Writing Excuses Transcripts

Writing Excuses 7.6: Behind the Marshmallow

2012-02-08T17:00:00Z

Posted by: mbarker.livejournal.com

Writing Excuses 7.6: Behind the Marshmallow

From http://www.writingexcuses.com/2012/02/05/writing-excuses-7-6-behind-the-marshmallow/

Key points: marshmallow jokes, Howard's lack of pants, and were-cuttlefish are always suitable topics. It all started with a radio play. No filler, just the advice. Brandon asks questions, then explains why they are wrong. Just a tagline? No, it's a haiku, too! Mixers and lavalier mics. High profile guests at conventions! Recording on a couch? Epic Gaming Table on the way, with miniatures, role playing games, and recording all at the same time! The puppetry episode changed the game. Mary analyzes what she is doing. Everyone in the same room or to Skype or not? Sponsors... and a radio play/audio book of Schlock? Stay tuned...
( Is that a marshmellow in your mouth? )
[Mary] Right. That, I think, is probably your writing prompt for the week. Write a story with an old British guy who likes marshmallows.
[Brandon] That's a great writing prompt.
[Dan] In the Schlock Mercenary universe.
[Laughter]
( Or are you just chewing your tongue? )

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Writing Excuses 5.22: Film Considerations [with annotations!]

2011-02-05T14:37:00Z

Posted by: mbarker.livejournal.com

Writing Excuses 5.22: Film Considerations [with annotations!]

From http://www.writingexcuses.com/2011/01/30/writing-excuses-5-22-film-considerations/

And special YouTube version at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wJ_3sqyG6g

Key Points: Formulas or patterns can be used for many things IF you understand why they work. Three act structure: introduce characters, setting, and problems. Then add complications. Resolve everything in the climax. If you want your story to map to a 90 minute movie, keep it lean. Know what your story is about, what you are trying to say. Think of a logline/tagline: what is the essence of your story in 8 words? The closer the events of the climax in time, the higher the emotional impact -- don't spread your resolutions out over several chapters, put them all in one. Beware the shootout, the chase, the tail end flurry that's there just to end with a bang. Make sure there is foreshadowing, motivation, and emotional movement, not just fireworks. Give the chicken a reason for crossing the road. Don't settle for a student filmmaker -- check their credits, and get the money up front.
( Watch out! )
[Dan] That's true. All right. So we're just going to make Mary do this. Give us a writing prompt.
[Howard] Writing prompt.
[Mary] So your writing prompt... thank you for the warning.
[Dan] That's our favorite thing to do to people.
[Dave] Put you on the spot.
[Mary] Your writing prompt is that you need to come up with a tagline for your novel, your short story, or something that you would like to write but have not yet written. Eight words or less.
[Dan] Sounds good.
[Howard] A tagline. All right. Well, this has been Writing Excuses. Thank you for listening. YouTube fans, let's all camp to the camera and wave. [Everyone turns to the camera, smiles, and waves] [End of podcast. YouTube continues] Thank you for watching. You're out of excuses. Now go write.

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Writing Excuses 5.22: Film Considerations

2011-02-02T14:10:00Z

Posted by: mbarker.livejournal.com

Writing Excuses 5.22: Film Considerations

From http://www.writingexcuses.com/2011/01/30/writing-excuses-5-22-film-considerations/

And special YouTube version at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wJ_3sqyG6g

Key Points: Formulas or patterns can be used for many things IF you understand why they work. Three act structure: introduce characters, setting, and problems. Then add complications. Resolve everything in the climax. If you want your story to map to a 90 minute movie, keep it lean. Know what your story is about, what you are trying to say. Think of a logline/tagline: what is the essence of your story in 8 words? The closer the events of the climax in time, the higher the emotional impact -- don't spread your resolutions out over several chapters, put them all in one. Beware the shootout, the chase, the tail end flurry that's there just to end with a bang. Make sure there is foreshadowing, motivation, and emotional movement, not just fireworks. Give the chicken a reason for crossing the road. Don't settle for a student filmmaker -- check their credits, and get the money up front.
( Meanwhile, behind the cameras, we hear... )
[Dan] That's true. All right. So we're just going to make Mary do this. Give us a writing prompt.
[Howard] Writing prompt.
[Mary] So your writing prompt... thank you for the warning.
[Dan] That's our favorite thing to do to people.
[Dave] Put you on the spot.
[Mary] Your writing prompt is that you need to come up with a tagline for your novel, your short story, or something that you would like to write but have not yet written. Eight words or less.
[Dan] Sounds good.
[Howard] A tagline. All right. Well, this has been Writing Excuses. Thank you for listening. YouTube fans, let's all camp to the camera and wave. [End of podcast. YouTube continues] Thank you for watching. You're out of excuses. Now go write.

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