Writing Excuses

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.

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.