Writing Excuses

Humor plays a crucial role in storytelling, blending serious themes with comedic elements. Techniques like physical comedy and absurd situations enhance narratives. The discussion also emphasizes financial literacy for creatives, linking humor with practical life lessons. Character-driven humor is explored, showcasing how unique traits spark laughter. Additionally, quirky character dynamics create comedic moments, proving that humor can transform ordinary scenarios into engaging stories. The balance between creativity and collaboration adds another layer to the art of writing with humor.

Victoria Schwab, who also writes as V.E. Schwab, joined us in Phoenix to talk about crossover fiction—in this context the term means books that target a given demographic but which have a much broader appeal, or books which straddle the line between age demographics. We discuss some good crossover examples, and how some of the boundaries work, and then we cover some of the techniques we use when writing crossover works. Credits: this episode was recorded live at Phoenix Comic Con by Jeff Cools, and mastered by Alex JacksonOur Sponsors:* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/EXCUSES* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/wxSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dive into the intricate world of humor in storytelling! Discover how laughter drives readers to turn pages and the importance of context in transforming jokes into meaningful narratives. Explore techniques like the rule of three and comic drops to master humor's timing and impact. Learn how character familiarity can amplify both comedic and emotional experiences, plus gain insights into navigating humor across genres. If writing humor feels daunting, practical exercises are provided to enhance your comedic skills!

Trina Marie Phillips joined us at Phoenix Comic Con to talk about her work as a futurist. Futurism, for those unfamiliar with our use of the term here, is related to science fiction, but it remains rooted in existing technology and trends, then seeks to be predictive in useful ways. Liner Notes: Trina mentioned some online resources (and a four-year educational program!) for those interested in working as futurists: PSFK Labs The Creators Project Singularity Hub ASU's School for the Future of Innovation in Society World Future Society Catch-phrase of the episode: "all we need is a billionaire with a secure facility and a steady supply of monkeys." Credits: This episode was recorded by Jeff Cools, and mastered by Alex Jackson. Our Sponsors:* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/EXCUSES* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/wxSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Listeners dive into the art of building and maintaining tension in thriller narratives, exploring techniques for using dialogue to keep readers on edge. They discuss pacing, balancing rapid action with character moments, and the effective use of cliffhangers. Insights into managing genre boundaries and preventing premature tension peaks are shared. Plus, there's a fascinating look at financial literacy for writers to support their creative journeys. The podcast wraps up with insights into urban fantasy and its captivating narratives.

Dive into the thrilling world where suspense meets elemental storytelling! Discover how to craft tension and emotional engagement to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Learn the secrets behind blending thrillers with other genres, from the nuances of peril to the stakes of character motivations. Explore captivating examples like 'Planetfall' that showcase thriller mechanics in unexpected ways. Plus, get practical tips on setting writing goals while navigating the financial challenges of a creative career.

Alyssa Wong, Campbell Award nominee and Nebula Award winner, joins us to talk about impostor syndrome. This is the frame of mind that many successful writers suffer from, in which they worry that they're not really good enough at writing to be enjoying their success. Worse, this mindset can prevent us from continuing to create. Many of us suffer from this, and we have some strategies to cope with it. Credits: This episode was recorded by Jeff Cools, and mastered by Alex Jackson. Our Sponsors:* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/EXCUSES* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/wxSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dive into the captivating world of thrillers, where suspense and high stakes reign supreme. Discover the differences between thrillers, horror, and mysteries, and learn how thrilling narratives create anxiety and tension. The hosts reveal classic techniques, showcasing examples like 'The Da Vinci Code' and 'Patriot Games'. Explore the delicate balance of tension and pacing while getting practical writing tips, including the intriguing 'Yes But No And' technique to elevate your storytelling.

A lively Q&A dives into the art of crafting intricate mysteries. Tips for balancing dual mysteries enrich the storytelling process. The discussion uncovers how to avoid premature reveals of secrets and empowers kidnap victims beyond mere plot devices. The hosts explore writing intelligent protagonists, emphasizing their limitations and struggles. Listeners are encouraged to explore the layers of intrigue in their writing, combining practical advice with reflections from popular literature and film.

Dive into the fascinating world of elemental mystery, where curiosity drives narratives and keeps readers hooked. Explore the psychological aspects motivating readers to unravel secrets alongside characters. Discover how emotional responses vary with different types of reveals. The discussion includes crafting compelling character backstories intertwined with mysteries. Gain insights on creating narratives that organically reveal clues, and engage in a practical exercise to ignite your own storytelling creativity.