Writing Excuses

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.

Explore the art of epistolary storytelling and its impact on character portrayal. Learn about the playful novella creation process and the dynamics of writing through letters. Discover how humor is used in serious situations to add depth to narratives and reveal character development. Engage in a writing exercise transforming notes into different digital formats to alter the tone of the message.

Delve into Blue's confident yet vulnerable character through poetic thoughts and internal conflicts. Explore the contrast with Red's communication style, emphasizing emotional depth. Uncover character growth through language patterns, accents, and symbolic imagery, culminating in emotional exposure.

In this podcast, they do a close reading of Red's opening narration to analyze how voice communicates character and world effectively. They discuss drawing readers' attention to key details, suggest rewriting sentences from a work in progress, and provide writing tips. The hosts explore the impact of language on character and world-building, delve into Red's complex nature, and prioritize time and self-care. They also discuss free indirect speech, storytelling techniques, and crafting intriguing plot twists.

Discover the power of voice in writing through a close reading of 'This is How You Lose the Time War'. Explore the unique voices of characters, the impact of diverse voices on narrative depth, and crafting character voices in audiobook narration. Get inspired to emulate strong voices in your own writing and join the Patreon community for ad-free content.

The hosts introduce their Close Reading Series, focusing on five core elements of writing and analyzing specific literary texts. They will discuss books like 'This Is How You Lose the Time War' and 'A Memory Called Empire' in upcoming episodes. Listeners are encouraged to read along and join the interactive book club experience. The series will culminate in interviews with the authors, offering insights into their creative processes.

Explore the creation of traditions in fictional writing and how they shape characters. Discover the intricacies of building believable worlds through rituals and traditions. Learn how blending fantasy with real-world traditions can enhance storytelling. Prioritize depth in rituals and traditions for a more immersive narrative experience.

Learn about the collaboration between authors, agents, and editors, focusing on shared goals and respect. Discover the art of edit letters and how they enhance manuscripts through structural changes. Explore podcast recommendations 'Rude Tales of Magic' and 'O'These Those Stars of Space'. Delve into the dynamics of author-editor collaboration, emphasizing trust and communication. Understand the importance of communication and alignment between writers and editors.

Tor editor Ali Fisher discusses setting intentions for revisions, emphasizing the importance of being kind to yourself during the process. She advises writers to lean into their strengths and incorporate elements they love in their books. The episode also covers embracing story's darlings, impact of cover art on revisions, emphasizing personal connection and tone in writing, and exploring simplicity and vibes in writing.