Writing Roots

S59E4 - Five: Parts of a Whole

If you are looking for a number to help show a sense of completeness or unity, consider the number five. This number is often seen as equal parts of a whole or as a four-plus-one in a case like Sailor Moon. Listen for more about how you can use the number five.

S59E3 - Six: Naming Characters with Numbers

Using numbers to name your characters has several unique aspects which can help define the character themselves. It's common enough with the number six that it is even the name of the trope3 on TV Tropes. From providing anonymity to adding a sense of dehumanization, the use of a number name is wide.

S59E2 - Seven: Using and Building Sequences

When you look at examples from history of the number seven, you will often see it associated with a sequence of things: colors of the rainbow, notes in the diatonic scale, days of the week, heavenly virtues and deadly sins. The idea of a sequence within storytelling can help create milestones and clear points of progression. Listen for more on how to use the number - and sequences in general - to build your story.

S59E1 - Using Numbers for Storytelling

Numbers are a useful tool in storytelling, as they can be used to establish patterns, convey importance, or give hints to your readers. The key is intention. When you aren't paying attention to numbers, you can set up accidental clues that can lead to falling short of expectations. In this episode, we talk about the different ways you can use numbers, including with your worldbuilding.

S58E9 - Writing About Death: Exsanguination/Blood Loss

The final method of death we are covering for the month is exsanguination, also known as extreme blood loss. There are many methods of this, including open wound bleeding, internal bleeding and even slow blood loss through something supernatural such as vampires. Listen for more about what exsanguination does to the body and for examples from history for inspiration.

S58E8 - Writing About Death: Hypothermia

Another form of death you can use that is more often accidental is hypothermia. The process of getting hypothermia can be used to increase tension of dramatic moments as it's often a slow process. Listen for more about how it affects the body and examples from history.

S58BE - Writing About Death: Weird Historical Deaths

Some ways that characters can die - or be tortured - can't fit into a category we've covered the rest of this month. Some ways have simply been weird, usually as the result of the endless creativity and unhinged capabilities of the human mind. In this bonus episode, we'll talk about historical ways people died, from impaling to laughing or dancing to death.

S58E7 Writing About Death: Blunt Force Trauma

Of all the forms of death, blunt force trauma is one of the most diverse ways to kill a character. It can be accidental or intentional - or one framed as the other. Listen for more about blunt force trauma, how it impacts different areas of the body, and how it might have lasting consequences if the character doesn't die.

S58E6 - Writing About Death: Asphyxiation

If you're looking for a more up-close and personal way to end a character in your story, asphyxiation might be what you're looking for. In this episode, we discuss the different forms of asphyxiation, from the more common strangulation to magical miasmas.

S58E5 - Writing About Death: Ranged Piercing Weapons

If your characters want someone dead, but want to stay at a distance, ranged weapons are what you'll need. There are many to choose from, including guns, bows and even less well-known projectile launchers like the atlatl. Listen for more on the true dangers of ranged weaponry, why they are used, and how you can incorporate them into your story.