Writing Excuses

19.47: Final Thoughts on Our Close Reading Series

Nov 24, 2024

Reflecting on a memorable writing retreat at sea, the hosts discuss the joys of their close reading series. They highlight the richness of exploring narrative techniques, voice, and character development in beloved science fiction and fantasy works. Engaging with their community on platforms like Discord, they emphasize how collaborative reading can enhance writing skills. Encouraging listeners to analyze literature together, they share a playful outlook on future topics and offer exclusive discounts on a special book edition.

25:37

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Quick takeaways

The podcast highlights the importance of discussing specific writing aspects like tension and structure for deeper literary understanding.

A participatory experience in reading and discussing literature fosters community engagement and enhances the connection between hosts and listeners.

Deep dives

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Intro

2min

Reflections on Close Reading

7min

Engaging Conversations and Community Connections

2min

Enhancing Character Depth Through Community and Agency

2min

Cultivating Writing Through Collaborative Reading

12min

Final Thoughts and Exclusive Offers

2min

We reminisce on when we were on a writing retreat on a cruise in 2023, planning this close reading series. We have loved how this series grounded our conversations, allowing us to dive into works that were complex in specific ways. We have loved wading into the waters of voice, world-building, character, tension, and structure while talking about these phenomenal works of science fiction and fantasy.

Thank you, listeners, for reading along with us. It has been powerful to read the same books, and to feel connected to you all through the Patreon, Discord, Instagram, and emails.

Thing of the Week: Forget Protagonists: Writing NPCs with Agency

Homework: Get a group of friends together, and pick a book you love. Discuss and unpack what makes the book work. Then, tell us what it is by tagging us on Instagram, @writing_excuses.

Special Offer: Do you want 20% off a signed special edition copy of The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin? You can order The Orbit Gold Edition set at orbitgoldeditions.com, and use the code “excuses” for 20% off!

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

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