Writing Roots

Dialogue tags are one of the more controversial and debated topics in the writing world. Some say they shouldn’t be needed at all while others say action tags are the best. One camp in this debate, though, is based on a myth. “Said is dead” is a common phrase shared often by those who want their writing to be more grandiose. In most cases, though, if you must have a dialogue tag without action, then ‘said’ is the way to go. Said is absolutely not dead in the writing world, but it is invisible. We discuss in this episode how sometimes it is the best option for noting who is speaking without distracting from the purpose of the phrase, and how invisible is a good thing. First aired March 8, 2021. The post S20E3 – Myth Three: Said is Dead appeared first on Writing Roots.

If you are writing non-fiction, the common phrase to “write what you know” is actually sound advice. You need to be an expert if you are going to advise others on a certain topic. However, this is often wrong if you want to write fiction. There are so many instances in fiction that require authors to work outside their expertise. To learn something new and explore topics they had never thought interesting. Ley and Leigh discuss the reasons why “write what you know” is soundly bad advice for fiction writers and how to go about writing those things you don’t know. First aired March 4, 2021. The post S20E2 – Myth Two: Write What You Know appeared first on Writing Roots.

Venturing into the world of writing can be overwhelming. New authors are accosted with dos and don’ts at every turn. They must have this. Must do that. Can never do whatever that is. It’s daunting when all the writer wants to do is write. While some of the common phrases and beliefs have good roots, they are either flat out wrong or misunderstood and applied in the wrong ways. Throughout March, we will be discussing common myths in the writing world. It starts with the old adage: don’t judge a book by its cover. While that is wonderful philosophical advice about not judging people, it cannot actually be applied to books. For one, people will always use a cover to determine interest. It’s basic human psychology. For another, it tempts authors into considering their cover less than important to the whole product. We discuss in this episode why this is only a myth, a nice phrase often taken too literally. First aired March 1, 2021. The post S20E1 – Myth One: Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover appeared first on Writing Roots.

One of the best ways to keep the pacing up while adding filler to the middle of a book is to add some kind of fight. While it can be an argument, throwing fists can be great to release some of the building tension – or add to it. We brought in Carla Hoch of Fight Write, a resource for authors to help them write better fight scenes, to discuss how to best add a scene. She talks about how to carry one out accurately and how to balance accuracy with readablility. First aired February 27, 2021. The post S19 Bonus – Always Add a Fight, featuring Fight Write appeared first on Writing Roots.

As we reach the end of the second act, it’s time to ramp up the preparations for the final conflict. While this changes vastly depending on the genre, the end of the second act should always result in the main character’s darkest hour. It’s the time where all hope seems extinguished from the world and the villain seems to be assured in their victory. This episode reviews some of the common ways to reach that darkest hour, along with preparing to give the readers a satisfying ending. First aired February 25, 2021. The post S19E8 – Preparing for Act III appeared first on Writing Roots.

Conflict can help propel the middle of the book forward while actively setting up for the final confrontation. While sometimes it can be external, you can also use internal conflicts caused by a bad decision. Any time a leader chooses to act too rashly, too soon, or without enough consideration, it can lead to disaster. Other times it can simply be the bureaucracy involved that slows the process of acting soon enough. Listen to this episode to learn the different kinds of bad decisions and how they can be used to set up for the final act. First aired February 22, 2021. The post S19E7 – A Leader’s Bad Decision appeared first on Writing Roots.

If you find yourself in middle of your manuscript wondering what could possibly happen to get things moving, you might consider an act of god. This doesn’t have to mean a literal god in your story reaching down and changing something, though that is possible. Acts of god, like natural disasters, weather, and other elements outside of the control of mortal beings, can create hurdles and roadblocks in the plans of your characters. From having a hurricane destroy an essential part of the villain’s plan, to an earthquake forcing the protagonist crew out into the open, acts of god can really help round out act two of a story. First aired February 18, 2021. The post S19E6 – Using the Weather and Other Acts of God appeared first on Writing Roots.

No matter the genre, using scenes that focus on character emotions can help drive a plot through the second act. Sometimes this comes with romantic dates that end in mishaps or misery. Sometimes it means a character gets drunk or otherwise inhibited and reveals a secret. Either of these devices can give authors more depth to the story, to the characters, and to the plot. In this episode, Ley and Leigh discuss why romantic scenes in the middle shouldn’t end well, and how alcohol can play a part in making that happen. First aired February 15, 2021. The post S19E5 – Romance and Drunkenness appeared first on Writing Roots.

