Hero vs. Villain: How to Build High Stakes Through Character Conflict (Advice from a Writing Coach)
Discover how writing coach Kevin T. Johns helps authors craft compelling protagonists and antagonists that fuel high-stakes conflict in thrillers, mysteries, fantasy, and more.
Kevin’s CTE Formula: A Writing Coach’s 3-Step Method for Raising Stakes (that Actually Works)
Discover Kevin T. Johns’ CTE Formula—Clarity, Tension, Escalation—and learn how to write gripping conflict that raises stakes and keeps readers turning the page.
Beyond Bad Guys: Exploring Core Conflicts in Fiction
Conflict is what gives your story tension, stakes, and soul—but it’s not always about a cape-wearing villain twirling a mustache. In this post, we’ll revisit the four classic types of conflict every writer should know and explore how you can use them to supercharge your storytelling. Whether your antagonist is a supervillain, a snowstorm, a societal structure, or your hero’s own worst impulses, this breakdown will help you craft richer, more compelling narratives.
How to Structure a Romance: From Subplots to Full-On Love Stories
Learn how to structure a romance story with writing coach Kevin T. Johns. Explore romance beats, plot outlines, and popular frameworks—from simple four-beat subplots to Gwen Hayes’s Romancing the Beat. Perfect for novelists writing full-length romance or adding romantic subplots to other genres.
Stephen Weinstock on Music, Theater, and Writing — The Writing Coach 214
In the latest episode of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with musician, educator, and author Steve Weinstock.
Douglas Vigliotti on Aristotle for Novelists — The Writing Coach 213
In this The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with author Douglas Vigliotti about his new book, Aristotle for Novelists.
Michael Leonard on Religion & Science-Fiction — The Writing Coach 212
In this latest episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I have the pleasure of chatting with one of my superstar clients, the multi-talented author Sandy Day. If you’re a fan of heartfelt and relatable stories set against rich Canadian backdrops, you’re going to love this conversation.
Sandy Day on Re-Releasing Books — The Writing Coach 211
In this latest episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I have the pleasure of chatting with one of my superstar clients, the multi-talented author Sandy Day. If you’re a fan of heartfelt and relatable stories set against rich Canadian backdrops, you’re going to love this conversation.
Emma Dhesi on the Four Pillars of Author Success — The Writing Coach 210
In this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I speak with writing coach Emma Dhesi about journey as a writer and coach, her unique approach to storytelling, and her personal and professional insights on crafting a fulfilling writing life.
Rhonda Douglas on Resilient Writing — The Writing Coach 209
In this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I sit down with Rhonda Douglas, a Canadian writer and writing coach who is passionate about helping women and non-binary authors complete their first books.
