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
Tag: writing craft
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 26: Cutting & Combining Characters
(Mini-Episodes) Sometimes in revision, you've got to make the tough choice to give a character the axe, or combine multiple characters into one. How do you decide when to do this, and what are some techniques for doing so? Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 026 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose … Continue reading Episode 26: Cutting & Combining Characters
Episode 25: Is This a Kissing Book?
(Writing Sex Scenes) Ooh la la! D.C. and Avery discuss the salacious topic of writing sex scenes. We discuss how we try to avoid the cringe zone, as well as sharing examples with a lot of laughs and a teensy bit of embarrassment. Books mentioned: The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt I Give You My Body, … Continue reading Episode 25: Is This a Kissing Book?
Episode 21: Filler Words
What do words like "just", "really", and "all" have in common? They can act as excess fluff and filler, which clutter up your writing and make it less readable. In this episode, a slightly rusty D.C. and Avery will show how to clean up these words by revising an old piece of our writing. Books … Continue reading Episode 21: Filler Words
Episode 20: Just a Trim – Tips to Cut Word Count
(Mini-Episode) In this episode, we chat about quick and dirty ways to cut down your word count, for those looking to shorten your work.Items mentioned in this episode: 43 Words You Should Cut from Your Writing Immediately, by Diana Urban AutoCrit Story Genius, by Lisa Cron Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 020 (to … Continue reading Episode 20: Just a Trim – Tips to Cut Word Count
Episode 17: @#$&! – Swearing in Fiction
DC and Avery talk about dirty words! How far is too far, and does genre affect that line? When is swearing most effective, and why would you want to use it? Books mentioned in this episode: A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara The Echo Maker, by Richard Powers Imbibe! by David Wondrich Rita Hayworth and … Continue reading Episode 17: @#$&! – Swearing in Fiction
Episode 16: Prologues and Epilogues
(Mini-Episode) Prologues and epilogues are such a contentious topic in writing. Today we'll discuss our thoughts on these controversial additions to a story. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 016 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 13: Dialogue Tags & Action Beats
DC and Avery discuss whether "said is dead" or "said is invisible", the use of outlandish dialogue tags, and how action beats can break up repetitive dialogue. Featuring an excerpt from one of Avery's very oldest writing samples. Books mentioned in this episode: A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara Drinks: Both of the cocktails this … Continue reading Episode 13: Dialogue Tags & Action Beats
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
...and it's writing. 