What can be better for the middle of Act II than a party? Holidays and events are a wonderful way to add some depth to the world while giving the characters something to work towards. Festivities can also give characters a new setting for different kinds interaction. Leigh and Ley discuss different kinds of holidays, how they usually get started, and how you can use earthly holidays to help create ones in your world. First aired February 11, 2021. The post S19E4 – Creating a Holiday for Worldbuilding appeared first on Writing Roots.

One way to help the process of writing the second act is to have a casting change of some kind. This could be bringing back a character introduced early in the book, adding a new character, or even removing one from the story. It’s difficult, though, to make a change in the characters seem natural. In this episode, we discuss ways to shift around the cast in ways that will add to the story rather than overwhelm the reader with name after name. First aired February 8, 2021. The post S18E3 – Time for a Casting Change appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every character has a secret. Sometimes it’s something they know about another, and sometimes it’s about themselves. Using these secrets during the second act can help give the plot direction and conflict to build towards the final confrontation. Continuing our series on finding prompts for Act Two of a three-act structure, hosts Leigh and Ley discuss the use of secrets, how they can come out, and how they can change relationship dynamics. First aired February 4, 2021. The post S19E2 – A Secret Revealed appeared first on Writing Roots.

The most challenging part of writing a novel is often the middle. It’s find the pieces to keep the plot moving forward without simply skipping to the end. Throughout February, we will be talking about writing prompts and devices that can be used to spur any writer on, whether or not they keep the scene in the final edit. Footholds are the first step to any scene that fills the middle of a book. They’re moments where a character mentions something – a person, place, or object – that can be tied into the story later. They’re not necessarily relevant to the plot, but can be used to fill and embellish. To get the characters from where they are to where they need to be. Listen to this episode to learn what kinds of things you can make a foothold for your own writing. First aired February 1, 2021. The post S19E1 – Using Footholds to Find Direction appeared first on Writing Roots.

It’s no secret to anyone that listens to this podcast that Brandon Sanderson is Leigh’s favorite author, but he also has a lot of advice to help new authors. While he’s creating worlds with depth and beauty, he also spends time to help writers expand their abilities. From a podcast to a university class, he’s made sure there are ample resources for anyone wanting to dive into creating fantasy works of their own. First aired January 30, 2021. Resources: – YouTube channel – Five Tips for Writing Your First Novel – Lecture Series The post S18 Bonus – Pearls from the Masters: Brandon Sanderson appeared first on Writing Roots.

Ernest Hemingway is considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th Century, his influence expanding beyond just his works alone. His writing is as straightforward as his advice for writers. We review some of that advice and break down how it applies to modern writers. First aired January 28, 2021. The post S18E8 – Pearls from the Masters: Ernest Hemingway appeared first on Writing Roots.

Two of the greatest fantasy writers came from the same writing group. Not only that, but they were known friends as they worked on their individual stories and books. J.R.R Tokein is best known for The Lord of the Rings and the rest of the Middle Earth universe. C.S. Lewis, while he has many philosophical or theological writings, is known in the fantasy world for The Chronicles of Narnia series. In this episode, we take quotes from both of these authors and compare them, seeing how the two sometimes-rivals agreed or disagreed in many ways. First aired January 25, 2021. The post S18E7 – Pearls from the Masters: J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis appeared first on Writing Roots.

Agatha Christie is among the greatest mystery authors of all time. Her stories, though around 100 years old, are still loved and well-read today. Part of that was her ability to weave a mystery that keeps the reader intrigued and wondering. She also shared advice and revealed her own writing process that is still useful for new authors. Leigh and Ley share those and discuss why it’s useful advice after a century in this episode. First aired January 21, 2021. The post S18E6 – Pearls from the Masters: Agatha Christie appeared first on Writing Roots.

While Aristotle is more well-known for his philosophical ideas, he also has many memorable and applicable quotes to writing today. Storytelling in Greece during Aristotle’s time was largely done through theater. Modern patterns for tragedies, dramas, and comedies can all trace their roots to Greek theater. Aristotle helped define what makes a good play, from the plot to the characters. Leigh and Ley discuss the advice and how it can still be useful in the modern world in this episode. First aired January 18, 2020. The post S18E5 – Pearls from the Masters: Aristotle appeared first on Writing Roots.

