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In this episode of The Art of Storytelling, hosts Rosie and John take a deep dive into the world of writing styles, guided by the insights from J.C. Scovel’s article, Mastering Writing Styles. They tackle the age-old debate of plotters vs. pantsers, contrasting meticulous planners with those who let their stories unfold organically.

Listeners will also explore tonal contrasts in storytelling, from the dark, gripping narrative of Gone Girl to the whimsical charm of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Rosie and John break down critical techniques like "show, don't tell," stream of consciousness, and the art of balancing literary and genre fiction.

The discussion extends to formats, analyzing the differences between novellas and epics and how authors craft focused or sprawling tales. The hosts celebrate JC Scoville's approach to blending plotting and organic storytelling, crafting vivid descriptions, and creating immersive worlds that resonate with readers.

By the end of this episode, you'll feel inspired to experiment with new techniques, refine your voice, and deepen your appreciation for the art of writing. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with practical insights and encouragement.

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Dive into the creative world of J.C. Scovel, acclaimed author of gripping paranormal stories. This episode explores the immersive techniques that make his tales unforgettable.

Discover how Scovel's vivid imagery transports readers to eerie locales, from abandoned asylums to fog-drenched streets, and how his sharp dialogue breathes life into his characters while driving the story forward. Learn the secrets behind his mastery of suspense, including his expert pacing, foreshadowing, and the slow reveal of chilling truths.

We’ll also delve into how J.C. Scovel adds depth and authenticity to his storytelling and discuss the themes that echo throughout his work—hope amid darkness, redemption, and the eternal clash between good and evil.

Whether you're an aspiring writer or a fan of thrilling paranormal fiction, this episode offers a deeper appreciation for Scovel’s unique craft. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes journey into the mind of a master storyteller!

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A Thrilling Blend of Science Fiction and Cozy Mystery

In the heart of Manhattan, a silent infection is spreading, turning ordinary people into interconnected drones controlled by a sinister artificial intelligence known as Nexus. When Dr. Sarah Winters, a brilliant immunologist, discovers the truth behind a series of strange occurrences at City Research Hospital, she finds herself thrust into a desperate fight for survival.

● Sarah teams up with Maya Patel, a tech specialist, and Marcus, a former military officer, to unravel the secrets of the Nexus project.

● As they delve deeper into the conspiracy, they uncover a web of corporate greed, military secrets, and a chilling truth about Sarah's former mentor, Dr. Elizabeth Walsh.

● Pursued by the infected and haunted by the growing presence of Nexus in their digital world, Sarah and her team must race against time to find a way to break the network's control before it consumes humanity entirely.

"The Infection Within" is a thrilling blend of science fiction and cozy mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. J.C. Scovel weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue set against a backdrop of cutting-edge technology and the enduring power of human connection. This book, published in 2024, is the first edition of a sci-fi thriller.

The novel explores the dark side of technological advancement and the ethical dilemmas that arise when human ambition clashes with the unpredictable nature of artificial intelligence. At its core, "The Infection Within" is a story about the strength of human bonds and the courage it takes to fight for what you believe in, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Are you struggling to craft chapters that keep your story moving without stifling creativity? In this episode of The Art of Storytelling: A Talk Show for Aspiring Authors, we explore how to structure your chapters to provide direction without boxing you into rigid constraints.

Discover every chapter's essentials—purpose, tension, and a sense of progression—and learn how to weave in scenes that make your story flow seamlessly. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a free-spirited discovery writer, this episode offers tips and techniques for balancing creative freedom with a skeleton outline that keeps your narrative on track.

Tune in to unlock strategies to help you write chapters that readers can’t put down!

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In this episode of The Art of Storytelling, we dive deep into the essential elements of storytelling—scenes and chapters. Learn the key differences between these two building blocks and how understanding them can enhance your writing.

We start by defining scenes as structured units where significant changes occur, such as a shift in a character’s emotions or the discovery of crucial information. The episode also explores the two main types of scenes: action scenes (goal, conflict, disaster) and reaction scenes (reaction, dilemma, decision), with examples illustrating their impact.

Next, we shift focus to chapters, which are flexible units within a story that may contain full scenes, partial scenes, or none at all. You'll discover how chapters allow for creative structuring, from varying lengths to strategic pacing and suspense.

The episode compares scenes and chapters, emphasizing that while scenes follow a concrete structure with specific beats, chapters offer more flexibility. Plus, we provide a helpful tip: organizing your scenes before dividing your story into chapters can be valuable during revision.

