

Writing Excuses
Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler
Fifteen minutes long, because you're in a hurry, and we're not that smart.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2013 • 17min
Writing Excuses 8.4: Side-Character Arcs
Do you need arcs and development for side-characters?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

Jan 21, 2013 • 18min
Writing Excuses 8.3: Pets
Exploring pets as characters in writing, including how to give them personality without cliches. Discussing using pets as foils, dialogue providers, and sources of depth. Delving into alien culture through unique pets and the significance of developing animal characters authentically.

Jan 13, 2013 • 17min
Writing Excuses 8.2: Hero’s Journey
Brandon, Dan, Howard, and Mary talk about the Hero's Journey. Finally.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

Jan 6, 2013 • 18min
Writing Excuses 8.1: Microcasting
We're back for the New Year, and we start by answering all your questions. Or at least eight of them.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

Dec 31, 2012 • 19min
Writing Excuses 7.54: Four Ways the Industry is Changing
Discover the shifting tides in the literary world, where fantasy's popularity is giving way to a science fiction resurgence driven by young adult hits. Explore how the digital age enhances author-reader connections and demands innovative supplementary materials. Dive into the evolution of storytelling merchandise with a spotlight on unique ventures like T-shirts. Plus, uncover how platforms like Kickstarter are revolutionizing game publishing and the importance of collaboration in creating quality projects.

Dec 26, 2012 • 17min
Writing Excuses 7.53: Secret History
How is "Men in Black" like "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter?" This week on Writing Excuses we talk about Secret History, and how to do it well.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

Dec 17, 2012 • 18min
Writing Excuses 7.52: Microcasting
A fast-paced Q&A covering discouragement, magic systems, ideas, and our embarrassing early projects.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

Dec 12, 2012 • 19min
Writing Excuses 7.51: Brainstorming with Mary
Mary invites Brandon, Dan, and Howard to brainstorm a story with her.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

7 snips
Dec 10, 2012 • 19min
Writing Excuses 7.50: Outlining the Mary Way
Discover an innovative and adaptable outlining method that transforms conventional storytelling. Dive into the process of creating effective outlines that boost plot progression and character arcs. Explore the complexities of narrative structure with insights on pacing and perspective. Learn how to craft compelling narratives through detailed outlines while considering cultural nuances. Tune in for strategies on maintaining clean drafts and enhancing character motivation in your writing!

6 snips
Dec 3, 2012 • 19min
Writing Excuses 7.49: Beginnings Revisited
We've talked about where to start. Now Brandon, Dan, Mary, and Howard talk about how to start -- what goes "in" when you're going "in late, out early."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


