Valerie Francis
@valeriefrancis.bsky.social
Story Editor, Bestselling author of MASQUERADE, and co-host of the Story Nerd Podcast.
www.valeriefrancis.ca
www.storynerd.ca
www.valeriefrancis.ca
www.storynerd.ca
Erin Brockovich's character is clearly established in the opening minutes of the movie - and it NEVER changes! To find out why this works so well, check out this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #novelwriting #screenwriting101 #writingtips #writingcoach
February 19, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Erin Brockovich's character is clearly established in the opening minutes of the movie - and it NEVER changes! To find out why this works so well, check out this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #novelwriting #screenwriting101 #writingtips #writingcoach
In ERIN BROCKOVICH, we know how formidable the antagonist (PG&E) is because no less than 5 characters tell us using a storytelling technique known as The Speech in Praise of the Villain. Learn more in this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #writingpodcasts #novelwriting #villains
February 18, 2026 at 9:03 PM
In ERIN BROCKOVICH, we know how formidable the antagonist (PG&E) is because no less than 5 characters tell us using a storytelling technique known as The Speech in Praise of the Villain. Learn more in this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #writingpodcasts #novelwriting #villains
"Constant" characters can be complex and nuanced, but instead of changing from the beginning of a story to the end, they remain constant while the world around them changes. Fascinating stuff! And it's all on this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #writingadvice #amediting
February 18, 2026 at 8:32 PM
"Constant" characters can be complex and nuanced, but instead of changing from the beginning of a story to the end, they remain constant while the world around them changes. Fascinating stuff! And it's all on this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #writingadvice #amediting
This is why your story's antagonist must be superior to the protagonist in some way. We talk all about it in this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #writingadvice #screenwriting101 #keepwriting #writingsociety
February 17, 2026 at 7:31 PM
This is why your story's antagonist must be superior to the protagonist in some way. We talk all about it in this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #writingadvice #screenwriting101 #keepwriting #writingsociety
In this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast, Melanie explains why so-called "flat" characters might not be so bad! STORYNERD.CA #writingpodcasts #novelwriting #screenwriting101 #writingabook
February 16, 2026 at 7:32 PM
In this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast, Melanie explains why so-called "flat" characters might not be so bad! STORYNERD.CA #writingpodcasts #novelwriting #screenwriting101 #writingabook
The antagonist must, in some way, be a formidable opponent to the protagonist. The way you communicate that to your readeer/viewer is through the speech in praise of the villain. It's all on the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #amwriting #creativewriter #indieauthor #villains
February 15, 2026 at 9:19 PM
The antagonist must, in some way, be a formidable opponent to the protagonist. The way you communicate that to your readeer/viewer is through the speech in praise of the villain. It's all on the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #amwriting #creativewriter #indieauthor #villains
If Tom Cruise can steal, so can you. 😜 On the #storynerdpodcast this week we're studying THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, and we discovered that Tom Cruise lifted one of Hitchcock's scenes for MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION. Check it out! #amediting #screenwriting101 #writingtips #filmcritic
February 14, 2026 at 8:31 PM
If Tom Cruise can steal, so can you. 😜 On the #storynerdpodcast this week we're studying THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, and we discovered that Tom Cruise lifted one of Hitchcock's scenes for MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION. Check it out! #amediting #screenwriting101 #writingtips #filmcritic
💥 A villain's strength can make or break a story. In our latest episode of the #storynerdpodcast we dive into the fascinating concept of the "speech in praise of the villain." ✍️ The antagonist isn't just an obstacle; they need to be superior in some way to create tension and drive the story forward!
February 13, 2026 at 10:31 PM
💥 A villain's strength can make or break a story. In our latest episode of the #storynerdpodcast we dive into the fascinating concept of the "speech in praise of the villain." ✍️ The antagonist isn't just an obstacle; they need to be superior in some way to create tension and drive the story forward!
