Avery (now also Amy!) and D.C. discuss the conventions of the Young Adult and Adult age categories in books, and how best to age up or down in your writing voice and style. Items mentioned: Jade City, by Fonda Lee A Dowry of Blood, by S.T. Gibson Leigh Bardugo Holly Black Sarah J. Maas Casey … Continue reading Episode 59: YA or Adult?
Episode 58: Writing When You’re Not Writing
(Mini-Episode) Avery and D.C. discuss the importance of thinking about your story when you're not at the keyboard, and how daydreaming about your characters can keep you motivated and enrich your writing experience. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 058 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 57: What to Ask an Agent on “The Call”
(Mini-Episode)l It's finally happened: a literary agent has asked to have a call with you after reading your manuscript! What now? We go over some of the questions to ask during The Call, as well as some of the things the agent may ask you. Our Question List Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode … Continue reading Episode 57: What to Ask an Agent on “The Call”
Episode 56: Cliffhanger & Open Endings
(Mini-Episode) Avery and D.C. get a bit salty about cliffhangers and open endings. When can they be advantageous, and when can they turn off readers? Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 057 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 55: Write It Better – Transgender Characters
(Interview with Matthew Spencer) In the first of our "Write It Better" interview episodes, we sit down with illustrator Matthew Spencer to discuss his experiences as a transgender man, the portrayal of trans characters in media, and ways writers can better incorporate trans characters into their work. Items mentioned: The Sleepless, by Victor Manibo Black … Continue reading Episode 55: Write It Better – Transgender Characters
Episode 54: Your Character’s Goals
(Mini-Episode) A conversation on how character goals shape your plot wanders into a discussion about writing characters who think differently than you, and why goals are important to your story. Mentioned: Books by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi: Emotional Wound Thesaurus Positive Trait Thesaurus Negative Trait Thesaurus Emotion Thesaurus Character Development Questions Worksheet Spotify iTunes … Continue reading Episode 54: Your Character’s Goals
Episode 53: What’s in a Name?
(Mini-Episode) How do you name things in your novel, particularly in sci-fi and fantasy? We touch on some resources and share a little nerdy linguistics talk as we chat about how we name people, places, and things. Mentioned: Vulgar: A Fantasy Language Generator Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 053 (to download, right-click the … Continue reading Episode 53: What’s in a Name?
Episode 52: Writers in Movies/TV
(Mini-Episode) In this episode, D.C. and Avery discuss their favorite and least favorite portrayals of writers (and publishing) in film and television. How they got things right, and how they sometimes get them oh so wrong. Movies and Television Shows Mentioned: Stranger Than Fiction The Lost City Saving Mr. Banks Younger Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts … Continue reading Episode 52: Writers in Movies/TV
Episode 51: Talking Tropes
Tropes sometimes have a bad reputation, but what are they really? Avery and D.C. discuss some common tropes and why they're often seen in a negative light, as well as ways you can subvert them or roll with them. Items mentioned: Black Sun, by Rebecca Roanhorse Jade City, by Fonda Lee Penguin Random House vs … Continue reading Episode 51: Talking Tropes
Episode 50: Navigating Social Media (or Not)
(Mini-Episode) Writer Twitter can be a great place or a toxic place… Avery and D.C. discuss the pros and cons of sharing your writer journey online, how to decide if social media is right for you, and some cautionary tales. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 050 (to download, right-click the Download button and … Continue reading Episode 50: Navigating Social Media (or Not)
...and it's writing. 