Episode 13: Coffee Chats & Craft Talk: Romance, Crime, and Creative Process

Welcome to Story Deep Dive!

In this special bonus episode, Dana and Rachel share a casual, behind-the-scenes conversation about storytelling, character development, and the creative journey.

Whether you're a romance or crime writer—or just a storytelling nerd—you’ll gain valuable insights on building compelling characters, designing a strong narrative spine, and growing your author career with intention.

This episode is packed with juicy discussions on what makes a great male lead in romance, how to structure a crime investigation, and the difference between one-time edits and long-term coaching.

Plus, Dana drops a surprise Starbucks metaphor that will change how you think about plotting forever. ☕📚

You can also watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube!

Estimate Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Favorite Romance MMCs

Dana and Rachel kick things off with a fun question: who’s your favorite male lead in a romance novel—and what makes a great one? Dana names Galen from Indigo, describing her ideal MMC as confident, capable, and emotionally layered. The conversation highlights the push-pull dynamic that makes romantic tension irresistible.

“I like it when a main male character is exactly what the female main character needs—but she doesn’t know it, because it’s not what she wants.”

05:25 – Alpha Energy & Character Chemistry

Rachel asks about the nuances of alpha male energy in romance. Dana dives into how quiet strength, sarcasm, and competence can all play a role—and why reader expectations around masculinity and agency matter. They unpack how different character pairings shift the emotional chemistry of a story.

13:55 – Crime Stories: Protagonists & Puzzle Building

The conversation pivots to crime writing as Rachel breaks down what makes a compelling investigator. Whether a pro or an amateur sleuth, it's all about their unique approach to solving a case. She uses examples from The Whistleblower and Sherlock Holmes to illustrate how deduction styles define story tone.

“The thrill is in watching them be an expert—and catching up to where they’re at.”

23:05 – Coaching Crime Writers: From Idea to Investigation

Rachel shares how she guides writers through planning crime plots—from character role to suspect structure. She explains the cause-and-effect logic behind good clue placement and why plot flexibility is vital for new writers still discovering their process.

32:14 – Building Better Series with Strong Foundations

Dana connects Rachel’s process to series planning in romance, showing how early decisions shape future payoffs. She explains why structure is the story’s spine, and how missed setups in Book 1 can derail a whole series if you’re not intentional from the start.

“You can’t have any style if your spine is wobbly.”

41:48 – Discovery Writing & Letting Go of Perfect

Together, Dana and Rachel unpack the myth of the “perfect plot.” They encourage writers to accept change, embrace discovery, and focus on growth—not perfection. Referencing Brandon Sanderson’s publishing journey, they highlight the power of writing forward to learn your own creative process.

52:00 – Long-Term Coaching: The Power of Ongoing Support

Dana reflects on how coaching relationships help writers level up. She shares the difference between one-off edits and collaborative partnerships, explaining how consistent feedback sharpens storytelling and builds a lasting foundation.

1:03:18 – Sustainable Creative Careers & Iterative Writing

Dana and Rachel talk career mindset, touching on longevity, iterative craft, and knowing what your readers expect. They dive into how long-term coaching helps shape your voice, improve pacing, and set you up for success—book after book.

1:13:30 – Romance Pitfalls: Structure & Reading Like a Writer

Rachel asks what pitfalls Dana sees in new romance writers. Dana emphasizes two biggies: not understanding structure and not reading enough. She breaks down why reading like a writer (not a fan!) is crucial for mastering genre conventions and deepening craft.

“You better sit forward and grab a pencil. Grab a highlighter, some Post-it notes—like you want to get paid up in here.”

1:29:55 – Insights in Action: Reading as Fuel for Growth

Rachel shares how reading widely transformed her coaching clients. Over time, they begin producing insights themselves—fueling creativity, clarity, and stronger decision-making. Dana explains how shared book references deepen coaching, making it a true collaborative experience.

1:37:10 – Final Thoughts: Creativity, Joy & Trusting the Process

They close with a reminder that writing is a privilege and a joy—when you lean into it fully. Whether it’s through coaching, craft study, or writing the next messy draft, the key is to keep growing and stay curious.

Next Episode:

the next episode, Dana and Rachel kick off their deep-dive into The Whistleblower by Robert Pestonwith an overview of the book, initial reactions, and what makes it an exciting pick for storytellers. Get ready—this one’s juicy.

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Connect with Rachel and Dana at www.storydeepdive.com to keep the discussion going!