Writing Excuses

Dive into the world of sensory details in storytelling! Discover how sounds, scents, and tastes can enrich character development and worldbuilding. The hosts share personal stories illustrating the power of sensory perception in creating emotional connections. Learn about innovative experiences like Darkfield, where storytelling comes alive in total darkness. Engage your creativity with exercises that expand your character's sensory interactions, making their world feel more real and immersive.

Time serves as a dynamic lens in storytelling, shaping characters and narratives in profound ways. The discussion covers techniques like flashbacks and sensory shifts that enhance emotional impact. Listeners learn how timing influences character behavior, builds tension, and deepens engagement. Practical examples highlight the manipulation of time in action scenes and quieter moments alike. A creative writing exercise challenges writers to rethink time settings in their scenes, sparking fresh insights for their storytelling.

Dive into the transformative power of context in storytelling! The hosts explore how rich details can make worlds feel authentic, enhancing emotional connections and driving conflict. They discuss the fine line between useful and excessive world-building, like unnecessary goblin toe counts. Humor also plays a vital role, bolstering character interactions without overwhelming the audience. Plus, engage in creative exercises that challenge you to reimagine narratives with different contexts. Join the fun and refine your storytelling skills!

Explore the powerful connection between setting and narrative in speculative fiction. Discover how time and place shape characters, influencing their experiences and growth. The speakers share tips for crafting vivid, dynamic worlds and highlight the importance of cultural and temporal details. Engaging examples, like time-measuring goblins, illustrate how practical world-building enhances storytelling. Writers are encouraged to experiment with their own narratives by rewriting scenes in different contexts, revealing new dimensions to character dynamics.

Cooking and writing share surprising similarities, with both processes benefitting from creativity, preparation, and improvisation. The idea of 'mise en place' underscores the importance of outlining in writing, much like setting up a kitchen before cooking. Personal expression takes center stage as hosts discuss how everyday cooking can spark inspiration for narrative development. They also examine the balance between structure and flexibility in both art forms, invoking the joy of experimentation to enhance storytelling and enrich the creative process.

In a lively discussion, guest Mark Oshiro, a young adult author and passionate writing teacher, shares his insights on the complexity of teaching writing. He dives deep into the importance of engaging teen writers by connecting lessons to their personal interests. The trio explores creating safe spaces for marginalized voices, emphasizing empathy in teaching. They also reflect on the joy of mentorship and the transformative power of sharing personal passions through lessons. Tune in for strategies that inspire creativity and connection!

Christopher Schwarz, a furniture maker, writer, and publisher, shares fascinating insights into the worlds of woodworking and writing. He discusses how his craftsmanship informs his storytelling, emphasizing structured writing and the essence of quality in both books and furniture. The conversation delves into the significance of physical media in a digital age and the lost art of woodworking. Schwarz also highlights the value of ongoing learning and offers creative advice for aspiring writers, blending practical experiences with historical techniques.

The second-person narrative perspective is explored for its unique ability to immerse readers in the story. It creates an intimate experience, making readers feel like active participants rather than passive observers. The podcast dives into various forms of this POV, including its use in letters and conversations. It highlights the emotional depth it can offer, especially in marginalized storytelling. Additionally, it encourages writers to experiment with this engaging style, concluding with a creative homework challenge.

Dive into the fascinating world of third-person omniscient narration, a style that allows for deep character insights and expansive storytelling. Learn why this perspective, despite its old-fashioned reputation, is still effective in modern writing. The hosts discuss the challenges and unique opportunities this voice provides, including the balance between withholding information and building tension. Plus, get creative with a fun writing challenge focusing on sensory details in a street scene from multiple bystanders' views!

Diving into third person limited, the discussion highlights its unique storytelling advantages and the balance it strikes between intimacy and distance. The hosts explore its intricacies, sharing strategies for effectively portraying characters while maintaining reader engagement. They demystify the differences between narrative perspectives and offer creative homework to refine writing skills. Listeners also learn about head hopping and its potential to enrich narratives, making this a must-listen for aspiring authors.