Writer Unleashed Nanci Panuccio

How much backstory does your story need? And how much backstory does your reader need?In this reprise episode from the deep in the vault, learn what backstory is important for you to know as the author, and what backstory belongs on the page.In this episode, we'll cover:The two things you need to get clear on when it comes to backstoryThe importance of crafting backstory that adapts to your story The actor's technique to developing character through backstoryHow to decide what backstory ...

Often writers create antagonists who do bad, immoral, sometimes evil things. They might be abusive or neglectful parents. An enemy. Or an otherworldly foe. But when you're writing about your most trouble-rousing characters, you don't want to portray the givens. You want to surprise us. You want to create an antagonist who's unforgettable. The stock villain gives the reader a stock reaction. And that's exactly what we want to avoid. That's why in this episode, I'm sharing 5 w...

How do you make writing a priority when other commitments compete? When you have a full time career and family? We all know writing a book is a colossal commitment. And it's so easy to get off track, especially when so much is competing for our time and attention.In this episode, I’ll walk you through strategies to maximize your time, energy, and focus. So you can write without stress and overwhelm. You'll learn to:Re-frame your relationship to time and find a lot more ...

Struggling with confidence when it comes to writing your story? Maybe you swing from excitement to self-doubt. Or you worry that no one will care to read it.Maybe you lack enough confidence to even start. In this episode, learn 3 ways to boost your confidence. This is all about shifting your relationship to your work.We'll cover:How to stay focused on the process, not just the end resultWhy writing what you think readers want is the wrong approach, and what to do insteadSett...

What do you do when your novel or memoir doesn’t follow the typical plot structure? What if there’s no crime to be solved, tsunami to survive, or evil wizard to slay? What if your character’s only story problem is an internal one?In this episode we’ll explore 4 thresholds your character will walk through at key points throughout your 3 acts. So you can plot your character-driven story, and keep readers invested every step of the way. Episode Web Page With Show NotesHav...

We can all agree that your opening scenes are your only chance to capture your reader's attention. It's what hooks them into the story. Your first scene and several scenes that follow are your story's setup. The setup is essential to master. You have to be concise, deliberate, and selective with what you reveal and withhold. You don't want to give too much away too soon. Your beginning scenes must accomplish several things simultaneously. And in this episode, I'm boiling...