The Novel Analyst Podcast: Creative Writing Advice & Author Interviews
Hi! I’m Jed Herne, and I'm a fantasy author. My books include The Thunder Heist, Fires of the Dead, and Across the Broken Stars. Each episode I analyse a story to help you become a better writer. Sometimes I also interview other authors. Enjoy! jedherne.com novelanalyst.com
Hey there! I'm stoked to finally reveal my latest podcast: Wizards, Warriors, & Words. Jointly hosted by myself, Michael R. Fletcher, Dyrk Ashton, and Rob J. Hayes, each episode we explore an element of writing, editing, publishing, and marketing, with a focus on fantasy stories. Between us, we've published around 25 books - in both the traditional and self-published worlds. The first 3rd episodes are available to listen to for FREE right now. New episodes every week.
In this particular Novel Analyst episode, I share episode 1 of the WWW podcast, where we discuss our best tips for writing great characters. Enjoy!
Subscribe to the Wizards, Warriors, & Words podcast now:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/wizards-warriors-words-a-fantasy-writing-advice-podcast/id1526146915
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48tHxinnYSUTm8Z1rCIONf
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/wizardswarriorswords
YouTube: http://youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA
Join Jed Herne's email newsletter for a free short story & behind-the-scenes updates:
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageMy in-depth thoughts on Shadows of Self (Mistborn, #5) by Brandon Sanderson.
Email: jed@jedherne.com
Booknest Reviews: https://booknest.eu/review-2/jed
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageI was recently interviewed by Lavender Lass Books about Across the Broken Stars - my entry into this year's Self-Published Fantasy Book-Off, run by Mark Lawrence. This episode is the audio version of that interview. Enjoy!
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed(at)jedherne.com
I recently did a live video in the Grimdark Fantasy Readers & Writers group, answering Qs about my writing. It was a lot of fun! Here's the audio replay - enjoy!
novelanalyst.com
And if you have any other questions, I love talking with you listeners - email me at:
jed(at)jedherne.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageI chat with Rob for the second time to discuss his latest grimdark fantasy trilogy, The War Eternal. The trilogy follows Eska, a young magician struggling to reconcile her urges for revenge with her longing for human connection. The books include:
We also talk about overcoming doubts, Rob’s techniques for building captivating fantasy worlds, and which of his characters he’d share isolation with. Enjoy!
Show Notes:
My BookNest review of The Lessons Never Learned: https://bit.ly/jedreviews
Rob’s twitter: @RoboftheHayes
Rob’s facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHeresyWithin
Rob’s blog: http://www.robjhayes.co.uk/
***
My twitter: @JedHerne
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageS. Andrew Swann is the pen name of Steven Swiniarski. He has published over 26 novels since 1993. His recent works include Sword of the Slayer – an interactive fiction story from Choice of Games.
Show Notes:
Steven's website: sandrewswann.com
Twitter: @SAndrewSwann
Facebook: facebook.com/sandrewswann
Sword of the Slayer: choiceofgames.com/sword-of-the-slayer
Steven's favorite books:
- American Gods
- Jim Butcher's Dresden Files
- Peter F. Hamilton's books
- Hyperion
- The Fireman by Joe Hill
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageRed Country is an innovative and captivating work, merging the fantasy and western genres into something new and fresh. A big part of its success are Abercrombie's vivid and immersive descriptive language. This episode dissects how to write setting descriptions that make readers feel like they're part of your story's world.
Show Notes:
My fantasy book, Across the Broken Stars, is free on Amazon until 01/05/2020! Get it here: https://amzn.to/2Ya3WEf
Previous episodes on Joe Abercrombie's books:
- Episode 50: Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie - A Simple Way to Craft Compelling Characters
- Episode 7: The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie - Exploring Theme
- Episode 2: The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie - Characterisation through Contradiction
Use this technique to generate compelling, flawed, three-dimensional characters.
Show Notes:
Fires of the Dead - available in audiobook, ebook, & paperback.
Link to all formats here: jedherne.com/firesofthedead
Link to the audiobook deal: bit.ly/FOTDchirp
Episode 2 - The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie - Characterisation through Contradiction: bit.ly/bladeitselfNA
7 - The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie - Exploring Theme: bit.ly/theheroesNA
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageWhat does it take to write stories where readers' decisions affect the outcome? Kate Heartfield is an author of several historical fantasy and interactive fiction stories, including The Road to Canterbury, and The Magician’s Workshop, published by Choice of Games. Her fiction has won or been shortlisted for the Nebula, Locus, Aurora and Crawford awards.
