Episode Archive

205 episodes of Writing Tips and Writerly Musings since the first episode, which aired on August 20th, 2020.

  • My Favorite Tools for Starting a Novel!

    October 30th, 2023  |  Season 7  |  16 mins 45 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, nanowrimo, novel, writers, writing, writing tips

    I know most of you following me are already writers, but some of you only dabble, and a few of you have only entertained the thought from time-to-time. And while it is a lot of work, dedication, and persistence to write a manuscript, there are things you can do to make it easier.

  • What Does My Form Rejection Mean?

    October 23rd, 2023  |  Season 7  |  7 mins 51 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    All writers try to get meaning out of form rejections. Sometimes there is personalized advice, but usually? They're just not that in to you.

  • In Space, No One Can See You Hide The Evidence: Crimes In Space

    October 16th, 2023  |  Season 7  |  11 mins 38 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    Laws are influenced by the people and societies in which they exist. In what ways does your world-building affect your criminals and your crime fighters?

  • Writing For Young Adults

    October 9th, 2023  |  Season 7  |  9 mins 19 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    Does writing for young adults differ from other writing? If so, how do writers approach it?

  • Writing SFF From the Margins

    October 2nd, 2023  |  Season 7  |  12 mins 44 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    How do marginalised aspects of identity — gender, sexuality, culture, race, health, ability and more — shape our creative work? How can we empower, express, and explore through writing fantasy and SF?

  • What Writing Fanfiction Can Teach Genre Writers

    September 25th, 2023  |  Season 7  |  10 mins 49 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    Fanfiction’s popularity continues to grow, tapping into the special creative connection between authors and fans. What is it about this literary nexus that is so fascinating and stimulating for fans? And what might authors have to learn from fans who write it?

  • Constructed languages

    September 18th, 2023  |  Season 7  |  10 mins 29 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    From Elvish to Esperanto to Dothraki to Belter -- creating a language for your story isn't just world-building, it's realistic.

  • Fairytale Contract Law

    September 11th, 2023  |  Season 7  |  6 mins 28 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    Fairy tale contract laws are like a force of nature... except there's usually a loophole. What are your favorite fairy tales? What are your favorite loopholes?

  • Spirits Abroad and At Home

    September 4th, 2023  |  Season 7  |  8 mins 59 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    A reminder that Western views on spirits are not universal and an exploration of how myths vary between cultures.

  • World-Building Economics

    August 28th, 2023  |  Season 7  |  7 mins 21 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    Economics is usually seen as a dry topic, full of game theory and calculated systems, but economic systems do not exist in a vacuum. Here are 5 Things To Consider When Designing Future (or Fantastical) Economic Systems

  • Accessible Magic

    August 21st, 2023  |  Season 7  |  11 mins 31 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    In a lot of fantasy and science-fiction, they wave their hands and make magic or tech the “solution” to all disabilities. Let’s explore ways to use magic for accessibility and ways people with different abilities could be better integrated into these stories.

  • Cultures and Their Myths

    August 14th, 2023  |  Season 7  |  10 mins 53 secs
    beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

    What is the basis of myths? And what are some examples of myths that different cultures share -- and those we don't share.