Amie Kaufman On Writing
New York Times and internationally bestselling author Amie Kaufman answers one question each week about writing craft. Full of practical tips and an exercise each week, this is a show for writers, for readers who want a backstage look at how their favourite authors craft their stories, or for creative writing classrooms.
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How To Get Better At Writing
09/09/2024
How To Get Better At Writing
We're back after a long break with a new episode -- maybe the most useful one yet -- and an update on future plans. If you want to stay in the loop re future opportunities to learn from Amie, make sure you're on the mailing list, which you can join at
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Turning a Character Into a Plot with Lili Wilkinson (Season 4, Bonus Episode 2)
07/19/2023
Turning a Character Into a Plot with Lili Wilkinson (Season 4, Bonus Episode 2)
We’ll be back in a couple of months with the second half of Season 4, and in the meantime, I have a couple of fantastic bonus episodes for you. When I got a question about how to turn a character idea into a story idea, I knew Lili was the person to answer it. Listeners, you can find Lili on Instagram at @liliwilkinson, or online at where you can learn more about her new book, A Hunger of Thorns - a sapphic, witchy, botanical book about lost girls, and an adventure into an abandoned power plant that’s built on the remains of a magical forest - and her many other works. Don't forget that my newest book, , is out now! I hope you love it. You can find a transcript of this episode on You can also sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my other podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on The Isles of the Gods.
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Writing For Tabletop Games with James Sutter (Season 4, Bonus Episode 1)
06/27/2023
Writing For Tabletop Games with James Sutter (Season 4, Bonus Episode 1)
We’ll be back in a couple of months with the second half of Season 4, and in the meantime, I have a couple of fantastic bonus episodes for you. First up, we're going to hear from James Sutter. James is the co-creator of the Pathfinder and Starfinder roleplaying games—if you’re not a tabletop gamer, they’re similar to games like D&D. He’s also an author, and his latest novel, Darkhearts, came out on June 6th. Listeners, you can find James on Twitter at @jameslsutter and Instagram at james_l_sutter, or online at jameslsutter.com, where you can learn more about Darkhearts and his other work. Don't forget that my newest book, , is out now! I hope you love it. You can find a transcript of this episode on You can also sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my other podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on The Isles of the Gods.
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Creating a Magic System
05/15/2023
Creating a Magic System
Creating a magic system that really works takes effort. Every time you think you’ve got it working, someone points out some what-if hypothetical, and you’re back to the drawing board, trying to plug more leaks in your logic bucket. When it does work, though – well, all of us have been swept away at one point or another by the feeling we’re truly in another world, and a story full of magic you can believe in is really special. I’m going to give you three questions I ask myself when I’m creating a magic system, using one of my own as a case study. My new book, , is officially out! The Isles of the Gods is a fantasy novel set on the high seas, full of magic, romance, slumbering gods, gangsters’ dens and forgotten temples. It’s about a sailor girl who ends up saddled with an annoyingly handsome prince, who has to save him, if she wants to save the world. I think you're going to love it. You can find a transcript of this episode on You can also sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my other podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on The Isles of the Gods.
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Research for Worldbuilding with Kate J. Armstrong
05/08/2023
Research for Worldbuilding with Kate J. Armstrong
I started writing an episode to answer a question about worldbuilding and research—and then I realised that I already have the perfect resource for you. All of you know by now that my lovely producer Kate is also , a brilliant book about girls who can gift magic to you with a kiss. Kate and I host the , where we take listeners behind the scenes as we follow our books through the publication process. We’ve discussed this exact topic – so today, I’m going to share an excerpt from that episode. It’s a little longer than the average Amie Kaufman on Writing episode, but I promise you won’t get bored. If you're listening to this in real time, then tomorrow my new book, , will be out. The Isles of the Gods is a fantasy novel set on the high seas, full of magic, romance, slumbering gods, gangsters’ dens and forgotten temples. It’s about a sailor girl who ends up saddled with an annoyingly handsome prince, who has to save him, if she wants to save the world. If you’re listening on release (May 2, 2023), If you’re going to read it, then make sure you lodge your receipt and get the goods as well. You can find a transcript of this episode on You can also sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my other podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on The Isles of the Gods.
