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Writing Excuses

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Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

Fifteen minutes long, because you're in a hurry, and we're not that smart.

#850

Writing Excuses 5.33: Alpha Readers

Brandon, Dan, and Howard discuss what an alpha reader is, is not, and where one might find these marvelous creatures. Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

17 Apr 2011

20 MINS

20:37

17 Apr 2011

#849

16.24: Worldbuilding for Games

Your Hosts: Mary Robinette Kowal, Cassandra Khaw, Dan Wells, James L. Sutter, and Howard Tayler Worldbuilding is one of our favorite topics, and it's a domain in which game design and novel writing share a lot of territory. In this episode we talk about how much we love it, and how much we enjoy letting other people love it enough to do the heavy lifting for us. Credits: This episode was recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

13 Jun 2021

21 MINS

21:12

13 Jun 2021

#848

18.40: How To Make Money From Your Hobby (with special guest Sandra Tayler!)

Or, The Business of the End of Schlock Mercenary How did Howard start making money from his hobby of drawing and writing comics? How did he self-publish? We have a special guest on this episode! Sandra Tayler—Howard’s wife, the editor and publisher for Schlock Mercenary, and a published author—talks about starting their business. We dive into uncertainty, quality of life, and “manic optimism.” We learn about how to use pre-ordering, PayPal, and Kickstarter. Howard also shares about his experience with long covid, how to generate multiple income streams, and what comes next. Homework: Make a plan for how to monetize one aspect of your work. Start thinking like Sandra! This could be submitting a short story for publication or making a plan to submit your novel or making a plan for a paid newsletter. It doesn't have to be something you do today or tomorrow, but start thinking about what you can be doing to make this creative work part of your future income. Prepare for our next Deep Dive with Host Erin Roberts (starting next week)! Read Erin’s short stories: [Wolfy Things] (https://podcastle.org/2021/06/01/podcastle-681-tales-from-the-vaults-wolfy-things/) , [Sour Milk Girls] (https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/roberts_01_18/) , [Snake Season] (https://www.thedarkmagazine.com/snake-season/) . Note: these stories involve some darker themes. All of these short stories are available for free online and also have audio versions available. Thing of the Week: Fluent Pet buttons - go to fluent.pet and use code "elsiewant" for a discount! Liner Notes: [Sandra Tayler] (https://www.sandratayler.com/index.php/bio/) , who also offers one-on-one creative business consulting [Creative Community Classes] (https://www.patreon.com/SandraTayler) ["Risk Assessment"—tthe Schlock Mercenary bonus story that Sandra wrote] (https://writingexcuses.com/12-3-project-in-depth-risk-assessment-by-sandra-tayler/) [The Alchemy of Creativity] (https://writingexcuses.com/17-8-the-alchemy-of-creativity/) , Writing Excuses episode with Sandra Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

01 Oct 2023

32 MINS

32:38

01 Oct 2023

#847

18.39: How To Write An Ending

Deep Dive: Sergeant In Motion How do you write an ending to a book? How do you finish something you’ve been writing for over 20 years? Howard Tayler talks to us about writing the ending to his serialized webcomic and space opera, Schlock Mercenary. We dive into how to write a resolution, how to finish a book, and how to finish a series. And we dive into the art of leaning into the tropes without leaning ON them. Homework: Write a one page outline for the ending of your current work in progress. Prepare for our next Deep Dive with Host Erin Roberts (starting in two weeks)! Read Erin’s short stories: [Wolfy Things] (https://podcastle.org/2021/06/01/podcastle-681-tales-from-the-vaults-wolfy-things/) , [Sour Milk Girls] (https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/roberts_01_18/) , [Snake Season] (https://www.thedarkmagazine.com/snake-season/) . Note: these books involve some darker themes. All of these short stories are available for free online and also have audio versions available. Thing of the Week: The Sexy Brutale (an adventure puzzle video game) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

24 Sep 2023

28 MINS

28:37

24 Sep 2023

#846

18.38: How Do You Write A Series With Books That Stand Alone?

