HeyJaredStory Nerd
For novelists, memoirists and screenwriters who want to write stories their readers will love. Each week literary editors, Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill, use films to explain how to craft a story that hooks the reader on page one and holds their attention all the way to…
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 25
- Latest publication
- Sep 16, 2026
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- Earliest in this view
- Jul 3, 2026
Latest episodes
Say Anything: a masterclass in non-physical conflict (opens the original)
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We know that stories need conflict and very often writers default to two kinds: physical fights and shouting matches. Far more interesting — and far more versatile — is the more subtle type of conflict created by antagonists who are master manipulators. Head games. Holy smokes, are they compelling. And they work in every single genre. Say Anything is a teen romance, and the dad is a beautifully crafted and understated villain who is like a puppeteer yanking the strings of our star-crossed protag
Writing a Powerful Memoir (opens the original)
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If you're writing your memoir, or considering writing it, then this episode is a must because it offers an excellent example of both the query letter and the opening pages. Memoirs are tricky business — they're tough to do well. So how did this author impress us both with such a strong query package? Tune in to find out. -V. The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more. Submit your query letter and first 10 pa
Miss Peregrine: caution plot holes ahead (opens the original)
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What happens when a story's logic falters? You end up with plot holes...and boy oh boy, does Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (film version) have plot holes! How could they have been avoided? Well, that's exactly with Melanie talks about in this episode. For my part, I examine what happens to a reader's/audience's attention when the villain exits the story. This problem is more common than you think — you might even be doing it in your own WIP. -V. The Hook Formula: the works-every-ti
Your Opening Pages MUST do this (opens the original)
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Kathleen and I run the gamut of opening pages advice in this episode. We discuss the pros and cons of time travel stories (why we love them and why they're so prone to plot holes), setting up reader expectations, writing working scenes, genre identification, and the one thing your opening pages MUST do if you're to hook your reader. This is a jam-packed episode that you'll want to bookmark and keep. Enjoy! -V. The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that c
Close Encounters: fixing saggy middles (opens the original)
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Ever heard of a story having a saggy middle? It's a real thing and this season, I'm revealing the fix for it! Meanwhile, Melanie is study story logic. I know, it sounds kinda dull but trust me on this one - you want to pay close attention because your reader sure will. -V The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more. Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca. For your FREE Firs
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