Writing Excuses

DongWon Song shares insights into his chaotic writing process, shaped by a demanding career as a literary agent. He emphasizes the importance of a low-stimulation environment to enhance focus and creativity. Instead of outlines, he jots down questions and lets his subconscious work through them. DongWon advocates for intentional boredom as a catalyst for creativity, suggesting that even brief, device-free moments can count as productive writing time. He also discusses the power of capturing fleeting ideas and the necessity of being kind to oneself amid distractions.

Discover the unique writing process of Mary Robinette Kowal, who thrives on a chaotic schedule shaped by her puppetry tours. She reveals how living with ADHD and depression has led her to adopt creative brain hacks for focus. The conversation challenges the notion of daily writing, embracing writing as a flexible practice. Tune in for insights on micro sessions, protecting writing time at home, and using personal motivators, like lists and playlists, to enhance productivity in writing.

Discover how to structure your writing journey using the classic Who, What, Where, When, and Why framework. Learn to use lenses as tools for revision and creativity, not just rules. Explore techniques to overcome writer’s block by focusing on single lenses and shifting story elements. Engage in focused practice to enhance specific skills and see how personal preferences influence your dominant lens. Plus, celebrate your strengths by identifying your best lens and sharing your writing insights!

Charlie Jane Anders, the award-winning author of 'All the Birds in the Sky,' dives into her unique approach to narrative. She discusses the playful use of omniscient POV and its impact on tone, sharing how her characters evolve alongside the narrative. Anders reveals insights from her new book, 'Lessons in Magic and Disaster,' blending queer themes with humor. She also emphasizes the importance of whimsy and offers a writing exercise to enhance scenes with narrative asides, encouraging authors to take bold risks.

Dive into the fascinating world of thematic intent as the hosts dissect Charlie Jane Anders' work. Explore the clash between magic and science, revealing how character dynamics illuminate these opposing views. Discover the importance of the author's perspective and how personal motivations deepen storytelling. The conversation also emphasizes the dualities of community versus isolation, challenging readers along the way. Don’t miss the practical advice to clarify your writing intentions!

Dive into the intricate storytelling of 'All the Birds in the Sky' as the hosts explore how foreshadowing and flashbacks shape a reader's experience. They highlight the significance of the timeline, discussing how moments in the past and future cast new light on present scenes. The conversation reveals the emotional tension created by narrative choices, particularly through the character of Theodolphus. Additionally, they encourage writers to experiment with the past and future resonance in their own work, enhancing character depth and engagement.

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!

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.

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.

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!