.

John Adamus — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about how dull things can be when they're perfect.

Think about your characters and your reader

John Adamus — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 12:15:00 -0400

In today's episode (sorry it's out late), I want to talk to you about characters and readers.

A low-key chill Writers Chat for 2.27

John Adamus — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:45:00 -0400

In this week's Writers Chat, I answer questions about being overwhelmed, finishing your work, some fundamental starting points, and immune systems.

One of the most dangerous things ever.

John Adamus — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about some dangerous that we should all stop accepting as normal and good and right.

What's your age again?

John Adamus — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about the person on the other end of you book.

A story about someone in their own way

John Adamus — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

Be your best self.

A comprehensive and varied Writers Chat for 2.20

John Adamus — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:45:00 -0400

In this week's Writers Chat, I answer questions about: getting dropped by a publisher; what to do with Larry the wizard; naming gods; handling your back catalogue; skipping query letters, and why I do what I do.

Talking about bad habits.

John Adamus — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to bring up some bad habits, what to do about them, and trying to put an eye on your own.

Here's why you should care

John Adamus — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about a question a lot of writers ask themselves.

Who's in charge here?

John Adamus — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to tell you about spicy paninis. Or something.

A very heartfelt Writers Chat for 2.14.

John Adamus — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:30:00 -0400

In this week's Writers Chat, I talk about why GoodReads and the "spicy" label are garbage; how to market your work; how to take writing more seriously; how to help other people take your writing more seriously; how to use a pen name; what makes YA a YA; and flesh swords.

BYOB - Be Your Own Boss

John Adamus — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I'd like to invite you to be your own boss and do your writing job.

You, your publisher, and marketing

John Adamus — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to answer that "what do you mean I have to do my own marketing?" question from social media.

And now, a message from a sick day.

John Adamus — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I'm sick.

Looking for the interconnectedness of all your creative things.

John Adamus — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about how creative fields all blend and swirl together and what we can learn about ourselves through them.

The Writers Chat of 2.6 where I remembered to record audio

John Adamus — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:45:00 -0400

Here is the audio for the Writers Chat of 2.6. In this week's Chat, I talked about manuscript length, writing romance, being a hobby writer, learning the elements of writing, helping people write better, hashtags, and social media.

A quick trip down a nerdy memory lane.

John Adamus — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I'd like to talk to you about the early 2000s and some things that both are and aren't that important.

Don't let words be fast food

John Adamus — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to tell you about fast food. And writing.

Creativity is risky, do it anyway

John Adamus — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk to you about some risks in being a creative and what to do about any of them.

Not quite a whole Chat, but it's pretty good.

John Adamus — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

So I forgot to record the Chat audio. If you're looking for the Chat, it's up on YouTube. What I've got for you today is a few selected questions with better answers.

Bringing your past up to your present for your future

John Adamus — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to tell you a story about what I used to do and what I'm doing again.

Marketing is a conversation, so be a person

John Adamus — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, we should talk about marketing. And risk. And vulnerability. And being a person.

Every Sentence Is A Camera Part 3: Part 5: Exposition and Description

John Adamus — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

And here we are at the very end of ESIAC, where we talk about what is normally the most visual part of the process. So of course I'm going to cover it in a non-visual medium. Today I want to talk to you about arranging sentences and focusing your reader.

Every Sentence Is A Camera Part 3:: Part 4:: Voice (long title!)

John Adamus — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's podcast I want to talk to you about voice and load you up with a few things to think about as we distinguish not only character voices but also narrative and authorial voices. Yeah, this one's kind of a lot.

Every Sentence Is A Camera 3: Part 3: Mood

John Adamus — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In our continuing discussions about how every sentence should be a camera for the reader to put a movie in their mind, I'm going to talk to you about a writing intangible: mood and how it's like air.

A thankfully problem free-ish Writers Chat for 1.23

John Adamus — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0400

In this week's Writers Chat I talk about setting goals, writing experts, narrative risk, planning sequels, and trying new holes.

Every Sentence Is A Camera 3, Part 2: Pacing

John Adamus — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

I've got to figure out a better naming convention for this series. In today's episode we continue ESIAC by talking about pacing.