No one is as economical with words quite like an action author. Among the best of them is Lee Child, known for his Jack Reacher series. His writing is succinct and straight forward even as he lays out a mystery and plot that can entice the readers. For this episode, we take a look at the advice he’s given and how it can be applied in our own writing. First aired January 14, 2021. The post S18E4 – Pearls from the Masters: Lee Child appeared first on Writing Roots.

One author with almost endless advice for those getting started in their writing careers is Neil Gaiman. Many of his books and other works are lauded for their creativity and humor, and many have been made into movies or shows as a result. Much of the advice he gives, though, is to encourage writers to embrace their craft, for there is always something important in storytelling, no matter the kind of story. Listen to this episode to hear some pearls of wisdom from Neil Gaiman. First aired January 11, 2021. The post S18E3 – Pearls from the Masters: Neil Gaiman appeared first on Writing Roots.

Masters of the writing craft come in all forms and all genres. While much of his popularity was gained as a vlogger, John Green was first an award-winning author. His unique connection to a younger audience helped him gain popularity for his Young Adult fiction. Though he hasn’t published many books in total, his advice can be invaluable for all authors. In this episode, we take a look at his advice regarding discouragement, what it takes to be a writer, and how to become better. First aired January 7, 2021. The post S18E2 – Pearls from the Masters: John Green appeared first on Writing Roots.

When learning to write, one of the best ways to improve is to look to the ones who have gone before. Like an apprentice blacksmith, new writers can rely on the masters of the writing craft. One of the most common modern authors that has helped guide the apprentices is Stephen King. From finding influence in his own work to reading On Writing, hundreds of authors find his words of wisdom to be beacons in their writing journey for what can be considered good writing. Throughout the month of January, we’ll be examining the advice from the masters of writing and storytelling. Listen to this episode to hear some of what Stephen King has to say about the process. First aired January 4, 2021. The post S18E1 – Pearls from the Masters: Stephen King appeared first on Writing Roots.

There is so much advice out there for writers. Some of it is good, some of it is great, and some of it is terrible. However, not all advice can be applied across the board for every writer. There are style differences, genre expectations, and simple author quirks that make each author a unique being in how they go about writing. But while advice can’t be just applied at face value every time, there are still reasons to listen and contemplate the suggestions given. First and foremost, listening and trying to apply advice in the best way possible will make you a better writer. We’re saying goodbye to 2020 by considering how we all can learn to become better at what we love. The goal is to prepare you for the start of the new year, when we talk about the advice given by well-known and respected authors. First aired December 31, 2020. The post S17E9 – How Do I Learn to Become a Better Writer? appeared first on Writing Roots.

Starting is the hardest part about writing a novel. You have so many ideas swirling around in your head, but the question remains of how to even get those first words on the paper. The answer is different depending where you are in your own writing journey. From starting with nothing as a first-time author, to having the experience and knowledge of a five-time author. We break down what you need to know in order to get started, no matter where you are in your process. First aired December 28, 2020. The post S17E8 – What Do I Need to Know to Start Writing My Book? appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are all kinds of things that can keep someone from writing. There’s not enough time. Other things need to take priority. Inspiration or the muses have not struck yet. The next scene is difficult. And the list goes on. Trust us, we know each of these from experience. Often times, though, we take all of things and lump them under the category of “writer’s block.” In this episode, we explore different ways we’ve found to overcome writer’s block, along with other common hinderances to the writing process. First aired December 26, 2020. The post S17 Bonus – How Do I Get Over Writer’s Block? appeared first on Writing Roots.

Any book taking place in the real world – especially those in the modern era – will have mentions and references that anchor them into a timeline. That can be anything from mentioning the type of phone they’re using (is it a flip phone or a smart phone?) to dropping actual names of people or things. There is a common question we see a lot, especially from anyone wanting to start writing something like Ready Player One, which is chock full of so many references it has any nostalgic heart longing for the past. What’s the line, though? What makes something fair use or a copyright infringement? Can an author mention someone else’s work without having to get a written, contractual permission? The short answer is yes, but with limitations. Listen to this episode for a break down of what does and does not apply under fair use laws in fiction. First aired December 24, 2020. The post S17E7 – Can I Mention Copyrighted or Trademarked Material? appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are so many answers to this frequently asked question. What software and which programs are the best for the different phases of writing and publishing? Unfortunately, there is no one right answer. At least not for authors as a whole. Every writer will need to find what works best for them. Sometimes, it’ll be the free options. But as Benjamin Franklin said, there is a benefit to investing in the tools of trade. This is especially important when it comes to creating professional-level quality books. We break down different options for the writing and formatting phases in this episode. First aired December 21, 2020. The post S17E6 – What Software is Good for Writing and Formatting? appeared first on Writing Roots.

