Intentionally Blank
Losing Your Audience - Intentionally Blank Ep. 171
Sep 12, 2024
Brandon Sanderson, an acclaimed fantasy author, and Dan Wells, a popular thriller writer, dive into the intricacies of storytelling. They discuss how authorial intrusion can break immersion, with examples from films and literature. The duo highlights the joy of spotting character actors and how familiar faces impact viewer experience. They also analyze the quirks of fictional devices, like 555 phone numbers, and the challenges of word choice in fantasy writing, emphasizing the importance of cultural nuances and thoughtful details in world-building.
30:15
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Quick takeaways
- Authors need to navigate the fine line between cultural authenticity and reader comprehension to maintain narrative immersion.
- Distractions in storytelling, like forced humor or celebrity cameos, can significantly disrupt a viewer's or reader's engagement with the narrative.
Deep dives
Title Evolution and Story Context
The title of the new book was originally considered to be 'Knights of Wind and Truth,' but ultimately changed to 'Wind and Truth.' The decision was influenced by a desire for symmetry within the titles of a broader series, as the author initially aimed for names that would have a mathematical elegance. However, after careful reflection, the simpler title resonated more, particularly in relation to the story's context. The in-world book maintains the longer title, which adds a layer of depth but reinforces the author's preference for the straightforward and impactful 'Wind and Truth.'
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