(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:
Tag: writing craft
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 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 49: Where Should My Book Start?
In this episode, D.C. and Avery discuss Inciting Incidents and where to start your story. We also look at some examples from popular media to analyze the difference between the Inciting Incident and the point of no return. Drink Pairing: Elevated "Crown and Peach" Sour 1oz Bourbon 1.5oz Apricot Liqueur .75oz Maple Syrup 1.25oz Lemon … Continue reading Episode 49: Where Should My Book Start?
Episode 48: Plot Hole Repair
(Mini-Episode) So you've found a gaping plot hole in your book - what next? D.C. and Avery discuss their favorite brainstorming techniques and plot hole repair tips. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 048 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 45: Head-Hopping, POV Breaks, & Omniscient
In this episode, D.C. and Avery talk about head-hopping and point-of-view breaks, as well as discussing how this relates to writing in omniscient point of view. We share a few samples of published authors who use head-hopping in omniscient POV, as well as revising a bit of Avery's writing to eliminate POV breaks in a … Continue reading Episode 45: Head-Hopping, POV Breaks, & Omniscient
Episode 40: Tips for Underwriters
(Mini-Episode) Many of our episodes focus on ways to tighten and trim your writing, but what if you underwrite? In this episode, D.C. and Avery discuss how to tell if your book is underwritten, and ways to flesh it out more. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 040 (to download, right-click the Download button … Continue reading Episode 40: Tips for Underwriters
Episode 39: Change It Up (Sentence Structure)
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)
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!
...and it's writing. 