Writing, Community, and the Systems That Support Story: A Conversation with Jemi Fraser
One of the things I appreciate most about talking with other writers is discovering how they actually do the work—the quiet systems, the slightly nerdy spreadsheets, the imperfect-but-effective methods that make creativity sustainable.
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I sat down with Jemi Fraser—author, editor, and long-time community builder—for a conversation that blends heart, craft, and real-world process. Jemi and I have known each other for years through online writing spaces and accountability groups, and this conversation felt like catching up with a writing friend who truly understands the long game.
Story Bibles, Spreadsheets, and Staying Sane
We dig into how Jemi stays organized across multiple projects, including her use of spreadsheets for story bibles, timelines, and character tracking. Rather than rigid systems, her approach is flexible—tools that support the story without strangling it.
One of my favorite moments is when she talks about creating stick-figure maps and rough visual layouts. They’re not meant to be pretty; they’re meant to work. It’s a great reminder that story clarity often comes from simple, imperfect tools that help us see the whole picture.
Research That Lives With the Story
Jemi also shares how she handles research, especially for place-based storytelling. For each book or setting, she keeps a dedicated research file in Scrivener, allowing facts, notes, images, and inspiration to live alongside the draft itself.
This method keeps research from becoming a separate, overwhelming task—and helps ensure that setting details feel integrated rather than dropped in. It’s a practical approach many writers can adapt immediately.
The Art (and Joy) of Naming
We also talk about one of my favorite craft topics: names. Jemi explains how she chooses names that feel grounded in a story’s world—like the unforgettable Phail—and how sound, cultural resonance, and tone all factor into her decisions.
Naming isn’t random or rushed; it’s part of how she builds immersion and emotional connection. Whether you’re naming a character, a town, or a fictional landmark, her process offers a thoughtful framework.
Pop Culture, Personality, and Making Stories Feel Lived-In
One extra thing I love about Jemi’s work—and something longtime readers will recognize immediately—is how she weaves in pop-culture touchstones that make her stories feel both fun and real for today’s readers.
From Star Trek and Star Wars references to nods toward music, media, and especially Canadian singers and cultural figures, these details never feel gimmicky. Instead, they reveal character. They give us small windows into who a person is, what they love, and how they move through the world.
Those references act like shorthand—establishing tone, grounding scenes in a shared cultural language, and adding warmth and humor without pulling readers out of the story. It’s one of the ways Jemi balances depth with accessibility, and it’s a craft choice that quietly does a lot of work.
This episode is for writers who:
Love practical, adaptable craft systems
Want to stay organized without over-engineering
Care about names, settings, and story coherence
Enjoy stories that feel contemporary, textured, and alive
You can find more about Jemi Fraser and her work here:
If you’ve ever wondered how small, thoughtful details—from spreadsheets to pop-culture references—help stories feel whole, this conversation is for you.
Find The Truth About Storytelling Episode With Jemi Fraser HERE
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