“The noun part of “writer” seems to require outside validation, but the verb part of it — “writing” — is something you’re either doing or you’re not.”  –Matt Bell In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Matt talk about the importance of creative persistence and obsession (1:45); the importance of maintaining creative discipline and keeping concrete track of your progress (8:00); “swooper” versus “basher” writers, and approaches to revision (14:00); the importance of place to narrative, and its role in research (21:15); how point-of-view affects a narrative (30:00); the important of “inciting incidents” and other techniques of narrative structure (38:00); strategies for getting “unstuck” in a narrative (42:30); and counterintuitive strategies for revising a creative work (52:00). Novelist Matt Bell (@mdbell79) is the author of several books, including, most recently, Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts. Notable Links: National Novel Writing Month (creative writing event) Lauren Groff (novelist) IKEA (ready-to-assemble furniture) Anne Lamott (author) Kurt Vonnegut (author) Iceberg theory (writing technique) Appleseed (novel by Matt Bell) Scandinavian noir (genre of crime fiction) William Inge (playwright) Orpheus and Eurydice (Greek legend) Point of view (narrative mode) Graham Greene (novelist and travel writer) Poetics (work of dramatic theory by Aristotle) Amy Tan (author) The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber. Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.

Amy Brachio, EY Global Vice Chair for Sustainability, and Matt Bell, EY Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader, discuss the upcoming COP28 and the importance of the Global Stocktake. They emphasize the need for cross-sector collaboration, the representation of all stakeholders, and the urgency for climate action. The podcast also highlights the impact of climate change on people's lives, the role of businesses in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy, and the importance of regulation, transparency, and accountability. By the end, the guests express hope for positive outcomes and cross-sector collaborations at COP28.

Matt Bell, an expert on teaching kids about money, discusses the importance of educating children on financial responsibility, including budgeting, saving, and investing. The podcast explores teaching kids the difference between programming and promotion, the impact of social media on consumer behavior, and the significance of instilling delayed gratification and generosity in children regarding money matters.