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Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors

Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors

Tim Kearney, Fiction Writer / Teacher

English Arts Books Education How To
Apple Podcasts Website RSS
Episodes 8
Avg. Duration 17m
Activity Highly Active
Since Jan 2026
Latest Episode Mar 2026

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
66%
Hosting
feeds.libsyn.com

Contact & Outreach

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About This Podcast

Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors is a hands-on training podcast that helps fiction writers of all skill levels build a repeatable skill set for finishing their work and writing consistently. The show provides a clear, easy-to-use, proven roadmap for turning ideas into completed fiction. Whether you're drafting your first short piece, revising a work in progress, or struggling to finish what you start, we can help. Each episode breaks down the writing tools, story techniques, and writer's troubleshooting skills fiction authors need to improve their craft, solve story problems, and build the habits required to write consistently. The goal is simple: help writers like you become productive authors. Are you an aspiring fiction writer ready to learn how to translate the vision in your mind and heart clearly onto the page, again and again? Are you a creative writer ready to stop fantasizing about stories and start finishing them? This is your moment. It's time to learn the tools and skills to craft the stories you were destined to write, and become the author you dream of being. Welcome to the Writer's Toolshed. This show is for you if you find yourself asking questions such as: How do I actually start writing fiction? Is my story idea good/original enough to be worth writing? (and what if someone else already did it?) Do I really have to write every day to be a 'real' writer? What does 'write what you know' really mean for fantasy / sci-fi? What does 'show, don't tell' actually mean—and when is it okay to tell? What software or tools should I use to write my novel? (Scrivener vs Word vs Google Docs vs longhand) How do I beat writer's block instead of just staring at the cursor? How do I write an entire novel without getting lost or giving up? (outlining vs pantsing, second-draft fixes, etc.) How should I name my characters (and avoid cringey names)? I finished my first draft! Now what the hell do I do with it? (cool-down period, big-picture edits, line edits) How do I get useful feedback or beta reads—without getting shredded or ignored? How do I actually get better as a writer? (beyond "read and write a lot.") How do I stay organized—notes, timelines, worldbuilding, drafts, all of it? How long should my book/short story be, and how do I handle word-count expectations? How do I correctly format a manuscript so agents/editors don't bin it on sight? (Shunn format, fonts, margins, etc.) Should I self-publish or go the traditional route? How do I get an agent for my novel, step by step? Where and how can I sell my self-published ebooks and print books? (KDP, Kobo, D2D, etc.) Is it realistically possible to make a living as a fiction writer? (And what other writing jobs exist) How do I know if my writing is any good—or if my novel is worth finishing? (Or "I'm writing my first novel and now I hate it, help") What exactly is fiction writing, and how is it different from other kinds of writing? What makes a character compelling instead of flat or cliché? How important is setting, and how do I make my world feel real without drowning readers in description? How do I come up with a strong plot instead of a bunch of random scenes? What's the role of conflict in fiction, and how much conflict is enough? How do I create suspense and tension without resorting to cheap tricks? What is a plot twist, and how do I write one that feels surprising but not random? How do I write realistic, interesting dialogue instead of wooden talking heads? How do I end a story in a way that feels satisfying and earned? What's a subplot and how do I weave subplots into the main story without losing focus? What's the difference between literary and genre fiction in terms of how I actually write the book? How long does it usually take to write a novel or short story (really)? How do I build a writing habit and stay motivated when life is busy? How do I overcome perfectionism and fear of failure on the page? (often framed as writer's block, but really mindset) How do I revise efficiently without endlessly tinkering and never finishing? How do I research for my fiction without getting lost in a rabbit hole? (history, science, police procedure, etc.) How can I improve my writing style or voice? Can I even change my voice on purpose? What's the difference between a short story and a novel in terms of structure and focus? How do I decide between traditional publishing, small presses, and self-publishing? How much money can I realistically expect to make from one novel? How do royalties, advances, and rights actually work for fiction authors? What are the most effective ways for a new novelist to find readers (without being spammy)? (mailing lists, social media, ads, etc.) Do I need a platform or social media following before I publish my book? How do I handle criticism and rejection without giving up? How do I know when feedback is right vs when to trust my own instincts? How do I deal with impostor syndrome—am I a real writer if I'm not published? Is it ever too late to start writing fiction seriously? How do I keep going when my first (or second, or third) book doesn't sell? And many more.

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Recent Episodes

008: Why You Should Stop Writing Your Novel

Mar 16, 2026 17m

For a lot of writers, the novel has quietly become the default starting point. If you're serious about writing, the assumption often becomes: start planning your novel… or your trilogy… or your…

007: The Three Nutrients of Finished Work

Mar 09, 2026 16m

A lot of writers are starving themselves creatively-- and they don't realize it. Not because they lack ideas. Not because they lack discipline. But because they aren't finishing things. In this final…

006: What Writers Lose on Accident

Feb 23, 2026 23m

When most writers start, writing feels light. It's curiosity. It's wonder. It's something you can't stop doing. But somewhere along the way, something shifts. Writing becomes measurable. It becomes…

005: Fiction Farming vs. Fiction Cooking

Feb 17, 2026 17m

I struggled with separating the concepts of Fiction Farming vs. Fiction Cooking for a long time. And while it might sound strange, confusing those two modes may be quietly destroying more writing…

004: The 6 Elemental Pieces of Mastering Fiction Writing - Part 2

Feb 09, 2026 19m

This episode is the diagnostic follow-up to the 6 Pillars framework, but can also be useful on its own. For each pillar, I share a few signs it may be underdeveloped– and one practical thing you can…

003: The 6 Elemental Pieces of Mastering Fiction Writing - Part 1

Feb 09, 2026 17m

Craft matters– but it's not the whole picture. This episode introduces The 6 Elemental Pieces of Being a Fiction Writer, a framework for understanding why writers stall, burn out, or struggle to…

002: Choosing What to Write (Stop Being Paralyzed) - The Mosaic Method

Feb 09, 2026 18m

Feeling paralyzed by what to write next? This episode introduces the Mosaic Method– a practical way to lower the stakes, keep writing, and make progress without committing to the "one perfect…

001: If You Write Fiction This Podcast is For You

Jan 30, 2026 15m

Today, I double down on the core idea behind the show: fiction writing is a craft made up of learnable, testable skill, and tell you a little bit about my background as a working writer. You'll also…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors have?

Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors has published 8 episodes since January 2026, covering topics in Arts, Books.

Is Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors still active?

Fiction Writer's Toolshed: Practical Tools for Authors is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 17m.

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