Pricing is not always easy when considering the value of a produce, especially of a book. You may believe it’s worth much more because it’s yours. Not everyone agrees, however, and the cost of something is almost always decided by the customer. Authors need to consider, honestly and truthfully, what their book is worth to the reader in order to set the price. In this episode, Ley and Leigh discuss different methods for determining the cost and profit balances, along with those common for major self-publishing outlets. First aired December 17, 2020. The post S17E5 – What Price Should I Set for My Book? appeared first on Writing Roots.

The specifics of a genre can be difficult to determine at times. You may know your book is fantasy, but what kind of fantasy? What kind of Young Adult novel did you just write? Knowing the subgenre can make sure you reach the right kind of audience. The ones that will like and enjoy your book. First aired December 14, 2020. The post S17E4 – How Do I Determine the Genre of a Book? appeared first on Writing Roots.

One question we encounter a lot is about how to keep a reader interested in a story. What devices can be used to make the reader turn the page, or say “just one more chapter” over and over? One that many authors turn to is the cliffhanger. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as saying “to be continued.” While there are times that a cliffhanger is the perfect device, it can also create more frustration for the reader than curiosity. It comes down to when and how they’re used. Listen to this episode for an explanation of different kinds of cliffhangers and where they can be used best. First aired December 10, 2020. The post S17E3 – To Cliffhang or Not to Cliffhang? appeared first on Writing Roots.

All authors want to make some kind of impact on their readers through their words. Even books written for pure entertainment need to have some kind of influence, even if it’s just for a few laughs. Accomplishing that task, however, is no easy feat. The question we wish to answer is how to make a book have that kind of lingering impact on a reader. While no genre is the same – and no book, for that matter – there are elements that can be used across any writing. It starts with connection. Listen to the episode for more on how to create that link between your readers and your book that will leave an impression with them that lasts beyond the final words of the book. First aired December 6, 2020. The post S17E2 – What Makes a Book Impactful and Unforgettable? appeared first on Writing Roots.