Every Sentence Is A Camera 3, part 1: Dialogue

John Adamus — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I talk about what the plan is for a week of podcasting as well as helping you improve your dialogue.

Do your best work.

John Adamus — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

It's time to talk about doing your best, when and where and why.

Your premise can be a shovel, it's okay

John Adamus — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

Let's talk about shovels and premises and complexity.

A Writers Chat without music but still a good one for January 16th

John Adamus — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0400

In this week's Chat I talk about comparing yourself to other people, organizing your ideas, flash fiction, and how to arrange sensory information, among other things. This one's a good one.

About that George Carlin AI thing...

John Adamus — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I have some feelings about making George Carlin into some AI garbage.

After a conversation I had with a writer who loves AI...

John Adamus — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

Getting back to work after a cold, in today's episode I tell you about a conversation I had last week.

An update about episodes this week

John Adamus — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0400

I've got a cold. There's a Chat today, no workshop tonight, and everything gets back on track next week.

Listen to this if your family doesn't "get" you

John Adamus — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, Vin Diesel and I remind you that you make art for you and not everyone's going to understand it.

Have you thought about editing lately?

John Adamus — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to your about what editing is and what it isn't ... and how you should be paying for it.

Remind me why we listen to booktube?

John Adamus — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

So ... booktube ... is that helping anyone?

Everything you might possibly want to know about themes.

John Adamus — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 20:30:00 -0400

In tonight's workshop, I talk about themes. What they are, what they aren't, how to do anything with them, and how to use them effectively.

Opening 2024 with a delightful Writers Chat

John Adamus — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 14:45:00 -0400

In today's Writer Chat I talk about growth curves, meet-cutes, meet-sads, revision, and how editors make deadlines. It was great to be back to Chat.

A great episode to start 2024 with

John Adamus — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0400

Hey look, it's a new year. Let's talk about writing.

Get ready for 2024 with this episode

John Adamus — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Here we are at the end of 2023. How are your sleeves?

How are your expectations doing?

John Adamus — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, we need to talk about your expectations.

Having a voice and using it

John Adamus — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about your voice.

The pre-end-of-year housekeeping episode

John Adamus — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I tell you what to expect.

What to do when something you believed about yourself isn't true

John Adamus — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to tell you about how a discovery I made is changing about 99% of what I planned for 2024.

How to build threat and make characters work a little

John Adamus — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about threats and challenges but talking to you about a chicken.

The action-packed final Writers Chat of 2023 (see you in 2024)

John Adamus — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:15:00 -0400

In today's Chat, the last of the year, I answer some great questions about popular books, writing dialogue, making RPGs, word count, and being better than not-good-enough.

This is the final Writers Chat of 2023, the Chat will be back in 2024.

Setting goals that you'll actually accomplish

John Adamus — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

How do we run marathons? One step at a time.

Here are 2 things I'd like you to stop doing at the end of the year

John Adamus — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

At the end of every year, writers congregate for two performative exercises. Here's why you shouldn't do either of them.

BONUS EPISODE!! Give this to writers who are struggling with traditional publishing

John Adamus — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Hey, if you're a writer dealing with traditional publishing and you're having a hard time, this one is for you. And when you want some help (FOR FREE) come check out johnhelpsyouwritebetter.com

Why does it matter how fast you're going?

John Adamus — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

And now, a few words for the "it's taking too long to do this" crowd.

How to set some goals that aren't ridiculous

John Adamus — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Let's take a few minutes today to talk about how you're setting yourself up to succeed or fail.

A packed full of thought Writers Chat for 12.12

John Adamus — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 15:15:00 -0400

In today's Chat I talked about being in your own way, how to build cyberpunk, how to revise, and why Emily Mortimer is kind of a trope.

Work on yourself to work on your goals

John Adamus — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to bring up the idea of you being more than your goals.

Amazon is a company town

John Adamus — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Hey, have you thought about the big giant publisher everyone insists on using?

Listen to this one if you're worried what people will say about what you're writing

John Adamus — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Hi. Can we talk for a second about those people how always seem to have an opinion about you and what you're doing?

Two editorial philosophies

John Adamus — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to tell about two of the ways editors think about whatever a writer is writing. These aren't the only ways, they're just two common ones.

