What If You Wrote

What If You Wrote is the podcast that'll get you writing even if you have a million real-life responsibilities, you can't find your pen and your tea has just gone cold. Get your weekly dose of writing inspiration and bust through writer's block sooner than you can say "once upon a time".

(#26) Plot holes and how to avoid them 09/19/2025

(#26) Plot holes and how to avoid them Plot holes are not inevitable and it's easy to avoid them with good plotting - you can make anything make sense in your story (barring going against laws of physics). But don't despair if you've already fallen into a dreaded plot hole because I also give you three ways to fix them in this episode. You can find the Plot Without Holes workbook here: https://writerlifestyle.etsy.com/listing/4365755365 Listen to this episode to learn how to plot your story: https://whatifyouwrote.com/podcast/16-dont-know-how-to-plot-your-story-do-this/ /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/38277105

(#25) Season writing tips for autumnal stories 09/12/2025

(#25) Season writing tips for autumnal stories Autumn is THE most aesthetic season to write about, but you do need more than vibes to write a story. In this episode, I help you truly SHOW this season in your writing, and I give you some inspiration for stories and conflicts. Want to turn your vibes into a plot? Listen to episode #10 next: https://whatifyouwrote.com/podcast/what-if-you-have-all-vibes-and-no-plot/ Don't have your best story idea yet? Get our completely free workbook here: https://whatifyouwrote.com/workbook/ /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/38192090

(#24) Story ideas about historical figures 08/29/2025

(#24) Story ideas about historical figures Have you ever thought of using a real historical figure as a character in your story? In this episode, we'll explore a few options for doing this and I give you some ideas for stories about historical figures. You can find all the writing prompts in this blog post: https://katrisoikkeli.com/story-ideas-about-historical-figures/ If you still don't have your best story idea, you need my free workbook: https://whatifyouwrote.com/workbook/ /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/38017785

(#23) Editing quick tips: Repetitive actions in your writing 08/22/2025

(#23) Editing quick tips: Repetitive actions in your writing This week's episode is another edition of editing quick tips: What to do when your characters are constantly looking, frowning, sighing or anything else completely repetitive, redundant, duplicative and repetitive. As always, this stuff is perfectly fine in your first drafts, this is just something to keep an eye on when editing your story. P.S. Sorry if the audio is weird - I have more technical issues than I have the time to deal with them, but I'll do my best to return with pristine audio next week. Don't have your perfect story idea yet? Get the FREE workbook here: /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/37919170

(#22) People have a lot of thoughts about AI and writing (they're bad) 08/15/2025

(#22) People have a lot of thoughts about AI and writing (they're bad) When it comes to using generative AI to help you write, or even write completely for you, people on the internet have A LOT of thoughts. Unfortunately, many of those thoughts are based on misunderstanding how both artificial intelligence and writing novels actually work. Yikes. I don't actually care what you do with your life, but I do care about you, and I think you should care more about your own writing and your skill development, and we should ALL care about how young people are being turned towards even more screens rather than towards each other. This episode is all about how much more you matter than AI ever could and about how writing already is extremely accessible. Resources mentioned in the episode: - Can you use ChatGPT to write a novel?: - The Genius Plotting System: - Writing 101: - Start Your Novel 5-day course (it's free!): /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/37832930

(#21) How to surprise your readers with a PLOT TWIST 06/20/2025

(#21) How to surprise your readers with a PLOT TWIST Does your character see dead people? In this episode, we're talking about what a plot twist actually is and how you can write one in three easy steps. I bet you didn't see THAT coming! Writing a great plot twist that works requires some planning beforehand, so you might also want to listen to episode #4 to learn all about outlining your novel. If there's anything else related to plotting that you'd like me to talk about in this podcast, let me know - I'm here to solve your problems and not just listen to myself talk. Still need a winning story idea that keeps you writing all the way through? You might need our free story idea workbook: Want to learn everything you need to write a page-turning plot? Get the Genius Plotting System here: /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/37087015

(#20) Editing quick tips: When your characters DECIDE stuff 06/13/2025

(#20) Editing quick tips: When your characters DECIDE stuff Our new Editing Quick Tips series is exactly what it sounds like: Quick, laser-focused tips that you'll need during the editing process. In this episode, we're focusing on when your characters "decide" something. What do you actually mean when you write that and could you cut it out? You'll have to listen to find out. Got requests for future Editing Quick Tips episodes? Let me know! Find more links and information at /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/36996810

(#19) Why your word count is ZERO 06/06/2025

(#19) Why your word count is ZERO If you're a writer, you should be writing, but if your word count is still sitting at zero, one of these seven reasons might be the culprit. Don't worry, you can also find solutions in this episode, so put your listening ears on. If you'd like to see the video version of this episode, you can find it on the Protagonist Crafts Youtube channel. Want to finally find a story idea that keeps you writing? Get the free story idea workbook from /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/36888325

