Dive into the art of first-person storytelling as the hosts explore its benefits and challenges. Learn how to foster intimacy with readers through subjective viewpoints and engage their senses. Discover the pitfalls of excessive introspection and the intrigue of unreliable narrators. Participants are challenged to creatively rewrite scenes from different perspectives. Plus, get insights on how to enhance narrative engagement with fresh storytelling techniques. This discussion is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their writing craft!

Explore the fascinating connections between fashion and storytelling! Discover how clothing choices convey messages and deepen character development. The hosts discuss fashion as a form of self-expression and its role in narrative intent. From genre expectations to the evolution of style, they highlight how attire can reflect identity and influence storytelling. Embrace your unique taste while recognizing the underlying meanings in both fashion and writing. Get inspired with a fun homework challenge to transform one article of clothing into multiple looks!

This episode was recorded live at our 2024 Writing Excuses Cruise. (Did you know that we host a writing retreat on a cruise every year!?! You can learn more at https://writingexcuses.com/retreats/.) While on a boat in Mexico, we were joined by author Mark Oshiro and literary agent Kate McKean. In addition to our hosts, they answered questions that were asked by our cruise attendees. Our answers included things such as how much space a character should take up and how to find the balance between plot-focused and character-focused novels. We also tackled questions about worldbuilding, motivation, and deadlines. Homework: Ask someone a question about writing, either to learn more about what they're working on or to work through a project of your own.P.S. Our Writing Excuses cruise is over 50% sold out! Secure your spot today at www.writingexcuses.com/retreatsSign up for our newsletterCredits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, Sandra Tayler, Mark Oshiro, and Kate McKean. Our guest was Chuck Tingle. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.Join Our Writing Community! PatreonInstagramThreadsBlueskyTikTokYouTubeFacebookOur Sponsors:* Visit kinsta.com to get your first month free when you sign up today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we have the pleasure of talking with author (and longtime listener!) Chuck Tingle. We invited him on the podcast to talk about breaking the rules—both in terms of how to publish and what to publish. Chuck told us about the business and creative rules that he has upended—he doesn’t do readings, he is anonymous (during our interview he wore a pink bag over his head), and he thinks you should tell and show. Chuck then shares some of his favorite failures, what he learned from them, and how failures actually aren’t real. Also featured on today’s episode: puppet bloopers, approaching art, and why LOVE IS REAL. You can learn more about Chuck Tingle here. Chuck’s Thing of the Week: The FrankenStand (a vegan hotdog stand in LA that serves horror-themed hot dogs)Homework: Choose a section from your current Work In Progress (WIP). Think of the writing rule that you’re treating as the North Star of Writing At Large (what would the English Department hammer into you?). Try to rewrite that section without that rule or doing the opposite of the rule. Then, look at it and see what changes that makes. Is there a version of your writing where you can use this as a tool, and not a rule? P.S. Our retreat registration is open, and we are starting to fill up! We are going to unlock our creative processes in Minnesota and explore Story Refinement as we cruise down the Mexican Riviera! Learn more here. P.P.S. Are you tired of ads?! You can join our $5 tier on Patreon and receive ad-free episodes each week! Sign up for our newsletterCredits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, Dongwon Song, and Howard Tayler. Our guest was Chuck Tingle. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.Join Our Writing Community! PatreonInstagramThreadsBlueskyTikTokYouTubeFacebookOur Sponsors:* Visit kinsta.com to get your first month free when you sign up today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Discover the powerful connection between character reactions and emotional resonance in storytelling. Learn how reactions enhance engagement and convey thoughts, creating a deeper experience for readers. Explore examples from films and theater, showcasing the importance of consistent motivations and actions. Delve into how adapting plots to fit character-driven responses can elevate authenticity and tension. Plus, tackle a creative assignment to flip character reactions for fresh narrative possibilities!

Dive into the dynamics of character development as fears and stakes intertwine to create tension in storytelling. Explore how low-stakes situations can trigger profound emotional connections, pushing characters to grow. Discover techniques to map character relationships against their fears, fostering a feedback loop that enhances the narrative. The discussion also highlights the significance of personal experiences and emotional motivations, illustrating how fears drive decisions and ultimately shape compelling heroes and villains.

Discover the significance of character motivations in storytelling. Explore how deeper desires create relatable, complex characters that drive narratives. Learn techniques to effectively convey motivations and enhance reader engagement. Dive into the unique interplay between personal identity and a character's goals, as well as the challenges that arise from pursuing those goals. The discussion inspires writers to examine multiple perspectives for richer storytelling.

Ever thought about how much backstory your character really needs? Discover the art of 'backfilling' to add depth without overwhelming your narrative. The discussion shines a light on the impact of identity and community on character actions and choices. Plus, explore how today's fragmented media world shapes storytelling. Learn to weave emotional connections into your narratives, making characters resonate through well-developed histories. Embrace the nuances of identity to create relatable, authentic characters.

Discover the 'lens of who' as the hosts dive into the complexity of character development. They break down concepts like relatability and depth, urging writers to acknowledge how varied experiences shape different voices. Engaging personal stories are highlighted as crucial for creating believable characters. A unique homework assignment invites listeners to interview friends about pivotal life moments, enriching their storytelling skills. Plus, exciting upcoming retreats and creative collaborations are announced!

Explore the captivating metaphor of puppetry in writing, revealing how personal experiences shape narrative and character. Discover the significance of unique voice and genre through diverse puppetry styles. Uncover how cultural influences impact storytelling and learn about financial literacy in the arts. Delve into character development, emphasizing the connection between internal motivation and emotional expression. Finally, discover how puppetry dynamics can enhance narrative structure and engagement.