Deep Dive: A Function of Firepower How do you write the middle of a book? How do you write an ending to a story? For this week’s episode about writing, we focus on Book 19 of Schlock Mercenary, the penultimate book in Howard Tayler’s series. We discuss ways to make a book feel self-contained, rather than just something to keep the beginning and the ending further apart. For reference, [A Function of Firepower] (https://www.schlockmercenary.com/2018-07-25) is the 19th Schlock Mercenary Book. We highly recommend you read this first, because this episode contains spoilers and in-depth conversations about the book. Homework: Writing prompt: try to work these three words into your WIP (work in progress): expeditious, sock, and dragonfly. Thing of the Week: Kickstarter for Schlock Mercenary Book 18: https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/howardtayler (It's what Howard said, but "profile" is singular, not plural!) Liner Notes: [Fermi paradox] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_paradox) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

17 Sep 2023

25 MINS

25:20

17 Sep 2023

#845

18.37: Mandatory Failure

We talk with Howard Tayler about the story structure of a story with a BIG disaster in the middle - one which we don't recover from until the next book. We also talk about the weight of world-building, how to write for your ideal reader. And Howard considers the question, what is the cost of death if immortality exists? For reference, Mandatory Failure is the 18th Schlock Mercenary Book; 1st in the 3-book finale to the 20 book mega-arc. We highly recommend you read this first, because this episode contains spoilers and in-depth conversations about the book. Homework: Writing prompt: a major disaster has just occurred, write a scene in the aftermath. Thing of the Week: [Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi ] (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/533857/homegoing-by-yaa-gyasi/) Liner Notes: [Book 18 Schlock Mercenary: Mandatory Failure ] (https://www.schlockmercenary.com/2017-09-18) [Sandra Tayler] (https://www.sandratayler.com/index.php/bio/) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

10 Sep 2023

26 MINS

26:34

10 Sep 2023

#844

18.36: The Soggy Middle Pays the Rent (or, "Stand Alone With Series Potential")

How do you write the middle of a book? How do you end your book? How do you know what to write next? This week, our hosts —who all work as a writers and publishers (and are sometimes teachers and puppeteers and many other things)— talk through how they have written the middle of their books. The middle is where most of the story takes place. How do you keep track of your characters and plot? How do you bring it toward an end, and stick the landing? Well, we’ve got some ideas. And some advice to help you write the middle of your novel. Or short story. Or play. Or really… anything. Homework: Identify the point of the middle where you are delaying because you feel like your character needs to "earn" the cool thing. Where can you cut and where can you turn it into an escalation? Also! Make sure to catch up on [Schlock Mercenary] (https://www.schlockmercenary.com/) if you haven’t already. Our next 3 episodes will dive into the details, and include some spoilers. Thing of the Week: [The October Daye Series by Seanan McGuire] (https://seananmcguire.com/toby.php) Liner Notes: [Mass Effect 2] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_2) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

03 Sep 2023

26 MINS

26:30

03 Sep 2023

#843

18.35: How to Organize Your Writing, or Managing the Mega-Arc

Let’s talk about organization! This week, we’re talking about how and what to keep track of— characters, places, names, etc. How do you organize a book? How do you outline a novel? And don’t worry, we dive into the messy question, what is worth keeping track of in your writing? We also hear about how Howard and Mary Robinette have turned their planning tools (and research!) into money. Homework: Build a tool (spreadsheet, wiki, whatever) for tracking things in the universe of your writing. Start by thinking of three things to track—these could be character-driven, thematic, emotional. Thing of the week: [The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler] (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374605957/themountaininthesea) MRK Liner Notes: [Scrivener] (https://scrivener.app/) [AirTable] (https://www.airtable.com/lp/campaign/brand?creative=464489871110&cx=us&gclid=CjwKCAjw44mlBhAQEiwAqP3eVkmO606vv1tLMfZSxGpoUc70wip28ayQtEfaxtKR5JWe5ZflCs0xHBoCSPwQAvD_BwE&utm_campaign=demand_br_brand_creator&utm_content=text&utm_extra10=47735600558&utm_extra2=936407691&utm_extra5=kwd-325289323194&utm_extra8=c&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_source=google&utm_term=airtable) [Obsidian] (https://obsidian.md/) [Schlock Mercenary Shop] (https://shop.schlockmercenary.com/) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

