This week we delve into the functions of scene while taking a few detours to touch on apostrophising as well determining what exposition really is. Angie continues to put all of her ducks in a row on her film as the deadline steadily approaches, and Elizabeth is recovering from her most recent novel deadline before launching into the next project. We chat about the relationship between the author and the reader, we give away a few SPOILERS for Angie’s film, and we readily admit how hard the creative process can be at times. Challenge yourself in those areas. It is worth it every time.

Links Discussed:

San Francisco Writers Grotto

Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss

“Speech is what people do to each other.” Elizabeth Bowen

Before and After Florence, New York Times Video

On the Page with Pilar Alessandra

The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle

The Art of Fiction by John Gardner (The Barn Exercise)

Jeanne Stark and Trailer

Sonoma County Writers Camp - Scene Workshop with Elizabeth Stark and Ellen Sussman from October 10-14

In today’s episode, we discuss the art of not being subtle as well as the merits of exaggeration. Elizabeth is working towards the deadline of her newest draft by revamping crucial scene, and Angie is working on her new script for a PTA heist. Angie talks about pushing beyond your original idea because sometimes it can give you exactly what you’re looking for. We chat about ballet and how similar that can be to a writer's process, making your art seem effortless. And in these discussions of exaggeration and pushing it further, we look at subtlety as delicious tool instead of the mark of a master.

Links Discussed:

Wired for Story by Lisa Cron

Russian Ballerino Bad Boy (Sergei Polunin) dancing to modern music

The Art of Fiction by John Gardner (The Barn Exercise)

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz

Learning how to Learn by Barbara Oakley

Sonoma County Writers Camp - Scene Workshop with Elizabeth Stark and Ellen Sussman from October 10-14

Judi Scherrer, advocate for saying "and" not "but"

In this week’s podcast we discuss the before and the after of realizing a project. In it, I consider the logistics of when to print out my manuscript, and Angie reflects on her almost picture locked film Lost in the Middle. We chat about the limitations of technology and the need to prioritize, as well as what we have learned throughout our own processes. I also ask Angie about what she would keep in mind for the next project while recognizing the reality of deadlines.

Links Discussed:

Mystery Science Theater 3000

Hannah Gadsby

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Sonoma County Writers Camp - Scene Workshop with Elizabeth Stark and Ellen Sussman from October 10-14