Writing Roots

Extended Archives: When a Story Meanders

If you want to captivate your readers, a good beginning is essential. Even more so, however, is the story needs to continue to hold them. When the plot meanders and wanders from place to place without much direction or motivation for the characters. When you look at each scene, consider what purpose it has for the overall story. While not every scene needs to drive the plot itself forward, they should contribute to the development of something. That includes characters and relationships.
In this extended episode of Slow Beginnings Ruin Stories, Leigh and Ley go further into how to identify and fix a story that meanders.
Original episode aired September 22, 2022.

Extended Archives: Choosing the Right Title

Picking the right name for a book is about more than what sounds good to you or what feels right for the story. It is important to look at the title as part of your marketing. Along with the cover, titles will draw in the readers at first glance. And because it’s part of marketing, you need to consider what that title says about the rest of the book, including genre and general mood.
Original episode aired August 11, 2022.

Extended Archives: The Problems with Bad Blocking

Choreography is usually something you think of in relation to plays and movies. As authors, however, having appropriate choreography as your characters move through a scene is just as important. After all, you’re creating a movie of sorts in the minds of your readers. All you’ll do is create confusion if characters hop from one spot to another or do seemingly impossible moves.
In this extended episode of The Confusion Caused by Bad Blocking, we talk about the signs to watch for and how to fix it.
Original episode aired September 2022.

S44E9 – The Denouement and Epilogue

The last few pages of a book are what’s known as the denouement or falling action. This is where your main plot gets tied into a neat bow and the characters settle into the new world order. Of course, it doesn’t mean it’s a happily ever after ending, or that there aren’t footholds for the future.
First aired June 29, 2023.

S44E8 – During Act III: The Interior Plot

The final act is where everything comes together. The main character’s arc reaches its breaking points, and then they succeed. A lot goes into this final piece of the story, from the footholds you’ve created through the story to that comparison of where the character started and ended.
Listen to this episode for more on how to write the completion of the interior plot of your story.
First aired June 26, 2023.

S44 Bonus – Using AI in the Arts

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a hot topic in the world today. From funny TikTok filters to a partial cause for the WGA strike, AI is becoming a larger part of our daily lives and, in particular, creativity.
It’s hard to deny there are benefits to technology advancing as it has with AI. It has made reading and writing vastly more accessible with its improved accuracy. However, there has to be a conversation about where the lines should be in regards to using it to create art, whether that’s written or visual.
Listen to this episode as our hosts discuss current AI technology, how it can be used to benefit your work, and what to be cautious about moving forward.
First aired June 24, 2023.

S44E7 – During Act III: The Exterior Plot

Everything you’ve been writing has built to this moment. While Act I draws the reader in and Act II keeps them around, Act III is where their perceptions, good or bad, are solidified.
When you’re building the final act, you have to consider the footholds you’ve placed throughout the story and the questions you’ve left unanswered. Now is the time to resolve any linking to the main plot. In this episode we talk about how to resolve that main plotline and leave your readers satisfied.
First aired June 21, 2023.

S44E6 – During Act II: The Interior Plot

Most of a character’s growth will happen during act two. This is where they face the most challenges, have opportunity to doubt the lie they believe about themselves, and really make those lasting bonds with their team.
It’s also the time that ends with their darkest hour. While many of us struggle to know how to fill the middle of the book, keeping in mind how your character needs to grow will help.
First aired June 19, 2023.

S44E5 – Plot: The Halfway Point

The halfway point is an often overlook key moment in stories and story creation. Yet it is vital for the character arc and the plot as a whole. It’s the turning point when the characters begin to take control of their own path and become actors rather than reactors.
In this episode, we break down this midpoint, how to build to it and how to continue after.
First aired June 15, 2023.

S44E4 – During Act II: The Exterior Plot

Act II is where everything happens. It’s when the characters go through the necessary challenges to learn, grow, and change. It’s when the villain accumulates the power they need to accomplish their goals. Yet, for many authors, writing Act II is one of the most difficult steps in creating that first draft.
Looking at the exterior plot – that external conflict between your protagonists and antagonists – there are a few things that can help make this process easier for you. That includes working on subplots and keeping an eye on the villain. Listen for more tips and tricks on how to develop your external conflict through the second act of your story.
First aired June 12, 2023.