Episode 60 - Animorphs: The Reckoning (Guest: TK17/Duncan Sabien)
May 15, 2022
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Guest TK17/Duncan Sabien discusses his rationalfic, Animorphs: The Reckoning. They delve into adapting canon to a new narrative, crafting alien races, developing character dynamics, writing challenges, and exploring narrative temptations.
Character dynamics drive the narrative in Animorphs, focusing on Jake, Rachel, Cassie, and Marco.
Balancing original canon with new storytelling directions enhances creativity and fan engagement.
Introduction of character Garrett reshapes group dynamics, adding complexity and growth to the narrative.
Deep dives
Importance of Character Relationships in Animorphs Storytelling
Central to the podcast episode is the significance of character relationships in the storytelling of Animorphs. The focus on characters like Jake, Rachel, Cassie, and Marco and their dynamics is highlighted as crucial elements that hold the essence of the narrative. While various plot elements could be interchangeable, the core characters' consistency remains pivotal. Specific themes like characters getting infested by a yerk, exploring the Chi race, and delving into alien psychologies are emphasized as key aspects the host looked forward to exploring.
Balancing Canon References and Original Storytelling
The podcast delves into the balance between adhering to the original Animorphs canon and introducing new narrative directions in storytelling. The host discusses referencing canon through memory recall and using wikis for consistency, especially when incorporating original elements like yerks and aliens. Maintaining a delicate balance between fan expectations and creative freedom, the podcast explores how reimagining key moments from the canon created a unique storytelling experience independent yet reverent to the source material.
Development of New Character Dynamics with Garrett
A significant portion of the podcast explores the introduction of the character Garrett in the story and the impact of his presence on the group dynamics. Garrett's inclusion as a unique character, distinct from the original canon, reshapes interactions and challenges the group members in unexpected ways. The process of integrating Garrett into the narrative reveals the spontaneous yet impactful evolution of character relationships and how his presence leads to growth and complexity in the storytelling. The podcast sheds light on the organic development of Garrett's character, emphasizing his role in pushing character growth and enhancing the overall narrative depth.
Importance of Revising Writing
Constantly evaluating and revising written work can significantly enhance the quality and flow of the writing. The speaker emphasizes the iterative process of reevaluating sentences to ensure they read well and smoothly. By continuously honing the language in their drafts, the writing becomes more cohesive and engaging. This practice not only improves individual sentences but also enhances the overall coherence and direction of the writing.
Managing Writing Backlogs
The discussion delves into the challenge of maintaining writing backlogs and the impact it has on productivity. The speaker shares personal struggles with managing backlogs, highlighting tendencies to lose motivation when a backlog accumulates. Strategies such as setting public commitments to combat procrastination and maintain backlogs are explored. Additionally, the benefits of having a manageable backlog are discussed, allowing for meaningful edits and a less stressful writing process.
Today we're joined once again by Duncan Sabien, aka TK17, to discuss his incredible rationalfic, Animorphs: The Reckoning. It was recorded shortly after the story finished and includes questions on not just his writing process, but the various decisions that went into changes made from canon, so spoilers ahead!