Welcome to the Helping Writers Become Authors Podcast. I'm K M. Wyland and I am here to take you

deep with story theory, writing techniques, and the incredible wisdom of story.

I believe story is the greatest power on this earth,

and that as writers, we carry the torch of wielding that power

with responsibility, passion, and skill.

There is no such thing as just a story.

Today, it is my honor and my purpose

to help you write your best story,

astound the world, and maybe change your life.

Hello and welcome.

You are listening to Season 16, Episode 1, lessons from 2023, five reflections on flat arc periods.

Welcome to 2024 and welcome to what has become a yearly tradition here at helping writers become authors.

Every January I write a New Year's post in which I look back at the year that has passed and reflect on its major

themes, lessons, and gifts.

When I began this little ritual six years ago, the idea was to focus specifically on what writing

lessons I may have learned. However, I quickly realized the lessons that most impacted me as a

creator were inevitably part of the much vaster context that is my life.

Indeed, if you're one of those who have traveled with me on my site or this

podcast over the years, you know my perspective on storytelling techniques has become increasingly life-centered, in that understanding that story and life are inextricable.

Life creates stories, stories,

as I began mulling on this year's post back in December,

I realized that although this was a huge year forward momentum

...