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.
Crafting rich character development is a key goal in 'Worth the Candle'
Balancing multiple magic systems and world-building is a challenge in the narrative framework
Subverting power fantasy tropes and addressing moral complexities frustrates readers seeking a straightforward journey in 'Worth the Candle'
Maintaining creative autonomy and aligning reader expectations is crucial for authorial integrity in storytelling
Deep dives
The Origin and Scope of 'Worth the Candle'
The speaker discusses the motivation behind writing 'Worth the Candle', citing a desire to navigate personal storytelling without the constraints of expectation. The decision to use a pseudonym provided a fresh start and allowed for unrestricted creativity. The focus on crafting a rich and textured character development through a lengthy narrative is highlighted as a key goal.
Diving Into Worldbuilding Complexity
The podcast delves into the intricate world-building process of 'Worth the Candle', exploring the creation of over 20 magic systems and a sprawling campaign world reminiscent of tabletop RPG sessions. The speaker touches on the challenges of balancing a vast array of magical elements while integrating them seamlessly into the narrative framework.
Exploring Narrative Sprawl and Character Arcs
The discussion centers on the concept of narrative sprawl within 'Worth the Candle' and the potential to expand multiple character arcs within a complex story. The speaker mentions the deliberate focus on subverting power fantasy tropes and addressing moral complexities, often frustrating readers seeking a straightforward power fantasy journey.
Navigating Audience Expectations and Signaling Story Intent
Audience reception and the challenge of signaling the storytelling direction are analyzed, emphasizing the need to align reader expectations with the narrative tone of 'Worth the Candle'. The importance of maintaining creative autonomy despite differing reader interpretations and reactions is highlighted as a key aspect of authorial integrity.
Exploring Creation and Authorship in Writing
The podcast discusses the importance of feedback in storytelling and the value of sticking true to your own writing convictions. It delves into the challenges of receiving negative feedback and how it shouldn't deter writers who are confident in their abilities. The conversation emphasizes the significance of writing for oneself and staying true to personal creative visions despite external opinions or trends.
Navigating Character Growth and Narrative Cycles
The episode explores the complexities of character growth and narrative development in storytelling. It examines the challenges of maintaining believable and engaging characters over extended story arcs, discussing ways to manage character evolution without falling into repetitive patterns. The discussion touches on the concept of power creep, providing insights into handling character progression and continuity in long-running narratives.
Reflecting on Endings and Meta-Narrative Choices in Stories
The podcast delves into the significance of endings and meta-narrative decisions in storytelling. It analyzes the impact of narrative choices on readers' expectations, citing instances where unconventional resolutions challenge traditional storytelling norms. The conversation highlights the importance of thematic coherence and character agency in crafting compelling and memorable story conclusions that resonate with audiences.
Today we discuss Alexander's original serial fiction, Worth the Candle, and the various decisions and aspects of the story that came up throughout the writing process.
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