Writing Excuses

19.15: A Close Reading on Voice: Tying It All Together

Apr 14, 2024

Authors Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar discuss the evolution of voice in 'This Is How You Lose The Time War' and its impact on character arcs. They talk about the relationship between language and learning, and share insights on writing with authenticity and joy. The podcast explores tips for preserving authenticity in writing and enhancing voice through musical inspiration.

25:18

Creator website

Episode guests

Amal El-Mohtar

Max Gladstone

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Voice evolution shapes plot and character development, enhancing engagement.

Embracing personal voice creates a unique and memorable narrative experience.

Deep dives

Understanding Voice Evolution in Characters

Voice in storytelling is more than a passive element. It actively shapes the plot and characters' development, enhancing reader engagement. Character arc naturally influences voice evolution throughout a story. Variations in language and tone signify character growth and learning, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

Introduction

3min

Evolving Character Voice in Writing

4min

Writing with Authenticity and Joy

5min

Embracing Personal Voice in Writing

2min

Preserving Authenticity and Voice in Writing

12min

Enhancing Voice in Writing Through Musical Inspiration

3min

As we conclude our first deep dive of our close reading series, we want to explore how the evolution of voice helped carry readers throughout "This Is How You Lose The Time War." We also talk about the relationship between character arcs and language, learning and voice. Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where we interview Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar on what it was like to write “Time War” together!

Thing of the Week:

Princess Weekes

Homework:

Write a short outline of your work noting where the voice changes and evolves to reflect the character growth and change rather than focusing on the plot beats

A Reminder

That starting May 12th, we'll be focusing on Worldbuilding and reading A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine. If you’re going to buy this book, we have this bookshop link available for you to do so! (If not, go support your local library!) https://bookshop.org/lists/close-readings-season-19

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Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

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