A replay of an episode recorded in 2023. Story archetypes are a great starting point for building your narrative. In this episode Russ and Tim discuss the seven core story archetypes that can be found in most fiction, how they Read more
If you’ve survived the second draft, congrats! But you still have quite a way to go on your journey, which brings us to the third draft and beyond. Refining sentence structure and word choice, incorporating beta reader feedback, eliminating crunch Read more
So you’ve completed a first draft of your manuscript. Now what? The real work begins. Writing is re-writing and the second draft is a heavy lift of fixing those major character and plot issues that creep in during that first Read more
The first draft, often called the “vomit draft,” is one of the most important parts of the writing process. Once you type “the end,” you can truly begin. In this episode, Russ and Tim revisit their first drafts and discuss Read more
The battle is on! Pens vs swords! In this episode, we explore the variations of the classic idiom “the pen is mightier than the sword.” We discuss its fascinating history, discover who made it what it is today, and why Read more
Research is a key part of the writing process. Without proper research, building credible worlds, intriguing plots, and relatable characters is impossible. But how much is too much? In this episode, Russ and Tim discuss how their research methods have Read more
A replay of an earlier episode on Themes in storytelling. It’s a timely topic for us as we’re exploring themes in our new projects. A good theme can provide the heart and glue that binds your story together. Characters, dialogue, Read more
Every good story is built on conflict. Sometimes, that conflict can culminate in scenes of violence. But when is that violence too much or not enough? In this episode, Russ and Tim explore violence in writing and the many factors Read more
Our idiom series continues with “the writing on the wall.” In this episode, we dive into the classic religious story that involved too much partying and impending doom. Get the popcorn.
