Writing Excuses

In this engaging discussion, author P. Djèlí Clark, known for his novella 'Ring Shout,' delves into the art of tension in storytelling. He shares his unique influences, from 'Birth of a Nation' to Beyoncé, and highlights the significance of food in worldbuilding. Clark also contrasts contextual and narrative tension, and reflects on how everyday absurdities can enhance a story's stakes. This episode features rich insights into emotional storytelling and practical tips, making it a treasure for writers seeking to deepen their craft.

Delve into the captivating world of story tension and its critical role in engaging readers. Explore the fine line between tension and conflict, and how altering conflict points can shift your narrative's dynamics. Discover techniques to create suspense through both action and inaction, enhancing the reader's emotional investment. The discussion also touches on the importance of pacing and strategic revisions in storytelling. Plus, get inspired by an Icelandic novella that gets a nod for its impactful storytelling!

This week, P. Djèlí Clark, an acclaimed author known for his unique storytelling, joins to explore how writers can effectively use anticipation and subversion to engage readers. He delves into whether to do the exact opposite of what readers expect or to sometimes align with their anticipations. The conversation features insights from his work, Ring Shout, and fascinating examples from film and literature, revealing how tension can be amplified through unexpected narrative twists. Listeners also receive a creative homework assignment to further hone their craft.

In this discussion, Howard Tayler, a music expert, and DongWon Song, an electronic dance music aficionado, delve into the art of tension in storytelling. Howard reveals the power of the musical half-step as a metaphor for building suspense. DongWon updates this with EDM references, linking tension to the exhilarating beat drops in dance music. They explore key questions writers should ask to deepen character motivation. Listeners can expect valuable insights on weaving emotional depth and resolution into their narratives.

Dive into the fascinating world of tension in storytelling! The discussion contrasts narrative tension with the reader's contextual insights, using engaging examples like 'Last Dinner in Pompeii.' Explore how horror elements can amplify fantasy narratives and the role of language, like Gullah, in enhancing emotional depth. Learn about character contexts and how they shape relationships, offering a new layer of tension. Plus, a homework challenge encourages you to transform your scenes by revealing exclusive information to your readers!

Howard Tayler joins to share his expertise on storytelling tension. He compares tension to a rock precariously balanced at the top of a hill, ready to roll. The conversation highlights how 'Ring Shout' intertwines real-world trauma with horror elements to evoke discomfort and suspense. The team discusses tension-building techniques and analyzes emotional engagement in narratives. They encourage listeners to reflect on suspenseful stories, mapping out moments of tension and release to enhance their writing skills.

Explore the wild world of grants and fellowships that can support your writing career! Get insights from a host with a wealth of experience in snagging these opportunities. Learn practical tips for crafting compelling applications and personal statements. Examine the unique challenges faced by literary versus genre writers. Plus, discover exciting funding resources and the crucial role community plays in the creative process. Don't miss the inspiring recommended reading and a creative homework assignment to boost your artistic expression!

Discover the transformative power of writing workshops and retreats! Explore the key differences between structured workshops and creative retreats, and learn how to prepare for these enriching experiences. Hear personal stories that illustrate the bonds formed and motivation gained. Dive into strategies for overcoming post-retreat blues and sustaining inspiration. Plus, uncover the rise of solo RPGs as innovative creative tools for writers, offering unique prompts and randomization techniques. It's a treasure trove for aspiring and seasoned writers alike!

CL Clark, a talented writer recognized for their insight on crafting vivid characters, shares their expertise on building distinct POV characters in short stories. They discuss the importance of plot processing and defining stakes in storytelling. Clark highlights techniques to create depth through character flaws and motivations, and elaborates on the impact of perspective in enriching narratives. Additionally, they present engaging writing exercises focused on power dynamics to refine storytelling skills.

C.L. Clark is a talented author celebrated for their compelling short stories. In this discussion, they explore the intricacies of character development and the essential connection between characters, plot, and themes. Key insights include the balance of agency in storytelling and the importance of sensory details to engage readers emotionally. The conversation also dives into character dynamics, internal conflicts, and the personal growth journey characters undergo. Listeners are challenged with a unique homework assignment focused on character evolution.