Stuart Wakefield's Blog

I’ve been thinking a lot about argument scenes recently, partly because I’ve just recorded two podcast episodes on the subject, but mostly because it’s something that comes up again and again when I’m working with writers. It’s surprisingly rare for me to read an argument scene and think the dialogue itself is the problem. More often, the dialogue is perfectly believable. The characters sound like real people, they’re emotional, they have good reasons for feeling the way they do, and yet the...

Starting a book is thrilling, but let’s be honest - it can also feel like wandering through a dense forest without a map. You have the ideas, the passion, and maybe even a rough draft, but how do you turn that into a polished, compelling story? That’s where book coaching come in. Think of a book coach as your personal guide, cheerleader, and editor all rolled into one. They help you navigate the twists and turns of writing, keeping you motivated and on track. If you’re somewhere in the...

I read a lot of manuscripts as a book coach, and one of the things that surprises me most is how often an argument scene leaves me strangely unmoved. On paper, everything appears to be there. Two characters disagree. Voices are raised. Important information is exchanged. By the time the scene ends, I understand exactly what each person believes. The trouble is that I’ve never quite believed they were arguing. I don’t think that’s because the dialogue is unrealistic. More often, it’s because...

When you’re crafting a story, characters are your heartbeat. They breathe life into your plot, making readers care, laugh, cry, and root for them. But how do you create characters that feel real, complex, and unforgettable? It all starts with asking the right questions. Yes, those character development questions for writers that dig deep beneath the surface and reveal who your characters truly are. Let’s dive into some essential character building tips that will help you shape characters who...

Starting a book is thrilling, but staying on track? That’s where many writers stumble. You might have a brilliant idea, a rough outline, or even a few chapters drafted. Yet, the path from concept to completed manuscript can feel like a maze. This is where a book coach steps in, guiding you through the twists and turns with expertise and encouragement. But how do you know if you’re choosing the right coach? What qualities should you look for to ensure your writing journey is supported,...

Have you ever reread a scene in your manuscript and thought, “The writing’s lovely. The atmosphere’s doing its best. Someone’s made tea with almost religious attention to detail. So why does it feel as though nothing’s actually happened?” Most writers have been there. Usually while staring at a scene they quite like and quietly suspecting it may be decorative. Understanding the Essence of Quiet Scenes Quiet scenes are tricky because they often look as if they should work. The prose may be...

Have you ever reread a scene in your manuscript and thought, “The writing’s lovely. The atmosphere’s doing its best. Someone’s made tea with almost religious attention to detail. So why does it feel as though nothing’s actually happened?” Most writers have been there. Usually while staring at a scene they quite like and quietly suspecting it may be decorative. Quiet scenes are tricky because they often look as if they should work. The prose may be thoughtful, the mood may be carefully built,...

A woman wearing a hijab speaks on a mobile phone. Phone call scenes have a bit of an image problem. They often look small on the page. Two people talk. A bit of information changes hands. Someone hangs up. Compared with a confrontation across a dinner table, a chase through dark streets, or a kiss that makes everyone involved question every life choice they’ve ever made, a phone call can seem like the less dramatic option. That’s probably why writers often apologise for them. “Oh, it’s just a......

When you sit down to write a story, characters are your heart and soul. They breathe life into your plot, making it relatable and memorable. But how do you create characters that feel real, complex, and compelling? That’s where character development comes in. It’s not just about giving your character a name and a job. It’s about digging deep, asking the right questions, and understanding what makes them tick. If you’re in the planning or mid-draft stage, you might be wondering how to get...

I’m so pleased to share that Jaz Ampaw-Farr’s book, Because of You, This Is Me, has now sold over 10,000 copies. That’s wonderful in itself, of course, but it also feels very fitting, because this was never a book that was just trying to sit politely on a shelf and look nice. Jaz’s story was always going to go out into the world and do something. It was always going to find the people who needed it. When Jaz first came to me, she already had the story. (Good grief, did she have the story!)...