
Episode 206 - How to get lots of plot ideas.
From Essential Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer
February 27, 2026 · 31 min
About this episode
This episode discusses techniques for generating plot ideas and creating unforgettable characters in fiction writing.
Novelist John D. McDonald said he had more plot ideas than time to write them. That's not the case for most of us writers. We usually are in chronic need of more plot, more story. Here are techniques for inventing plot from James Scott Bell and Lester Dent. Also: vivid character descriptions from Jean Shepherd, showing us how to create unforgettable characters. Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dial...
People in this episode
Host: James Thayer
Topics covered
- plot ideas
- storytelling techniques
- character development
- fiction writing
- creative writing
Keywords
- plot ideas
- story
- character descriptions
- fiction writing
- writing techniques
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Episode 206 - How to get lots of plot ideas
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- Episode 218 - Our writer's voice. · May 22, 2026 · 27 min
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