Question 1078: Sustaining an Unplanned Series
Tim asks:How can I keep the momentum going in a series that I haven’t planned out from the beginning? Resources Mentioned:Splinter of the Mind’s Eye by Alan Dean Foster
Question 1076: The Most Fun Story to Write
Tim asks:Which of your stories was the most fun to write? Resources mentioned:Suave Rob’s Double-X Derring-DoSuave Rob’s Rough’N’Ready Rugrat RaptureChicken Noodle GravityFuneral Hats
Question 1073: Using Voice in Character and Narration
Nichole asks: How can I make my first person narrator voice more distinctive? If I changed to third person, would that work better? Resources Mentioned:I, Claudius and Claudius the God, both by Robert GravesThe Clarke Lantham Mysteries by J. Daniel SawyerThe Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger Sponsored by Archivos
Question 1072: Intensifying Your Character Dynamics
Tim asks:How can you make your character dynamics grow in intensity over the course of the story? Sponsored by Archivos
On Predictability…
Today we explore the different things it might mean when someone complains your story is “predictable,” or when you default to that description with a story you’re trying to enjoy. Resources mentioned:LOST“…All You Zombies…” by Robert A. HeinleinPredestination (film staring Ethan Hawke)LooperWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëSoulless by Gail CarrigerThe Force …
Question 1070: Story Structure as Quality Control
Jim asks: What do you think of the idea of writing the first draft free-form, then using story structure guides to help in revising and editing? Resources Mentioned: The Story Solution by Eric Edson The Anatomy of Story by John Truby The Battle (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 1 …
Question 1069: Anthropomorphization
Nichole asks:Should I avoid anthropomorphizing or personifying body parts and other such things?
Question 1068: Guilt Cultures vs. Shame Cultures
Ed asks:How do sexual taboos work in a shame based society? How much is internalized “don’t do this” vs. “don’t get caught”? Sponsored by Archivos
Question 1066: How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels
Caine asks:On episode 1063 of The Everyday Novelist you stated the following: “If you lead with analysis beyond at any layer beyond the practical, your asking for years and years and years of spinning your wheels, it will not work” I feel strongly that I’m in this zone right now. …
Question 1065: First Person Considerations
Nichole asks:What value can you get converting a first person narration to third? What are the obstacles? Sponsored by Archivos