Stop polishing your first paragraph into oblivion. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we split your process into two clean modes: Author Brain for discovery and Editor Brain for decision—used at different times for different jobs. You’ll hear a live “before/after” paragraph where we draft messy, then run a tight verbs-and-cuts pass that sharpens pace and tension without killing momentum. We’ll also set up a simple 30-minute loop you can run twice to produce real pages today.
You’ll learn:
The core jobs of Author Brain (invent) vs. Editor Brain (select)
Why separating them in time stops stalls and unlocks flow
The TK tactic and “Again:” restart to keep drafting forward
How a verbs-and-cuts pass lifts energy, clarity, and pace fast
The one-line scene change test to confirm forward motion
Stop waiting for motivation. Start acting from identity. In this mindset kickoff for Master Fiction Writing, we shift the sentence that runs your day from “I want to write a book” to “I’m a person who writes.” You’ll hear a simple, athlete-style routine (warm-up, reps, cooldown), examples, and a 10-minute drill that makes writing easier to start than to avoid.
You’ll learn:
Why identity beats motivation for consistent pages
The 3 design levers: place, time, trigger
A tiny training loop: warm-up → reps → cooldown
How to separate Author Brain (draft) from Editor Brain (revise)
The Minimum Viable Session: 10 minutes or 100 words—streaks over heroics
The Creative ID Card: I write [genre] on [days] at [time/place] for [minutes] because [why]
By the end, you’ll have a posted Creative ID Card, two sessions on your calendar, and tomorrow’s first 'ugly' line already typed!
Your novel’s bookends do the heavy lifting. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we pair Step 16 (Writing the Opening Scene) and Step 17 (Writing the Closing Scene) to help you start with momentum and finish with meaning. You’ll learn what a scene is (and why something must change every time), how to centre your protagonist’s thoughts and feelings, and a simple timer method to draft three different openings and three different endings - fast. Then we “mirror test” your bookends so the final scene proves the belief shift you promise on page one.
You’ll learn:
The four-beat scene engine: Want → Friction → Choice → Change
How to draft rough, 5–10 page scene sketches using TK placeholders
Three alternative ways to start (and end) the same story—by design
The “rhyme, don’t repeat” rule for opening/closing scenes that land
Leave with a clear opening, a true ending, and a direction for everything in between.
Outlining doesn’t have to strangle your creativity—or leave you drowning in spreadsheets. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we introduce The Inside Outline: a fast, 2–3 page method that pairs each major Scene (what happens) with its Point (why it matters to your protagonist). The result? A plot that moves and a character arc that means something.
You’ll hear how to build 10–15 Scene/Point pairs, link them with clean cause-and-effect (“because of that…”), and pressure-test the outline so stakes rise, tension builds, and the story delivers on genre promises. We’ll walk through examples—romance, and thriller—so you can hear exactly how to do it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The Scene/Point pairing that keeps plot and emotion glued together
How to use “because of that…” to create momentum (not coincidence)
A quick 8-question stress test for your outline’s stakes, pacing, and arc
Ways to turn your Inside Outline into scenes, revisions, and a query-ready synopsis
Leave with a living map you can actually write from: short, sharp, and tied to why your story matters.
Plotting doesn’t have to feel like wrangling an octopus into a cardigan. In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we turn to Pixar’s Story Spine - seven simple prompts that reveal your story’s engine: who we meet, what upends the status quo, how cause-and-effect escalates, where the climax hits, and what the change means. We unpack each beat (from “Once upon a time…” to “And ever since that day…”) and keep things focused with just two “Because of that…” moves to force clean causality. You’ll hear quick, recognisable examples and leave with a concise spine you can expand into scenes—without drowning in index cards.
You’ll learn:
How to define your story’s “normal,” inciting incident, and rising consequences
Why limiting yourself to two causal beats sharpens momentum
How to aim your climax at your character’s internal shift
How to land an emotionally clear resolution
How much time passes between Page 1 and “The End” - and where, exactly, do you begin and finish? In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we pair Step 12 (Story Timeline) and Step 13 (Opening & Closing) to shape your novel’s container and its proof of change. You’ll learn how to define your story present (the “now” of your narrative), pick a time span that supports tension, and design opening/closing scenes that mirror each other to reveal transformation.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What “story present” is—and why tense and chronology aren’t the same thing
How different time containers (day, season, year, decades) change pacing and stakes
The “mirror technique” for opening/closing scenes that land emotionally
Common pitfalls (timeline mush, flashback overload, soft starts) and quick fixes
Mini exercises to name your container and draft before/after snapshots
Leave with a clear time frame, a purposeful opening, and a closing image that proves how your protagonist changes.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the intricacies of narrative voice and perspective, focusing on the importance of point of view (POV) and time stance in storytelling.
We'll discuss various narrative techniques, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical exercises to help writers refine their craft.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of choosing the right protagonist for your story, emphasising the need for a single human centre that readers can connect with, the distinction between external wants and internal needs, and the significance of crafting tailored opposition to enhance conflict.
We'll also cover the role of point of view in storytelling and provides practical exercises for writers to refine their narratives.
