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Writing Excuses

Latest episodes

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May 19, 2024 • 28min

19.20: How to Make Worlds Feel Big Without Overwhelming the Reader (A Close Reading on Worldbuilding: Focusing on Scale)

Discover how to make worlds feel big without overwhelming the reader by focusing on scale and movement across vast spaces. Explore the intricate use of language to establish an empire across time, not just space. Learn about techniques for portraying scale in writing and highlighting character importance amidst expansive settings.
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15 snips
May 12, 2024 • 29min

19.19: A Close Reading on Worldbuilding: An Overview and why A Memory Called Empire

Explore the intricacies of worldbuilding in writing, focusing on 'A Memory Called Empire'. Learn about balancing structural and decorative elements to engage readers effectively. Delve into the detailed worldbuilding of the novel, highlighting culture, names, and narrative structures. Join a diverse group of characters in a fantasy role-playing podcast and discover savings promotions for language learning and grocery shopping.
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7 snips
May 5, 2024 • 27min

19.18: How to Build Fictional Economies

Learn how to build fictional economies in your stories by asking questions about goods and services, exploring a post-scarcity world, and creating catchphrases. Delve into unintended consequences, different economy types, and connecting real-life consequences to fiction. Discover the dynamics of fictional economies, from gift economies to reputation economies, and get ready for a deep dive into world-building!
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18 snips
Apr 28, 2024 • 28min

19.17: Novellas- the Goldilocks of Publishing

Exploring the unique world of novellas, balancing between short stories and novels. Delving into the rise of novellas in publishing, their impact on authors' careers. Discussing novella adaptation and writer support, adding or removing essential elements for conversion
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Apr 21, 2024 • 47min

19.16: An Interview with Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar

Award-winning speculative fiction author Max Gladstone and writer/critic Amal El-Mohtar share insights on collaborative writing, friendship in artistic projects, and harnessing authentic storytelling desires. They discuss the practice of writing letters and the complexity of two-author projects. Also, they explore the inner critic in writers and offer tips on rewriting passages in different styles. The podcast delves into color symbolism, discussing how colors evoke emotions and deepen narratives. Plus, they recommend the video game 'Hollow Knight' and share resourceful writing tips.
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Apr 14, 2024 • 25min

19.15: A Close Reading on Voice: Tying It All Together

Authors Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar discuss the evolution of voice in 'This Is How You Lose The Time War' and its impact on character arcs. They talk about the relationship between language and learning, and share insights on writing with authenticity and joy. The podcast explores tips for preserving authenticity in writing and enhancing voice through musical inspiration.
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4 snips
Apr 7, 2024 • 26min

19.14: A Close Reading on Voice- Epistolary Storytelling Through Voice

Explore the art of epistolary storytelling and its impact on character portrayal. Learn about the playful novella creation process and the dynamics of writing through letters. Discover how humor is used in serious situations to add depth to narratives and reveal character development. Engage in a writing exercise transforming notes into different digital formats to alter the tone of the message.
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4 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 24min

19.13: A Close Reading on Voice: Blue's Perspective - Confidence and Vulnerability

Delve into Blue's confident yet vulnerable character through poetic thoughts and internal conflicts. Explore the contrast with Red's communication style, emphasizing emotional depth. Uncover character growth through language patterns, accents, and symbolic imagery, culminating in emotional exposure.
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7 snips
Mar 24, 2024 • 27min

19.12: A Close Reading on Voice - Red's Perspective - Muscular Prose

In this podcast, they do a close reading of Red's opening narration to analyze how voice communicates character and world effectively. They discuss drawing readers' attention to key details, suggest rewriting sentences from a work in progress, and provide writing tips. The hosts explore the impact of language on character and world-building, delve into Red's complex nature, and prioritize time and self-care. They also discuss free indirect speech, storytelling techniques, and crafting intriguing plot twists.
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14 snips
Mar 17, 2024 • 24min

19.11: A Close Reading on Voice- An Overview, and Why Time War

Discover the power of voice in writing through a close reading of 'This is How You Lose the Time War'. Explore the unique voices of characters, the impact of diverse voices on narrative depth, and crafting character voices in audiobook narration. Get inspired to emulate strong voices in your own writing and join the Patreon community for ad-free content.

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