Writing Excuses
Education & Explainer
About
Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler discuss writing techniques in a fast-paced format. A weekly podcast about the craft and business of writing.
Episodes
- 21.19: Getting Everything Connected
Hosts Mary Robinette Kowal, Erin Roberts, and DongWon Song discuss how to create connected stories through causal chains, thematic resonance, and reader pattern recognition. They explore literary concepts, narrative momentum, and technique…
- 21.18: Deconstructing the Three Act Structure
This Writing Excuses episode features Margaret Dunlap, who discusses the three-act structure in storytelling. The conversation covers the setup, confrontation, and resolution, as well as try/fail cycles and emotional shifts. The hosts emph…
- 21.17: The Up and Down Escalators
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses escalation and de-escalation in storytelling. The hosts explain how raising and lowering stakes can control pacing and reader emotion, and how de-escalation can be used intentionally. They also pro…
- 21.16: Tension and Release as Call and Response
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses tension and release as a call and response in storytelling. It covers how different types of tension can be balanced with moments of release to shape pacing and keep readers engaged, examining how…
- 21.15: Using Contrast for Maximum Effect
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses using contrast in storytelling to maximize emotional impact. It covers strategies such as pairing light and dark beats, shifting expectations, and introducing opposing elements to deepen engagement.
- 21.14: Because at First, They Don’t Succeed
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses the "try-fail cycle" in storytelling, emphasizing how failure makes a story interesting and helps build character and tension. It covers using "yes, but / no, and" to control narrative momentum and…
- 21.13: Does The Middle Have To Be Soggy?
This episode of Writing Excuses addresses the concept of the "soggy middle" in storytelling. The hosts discuss common reasons why stories lose momentum, such as lack of character action or thin obstacles, and offer tools to improve plot de…
- 21.12: Breaking Down Barriers- Environment
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses how environmental factors can impact writing. The hosts explore how adjusting elements such as desks, chairs, light, and sound can help overcome creative barriers and improve focus.
- 21.11: The Cold Open- Action
This episode of Writing Excuses examines the use of action in cold opens. The hosts discuss how voice, worldbuilding, and character stakes are crucial to effectively hook readers, rather than just spectacle.
- 21.10: The Cold Open- Voice
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses how a cold open can hook readers through voice, covering elements like cadence, rhythm, and authority. The hosts also differentiate aesthetic voice from mechanical POV and offer practical advice on…
- 21.09: Grounding The Reader
The hosts of "Writing Excuses" explore how emotion, context, and sensory detail work together to create immersion in a story, emphasizing that action alone is not sufficient without an emotional lens. They discuss how relatable sensory cue…
- 21.08: Setting Expectations
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses setting reader expectations at the beginning of a story. It covers how openings communicate genre and tone, and provides practical tools for building reader trust.
- 21.07: Deep Dive- “With Her Serpent Locks”
This episode of Writing Excuses features Mary Robinette Kowal discussing her short story "With Her Serpent Locks." She examines the craft and emotional elements, including grounding the reader, intentional choices like withholding names, a…
- 21.06: Begin and the Beginning
In this episode, the hosts of Writing Excuses explore what makes a strong beginning in writing. They discuss how to engage readers from the first page, drawing on the metaphor of hosting a party, and address common pitfalls. The episode al…
- 21.05: The Same But Different
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses how stories can be "the same but different" across various media. The hosts explore how subtle changes in structure, context, tone, or theme create novelty while keeping the core appeal for readers…
- 21.04: Deconstructing the Hero's Journey
The episode delves into the Hero's Journey, examining its origins, continued relevance, and its application as a writing tool rather than a strict rule. The hosts discuss how pattern recognition functions in storytelling and explore concep…
- 21.03: Deconstructing Plots
In this episode, Writing Excuses explores deconstructing plots. The hosts discuss various story structures and how they function, emphasizing plot as a tool to engage readers rather than a rigid formula. They cover action plots, emotion pl…
- 21.02: My Process is Not Your Process
This episode of Writing Excuses helps writers understand that their writing process is unique. The hosts discuss observing personal writing habits, adapting and refining them to suit individual needs, and building supportive rituals.