Twitter: @kateheartfield
Website: heartfieldfiction.com
Show Notes:
The Magician's Workshop - her interactive fiction story set in Renaissance Florence.
Jed's twitter: @jedherne
Jed's email: jed.herne1(at)gmail.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageI normally analyse novels. On this episode, I'm pulling lessons from another storytelling form to see how it can improve our writing. Enjoy!
Show Notes:
My email - send me your comments/questions/queries - I respond to every message -> jed.herne1(at)gmail.com
Twitter: @jedherne
Fires of the Dead - just $0.99 on Amazon for a limited time: https://amzn.to/39W9Xaq
The Magician's Workshop: https://www.choiceofgames.com/magicians-workshop/
Sky Pirates of Actorious: https://www.choiceofgames.com/sky-pirates-of-actorius/
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageRob J. Hayes is the author of the Amazon Best Selling The Heresy Within, the SPFBO-winning piratical swashbuckler Where Loyalties Lie, and the critically acclaimed Never Die.
Website: www.robjhayes.co.uk
Twitter: @RoboftheHayes
Show Notes:
- My grimdark fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, just became the #1 bestseller on Amazon's 'Fantasy Adventure Fiction', 'Sword & Sorcery', and various other charts. Read it here: https://jedherne.com/firesofthedead
- My Novel Analyst episode 46 on Never Die by Rob J. Hayes: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/episodes/46--Never-Die-by-Rob-J--Hayes---Choreographing-Excellent-Ensemble-Casts-easrko
- Novel Analyst episode 41 on The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/episodes/41--The-Ember-Blade-by-Chris-Wooding---Nailing-the-Opening-48-Pages-e96cua
In this episode, I analyse the brilliant dynamics behind Rob J. Hayes' eclectic crew in his wonderful grimdark fantasy book, Never Die. Enjoy!
Show Notes:
Listen to me read chapter 1 of my latest fantasy novel, Across the Broken Stars: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/episodes/Sneak-Peek---Chapter-1-of-Across-the-Broken-Stars---My-Upcoming-Space-Fantasy-Novel-ea9cnk/a-a1b1bre
(Or just scroll down in this podcast feed to find it manually).
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageBuy Across the Broken Stars here: jedherne.com/acrossthebrokenstars
Today's episode features the audio recording from my latest book launch. Enjoy!
00:00 - 10:20 - Jed's thoughts on how to become more creature
10:20 - 21:12 - Jed reads scene 1 from Across the Broken Stars
21:12 - onwards - Q & A from the audience.
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message
Buy a copy here: https://jedherne.com/broken
And if you buy a copy before midnight Feb 9th, email your receipt to jed.herne1@gmail.com to receive free bonuses, including:
- The unedited first draft (which was 20 000 words shorter than the final novel)
- My original outline
- A free companion short story
- Other behind-the-scenes looks into my process.
Enjoy!
Full Blurb:
Leon has a secret. He was once an angel – a winged warrior sworn to protect Paya, a realm where people live on discs that float in space.
He failed.
Now, Leon’s a broken man, trying to forget the past. He thinks he’s the last angel. But then a young fugitive stumbles onto Leon’s doorstep. She’s an angel, too. And she has a riddle leading to a place where angels still live. Or so the stories claim…
Desperate for redemption, Leon begins a perilous quest through myth and folklore. But will Leon and the fugitive find their legendary destination? Or will Leon lose his last chance for salvation?
Brutal and gripping, this is a story about a flawed man’s search for forgiveness.
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageThe Left Hand of Darkness is a visionary sci-fi story about a lone human ambassador to Winter, an alien world whose inhabitants’ biology allows them to choose—and change—their gender. His goal is to facilitate Winter's inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the completely different culture that he encounters. Exploring psychology, society, and human emotion on an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness is as a landmark achievement - especially considering that it came out in 1969!
In this episode, I examined how despite being very slow-paced (or, perhaps, because of this), Le Guin's novel is incredibly engaging. Enjoy!
Show Notes:
Read my latest space fantasy novel, Across the Broken Stars (out today!): https://jedherne.com/broken
Got thoughts? Email me at jed.herne1 (at) gmail.com - I love hearing from you and I respond to as many messages as I can.
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageAn in-depth look at creating interesting, cohesive magic that improves your story in meaningful ways.