In this episode, we'll delve into the intricacies of world building, establishing clear rules and consequences, and ensuring that characters and their motivations are relatable to readers.
Practical exercises are provided to help writers create immersive worlds that enhance their narratives without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.
We'll also highlight common pitfalls to avoid in world building, encouraging writers to focus on realism and character-driven storytelling.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of identifying your ideal reader in the writing process, how understanding your audience can enhance the emotional connection of your story - and making it more impactful.
By focusing on a specific reader rather than trying to please everyone, writers can create stories that resonate deeply and fulfil the needs of their audience.
We'll also highlight the significance of envisioning the reader's experience and the potential impact of the book on their lives.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll delve into the critical step of choosing a genre in the story development process. We'll explain the importance of genre in guiding creative choices, setting reader expectations, and categorising stories effectively. We'll also cover major genres and their subgenres, the nuances of literary versus commercial fiction, and addresses common questions writers have about genre classification.
Remember that while genre selection is essential, it doesn't have to be rigid and can evolve as the story develops!
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the significance of choosing a working title in the story development process.
A working title helps writers transition from vague ideas to a more concrete narrative, and the episode also includes practical exercises for generating strong titles that resonate with the story.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore Step 4 of the Story Development process: writing your book’s jacket copy before the book is even written.
It might sound backwards, but crafting jacket copy early can sharpen your story’s focus, clarify the promise you’re making to readers, and help you stay on track as you write. We’ll break down what makes jacket copy work (and what doesn’t), why this step matters so much more than just marketing, and how to write 250 words that capture the heart, stakes, and soul of your story.
This episode will help you shift perspective from “writer” to “reader” and give you a powerful tool to guide your next draft.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we explore Step 3 of the Story Development process: What’s the Plot?
Forget sprawling outlines or complex twists. This stage is all about simplicity. You’ll learn how to write a short, clear, and purposeful summary of your story in just 50 words or less. Think of it as your story’s spine: the who, the what, and the why all tied back to your point.
Discover why simplifying your plot at this early stage helps you build a stronger, more flexible foundation and how to avoid the all-too-common trap of overcomplicating before your story is ready.
Whether you’re outlining your novel or revising one, this episode will help you strip your story down to what really matters.
If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through a novel draft wondering what it’s really about, this episode is for you.
In the second instalment of my Story Development series, I explore Step 2 of the Blueprint for a Book: What’s Your Point? This is where your story starts to take shape around something deeper - a belief, a truth, an argument you’re making about the world.
You’ll learn why every story is, at heart, trying to prove something, why clichés aren’t the enemy, and how one simple sentence can become the emotional compass for your entire book. Whether you’re writing about magical cakes or dystopian rebellions, this step will help you root your story in meaning.
Tune in to discover how to name the soul of your novel - and why that matters more than you think.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I'll introduce the importance of understanding the 'why' behind writing a book.
Before delving into plot or character, writers must explore their personal connection to the story. This foundational step is crucial for creating meaningful narratives that resonate with readers.
I'll encourage you to reflect on your motivations and the emotional stakes involved in your storytelling, ultimately guiding you to write with purpose and depth.
If you're curious about working with me, head on over to my website at https://www.thebookcoach.co
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I discuss the often daunting process of revising a manuscript.
I outline a five-step approach to help writers manage revision overwhelm, emphasising the importance of starting with a high-level read, creating a prioritised revision plan, setting manageable goals, seeking constructive feedback, and celebrating progress.
And a message from Alexandra Vasailaros touch on the transformative power of writing through personal crises, encouraging writers to embrace their raw emotions as a source of creativity.
You’re a few chapters in. The world is taking shape. Your characters are alive. And then... nothing. You’re stuck.
In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we tackle one of the most common (and demoralising) parts of the writing process: what to do when your novel grinds to a halt.
Whether the problem is craft, mindset, or something in between, I share my hard-won insights to help you move forward with confidence. Expect practical guidance, emotional support, and the reminder that being stuck doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong - it means you care enough to get it right.
Find out more about my services here: https://www.thebookcoach.co/
Welcome to Master Fiction Writing!
In this conversation, Alexandra Vassilaros shares her journey as a writer and workshop founder, emphasising the transformative power of writing workshops, particularly in the context of grief and loss.
She discusses her Make Meaning Workshop, which helps participants explore their emotions and experiences through writing.
We delve into the importance of vulnerability, self-expression, and the challenges of self-censorship in writing.
Alexandra also offers insights into character development and the significance of diverse perspectives in storytelling, ultimately encouraging writers to embrace their authentic voices and tell their truths on paper.
Find more about the Make Meaning Workshop here.
Find out more about my book coaching services here.
Ugh - the blank page. Daunting at times, so I'll discuss the challenges and processes of writing fiction and memoirs, emphasising the importance of starting with curiosity rather than perfection, nurturing your protagonist, building the emotional core of your story, and finding a writing process that works for you.
I encourage you to embrace the messiness of the beginning, to write without fear, and to enjoy the journey of storytelling.
If you'd like help getting your story started, check out my website and the Story Development service.