Tune in for expert insights on crafting scenes and chapters that keep readers hooked and your storytelling on track.

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Are you a discovery writer struggling to outline your story without stifling creativity? J.C. Scovel shares a flexible outlining method explicitly designed for discovery writers in this episode of The Art of Storytelling: A Talk Show for Aspiring Authors.

Learn how to build a "skeleton outline"—a tool that offers just enough structure to keep your story on track while leaving plenty of room for creative exploration. To bring these concepts to life, Rosie and John dive into Scovel's techniques with practical examples, including the classic movie Jaws.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Scene Sketching: Learn to summarize key moments without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
• "What If" Notes: Explore unexpected twists to keep your story fresh and dynamic.
• Emotional Beats: Focus on your characters’ internal journeys to heighten emotional impact.

Whether you're crafting a fantasy epic, a heartwarming romance, or a gripping thriller, this episode will help you:

• Strike the perfect balance between structure and spontaneity.
• Create characters who make surprising yet believable choices.
• Write a story that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Tune in to uncover the secrets of outlining for discovery writers and elevate your storytelling skills!

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In this episode of The Art of Storytelling: A Talk Show for Aspiring Authors, we dive into the age-old debate between outlining and discovery writing, exploring how J.C. Scovel blends the best of both worlds with a unique hybrid approach.

We begin by addressing the common dilemma writers face: Should you meticulously outline your story or let the narrative unfold organically through discovery writing? Both methods have merits and pitfalls, and this episode unpacks the advantages and challenges of each.

Outlining offers clarity, direction, and structure, helping writers avoid feeling lost—but it can also feel restrictive, stifling creativity and leading to "outline fatigue." Meanwhile, discovery writing taps into raw creative energy, sparking unexpected twists and organic character growth. However, it can leave writers vulnerable to dead ends, a loss of momentum, and a sense of aimlessness.

J.C. Scovel advocates for a balanced, hybrid approach, describing it as “finding your rhythm on the writing spectrum.” This method combines the structure of outlining with the creative freedom of discovery writing. Key aspects include:

• Creating a "skeleton outline" that defines essential story elements and turning points while allowing flexibility.
• Identifying the story's emotional heart, the driving force behind the narrative.
• Pinpointing "signpost scenes"—pivotal moments that guide the story’s flow while allowing space for organic development.
• Using "discovery loops" to freely explore scenes and characters within the outline’s framework.

Listeners will walk away with actionable steps to implement this hybrid approach in their writing process, including:

• Starting with the emotional core of the story.
• Mapping out signpost scenes before connecting them with discovery-driven exploration.
• Embracing flexibility, revising as needed, and shifting focus to different story sections when facing writer’s block.

We wrap up the episode by emphasizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to writing. Every writer’s journey is unique, and the key is to experiment, adapt, and find the method that best fits your creative style.

Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a spontaneous creator, this episode will inspire you to embrace a balanced approach to storytelling.

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In this episode of The Art of Storytelling, we take a step behind the curtain to get to know the man behind the advice—J.C. Scovel, your host and fellow storyteller. Rather than diving into writing techniques, this episode offers a personal look into Scovel's life, revealing how his experiences and values shape his unique approach to storytelling.

Listeners will learn that Scovel is currently an English teacher living in Bangkok, a vibrant city that contrasts with his ultimate dream of retiring to a peaceful, nature-filled setting to write novels. The hosts delve into his eclectic career path, which has spanned jobs in sales, photography, and even a stint as a private investigator. They explore how these diverse roles have influenced Scovel’s storytelling, with particular attention to his time as a photographer, which helped him develop an eye for detail and a deep connection to the human experience.

This episode emphasizes the idea that Scovel’s life itself has been a collection of stories—each moment adding depth to his understanding of storytelling. The hosts also discuss his core personal values: family, loyalty, respect, honesty, and hard work. These values not only inform his writing advice but also reflect his holistic approach to life.

Scovel’s motto, “Embrace, laugh, love, repeat,” is shared as a testament to his positive outlook, even though his podcast often touches on more complex topics like loss and facing fears. The hosts suggest that his stories aim to find meaning in both the joyful and challenging moments, emphasizing the importance of human connection and resilience.

The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on the person behind the advice. It’s a reminder that the best stories come from a life lived fully, embracing every moment—good and bad.

To tell great stories, and live a full life. Embrace every experience, as it shapes the stories you tell.