Trouble With Writing Podcast
Welcome to Matt Gemmell's Trouble With Writing, a podcast with focused, hard-won techniques for solving all the problems you might encounter when planning, writing, and editing novels.

Episodes are intentionally brief and to-the-point, and can be listened to in any order. You can find a list of episodes below, most recent first, and you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts or using the feed.
Episodes
An Introduction and a Pep TalkWhat the Trouble With Writing is about, and why you can absolutely write a novel. |
Apr 10th, 2023 |
MotivationGetting into a working mindset, and striving to be a writer every day. |
Apr 11th, 2023 |
InspirationInspiration is something that comes after you start work, not a prerequisite for it. |
Apr 12th, 2023 |
Finding the IdeaNoticing story ideas is a skill you can learn, as is finding the emotional centre of a tale. |
Apr 16th, 2023 |
Plotting vs PantsingA full plan, or no plan at all, can each be appropriate for different authors or works. |
Apr 19th, 2023 |
RoutineThe deep magic of writing consistently is to make the task very boring. |
Apr 23rd, 2023 |
ToolsAlways use the right tools for each stage of the creative process. |
May 1st, 2023 |
Plot and StructureStories have a common and intuitive structure, and it's a useful tool for writing a novel. |
May 8th, 2023 |
Prologues and EpiloguesThere's no need to avoid prologues and epilogues, as long as you don't let them get in the way of the story. |
May 15th, 2023 |
ChaptersYou should only start thinking about chapters after you've written the first draft of your book. |
May 22nd, 2023 |
ResearchDetails in fiction aren't about adding information, but rather creating the appearance of knowledge and truth. |
May 29th, 2023 |
TruthStories should tell lies that are truer than real life allows. |
Jun 5th, 2023 |
OutliningHow to outline your story before starting, to make the writing process easier. |
Jun 19th, 2023 |
The First DraftThe best way to approach your first draft, and guarantee you'll finish it. |
Jul 17th, 2023 |
EditingHow to edit your manuscript, and why you'll need other pairs of eyes to help you. |
Jul 24th, 2023 |
Themes and SubtextThe arty parts of writing don't need to be engineered up-front. |
Jul 31st, 2023 |
Front and Back MatterWhat to include before and after the story itself. |
Aug 8th, 2023 |
Cover DesignHow to meet the reader's expectations and give your book its best chance. |
Aug 21st, 2023 |