Helping Writers Become Authors
Hosted by award-winning story coach K.M. Weiland, the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast will take you deep into story theory, writing techniques, and all the incredible wisdom of story. There is no such thing as "just a story." Come along to find out how to write YOUR best story, astound the world, and (just maybe) change your life!
Episodes
We're living in a storytelling moment deeply fascinated by darkness—and for good reason. Stories have always helped us metabolize fear, trauma, and moral failure. But darkness is not meant to be the destination.
In this episode, I explore why writers need a sense of wonder in fiction, not as escapism or denial, but as a way of completing the story arc. Wonder is...
In this episode, I'm looking back on how my writing career evolved in 2025—a milestone year marked by turning forty, rediscovering my teaching voice, and stepping into a deeper vision for my work. I explore the transitions from SEO to GEO, the shifting landscape of the writing life, and the tools and insights that helped me reimagine the next decade of my author career. Join me as I share the lessons, transformations, and new direc...
It's that time again—my annual roundup of the best books I read this year! In this episode, I'm sharing the top 10 reads that made my 2025 unforgettablem, from romantasy and magical realism that were some of my best reads of the decade to thought-provoking nonfiction that challenged how I think about life, creativity, and the world around us.
This year, I read pu...
Today, I'm turning forty and taking a quiet moment to reflect on the decade that brought me here. My thirties were a season of transformation, challenge, and deep awakening. They changed me utterly, teaching me about pain as a portal, creativity as a life force, and story as the map that guides us home to ourselves.
In this episode, I'm sharing Read more
Do you ever feel stuck in the "in-between" sections of your story that come after one major plot point but before the next? You're not alone. Many writers can identify the big beats of their story's structure, but find the real challenge is connecting those plot points in a way that feels organic and alive.
In this episode, K.M. Weiland shares a powerful shift in...
What would stories be without their long, uncertain middles? In this episode, we explore the real purpose of the Second Act in story structure. The Secodn is the heart of every story, where transformation happens. You'll learn why this "middle" isn't just filler, but the symbolic journey that tests your characters, deepens your theme, and gives your ending power...
Discover how the Midpoint in story structure is more than a Moment of Truth. It's self-recognition in which characters remember who they are.
Not every story needs a protagonist who undergoes a massive, life-altering transformation. Some of the most memorable tales hinge on smaller, quieter shifts, or even on characters who remain steadfast throughout.
In this episode, we'll explore the full spectrum of character arcs:
What makes a character unforgettable? It's not just quirks or dialogue. It's personality. Your characters' personalities shape their arcs, influence their voices, drive their goals, and and connect plot and theme into a cohesive whole.
In this episode, we'll explore why personality is the secret ingredient to compelling storytelling and how you can use it to crea...
Why All Stories Are Myth (and How They Transform the Psyche)
What if every story you've ever loved—whether it's Spirited Away, The Lord of the Rings, or Pride & Prejudice—wasn't just entertainment or even "realistic" ...
Feeling bored at the movies? Learn what's happened to modern storytelling and what it will take to restore the magic and emotional impact.
Here's how writers can apply the five conflict management styles to create richer, more realistic character conflicts in your fiction.
Discover the 5 types of scene endings—Yes, No, No But, and No And—and why one of them might be weakening your story's momentum.
If writers don't consume stories with intention, who will? Here are 7 mindful habits to read more intentionally and get more from stories.
What makes a bad story? The answer may surprise you. Here's what really makes a story fail—and how to fix it.
Intentional storytelling means making creative choices with purpose. Here's why that matters more than ever in an AI-driven content world.
Discover how to honor your character's history while crafting different character arcs for the same character in new stories.
Discover systems that can help you write different character arcs for the same character in your series. Keep stories interesting and unique!
Discover the connection between archetypal arcs and Enneagram insights for transformative storytelling and character growth.
Discover the unique lies each Enneagram subtype believes and how these shape their fears, desires, and character development in storytelling.
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