In this episode, Avery interviews author Crystal L. Kirkham about everything short fiction, from drabbles to flash fiction to novellas. Find Crystal L. Kirkham online: Website NSFWords Podcast Twitter Sites and tags mentioned in this episode: NSFWords episode on reading/writing widely #vss365 prompt tag on Twitter Submission Grinder Crystal's anthologies and books Drinks: Boozy Strawberry … Continue reading Episode 9: Short Fiction with Crystal L. Kirkham
Category: Episodes
Episode 8: Passion vs. Obligation
Today, D.C. and Avery discuss the love/hate aspect of writing. How do you keep the passion alive when your love for a story starts to wane? And when it comes to deadlines, how do you trudge through the parts of the process you hate in order to meet them? Books mentioned in this episode: Neon … Continue reading Episode 8: Passion vs. Obligation
Episode 7: Dos and Don’ts of First Present
First-person Present Tense is often hated, but why? In this episode we chat about the reasons many dislike it, but also the ways it can be useful. We share excerpts from our writing that illustrate possible ways to tackle some common pitfalls of this tense/POV combo, as well. Books mentioned in this episode: Angela's Ashes, … Continue reading Episode 7: Dos and Don’ts of First Present
Episode 6: Was-ing the Was-es Part 2
It's aliiiive! In this episode, we discuss how to bring your stale, lifeless writing back from the dead by swapping out the verb "was" for more varied phrasing, and embellish this week's writing snippet with silliness. Books mentioned in this episode: The Secret History, Donna Tartt Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt Rosemary and Rue, Seanan McGuire … Continue reading Episode 6: Was-ing the Was-es Part 2
Episode 5: Was-ing the Was-es Part 1
Let's get rid of some was-es! In this episode, the task of revising passive voice drives both D.C. and Avery to their editing limits (while sharing a good laugh).So what is Passive Voice, exactly? When is it bad, and (hot take) when is it sometimes a GOOD thing? We polish up a sample of Avery's … Continue reading Episode 5: Was-ing the Was-es Part 1
Episode 4: My Kingdom for a Critique Partner
Everyone says you need betas and Critique Partners, but finding them sometimes feels like the proverbial needle in a haystack. So where can you actually track them down? Join us for a conversation about critique partners and betas -- the good, the bad, and the ugly. Now featuring Avery's hot new single: "The Technical Issues Song" Books … Continue reading Episode 4: My Kingdom for a Critique Partner
Episode 3: Setting a Scene
D.C. and Avery discuss the techniques we use to set a scene, including D.C.'s "lizard in a box" theory on character and setting. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 003 (To download, right-click on the Download button, then choose "Save Link As") Streaming Audio: Episode 3 Cocktails: Smoked Salted Caramel Martini: For Salt foam … Continue reading Episode 3: Setting a Scene
Episode 2: Ye Olde Show Don’t Tell
Avery and D.C. discuss the classic writing advice "Show, Don't Tell" while revising an old snippet of Avery's writing and enjoying some old-fashioned cocktails. Plus, everything is better with pizza. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 002 (To download, right-click on the Download button, then choose "Save Link As") Streaming Audio: Episode 2 Cocktail: … Continue reading Episode 2: Ye Olde Show Don’t Tell
Episode 1: Holy Adverbs, Batman!
We've all heard the warning about too many adverbs, but they're not always a cardinal writing sin. In our inaugural episode, D.C. and Avery will share a drink and revise an old snippet of Avery's writing with an eye on adverbs. Which ones can stay and which can be tweaked? Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download … Continue reading Episode 1: Holy Adverbs, Batman!
...and it's writing. 