Writing Roots

S20E4 – Myth Four: Characters Control the Author

In any writing group, you’ll encounter someone who says their characters are like living voices in their head that control their own actions throughout a story. This idea, however, is like saying mortals control Zeus. While it’s true that authors can develop characters so fully that they become like living people in their mind, the author is still in ultimate control.
In this episode, we discuss why this myth exists, how it can help in some ways, and how allowing characters to control the story can do real harm to the outcome of the story.
First aired March 11, 2021.
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S20E3 – Myth Three: Said is Dead

Dialogue tags are one of the more controversial and debated topics in the writing world. Some say they shouldn’t be needed at all while others say action tags are the best. One camp in this debate, though, is based on a myth. “Said is dead” is a common phrase shared often by those who want their writing to be more grandiose. In most cases, though, if you must have a dialogue tag without action, then ‘said’ is the way to go.
Said is absolutely not dead in the writing world, but it is invisible. We discuss in this episode how sometimes it is the best option for noting who is speaking without distracting from the purpose of the phrase, and how invisible is a good thing.
First aired March 8, 2021.
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S20E2 – Myth Two: Write What You Know

If you are writing non-fiction, the common phrase to “write what you know” is actually sound advice. You need to be an expert if you are going to advise others on a certain topic. However, this is often wrong if you want to write fiction. There are so many instances in fiction that require authors to work outside their expertise. To learn something new and explore topics they had never thought interesting.
Ley and Leigh discuss the reasons why “write what you know” is soundly bad advice for fiction writers and how to go about writing those things you don’t know.
First aired March 4, 2021.
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S20E1 – Myth One: Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover

Venturing into the world of writing can be overwhelming. New authors are accosted with dos and don’ts at every turn. They must have this. Must do that. Can never do whatever that is. It’s daunting when all the writer wants to do is write. While some of the common phrases and beliefs have good roots, they are either flat out wrong or misunderstood and applied in the wrong ways. Throughout March, we will be discussing common myths in the writing world.
It starts with the old adage: don’t judge a book by its cover. While that is wonderful philosophical advice about not judging people, it cannot actually be applied to books. For one, people will always use a cover to determine interest. It’s basic human psychology. For another, it tempts authors into considering their cover less than important to the whole product.
We discuss in this episode why this is only a myth, a nice phrase often taken too literally.
First aired March 1, 2021.
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S19 Bonus – Always Add a Fight, featuring Fight Write

One of the best ways to keep the pacing up while adding filler to the middle of a book is to add some kind of fight. While it can be an argument, throwing fists can be great to release some of the building tension – or add to it.
We brought in Carla Hoch of Fight Write, a resource for authors to help them write better fight scenes, to discuss how to best add a scene. She talks about how to carry one out accurately and how to balance accuracy with readablility.
First aired February 27, 2021.
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S19E8 – Preparing for Act III

As we reach the end of the second act, it’s time to ramp up the preparations for the final conflict. While this changes vastly depending on the genre, the end of the second act should always result in the main character’s darkest hour. It’s the time where all hope seems extinguished from the world and the villain seems to be assured in their victory.
This episode reviews some of the common ways to reach that darkest hour, along with preparing to give the readers a satisfying ending.
First aired February 25, 2021.
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S19E7 – A Leader’s Bad Decision

Conflict can help propel the middle of the book forward while actively setting up for the final confrontation. While sometimes it can be external, you can also use internal conflicts caused by a bad decision. Any time a leader chooses to act too rashly, too soon, or without enough consideration, it can lead to disaster. Other times it can simply be the bureaucracy involved that slows the process of acting soon enough.
Listen to this episode to learn the different kinds of bad decisions and how they can be used to set up for the final act.
First aired February 22, 2021.
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S19E6 – Using the Weather and Other Acts of God

If you find yourself in middle of your manuscript wondering what could possibly happen to get things moving, you might consider an act of god. This doesn’t have to mean a literal god in your story reaching down and changing something, though that is possible. Acts of god, like natural disasters, weather, and other elements outside of the control of mortal beings, can create hurdles and roadblocks in the plans of your characters.
From having a hurricane destroy an essential part of the villain’s plan, to an earthquake forcing the protagonist crew out into the open, acts of god can really help round out act two of a story.
First aired February 18, 2021.
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S19E5 – Romance and Drunkenness

No matter the genre, using scenes that focus on character emotions can help drive a plot through the second act. Sometimes this comes with romantic dates that end in mishaps or misery. Sometimes it means a character gets drunk or otherwise inhibited and reveals a secret. Either of these devices can give authors more depth to the story, to the characters, and to the plot.
In this episode, Ley and Leigh discuss why romantic scenes in the middle shouldn’t end well, and how alcohol can play a part in making that happen.
First aired February 15, 2021.
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S19E4 – Creating a Holiday for Worldbuilding

What can be better for the middle of Act II than a party? Holidays and events are a wonderful way to add some depth to the world while giving the characters something to work towards. Festivities can also give characters a new setting for different kinds interaction.
Leigh and Ley discuss different kinds of holidays, how they usually get started, and how you can use earthly holidays to help create ones in your world.
First aired February 11, 2021.
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