Writing Excuses

Bestselling author Aprilynne Pike joins the hosts to discuss keeping speculative fiction real through research. They share tips on blending real elements with fantastical worlds, crafting authentic characters, integrating science with fiction, and emphasizing realistic character reactions. The episode emphasizes the importance of research in creating believable plots and gradual character development.

Exploring the challenges and rewards of non-linear storytelling, this podcast discusses the advantages of flashbacks and in media res. They analyze effective and ineffective aspects of non-linear narratives, cautioning against overly ambitious projects. Emphasis on creating suspense and engaging the audience through strategic use of flashbacks.

In this podcast, the hosts discuss the iceberg principle in writing history, where 90% is unseen by readers. They also talk about Worldbuilder's Disease and how to avoid it. The episode focuses on writing interesting history, finding conflict, and avoiding oversimplified causality. A writing prompt is given to write an encyclopedia article about a war with 5 distinct causes.

Tips on how to not be overwhelmed by the abundance of writing advice. Embrace imperfections, focus on practice, and start writing without fear. Explore the evolution of ideas in writing and the debate between outlining and discovery writing. Find joy in the writing journey and avoid getting stuck in endless revisions.

Authors discuss the unexpected realities of being full-time writers, including business aspects, self-promotion, publisher demands, and the importance of non-writing tasks. They share insights on managing schedules, task switching, and the impact of website engagement on their careers.

Here's the second part of our three-part "what we learned this year" series. This time around Brandon tells us the most important thing he learned this year. Summed up? Gimmicks cannot compensate for bad writing. So... what's a gimmick? We begin with hooks and pitches, but gimmicks can include things like photo-realistic cover art, internet grass-roots campaigns, and factoids like "the author is only 17 years old." Story elements like cool magic systems, uniquely alien aliens, and diamond-hard science can all be gimmicks. They're good to have, certainly, and they can work to sell the book, but real staying power (read: earning out your advance, and getting royalty checks for years to come) comes from good writing, page after page. Brandon confesses to some gimmick use himself, but fortunately we (and many of his readers) believe that his writing is strong enough that we don't begrudge him the gimmick one bit. This week's episode of Writing Excuses is brought to you again by the opportunity you have to sponsor Writing Excuses. Writing Prompt: An author comes up with a wacky, crazy gimmick for a book... and then it happens to the author in real life.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

Exploring satire in writing, the hosts discuss the importance of satire as a humorous sub-genre. They delve into the differences between satire and other genres, emphasizing the value of knowing these distinctions in writing. The episode touches on improving writing forms, unlocking creativity, and the journey of refining comedic structures.

Let's talk about failure... but let's talk about it so that we can avoid it. How do you know if your ending has flopped? What kind of approaches to ending a story should you be avoiding? How can you recognize these approaches in time to avoid them? The best approach? Identify the promises you've made to your readers, and then fulfil them with your ending. Okay, now you don't have to listen. Writing Prompt: Start your book with an ending where everyone dies. This weeks Writing Excuses is brought to you by Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson, Book 3 of the Mistborn series now in paperback.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

Last week we talked about reading critically, reading as writers. This week we decided to apply that critical reading skill to Watchmen, the Hugo award-winning graphic novel by Alan Moore, illustrated by Dave Gibbons and colorist John Higgins. We start (once we get past the donuts in our mouths) by breaking it down into character, setting, and plot, and then we further dissect each of those elements based on what we thought of them. This episode is chock full of spoilers. If you're planning on reading Watchmen for the first time (or seeing the movie), you probably ought to do that before you let us ruin it for you. Writing Prompt: Write an alternate history for 2009 taking stylistic cues from Watchmen.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

Exploring the impact of being a writer on reading habits, from balancing reading and writing to channeling reading for writing improvement. Discussing the difference between a critical reader and a book critic, and how analyzing successful authors can enhance one's own writing skills.