Writing Excuses

Engaging insights unfold during a live Q&A about writing character relationships. The discussion covers establishing connections and the nuances of pacing romance. Strategies to recover forced dynamics and depict best friendships are highlighted. The tricky balance of love triangles and emotional transformations from love to hate are explored. Recommendations for stories focusing on familial ties over romance provide fresh perspectives. Plus, creative prompts spark inspiration for weaving personal experiences into narrative.

Delve into the world of storytelling where elemental relationships shape character dynamics beyond the main plot. Discover how friendships and shared histories add depth, enriching narratives while driving action forward. The discussion also uncovers the balance needed to maintain relationship depth in fast-paced storytelling, with practical exercises and examples illuminating the subtleties of character interactions. Explore how these elements serve as both subplots and thematic anchors, enhancing overall storytelling engagement.

Live from Phoenix Comic Con, Gama Martinez joins us for a discussion of casting your book. This is the process by which you create a cast of characters for your story ahead of creating the story itself, allowing you to stay ahead of your default decisions for who will step into the scene next. Credits: this episode was recorded live at Phoenix Comic Con by Jeff Cools, and mastered by Alex JacksonOur 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

Delve into the fascinating world of character relationships and their impact on storytelling. Explore the dynamics of parent/child bonds, buddy cop pairs, and romance, as discussed through popular narratives. Discover the 'braided roses' metaphor that ties emotional stages together, and learn how character departures enhance audience engagement. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of authenticity and mutual support, showcasing how strong emotional connections elevate narratives beyond mere conflict. A rich resource for aspiring writers!

A lively Q&A session unveils the art of weaving humor into dramatic narratives without losing tension. Discover techniques for timing and gallows humor that maintain excitement. Dive into the challenges of dad jokes versus sophisticated humor in storytelling. Explore the intricacies of combining comedy with horror and the cultural nuances that come into play. Plus, get insights on character-driven dialogue that remains authentic yet funny. Embrace the balance of laughs and thrills in writing!

Humor plays a crucial role in storytelling, blending serious themes with comedic elements. Techniques like physical comedy and absurd situations enhance narratives. The discussion also emphasizes financial literacy for creatives, linking humor with practical life lessons. Character-driven humor is explored, showcasing how unique traits spark laughter. Additionally, quirky character dynamics create comedic moments, proving that humor can transform ordinary scenarios into engaging stories. The balance between creativity and collaboration adds another layer to the art of writing with humor.

Victoria Schwab, who also writes as V.E. Schwab, joined us in Phoenix to talk about crossover fiction—in this context the term means books that target a given demographic but which have a much broader appeal, or books which straddle the line between age demographics. We discuss some good crossover examples, and how some of the boundaries work, and then we cover some of the techniques we use when writing crossover works. Credits: this episode was recorded live at Phoenix Comic Con by Jeff Cools, and mastered by Alex JacksonOur 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 intricate world of humor in storytelling! Discover how laughter drives readers to turn pages and the importance of context in transforming jokes into meaningful narratives. Explore techniques like the rule of three and comic drops to master humor's timing and impact. Learn how character familiarity can amplify both comedic and emotional experiences, plus gain insights into navigating humor across genres. If writing humor feels daunting, practical exercises are provided to enhance your comedic skills!

Trina Marie Phillips joined us at Phoenix Comic Con to talk about her work as a futurist. Futurism, for those unfamiliar with our use of the term here, is related to science fiction, but it remains rooted in existing technology and trends, then seeks to be predictive in useful ways. Liner Notes: Trina mentioned some online resources (and a four-year educational program!) for those interested in working as futurists: PSFK Labs The Creators Project Singularity Hub ASU's School for the Future of Innovation in Society World Future Society Catch-phrase of the episode: "all we need is a billionaire with a secure facility and a steady supply of monkeys." Credits: This episode was recorded by Jeff Cools, 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

Listeners dive into the art of building and maintaining tension in thriller narratives, exploring techniques for using dialogue to keep readers on edge. They discuss pacing, balancing rapid action with character moments, and the effective use of cliffhangers. Insights into managing genre boundaries and preventing premature tension peaks are shared. Plus, there's a fascinating look at financial literacy for writers to support their creative journeys. The podcast wraps up with insights into urban fantasy and its captivating narratives.