Writing Excuses

Jessica Day George discusses the nuances of writing for young adults, differentiating it from middle-grade and adult genres. The hosts dive into the teenage experience, exploring how to authentically portray emotional struggles without resorting to clichés. They also examine the significance of relatable themes and settings, particularly in fantasy and science fiction. Plus, there’s insight into how a protagonist's age influences marketing strategies. And don’t miss the fun writing prompt that flips the script by putting a young character in charge of adults!

The discussion dives into the challenges of writing male characters, focusing on differences in speech and communication styles compared to female characters. Insights into problem-solving styles showcase humorous gender distinctions. The conversation explores how to approach male characters in female-centric stories while challenging stereotypes. A writing prompt encourages creativity around absurd 19th-century beliefs, pushing writers to experiment with historical context and character depth. Get ready for a fascinating exploration of gender in storytelling!

The podcast dives into the intricate dance between authors and editors, highlighting the importance of clear communication. It addresses the fears new writers face during the editorial process and emphasizes the need for collaboration. Personal anecdotes reveal the challenges of retaining artistic vision amid editorial expectations. The episode also touches on the dynamics of crafting stories for young readers, underscoring their understanding and creativity. With insights from industry experience, the discussion is rich with practical advice for aspiring writers.

Join a lively Q&A as James Dashner dives into the fiery debate of outlining versus discovery writing. The conversation dances around crafting impactful character deaths that resonate emotionally. They sprinkle in humor while discussing holiday gift ideas for budding writers and recommend thrilling reads, including Dean Koontz's 'False Memory.' A creative writing prompt sets the stage for imaginative storytelling, encouraging writers to experiment with their unique processes and embrace both twists and character motivations.

Join a lively discussion about the art of pacing in writing! The guest shares insider tips on how to craft suspenseful cliffhangers and effective chapter structures. Discover the importance of chapter length across different genres and learn the subtle tricks of the trade. Don't miss the playful banter among friends, especially with the guest author, as they highlight the power of punchlines and climaxes. Plus, there's a creative writing prompt that gets you thinking outside the box!

Roll for initiative, folks! Brandon, Dan, and Howard all play tabletop role-playing games, and sometimes even play together. The question of the hour (well... quarter-hour) is "how can these games help your world building, storytelling, and anything else having to do with good writing?" If this 'cast doesn't make you want to play RPGs with your friends, congratulations on a successful Saving Throw vs. Dark Podcast Magic. If this 'cast doesn't make you want to sit down and start writing, you have our condolences. That's not the saving throw you were supposed to make! In the spirit of not-necessarily-related personal information: This week we learn that Howard is moister than Dan. In related news, see the Writing Excuses crew this coming Saturday, February 13th, at the Life, The Universe and Everything Symposium at Brigham Young University in the Wilkinson Center. We'll be there for the full symposium, but on Saturday we'll actually be recording in front of an audience. You'll also get to meet Bob Defendi, who gets mentioned at least three times in this episode. Audiobook Plug: Nation, by Terry Pratchett Writing Prompt: Don't write about players being sucked into their RPGs. That's been done a lot. Suck the RPG characters out into our world, and see what happens. 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 MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/excuses* 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

The debate rages on: do authors really need agents? Personal anecdotes illuminate the complexities of the publishing world and the critical role agents play in negotiating contracts. The discussion covers the varying quality of agents and how their expertise can shape a writer's career. Listeners are treated to humorous tales about absurd contract clauses while also pondering the unique dynamics between authors and their agents. Plus, a quirky writing prompt sparks creativity involving a reclusive author and their scrambling agent!

How can writers balance inspiration with originality? The hosts dive into managing influences without falling into the trap of mimicry. They discuss the risks of external critiques, urging creators to trust their vision while discerning valuable feedback from noise. The nuances of artistic integrity are explored, emphasizing the importance of maintaining creative control. Plus, a fun writing prompt challenges listeners to imagine receiving advice from a historical figure while crafting their stories. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that sharpens your creative instincts!

Dive into the nuances of heroism beyond the classic archetype. Explore how bravery, sacrifice, and moral fortitude shape modern heroes. The conversation highlights the emotional depth and struggles characters face, making their journeys relatable. Delve into the evolution of heroic narratives, and discover how real sacrifice enriches storytelling. An intriguing writing prompt challenges you to depict a noble sacrifice without reward, stirring thoughts on the true essence of heroism.

This discussion dives deep into various types of humor, focusing on character-driven moments that resonate with readers. Exaggeration and discomfort in comedy are explored, demonstrating how they can enhance storytelling. Unexpected reactions and non-sequitur humor take center stage, showcasing their power to provoke laughter. The nuances of humor appreciation between adults and children are also highlighted, sparking creativity with a fun writing prompt centered on non-sequitur jokes.