Jun 29, 2020

Today the group takes a closer look at different antagonists – from mustache twirlers and teenage-stalking mouth-breathers, to complex bad guys and tortured souls, to antagonistic societal structures and Mother Nature herself.

They talk about subplot and temporary antagonists, and then dish on methods of fleshing...

Jun 1, 2020

The group talks about knowing where your characters stand -- primary level, secondary, or tertiary -- as well as what to do when you have too many cluttering up your work.

Anne shakes her fists about some stereotype pet peeves, Tracey discusses when to reduce, reuse, or recycle your characters, and Jess reminds folks of...

May 18, 2020

What’s the difference between a wound and a flaw? What’s a good flaw versus one that is predictable or easy or, egads, unforgiveable? The group discusses all that, as well as ways to integrate the two within the structure of your plot.

Tracey and Anne discuss some flaws that are deal breakers and then heckle Jess...

Aug 26, 2019

In this episode the group discusses how characterization is integrated into every aspect of a story, as well as the idea that “character” is a verb. Jessica also stresses the need to establish your character’s Ordinary World in order for people to care about them.

The ladies touch on different ways of planning...

Jul 29, 2019

Ah, tropes. They are the very thing that attracted you to that book in your hand – the story promise that you were seeking. So how and when do those beloved tropes slide into the much-despised cliché territory? 

In this episode Jess the editor hits on some of those distinctions, and Anne confesses the reason behind...