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION copied a scene from Hitchcock and it works for both films! What's the scene? Find out on this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #novelwriting #screenwritingadvice #writingcoach #writingtips
February 13, 2026 at 2:31 PM
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION copied a scene from Hitchcock and it works for both films! What's the scene? Find out on this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast STORYNERD.CA #novelwriting #screenwritingadvice #writingcoach #writingtips
Does every character need an arc? Nope! Some characters make the same decisions over and over again. They're called "constant characters" and we explain all about it in this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast. STORYNERD.CA #amediting #novelwriting #fictionwriter #creativewriting
February 13, 2026 at 1:03 AM
Does every character need an arc? Nope! Some characters make the same decisions over and over again. They're called "constant characters" and we explain all about it in this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast. STORYNERD.CA #amediting #novelwriting #fictionwriter #creativewriting
Want to know how to create tension in your reader/viewer? Check out this week's episode of the #storynerdpocast. Available now on all podcast platforms. #novelwriting #keepwriting #screenwritingadvice #writingcoach
February 10, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Want to know how to create tension in your reader/viewer? Check out this week's episode of the #storynerdpocast. Available now on all podcast platforms. #novelwriting #keepwriting #screenwritingadvice #writingcoach
Melanie and I had a ball studying The Princess Bride on the #storynerdpodcast. William Goldman does almost everything right and in this week's episode we talk about his use of the framing story, objects of desire, and character. Enjoy! #writingabook #creativewriting #screenwritingadvice
February 10, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Melanie and I had a ball studying The Princess Bride on the #storynerdpodcast. William Goldman does almost everything right and in this week's episode we talk about his use of the framing story, objects of desire, and character. Enjoy! #writingabook #creativewriting #screenwritingadvice
If you ever needed an excuse to watch THE PRINCESS BRIDE again, here it is! William Goldman is a master storyteller and his use of the framing story is absolutely brilliant. #storynerdpodcast #writingpodcasts #novelwriting #amwriting #fictionwriter
February 10, 2026 at 12:46 AM
If you ever needed an excuse to watch THE PRINCESS BRIDE again, here it is! William Goldman is a master storyteller and his use of the framing story is absolutely brilliant. #storynerdpodcast #writingpodcasts #novelwriting #amwriting #fictionwriter
What's the nature of your main characters' shadow? What is she hiding? #storynerdpodcast #podcastsforwriters #authorssupportingauthors #writingcoach #screenwritingadvice
January 27, 2026 at 10:31 PM
What's the nature of your main characters' shadow? What is she hiding? #storynerdpodcast #podcastsforwriters #authorssupportingauthors #writingcoach #screenwritingadvice
In our Best Advice episode, Melanie explains the shadow, and how you can use it to add depth and nuance to your characters. #storynerdpodcast #writingabook #writersworld #writingtips #aspiringwriter
January 27, 2026 at 3:31 PM
In our Best Advice episode, Melanie explains the shadow, and how you can use it to add depth and nuance to your characters. #storynerdpodcast #writingabook #writersworld #writingtips #aspiringwriter
A character's shadow isn't necessarily evil. It doesn't automatically refer to a negative trait. The shadow is a protagonist's hidden self - the parts of themselves they want to keep hidden from the world. Find out more on this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast. StoryNerd.ca
January 27, 2026 at 12:24 AM
A character's shadow isn't necessarily evil. It doesn't automatically refer to a negative trait. The shadow is a protagonist's hidden self - the parts of themselves they want to keep hidden from the world. Find out more on this week's episode of the #storynerdpodcast. StoryNerd.ca
No time to listen to all 8 episodes of the #storynerdpodcast this season? Don't worry - we've got your back! In today's episode, Melanie and I recap everything and offer our best advice about the hero's monologue and the shadow. #writingpodcasts #screenwriting101 #novelwriting #keepwriting
January 21, 2026 at 9:30 PM
No time to listen to all 8 episodes of the #storynerdpodcast this season? Don't worry - we've got your back! In today's episode, Melanie and I recap everything and offer our best advice about the hero's monologue and the shadow. #writingpodcasts #screenwriting101 #novelwriting #keepwriting
