Rationally Writing Episode 59 - Worth the Candle Postmortem
Nov 17, 2021
Discussing the challenges and decisions in creating the original serial fiction 'Worth the Candle'. Topics include pseudonymous writing, crafting a unique fantasy world, emotional origins of the story, narrative pacing and genre differentiation, navigating audience feedback, and exploring novel lives and eternity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Arthur's Inspiration
- Alexander Wales wrote Worth the Candle to process grief after two friends died in car accidents.
- The main character, Arthur, is a blend of these friends.
Worldbuilding Philosophy
- Worth the Candle's world feels vast and overwhelming, mirroring our content-saturated reality.
- Alexander Wales aimed to create a world where many unique magic systems coexist, similar to cities feeling increasingly alike despite geographical distance.
World-Building Exposition
- When introducing world-building details, avoid lengthy exposition dumps.
- Use time pressure or withhold information until relevant to maintain reader engagement.