27 Aug 2023

22 MINS

22:33

27 Aug 2023

#842

18.34: Seventeen Years of Foreshadowing

18.34: 17 Years of Foreshadowing What can Normal Gossip teach us about foreshadowing and artful storytelling? Thinking about the 20 books that make up Howard Tayler’s Schlock Mercenary, our hosts discuss foreshadowing—our favorite examples, and our go-to tricks for structuring our own work. What does foreshadowing actually do for our work? Do we even need it? Well, yeah… it’s like invisible narrative scaffolding. But it’s also like a red herring. It’s so many things! Listen to us discuss the best ways to use it in your own work, in a way that sounds true to your own writerly voice and vision. Homework: Take a throwaway gag from one of your favorite things and outline a story or scene in which the throwaway turns out to have been foreshadowing. Thing of the Week: [Babel by R. F. Kuang] (https://www.harpercollins.com/products/babel-r-f-kuang?variant=41046773727266) Liner Notes: [Game of Thrones,] (https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones) [Fonda Lee] (https://www.fondalee.com/) , [Fermi paradox] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_paradox) , [Normal Gossip ] (https://www.radiotopia.fm/podcasts/normal-gossip) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

20 Aug 2023

23 MINS

23:47

20 Aug 2023

#841

18.33.5: State Of The Podcast

Bonus Episode! Our first ever half-numbered episode! We are making some changes here on the podcast, and we wanted to talk to you about them. We hired a producer (Emma Reynolds), we have new interactive offerings on Patreon (office hours, livestreams, Q&A’s), and we are going to begin advertising! Don’t worry, you can subscribe to our Patreon to listen ad-free. Homework: Go check out our Patreon, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook! They are all linked below. Thing of the Week: Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

16 Aug 2023

17 MINS

17:58

16 Aug 2023

#840

18.33: Deep Dive: The Schlock Mercenary Finale

The first episode in our eight-episode Deep Dive into Howard’s weekly webcomic strip, Schlock Mercenary. We grill Howard on how he taught himself to draw, why he decided to self-publish (hint: his wife, Sandra Tayler, helped him), and how he managed to write an ending. Homework: The "How it should have ended" game: write your own ending(s) to one or more of your favorite things. (For reference, watch some of [ ] (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHCph-_jLba_9atyCZJPLQQ) [How It Should Have Ended] (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHCph-_jLba_9atyCZJPLQQ) .) Thing of the Week: [The Expanse] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3230854/) (DongWon) Mentioned Links: [Schlock Mercenary] (https://www.schlockmercenary.com/) [How It Should Have Ended] (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHCph-_jLba_9atyCZJPLQQ) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

13 Aug 2023

27 MINS

27:43

13 Aug 2023

#839

18.32: The Kirsten Vangsness Expansion Pack

We have a special guest episode! Kirsten Vangsness, Criminal Minds star, joins us to talk about her experience as a writer, actor, and playwright. She taught us how she deals with imposter syndrome, and how she uses performance as a writing tool. We also talk about self-actualization, cats, and filling your metaphorical art well. Homework: From Kirsten: Record yourself, stream of consciousness, talking about one of the big questions that crops up in your work. Then write a scene that asks this question. From us: Prepare for our next Deep Dive, by reading through Howard Tayler's Schlock Mercenary. Thing of the Week: [Kirsten's Agenda Season 2 ] (https://www.kirstenvangsness.com/kirstens-agenda) [Blue by June Carryl ] (https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/blue) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

06 Aug 2023

31 MINS

31:10

06 Aug 2023

#838

18.31: Getting Personal: Mining Your Life for Themes

In our final episode diving into how and why Dan wrote “Dark One: Forgotten,” talk about how you can take something personal and mine it for fiction. We also tackle the complicated question—Why should you be the one to tell your story? We think about the personal touches that you can add to your writing, and how people can hear when your story is personal. Homework: 2 things! 1. Have you watched Criminal Minds? If you haven’t, you should! Next week, we have a special guest— [Kirsten Vangsness] (https://www.kirstenvangsness.com/) who plays Penelope Garcia! Explore her other stuff (like her [web series] (https://www.kirstenvangsness.com/) and podcast), and get ready for an INCREDIBLE conversation with her. 2. What's the thing in your real life that you keep thinking about when you aren't writing? Can you give that feeling or theme to a character? ALSO, prepare for our next Deep Dive, by reading through Howard Tayler's [ Schlock Mercenary] (https://www.schlockmercenary.com/) . And feel free to re-listen to our [interview with Howard] (https://writingexcuses.com/18-06-an-interview-with-howard-tayler/) earlier this year, Thing of the Week: Everything Everywhere all at Once Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

