Writing vs. Storytelling | LOL 089

Writing vs. Storytelling | LOL 089

Author: Lex Starwalker December 18, 2023 Duration: 1:00:09
This week I discuss the differences between writing and storytelling. If you’re like me, you may have spent a lot of time and energy focusing on your writing while giving little thought to the art of telling a good story. I illustrate how point-of-view violations are anathema to good storytelling. Finally I explain how whichever path you’re taking—traditional publishing or independent publishing—good storytelling is far more important to your success than good writing.

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes as a science fiction novel comes to life? Lex Out Loud: Writing Science Fiction pulls back the curtain, offering a raw, ongoing audio diary from author Lex Starwalker. Currently deep in the process of crafting a third novel, Lex invites you into the workshop to witness the triumphs, frustrations, and daily decisions that shape a work of speculative fiction. This isn't a polished lecture series; it's a companionable, real-time exploration of the craft. You'll hear Lex think through plot tangles, wrestle with character motivations, and dissect the balance between scientific plausibility and compelling narrative. The discussions naturally extend beyond just writing novels, touching on world-building applicable to game masters and the broader joys and challenges found within the genre. Each episode of this podcast feels like a conversation with a fellow creator, sharing hard-won insights as they are discovered. If you've ever been curious about how stories are built from the ground up, or if you're looking for a thoughtful companion for your own creative endeavors, this is a space where process is celebrated over product. Tune in to follow the journey, episode by episode, as the book-and the writer-evolve.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Lex Out Loud: Writing Science Fiction
Podcast Episodes
Chapter Titles | LOL 060 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:00
Today I talk about how naming your chapters can help you when it comes time to summarize your novel for an agent or editor.
Novel Pacing & Thrillers | LOL 058 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:44
I share some thoughts on novel pacing and the common approaches to pacing I often see in the novels I really like. I also discuss some of the things I like and dislike about thrillers and relate them to the pacing discus…
Writing & Game Mastering | LOL 056 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:12
This week I answer a variety of questions submitted by listener Matt Yancik. I cover a variety of writing-related topics including comparing writing and game mastering, comparing discovery writing and outlining, and the…
Commercial is NOT a Bad Word | LOL 054 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:26
Sometimes I get the impression people think commercial is a bad word—commercial as in commercial fiction. It’s not, and today I’ll tell you why.
Moving On! | LOL 053 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:18
Today I bring you up to date on what I’ve been working on. I talk a bit about how if you don’t use it, you lose it and how I’m really loving crosswords to keep my vocabulary sharp. Finally, I discuss receiving my first a…
Check Your Sources | LOL 052 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:51
Whether you’re doing research for your novel or looking for information of the craft of writing, it’s always a good idea to look into where the information is coming from. Does the information come from a reputable and r…
My Revision Process | LOL 051 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:57
I have finished the second draft of my novel! Today I talk a bit on how I’m approaching my revisions and what I’m focusing on with each draft.