13.34: Q&A on Character Arcs

13.34: Q&A on Character Arcs

Author: Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler August 27, 2018 Duration: 19:18
Your Hosts: Brandon, Valynne, Dan, and Howard

You had questions. We came up with answers. The questions are below:

* How do you fulfill promises about character arcs without being cliché? How do you subvert character tropes without betraying the reader?
* Do you need to complete each character arc in a single story featuring multiple characters?
* What separates an iconic character from a caricature?
* Have you ever had an iconic character necessarily become a character in need of an arc?
* How do you continue a character's story after they've completed their original arc?
* How much does a character need to change in their arc?
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It’s a common piece of advice: if you want to be a writer, you should write. But what happens when you’re staring at the blank page, or when the business side of publishing feels like a maze? That’s where Writing Excuses comes in. Each week, hosts Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler gather not just to talk about writing, but to dissect it. They move quickly, respecting your time while packing episodes with actionable discussions on technique, from character voice to plot structure. But this podcast understands that a writing life isn’t just about craft-it’s also a career. So conversations naturally pivot to the practicalities of the business, navigating careers, and sustaining creativity in a demanding field. You’ll hear five distinct professional perspectives blending into a single, focused conversation designed to get you past excuses and back to your work. It’s like a regular, invigorating workshop session delivered directly to you, meant to equip you with tools for both your manuscript and your professional path.
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