Writing Excuses

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.

Discover how to make worlds feel big without overwhelming the reader by focusing on scale and movement across vast spaces. Explore the intricate use of language to establish an empire across time, not just space. Learn about techniques for portraying scale in writing and highlighting character importance amidst expansive settings.

Explore the intricacies of worldbuilding in writing, focusing on 'A Memory Called Empire'. Learn about balancing structural and decorative elements to engage readers effectively. Delve into the detailed worldbuilding of the novel, highlighting culture, names, and narrative structures. Join a diverse group of characters in a fantasy role-playing podcast and discover savings promotions for language learning and grocery shopping.

Learn how to build fictional economies in your stories by asking questions about goods and services, exploring a post-scarcity world, and creating catchphrases. Delve into unintended consequences, different economy types, and connecting real-life consequences to fiction. Discover the dynamics of fictional economies, from gift economies to reputation economies, and get ready for a deep dive into world-building!

Exploring the unique world of novellas, balancing between short stories and novels. Delving into the rise of novellas in publishing, their impact on authors' careers. Discussing novella adaptation and writer support, adding or removing essential elements for conversion

Award-winning speculative fiction author Max Gladstone and writer/critic Amal El-Mohtar share insights on collaborative writing, friendship in artistic projects, and harnessing authentic storytelling desires. They discuss the practice of writing letters and the complexity of two-author projects. Also, they explore the inner critic in writers and offer tips on rewriting passages in different styles. The podcast delves into color symbolism, discussing how colors evoke emotions and deepen narratives. Plus, they recommend the video game 'Hollow Knight' and share resourceful writing tips.

Authors Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar discuss the evolution of voice in 'This Is How You Lose The Time War' and its impact on character arcs. They talk about the relationship between language and learning, and share insights on writing with authenticity and joy. The podcast explores tips for preserving authenticity in writing and enhancing voice through musical inspiration.