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How our characters react to situations reveals a lot about them. If exposed to a threat, do your characters fight or flee? Are they brave or cowardly? What physiological, physical, emotional, rational and irrational responses occur in the moment? All of this helps to build a vivid image of your character in the minds of readers.  In this week’s episode, we unpack how reactions characterize. We look at reaction of your POV character when exposed to external stimuli and how other characters react to your POV character. Additionally, we analyse three levels of reactions in their appropriate order and study a wonderful example from popular literature.  Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: How reactions characterize The three stages of reaction Examples from literature   For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com    Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

What we say and how we say it reveals a lot about our characters. The most memorable, engaging characters all have one thing in common – a unique voice that stands out from the crowd. Think of the most amazing lines from literature and popular culture. They helped to etch the character into our hearts and minds forever.  In this episode we explore the use of dialogue as a tool to characterize indirectly. We look at how dialogue characterizes and how to use it effectively in your own writing. Then, we sift through literature to find dialogue gems that exemplify the technique.  Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: How dialogue characterizes How to use dialogue in our stories Examples from literature   For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com    Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US  

Life is filled with action. We are what we do after all. The characters we create are no different. What a character does – their habits, mannerisms, nervous ticks, the way they move tells us a lot about them. This is one of the techniques of indirect characterization.  In this episode, we explore the first method of indirect characterization – action, and why it is so effective at revealing character. Then we look at how to write character using action, and as a bonus I share a great distinction between strong verbs and weak verbs to help this process along.    Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: Definition of Indirect Characterization Difference between Strong and Weak Verbs How to Write Character Using Action Examples from Literature   For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com    Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

To be one of the best author’s in the game, you must arm yourself with the tools of the trade. An essential tool is the Direct Characterization Method. It is a fairly straightforward technique, but many struggle to pull it off the way they should. This makes for poor writing. By improving your abilities to use the technique, you can stand out amongst the myriad of mediocre authors.  In this week’s episode we unpack all things Direct Method including a recap of the definition and a look at methods you can use to improve your own character creation. I share some brilliant examples from literature and why they work so well.    Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: Definition of Direct Characterization How to Use Direct Characterization in Your Writing Examples of the Direct Method From Liteturature   For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com    Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US   Let’s Dance by David Bowie© 1983 David Bowie ℗ 1983 Original Sound Recordings Made by David Bowie Under Licence to EMI America Records a Division Of Capitol Records, Inc.https://www.discogs.com/David-Bowie-Lets-Dance/release/1771473 

Ever heard the saying Story is about interesting things that happen to interesting characters? No? Well, I made it up, but it is no less true. In everyday life the stories we tell are about something that has happened to us or someone else, and our responses to those events.  If you want to master storytelling, you must master the art of creating characters – enter characterization. In this episode, we define characterization in the literary sense and explore the two main methods of characterizing with examples from well-known books.    Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: A definition of characterization Two methods of characterizing Practical examples of characterization from literary text   For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com    Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Nothing shows your authorial flex as much as pulling of a shocking, masterful plot twist that blows your readers’ minds. Hindsight is 20/20 and it is easy to see them coming from a mile away once they are revealed, but crafting the buggers is not that easy. In this episode, we explore the top 5 best plot twist types and detail how you can go about writing them so you can spice up that plot and get to the blowing of minds part.    Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: An definition of Plot Twists Top 5 Plot Twist Types How To Write Plot Twists   For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com    Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_USLet’s Twist Again by Chubby Checker | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh8eb_ACLl8Writers: Kal Mann, Dave Appell. Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupLicenced to UMG (on behalf of ABKCO Music and Records, Inc.); AMRA, LatinAutor, Spirit℗ 2005 ABKCO Music & Records Inc. Released on: 1961-01-01