Show Notes:
My interview with Justin, author of Master of Sorrows: https://novelanalyst.com/2020/01/07/justin-call-interview/
My upcoming space fantasy book, Across the Broken Stars: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49125250-across-the-broken-stars
To celebrate the upcoming release of my epic space fantasy novel, Across the Broken Stars, I'm sharing chapter 1 of the book. The actual book releases on Feb 3rd, 2020. Click here to learn more: jedherne.com/acrossthebrokenstars
Leon has a secret. He was once an angel – a winged warrior sworn to protect Paya, a realm where people live on discs that float in space.
He failed.
Now Leon’s a broken man, trying to forget the past. He thinks he’s the last angel. But then a young fugitive stumbles onto Leon’s doorstep. She’s an angel, too. And she has a riddle leading to a place where angels still live. Or so the stories claim…
Desperate for redemption, Leon begins a perilous quest through myth and folklore. But will Leon and the fugitive find their legendary destination? Or will Leon lose his last chance for salvation?
Brutal and gripping, this is a story about a flawed man’s search for forgiveness.
“If you are looking for an epic fantasy that has a unique setting, this is it.” – Kate Valent, Reedsy Discovery.
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageJustin Call graduated from Harvard University in 2012 with a Master's in Literature and Creative Writing. He has studied fantasy literature for almost two decades and is the author of Master of Sorrows, Book 1 of The Silent Gods tetralogy. Justin is also the CEO of Broomstick Monkey Games and co-designer of the games Imperial Harvest, Royal Strawberries, Royal Scum, and 8 Kingdoms. He currently lives in Park City, Utah with his wife, his two sons, his Great Dane (Pippa) and his St. Bernard-Mastiff (Herbie).
Show Notes:
https://justintcall.com/
https://twitter.com/Justin_T_Call
https://justintcall.com/master-of-sorrows/
Justin's top writing-advice books/resources:
- Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
- The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
- The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
- The Writing Excuses podcast
- 101 Habits of Highly Effective Writers
- 101 Habits of Highly Effective Screenwriters
Justin's top books/authors:
- 'Crowfall' by Ed McDonald
- Book of the Ancestor Series by Mark Lawrence
- Anything by Brandon Sanderson (I second this suggestion).
My notes:
@jedherne (Twitter, Instagram)
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageIt's been 8 years since I started writing in 2012. Here's the 8 biggest lessons I've learned.
Show Notes:
Across the Broken Stars - goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49125250-across-the-broken-stars
> Best writing advice resources:
Anything by K. M. Weiland
Brandon Sanderson's online lectures
Lessons from the Screenplay
Story by Robert McKee
The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass
(Note: some of those links are affiliate links, which means if you use them, I may receive compensation - at no extra cost to you. It's a win-win!)
Cohesion and resonance. More than anything else, they're what will elevate your story above the rest, and leave readers thinking long after the final page.
Show Notes:
Send me your questions: https://jedherne.com/question/
Or: jed.herne1[at]gmail.com
Listen to my in-depth analysis of an amazing fight scene: https://novelanalyst.com/2019/10/16/38-words-of-radiance-by-brandon-sanderson-giving-readers-chills/
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageA masterclass in writing beginnings that make readers reach your endings.
Check out my shiny new instagram account for a behind-the-scenes look into my writing life: https://www.instagram.com/jedherne/
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageScience fiction space operas are stories told at an epic scale. How can you make such a vast world accessible to readers? How can you ground these fantastical and strange new worlds in a sense of realism?
Balancing the epic with the human is perhaps the greatest strength of Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey (first book in The Expanse). Today's show dives deep into analysing how characters are they key to guiding readers through epic stories.
Show Notes:
jedherne.com/fires – get a free short story and join my email newsletter to hear about future book giveaways!
jedherne.com/question – submit your questions for the show!
anchor.fm – what I use to make my podcast for free (note: I am not sponsored by them and I make no money for this – just recommending a useful tool that I use)
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageWords of Radiance is the second book in The Stormlight Archive, an epic fantasy series of incredible ambition - and superb execution. What's remarkable about WOR isn't just the world building, the twisting plot, or the amazing characters (although they're all great). No, what made this book remarkable was the emotional response it created within me. In this episode, I explain how you can do the same for your stories. Enjoy!
Read Fires of the Dead, my debut fantasy book: jedherne.com/firesofthedead
Win a signed copy of Fires of the Dead: jedherne.com/win (closes 23/10/2019)
Ask me a question! I might answer on this show: jedherne.com/question
Email: jed.herne1(at)gmail.com
Listen to my episode on The Way of Kings, which is book 1 of The Stormlight Archive.