The whole purpose of Writing Roots is to help authors achieve their goals. To help them write and to be published, if that is their wish. Along the way, though, writers often find stumbling blocks and no good resource to turn to for answers. That’s why in December, we want to answer your questions. We see and hear the same questions time and time again. This month, we are giving you the answers. December’s first question is about appearances. There’s a balance for describing characters and scenes that can be difficult to achieve. You want to give the readers enough to have a clear image in their minds without overwhelming them with unnecessary and boring details. This episode breaks down when and how to describe characters and scene in not only the first book, but in the sequels. First aired December 3, 2020. The post S17E1 – How Descriptive Should I Get With Appearances? appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some things that can help any author simply write, no matter the genre. We’re sharing with you this month tricks of the writing trade. Especially during November, which is National Novel Writing Month, writers everywhere need all the help they can get to hit that 50,000 word count goal. That includes things like how to write right, filling the middle bits of a book, and making sure to also highlight supporting characters. It’s time for the end. Protagonists bask in the glory of hard-earned victories, but even with that satisfaction, the ends of books can fall flat. One solution is to give the other characters victories of their own. Many readers find their favorite characters are not the main ones who are the focus of the story, but the supporting cast there to bolster the protagonist and add a little joviality. Listen to this episode to learn how and why those in the supporting cast deserve a moment in the spotlight at the end. First aired November 30, 2020. The post S16E9 – Sharing the Spotlight: Including Victories for Secondary Characters appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are subtle things in writing that change the flow of the sentences and paragraphs. Punctuation marks do more than denote a stop or pause. They create a flow for the reader much like musical annotations dictate the rises and falls of a symphony piece. There’s also more to their uses in fiction that what is initially taught in grade school. Along with punctuation, how paragraphs are formatted and split can lead the reader to continuing beyond the breaks, pulling them along with little teases for what’s still to come. Learning these aspects of writing, though, can be difficult. It’s not as easy because no computer program can fill in the gaps for when to use certain punctuation or when to make a new paragraph. This bonus episode breaks down the uses for different punctuation – and when not to use them – and discusses how to use paragraphing to pull the reader further in the story. First aired November 28, 2020. The post S16 Bonus – Punctuation and Paragraphing appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some things that can help any author simply write, no matter the genre. We’re sharing with you this month tricks of the writing trade. Especially during November, which is National Novel Writing Month, writers everywhere need all the help they can get to hit that 50,000 word count goal. That includes things like how to write right, filling the middle bits of a book, and making sure to also highlight supporting characters. Some characters need to be seen as hard and immovable. For readers to sympathize with a character, however, there needs to be a different side. They need to have a moment we like to call “pet the dog.” It’s that moment where the character shows they really do have emotions and empathy for something else. But there are other uses for these moments as well. Hosts Ley and Leigh discuss how to use this writing tool, and some of their favorite uses in popular fiction. First aired November 16, 2020. The post S15E8 – Pet the Dog: Moments to Humanize Characters appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some things that can help any author simply write, no matter the genre. We’re sharing with you this month tricks of the writing trade. Especially during November, which is National Novel Writing Month, writers everywhere need all the help they can get to hit that 50,000 word count goal. That includes things like how to write right, filling the middle bits of a book, and making sure to also highlight supporting characters. There are a few tricks authors can use to move the story along in the slog of the middle of the book. On top of having subplots that can develop, there is a device called “yes, but…” that can give the readers satisfaction while still providing obstacles. Going along with the last episode, this device creates caveats to the hero’s successes in the middle. They accomplish something, but something else has gone wrong as a result. Ley and Leigh break down how to use this device in this latest episode. Hope your NaNo is going well! Don’t forget to enter our giveaway (details here). The post S16E7 – Yes, But… appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some things that can help any author simply write, no matter the genre. We’re sharing with you this month tricks of the writing trade. Especially during November, which is National Novel Writing Month, writers everywhere need all the help they can get to hit that 50,000 word count goal. That includes things like how to write right, filling the middle bits of a book, and making sure to also highlight supporting characters. There’s only about a week and half left in NaNoWriMo, which means writers around the world are in the middle of their stories. This can be the most difficult part to write because things need to happen, but what? We can’t just skip to the end and call it good. But what exactly needs to go in the middle? The answer is simple in saying, but not in execution. Obstacles. Protagonists need to have challenges along the way to their final goal. In this episode, Ley and Leigh discuss ways to throw obstacles at your characters to make them struggle and pull your readers into the story. First aired November 19, 2020. The post S16E6 – Throw in an Obstacle appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some things that can help any author simply write, no matter the genre. We’re sharing with you this month tricks of the writing trade. Especially during November, which is National Novel Writing Month, writers everywhere need all the help they can get to hit that 50,000 word count goal. That includes things like how to write right, filling the middle bits of a book, and making sure to also highlight supporting characters. What really makes a story relatable? It’s not the battles on a grand scale. It’s not the politics of planets. It’s not the entire police agencies case load. A relatable story is small. It zooms in on a character – or sometimes a few characters – to tell the tale of their lives as they navigate the world’s troubles. Authors can sometimes struggle with this concept because they want to display the fantastic world they’ve created. But that’s not why readers get invested in a book. They get invested in the characters, then learn to love the world. Listen to this episode to explore ways to make a story small in order to make it big. First aired November 16, 2020. It’s not too late to enter our NaNoWriMo giveaway! Click the link for more details. The post S16E5 – Make it Small appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some things that can help any author simply write, no matter the genre. We’re sharing with you this month tricks of the writing trade. Especially during November, which is National Novel Writing Month, writers everywhere need all the help they can get to hit that 50,000 word count goal. That includes things like how to write right, filling the middle bits of a book, and making sure to also highlight supporting characters. Writing is about the details. One thing many authors forget is to tap into all of the senses when trying to submerse the readers in a world. This doesn’t mean describing all the sights, sounds, and tastes at the same time, but it does mean considering more than just what the scene looks like. In fact, there are more than five senses that can make the reader really feel like they are living the story. This episode breaks down those senses and how they can be used effectively in writing to connect with the audience. First aired November 12, 2020. The post S16E4 – Using the Senses to Connect with Readers appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some things that can help any author simply write, no matter the genre. We’re sharing with you this month tricks of the writing trade. Especially during November, which is National Novel Writing Month, writers everywhere need all the help they can get to hit that 50,000 word count goal. That includes things like how to write right, filling the middle bits of a book, and making sure to also highlight supporting characters. It’s often the small, untyped details that can make a story. If an author wants a reader to understand something without spending a lot of time explaining, subtext is the way to go. Subtext can allow the reader to understand a character’s fears, thoughts, emotions, and pieces of their history without the author having to go into paragraphs of exposition. It’s a cringe as they see a dog, a wince as someone raises their hand too quickly, a nostalgic smile at the mention of a name. First aired November 9, 2020. The post S16E3 – Between the Lines: Importance of Subtext appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some things that can help any author simply write, no matter the genre. We’re sharing with you this month tricks of the writing trade. Especially during November, which is National Novel Writing Month, writers everywhere need all the help they can get to hit that 50,000 word count goal. That includes things like how to write right, filling the middle bits of a book, and making sure to also highlight supporting characters. Similes and metaphors are devices that have been used in writing for a very long time. Ancient writing used allegories while more modern uses can be single sentences or phrases. In each case, it’s a way to convey a large idea in just a few words. Ley and Leigh break down what they are and how they can be used most effectively in fiction. First aired November 5, 2020. The post S16E2 – Using Similes and Metaphors appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some things that can help any author simply write, no matter the genre. We’re sharing with you this month tricks of the writing trade. Especially during November, which is National Novel Writing Month, writers everywhere need all the help they can get to hit that 50,000 word count goal. That includes things like how to write right, filling the middle bits of a book, and making sure to also highlight supporting characters. The first step for any author is to simply write. It can be difficult, though, to accept a first draft as a first draft and not a perfected best-selling novel. It takes time. It takes patience. And it takes a willingness to accept that writing right right now isn’t always writing a perfect draft. Leigh and Ley discuss their struggles with the concept and ways you can overcome one of the most common inhibitions for writers. First aired November 2, 2020. Find all the information about our NaNoWriMo giveaway here. The post S16E1 – Writing Right Right Now appeared first on Writing Roots.

