How to Write Strong Protagonists & Supporting Characters with Gabriela Pereira

Here's a question that might change how you think about your main character: Does your protagonist want to change things—or preserve them?In this episode, Gabriela Pereira of DIYMFA breaks down her Storytelling Superpower framework—a surprisingly simple way to understand what makes protagonists like Elizabeth Bennett and Katniss Everdeen work so well on the page.Plus: why "supporting character" is a better term than "side character," the crucial difference between a villain and an antagonist, and what Shakespeare's Fool can teach you about the characters your protagonist doesn't want to listen to (but really should).

Feeling squeamish about your book—or even asking for blurbs? In this episode, Sue Campbell talks with actor–author–coach Jamie Rose about “Madame X,” the inner voice that sabotages women’s creative work. Come for the mindset shifts and bite-size tools; stay for raw memoir moments, smart launch lessons, and a Steven Pressfield surprise. If you want your launch (and writing life) to feel fun, organic, and fear-resilient, this one’s a must-listen.

Sue Campbell interviews Eli Potter, tech track coordinator for the San Francisco Writers Conference and author of the bestselling book Role Modelship: Multiply Your Impact to Influence AI, about writers’ fears and ethical concerns around AI.In this episode, Eli reveals why being rude to AI will sabotage your results, why writer's block is no longer an excuse, and how writers actually have a massive advantage in an AI-saturated world.Plus: the one question that unlocks AI's real power, why your brain is getting "wired" to AI output (and why that's dangerous), and how to use these tools ethically without losing what makes your writing yours.Whether you're AI-curious or AI-skeptical, this conversation will change how you think about technology in your writing life.

On the Write Anyway podcast, host Anne Hawley interviews epic fantasy novelist Don Elliott about a simple strategy he used to rapidly improve his prose and strengthen his author voice without formal schooling. After focusing for years on story craft, Don realized his line-level writing hadn’t advanced as much, so he studied authors he admires—Mark Lawrence, Patrick Rothfuss, Ursula K. Le Guin, George R. R. Martin, and Joe Abercrombie—to analyze sentence-level choices like length, metaphor use, lyricism, and how emotion is conveyed. He then took a fully edited manuscript and rewrote passages multiple times, trimming stacked metaphors and avoiding naming emotions in favor of evoking them, sharing before-and-after examples. Don recommends daily 30–60 minute rewrite drills—rewriting your own work in an admired author’s style or rewriting their passages in your voice—to build muscle memory, reporting dramatic improvement within a week.

Can you really write a book while raising kids?Creativity coach Susie Meserve says yes — but not in the way you think.In this episode, Sue sits down with Susie to talk about what actually gets in the way of creative moms (hint: it's not just time), why having children made both of them more prolific, and the guilt spiral that so many artist moms never talk about out loud.If you're a caregiver who's told yourself "I'll get back to my writing when things slow down" — this one's for you.

Sue interviews keynote speaker and author Christoph Merrill ("Habit Freak") about building, testing, and maintaining non-negotiable habits, including writing, even through mental health challenges. Christoph shares how the simple habit of leaving handwritten notes for his kids while traveling became "the habit that saved my life." He explains his core idea that habits are "tested, not taught," emphasizing that habits must work under pressure and that writers need to practice writing even when conditions aren’t ideal. They discuss identity-based habits, alternatives to drafting on low-motivation days (like brainstorming or mapping chapters), and the role of gratitude and radical self-awareness. Christoph describes using journaling to track the pressures he experiences and how he responds, as well as improve communication with his wife and repair moments when he’s short with family through acknowledgement rather than shame. You can find Christoph Merrill at christophmerrill.com or Habit Freak.

In this episode of the Write Anyway Podcast, host Sue Campbell chats with memoirist Eleanor Vincent about her evolving journey in marketing her work, from initial reluctance to embracing various digital platforms. Eleanor shares insights into the shifts in her mindset since 2022, her strategies for audience engagement, and her experiences with Substack and MailChimp. They discuss her book 'Disconnected: Portrait of a Neurodiverse Marriage' and her passion for writing consistent, impactful content. Eleanor also delves into her challenges around technology and how specific courses and community support have helped her grow as a writer.

Anne Hawley and Rachelle Ramirez dive into the challenges nonfiction writers face when transitioning to fiction writing. They emphasize the critical difference between conveying information and creating intrigue. The discussion covers the importance of revealing character backstory gradually, the pitfalls of over-explaining, and practical advice on how to keep readers turning pages by raising questions rather than answering them outright. The episode provides valuable insights for writers aiming to engage readers more effectively in their fictional narratives.00:00 Introduction to Fiction Writing for Nonfiction Authors00:25 Challenges in Transitioning from Nonfiction to Fiction01:14 The Importance of Intrigue Over Information01:36 Avoiding Backstory Overload03:50 Learning from Great Fiction06:29 What to Leave Out in Fiction Writing07:50 Engaging the Reader with Intrigue12:11 Character Motivations and Actions16:02 Common Obstacles for Nonfiction Writers17:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Write Anyway podcast, Sue interviews digital marketing expert Alex Strathdee (https://getshelflife.com/) to delve into effective strategies for growing your readership and ensuring a successful book launch. They discuss the concept of the viral coefficient, emphasizing the importance of finding ideal readers who will actively promote your book. Drawing parallels from startup strategies, Alex offers actionable insights, including leveraging virtual assistants, understanding audience dynamics, and adopting innovative marketing tactics. The episode also highlights mindset shifts necessary for successful marketing and provides practical advice for systematizing marketing efforts. Learn from real-world examples like James Clear’s 'Atomic Habits' and Mike Michalowicz’s 'Profit First', as well as the unique approach of creating a book with built-in virality.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:28 Meet Alex Strathdee: Digital Marketing Expert02:06 Understanding the Viral Coefficient04:06 Applying Startup Strategies to Book Marketing05:39 Real-Life Examples of Successful Book Marketing11:02 Mindset Shifts for Effective Marketing13:11 Systematizing Your Marketing Efforts16:00 Final Tips and Closing Remarks

Host Anne Hawley speaks with developmental editor Rachelle Ramirez about what writers can expect from a developmental edit. The conversation covers the importance of submitting a clean manuscript, identifying the story type, and ensuring consistency in narrative structure, character development, and stakes. Rachelle also discusses the common challenges authors face with their manuscripts and provides insights into the steps involved in the developmental editing process. This episode is a valuable resource for authors looking to improve their drafts and understand the developmental editing journey.00:00 Introduction to Developmental Editing00:32 Understanding the Developmental Edit02:28 Key Elements of a Developmental Edit04:10 Addressing Common Writer Concerns13:04 Steps After Receiving Feedback20:55 Final Thoughts and Contact Information