Struggling with how to write your characters’ thoughts? Let’s fix what they aren’t saying.
Learn how to write thoughts in a story so your characters feel real and motivated.
Internal dialogue is one of the most powerful tools for revealing what your protagonist is really feeling, but it’s also one of the trickiest to get right. When it falls flat, your story does too.
Without authentic interiority, readers stay at arm’s length. It’s through these unspoken thoughts that we understand what drives your characters and why we should care enough to keep turning the pages.
Mastering this skill gives readers insight into your cast’s internal conflict, motivations, and decisions, so their actions feel believable, not forced.
The 3 most common pitfalls of internal dialogue (and why they weaken internal conflict in fiction)
❌ Overuse — Too much internal dialogue can overwhelm the reader and stall your plot.
❌ Underuse — Too little leaves your characters feeling one-dimensional and distant.
❌ Inauthenticity — Internal dialogue that doesn’t ring true makes it tough for readers to relate.
When character interiority isn’t doing its job, internal conflict in novels becomes unclear, and readers won’t understand why characters act the way they do.
What if you could avoid these pitfalls?
Imagine your internal dialogue being:
☑️ Engaging — Drawing readers in by offering a glimpse into your characters’ thoughts and emotions.
☑️ Balanced — Finding the sweet spot between internal monologue and action, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout your story.
☑️ Impactful — Revealing your characters’ depth and complexities in a way that advances the plot and strengthens the bond with readers.
This is the foundation of writing deep point of view—where internal thoughts, emotion, and action work together on the page.
CAN MAKE YOUR WRITING SPARKLE
“I would recommend this course to all writers. I’ve taken many classes and read numerous craft books over the years, and I don’t recall this topic ever being covered. That’s too bad, because learning when and where to include internal dialogue can make your writing sparkle.“ Shari Held
This Really Helped
“I had no experience, so this really helped. I liked the real examples of good versus bad, and how there was lots of real experience with your editing and common pitfalls that new writers fall into.” Lorelei Hunt
This is what’s waiting for you inside of the classroom
Inside Voices shows you how to write thoughts in a story using strategies that make a difference right away.
☑️ 6 short video lessons (35 minutes total), with closed captions—each one loaded with examples and tips to guide your writing.
☑️ Downloadable PDF slide decks for a closer look at the main takeaways and examples.
☑️ Cheat sheet recaps to help you apply techniques for internal conflict, motivation, and believable character thinking.
☑️ Written Q & A section that answers common questions and shares solutions.
Use these bonuses to map out your characters’ thoughts, reactions, and inner conflict—before they hit the page.
🎁The Writer’s Character Companion—Discover What Makes Your Characters Tick One Prompt at a Time — A 63-page printable journal to explore your characters’ inner world and understand the motivations behind their actions.
🎁Triggered! Journaling Through Your Character’s Reactions — This 7-page tool helps you uncover your characters’ emotional responses to pivotal moments in their lives. You’ll reflect on what drives their choices and how to convey it.
Here’s what you’ll be able to do after taking Inside Voices:
☑️ Write internal thoughts that sound natural
☑️ Balance action and reflection to keep the story moving
☑️ Use interiority to reveal what’s really driving your characters
☑️ Sharpen internal conflict without drowning your reader in monologue
☑️ Avoid the common traps of overuse, underuse, and “nothing is happening”
☑️ Create characters readers care about—because their motivations are compelling
Hello! I’m Stacy Juba.
Through my online courses and freelance editing work, I help writers tell richer stories and build deeper connections between their characters and readers. I’m also a mom of two and have more than 700 books on my Kindle, an obsession with the TV show Supernatural, and a fascination with office supplies and planners.
As a fiction writer myself, I know how tricky internal dialogue can be. It’s often the missing link between showing emotions in fiction and clarifying why characters act the way they do. Interiority is one of the hardest parts to get right and one of the easiest to overlook.
As an editor, I find myself leaving the same comments on client manuscripts again and again:
“What is she thinking here?”
“Why?”
“Get in his head.”
“Get out of his head. There’s nothing happening.”
Inside Voices draws from the feedback I give writers every day, so your characters feel real and leave a lasting impression.
Follow my simple 3-step framework to create inner voices that heighten internal conflict and support believable character decisions.
