Writing Excuses

Mary Robinette Kowal is a speculative fiction author known for her imaginative storytelling, while C.L. Clark has made waves in the fantasy genre. They discuss the difference between character agency and choices, showcasing how characters can still exhibit depth even with limited agency. Using Mary’s talking cat and C.L.’s work, they explore the complexities of decision-making under constraints. The conversation highlights how nuanced choices can shape a narrative, resulting in compelling character arcs amid challenging scenarios.

Explore how character stakes shape barriers in storytelling using C.L. Clarke's short story as an example. Learn to differentiate between barriers and stakes in compressed narratives. Get writing homework to elevate mundane obstacles to life-or-death stakes. Plus, discover new books and projects from the hosts.

C.L. Clark, the author of 'The Cook,' discusses the balance between external and internal expressions in character development. They highlight the importance of sensory details in conveying characters' internal landscapes. The podcast explores the use of infographics to understand character motivations and goals. Listeners are encouraged to analyze their characters' arcs from different perspectives. Sandra Tayler's new book and a Kickstarter campaign for short stories are mentioned as well.

This podcast delves into character development in C.L. Clark's short stories, highlighting the depth of emotional arcs and unique storytelling style. They discuss strategic world-building, tools for character development, and analyze the power dynamics and relationships in Clark's works. The episode also encourages writers to explore character depth through creative exercises.

Falconer Krista Hong Edwards discusses falcons, literature, and the connection between falconry and writing. Topics include bird acquisition, incorporating husbandry in fiction, and falcon enrichment. Recommended reading: 'The Goshawk,' 'H is for Hawk,' and 'Untethered Sky.'

The guest Marshall, a recording engineer with an MFA, discusses transitioning from classroom to writing, maintaining motivation, using critique groups, and internalizing story structure in writing. They explore workshopping in MFA programs, appreciate an Edgar Allan Poe-inspired TV series, and discuss analyzing disliked writing techniques for improvement. Also, they talk about teaching writing concepts as a strategy for self-learning.

Award-winning author Arkady Martine discusses her intricate world-building process, blending historical research with fiction. She explores food culture, character perspectives, and narrative choices in creating immersive and believable worlds in her novel.

In this podcast, the hosts discuss lessons learned from 'A Memory Called Empire' and share favorite bits. They also preview upcoming topics on character, tension, and structure in future episodes. Additionally, they explore creating audience surrogates, the role of language in worldbuilding, and a role-playing game inspired by Mexican telenovelas.

Delving into the intersection of technology and identity in worldbuilding, the episode explores Imago technology in 'A Memory Called Empire' and the implications of self-modification. Discussing the impact of documentaries on storytelling, the hosts encourage writers to draw inspiration from real-world complexities. They prompt listeners to envision scenarios challenging individual identity through technology and magic, sparking creativity in crafting debate scenes.

Delve into the intricate world of 'A Memory Called Empire' as the hosts discuss the power of language in shaping culture, identity, and narrative development. Explore how words like empire, assimilation, and bomb are used to convey important themes. Unpack the role of language in creating immersive worlds and crafting meaningful literature within fiction.