Writing Excuses

The hosts kick off the new season by embracing a fresh approach: 'tools, not rules.' They dive into the shortcomings of prescriptive writing advice and champion personal processes. Discussions range from deconstructing story structures like improvisational jazz to identifying core storytelling principles. Each host shares personal writing intentions and goals, encouraging listeners to reflect on what they want to let go of and embrace in their writing journey. It's an inspiring start to a year of exploration and creativity!

As the season wraps up, major changes loom as a beloved host steps back. Discussions on mental health, career choices, and creative trajectories pop up along the way. The hosts reflect on emotional journeys and transition plans, sharing updates on personal projects and new adventures. A time capsule reveals how mid-year predictions fared by year-end. Humorous and heartfelt homework assignments encourage creativity, as the team expresses gratitude and anticipates future contributions. Join them in this bittersweet farewell and a look at what lies ahead!

In this captivating discussion, Howard Tayler, the creative force behind the webcomic Schlock Mercenary, shares insights from his two-decade writing journey. He reveals his unique workflow using landscape Word text boxes and how he hand-inks laser prints to maximize efficiency. Howard also talks about adapting his process due to long COVID, banking writing time, and using index cards for storyboarding. His emphasis on satisfaction as a metric for success and practical hacks for improving productivity make this a must-listen for aspiring writers.

Dan Wells shares how depression transformed his writing process, featuring candid discussions on mental health. The hosts dive into practical strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps and coping mechanisms for bad days. They explore the concept of ‘spectating’ to recognize when to avoid major decisions. Comparisons between puppy training and rewarding writing accomplishments highlight the importance of positive reinforcement. Expect insights on self-compassion, environmental adjustments, and reinventing joy in the creative journey.

Dive into the sneaky power tools of tone and mood in storytelling. Discover how these elements shape emotional experiences, with examples from classics like The Wizard of Oz. Explore the debate between tone and mood as well as practical tools to manipulate them. Learn about contrast and character reactions, and how even sentence rhythm can shift feelings dramatically. The discussion highlights juxtaposition in narratives, making tone akin to a musical score. Plus, a creative challenge awaits—turn a mystery structure into something unexpected!

Discover the art of pitching your creative work with insights on what makes a pitch resonate. Learn to differentiate between content and presentation while perfecting your delivery. Hear real-life success stories and grab handy tips like using comp titles and crafting catchy taglines. The hosts encourage practicing pitches like karaoke to improve performance and tailor them to diverse audiences. Plus, engage with an assignment to write and test three unique pitches, enhancing your communication skills!

Discover how setbacks shaped a writer's career and the value of diversifying income streams. The hosts explore creative avenues beyond traditional novels, such as RPGs and nonfiction. They discuss the importance of redefining your identity as a writer and staying flexible amidst challenges. Learn about the evolving media landscape, the rise of creator-led opportunities, and practical strategies for branching out. Plus, try writing in an unfamiliar genre as a fun homework challenge!

Highlights include the debate on the age-old advice "show, don't tell," and how telling can sometimes enhance storytelling. The hosts discuss emotional pacing, exploring when to compress less important moments and expand on key scenes. Plus, they delve into magic systems—do they need rules? Erin introduces a framework to evaluate magic's role, while others argue for the beauty of mysterious, systemless magic. Tune in for practical homework on breaking writing rules to spark creativity!

Explore the art of breaking writing rules! Discover when it’s beneficial to throw out classic guidelines and what fresh revelations can emerge. The hosts discuss the effective use of passive voice for mood and pacing, demonstrating how it can enhance storytelling. They also delve into the complexity of protagonists, emphasizing that inactivity can still drive interest through interior thoughts. Plus, a fun homework assignment encourages listeners to challenge their own writing conventions for growth!

Discover practical tips on crafting believable relationships in storytelling. Explore the innovative Kowal Relationship Axes, which illustrate how dynamics can shift and create tension. Learn how misalignment on different axes can fuel conflict, and why treating relationships like characters themselves adds depth to your narrative. The hosts share how understanding roles and statuses enhances character development and themes. Dive into writing exercises that encourage you to explore the flaws and complexities of your characters' connections.