(#18) Fun and interesting ways to TITLE your novel 05/30/2025

(#18) Fun and interesting ways to TITLE your novel Your novel needs a title, but do you need it NOW? In this episode, you find out why a good novel title matters, when it matters, and how to find the right title inside your story. The stakes are just about as high as when naming your first-born, but with these tips and examples, it doesn't have to be hard. Stay tuned every Friday to get more inspiration for your writing and for your writer life. /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/36784030

(#17) How to stop CRINGING at your writing 05/23/2025

(#17) How to stop CRINGING at your writing If you've ever said YIKES while reading your own writing or when thinking about sharing your stories with the world, this episode is for you. When you stop worrying so much about whether your writing sucks or not, you have a lot more time to actually improve it. I know, weird. Don't forget to get your writing exercises: You can find more useful resources here: /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/36685805

(#16) Don't know how to PLOT your story? Do this! 05/16/2025

(#16) Don't know how to PLOT your story? Do this! Having a story idea is nice, but it's not a novel until you have a PLOT, too. In this episode, you find out what your story is actually about and how to come up with the events that your protagonist needs to go through. It's a bit of a rambling episode, but hopefully you can follow along anyway! Stay tuned until the end to get your writing prompt of the week. Find the Genius Plotting System here: Don't have a story idea yet? Get the free story idea workbook: Find all the other useful links at /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/36589055

(#15) Why VAGUE writing tips suck and what to do instead 05/04/2025

(#15) Why VAGUE writing tips suck and what to do instead Not all "writing tips" are created equal - and neither is commentary on said writing tips. In this episode, I'm diving into Instagram comments about useless advice, but we also talk about weird attitudes in the writing world. SPOILERS for the Doctor Who episode The Well at 4:10 - 6:25. Don't let the new episode title format fool you, this is still the same What If You Wrote podcast by Protagonist Crafts that you know and love. If you want to hear more advice that actually means something and get seriously inspired to write great stories, you'll want to stick around. Didn't find the advice in this episode useful or specific enough? Let me know and I'll dig into the subjects even deeper. Get your FREE writing exercises at Find more links and information here: /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/36424155

What if you don't feel like writing 04/25/2025

What if you don't feel like writing I get it, it's impossible to feel inspired and motivated to write all the time, and sometimes you have things going on that kill your creativity. If you can bother listening to this episode, you can find some tips that help you out of your writing funk, or not, whatever. I'm setting the bar pretty low this time. If your current story ideas have left you feeling, well, not much at all, you can find your best one in our free workbook: https://whatifyouwrote.com/workbook /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/36306615

What if you wrote flawed characters 04/18/2025

What if you wrote flawed characters Surely you know that your characters need flaws, but do you know why? And do you know how your protagonist's flaws and strengths need to be relevant to your specific story? Listen to this episode to learn how to write full, realistic and interesting characters without ever having to refer to a character flaw list. Be prepared to hear me complain about the word S-T-R-E-N-G-T-H. As always, there's a sparkling new writing prompt at the end, but if you'd like more writing prompts about character flaws, check out the links at Do you have any questions about writing or requests for future episodes? Let me know! The Ultimate Character Workbook: Use character flaws to plot your story: /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/36218090

What if I gave you writing inspiration 04/11/2025

What if I gave you writing inspiration Don't know what to write? Stories lacking material? You can stop agonising over your empty brain, because in this episode, I'm giving you my best tips for finding intriguing new things to write about. (Content warning for infant death at 14:40-15:05.) Find your very best story idea from the free workbook: /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/36095380

What if you wrote from enemies to lovers 03/28/2025

What if you wrote from enemies to lovers They began as enemies but now they're lovers. How did that happen? If "from enemies to lovers" is your favourite trope, too, you're going to want to listen to this episode. I will tell you what actually makes this trope appealing and I'll show you how to craft this romance arc for maximum impact (and suffering, don't forget the suffering) whether you're writing romance, fantasy or something completely different. And as always, there's a writing prompt at the end of the episode, whether you want it or not. Find the Enemies to Lovers Outline Template and other resources at /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35902825

What if you have all vibes and no plot? 03/21/2025

What if you have all vibes and no plot? You know the exact vibe of your story but there's still a big problem: you don't know what your plot is. If you've ever suffered from "all vibes no plot", this episode walks you through a process of turning those awesome vibes into a story that you can finally start working on. All you need is Pinterest and something to write your ideas on. You can find the From Vibes To Plot workbook in my Etsy shop: All other links and useful resources can be found at /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35803280