A technically imperiled Writers Chat for 12.5

John Adamus — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:45:00 -0400

Okay so this is version 1 (there are 3 versions recorded now) of the Writers Chat for 12.5. If this version sounds terrible, let me know, and I'll put up a different version. So many technical errors plagued today's stream. Hopefully this works.

No, you STILL don't want AI involved

John Adamus — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to again point out some reasons why AI is the worst idea possible for your creative effort.

The trouble with reviews and hostages

John Adamus — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk a little about one-star reviews, the dipsticks who leave them, and what they mean to you as a writer.

The problem with publisher nonsense, part 2

John Adamus — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, let's continue our conversation about what happens when everyone accepts a lower bar than they should.

The problem with unacceptable publisher nonsense, part 1

John Adamus — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I want to talk a little bit about the cycle of production and the tolerance for poor effort.

The one question Chat from 11.28

John Adamus — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Oh boy was this audio a pain to get out. Technical issues abound, but here's some audio for you. I hope you like it.

Setting Goals vs Settling

John Adamus — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I need to talk to you about goal setting and your effort in reaching those goals.

Don't handwave your big payoff away

John Adamus — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk about the garbage that is a third-act handwave. Thanks to Doctor Who for trashing its ending so I had something to talk about.

A music-less Chat for 11.21

John Adamus — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:30:00 -0400

Due to a weird technical thing I haven't fixed yet, there's no music bed with this week's Chat, which is weird, I know. I'll fix it. But for now, today, let's talk about amateurs, professionals, cursing, NaNo, failure, expectations, and forewords.

Don't overthink your reviews.

John Adamus — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Give yourself 5 stars.

How Andor Can Help You Write Better

John Adamus — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 20:30:00 -0400

I love Andor. I think it's time we talk about how it can help you write better.

A word about growth and evolution

John Adamus — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

I tried watching some TV, then this podcast happened

Let's talk about superfans, part 2

John Adamus — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Today I wrap up the 2-parter on superfans.

Let's talk about superfans, part 1

John Adamus — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Do you know what a superfan is?

The Writers Chat of 11/14, the one you've been waiting for

John Adamus — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:30:00 -0400

And in today's Chat, I talk a lot about: believing yourself, the difference between a pimp and a gatekeeper, knowing when you're done, and why you should eat all your burger and fries.

How's your safety net looking?

John Adamus — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

This one time I went to the circus and years later I do this for a living.

Have you looked at your expectations lately?

John Adamus — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Today seems like a fine day to check in with your expectations.

How do you spend your time?

John Adamus — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Have you ever looked at your schedule?

Sometimes it's okay to do different

John Adamus — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I have some thoughts about shaking up how you approach what you're doing.

A fun-filled Writers Chat for 11.7

John Adamus — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0400

In this week's thrilling Writers Chat, I talk about: NaNoWriMo, publishing costs, breaking down stories, editing, and writer nostalgia.

A story about some puppets

John Adamus — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Let me tell you about the time I was interested in some puppets.

The problem with puzzling vs plotting vs pantsing

John Adamus — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I have a few things to say about all the different divides we have about how to write a story. This one goes to some places. Strap in.

Answering a question about character movement

John Adamus — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Here today for you I have a question that didn't make this week's Chat - how do you handle characters moving so frequently from place to place? (Hint: it's not as complicated as some people make it)

How does your writer garden grow?

John Adamus — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In today's episode I have a few things to say about how we get better as writers.

A particularly vulnerable but not necessarily spooky Writers Chat for 10.31

John Adamus — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:30:00 -0400

In this week's Chat, I talk about publishing via blogpost, trusting yourself creatively, writing while depressed, how much of an asshole I used to be, and a few horror movies to help you write better

Impressionism vs realism in writing styles

John Adamus — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Hey, can we talk about how you describe stuff?

Listen to this if you're worried that you're taking too long or you're not good enough as a writer

John Adamus — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

NOTE: this one is a little on the long side (1 hr, 40ish minutes), but I think this is going to help you if you're the sort of writer who has plenty of reasons to tell the world why you're having trouble why you're not good enough. Here's how to get better.

