Writing Excuses

Join award-winning author N.K. Jemisin as she delves into the intricacies of her writing process behind The Fifth Season. She explores the use of multiple plotlines and the concept of planets as characters. Jemisin discusses how poetry influences her storytelling and shares invaluable advice on writing from different perspectives. She also tackles the intersection of mental health and narrative structure, offering insights into nuanced character development. Plus, tune in for her recommendations and an engaging writing exercise!

Dive into the art of storytelling as hosts explore N.K. Jemisin's structure in 'The Fifth Season.' Discover the power of point of view and narrative cohesion. They discuss the beauty of parallelism and how it can enhance your manuscript's emotional core. Creative writing techniques are shared, empowering writers to break free from conventions. Plus, an intriguing analysis of queer horror reverberates with identity themes. Don't miss the challenge of reverse engineering your work in progress!

Dive into the fascinating world of fantasy literature as the hosts analyze N.K. Jemisin’s groundbreaking work, exploring its blend of tradition and innovation. They discuss how Jemisin repurposes the hero’s journey while creating a fresh narrative. The dynamic relationship between author intent and reader expectations is dissected, along with the book's conversation with other literary works. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their influences and how they engage with established genres. Plus, a recommended read promises to navigate complex family ties!

Dive into the intricate structure of storytelling with a focus on parallelism and inversion. Explore how these techniques enhance the emotional depth of narratives, particularly through multiple perspectives. Discover how N.K. Jemisin weaves thematic richness into her work, revealing the cyclical nature of plots and life. The discussion also highlights narrative rhyming, connecting personal experiences to larger societal themes. Plus, get practical tips to refine your characters' arcs and elevate your writing.

The discussion tackles the intricate relationship between narrative structure and point of view, exemplified by N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season. It highlights how perspective shifts impact emotional depth, using characters like Cyanite and Alabaster to uncover their transformational journeys. Second-person narration is explored for its ability to connect readers with marginalized experiences. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with character perspectives through a creative writing prompt, fostering deeper engagement with their storytelling.

Dive into the audacious structure of N.K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season as the hosts discuss its radical storytelling techniques. They explore perspective shifts and parallelism that challenge conventional narratives. Discover how innovative frameworks can enhance reader engagement and influence modern writing. The conversation also touches on the roles of timelines and point of view in deepening narratives. Plus, get recommendations for thought-provoking games that complement these storytelling strategies!

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.