Happy Halloween everyone! We’ve been talking monsters and fantastical creatures for the entire month of October, progressively getting darker and scarier. Hosts Ley and Leigh were in agreement, though, that the worst of all monsters are humans. For centuries, stories have included men and women who have committed far more attrocities than any mindless undead creature. We start the episode by diving into the mythological human creatures, such as werewolves, then explore the dark world of serial killers. Listen to hear some unusual cases as well as a brief exploration of what science knows of serial killer psychology. First aired October 31, 2020. A special thank you goes to Leigh’s sister, Brianna Joy for her contributions to this episode. An interest in true crime must run in the family. Recommended podcasts for true crime: The Murder Squad Monster: The Zodiac Killer Stuff You Missed in History Class Small Town The post S15 Bonus – The Worst Monsters: Features of True Crime appeared first on Writing Roots.

From those that go bump in the night to ones that offer hope, mythical creatures and monsters are abound in fiction. You can find them in anything from horror to science fiction and fantasy. But where do our ideas for creatures to scare or inspire come from? Throughout October, Writing Roots will be delving into the myths of monsters across the world to help bring inspiration for anyone seeking to write a classic creature or one with a bit of a twist. Some monsters of legend and myth predate human existence. They are the ones who lived and ruled the earth before mankind came to be. In many stories, they’re simply lurking below, waiting for their time to return and reign supreme. We’re talking gods and ancient monsters in this episode, from the Greek Titans to Lovecraft’s Cthulu mythos. First aired October 29, 2020. The post S15E9 – Ancient and Prehistoric Monsters and Gods appeared first on Writing Roots.

From those that go bump in the night to ones that offer hope, mythical creatures and monsters are abound in fiction. You can find them in anything from horror to science fiction and fantasy. But where do our ideas for creatures to scare or inspire come from? Throughout October, Writing Roots will be delving into the myths of monsters across the world to help bring inspiration for anyone seeking to write a classic creature or one with a bit of a twist. Ghosts and spirits are a staple for the Halloween season. In some places, though, it’s believed that ghosts are a part of normal existence. Many people have had their own spectral experience. That means there is a lot to work with for authors hoping to venture into the spooky realms of writing. We invited ghost tour guide Lori Juszak to discuss her experiences with ghosts and to get a look into the world of searching for the phenomena. Ghosts of Fort Collins Contact Lori Juszak The post S15E8 – Ghosts and Hauntings with Lori Juszak appeared first on Writing Roots.

