Writing Excuses

Our listeners have been asking for an in-depth, "crunchy" episode on colonialism, and related issues like cultural appropriation, for a couple of years now. Our voices, however, are not the ones our listeners should be hearing on the subject. Finding the right voices has not been easy, but it has been worth it. This episode runs for over 25 minutes. Steven Barnes, K. Tempest Bradford, DongWon Song, and Shveta Thakrar discuss colonialism with Mary Robinette Kowal. Brandon, Dan, and Howard simply listened, and learned. We encourage you to do the same. Liner notes: Here's the recommended reference reading — "Of Warrior Chiefs and Indian Princesses", Stephanie A. Fryberg, Hazel Rose Markus, Daphna Oyserman, and Joseph M. Stone Discussion Note: The topics of colonialism and cultural appropriation are controversial in some circles. Our discussion here focuses on how to thoughtfully and sensitively address these matters in our work. We're taking it as a given, then, that this sensitivity is important. In order to best foster that discussion, and out of respect for our guests, comments are being moderated. Credits: This episode was recorded aboard Oasis of the Seas by Bert Grimm, and mastered by Alex Jackson.Our Sponsors:* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/excuses* Check out Peace Corps: https://peacecorps.gov/serve* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/wx* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/wx* If you’re struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/wxSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For November, our elemental genre is "Issue," and we were joined by actor, writer, and comedian Desiree Burch. The Elemental Issue is similar to the Elemental Idea, but the type of idea being explored is a point of social conflict, like racism, teen pregnancy, or corporate greed. Authors writing Elemental Issue stories raise questions for the readers. We talk about how to go about writing these without sounding preachy, and without writing polemics. Soundbite Moment: "The more specific a work gets, the more broadly it relates to other people." —Desiree Burch Credits: This episode was recorded aboard Oasis of the Seas by Bert Grimm, and mastered by Alex Jackson.Our Sponsors:* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/excuses* Check out Peace Corps: https://peacecorps.gov/serve* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/wx* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/wx* If you’re struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/wxSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Three days late for the beginning of NaNoWriMo 2016, here's a bonus episode about maps. Because nothing says "keep writing" like "hey, let's draw a map now!" Dan and Howard were joined by Maurice Broaddus, Mur Lafferty, and James L. Sutter, who wanted to talk about maps. As Napoleon Bonaparte is rumored to have said prior to invading Russia, "geography is destiny." We talk port dwarves, rolling glaciers, star systems, and more. Liner links: Logarithmic star map Tolkien's map of Middle Earth Center-Pivot Irrigation (75 years old, not 50 as Howard said) Credits: This episode was mastered by Alex Jackson, and was made possible by the generous support of the GenCon Indy Writer’s Symposium, and the Writing Excuses patrons at Patreon.Our Sponsors:* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/excuses* Check out Peace Corps: https://peacecorps.gov/serve* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/wx* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/wx* If you’re struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/wxSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Happy Halloween! Darren Shan talks horror with us in this bonus episode, made possible by our Patreon supporters.Our Sponsors:* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/excuses* Check out Peace Corps: https://peacecorps.gov/serve* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/wx* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/wx* If you’re struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/wxSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Spoiler Alert! If you haven't yet read Ghost Talkers, by Mary Robinette Kowal, this episode will spoil great swathes of book for you. Also, you probably won't get as much out of it. This week's episode is a Project in Depth discussion focusing on Ghost Talkers, by Mary Robinette Kowal. We begin with the difference between the catalog pitch and the pitch given to editors, and how critical that distinction is. Mary then talks to us about the decisions she made while plotting the book, and the things she did in order to best execute on the story she set out to tell. Credits: This episode was recorded aboard Oasis of the Seas by Bert Grimm, and mastered by Alex Jackson.Our Sponsors:* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/excuses* Check out Peace Corps: https://peacecorps.gov/serve* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/wx* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/wx* If you’re struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/wxSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This engaging Q&A dives into the dynamics of elemental drama and character development. Can a protagonist catalyze change in others? What happens with characters who resist growth? The conversation contrasts stable protagonists with evolving characters, shedding light on the nuances of body language in storytelling. Additionally, the exploration of character arcs raises compelling questions about tragedy and resolution, all while emphasizing authenticity in interactions. It’s an enlightening discussion that merges creativity with real-world challenges.

Delve into the intricacies of elemental drama and character change. The hosts explore how personal growth shapes storytelling, contrasting it with traditional mysteries. Emotional stakes take center stage, illustrating the power of loss in engaging readers. Discover the deep connections readers form with characters, likened to loyalty to favorite coffee shops. The narrative of 'Ghost Talkers' is highlighted, showcasing unique themes from World War I. Insights into character development emphasize realism, internal struggles, and the balance with external challenges.

Robin Hobb joined us at GenCon Indy for a discussion of characterization and differentiation. And by "discussion," what we really mean is "we ask Robin all the questions." We learn about Robin's process for creating characters, wrapping stories around them, and making these characters distinctly different from each other. Credits: This episode was recorded by Joel Burnham, and mastered by Alex Jackson, and was made possible by the generous support of the GenCon Indy Writer's Symposium, and the Writing Excuses patrons at Patreon.Our Sponsors:* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/excuses* Check out Peace Corps: https://peacecorps.gov/serve* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/wx* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/wx* If you’re struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/wxSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Navah Wolfe, an editor at Saga Press, joined us to talk about the manuscripts she would really like to see. Ordinarily we don't encourage people to write to the market, but Navah asked specifically for the opportunity to tell our listeners what she's looking for. As it happens, tracking Navah's wish list as you write is unlikely to send you haring after the latest trend—you're far more likely to develop some new writing skills that will make your work more enjoyable, more fulfilling, and ultimately easier to sell. Spoiler Warning: In three weeks we'll be doing a Project in Depth on Ghost Talkers, by Mary Robinette Kowal. If you want to get the most out of that episode, you have three weeks to acquire and read the book. Credits: This episode was recorded aboard Oasis of the Seas by Bert Grimm, and mastered by Alex Jackson. Our Sponsors:* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/excuses* Check out Peace Corps: https://peacecorps.gov/serve* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/wx* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/wx* If you’re struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.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 essence of elemental drama, where a character's transformation shapes the story and affects those around them. Explore the significance of character arcs, using examples like King Lear to understand how flaws and qualities define development. Discover the challenges of crafting engaging narratives filled with dramatic tension and catharsis. Plus, navigate the surprising link between financial literacy and effective storytelling, and learn about the powerful role of foreshadowing in drama.