Writing Excuses

In this episode, the hosts delve into the challenges of using dialects in writing, discussing techniques to maintain readability. They explore examples from 'The Name of the Wind' and 'Firefly' to showcase the impact of in-world jargon on storytelling. The discussion emphasizes how accents and jargon can enrich character development in literature.

Exploring the importance of subplots in storytelling, how they enhance character development and world-building. Discussing how to balance subplots with the main narrative to keep readers engaged. Delving into the issue of subplots overshadowing the main plot and the ideal number of subplots in a novel. Emphasizing the correlation between subplots, characters, and viewpoint characters in writing.

In this podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of trimming your manuscript to improve conciseness and impact. They provide tips on tightening prose, reducing word count, and maintaining the story's integrity. Strategies for cutting repetitive information and improving pacing are shared, along with a writing prompt challenge to condense a story by fifty percent.

Learn the dos and don'ts of attending writing conventions, including tips on networking, professionalism, and engaging with established professionals. Hear anecdotes and celebrity encounters, and get advice on maximizing opportunities at events like the World Science Fiction Convention.

Discover the different types of conventions for genre-fiction writers, from literary cons like WorldCon to media cons like Comic-Con. Learn why it's essential to attend conventions to network with editors and agents. Explore the value of engaging with the writing community at events like WorldCon and gaining inspiration from literary conventions.

In this podcast, the hosts analyze what Star Trek did right in terms of plot, character development, and setting. They discuss how the writers engaged the audience, created relatable characters like Kirk and Spock, and evolved the setting throughout the series. Spoiler alert - full of insights and writing prompts to learn from this iconic franchise.

Explore the art of blending genres in storytelling, from zombie apocalypse in space to Perry Mason in the Armed Forces. Learn the secrets to successfully merging genres without giving away the surprise. Discover examples of genre blending in Firefly and Alien series, and get tips on navigating the marketing challenges of merging epic fantasy with hard science fiction. Explore how authors incorporate elements from horror, political novels, and sports movies into their works, with unique marketing strategies and character inspirations from news and history.

In this podcast, they discuss dramatic breaks in storytelling, exploring the importance of crafting satisfying chapter endings, compressing time effectively, and timing breaks for maximum impact. They also talk about delivering satisfying installments in storytelling, emphasizing the need for engaging techniques to keep readers hooked.

Learn how to handle criticism as a writer, from dealing with rejection letters to managing negative online reviews. Hear anecdotes from authors like Patrick Rothfuss and Kevin J. Anderson, and discover the value of incorporating feedback to improve your work.

Joined by Eric James Stone, the hosts turn a Q&A panel into a 'Stump Howard' game. Topics include making aliens seem alien, crafting consistent characters with contrary beliefs, navigating ethical dilemmas in storytelling, metaphors in depicting violence, impact of Writers of the Future on career, handling rejections, crafting epic villains, and more.