From those that go bump in the night to ones that offer hope, mythical creatures and monsters are abound in fiction. You can find them in anything from horror to science fiction and fantasy. But where do our ideas for creatures to scare or inspire come from? Throughout October, Writing Roots will be delving into the myths of monsters across the world to help bring inspiration for anyone seeking to write a classic creature or one with a bit of a twist. Stories of people rising from the dead to hunt the living have riddled histories and cultures for centuries. From more modern takes on zombies to ancient stories of vampires who feast on blood, there are so many elements to draw from when creating a story involving the undead. Leigh and Ley discuss some of the more common themes in this episode. First aired October 22, 2020. The post S15E7 – Hordes of the Undead appeared first on Writing Roots.

From those that go bump in the night to ones that offer hope, mythical creatures and monsters are abound in fiction. You can find them in anything from horror to science fiction and fantasy. But where do our ideas for creatures to scare or inspire come from? Throughout October, Writing Roots will be delving into the myths of monsters across the world to help bring inspiration for anyone seeking to write a classic creature or one with a bit of a twist. Some of the oldest and deepest fears of humankind include the unknown, and there’s nothing more unknown than what’s in the deep abyss we call the sea. In the old tales, creatures from the waters were often massive and destructive, or alluring tempters. They were never benevolent. Leigh and Ley take a dive into the waters in this episode to explore aquatic monsters, from the mermaid to the Kraken. First aired October 19, 2020. The post S15E6 – Creatures from the Deep appeared first on Writing Roots.

From those that go bump in the night to ones that offer hope, mythical creatures and monsters are abound in fiction. You can find them in anything from horror to science fiction and fantasy. But where do our ideas for creatures to scare or inspire come from? Throughout October, Writing Roots will be delving into the myths of monsters across the world to help bring inspiration for anyone seeking to write a classic creature or one with a bit of a twist. The oldest monsters in the world are mashed-up combinations of creatures familiar to mankind. The Löwenmensch, a figurine that was half-lion, half-man, is the oldest known record of what humans considered monstrous. Since then, stories have been riddled with the mix-and-match creatures that have become known as Chimera. In this episode, Leigh and Ley explore different combinations that haunted stories around the world. First aired October 15, 2020. The post S15E5 – Chimera: The Mix-and-Match Monsters appeared first on Writing Roots.

From those that go bump in the night to ones that offer hope, mythical creatures and monsters are abound in fiction. You can find them in anything from horror to science fiction and fantasy. But where do our ideas for creatures to scare or inspire come from? Throughout October, Writing Roots will be delving into the myths of monsters across the world to help bring inspiration for anyone seeking to write a classic creature or one with a bit of a twist. It’s time to think on a large scale. Or rather, about the large-scale creatures. Giants have been part of myth and legends for a very long time, though surprisingly, mostly in European-based countries. In this episode, Ley and Leigh explore stories of giants and other creations of large stature. First aired October 12, 2020. The post S15E4 – Giants and Creatures of Large Stature appeared first on Writing Roots.

From those that go bump in the night to ones that offer hope, mythical creatures and monsters are abound in fiction. You can find them in anything from horror to science fiction and fantasy. But where do our ideas for creatures to scare or inspire come from? Throughout October, Writing Roots will be delving into the myths of monsters across the world to help bring inspiration for anyone seeking to write a classic creature or one with a bit of a twist. Long before Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, people have been imagining and creating counterfeit life. While it is sometimes helpful, most of the stories end with it turning against the maker. In this episode, Leigh and Ley break down common types of man-made creatures and some of the tropes that accompany them. First aired October 8, 2020. The post S15E3 – Man-Made Monsters and Creatures appeared first on Writing Roots.

From those that go bump in the night to ones that offer hope, mythical creatures and monsters are abound in fiction. You can find them in anything from horror to science fiction and fantasy. But where do our ideas for creatures to scare or inspire come from? Throughout October, Writing Roots will be delving into the myths of monsters across the world to help bring inspiration for anyone seeking to write a classic creature or one with a bit of a twist. Though they may have become wildly popular with young children through characters such as Tinker Bell, stories of the fairies were used to warn children away from wandering too far away. Leigh and Leigh discuss in this episode some of the history of the fae, different types in classical and modern stories, and how to use them in your own creations. First aired October 5, 2020. The post S15E2 – The Fae and Fairies appeared first on Writing Roots.