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageHey podcast! Use this link to enter the Fires of the Dead giveaway (closes Oct 30th):
And use this link to leave a question for me to answer on the show:
(There's also a text form, if you'd rather type instead of talking. However, I'll prioritise voice messages, since they're easier to play on the show).
Fires of the Dead - available in all formats!
Paperback, Hardback, and eBook
Audiobook (narrated by me)
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageSubtly conveying information to readers is a delicate skill. It's one that Rowling mastered in the Harry Potter series, where all the information is available to readers well before it's needed, but only coalesces at the required moment. In today's episode, I describe the 4 M's of subtle foreshadowing, in relation to the Potter saga. Enjoy!
Read my debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead.
"The perfect read for someone looking to be quickly immersed in a magic system unlike anything else." - Nicole Wallace, editor of Synopses by Sarge.
Available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audio book.
Email me - I love hearing from listeners and I respond to every message: jed.herne1(at)gmail.com
Stoked to interview Gareth Hanrahan, author of The Gutter Prayer - which I analysed on the show just a few days ago. We had an excellent in-depth chat about his book, how writing for role-playing games has helped him as an author, and lots more. Enjoy!
Show Notes:
Gareth's top books/resources:
- DECLARE, Tim Powers
- Lavondyss, Robert Holdstock
- Deep Work, by Cal Newport
- Hyperfocus, Chris Bailey (more accessible version of Deep Work)
- Hamlet's Hit Points, Robin D Laws
- Storyteller Tools, M. Harold Page
- House of Leaves
- Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer
- 7 Wonders of the Industrial World (BBC Series)
My debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, comes out tomorrow! (Sep 20th, 2019). Read it here: https://jedherne.com/firesofthedead
Questions, comments, queries? I love hearing from you! I respond to every email sent to: jed.herne1@gmail.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageIn today's episode, I outline a guide for world-building amazing fantasy cities - like the one Hanrahan created in The Gutter Prayer. Here's my key world-building lessons learnt from this book:
1. Consider the first scene as a microcosm
2. The first scene sets the tone
3. Explore your interests
4. Consider how different characters react to the same world.
5. More ideas is better than not enough
6. Layer it up!
7. Treat the city as a character
8. It's about the intertwining
Show Notes:
My debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, comes out September 20th! Buy a copy during launch week (between 20th-27th September), then send me your receipt and I'll set you up with exclusive bonuses. My email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Fires-Dead-Fantasy-Jed-Herne-ebook/dp/B07WDBLW9Y
The Language of Dying is an elegiac, emotionally moving novella, about a woman whose father is dying. In today's episode, I dive deep into analysing how the author crafted such a profound emotional experience. If you want your words to move your readers, this episode explains how.
My debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, is available on amazon! Get it here: http://bit.ly/firesjedherne
Show Notes:
Fires of the Dead, by Jed Herne - https://jedherne.com/firesofthedead/
Watch my YouTube channel for writing advice every weekday: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber
Join my exclusive free Reader Club email newsletter to stay up to date with my writing projects: https://jedherne.com/club/
Twitter: @jedherne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageMy debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, is available on amazon for pre-order! Get it here: https://amzn.to/31KMCUR
Or use this link to read a free sample chapter: https://jedherne.com/dead/
A Canticle for Leibowitz is a 1959 post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel by Walter M. Miller Jr. It's often described as one of the first post-apocalyptic stories. Without it, there would be no Book of Eli, The Stand, or most other post-apocalyptic tales. Don't just take my word for it. It won the 1961 Hugo Award - one of science fiction's highest honours. Legendary scientist Carl Sagan described it as: "so tautly constructed, so rich in the accommodating details of an unfamiliar society that [it] sweep me along before I have even a chance to be critical".
It's a remarkable novel. I don't have the space in one episode to fully analyse it, so today I'm focusing on just one thing: how it uses an unconventional structure to explore the theme and emotionally gut-punch readers. Enjoy!
Show Notes:
Fires of the Dead, by Jed Herne - https://jedherne.com/dead/
Watch my YouTube channel for writing advice every weekday: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber
Join my exclusive free Reader Club email newsletter to stay up to date with my writing projects: https://jedherne.com/club/
Twitter: @jedherne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageGabriel Bergmoser is a Melbourne based author and playwright. He's written the Boone Shepard trilogy (I analysed book 3 in this episode of the podcast) along with multiple plays. His latest novel is The Hunted (aka Sunburnt Country in the UK), which comes out in mid-2020 from HarperCollins.