30 Jul 2023

24 MINS

24:10

30 Jul 2023

#837

18.30: Planting Supernatural Seeds

How do you slowly reveal the supernatural in an obviously supernatural story? How can you prepare your audience for a reveal without disclosing it too quickly? If someone is familiar with your writing, they know the genre and what to expect from it. We talk about how we work within these confines while also making space for surprises, magic, and the supernatural. Homework: Do a reread or rewatch of something with a big reveal (like the reveal in "Dark One: Forgotten.") Think about how your understanding of the story has changed since you have that information earlier. Also prepare for our upcoming Deep Dive, by reading through Howard Tayler's [Schlock Mercenary] (https://www.schlockmercenary.com/) . And feel free to re-listen to our interview with Howard earlier this year, [here] (https://writingexcuses.com/18-06-an-interview-with-howard-tayler/) . Thing of the Week: Nope, directed by Jordan Peele Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

23 Jul 2023

23 MINS

23:13

23 Jul 2023

#836

18.29: Collaboration And Partnership

What are the best practices for collaboration? How do you write in an established intellectual property (IP)? How do you write a new story in an established world? We dive into working with an individual or a group. We hear stories from our hosts about how they have navigated creative endeavors with different types of collaboration. Homework: Grab something on your TBR (to be read) pile and pick a random paragraph from it. Use that as the opening for a short story. Also prepare for our upcoming Deep Dive (starting in two episodes), by reading through Howard Tayler's [Schlock Mercenary] (https://www.schlockmercenary.com/) . Thing of the Week: [The Original] (https://coppermind.net/wiki/The_Original) by Brandon Sanderson and Mary Robinette Kowal Mentioned Links: Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@WritingExcusesPodcast) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

16 Jul 2023

30 MINS

30:47

16 Jul 2023

#835

18.28: Writing Conversational Dialogue

How do you write dialogue that sounds natural? We have some things to keep in mind when you write conversations between characters. When people converse, they do so with more than just words. Body language, tone of voice, and societal context all play a role in understanding what a person means. How do you convey that on the page or in audio? Homework: Take dialogue you've written. Delete every third line, and replace those lines with blocking. Thing of the Week: [Cunk On Earth] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16867040/) Mentioned Links: Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

09 Jul 2023

25 MINS

25:28

09 Jul 2023

#834

18.27: Framing Stories

Have you ever framed a story within a story? Are you looking for a way to add structure or tension to your story? In this episode, we contemplate the value that can be added to your writing by putting it into a framework. Our hosts discuss various frameworks in fiction—from Frankenstein to Dark One: Forgotten to The House of the Spirits. [“Dark One: Forgotten” Deep Dive Ep. 4] Homework: Take something you’ve already written (or are currently writing), and add a frame story to it. Start with a prologue and an epilogue. Has this changed anything that happens in the middle of your story? Thing of the Week: [Charlotte Illes Is Not a Detective, by Katy Siegel] (https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9781496740984/charlotte-illes-is-not-a-detective/) (Published on June 27!) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

02 Jul 2023

28 MINS

28:16

02 Jul 2023

#833

18.26: Broadening Your Writing Wheelhouse: Video Game Dialogue, RPG Adventures, & More

Let’s talk about the things you can write that are not typically what we talk about—formats that aren't novels and short stories. In this episode, we’re thinking about scripts, RPG adventures, video game dialogue, etc. What other forms are out there, and how can you apply the skills you already have to a new form? [“Dark One: Forgotten” Deep Dive Ep. 3] Homework: Take something that you’re working on, and identify two other formats that might work well for it (audio, video game, you name it). Think about how you would pitch—and tell— the story differently for each format. Thing of the Week: Severance (2022 TV Series) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

25 Jun 2023

27 MINS

27:21

25 Jun 2023

#832

18.25: To Narrator or Not to Narrator

In our second episode on Dan Wells’ audio-only book, “Dark One: Forgotten,” we provide you with tools and advice to consider when deciding whether or not to have a narrator. We also talk about location-aware dialogue, or how you can have your characters info dump without it being an info dump. Homework: Take something that you’ve already written, and adapt it for audio. Thing of the Week: Earbuds Podcast Collective, a curated list of podcasts Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

