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

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 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…