It was a pleasure to have Gabe back on the podcast to discuss his recent book & movie deals, along with other aspects of his life as a writer. Have a listen if you're interested in:
- Gabe's advice for being resilient and overcoming rejection;
- What it's like to get a huge book deal with a major publisher (& an equally huge movie deal!);
- The biggest writing lesson he learnt from finishing the Boone Shepard trilogy;
And loads more!
Show Notes:
16 - Boone Shepard - The Silhouette and the Sacrifice by Gabriel Bergmoser - Writing Awesome Endings
Gabe's review of Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad
News about The Hunted and the film deal
Gabe's twitter account: https://twitter.com/gobergmoser
For writing advice every weekday, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber
For free sci-fi & fantasy stories, and to stay updated with my writing projects, join my free newsletter: https://jedherne.com/club/
Twitter: @jedherne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is a gritty YA fantasy heist story. It's got a racing plot, an interesting setting, and amazing characters. In this episode, I analyse the relationship between Kaz and Inej, using Mary Robinette Kowal's 6 relationship axes:
- Mind - Both people have similar levels of intelligence.
- Money - Both people have similar attitudes about money. They don't both have to have the same amount. This is about what money is for and how it's handled.
- Morals - Similar moral compasses of right and wrong.
- Manners - Similar senses of what is polite. So it's possible to have the same manners and wildly different morals.
- Monogamy - Similar attitudes about the relationship. You know that guy that thinks you are BFFs and you think you're just colleagues?
- Marx Brothers - You both find the same things funny.
Source: https://www.patreon.com/posts/writing-stable-8172456
Show Notes:
Go here to see the table I mentioned: https://novelanalyst.com/?p=536
Episode 25 - all about Crooked Kingdom, the sequel to this novel: https://novelanalyst.com/2019/04/30/25-crooked-kingdom-by-leigh-bardugo-the-art-of-setting-descriptions/
Check out my youtube channel for writing advice every weekday: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber
Join my exclusive free Reader Club email newsletter to stay up to date with my writing projects: https://jedherne.com/club/
Twitter: @jedherne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageAfter Dale from The Reading Gorilla podcast sent in a listener request, who was I to ignore it? This is an episode about Orson Scott Card's sci-fi classic, Ender's Game. Specifically, I examine how he crafted such an amazing twist. Enjoy!
And if you want to request an episode, or just have any feedback on the podcast, email me at jed.herne1@gmail.com, or download the free Anchor app to your phone, then search for 'The Novel Analyst Podcast,' and click the appropriate buttons to send me a voice message.
Show Notes:
Check out my new youtube channel for writing advice every weekday: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber
Join my exclusive free Reader Club email newsletter to stay up to date with my writing projects: https://jedherne.com/club/
Twitter: @jedherne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageWhat does it mean to craft epic fantasy? How is it different that other forms of fantasy? What are it's unique strengths, and potential pitfalls? All those questions and more answered in today's episode, which focuses on The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Enjoy!
Check out my new youtube channel for writing advice every weekday: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber
Join my exclusive free Reader Club email newsletter to stay up to date with my writing projects: https://jedherne.com/club/
Twitter: @jedherne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Let me know what you think of these short bonus episodes by emailing jed.herne1@gmail.com.
Also, if you want free sci-fi and fantasy stories written by me, go to jedherne.com/club. It’ll let you join my brand new Reader Club, and when you do that I’ll send you 5 free short stories, plus exclusive bonus content.
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageToday’s episode is all about secondary characters. What constitutes a great secondary character? How can us writers create amazing side characters that improve the quality of our stories?
Show notes:
3 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling - Creating Suspense Using Question Arcs
11 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling - Narrative Misdirection
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
Join my VIP email list: novelanalyst.com/email
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageLet me know what you think of these short bonus episodes by emailing jed.herne1@gmail.com.
Also, if you want free sci-fi and fantasy stories written by me, go to jedherne.com/club. It’ll let you join my brand new Reader Club, and when you do that I’ll send you 5 free short stories, plus exclusive bonus content.
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageLet me know what you think of these short bonus episodes by emailing jed.herne1@gmail.com.
Also, if you want free sci-fi and fantasy stories written by me, go to jedherne.com/club. It’ll let you join my brand new Reader Club, and when you do that I’ll send you 5 free short stories, plus exclusive bonus content.
