Nicholas Eames, author of 'Kings of the Wyld' and 'Bloody Rose,' shares his insights on success in writing. He delves into the balance between personal fulfillment and commercial appeal, encouraging writers to set achievable goals. The discussion touches on the influence of childhood literature on crafting stories and the significance of blending genres in fantasy. Eames also emphasizes authenticity in LGBTQ+ representation and the evolving landscape of storytelling, highlighting humor's role and the importance of creating relatable narratives.
Success for creators is subjective, often defined by personal goals such as having the time to create or reaching an audience.
Emotional resonance driven by inspiration from favorite authors can motivate writers to craft deeply engaging stories that connect with readers.
Blending genres in storytelling allows authors to explore unique narratives, enriching the reading experience through innovative and multifaceted characters.
Deep dives
Defining Success as a Creator
Success as a creator can vary significantly from one individual to another, as it largely depends on personal goals and motivations. For some, simply having the time and space to create is already a substantial indicator of success. Others may measure success by the ability to reach and resonate with an audience, regardless of its size. Ultimately, each creator must set their own parameters for success, recognizing that what works for one may not hold the same value for another.
Influence of Favorite Authors
Many creators draw inspiration from their favorite authors, which helps shape their own perspectives on writing. For instance, one guest discussed how the emotional impact of their favorite works motivated them to create something that could resonate similarly with others. The goal of evoking emotions in readers drives some writers to pen stories that engage deeply, stressing the importance of passion and connection in writing endeavors. Authors are often influenced by previous readings, actively seeking to mirror that profound impact in their own narratives.
Narrative Techniques and Genre-Bending
The podcast emphasizes the effectiveness of blending genres in storytelling, showcasing examples such as humorous fantasy and rock band-themed adventure narratives. Combining elements from different genres can lead to unique and engaging stories, allowing authors to explore creative possibilities beyond traditional boundaries. Notably, one guest discussed a world where mercenary bands became akin to rock stars, illustrating how non-standard themes can invigorate speculative fiction. This genre-bending approach invites readers into complex worlds with multifaceted characters, enriching the reading experience.
The Role of Cover Art and Marketing
Cover art significantly impacts the success of a book, as it serves as the first impression for potential readers and plays a vital role in marketing. The discussion highlighted how effective cover designs can convey the essence of a story while attracting the right audience. The potential pitfalls of misleading cover art, which fails to represent the book accurately, were also acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful marketing. Ultimately, well-designed covers can enhance a book's appeal, facilitating greater engagement and readership.
Incorporating Diversity in Storytelling
The conversation touched on the importance of representation within narratives, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ characters, as a way to foster inclusivity in literature. Authors were encouraged to include diverse characters in a natural manner, without making their identities the sole focus of the story. Successful representation means allowing characters to simply exist as part of the narrative without needing an explanation or justification for their identity. This approach not only enriches the story but also reflects the multifaceted nature of real life, resonating with a broader audience.
Welcome to the start of season 3 of Worldcasting! New episodes will release every other week on Tuesdays (until the season ends). This season is going to be packed with new and returning guests discussing worldbuilding, the craft of writing, game mastering, and much more!
To kick off the release of season 3, Taylor, Adam, Emory, and Nicholas Eames—author of Kings of the Wyld and Bloody Rose—discuss what success means to us. We also talk about the importance of setting achievable goals, about genre, and all of the delightful tangents that come with an episode of Worldcasting!
This episode was edited by Sean Gooding & Adam Bassett.
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