
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Knowing the Shape of Your Story
Mar 13, 2025
Bianca interviews Kristen Arnett, a New York Times best-selling author known for her humorous and poignant storytelling. They explore Kristen's writing process, emphasizing the importance of research and character development. The discussion highlights the role of humor and surprise in engaging readers, as well as the complexities of first-person narration. Kristen shares her insights on crafting narratives that balance past and present, drawing parallels between joke-telling and effective storytelling. Plus, listeners enjoy a reading that showcases Kristen's unique voice.
31:40
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Quick takeaways
- Kristen Arnett emphasizes the importance of extensive research in character development, ensuring authenticity and relatability in her narratives.
- The podcast discusses strategies for effectively beginning a story, focusing on crafting engaging inciting incidents while maintaining reader connection.
Deep dives
Starting It Right Class Announcement
A new writing class called 'Starting It Right' is set to help writers kick off their stories effectively. This four-day workshop will cover various essential aspects, such as selecting the right type of beginning, crafting a compelling inciting incident, and avoiding common pitfalls while starting a narrative. Participants will also gain insights into balancing exposition with mystery and fostering reader connection with protagonists. An interactive component allowing submission of opening scenes for critique will enhance the learning experience, making this class particularly engaging.
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