Go through the lessons.
Dive into 7 lessons that highlight the most common internal dialogue problems and how to avoid them.
Review the cheat sheets.
Deepen your understanding with downloadable recaps that summarize takeaways from each lesson.
Fill out the journals.
Explore your characters’ mindsets with prompts that spark convincing internal dialogue.
GAVE A MUCH BETTER UNDERSTANDING
“It gave me a much better understanding of the techniques used, especially for introducing internal dialogue. My biggest takeaway was learning how to balance internal dialogue with the other narrative essentials. I would guarantee they will come away with a true understanding of the oft-tricky to implement internal dialogue.” Marc
Stop letting weak internal dialogue hinder your story—join Inside Voices now for only:
$47
You're protected by the Shortcuts for Writers No-Hassle Guarantee.
Inside Voices comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, so your purchase is risk-free.
There’s a good reason clients and students describe me as generous, professional, enthusiastic, and insightful—it’s because I put tremendous care into every course and stand behind everything I teach.
If you go through the lessons and feel the course didn’t deliver the guidance promised, just email us within 7 days and you’ll get a full refund.
If you request a refund, we will ask you for feedback on how the course didn’t meet your expectations, so we can improve our marketing messaging in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is this course best suited for?
A. This course is designed for fiction writers who want to improve how they write internal dialogue and character interiority. It’s especially helpful for writers who feel their characters’ thoughts sound flat, excessive, or unclear.
Q. My book isn't finished yet. Should I wait to get the course till later?
A. No. Many writers take this course while drafting to avoid common mistakes, while others use it during revisions to strengthen scenes that feel emotionally thin or confusing.
Q. Will this help with internal conflict and character motivation?
A. Yes. The course shows how to use internal thoughts to clarify motivation, strengthen internal conflict, and help readers understand why characters make certain choices.
Q. How is this different from other writing courses or books?
A. This course focuses specifically on internal dialogue and interiority, using real examples and practical techniques drawn from editorial experience rather than broad writing theory.
Q. Is this course more about technique or practice?
A. The course combines short instructional lessons with examples, cheat sheets, and journaling tools so writers can apply the techniques directly to their own work.
Q. What happens once I purchase, and how long do I have access?
A. Purchases will be made through the Shortcuts for Writers Thrivecart Learn platform. You will be directed to set up a password and will be granted access to the classroom where you will find the lessons, videos, and downloadable files. You’ll have lifetime access, so you can revisit the lessons at any time.
Q. Can I share this course with my writer friends or clients?
By downloading, printing, or otherwise using our products or content for personal use, you in no way assume any ownership rights of the content—it is still company property. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of any materials found in the program or content shall constitute infringement.
Don’t let internal dialogue hold you back—sign up for Inside Voices today!
EASY TO FOLLOW AND IMPLEMENT
“The tips you gave were easy to follow and implement and I am very grateful for that. Each lesson was clear and concise, gave excellent examples, and left me feeling better prepared to write internal dialogues. It really makes me feel great when I know I am going to elevate a skill thanks to someone’s clear guidance.” Tali Sarnetzky
Unlock instant access to:
☑️ 6 short video lessons (35 minutes total), with closed captions—each one loaded with examples and tips to guide your writing.
☑️ Downloadable PDF slide decks for a closer look at the main takeaways and examples.
☑️ Cheat sheet recaps to help you apply techniques for internal conflict, motivation, and believable character thinking.
☑️ Written Q & A section that answers common questions and shares strategic solutions.
🎁Bonus: The Writer’s Character Companion—Discover What Makes Your Characters Tick One Prompt at a Time — A 63-page printable journal to help you explore your characters’ inner world and understand the motivations behind their actions.
🎁Bonus: Triggered! Journaling Through Your Character’s Reactions — This 7-page tool helps you uncover your characters’ emotional responses to pivotal moments in their lives. You’ll reflect on what drives their choices and how to convey it.
Give your characters the inner voices they deserve, and turn internal dialogue into one of the most useful techniques you can master.
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Terms & Conditions: You have 7 days starting the day after payment is received to preview the course material before your refund period expires. If you request a refund after the 7-day period, your request will be denied. Please read the full terms and conditions for this course here.