Plot gaps or plot holes can send your readers running for the hills faster than mad axeman on Halloween. As authors, we love our work. It is a sacred part of us that we share with the world, but it is true what they say: love makes us blind.  In this episode, we explore my five worst plot gap tropes in the literature that have the power to tank your hard work. We explore what a plot gap is and how to avoid or correct it in your writing, so you produce the highest quality, consistent story possible.   Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: The definition of a plot gap The top five worst plot gap tropes How to avoid and correct plot gaps   For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com    Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Writing highly effective subplots have eluded many authors. If your story's feel flat and something is missing from your plot, it is most likely some great subplots. There are many reasons it improves your writing, and a few sure ways to write killer subplots. In this episode, we explore what a subplot is, what the six reasons it improves your writing are, and how you can write better subplots that will make your story shine that much brighter.     Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: An understanding of Subplot Six Reasons Subplot Improves Your Novel How to Write Subplots  For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com  Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Plotting a novel can get complicated, fast. Plot can be as simple as beginning, middle or end. Alternatively, you can use complicated plot structures that make your literature professor salivate. There a plenty of resources out there to help you improve the way you plot your novel, but rarely do aspiring authors get to ask questions about plot with which we really struggle. This week’s episode is structured as a question and answer forum. I scoured the internet, social media and picked the brains of fellow aspiring authors for the questions they wished they could ask. Then I provide answers from my research and own writing practice.    Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: A deeper understanding of plot Common challenges author’s experience with plot How to overcome plot challenges   For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com  Additional Resources: How to Write A Damn Good Novel I and II by James N. Frey Plot and Structure Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot that Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell  Outlining Your Novel by K.M. Weiland Structuring Your Novel: Essentials for Writing an Outstanding Story by K.M. Weiland The Anatomy Of Story: 22 Steps To Becoming A Master Storyteller By John Truby Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

The Wheel of Time is one of the most famous and well-written epic fantasy adventures in history. It is my favourite series and is a treasure trove of knowledge. Barbara Baig, a master creative writing teacher and prodigious writer herself, advised that we should learn from the best and when it comes to fantasy few can top Robert Jordan.  In this episode, we review the elements of plot and use the Wheel of Time Book 1: Eye of the World to analyse the lessons on plot.   Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: Definitions of Story and Plot The Elements of Plot How to Create An Exceptional Plot: Eye of the World Case Study For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com  Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US TulpaTea for Twohttps://soundcloud.com/chilltulpa/tulpa-tea-for-two 

We have fallen in love with fictional characters. They have been our family, our friends, our lovers, our fantasies. In some instances, we loathe them, but regardless of how we feel they are etched into our memories for all eternity.  Character is central to fictional writing. You need compelling characters in your works, like you need air to breathe. Without it, our writing will be like you – dead. In this episode, I run down the list of my top ten fictional characters of all time and share the secret ingredients that make than so unforgettable.   Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: The key ingredients to writing unforgettable fictional characters List of my top 10 fictional characters What makes these characters so compelling  Additional Resources: For more details on the individual ingredients that make up unforgettable characters check out my blog post on the topic Dissecting What Makes Fictional Characters Unforgettable.Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US Audio Clip:The MatrixWarner Brothers Pictureshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12u1nA7bXzc

Ever have a staring contest with a blank page hoping this time will be different, only to lose for the umpteenth time? Many aspiring authors experience the ill-fated Writer’s Block on their author’s journey. I have had my moments and there a few things more frustrating.  Over the years, I have collected some brainstorming techniques that help me bust even the biggest of slumps. In this episode I share three ways I brainstorm new writing ideas, be it for my blog or my next novel.  Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: Why we experience writers block Three ways to brainstorm new writing ideas A sure fire way to keep the ideas flowing Don’t forget to: Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform and leave a review Share this podcast on twitter, facebook or Instagram For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com    Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US Additional Resources: https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/psychology-writers-block-overcome/  https://writerswrite.co.za/the-top-10-writers-block-quotes-37626/ https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-psychology-behind-writers-block/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/prime-your-gray-cells/201510/five-reasons-youre-experiencing-writer-s-block

