Writing Excuses

James Dashner and Julie Wright join Brandon and Dan at CONduit in Salt Lake City, and may end up wishing they hadn't. Brandon throws sets of story concepts at the crew, and asks them to quickly frame serious stories with a solid settings and cool characters. The first set of story elements: Church accountant contact lenses that ruin your vision brain implants The second set of story elements: Hell for English Majors Key that will lock any door The third set of story elements: Janitors are trying to take over the world They're going to be stopped by a superhero with no arms It can't be silly Audiobook Pick-of-the-Week: The Forest of Hands and Teeth, by Carrie Ryan Writing Prompt: This whole episode was made of writing prompts. Pick one! Fun Random Fact: Howard worked as a church accountant for a while and he owns contact lenses that do, in fact, impair his vision. Freaky Bonus Thanks: We couldn't have recorded this episode without help from our friends at Dungeon Crawlers Radio. This episode of Writing Excuses has been brought to you by Audible. Visit http://AudiblePodcast.com/excuse for a free trial membership*. *Note: From the Audible website, here are the terms of the free membership. Read the fine print, please! Audible® Free Trial Details Get your first 14 days of the AudibleListener® Gold membership plan free, which includes one audiobook credit. After your 14 day trial, your membership will renew each month for just $14.95 per month so you can continue to receive one audiobook credit per month plus members-only discounts on all audio purchases. A very small number of titles are more than one credit. Cancel your membership before your free trial period is up and you will not be charged. Thereafter, cancel anytime, effective the next billing cycle. Any unused audiobook credits will be lost at cancellation.Our Sponsors:* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/WX* 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

Janci Patterson and Robison Wells have both sold books very recently. Brandon and Dan put them on the spot and ask how they did it.Our Sponsors:* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/WX* 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

Live from CONduit in Salt Lake City, L.E. Modessit Jr. and the Writing Excuses crew answer questions from the audience.Our Sponsors:* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/WX* 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

Explore the concept of 'practical' fantasy, where realism reigns. The discussion highlights the importance of economic structures in world-building and critiques traditional narratives for their inconsistencies. Gain insights into the feasibility of planetary terrains and the necessity of thorough research for character authenticity. Dive into the intricacies of constructing resilient fantasy worlds that blend creativity with logical principles. This lively conversation encourages writers to move beyond clichés for a more believable narrative experience.

Discover new strategies for getting published in today's digital age. The hosts discuss the distinction between online popularity and true success, sharing insights on building a creative network. Innovative methods, like free online shares and unique marketing tactics, are explored, alongside the importance of persistence and understanding your audience. A humorous look at the changing landscape of publishing reveals unconventional approaches that aspiring authors can consider. It's a deep dive into the art of writing and the challenges of making a mark in the industry.

Discover the intriguing world of discovery writing and how it contrasts with outlining. Embrace spontaneity as characters evolve through dialogue, creating organic narratives. Learn to balance structure with creativity, especially in humorous writing. The power of collaborative brainstorming can lead to more engaging and satisfying endings. Finally, navigate the art of discovery writing while recognizing the importance of revision, complete with tips and prompts to spark your storytelling journey.

Dive into the art of creative borrowing as the hosts discuss how inspiration from history, mythology, and pop culture can fuel originality. They explore the fine line between homage and plagiarism, using examples from 'Avatar' and Neil Gaiman's work. The conversation highlights fairy tale retellings and music sampling as forms of artistic influence. Listeners are encouraged to merge existing ideas, with exciting prompts to spark unique storytelling. Embrace your influences while crafting your distinct voice!

Discover the highs and lows of living with an artist through hilarious personal anecdotes. The speakers share their unique roles in supporting their creative partners, from stay-at-home responsibilities to emotional navigation. They explore the balance between family life and personal ambitions, revealing the sacrifices made along the way. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of spousal support in the creative process and wraps up with an engaging writing prompt that inspires listeners to think outside the box.

Explore the intriguing concept of breaking the fourth wall and its origins in theater. Discover how this narrative device transforms the relationship between storyteller and audience. The discussion highlights the balance between humor and character integrity in literature and web comics. Personal anecdotes reveal the playful challenges of engaging readers while maintaining immersion. Unique cultural idioms and their ties to human experiences also take center stage, wrapping up with a creative prompt to inspire humor in your own storytelling.

Discover how illustrations enrich storytelling with insights from a seasoned video game animator. The discussion highlights the crucial role of visual cohesion in narratives and how design shortcuts can elevate world-building. Explore the impact of gothic and Dickensian influences in fantasy literature, and learn how maps can enhance literary experiences. Personal anecdotes, including experiences at Disneyland, illustrate the powerful connection between design and narrative, inspiring listeners to create their own imaginative spaces.