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Story Nerd

Valerie Francis, Melanie Hill, Kathleen Foxx

For novelists, memoirists and screenwriters who want to write stories readers will love, and who want to work with a literary agent. Each week, editors Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill use films to explain how to craft a story that hooks the reader on page one and holds their attention all the way to the end. On alternate weeks, Valerie and literary agent Kathleen Foxx offer their professional feedback on query letters and writing samples submitted by Story Nerd listeners.

The goal is simple: to help writers realize their dreams of becoming published authors. If you love to write, and you love to tell stories, and you want to see your book out in the world, this podcast is for you!

"The only thing that matters, and that ever will matter, is the story. That's it." - Tom Hanks (Oxford Union 2024)
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  • 26 episodes
  • Avg 44 min
  • English

Episodes 26

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Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S18 · E1824
    August 14 · 50 min

    Using Flashbacks and Flashforwards

    Ah, nonlinear timelines. You don't have to be in this business very long to hear some "expert" claim that flashbacks and flashforwards are bad. Not so! When used correctly, they can make a mediocre story, truly amazing. So what's the key to using flashbacks and flashforwards to greatest effect? And what are the pitfalls to be avoided? That's what Kathleen and I discuss in today's episode. Enjoy! -V. The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more. Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca. For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website. To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here. Watch us on YouTube!

  • S18 · E1820
    August 12 · 44 min

    The Good Liar (archive)

    The movie had both me and Valerie on the edge of our seats. When we come across a masterful movie we pull out as much as we can for you. This episode is chock-a-block full of info about point of view, narrative drive, clues, and liars. We also examine how the twist in The Good Liar is set up and pulled off. I continue to track the clues and motives this week...or should we say I track the lies. Valerie discusses how point of view and narrative drive work together to create this exciting thriller. If you're building up to your twisty ending, this episode will have you speedwriting to get to the big reveal. -M The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more. Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca. For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website. To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here. Watch us on YouTube!

  • S18 · E1823
    August 7 · 42 min

    Querying Too Soon?

    It's not unusual for a debut author to query agents too soon. After all, this is a new skill and often they don't realize that their submission might not be ready. Yes, official queries require completed manuscripts (although on this show it's not necessary). But is that all a writer needs or could there be more? Tune into today's episode to find out. -V. The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more. Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca. For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website. To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here. Watch us on YouTube!

  • S18 · E1819
    August 5 · 58 min

    The Courier (archive)

    In this episode, Melanie takes us on a deep dive of spy stories, their conventions and subgenres. It turns out that what we usually think of as spy stories might not be spy stories at all! Meanwhile, Valerie examines the testing plot and offers advice about how to write historical fiction that works. -V. The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more. Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca. For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website. To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here. Watch us on YouTube!

  • S18 · E1818
    July 31 · 39 min

    Worldbuilding in the Opening Pages

    How much worldbuilding should you do in your opening pages? Does it depend on which genre you're writing in? What happens if you do too much, or too little? Will the reader get lost or confused, or will they just go with it and fill in the blanks based on their personal past experiences and knowledge? We discuss all this and more in today's episode. Enjoy! - V.

  • S18 · E1817
    July 29 · 36 min

    Vertigo: does it live up to the hype?

    Not gonna lie ... this episode kinda went off the rails. We're supposed to talk about why Hitchcock's Vertigo is such a fabulous story — after all, it is lauded as one of his greatest films. Buuuut ... I didn't watch it before I recommended it for our What Went Right episode. Yes, the narrative drive works well in places. No question. However, to say this movie doesn't age well is an understatement and Melanie lets Hitchcock have it with both barrels. I roared with laugher through her whole bit (thankfully, my mic was muted so you'll have no trouble hearing her). This episode is worth a listen for the laugh if nothing else. And please let us know ... do you think Vertigo is one of Hitchcock's greatest films? - V.

Showing 21–26 of 26 episodes