No one grows up with the aim of being unsuccessful in life. Authors are the same. We all dream of achieving success but how does one know if they are successful or not? This is where things get sticky. The world is full of different definitions of success so it is hard to know where you stand.  In this episode we look at the most common metrics used to define success as a writer from various sources and I share my own definition to the litany of definitions out there.  In this episode we: Look at different definitions of success Look at a radically different definition Get practical advice to become successful   Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeenhttps://soundcloud.com/barradeenMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_USResonance – HavenHearWeGo | Copyright Free Musichttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrotlfsJixM Additional Resources: https://ingeniumbooks.com/whats-your-definition-of-success-as-an-author/ https://www.bookbrandbusiness.com/how-do-you-define-success-when-you-are-writing-a-book/ https://www.quora.com/As-a-writer-what-does-success-look-like-to-you

An Interview with Gary Khan Part 2 I have always dreamt of making it so big that I get to be interviewed by someone famous like Oprah or Ellen. In the absence of those dreams, I opted for the next best thing. I sent out a blast on social media asking fans to send in their interview questions from around the world. In this week's episode, my fans interview me about my author's journey. I answer all questions honestly and provide resources for authors who may find themselves in the same predicaments that I found myself. This is part 2 of a 2 part series. Help me grow this channel by doing the following: Share this podcast on all your socials Subscribe to this podcast Write a review about my podcast on your favourite platform and share with us what your authentic author's journey was like   Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeen Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US"The Dictator" Final Speech by Charlie ChaplanCharlie Chaplan Officialhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7GY1Xg6X20 BØJET - Letting goAnimeVibehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9ssRb_tOF0&list=PLCNwehZvoD7Sb2huxPNanC3QvPCnT83bK&index=5

An Interview with Gary Khan Part 1I have always dreamt of making it so big that I get to be interviewed by someone famous like Oprah or Ellen. In the absence of those dreams, I opted for the next best thing. I sent out a blast on social media asking fans to send in their interview questions from around the world. In this week's episode, my fans interview me about my author's journey. I answer all questions honestly and provide resources for authors who may find themselves in the same predicaments that I found myself. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Help me grow this channel by doing the following: Share this podcast on all your socials Subscribe to this podcast Write a review about my podcast on your favourite platform and share with us what your authentic author's journey was like Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeen Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US  

Your third grade teacher gave you an A on your English essay and said “you write good.” Your friends and family invite you to share stories at social gatherings because you so wildly entertaining. You a hit sensation at office parties.  You want to become an author but don’t know how. You google, then study and google some more. Finally, you take the plunge and start writing your book. Two pages in you stop and remember you have nothing to write about. You google some more, then watch 10,000 hours of YouTube videos. Now you are ready to become an author.  This week’s episode uncovers the uncertainty of what happens after you become an author and lists the various things you can expect on your journey to the press and beyond. It can be a scary rollercoaster ride that causes mass anxiety, but fear not padawan. I got you. I’m your future self here to clue you in.  Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: Understand when you can claim to be an author Understand the key milestones most authors pass Learn what to do and what not to do Help me grow this channel by doing the following: Share this podcast on all your socials Subscribe to this podcast Write a review of this episode on your favourite platform and share what happened to you after you became an author Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeen Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Ever sat around the campfire with your best friends and shared your favourite parts about the latest book, movie or television series? Better yet, have you ever stumbled into a boring social gathering where you were not sure how exactly it was that you came to be there. Your eyes keep darting towards the door and then the most beautiful human walks into the room and engages you in conversation. You talk a lot about things but you discover you love of the same author and the exact same book. The hours melt away as you discuss everything about the story and near the end of the conversation, you both revel in an exquisite pleasure. You both recognise a hidden gem in the book.  This episode looks at unravelling the mystery of these hidden gems in the literature often called the “Easter Egg”. We look at defining the Easter Egg, how to use it in your own writing and why it is so beneficial. I will also share some of my favourite Easter Eggs from books I have enjoyed and finally, I share a few Easter Eggs from my debut novel, The Coward.   Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: Understanding of the Easter Egg concept Why Easter Eggs are so highly sought after How to add Easter Eggs in your own writing Help me grow this channel by doing the following: Share this podcast on all your socials Subscribe to this podcast Write a review this podcast on your favourite platform and share your favourite Easter Egg.    Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you?  by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeen Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US   i found my home in your arms - lofi hip hop mix  Lofi Mix by Dreamy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAHzlJFPWLc Secrets Lola Ridge (1873-1941) https://poets.org/poem/secrets-0