18 Jun 2023

26 MINS

26:19

18 Jun 2023

#831

18.24: “Dark One: Forgotten” Deep Dive

The team grills Dan on his audio-only book “Dark One: Forgotten,” which he co-wrote with Brandon Sanderson. We find out how he wrote a book that became a six-part audio series, and why exactly that form is important. *Please listen to “Dark One: Forgotten” before listening to this episode!*. Homework: What's a thing you know, but everyone else has forgotten? Come up with a supernatural reason why this is. Thing of the Week: [Zombies, Run!] (https://zombiesrungame.com/) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

11 Jun 2023

30 MINS

30:24

11 Jun 2023

#830

18.23: Our Advice on Giving Advice

“Show don’t tell” is probably the most famous advice given to writers. But. . . we don’t necessarily agree. In our final episode of our deep dive into publishing, we tackle advice: How do you give it? When do you not? Our hosts tell us about the advice they wish they followed and the things they don’t tell their students. Also: Mary Robinette teaches us a trick about puppet fingers. Homework: 1--Write a letter to yourself a year ago describing what kind of skills are they going to need in order to confront the challenges that are coming. 2--We've finished our 8 episode deep dive into Publishing Is Hard! Next week, we'll be diving into Dan's audiobook "Dark One: Forgotten." Please find this and listen to it! (It's only 6 hours long) Thing of the Week: [Stone Soup] (https://stone-soup.ghost.io/) - Newsletter by Sarah Gailey Mentioned Links: [https://www.publishingishard.com/this-is-not-advice/] (https://www.publishingishard.com/this-is-not-advice/) [https://www.publishingishard.com/get-jigae-with-it/] (https://www.publishingishard.com/this-is-not-advice/) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) Sign up for our newsletter: [https://writingexcuses.com] (https://writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

04 Jun 2023

32 MINS

32:05

04 Jun 2023

#829

18.22: On Mentorship: Sending the Elevator Back Down

How can we make publishing more inclusive? What role does mentorship play? And how can you reframe competition as collaboration? All this and more in this episode. Homework: What's one thing that you can do to make someone else's path easier? Can you take a step towards doing this this week? Thing of the Week: [After Five - newsletters from Suyi Davies Okungbowa] (https://suyi.beehiiv.com/) Mentioned Links: [On Sending the Elevator Back Down by DongWon Song ] (https://www.publishingishard.com/on-sending-the-elevator-back-down/) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Sign up for our newsletter] (http://www.writingexcuses.com/) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

28 May 2023

31 MINS

31:36

28 May 2023

#828

18.21: The Empathy Gap: How to Understand What Your Publisher is Telling You

The relationship between a writer and a publisher is… one that isn’t talked about enough. So we made an episode about rejection letters, email etiquette, and empathy. As a writer, how do you talk with a publisher? Well, luckily we have someone who knows all about the publishing world because they’re an agent at a large publishing house. DongWon offers advice on how to interact with publishers from the perspective of someone on the industry side. (If you’re new here: DongWon Song is an agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency.) Then, we hear about our hosts’ experiences with rejection (spoiler alert: there’s been a lot.) Homework: Write a professional and kind rejection letter for a piece you like. Thing of the Week: [Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen] (https://www.levacrosen.com/lavender-house) Mentioned Links: [“The Empathy Gap” by DongWon Song] (https://www.publishingishard.com/the-empathy-gap/) [Munchkin Starfinder ] (https://munchkin.game/site-munchkin/assets/files/3025/starfinder-i-want-it-all-box-back.jpg) Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Join Our Writing Community! [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/WritingExcuses) [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/writing_excuses/) [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/WritingExcuses) [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/WritingExcuses) [Sign up for our newsletter] (http://www.writingexcuses.com) Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

21 May 2023

28 MINS

28:44

21 May 2023

#827

18.20: So You Want To Work In Publishing?

Have you ever thought of being a publisher, but don't know if it's the right choice for you? In this episode, DongWon (an agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency) walks you through this world and gives you some tips for how to decide if publishing is the right career for you. Homework: Come up with a list of 3 things you've read. Think of things that can act as comp titles for your professional career and/or personal brand. Thing of the Week: [Letters to a Writer of Color] (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/703047/letters-to-a-writer-of-color-by-edited-by-deepa-anappara-and-taymour-soomro/) Edited by Deepa Anappara and Taymour Soomro Mentioned Links: [So You Want to Work in Publishing] (https://www.publishingishard.com/so-you-want-to-work-in-publishing/) by DongWon Song Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

14 May 2023

27 MINS

27:32

14 May 2023

#826

18.19: What is Publishing For, Anyway?

