Dawn: How do connect my story (plot, theme, or characters) to current events without it being obvious? Resources Mentioned: Star Wars original trilogyStar Wars prequel trilogyLord of the Rings by JRR TolkienThe Zero EffectA Scandal in Bohemia
Dawn asks: How do I balance writing healthy relationships with popular tropes that depend on unhealthy dynamics, especially in romance? Resources Mentioned: Friday by Robert A HeinleinSuave Rob’s Amazing AdventuresTwilight by Stephanie Meyer50 Shades of Gray by EL JamesThe Firm by John Grisham
Caine asks: Why is The Joker so popular with fans? Or is he? Resources Mentioned: Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman, tv series (1966)The Dark KnightBatman Begins
Nichole: Any thoughts on good versus bad use of adverbs in writing?
Today we have feedback from Kell, Nichole, Rose, and Roland on a variety of topics. Resources MentionedBird by Bird by Anne LammottYoga For WritersArticle on Formatting ebooksQuestion 978: Ergonomics and Exercises
Herb has feedback on the topic of Swords & Sorcery and Sexism, with a few recommendations for examples of the genre with interesting female characters. Resources Mentioned: Gate of Ivrel by CJ CherryhThe Birthgrave series by Tanyth LeeSavage RealmsAgainst the Horde by David GemelEdgar Rice Burroughs’s Barsoom series and Venus …
Roland has feedback on the episode on Franchise Decay, with thoughts on the Battlestar Galactica reboot. Resources Mentioned Battlestar Galactica (2003)Stargate SG-1And Then She Was Gone Archivos
Today Christopher has feedback on Episode 952 and ponders short cuts to identifying the genre of your story. Resources Mentioned The Pillars of the Earth by Ken FollettThe Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett Lie Down With Lions by Ken FollettThe Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster BujoldDune by Frank …
Nichole says: I need to learn more about the implications of a shrinking economic world. Still working on my story but as I have not read up on this, I worry the story may go in implausible directions. Do you have any recommendations for writers on this topic? Resources Mentioned:The …
Ian asks: I heard another author lament that the penguins in Penguins of Madagascar were a poor subject for their own movie as they weren’t Hero’s Journey material. Leaving aside whether every story should be a Hero’s Journey, is there a Sidekick’s Journey? Resource Mentioned: The Penguins of MadagascarSuave Rob’s …