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message27 - Skulduggery Pleasant - Death Bringer by Derek Landy - The Gap
Backstories matter, but they can be hard to execute. This episode deconstructs how Landy uses the idea of the Gap to create intriguing character backstories that readers crave to learn. Enjoy!
Shownotes:
19 - Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy - The Art of Naming
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
Join my VIP email list: novelanalyst.com/email
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageLet me know what you think of these short bonus episodes by emailing jed.herne1@gmail.com.
Also, if you want free sci-fi and fantasy stories by yours truly, go to jedherne.com/club. It’ll let you join my brand new Reader Club, and when you do that I’ll send you 5 free short stories, plus some exclusive bonus content.
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageStarting a new series! In addition to your normal Novel Analyst episodes, for the next month I’ll be posting a Quick Writing Tip episode every Monday. Let me know what you think and if you want more of them, email jed.herne1@gmail.com or hit me up on twitter @JedHerne.
Also, if you want free sci-fi and fantasy stories by yours truly, go to jedherne.com/club. It’ll let you join my brand new Reader Club, and when you do that I’ll send you 5 free short stories, plus some exclusive bonus content.
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message 26 - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling - Ring Structure
I've wanted to do this for a long time, and it's finally here: an analysis of one of my top novels of all time ... In this episode, I dive super deep into the circular structure of Rowling's masterpiece. Be warned: you won't look at Harry Potter the same way after hearing this dissection ... Enjoy!
Shownotes:
Harry Potter as Ring Composition and Ring Cycle By John Granger http://www.lulu.com/au/en/shop/john-granger/harry-potter-as-ring-composition-and-ring-cycle/paperback/product-13042044.html
Harry Potter - Hedwig's Theme (Piano Version) Piano Version by Patrik Pietschmann https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTPXwbDtIpA
John Williams - Buckbeak's Flight (Extended) | London Symphony Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLiXPbjaZrA
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageGabriel Bergmoser and I sat down to discuss The Hunted (his latest thriller novel) in depth. This is the third time I've interviewed him, and somehow he keeps getting better. The Hunted is my favourite book of his and it was enthralling to dive into the mind of its creator. Enjoy!
Buy The Hunted here: https://www.gabrielbergmoser.com/novels.html
@gobergmoser
www.gabrielbergmoser.com
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Let me know what you thought on twitter:
@jedherne
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And if you'd like to try my own books, check out Fires of the Dead - a fast-paced fantasy novella, perfect for fans of The Hunted: https://jedherne.com/firesofthedead/
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageMy fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, is free on Amazon for the next 4 days!
Check it out here: https://amzn.to/32BIwjC
During its free period, it's reached:
- #1 in Gaslamp Fantasy (Kindle Store)
- #1 in Action & Adventure Fantasy (Kindle Store)
- #1 in Alternative History
It's only free in eBook form, but you can download the free Kindle app to read it on any device or computer. Enjoy!
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Hey podcast! My debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, releases in 10 days on September 20th! It'll be available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook forms. I'm so stoked to share it with the world :). Can't wait to hear what you think! Blurb: Wisp is a Pyromancer: a magician who draws energy from fires to make his own flames. He’s also a criminal, one job away from retirement. And it can’t come bloody soon enough.
Leading his misfit crew, Wisp ventures into a charred and barren forest to find a relic that could change the realm forever. But they aren’t the only ones on the hunt, and the forest isn’t as barren as it seems …
A jaded gang leader longing for retirement
A bloodthirsty magician with a lust for power
A brutish fighter who’s smarter than he looks
A young thief desperate to prove herself
A cowardly navigator with secrets that won’t stay buried
Together, they must survive fights, fires, and folk tales that prove disturbingly real – if they don’t kill each other first.
Fires of the Dead is a dark fantasy novella with a unique magic system, perfect for anyone wanting a fast-paced read.
***
To stay updated with the book launch (and my writing in general), you can join my free author email newsletter: https://jedherne.com/club/. When you sign up, you'll get some bonus fantasy and sci-fi stories!
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageEnter the free contest to win 7 Joe Abercrombie fantasy novels: http://bit.ly/firstlawgiveaway (Contest ends on 12th August, 2019, so get in quick!)
