Writing Excuses Writing Excuses 8.23: Microcasting
Jun 9, 2013
The hosts discuss strategies for rewriting drafts and writing relatable AI characters. They explore the challenges of crafting AI dialogues and tactful promotion. The speakers share insights on promoting their eligible works for awards. They discuss accepting first publishing offers and choosing between small presses and agents.
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Episode notes
Begin Rewrites By Cutting Big Stuff
- Start rewrites by scanning the whole book for big cuts like characters, scenes, or locations you can remove entirely.
- Trimming large elements first simplifies subsequent line edits and refocusing the story.
Handle AI Characters With Controlled Anthropomorphism
- When writing AI characters, anthropomorphize them to make humans comfortable but constantly remind yourself they are not people.
- Use separate avatars or voices when the AI is reasoning with itself to dramatize internal mulling.
Promote Award Eligibility Carefully
- Avoid overtly asking non-voter followers to buy membership votes for awards; it backfires socially.
- Instead, inform readers exactly which works are eligible so supportive voters nominate correctly.