- 21.01: Welcome to the New Year!
Season 21 of Writing Excuses begins with a refreshed focus on writing tools rather than strict rules. The hosts explain how understanding tools offers freedom to adapt or discard advice. This season will deconstruct various story structure…
- 20.52: 2025 End-of-Year Wrap Up
The Writing Excuses podcast concludes its 20th season with a 2025 end-of-year wrap-up. The hosts reflect on Dan Wells stepping down as a full-time host and discuss the reasons behind his decision and his impact on the show.
- 20.51: Howard Tayler’s Personal Writing Process
In this episode, Howard Tayler discusses his personal writing process, including his methods for daily writing and comic creation for over twenty years. He shares his workflow, how he adapted it through challenges, and practical tips like…
- 20.50: Dan Wells’ Personal Writing Process
In this episode, Dan Wells shares his experiences with depression and how it reshaped his writing process. The hosts discuss various techniques for creative productivity, including mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and self-compassion.
- 20.49: Using Tone and Mood
In this episode of Writing Excuses, Mary Robinette Kowal explains tone and mood in fiction. She discusses how these elements influence a reader's emotional experience, with examples from various stories.
- 20.48: Now Go Write- How to Pitch Your Work
This episode of Writing Excuses, "20.48: Now Go Write- How to Pitch Your Work," delves into the craft of pitching written work. It covers strategies for content and presentation, including using comp titles, taglines, and back-cover formul…
- 20.47: Now Go Write- All the Eggs in All the Baskets
This Writing Excuses episode focuses on diversifying a writing career by exploring new genres and formats. It covers strategies for creating multiple revenue streams and adapting to challenges in writing.
- 20.46: Now Go Write- Break All The Rules (Part 2)
In this episode, Erin Roberts, DongWon Song, and Mary Robinette Kowal discuss writing rules, specifically "show, don't tell" and magic systems. They explore when breaking these conventions can strengthen a story as part of the "Now Go Writ…
- 20.45: Now Go Write- Break All The Rules (Part 1)
In this episode of Writing Excuses, Erin Roberts explores two classic writing rules. The hosts discuss how these rules can both aid and hinder storytelling, based on a sneak peek from Erin's forthcoming book, "Now Go Write." They encourage…
- 20.44: Now Go Write- How to Handle Relationships
In this episode of Writing Excuses, Mary Robinette Kowal explores how to write relationships in fiction. She introduces the "Kowal Relationship Axes" as a method for developing believable and dynamic character interactions.
- 20.43: An Interview with Dr. Tara Lepore on Paleontology
This episode features an interview with paleontologist Dr. Tara Lepore, who discusses the science and storytelling potential of deep time. Dr. Lepore explains how paleontology extends beyond dinosaurs and how mammal teeth can provide insig…
- 20.42: Erin Roberts’ Personal Writing Process
Erin Roberts shares her personal writing process, categorized into getting work, getting in, getting done, and getting right. She provides tips for freelancing, deadlines, and saying no, based on her own experiences.
- 20.41: DongWon Song’s Personal Writing Process
This Writing Excuses episode features DongWon Song sharing his personal writing process. He describes how his work as a literary agent and collaborations shape his approach to writing, emphasizing creating a low-stimulation environment for…
- 20.40: Mary Robinette Kowal’s Personal Writing Process
In this episode of Writing Excuses, Mary Robinette Kowal discusses her personal writing process, which is built on a random schedule. The hosts explore how individual writing processes evolve and the importance of finding methods that work…
- 20.39: Wrapping up our Conversation about Lenses
In this episode, the hosts of Writing Excuses discuss how listeners can use the podcast's episodes, topics, subtopics, and lenses to structure their writing journey. They explain the season's organizational structure and offer advice on se…
- 20.38: An Interview with Charlie Jane Anders
Charlie Jane Anders is interviewed on Writing Excuses, discussing POV, tone, and humor. She shares insights on incorporating humor and whimsy and taking risks as an author.
