Share
SAYER is a narrative fiction podcast set on Earth’s man-made second moon, Typhon. The eponymous SAYER is a highly advanced, self-aware AI created to help acclimate new residents to their new lives, and their new employment with Ærolith Dynamics. New episodes release every other week.
…
continue reading
Manage episode 519686050 series 2547755
Content provided by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.
In this episode, Erin returns with the final two “rules” from her section of our forthcoming book Now Go Write—and why it might be worth breaking them. With DongWon and Mary Robinette, Erin explores the classic advice to “show, don’t tell,” and the debate over whether magic needs a system. We unpack when these conventions can strengthen a story—and when they can get in your way.
Homework: Choose one of the four rules Erin covered across both “Break All The Rules” episodes (20.45 & 20.46) and rewrite a scene from your own work to deliberately break it. See what changes when you do.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Call for Writing Breakthroughs
Have you had a breakthrough in your writing because of Writing Excuses? If so, we want to hear about it. Fill out this Writing Breakthroughs Google Form for a chance to be featured in a WX Newsletter!
Last Annual Cruise
The final WXR cruise sets sail for Alaska in September 2026—don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Learn more and sign up here.
Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Erin Roberts, Mary Robinette Kowal, and DongWon Song. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.
Join Our Writing Community!
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/WX
* Check out MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/EXCUSES
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
964 episodes
))