A very believe-in-yourself installment of the Writers Chat for 10.24

John Adamus — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:00:00 -0400

In today's episode I talk a lot about what it means to be good enough, why I don't want to be an agent, how to market things, why no one should care about speed, and whether or not there's a muse. This is a good episode. You'll like it.

What's your relationship with time like?

John Adamus — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk to you about time. This episode is particularly good for people who often think they're not writing fast enough or doing enough or that they need to be doing more in less time in order to be "good enough."

Listen to this episode when you feel like you're out of options.

John Adamus — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I talk about resistance, fear, and how you're good enough to do more than exhaust yourself.

BONUS CHAT QUESTION - What's the action economy look like?

John Adamus — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode I talk about the action economy and how it's just not for big climaxes.

What does "good" mean?

John Adamus — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk about how you define what's "good" from wasn't.

Let's talk about 5 MS-stakes (get it?) you're possibly making in your writing.

John Adamus — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 20:45:00 -0400

Here are 5 things you might be doing in your work and what to do about them.

A very writer-facing Writers Chat for 10.17

John Adamus — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:00:00 -0400

In today's chat, I talk about believing in yourself, starting over, being in first person, bokeh, beta readers, ARC readers, throwing a hissy fit on social media, and being very busy.

Focus, focus, focus

John Adamus — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, let's talk about focus.

Can we say a few words to and about our fears?

John Adamus — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Let's put words to our fears and see what that does for our creativity.

Art and Audience, part 5: how to engage

John Adamus — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

We wrap up our series on art and audience by looking at how exactly we build this audience we wanted.

Art and Audience, part 4: The Terms Of Service

John Adamus — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Time to talk about part 4 of our series, where we set up our own terms of service.

Art, Audience, and the Relationship: Speaking Up

John Adamus — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Here's part 3 in our on-going series about art and the audience.

A riotous and personally fulfilling Writers Chat for 10.10

John Adamus — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:45:00 -0400

This week on the Chat I talk about protests, publishing faults, beating Amazon, believing in yourself, fighting overthinking, and the fact that the 1980s are historical fiction.

Art and relationships, part 2: Common Ground

John Adamus — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Continuing our series on developing relationships with the reader through our art, here's part 2 where I'm talking about the importance of common ground.

Art and relationship, part 1

John Adamus — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

It's time to dive into art a little deeper than before.

Is your work 100 pounds?

John Adamus — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 07:30:00 -0400

In today's episode, let me ask you what your work weighs.

Give yourself permission to market your work

John Adamus — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

I promise that you're wrong about being bad at marketing.

Why no one should care about your spaceship

John Adamus — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Another day, another pointless binary debate in the Writing space...

A technically challenged Writers Chat for 10.3

John Adamus — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:45:00 -0400

In today's Chat - the Stream Deck crashes, I talk about agents, foreshadowing, and writers who don't finish their work.

Feed your artist, don't starve them

John Adamus — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Today I want to talk about the myth of the starving artist.

4 kinds of Newsletters You Need To know

John Adamus — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400

So, you want to know a few things about newsletters?

Just be a person who writes, not a "Writer"

John Adamus — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Two things about this episode:

It's a surprise interruption to the regular content schedule
I'm not sure anyone reads the show notes.

Find the limits of your fears

John Adamus — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

You know all those things you're afraid of? Have you thought about talking through them?

Bad doesn't mean not good enough

John Adamus — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Today, let's tackle the idea that we're bad at something ... especially when we're not really bad at it.

POWERED BY DESCRIPT. (For the best podcast recording and editing experience - as easily as editing a text file, use Descript)

A bold new one question Writers Chat for 9.26

John Adamus — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:30:00 -0400

So ... how about we just answer 1 question? It's a big one. I think you're going to like it.

POWERED BY DESCRIPT - For all your podcast needs from production to editing and recording, try Descript. As easy as editing text, you can create a podcast.

And now, a word about a thing I do...

John Adamus — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

If you're looking for even more writing advice and help putting your stories out into the world, can I interest you in a little Patreon goodness? http://patreon.com/johnhelpsyouwritebetter

Writing is hard, don't give up

John Adamus — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

I had a conversation last week about writing being hard. Here's why that's okay. And here's my challenge to you - keep doing it.

let's talk about writing rituals

John Adamus — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0400

In today's podcast, I want to talk about writing rituals. Do you have one? Is it helping?

