Show, don't Tell Writing with Suzy Vadori
If writing advice and the lingo used in the publishing industry usually sounds like gobbledygook to you, look no further than this Show, don’t Tell Writing podcast. I’m Author, Editor, and Book Coach Suzy Vadori, and I’m absolutely obsessed with helping writers get their ideas onto the page in a way that readers LOVE. If you think Show, don’t Tell is just tired writing advice, prepare to have your eyes opened as I break down the process of applying this key technique in both fiction and nonfiction books, sharing step-by-step actions each week you can take immediately to get closer each week to your wildest writing dreams, whether you’re writing your first book, or your tenth, all while making the process inspiring and fun. If you want your book to get published, read, loved, and shared with readers all over the world, I’ll address the questions that are sooo hard to find answers for. Is your writing good enough to be published in today’s market? What are the unwritten rules that can make agents, publishers, and readers give your book 5-star reviews? Do you have what it takes to make it as a writer? Hint: You definitely do, but nobody is born knowing how to write a terrific book, so join us to give yourself an advantage over all the other books out there by adding to your writing skills, and getting the straight goods on the industry. In this weekly show, I’ll bring you writing techniques, best practices, motivation, inspirational stories from real live authors out there making it in the world, and actionable advice that can help you turn that book you’re writing into the bestseller you know deep down that it can be. I’ll even share the tangible, step-by-step writing advice that I used to escape her daily grind of being a corporate executive to make a living doing all things writing, and living my best creative life. I’ll be interviewing top writing experts and authors who give you the straight goods on what it takes to make it as a writer. Knowing these writing truths has given me the opportunity to work with thousands of writers over the past decade who have seen their writing dreams come true, and doors open for them that they hadn’t even thought of when they started their journey. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels on your book’s draft and get serious about making your writing the best it can be, don't miss an episode – subscribe or follow today, and visit my website at www.suzyvadori.com for more writing resources and updates.
Episodes
In part two of this conversation with Author and Book Coach Lidija Hilje dives into how she structured her book to span 20 years using a dual timeline. She and Suzy talk about how to use sensory showing details in literary fiction in order ground readers when you need to 'tell'. Finally, a round of quickfire questions about her writing journey rounds out this riveting interview!
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Join Suzy for an interview with Book Coach and Literary Fiction Author, Lidija Hilje. The two speak about the differences between genre and literary fiction, including the defining ideas, structures, and themes. They also discuss her debut novel, Slanting Towards the Sea, and her journey from being a lawyer to writing.
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori.com/innercircle
In this page review episode, Suzy critiques a page from a Memoir with a twist- Marcel Charpentier is writing the story of his personal friend's childhood in collaboration with her. They discuss incorporating showing details and sense memory through the eyes of a child, and how to approach narrative distance.
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori.com/innercircle
In this special bonus episode, Suzy continues her discussion with Epic Fantasy Author Katie Fitzgerald. They discuss Katie's journey to self-publishing, how she leverages author communities to reach readers, and next-level show, don't tell writing advice.
If you're ready to dive into the epic fantasy worlds of Katie Fitzgerald, you can find out more on her website at www.katiefitzgeraldauthor.com and gr...
Join Suzy as she chats with Epic Fantasy author Katie Fitzgerald to talk about setting the scene for the second book in a series. Learn about the different types of readers you need to think about, and how you can recap information without infodumping.
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori.com/innercircle
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In this episode, Suzy chats with author Liz Alterman about her page from her work in progress. They discuss the merits and pitfalls of various writing habits, and how to 'unstick' yourself when you can't seem to keep writing forward. You'll also learn about the unique style choices that can be made when writing a psychological thriller. Time to dive in!
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In this episode, Suzy dives into how to use showing details to bring an introverted character to life, how to sprinkle fantasy details without info-dumping, and how to avoid point of view errors.
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori.com/innercircle
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In this episode, Suzy sits down with fellow book coach and author, Suzette Mullen to talk about Memoirs. Through the discussion of Suzette's Memoir, The Only Way Through Is Out, they discuss planning, structuring, and writing your memoir and the ways it is similar and different from fiction. Suzette shares her personal journey and how a major plot twist in her life changed everything.
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In this week's episode, Suzy chats with fellow editor Michael, and they review opportunities to amp up the stakes in his Action Scene.
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori.com/innercircle
Sign Up for the Inspired Writing Newsletter HERE
Submit Your Page for our Show don't Tell Coaching Episodes
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On Friday, June 20th, 2025, Suzy held an Open House for her Inner Circle membership program. In addition to a workshop, there was an open Q&A session. Tune in for a frank discussion of writers' most burning questions, including:
- How do I structure my novel?
- How many POVs is too many?
- When do most writers fail?
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori.com/inne...
In this milestone episode, Suzy celebrates reaching 50 years of life, and 50 podcast episodes by looking back at the choices that led her to living her writing dreams. Get ready to embrace taking creative leaps whether you are in your 20s, or 80s (or somewhere in between!) it's never to late to get your story out into the world!
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori....
Defining a Theme or "Takeaway" for your book can help you at any stage of the writing process. In this episode, Suzy dives into how to define your takeaway, why it matters, and how to use it to test each scene. Using the takeaway you can write a book that is laser-focused on your message, and create an experience that readers will love.
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www...
Congratulations! Your first book is a success, and you're ready to write book two! But wait... how do you guarantee that readers love book two as much as they loved your first? In this episode, Suzy examines the common pitfalls and how to avoid them when writing a follow-up book in a series.
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori.com/innercircle
In part three of three, Suzy reverses course and shares the times where TELLING is preferred to SHOWING. Take note on when it is appropriate to gloss over details, skip time, and give a little more information in a direct way so that your readers stay informed and engaged in your story.
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori.com/innercircle
In part two of this three-part series, Suzy dives deeper into the practical application of Show, don't Tell. For this lesson, she focuses on the advanced strategies, including how to target specificity, avoid white wall syndrome, and deal with repetitions.
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori.com/innercircle
Part 1 of a 3 part series breaking down Show, don't Tell in a way you have never heard before. Using evocative examples, she walks you through the basics, while elevating them to a new level. Whether you've just started writing, or have been writing for years, you will learn something new in this episode.
In part 1, Suzy tackles:
- What is show, don't tell?
- Why should you care?
- Places in your writing t...
In this episode, Suzy chats with Memoirist Candace MacPhie about her journey (both literal and metaphorical) writing her "Back in a Year" memoir series. They talk about setting boundaries when writing a memoir, how to 'kill your darlings,' and the importance of working with a book coach or editor who understands your vision for your story.
Mentioned in the Episode:
In this week's episode, Suzy chats with book coach Julie Artz about her Critique Partner matching program called "CP Meet Cute" (register here!) They discuss the different types of people who read and offer critique, including alpha readers, beta readers, critique partners, book coaches, editors, and agents. If you've ever wondered what the difference is, this is the episode for you. Tune in to fin...
In this week's episode, Suzy chats with Author and Poet Melanie Marttila. They discuss Melanie's journey as a writer, through her adult diagnosis of Autism, and how that shifted how she thought about her writing and how she approaches critique and characterization.
If you've ever been confused by the writing advice "Show, don't Tell" tune in for Melanie's insight on how she approache...
In this episode, Suzy welcomes Mickey Mikkelson, publicist and founder of Creative Edge Publicity which is celebrating 10 years in business, working with creatives. They discuss how publicity efforts can help writers build their brands.
Find out more on his website: https://www.creative-edge.services/
🌟 Grab your spot in Suzy's Inner Circle for only $199 USD a month at www.suzyvadori.com/innercircle
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