D.C. and Avery celebrate some great news as we look at how to revive an excerpt with stilted, repetitive sentence structure. Things get a bit silly as we jazz up some old writing by adding a few, uh, creative flourishes. And a brief digression to discuss monster romance. Items mentioned: Forging a Nightmare, by Patricia … Continue reading Episode 39: Change It Up (Sentence Structure)
Category: Episodes
Episode 38: When Am I Ready to Query?
(Mini-Episode) In this mini-episode, D.C. and Avery discuss how to decide when you're ready to start querying literary agents, if you're seeking traditional publication. Click here for the full "Finding Betas and Critique Partners" episode that is referenced in this episode. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 038 (to download, right-click the Download button … Continue reading Episode 38: When Am I Ready to Query?
Episode 37: Inspiration or Copying?
In which a discussion about how you can't copyright tropes leads to Avery telling D.C. about the Omegaverse lawsuit. We also chat about retellings, how "copying" your own work can actually be a part of building your brand, and the decision whether to read books that are similar to a current project. Items mentioned: Forging … Continue reading Episode 37: Inspiration or Copying?
Episode 36: Off With Their Heads! (Kill Your Darlings)
(Mini-Episode) In this mini-episode, we discuss the old adage "Kill Your Darlings", what it means to us, and tips for how to ruthlessly (or regretfully) murder your own darlings. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 036 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 35: Clunky Prose Extravaganza!
We're back to editing! In this episode, D.C. and Avery take a look at one of Avery's old email roleplaying game posts and polish up some very clunky, cringey prose using some of the craft topics we've discussed so far. Books and authors mentioned: Forging a Nightmare, by Patricia A. Jackson The Goldfinch, by Donna … Continue reading Episode 35: Clunky Prose Extravaganza!
Episode 34: AMA Round 2
(Mini-Episode) Learn a little about your hosts as we answer some more random questions about writing, booze, food, and books. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 034 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 33: Invisible, Lyrical, & Purple Prose
What are the key differences between these three prose styles, and when might you want to use each? Is there actually a time when you'd want to use the much-hated purple prose? D.C. and Avery discuss, using published examples of each. Books and authors mentioned: Scambait, by Ryan R. Campbell Charles Dickens L. Frank Baum … Continue reading Episode 33: Invisible, Lyrical, & Purple Prose
Episode 32: “I’ll Do That Later.”
(Mini-Episode) "I'll write... tomorrow." Procrastination: We've all done it. But how to tell when your "for the inspiration" passion projects drift into procrastination? And how do you defeat the urge to do so? Join D.C. and Avery as they discuss the topic. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 032 (to download, right-click the Download … Continue reading Episode 32: “I’ll Do That Later.”
Episode 31: Iceberg Theory
When introducing readers to your world, how do you show them the tip of the iceberg? Avery and D.C. discuss their tricks for world-building and conveying that world, as well as giving some recommendations of books that do this correctly. Also, a Neopets digression. Books mentioned: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, by V.E. Schwab … Continue reading Episode 31: Iceberg Theory
Episode 30: Critique Etiquette
(Mini-Episode) Critique is hard. Giving it can be just as difficult as receiving it, but there are some general "best practices" in critique etiquette and manners that can help the medicine go down a little smoother for everyone involved. In this mini-episode, D.C. and Avery discuss their personal tips for critique etiquette on both ends. … Continue reading Episode 30: Critique Etiquette
...and it's writing. 