Join my email newsletter to stay updated with my upcoming book launch: https://jedherne.com/club/
To build buzz for the launch on my debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, on September 20th, 2019, I'm giving away a paperback collection of Joe Abercrombie's amazing fantasy novels! I've discussed Abercrombie before, on the following podcast episodes:
2 - The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie - Characterisation through Contradiction
7 - The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie - Exploring Theme
Hit me up on twitter @JedHerne or email me at jed.herne1[at]gmail.com with any questions.
25 - Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo - The Art of Setting Descriptions.
In this fantastic YA fantasy novel, the town of Ketterdam is a living, breathing, three-dimensional creation: as much a character as any of the other (brilliant) characters in this story. Bardugo is a master of making a setting come to life. In today's in-depth episode, I analyse a scene to extract key techniques writers can use to improve their setting descriptions.
No mourners, no funerals.
Shownotes:
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24 - The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams pt. 2 - How to Write Funny.
In the second part of my analysis of Hitchhikers I extract micro and macro techniques for creating comedy. (You don't need to have listened to the 1st part for this to make sense). Enjoy!
Shownotes:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FunWithHomophones
https://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/humor-writing-filled-novel
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message23 - The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams pt. 1 - Why Characters Don't Matter.
This absurdly funny sci-fi comedy is a fantastic example of how you don't always need amazing characters to create an amazing story. Buckle up as we use Orson Scott Card's MICE quotient to analyse what makes this novel work. And remember: don't panic!
Shownotes:
http://www.sfcenter.ku.edu/Workshop-stuff/MICE-Quotient.htm
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message22 - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Finding your Perfect Prose.
Fitzgerald's classic chronicle of the Jazz age is often praised for its wonderful prose. In this episode, I examine what makes his prose so stylistically appealing - and we look at how you can write better prose. Keep beating on, boats against the current!
Shownotes:
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Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message21 - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - Meaningful Endings and the Truth.
Truth. It's one of the most important aspects of story - especially of stories that are fantastical. In this episode, I explore how Gaiman created a truthful, meaningful, and emotional resonant ending to his Hugo and Newberry award-winning novel: The Graveyard Book. (Includes bonus singing from yours truly) Enjoy!
Shownotes:
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message20 - Elantris by Brandon Sanderson - Avalanche Endings.
If you want to learn how to write explosive, fast-paced, balastic endings, Elantris is an excellent novel to study - which is what I do in this episode! Enjoy!
Shownotes:
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message19 - Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy - The Art of Naming.
In this episode, I look at how Derek uses names to craft compelling, fleshed-out, interesting characters. Enjoy!
Shownotes:
Derek’s tactics for creating awesome characters (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB5o1uAqodA
Superhero nation article on names: http://www.superheronation.com/2007/10/15/character-naming-superheroes-and-otherwise/
Random name generators:
https://www.behindthename.com/random/
https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message18 - Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson - Misfit Characters.
Sometimes the key to compelling characters is to make them NOT fit neatly into your plot. That's what Sanderson does in Warbreaker - a stand-alone fantasy book (that he also gives away for free on his website!).
Shownotes:
Get Warbreaker for free from Brandon's website: https://brandonsanderson.com/books/warbreaker/warbreaker/
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message17 - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - Crafting Compelling Narrators.
This historical World War II novel by Australian author Markus Zusak has compelling characters, an engaging plot, and wonderful writing. But it's biggest strength is the narrator: the personification of Death. In this episode, I use The Book Thief to break down the key qualities of a compelling narrator.
Shownotes:
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message16 - Boone Shepard - The Silhouette and the Sacrifice by Gabriel Bergmoser - Writing Awesome Endings.
I recently read the third and final book in Gabriel Bergmoser's Boone Shepard trilogy - and I loved the ending so much that I'd outlined an episode within hours of finishing the book. Here's my thoughts on how to write great endings.
Shownotes:
My interview with Gabriel Bergmoser: Episode 5 - Gabriel Bergmoser Interview - Windmills, Boone Shepard, Movie Maintenance, and Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message15 - 2018 in review - Everything I Read, Favourite Books, and Top Writing Lessons.
With 2018 in the rear view mirror, I recap all 61 books I read last year, and extract key writing lessons I learnt from them. Enjoy this special bonus episode!
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message14 - Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes - 6 Steps to make the reader cry.
After reading this amazing book twice (my fave read of 2017!), I finally figured out how to articulate my thoughts about it. It's an amazing read, full of emotion, and in this episode I break down HOW Daniel Keyes achieves this. Enjoy!
Shownotes:
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Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message13 - The Martian by Andy Weir - Problem and Response Story Structure.