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Character Descriptions
05/01/2023
Character Descriptions
The way a character narrating a book—or even just a character whose point of view we share—is going to describe someone they see every day is going to be really different to the way they describe a newcomer. Let's break down some of techniques you can use to describe a familiar character in a way that serves the story and feel true to the person describing them. If you're listening to this in real time, then tomorrow my new book, , will be out. The Isles of the Gods is a fantasy novel set on the high seas, full of magic, romance, slumbering gods, gangsters’ dens and forgotten temples. It’s about a sailor girl who ends up saddled with an annoyingly handsome prince, who has to save him, if she wants to save the world. If you’re listening on release (May 2, 2023), If you’re going to read it, then make sure you lodge your receipt and get the goods as well. You can find a transcript of this episode on You can also sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my other podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on The Isles of the Gods.
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Creating a Map
04/24/2023
Creating a Map
I LOVE maps: I think they really add something to a world—when done well, everything from the style in which the map is drawn, to what’s included can contribute to the story. Today I'm going to give you my three best tips for creating one for your story. I have a new book out in a week! is a fantasy novel set on the high seas, full of magic, romance, slumbering gods, gangsters’ dens and forgotten temples. It’s about a sailor girl who ends up saddled with an annoyingly handsome prince, and has to save him if she wants to save the world. It’s my favourite thing I’ve ever written, and I’m beyond excited that it’s finally going to be out in the world. I particularly want you to know it’s coming because if you preorder it, and claim a variety of thank you gifts that range from character art to signed bookplates to invitations to a virtual Q&A. There’s also an annotated first chapter, which will be of particular interest to the writers among you. If you’re going to read it, then make sure you lodge your receipt and get the goods as well. You can find a transcript of this episode on You can also sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my other podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on The Isles of the Gods.
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Creating Romantic Tension
04/17/2023
Creating Romantic Tension
All my books are romances. I love them: the yearning, the will-they-won’t-they, and sometimes just the how-on-earth-can-they of it. Whether it’s a tortured, star-crossed love affair or a cosy romance set somewhere sweet, I’m here for it. Today I’m going to give you three tips I keep in mind when writing my own romances. I have a new book out in just a couple of weeks! is a fantasy novel set on the high seas, full of magic, romance, slumbering gods, gangsters’ dens and forgotten temples. It’s about a sailor girl who ends up saddled with an annoyingly handsome prince, and has to save him if she wants to save the world. It’s my favourite thing I’ve ever written, and I’m beyond excited that it’s finally going to be out in the world—I first started work on this one ten years ago! I particularly want you to know it’s coming because if you preorder it, and claim a variety of thank you gifts that range from character art to signed bookplates to invitations to a virtual Q&A. There’s also an annotated first chapter, which will be of particular interest to the writers among you. If you’re going to read it, then make sure you lodge your receipt and get the goods as well. You can find a transcript of this episode on You can also sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my other podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on The Isles of the Gods.
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Writing the End of the World with London Shah (Season 3, Bonus Episode 2)
12/05/2022
Writing the End of the World with London Shah (Season 3, Bonus Episode 2)
When I got a question about writing apocalyptic worlds, I knew that London should be the one to answer it. She has so much wisdom on this subject to share. . You will find a transcript of this episode on , which is also where you can sign up for my new newsletter and find out about my other podcast, , which is taking you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods (you can
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Writing Ensemble Casts with M.K. England (Season 3, Bonus Episode 1)
10/24/2022
Writing Ensemble Casts with M.K. England (Season 3, Bonus Episode 1)
When I recieved a question on how to create a compelling cast of characters, I knew M.K. England was the person to answer it. M.K. is a pro at building a dynamic ensemble cast, and this episode is jam-packed with their practical advice on how to make sure your cast of characters are all distinct, unique, and play well off each other. . You will find a transcript of this episode on , which is also where you can sign up for my new newsletter and find out about my other podcast, , which is taking you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods (you can
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Co-Authoring Disagreements (Season 3, Episode 10)
05/09/2022
Co-Authoring Disagreements (Season 3, Episode 10)
I get a lot of questions about co-authoring, and so I'm dedicating the last three episodes of the season to answering them. This week’s question is by far the most frequently asked question I get about co-authoring. What to do when you and your co-author disagree? You can find a transcript of this episode on You can also sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my other podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods.