No time to listen to all 8 episodes of the #storynerdpodcast this season? Don't worry - we've got your back! In today's episode, Melanie and I recap everything and offer our best advice about the hero's monologue and the shadow. #writingpodcasts #screenwriting101 #novelwriting #keepwriting
January 21, 2026 at 7:31 PM
No time to listen to all 8 episodes of the #storynerdpodcast this season? Don't worry - we've got your back! In today's episode, Melanie and I recap everything and offer our best advice about the hero's monologue and the shadow. #writingpodcasts #screenwriting101 #novelwriting #keepwriting
Why are women represented this way in stories? Are there exceptions? Sure. But not many. On the podcast this week, we're doing a deep dive into Daphne du Maurier's classic, REBECCA. StoryNerd.ca #storynerdpodcast #novelwriting #writingabook #womenwhopodcast #writingsociety
January 20, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Why are women represented this way in stories? Are there exceptions? Sure. But not many. On the podcast this week, we're doing a deep dive into Daphne du Maurier's classic, REBECCA. StoryNerd.ca #storynerdpodcast #novelwriting #writingabook #womenwhopodcast #writingsociety
Why does your protagonist do what she does, and how do you convey that to your reader? Listen to the #storynerd podcast to learn how to use the hero's monologue in your story. StoryNerd.ca #writingadvice #amediting #writingabook #creativewriter
January 20, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Why does your protagonist do what she does, and how do you convey that to your reader? Listen to the #storynerd podcast to learn how to use the hero's monologue in your story. StoryNerd.ca #writingadvice #amediting #writingabook #creativewriter
What do you think? Has REBECCA aged well or is it kinda cringe? StoryNerd.ca
#storynerd #writingpodcasts #screenwriting101 #womenwhopodcast #publishinggoals
#storynerd #writingpodcasts #screenwriting101 #womenwhopodcast #publishinggoals
January 19, 2026 at 5:31 PM
What do you think? Has REBECCA aged well or is it kinda cringe? StoryNerd.ca
#storynerd #writingpodcasts #screenwriting101 #womenwhopodcast #publishinggoals
#storynerd #writingpodcasts #screenwriting101 #womenwhopodcast #publishinggoals
Writing "experts" claim that the protagonist must always be active. Not true! There are lots of passive protagonists. Ex: the Second Mrs. deWinter in Daphne du Maurier's REBECCA. Check out this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast. #novelwriting #amwriting #fictionwriter #writingadvice
January 19, 2026 at 1:08 AM
Writing "experts" claim that the protagonist must always be active. Not true! There are lots of passive protagonists. Ex: the Second Mrs. deWinter in Daphne du Maurier's REBECCA. Check out this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast. #novelwriting #amwriting #fictionwriter #writingadvice
Weak writing or a deliberate creative choice? Check out this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast as we take a deep dive into Daphne du Maurier's REBECCA. #writingpodcasts #womenwhopodcast #keepwriting #onwriting
January 17, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Weak writing or a deliberate creative choice? Check out this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast as we take a deep dive into Daphne du Maurier's REBECCA. #writingpodcasts #womenwhopodcast #keepwriting #onwriting
The disturbing reason why the main character in REBECCA is known only as "The Second Mrs. deWinter". This week on the #storynerd podcast. Available on all podcast platforms and YouTube. #writingpodcasts #writingabook #creativewriting #womenwhopodcast
January 14, 2026 at 11:32 PM
The disturbing reason why the main character in REBECCA is known only as "The Second Mrs. deWinter". This week on the #storynerd podcast. Available on all podcast platforms and YouTube. #writingpodcasts #writingabook #creativewriting #womenwhopodcast
Can protagonists be passive? YES! But it's not easy to pull off. The Second Mrs. DeWinter, in Daphne du Maurier's REBECCA, is a passive character. Tune in to this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast for more. #writingpodcasts #fictionwriter #novelwriting #amwriting
January 14, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Can protagonists be passive? YES! But it's not easy to pull off. The Second Mrs. DeWinter, in Daphne du Maurier's REBECCA, is a passive character. Tune in to this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast for more. #writingpodcasts #fictionwriter #novelwriting #amwriting