I've read this book multiple times and love it more with each re-read. In this episode, I try to figure out why it's so engaging, and end up categorising problems/conflict into 6 distinctive archetypes which can benefit any story.
Shownotes:
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Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Website: novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message12 - Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson - Controlling Pacing using Chapters.
This was the first Brandon Sanderson novel I read, and boy did it get me hooked. This YA Superhero story is a masterclass in pacing, and pulls readers through the novel at a ridiculous speed. Today, I'll analyse how Sanderson achieved such a fast pace.
Shownotes:
Previous Brandon Sanderson Episode:
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message11 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling - Narrative Misdirection.
This is one of my favourite books, and in today's episode I dive deep into how you can use the 2+2 rule to misdirect readers. If you want to learn more about how Rowling writes plot twists, this is the episode for you!
Twitter: @JedHerne
Andrew Stanton: The clues to a great story
Episode 3 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling - Creating Suspense Using Question Arcs
A Clockwork Prison: novelanalyst.com/prison
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message10 - Mistborn The Final Empire - by Brandon Sanderson - Mastering the Grand Skill of Worldbuilding.
Sanderson is a master of creating compelling fantasy worlds. Mistborn is a perfect example - and it's one of the best novel's I've read this year. In this episode, I'll analyse different techniques Sanderson uses to craft an amazing world.
Shownotes:
Brandon Sanderson's (Amazing!) writing lectures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4ZDBOc2tX8&list=PLH3mK1NZn9QqOSj3ObrP3xL8tEJQ12-vL
Brandon Sanderson's Laws of Magic: https://brandonsanderson.com/sandersons-first-law/
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Show notes (links to books & articles I mentioned, etc.): novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message9 - The Stars my Destination by Alfred Bester - Grounding the Future in the Past.
This golden age sci-fi novel has a lot to teach - oddly enough - about realism. Bester extracts qualities from historical eras to ground his world in a sense of truth, and in this episode I explore how he does this and how you can do the same.
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Show notes (links to books & articles I mentioned, etc.): novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message8 - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline - Creating Empathy for the Hero. If you want readers to keep turning pages, empathy is crucial. In this episode, I examine how Cline uses goals to make readers care about Wade Watts.
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Show notes: novelanalyst.com/episode8
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message7 - The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie - Exploring Theme.
This is one of the best books I've read this year, and what made it strong was Abercrombie's masterful control of theme. Today, I examine how The Heroes doesn't cram a moral down readers throats, but instead uses characters, structure, and symbolism to explore how in a war it's impossible to be a hero in every way and at every time ...
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Show notes (links to books & articles I mentioned, etc.): novelanalyst.com/episode7
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageNeuromancer was a 1984 genre-defining novel - and it still has a lot to teach writers today. Settle in as I pull 6 key lessons out of this ground-breaking sci-fi novel.
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Show notes (links to books & articles I mentioned, etc.): novelanalyst.com/episode6
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/message5 - Gabriel Bergmoser Interview - Windmills, Boone Shepard, Movie Maintenance, and Red Dragon by Thomas Harris.
Today I'm changing things up from my normal analysis format by interviewing Gabe Bergmoser - one of my favourite Australian authors. Gabe is the author of Boone Shepard, Boone Shepard's American Adventure, and the forthcoming Boone Sheppard: The Silhouette and the Sacrifice. He's also a prolific playwright, winner of the Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award, host of Movie Maintenance, and contributor to Movie Maintenance Presents.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Shownotes (links to books Gabe mentioned & more): novelanalyst.com/episode5
Twitter: @JedHerne
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Done poorly, midpoints can bog down your story with annoying slowness. That's not the case in today's novel, which showcases one possible solution to avoiding the dreaded soggy middle.
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Show notes (links to books & articles I mentioned, etc.): novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageHarry Potter is successful (amoung many other reasons) for Rowling's fantastic use of suspense and mystery. Today, I analyse how you can use question arcs to create suspense in your own writing, and how suspense destroys 'soggy middle syndrome.'
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Show notes (links to books I mentioned, etc.): novelanalyst.com
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messageJoe Abercrombie writes some of the most realistic, fleshed-out, and interesting characters in modern fantasy. Today, I'll analyse what makes his characters so complex.
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Shownotes (links to books I mentioned, etc.): novelanalyst.com/episode2
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/messagePat Rothfuss' fantasy novel blew me away. In this episode, I analyse how he made every scene interesting - no mean feat given that this novel is over 600 pages long!
Twitter: @JedHerne
Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com
Show notes: novelanalyst.com
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