All of us have read something in our lives that has shaped us. There is at least one author/filmmaker/musician that has influenced our art whatever that may be. Where would we be without them.  This podcast looks at the idea of finding you authors that can influence you. I share several writers that have influenced me and some readings from their works which have inspired me the most. We look at legends of fantasy epics like Robert Jordan, to J.K. Rowling, Magical Connoisseur, to Emily Dickenson, purveyor of the rule breaking poetry. Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: Why having influences is so important What to look out for in a great influence How to refine your taste Help me grow this channel by doing the following: Share this podcast on all your socials Subscribe to this podcast Write a review for this podcast on your favourite platform and share your thoughts on who your most influential authors are, and why? Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeen Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US 

Every author dreams of making it big but the vast majority fall into obscurity. There are many underrated authors that have produced great works of art throughout history, but most people have never heard of them.  Writing is not about chasing fame and fortune. It is about heeding the call of the passion that lives inside of you. There is something special in each of us that wants to be set free. Allow your mind and your heart to give birth to these ideas which add beauty and colour to a world in desperate need of it.  This week’s episode looks at the reason you should choose to find your authentic truth and share it with the world in a way only you can. We look at underrated authors throughout history who stayed true to their calling and found the courage to cultivate and share their authentic voice.  Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: Define Authentic Voice Learn about unsung literary heroes of the past How to find your authentic voice? Help me grow this channel by doing the following: Share this podcast on all your socials Subscribe to this podcast Write a review this podcast on your favourite platform and share your thoughts on what you do to find inspiration Connect with me on my socials and share your thoughts. I would love to hear from you. How do you overcome your distractions? Music Credits: Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeen Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US   Maggie Rodgers On + Off Nicholas Das / Maggie Rogers Copyright reserved to Capitol Records and Maggie Rodgers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqPtIkxSxI0

You LOVE writing. It serenades your soul in ways nothing else can, but the busyness of life keeps getting in the way. In the endless ocean of distraction everything competes for your attention and your writing suffers.  Most of us are not full-time authors. We have day jobs, love lives, friendships and those pesky errands that need doing. Don’t forget about the latest Netflix release you have been waiting on for the last few months. How do you overcome all that temptation and get down to writing especially during the latest COVID-19 Pandemic lurking at the forefront of all of our minds?  This week’s episode chronicles the challenges writers face in building a sustainable writing practice in the face of endless distractions. After listening to this podcast you will be equipped with the tools to break through the bad habits and negative cycles that keep you from manifesting your destiny of becoming a great author.  Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode: Understand why we get distracted Learn to identify your darling distractions Tips to overcome distractions List of resources mentioned in podcast: http://jenniferblanchard.net/10-ways-to-avoid-distraction-while-you-write/ https://writetodone.com/how-to-write-without-distractions/ http://positivewriter.com/distraction/ https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/tips-and-tricks-for-distraction-free-writing.html Help me grow this channel by doing the following: Share this podcast on all your socials Subscribe to this podcast Write a review this podcast on your favourite platform and share your thoughts on what you do to find inspiration Connect with me on my socials and share your thoughts. I would love to hear from you. How do you overcome your distractions?