In this outlining demonstration Mary reads from an early outline, then Brandon, Dan, and Howard brutally dissect it.
Fifteen minutes long, because you're in a hurry, and we're not that smart.
Brandon, Dan, Mary, and Howard help you keep it short and simple.
Brandon, Dan, Mary, and Howard talk endings, and how to troubleshoot common problems writers have with them.
Lou Anders joins Dan, Howard, and Mary for a discussion of endings.
Mary Robinette Kowal and Dave Wolverton join Dan and Howard for a discussion of movie considerations and formulas.
What do emotional beats and action scenes have in common? Well, they both need to land with your audience in order for your story not to fall flat. On today’s episode, we’re talking about the importance of reaction. Everything from portraying your characters’ reactions to letting readers sit with—and witness—…
Your Hosts: Brandon, Valynne, Dan, and Howard Brandon wanted to ask us how our perspectives on character have changed since the very beginning of our writing. It’s a difficult question to answer, and a very soulful sort of thing to answer in front of other people. So Brandon went first while…
Writing Excuses often features guests as a way to bring different voices and perspectives to the show. Our show would not be possible without our guests, whose expertise and perspectives are a critical part of the podcast. Below is an inexhaustive list of the many guests we have had the…
We’ve talked about plot twists before. This episode covers the way in which the type of plot twist is dependent on, or signaled by, the context of the story. Getting plot twists right may mean surprising the reader, but it’s just as important to have the twist surprise the character.…
Sara Glassman joins us to talk about back cover copy, covers, query letters, signings, and what booksellers look for on page one.