Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel
A real coach. A real writer. A real novel. A real beginning.
Welcome to the How to Write a Novel podcast. In this five-part series, you’ll be part of the conversation as writing coach Jamie Morris helps her friend Melissa Jo Hill start a novel. From scratch. In real time.
Watch all five episodes below.
EP1: Writer Identity: How to Write a Novel podcast
In this first episode, Jamie and Mel dig into what it means to see yourself as a writer. Do you need a daily practice? Something published? A mission? A degree? They share personal stories, talk about project vs. practice, and lay the ground for future episodes—including how to deal with writer’s block.
EP2: Writer’s Block: How to Write a Novel podcast
Here, Jamie and Mel look creative resistance right in the eye! They discuss writer’s block vs. self-trust—and what can stop a story before it starts. Mel shares her experience with stage fright and how the Meisner method helped, while Jamie draws connections between acting and writing—and offers insights on how to stay the course with your story. Up next: outlining.
EP3: Outlining a Novel: How to Write a Novel podcast
In this episode, Jamie introduces Mel to the plot clock. They talk through outlining a novel in four acts, considering character needs, binding points, and inciting events. They also acknowledge that pantsers approach the process differently from plotters. Pantser or plotter, you’ll find a flexible structure sketched out here that leaves plenty of room for surprise.
EP4: The Messy Middle: How to Write a Novel podcast
In Episode 4, Jamie and Mel wade into the messy middle of novel writing. This is where a writer’s momentum can wobble and a plot can stall. They look at how structure and character arc can keep a story’s heart pumping across the driest middle-of-draft deserts. When Mel opens up about her own crossroads, they craft a plan to keep her going.
EP5: Character Development: How to Write a Novel podcast
In this final episode of Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel, Jamie and Mel dive even deeper into the engine of a good novel: the main character(s) and their arc. They also talk about the role of supporting players, the value of exploratory drafts, differences between mysteries and thrillers, and, of course, share tips for deepening character work.