Writing Excuses

The hosts discuss the structure and characters of the book 'Sergeant in Motion' from the Schlock Mercenary series. They explore conflict resolution and the importance of anchoring emotion in storytelling. The podcast also includes an advertisement for HelloFresh and a recommendation for the video game The Sexy Brutal. The speakers discuss ending a project, incorporating callbacks, dynamic elements, character development, and writing resolutions.

Topics discussed include writing the middle and ending of a book, making a book self-contained, complex characters and dark themes, memory manipulation, the role of the antagonist, the importance of tools in art, and a book announcement with a writing assignment for listeners.

The podcast explores the story structure of a book with a major disaster, the weight of world-building, and the cost of death in the presence of immortality. They discuss the significance of 'Mandatory Failure' in the 20-book mega arc and engage in a Q&A with the author. Topics also include power dynamics, apologies, and the challenge of portraying failure. A writing prompt on the aftermath of a major disaster is provided.

The hosts discuss the challenges and importance of the middle section of a story, known as the 'soggy middle'. They also explore the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire and tools for creating narrative momentum. Crafting standalone books in a series is emphasized, as well as using solutions as catalysts in storytelling.

The podcast discusses organizing and managing writing projects, including tools like spreadsheets, databases, and specialized software. They explore the book 'Mountain in the Sea' which envisions rising sea levels and sapient octopi. They talk about monetizing research and prewriting work and using spreadsheets for thematic world-building and character development.

The podcast explores the concept of foreshadowing in writing and how it enhances storytelling. The hosts discuss their favorite foreshadowing tools and techniques, and the importance of foreshadowing for plot reveals. They also review the book 'Babel' by R.F. Kwong, and share personal anecdotes about foreshadowing in their writing processes. The chapter delves into the role of foreshadowing in plot, world building, and character development. Lastly, the hosts provide practical tips on using throwaway gags as foreshadowing.

The hosts discuss the positive impact of a producer on the podcast's structure and quality. They explore ways to ensure financial sustainability through advertising and Patreon. The hosts express excitement about reading ads and recommend a book. They introduce an ad-free tier on Patreon and discuss the recent changes to the podcast, emphasizing their commitment to engaging conversations about writing.

The first episode in our eight-episode Deep Dive into Howard’s weekly webcomic strip, Schlock Mercenary. We grill Howard on how he taught himself to draw, why he decided to self-publish (hint: his wife, Sandra Tayler, helped him), and how he managed to write an ending. Homework: The "How it should have ended" game: write your own ending(s) to one or more of your favorite things. (For reference, watch some of How It Should Have Ended.) Thing of the Week: The Expanse (DongWon) Mentioned Links: Schlock MercenaryHow It Should Have EndedCredits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.Join Our Writing Community! PatreonInstagramYouTubeFacebookTwitterSign up for our newsletter: https://writingexcuses.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Aeropress and use my code WX for a great deal: https://aeropress.com* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/WX* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/WXSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We have a special guest episode! Kirsten Vangsness, Criminal Minds star, joins us to talk about her experience as a writer, actor, and playwright. She taught us how she deals with imposter syndrome, and how she uses performance as a writing tool. We also talk about self-actualization, cats, and filling your metaphorical art well. Homework:From Kirsten: Record yourself, stream of consciousness, talking about one of the big questions that crops up in your work. Then write a scene that asks this question. From us: Prepare for our next Deep Dive, by reading through Howard Tayler's Schlock Mercenary.Thing of the Week:Kirsten's Agenda Season 2 Blue by June Carryl Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.Join Our Writing Community! PatreonInstagramYouTubeFacebookTwitterSign up for our newsletter: https://writingexcuses.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Aeropress and use my code WX for a great deal: https://aeropress.com* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/WX* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/WXSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In our final episode diving into how and why Dan wrote “Dark One: Forgotten,” talk about how you can take something personal and mine it for fiction. We also tackle the complicated question—Why should you be the one to tell your story?  We think about the personal touches that you can add to your writing, and how people can hear when your story is personal. Homework:2 things! 1. Have you watched Criminal Minds? If you haven’t, you should! Next week, we have a special guest—Kirsten Vangsness who plays Penelope Garcia! Explore her other stuff (like her web series and podcast), and get ready for an INCREDIBLE conversation with her. 2. What's the thing in your real life that you keep thinking about when you aren't writing? Can you give that feeling or theme to a character? ALSO, prepare for our next Deep Dive, by reading through Howard Tayler's Schlock Mercenary. And feel free to re-listen to our interview with Howard earlier this year, Thing of the Week:Everything Everywhere all at Once Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.Join Our Writing Community! PatreonInstagramYouTubeFacebookTwitterSign up for our newsletter: https://writingexcuses.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Aeropress and use my code WX for a great deal: https://aeropress.com* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/WX* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/WXSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy