Tools, not rules. For writers, by writers.

Writing Excuses Episode 8: Sci-Fi Genre

In the first of our series on genres, we discuss why people write Sci-Fi, what you need to know to write Sci-Fi, and how much we all love unicorns. Powered by RedCircle Transcript As transcribed by Mike Barker Writing Excuses 8: Science Fiction Genre This episode of writing excuses looked…

Writing Excuses Episode 6: Flaws vs Handicaps

Is there a difference between the two?  How do you use each appropriately in your writing?  And how lovable can a group of mercenaries be? Powered by RedCircle Transcript As transcribed by Mike Barker Internal or external, who’s in control? Why do readers want characters with flaws? And how, as…

Writing Excuses Episode 5: Heroes and Protagonists

What makes a good hero? Why is Dirk Pitt so cool? Why do people like Superman? And why does Howard-with-a-chest-cold start to sound like Barry White? Some of these questions are answered in this episode while others are better left unexplained. LINER NOTES: Howard repeatedly invoked John August’s blog post…

Writing Excuses Episode 4: Beginnings

The first line of any story is the most important. People get drawn in to a book because of the first line. Brandon, Howard and Dan talk about how to start a book and what’s important about the first line. Powered by RedCircle Transcript As transcribed by Mike Barker Beginnings are…

Writing Excuses Episode 3: Killing your Darlings

How do you make your novel better? Sometimes you have to cut out the part you like best. Don’t believe me? Before I posted this I had attached an image of a chimp wearing a tux. Brandon’s Deleted Scenes Howard’s Original Time-Travel Outline Powered by RedCircle Transcript As transcribed by…

Writing Excuses Episode 2: Blending the Familiar and the Original

How do you know when your setting of high school kids solve supernatural mysteries becomes cliché?  Brandon, Howard and Dan discuss how you create unique concepts by blending familiar topics with something new and original and how to avoid possible pitfalls. Powered by RedCircle Transcript As transcribed by Mike Barker…

Writing Excuses Episode 1: Brainstorming

Brandon, Howard and Dan discuss where their ideas come from and Howard tells us a little too much about his love of Pepsi. wikidPad Home Page Powered by RedCircle Transcript As transcribed by Mike Barker Okay, I’m behind. But over at http://www.writingexcuses.com/ Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, and Dan Wells are putting out…

What is Writing Excuses?

Writing Excuses is a podcast. This website says “Writing Excuses” all over it, and is made of mostly text, yes, but in truth Writing Excuses is an audio thing. It’s for listening to! Writing Excuses is a fast-paced, educational podcast for writers, by writers. It airs weekly, with new episodes appearing each…