What if you were unique 03/14/2025

What if you were unique Whether you want to stand out from the crowd or take advantage of familiar and beloved themes, there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. In this episode of What If You Wrote podcast, we talk about how to write something unique when every idea has already been used, whether you really need to be unique and how to figure out why people love popular or classic stories. You also hear my rant on how some writers actually discourage unique stories from being written. Still missing your own unique story idea? Get our free workbook that uncovers what you'd love to write about: https://whatifyouwrote.com/workbook /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35682870

What if you wrote a SAD story 03/07/2025

What if you wrote a SAD story Who doesn't love a good cry? In this episode, we talk about why people like to read stuff that makes them sad, and I tell you how you can make your readers sob. I'm going to ramble about The Time Traveller's Wife but not nearly as much as I talk about Call The Midwife. Just be warned. (Also I'm going to talk about pet death a couple of times - maybe don't listen if you've just lost your cat.) And as always, there's going to be a heart-wrenching writing prompt at the end, so don't fall apart before that. Want to find a sad story idea of your own? Check out our free story idea workbook at /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35572385

(Visualization) What if you could SEE your story? 02/28/2025

(Visualization) What if you could SEE your story? This quick episode is your journey inside your story. We're going to visualize your protagonist and what happens to them, so close your eyes and step into the world you've created. Whether you want to outline your novel or not, you can use this process to answer the age-old question: What's actually going on in your story? And as always, there's a sparkling new writing prompt at the end of the episode. Find more resources and information at whatifyouwrote.com. /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35477930

What if you knew what to write about 02/21/2025

What if you knew what to write about You don't need a story idea generator when you've got YOU. Listen to this episode to find out exactly what you should write about, and that means something you'll LOVE to write from start to finish. I'll walk you through my process of finding awesome story ideas that you can do on one sitting - the sooner you're ready to start writing, the better. And as per usual, there's a brand new writing prompt at the end of the episode. You can answer these questions with pen and paper but you could also get the free story idea workbook from /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35374755

What if you wrote a FRESH love story (Valentine's Day bonus episode) 02/14/2025

What if you wrote a FRESH love story (Valentine's Day bonus episode) This quick episode is your dose of bonus inspiration for Valentine's Day. I'm going to give you a few writing prompts to use in your romance novel (or for the romance arc in any other type of novel) and we talk about how to have a fresh angle on familiar themes. This episode is definitely not a damsel in distress. Check out WhatIfYouWrote.com for the links and resources. /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35281960

What if you outlined your novel 02/14/2025

What if you outlined your novel If you don't want to outline your novel and you think it takes all the fun out of writing, this episode isn't for you. Go listen to something else. But if you DO want to find out how you could plan your plot beforehand without getting lost and overwhelmed, I've got your back. Whether you want a very general plan that leaves a lot of room for discovery or something more detailed that supports you throughout the entire first draft, you can use any of my tips and methods from this episode and make them work for your awesome brain. No need to take notes, you can find more information and all the links at WhatIfYouWrote.com /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35281805

What if you wrote historical fiction 02/01/2025

What if you wrote historical fiction If you don't yet have a time machine, historical fiction is a good substitute. Jump into the past with us and find out what counts as historical fiction and how you can find writing inspiration from bygone eras. Perhaps you really should write about Bertha Heyman. And as always, there's a historically accurate writing prompt at the end of the episode. More information and resources at whatifyouwrote.com /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35096870

What if you wrote your first novel 02/01/2025

What if you wrote your first novel If you're yet to write your first novel, successfully, from start to finish, this is the episode for you. Aspiring authors have many different concerns but what should they actually spend their time and energy on? Listen to find out! You're also going to get writing exercises that make your writing go from 'meh' to 'wow' and you learn a path to editing your novel that'll keep you from getting lost. And as always, there's a new writing prompt at the end, just for you. Find the links and more information at whatifyouwrote.com /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35095150

What if you wrote anyway 02/01/2025

What if you wrote anyway If you've ever had doubts about whether you should write or not, this episode will give you about a dozen reasons why you should. I share my own journey of "writing anyway", I talk a little bit about famous authors and what they did before they were authors, and you find out if you need a degree to become a writer or not. And as always, there's a fresh writing prompt at the end of the episode, completely free of charge. You're welcome. Check out whatifyouwrote.com for more details and help with your writing journey. /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/35063260

What If You Wrote trailer 01/22/2025

What If You Wrote trailer Your parents probably didn’t tell you to become a writer, but I’m going to tell you this: If you want to write, you should, end of conversation. What If You Wrote podcast by Protagonist Crafts is the place for people who are kind of obsessed with that whole writing thing, despite everything. Got dishes or homework piling up? Cats need feeding? Does the weather totally not fit your aesthetic? Doesn’t matter - we’re going to find writing inspiration anyway. Imagine what might happen if you wrote today. /episode/index/show/90c36f37-3013-48c7-9ba6-a0d6f15be281/id/34954415

What If You Wrote

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