In this episode, we unpack what the publishing industry is, what exactly it does, and why it does it. We also outline the first steps for preparing to talk to an agent or publisher. Homework: If you had to sit down with a publisher today and convince them that there's a market for you book, how would you start doing it? Make a list of 3-5 titles that your book is similar to, and describe your target audience. Thing of the Week: [Kate McKean’s Agents and Books] (https://katemckean.substack.com/) on Substack Mentioned Links: ["The Publishing Question"] (https://www.publishingishard.com/the-publishing-question/) by DongWon Song Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

07 May 2023

26 MINS

26:45

07 May 2023

#825

18.18: Launching an Author Newsletter

It's 2023 and people still use email newsletters. For some reason they're more important than ever, so let's talk about building one. Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

30 Apr 2023

24 MINS

24:11

30 Apr 2023

#824

18.17: Build Your Author Brand, 2023 Edition

An exploration of author branding and the social media tools we use. "Figure out who you are, and then do it on purpose" - Dolly Parton. Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

23 Apr 2023

26 MINS

26:40

23 Apr 2023

#823

18.16: Deep Dive: Publishing is Hard, by DongWon Song

Publishing is hard. Also, Publishing is Hard is a newsletter from DongWon Song. In this episode we grill them about it. Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

16 Apr 2023

22 MINS

22:34

16 Apr 2023

#822

18.15: Building a Mystery, Now With More Tools

Back in February, with Episode 18.8, we began exploring the process of writing a mystery story. That episode led us into a series of six episodes about tension, and the tools we use to create and manage it. And now, with this episode (and a toolbox full of tension) we're ready (we hope!) to revisit the creation of mystery stories. Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

09 Apr 2023

21 MINS

21:44

09 Apr 2023

#821

18.14: Heavy Lifting with Microtension

Let's take all our tension tools and apply them in tiny ways. A big application of tension might be an argument between two characters about a course of plot-important action. Microtension might be those characters arguing about how long to boil eggs. In this episode we'll explore some favorite applications of microtension, and the ways in which it can be layered to ramp up the larger, plot-focused tension. Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. It was recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson. Our Sponsors:* Use code "50WX" at http://hellofresh.com/50WX and get 50% HelloFresh!! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/exclusive-content</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> ... Read more

02 Apr 2023

17 MINS

17:15

02 Apr 2023

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#850

Writing Excuses 5.33: Alpha Readers

#849

16.24: Worldbuilding for Games

#848

18.40: How To Make Money From Your Hobby (with special guest Sandra Tayler!)

#847

18.39: How To Write An Ending

#846

18.38: How Do You Write A Series With Books That Stand Alone?

#845

18.37: Mandatory Failure

#844

18.36: The Soggy Middle Pays the Rent (or, "Stand Alone With Series Potential")

#843

18.35: How to Organize Your Writing, or Managing the Mega-Arc

#842

18.34: Seventeen Years of Foreshadowing

#841

18.33.5: State Of The Podcast

#840

18.33: Deep Dive: The Schlock Mercenary Finale

#839

18.32: The Kirsten Vangsness Expansion Pack

#838

18.31: Getting Personal: Mining Your Life for Themes

#837

18.30: Planting Supernatural Seeds

#836

18.29: Collaboration And Partnership

#835

18.28: Writing Conversational Dialogue

#834

18.27: Framing Stories

#833

18.26: Broadening Your Writing Wheelhouse: Video Game Dialogue, RPG Adventures, & More

#832

18.25: To Narrator or Not to Narrator

#831

18.24: “Dark One: Forgotten” Deep Dive

#830

18.23: Our Advice on Giving Advice

#829

18.22: On Mentorship: Sending the Elevator Back Down

#828

18.21: The Empathy Gap: How to Understand What Your Publisher is Telling You

#827

18.20: So You Want To Work In Publishing?

#826

18.19: What is Publishing For, Anyway?

#825

18.18: Launching an Author Newsletter

#824

18.17: Build Your Author Brand, 2023 Edition

#823

18.16: Deep Dive: Publishing is Hard, by DongWon Song

#822

18.15: Building a Mystery, Now With More Tools

#821

18.14: Heavy Lifting with Microtension