Episodes

  • Episode 298 - Writing a High Impact Final Boss Fight Scene
    Oct 20 2025

    This week, Jeff Elkins is joined by author V.E. Griffth. Together, they examine the climatic fight of V.E.'s action novel. They discuss aligning the final fight with what the character has learned and creating clear emotional lines for the reader.

    Check out more at https://dialoguedoctor.com/

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Episode 297 - Becca Syme Returns
    Oct 13 2025

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with Becca Syme. Jeff and Becca talk about the state of publishing, howt things have changed, and how writers should see and understand themselves in the market. As conversations with Becca do, they veer into strengths and how writers need to find power in their work.

    To find Becca's new kickstarter, go to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beccasyme/dear-writer-you-still-need-to-quit

    For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Episode 296 - The Hidden Tools of Comedy by Steve Kaplan - a Joint with JP
    Oct 6 2025

    In this episode, Jeff is joined by his writing partner, Dialogue Doctor Coach JP Rindfleisch the IX. Jeff and JP talk about the book The Hidden Tools of Comedy by Steve Kaplan. They discuss Kaplan's theory of comedy, talk about the comedic equation, and then discuss the 8 tools of comedy.

    Find Steve Kaplan's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Tools-Comedy-Serious-Business/dp/1615931406

    Check out JP's work here: https://shop.jprindfleischix.com/

    Check out Jeff and JP's Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jprindfleischix/nrds-queer-paranormal-comedy-seasons-1and2-special-editions

    For more on the craft of writing, go to https://dialoguedoctor.com/

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Episode 295 - Pitching Your Work with Laura Goode
    Sep 29 2025

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with the amazing author, Laura Goode. Jeff and Laura talk about the art of pitching your work, performative confidence, and he wonderful book "Pitch Craft."

    To find Laura's book, go to https://www.amazon.com/Pitch-Craft-Writers-Getting-Published/dp/0593837126

    For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

    To find Jeff and JP's Kickstarter, go to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jprindfleischix/nrds-queer-paranormal-comedy-seasons-1and2-special-editions

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    54 mins
  • Episode 294 - Creating Powerful Emotional Moments
    Sep 22 2025

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with author Mary Van Everbroeck to work through a short story she's written. They talk about the complexity of writing and "big cast" scene, and creating powerful emotional tension in a scene.

    For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Episode 293 - Writing Child Voices, Making Characters Distinct, & What Makes a Thriller?
    Sep 15 2025

    In this episode, Dialogue Doctor Coach Laura Humm meets with two of the Dialoggers for an "Office Hour." In this session, Laura and the Dialoggers talk about:

    • Writing distinct character voices
    • Making child characters sound like children
    • And what makes a thriller a thriller.

    For more on the craft of writing, check out, https://dialoguedoctor.com/

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    59 mins
  • Episode 292 - Novel Analysis - My Friends by Fredrik Backman [SPOILERS]
    Sep 8 2025

    In this episode, Jeff, Laura, and a few members of the community discuss the book My Friends by Fredrik Backman. [WARNING! SPOILERS] They get into the character arcs, the power of the narrator, nonlinear story telling, and the beauty of Backman's writing. Also, Jeff reveals his super fandom, and Laura and Jeff debate the ending of a character.

    For more on the craft of writing, come to https://dialoguedoctor.com/

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Episode 291 - Aligning Plot and Emotional Climax with John Krause
    Sep 1 2025

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with author John Krause to talk about John's work in progress. They look at John's Middle Grade mystry thriller and discuss how to build emotional peaks into the climax of the plot.

    For more on the craft of writing, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/

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    41 mins