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Writing Excuses

Writing Excuses

Von: Mary Robinette Kowal DongWon Song Erin Roberts Dan Wells and Howard Tayler
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Fifteen minutes long, because you're in a hurry, and we're not that smart.

2008-2023 Writing Excuses LLC. 845972
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  • 21.25: Follow the Bouncing Ball
    Jun 21 2026

    In this episode, our hosts explore how writers control their readers’ attention with the metaphor of a bouncing ball. We break down techniques for guiding focus on the page, including POV choice, selective description, rhythm, and where details appear within sentences and paragraphs. The discussion highlights how structure often matters more than individual word choice, with emphasis on primacy/recency effects, white space, and pattern recognition like the rule of threes. Each host shares their thoughts on how to sharpen reader focus or intentionally diffuse it to help you with your current work in progress!


    Homework:

    Write a mundane scene three times: once straightforwardly, once where you deliberately hide a major event by shifting focus away from it, and once ending with “and that was the day everything changed.” Then compare how attention and emphasis shift between the three versions.


    Final WXR Cruise!

    Our final WXR cruise is sold out, but you can join our waitlist here!


    Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, Erin Roberts, and DongWon Song. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

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    26 Min.
  • 21.24: Deconstructing the Seven Point Plot Structure
    Jun 14 2026

    Dan Wells joins our conversation as we break down the seven-point plot structure! Using examples from Star Wars, Toy Story, and other films, we discuss how each point creates conflict, drives character growth, and moves a story forward. We explore the difference between plot points that move characters toward their goals and pinch points that place obstacles in their way. We also examine how the midpoint shifts a protagonist from reacting to events to taking action. And remember– seven-point structure is a flexible tool that can be adapted to many different kinds of stories!


    Homework:

    Take a subplot from a story you're working on and map it onto the seven-point plot structure. Start with the resolution, identify the opposite starting state for the hook, then sketch out the plot points, pinch points, and midpoint to see how the subplot develops from beginning to end.


    Final WXR Cruise!

    Our final WXR cruise is sold out, but you can join our waitlist here!


    Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Dan Wells, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, Erin Roberts, and DongWon Song. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

    Join Our Writing Community!

    Writing Retreats

    Newsletter

    Patreon

    Instagram

    Threads

    Bluesky

    TikTok

    YouTube

    Facebook




    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out HomeServe and use my code homeserve.com/excuses for a great deal: https://www.homeserve.com
    * Check out MasterClass and use my code masterclass.com/EXCUSES for a great deal: https://MasterClass.com
    * Check out Talkiatry and use my code Talkiatry.com/WX for a great deal: https://www.talkiatry.com


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donations

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    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    35 Min.
  • 21.23: Barrier Breaking: Interruptions
    Jun 7 2026

    In this episode, our hosts explore one of the most persistent barriers to writing: interruptions. From family members and pets to emails, meetings, fatigue, and neurodivergence, they discuss how disruptions can derail creative focus—and how writers can build systems to work with them instead of against them. The conversation touches on hyperfocus, ADHD, task-switching, and the emotional cost of being pulled out of the zone. Practical strategies include leaving “breadcrumbs” to re-enter a project, using phone settings and routines to protect writing time, and adjusting expectations around productivity. Rather than trying to eliminate interruptions entirely, we encourage writers to understand their habits and create sustainable ways to return to the work.


    Homework

    Practice handling interruptions in a low-stakes environment by setting a series of alarms for 5, 7, 9, and 15 minutes while you write. Each time an alarm goes off, leave yourself a quick “breadcrumb” note about what you were working on, take a short break, and then return to writing when the next timer starts. The goal is to get better at re-entering your work after interruptions so everyday disruptions feel less frustrating.


    Final WXR Cruise!

    Our final WXR cruise is almost sold out, grab your spot before June 4th, 2026 here!


    Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, Erin Roberts, and DongWon Song. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

    Join Our Writing Community!

    Writing Retreats

    Newsletter

    Patreon

    Instagram

    Threads

    Bluesky

    TikTok

    YouTube

    Facebook



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out HomeServe and use my code homeserve.com/excuses for a great deal: https://www.homeserve.com
    * Check out MasterClass and use my code masterclass.com/EXCUSES for a great deal: https://MasterClass.com
    * Check out Talkiatry and use my code Talkiatry.com/WX for a great deal: https://www.talkiatry.com


    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donations

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    30 Min.
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