Is there a difference between the two? How do you use each appropriately in your writing? And how lovable can a group of mercenaries be?
What makes a good hero? Why is Dirk Pitt so cool? Why do people like Superman? And why does Howard-with-a-chest-cold start to sound like Barry White? Some of these questions are answered in this episode while others are better left unexplained.
LINER NOTES:
Howard repeatedly invoked John August’s blog post about heroes, protagonists, and main characters. Here it is.
Writing Excuses Episode 5: Heroes and Protagonists [ 15:45 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (15605)Brandon, Howard and Dan talk about their first exposure to RPG games, Gary Gygax and the influence he had on them and the industry.
The first line of any story is the most important.
People get drawn in to a book because of the first line.
Brandon, Howard and Dan talk about how to start a book and what’s important about the first line.
How do you make your novel better? Sometimes you have to cut out the part you like best. Don’t believe me? Before I posted this I had attached an image of a chimp wearing a tux.
Howard’s Original Time-Travel Outline
Writing Excuses Episode 3: Killing your Darlings [ 16:44 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (16382)How do you know when your setting of high school kids solve supernatural mysteries becomes cliché? Brandon, Howard and Dan discuss how you create unique concepts by blending familiar topics with something new and original and how to avoid possible pitfalls.
Writing Excuses Episode 2: Blending the Familiar and the Original [ 14:44 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (16482)Brandon, Howard and Dan discuss where their ideas come from and Howard tells us a little too much about his love of Pepsi.
Mary Robinette Kowal
Novelist
Brandon Sanderson
Fantasy Novelist
Howard Tayler
Cartoonist
Dan Wells
Horror Novelist
