Struggling to make sense of story structure—or wondering if you’re doing it “wrong”? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Gabriela Pereira, founder of DIY MFA, to talk about story structure in a way that feels empowering instead of intimidating. We zoom in on the classic three-act structure (and why it’s classic, not universal), break down the role of pivot points, and explore how structure works best as a crosscheck rather than a paint-by-numbers formula.

You’ll learn:

✨ Why the three-act structure works—and why it isn’t universal or rigid
✨ Gabriela’s “3 + 2 = 1” framework (three acts, two pivot points, one cohesive story)
✨ How to navigate Act Two without falling into the dreaded “and then… and then…” trap
✨ What the midpoint and Dark Night of the Soul are really doing for your protagonist
✨ How different types of endings work (and how to choose the right one for your story)

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by story structure or unsure why something in your draft just isn’t working, this episode will help you move from instinct to intention—and finally see where your story needs support.

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Struggling to craft that perfect first sentence? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing why your novel’s opening line matters more than ever in today’s distracted world, how to avoid the most common first-line pitfalls, and three powerful strategies to spark reader curiosity from the very first word. Whether you're revising or just starting out, this writing episode will help you grab attention—and keep it.

In this episode, I break down exactly how to write killer first lines—the kind that spark instant curiosity, hook readers emotionally, and make them need to keep reading.

We’ll talk about what first lines are actually for (hint: it’s not being pretty or clever), what not to do, and the simple but powerful strategies that make an opening line irresistible.

You’ll learn:

✨ Why first lines matter more than ever—and how reader distraction changes what works
✨ The most common first-line mistakes that quietly kill curiosity (and what to do instead)
✨ What creating curiosity actually means—and how to do it without confusing your reader
✨ The three most effective types of killer opening lines, with clear examples you can apply immediately

If your current first line feels bland, safe, or like it’s just… there—and you’ve been telling yourself you’ll “fix it later”—this episode will show you how to fix it, and what to aim for instead.

By the end, you’ll understand how to turn your opening line into a true reader-hooking powerhouse—and why this one sentence sets the tone for everything that follows.

👉 Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies!
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Ask Me Anything Thursdays👋 Send me your writing question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name if you want a shout out! 🤗

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In this episode, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker to talk about writing that sells—without sacrificing craft, creativity, or your sanity. J.D. shares his unconventional journey from ghostwriter and book doctor to bestselling author, along with the systems, habits, and strategic decisions that helped him build a thriving, long-term writing career.

You’ll learn:

✨ How J.D. went from writing bestsellers under other people’s names to betting everything on his own career
✨ Why he self-published his first novel—and how that decision helped him break into traditional publishing
✨ What publishing looks like now (and why books need to be nearly “five-star ready” before agents or editors ever see them)
✨ His daily writing routine, word-count goals, and rituals for staying productive year after year
✨ How and why he uses outlining now—and what he learned plotting alongside James Patterson
✨ His approach to backstory, pacing, and suspense (including how he knows when readers are skimming)
✨ How beta readers actually help him shape stronger, more engaging novels
✨ Why thinking differently—especially when it comes to promotion—has been key to his success
✨ What it really takes to build a writing career that balances creativity, business, and real life

If you’re serious about writing books that connect with readers and building a sustainable author career in today’s publishing world, this episode offers a candid, practical look at what works, what’s changed, and how you can approach your writing with both confidence and strategy.

Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO

Ask Me Anything Thursdays👋 Send me your writing question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name if you want a shout out! 🤗

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Support the show