- 20.37: Deep Dive into “All the Birds in the Sky” - Using the Lens of Why
This episode of Writing Excuses analyzes Charlie Jane Anders’ “All the Birds in the Sky.” The discussion focuses on the book's themes, the author's intent, and how Anders uses tone and tradition to convey core ideas. It also explores the f…
- 20.36: Deep Dive into “All the Birds in the Sky” - Using the Lens of When
This episode of Writing Excuses analyzes Charlie Jane Anders's novel "All the Birds in the Sky" through the lens of when, specifically examining flashbacks and foreshadowing within the narrative. The hosts discuss how the book utilizes dif…
- 20.35: Deep Dive into “All the Birds in the Sky” - Using the Lens of Where
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses "All the Birds in the Sky" by Charlie Jane Anders, focusing on how the author uses location, context, and sensory details to build an authentic reading experience. The hosts analyze how non-essenti…
- 20.34: Deep Dive into “All the Birds in the Sky” - Using the Lens of Who
This episode of Writing Excuses begins a deep dive into Charlie Jane Anders’ novel "All the Birds in the Sky." The hosts analyze the book through the lens of "who," examining character elements like motivation, fears, and community.
- 20.33: Raising Children as a Metaphor for Writing
This episode of Writing Excuses uses raising children as a metaphor for the writing process. The hosts discuss the importance of being open to shifts in intention and relationship in both raising children and in one's own writing practice.
- 20.32: Revision and Character Consciousness Téa Obreht
Téa Obreht, author of "The Tiger's Wife," joins Writing Excuses to discuss revision, character consciousness, and her writing process. She shares insights on generating ideas, cultivating layered characters, and writing event-first.
- 20.31: Framing the Lens
This episode of Writing Excuses focuses on choosing what to include and exclude from a story, and how to frame it for the reader. The hosts also announce an upcoming series analyzing "All the Birds in the Sky" by Charlie Jane Anders.
- 20.30: Using Why To Shape Tone
This episode of Writing Excuses explores the concept of tone in fiction. The hosts discuss its meaning, application, and how it can be used as a tool to deepen storytelling themes.
- 20.29: Authorial Intent
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses the concept of authorial intent. The hosts explore how authorial intentions are communicated within a story's narrative structure and execution.
- 20.28: The Lens of Tradition
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses how narrative traditions and influences shape storytelling. It explores how writers can identify and utilize these traditions to make their stories both resonant and unique. The hosts also encourag…
- 20.27: The Lens of Why
This episode of Writing Excuses features author Mark Oshiro discussing how authors explore theme and meaning in their books. The conversation focuses on how authors ask questions through their work and allow readers to find their own inter…
- 20.26: Gaming as a Writing Metaphor
Erin Roberts explores how gaming influences narrative experience, contrasting game immersion with prose. The discussion highlights player choice and agency in games, examining how these elements reshape storytelling and meaning-making proc…
- 20.25: Writing Confrontation (LIVE Aboard the WX Cruise)
This episode of Writing Excuses explores how to write compelling confrontations, from physical fights to emotional arguments. The hosts discuss breaking down reactions into four elements: focus, physicality, thought, and action, and how ne…
- 20.24: An Interview with Charles Duhigg
In this episode, Charles Duhigg is interviewed about communication, writing, and active listening techniques. He discusses pitching, book proposals, and finding your writing voice. The episode also covers the importance of passion and clar…
- 20.23: The Lens of the Senses
This episode of Writing Excuses discusses how sensory details, including smell, sound, touch, and taste, can be used to anchor worldbuilding, character, and perspective in writing. It explores how these elements can transport readers more…
- 20.22: The Lens of Time
This episode of Writing Excuses, "The Lens of Time," explores how time functions as a storytelling tool beyond just plot structure. It discusses techniques like character memory and flashbacks to deepen emotional impact and build tension i…