It’s one of the most valuable tools in a writer’s kit, but what even is voice? And how does it differ from your characters’ voices? Bri and Mer chat about the way your whole life can shape your writing voice, discuss writing outside your own identity, and offer tips that include listening to curling podcasts and reading newspapers. They then realize they might be old.

Come for the tips about how to create unique character voices even while using multiple POVs and stay for Bri and Mer’s one key element that will make you a better writer.

Books mentioned:

The Ending Writes Itself, by Evelyn Clarke

Flyweight, Courtney Ellis

Station Eleven and Exit Party, Emily St. John Mandel

The Eyes are the Best Part, Monika Kim

Mary, Nat Cassidy

Have a question or a craft topic suggestion? Email us at novelwriterspodcast@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @novelwriterspodcast.

EPISODE OUTLINE

00:00-12:50 - Intro/What is going on in our writing lives?

12:50 - 54:38 - Craft Topic: Voice

54:38- 1:03:47 - Book Recommendations

Opening and Closing Titles by Simon Schweitzer

Audio Production by Simon Schweitzer

Two writers with slow-burn allegations spill everything they know about pacing--and they do promise it doesn’t lag in the middle. Mer and Bri discuss the somewhat nebulous concept of pace, while also offering tips—like using multiple POVs—to keep the narrative arc moving.

Their worldviews get slightly rocked when it’s revealed one of them likes writing toward the mid-point of the book instead of the ending, while their Grey’s Anatomy knowledge helps them remember what those heart-reading charts are called. Come for the flashing neon warning Bri offers about saving your work and stay for a little daydreaming about nineties boyband hair.

Books we recommend on this episode:

American Fantasy by Emma Straub

Go Gentle by Maria Semple

Episode Outline

00:00-09:35 - Intro/What's going on in our writing lives

09:36-1:13:30 - Craft Topic: Pacing

1:13:30-1:17:30 - Book Recommendations

You know when you go to a magic show, you’re going to be tricked… and you’re going to love it. But how does the magician get the audience to look the other way when everyone is just as eager to catch him in the misdirection as they are to be delighted?

Mer and Bri discuss the best way to write twists while at the same time solving a murder involving a greedy developer and some rat poison. Finally, they parse through the ways twists can mean different things in genre and literary fiction. Come for a a break down of the satisfying/unexpected endings quadrant and stay for a debate over a real-life, six-figure twist.

Books we recommend on this episode:

Cherry, Baby by Rainbow Rowell

Whidbey By T Kira Madden

Episode Outline

00:00-15:00 - Intro/What is going on in our writing lives?

15:00 - 1:05:00 Our Craft Topic: Twists

1:05:00 - Book Recommendations

Opening and Closing Titles by Simon Schweitzer

Audio Production by Simon Schweitzer