Ever wonder why some horror stories linger in your mind long after the lights go out? Jamie Nash reveals how structure (not jump scares or gore) creates true terror.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Nash, screenwriter and author of Save the Cat! Writes Horror, the ultimate guide to creating “Monster in the House” stories that keep readers up at night.

With over 25 years of experience writing and teaching horror (including films like V/H/S/2 and Lovely Molly), Jamie shares how to craft terrifying tales using Blake Snyder’s iconic Save the Cat! framework. We talk about how structure, theme, and moral depth make stories truly scary and how to balance dread, scares, and gross-outs for maximum impact.

Whether you’re writing a slow-burn psychological thriller or a relentless survival horror, this episode will show you how to use the Save the Cat! framework to make every scream count.

[00:00] What makes a novel truly horror and how to tell if your story actually fits this genre (before you waste time writing the wrong one).

[00:00] The three ingredients every unforgettable horror story needs and why missing even one can ruin your scare factor.

[00:00] How to use Save the Cat! beats to build tension and fear so your story feels cohesive and terrifying, not random and rushed.

[00:00] The two main types of horror pacing, and which one to choose to keep your readers gripped.

[00:00] Why passive heroes kill good horror and how to turn your protagonist into the story’s fiercest weapon.

[00:00] The difference between dread, scares, and gross outs, and why dread flags (red flags that signal unease) are the true engine of horror.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write horror that lingers long after the last page, this conversation with Jamie Nash is your masterclass in scarecraft.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Jamie Nash Website
• Save the Cat! Writes Horror
• Save the Cat! website

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Learn the five key plot points that turn struggling manuscripts into finished novels—and exactly where they need to appear in your story structure.

Have you ever felt like your story just isn't clicking, no matter how much effort you've put into it? Maybe you've polished your prose, developed your characters, and built an intriguing world—but something still feels off.

In this episode, I sat down with Kristina Stanley—award-winning author, fiction editor, and founder of Fictionary—to uncover the structural secrets that transform good stories into unforgettable ones.

Here's what we discussed:

• [03:15] Why your beautifully written novel might feel "stuck" despite compelling characters—and the structural secret that transforms wandering manuscripts into page-turners
• [05:45] The five essential scenes that form every successful novel's backbone, including the exact percentages where they should appear in your manuscript
• [23:45] Why the midpoint is where most novels soar or lose their way—and how to create the shift that keeps readers hooked through Act Two
• [30:30] Plot Point 2's dual purpose that most writers miss: combining your darkest moment with the crucial information needed for the climax
• [34:30] How to craft climaxes that satisfy readers by answering your story's central question (not just adding exciting action scenes)

Plus, Kristina shares her "story test" for evaluating your manuscript and explains why fixing structure before polishing prose will save you months of revision time.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Fictionary.co
• Grab Fictionary’s course, An Insider's View of Story Editing, for FREE here (a $39 value)

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

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Should you include a prologue or skip it? Here's how to make the right choice for your novel.

Prologues are one of the most debated topics in fiction. Some literary agents warn against them, some readers skip them altogether, and yet many of the most beloved bestselling novels begin with one. The real question is this: Does your story need a prologue, or will Chapter One carry the weight on its own?

In this episode, I'm breaking down when a prologue truly adds value, when it works against you, and how to write a prologue that pulls readers in instead of pushing them away. If you've been second-guessing whether your book needs a prologue, this conversation will provide a clear way forward and the confidence to know you're making the right decision for your story.

Here’s what you’ll hear inside the episode:

[02:05] Why most prologues fall flat and the single question that tells you if yours is worth keeping.

[03:30] The five types of prologues that actually work (with bestselling examples you’ve probably read and loved) and how to know which one, if any, your book actually needs.

[08:40] Why Brandon Sanderson’s prologue in The Way of Kings is a masterclass in hooking readers and setting the stage for an epic story

[11:45] The three key ingredients every strong prologue requires if you want readers to become immersed from the first page and keep turning the pages.

[14:50] Actionable tips to help you create intrigue, build tension, and leave readers desperate to turn the page into Chapter One.

By the end of this episode, you won't be stuck second-guessing your beginning anymore. You'll know whether your novel needs a prologue or if Chapter One is the stronger start (and you’ll understand why). That way, instead of circling back to rework your first pages again and again, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your story is starting exactly where it’s meant to.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Take the Author Success Blueprint Quiz to get personalized next steps for your writing, editing, and publishing journey
• Grab my free Novel Writing Roadmap, a simple, step-by-step plan to help you trust your story, remove the guesswork, and actually finish your first draft.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

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👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.