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How Co-Authoring Works (Season 3, Episode 9)
05/04/2022
How Co-Authoring Works (Season 3, Episode 9)
I get a lot of questions about co-authoring, and so I'm dedicating the last three episodes of the season to answering them. If you missed last week’s episode, it was about the practicalities of preparing to co-author a book. This week, I’m talking about the writing itself. A transcript of this episode is available on You can sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my other podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods.
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Preparing for Co-authoring (Season 3, Episode 8)
04/26/2022
Preparing for Co-authoring (Season 3, Episode 8)
The most frequent questions I get are about how co-authoring works. So I’m going to devote the last three episodes of this season to co-authoring, answering one question each week. This episode kicks us off with some advice on how to set up a co-authoring relationship for success from the outset. A transcript of this episode is available on You can sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my new podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods.
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What To Do With a Giant Word Count (Season 3, Episode 7)
04/12/2022
What To Do With a Giant Word Count (Season 3, Episode 7)
My books are famously huge, so I am very intimate with this issue! A long word count isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if it feels like your book is long because the story has gotten away from you, I offer four tips for what you can do about it. A transcript of this episode is available on You can sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my new podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods.
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Four Ways To Build A Character (Season 3, Episode 6)
04/04/2022
Four Ways To Build A Character (Season 3, Episode 6)
When you come to a story, you might have a very basic idea of who a character will be. But how do you go about building those characters, making them feel real and engaging, so the reader cares what happens to them? A transcript of this episode is available on You can sign up for my newsletter there, which is full of information about upcoming releases and events, and my new podcast, , which takes you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods.
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Choosing First or Third Person POV (Season 3, Episode 5)
03/28/2022
Choosing First or Third Person POV (Season 3, Episode 5)
Let's talk about point of view. What's the difference between first and third person, and how does a novel change depending on which you choose? A transcript of this episode is available on , as well as info about my books and how to sign up for my newsletter. That's also where you can find out more about my new podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods.
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What Is Three Act Structure? (Season 3, Episode 4)
03/21/2022
What Is Three Act Structure? (Season 3, Episode 4)
This week, I am giving you a quick tour through the basics of the three act structure: what it is, why it matters, and why you might want to keep it in mind when crafting your story. A transcript of this episode is available on , as well as info about my books and how to sign up for my newsletter. That's also where you can find out more about my new podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods.
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Writing When You Have No Time (Season 3, Episode 3)
03/14/2022
Writing When You Have No Time (Season 3, Episode 3)
If you want, or even need, to write, but you're having trouble finding the time, this one's for you. This is a guide for busy people that I hope will help you carve out that time while encouraging you to rest when you need it. You will find the transcript for this episode on , as well as info about my books and a place to sign up for my newsletter. That's also where you can find out about my new podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods.
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How Outlining Works (Season 3, Episode 2)
03/07/2022
How Outlining Works (Season 3, Episode 2)
You might find you’re immediately inclined to lay out your story before you begin, or you might be showing up to give it a try because your writing stalled out. Either way, there are lots of good options, so let’s get into them. You'll find the transcript for this episode on , as well as information about my books and access to my newsletter. That's also where you can find out about my new podcast, , which will take you behind the scenes on my upcoming novel The Isles of the Gods.
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Plotters and Pantsers (Season 3, Episode 1)
02/28/2022
Plotters and Pantsers (Season 3, Episode 1)
Welcome to Season 3! To kick us off we have a question about plotters and pantsers. We often say that writers fall on a continuum from plotter at one end, all the way to pantser at the other. What do these terms actually mean and which approach works best? You can find a transcript of this episode , where you can also subscribe to my newsletter, get behind-the-scenes peeks at how I write, and any other news about new books, events or the podcast. You can also submit a question for the podcast on my website. You can find me on or . And you can find my new podcast, Pub Dates, wherever you listen to your favourite shows.
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Introducing: Pub Dates
02/15/2022
Introducing: Pub Dates
I am thrilled to announce the new podcast I'm making with my friend, and this show's producer, Kate Armstrong. Come behind the scenes on the making of our books, The Isles of the Gods and Nightbirds, which are coming out in 2023. This is your backstage pass to our characters, our worlds, and all the stories of their making.
