

Writing Excuses
Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler
Fifteen minutes long, because you're in a hurry, and we're not that smart.
Episodes
Mentioned books

12 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 21min
20.35: Deep Dive into “All the Birds in the Sky” - Using the Lens of Where
Discover the transformative role of setting in storytelling, where locations become living characters influencing emotions and growth. Dive into the dynamic interplay of urban and natural landscapes, with San Francisco as a backdrop for social activism and personal evolution. Explore how detailed sensory elements enrich the reader's experience, making unfamiliar places feel authentic. Plus, get practical tips to elevate your narrative environments with a fun writing exercise!

50 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 29min
20.34: Deep Dive into “All the Birds in the Sky” - Using the Lens of Who
Dive into the intriguing character dynamics of Patricia and Lawrence from 'All the Birds in the Sky.' Explore how childhood experiences shape adult identities and motivations. The hosts analyze narrative techniques that enhance reader engagement and emotional depth. Unpack the genre conflicts between fantasy and science fiction through the characters' unique perspectives. Plus, discover a homework challenge that encourages writers to examine envy and desire in their own characters for richer storytelling.

18 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 28min
20.33: Raising Children as a Metaphor for Writing
This discussion explores the intriguing parallels between raising children and the writing process. It emphasizes nurturing individual voices, whether in kids or characters. The importance of accepting evolving expectations and the emotional struggles of judgment are highlighted. There's a focus on the need for adaptability and openness as both children and stories develop. Lastly, it addresses the role of self-forgiveness in writing and encourages reflection to nurture creativity in both parenting and storytelling.

10 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 26min
20.32: Revision and Character Consciousness Téa Obreht
This week’s guest, Téa Obreht, an acclaimed novelist known for her award-winning debut, The Tiger’s Wife, delves into the intricacies of revision and character consciousness. She discusses the challenges of the idea-generation phase and emphasizes the value of layered character development. Téa reveals how discomfort can unearth true character motivations and encourages writers to explore different narrative perspectives through rewriting. Plus, she suggests a fun exercise to enhance your opening paragraphs!

37 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 26min
20.31: Framing the Lens
This discussion dives into the art of framing in storytelling, emphasizing how writers decide what to include or exclude for clarity. The hosts explore the balance of inclusion versus focus, specifically in family dynamics and modern contexts. Revision is key, as removing disruptive elements helps preserve tone and intent. They encourage writers to shift their story's frame, challenging them to rethink scenes to enhance narrative impact. Plus, there's excitement about an upcoming writing retreat on a cruise!

8 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 19min
20.30: Using Why To Shape Tone
The discussion kicks off with the significance of tone in storytelling, highlighting its role in shaping emotional landscapes. The hosts explore how contrasting tones can enhance narratives, using vivid examples from various genres. Techniques for manipulating tone through word choice and sentence structure are dissected, offering valuable insights for writers. A creative exercise challenges listeners to rewrite a scene with differing emotional tones, encouraging deeper exploration of character interactions and reader perception.

37 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 22min
20.29: Authorial Intent
What is authorial intent and why does it matter in storytelling? The hosts explore how intentions shape narrative and engage readers emotionally, emphasizing the difference between message and content. They discuss the importance of aligning character actions with motivations for richer storytelling. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own writing motivations and consider how intentions can enhance or clutter their narratives. Get ready for a deep dive into the heart of writing!

28 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 23min
20.28: The Lens of Tradition
This discussion dives into how storytelling traditions shape creativity and resonate with audiences. The speakers reflect on their personal and cultural backgrounds that influence their narratives. They explore the balance between tradition and innovation, highlighting how external influences can enhance storytelling. Additionally, the importance of evolving traditions and integrating diverse elements is emphasized, encouraging writers to embrace influences that can refine their craft.

18 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 23min
20.27: The Lens of Why
Mark Oshiro, a versatile author of YA and middle-grade literature, joins the conversation to explore the core question: "Why did you write this book?" He discusses the difference between theme and meaning, emphasizing how readers bring their own interpretations. The chat reveals how discovering a story’s true theme mid-draft can lead to transformative rewrites. Oshiro also shares personal experiences that highlight the emotional complexities writers face while revising their work. Tune in for insights on the dynamic between authors and their audiences!

36 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 26min
20.26: Gaming as a Writing Metaphor
Discover how gaming transforms narrative engagement, offering players a unique sense of agency that differs from traditional storytelling. Explore how player choice fosters emergent narratives, leading to personalized experiences. The discussion dives into the symbiotic relationship between gameplay mechanics and storytelling, illustrated by popular titles. Learn how audience preferences shape both gaming and reading experiences. Finally, the importance of collaborative storytelling is emphasized, encouraging creators to balance audience impact with their artistic vision.