No your reader isn't stupid

John Adamus — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Your reader continues to be smart. And you don't need to try so hard to impress them.

It's not clickbait, but here are 3 words you can cut from your MS.

John Adamus — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I've got a few words that don't need to be in your manuscript.

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A very marketing oriented Writers Chat for 9.19

John Adamus — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 11:15:00 -0400

In this week's audio-only Writers Chat, there are questions about marketing engagement, audience shock, name changes, SFF publishing, and Substack Terms of Service.

This one got more business-y than expected.

Why do you get stuck on your failures?

John Adamus — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

How do you think about failure?

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How do you measure success?

John Adamus — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

In today's episode, I want to talk about success.

PATREON - http://patreon.com/johnhelpsyouwritebetter

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Oh heavens no, don't be unrealistic (gasp!)

John Adamus — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Okay, can we stop trying so hard to be realistic please?

Saying more about "writing what you know"

John Adamus — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

POWERED BY DESCRIPT Today let's go back to talking about writing what you know and why it's maybe not the best maxim to write by.

Your voice is your greatest tool for your work

John Adamus — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

More than your software or your coffee or your genre or your outline, no single tool is going to help you be the writer you want to be (or the writer you're capable of being) like your voice will.

It's so important that you're curious

John Adamus — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

You've got to bring curiosity to your work. Here's why.

Marketing Day 5: How To Market Effectively

John Adamus — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

The last day of marketing week, so let's give you one thing to think about going forward

Marketing Day 4: A Marketing Strategy For You

John Adamus — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

More Marketing than you can shake a stick at. Here's a strategy to employ.

A congested Writers Chat for the week of 9-6

John Adamus — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:15:00 -0400

Welcome to my kitchen, let's have a Writers Chat.

Marketing Day 3: marketing as an opportunity

John Adamus — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Marketing week marches on. Is Marketing an opportunity?

Marketing Day 2: Marketing isn't sleazy

John Adamus — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

More marketing week goodness. Let's answer the question -- "Is marketing sleazy?"

Marketing Day 1: Marketing is a Conversation

John Adamus — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400

It's Marketing week! So let's start with what marketing is and what it isn't.

So you want to build a world for your story...

John Adamus — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 20:45:00 -0400

In this workshop, it's all about worldbuilding. How do you make a world more than just some object descriptions? How do you tie your world to your characters and plot? Find all that and more in a little over one hour.

A contemplative and honest Writers Chat for 8/29

John Adamus — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0400

In this week's Writers Chat I talk about discipline, switching genres, publishing speed, believing in yourself, book pricing, and writing communities.

TIP THE PODCAST - https://johnhelpsyouwritebetter.captivate.fm/support

Let's dive back into Fantasy

John Adamus — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 21:15:00 -0400

POWERED BY DESCRIPT. Ages ago I talked about the narrative construction for fantasy. How about we dive deeper and talk about spots to pay attention to as well as red flags?

The power hour-ish Writers Chat of 8.22

John Adamus — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:15:00 -0400

Powered by Descript, the best way to record a podcast, ever! In today's Chat I talk about Batman, Dave Matthews Band, genres, innovation, fear, bad habits, and passive voice.

It's important that you say something.

John Adamus — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:15:00 -0400

You're writing whatever you're writing, creating whatever you're creating - but are you saying anything? Here's why that's so important.

How are you taking care of yourself?

John Adamus — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:45:00 -0400

A question about titles and originality

John Adamus — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Why are you in a hurry?

John Adamus — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Have you ever thought about why you're going so quickly? Or wanting to? You got somewhere to be?

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The Writers Chat of 8.15: A Chat of business and design

John Adamus — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 15:30:00 -0400

Don't look now, but this Writers Chat covers things like agents, newsletters, social media engagement, syllables, and large battles.

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The power of a feedback loop

John Adamus — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:15:00 -0400

Today I want to talk about how you talking to and about yourself.

So let's talk about customers real quick....

John Adamus — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:30:00 -0400