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Being Your Own Editor with Abby Ranger (Season 2, Bonus Episode 2)
10/15/2021
Being Your Own Editor with Abby Ranger (Season 2, Bonus Episode 2)
Abby Ranger is a brilliant editor. Over the years, she's worked with several big publishers with a who's who of authors. In fact, she was my editor on my first book, These Broken Stars. She's smart, insightful, and she doesn't just make your current book better - she teaches you to make all of your future books better too. In this episode, she's going to share tips for setting yourself up for success in editing your novel.
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Sticking the Landing with Jay Kristoff (Season 2, Bonus Episode 1)
10/04/2021
Sticking the Landing with Jay Kristoff (Season 2, Bonus Episode 1)
When I asked you all who you’d like a guest episode from in our break between seasons, today’s guest was a very popular answer. I think Jay’s sense of storytelling is incredible, and when I saw today’s question in the mailbag about what makes for a satisfying ending, I knew I wanted you to hear from him.
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Writing Unreliable Narrators (Season 2, Episode 10)
06/07/2021
Writing Unreliable Narrators (Season 2, Episode 10)
Why do we write unreliable narrators? Loads of reasons: to create fantastic and unexpected twists when the truth is actually revealed, to keep the reader intrigued, to amp up the tension as the reader starts to question everything they read, and everything they thought they knew. That said, there’s a risk in writing an unreliable narrator—if you don’t do it well, the reader can end up completely disconnecting from them. Here are some tips to help you get it right.
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How To Get That Draft Finished (Season 2, Episode 9)
05/31/2021
How To Get That Draft Finished (Season 2, Episode 9)
It’s work to finish a book, no matter how many times you do it. But that said, the good news is that over time you do develop a toolbox you can turn to when the going gets tough. And I’m going to let you in on a secret: If you do finish your story, it will be better than 95% of stories ever written, because it will actually have an ending. So let’s talk about how to do it.
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Falling Out of Love With Your Story (Season 2, Episode 8)
05/25/2021
Falling Out of Love With Your Story (Season 2, Episode 8)
It happens to everyone. And if you’re like the rest of us, pretty soon you’ve lost perspective and you’re wondering if you should scrap the whole thing, or wander off to that other idea that seems perfect, all shiny and full of potential. Most of the time, this urge to elope with a different story idea is a perfectly normal part of the process. Here are four quick tips for falling back in love with your story.
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Four Tips on Backstory Without Info Dumps (Season 2, Episode 7)
05/17/2021
Four Tips on Backstory Without Info Dumps (Season 2, Episode 7)
We don’t want the reader to have to wade through information about our characters or world and get bored—but we also know that backstory is one of the reasons the reader will care about our characters. It helps them understand the characters’ motivations, care about what’s at stake, and gasp at the significance of all the twists and turns and reveals. So, how do we share backstory without devolving into one giant info-dump? Here are four tips for doing just that.
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Crafting Distinctive Character Voices (Season 2, Episode 6)
05/10/2021
Crafting Distinctive Character Voices (Season 2, Episode 6)
When we say “voice” we can mean the author’s voice – that is, the qualities to their writing that mean you always know who you’re reading. But another thing we can mean when we say “voice” is that same quality in the characters themselves. Nailing your characters’ voices is important for so many reasons. On a purely practical basis, it’s important that we know who’s speaking, but it goes well beyond that.
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Writing Genuinely Evil Villains (Season 2, Episode 5)
05/03/2021
Writing Genuinely Evil Villains (Season 2, Episode 5)
Villains play so many different parts in making your story work. They help drive the plot forward, they reveal so much about your protagonist, and they raise the stakes over and over. Here are four tips for writing genuinely bad villains who’ll hook your reader.
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Animal Companions (Season 2, Episode 4)
04/26/2021
Animal Companions (Season 2, Episode 4)
I love animal companions! One thing I know for sure about writing them is that you can’t just put an animal in your story, mention it’s there and declare your work done. An animal companion is woven right into the story’s fabric—they have a part to play and a purpose to serve. Done right, they enrich your work, so here are three tips for making the most of your animal companions.
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