Story from Scratch

What do you do when you've got multiple projects to juggle? This week's episode is all about figuring out what to prioritize when it comes to our creative endeavors. How do we decide what needs to get done first? How do we stick with a project once we've chosen to prioritize it? How important is it as a new author to consider which book to make your debut novel? Yale and Justin hash out all that and more in this episode of Quick Bits. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week on Quick Bits, we talk about negativity. Ever get into that headspace where you question whether you're any good at this creative thing at all? We've been there too, and it's a natural part of the process. This episode explores some of the factors that may contribute to a negative view of one's creative output and strategies for dealing with the fallout of such frustrations. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, Kevin Valentine joins us once again to chat about his process writing the KRZ: Tiger Winds webcomic. We touch on pitching, finding the right collaborator, and seeing our brainchildren come to life in a visual format. Check out Tiger Winds: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/krz-tiger-winds/list?title_no=330086&fbclid=IwAR2eYnTlD5LqJxXSis3Uy513G_Zrt7ZJKqhBGN4cvx1_GCrK99_EYXcOClM Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, we're joined by Kevin Valentine, author of the webcomic KRZ: Tiger Winds. We talk about the inspiration behind Kevin's LGBTQ+ focused series, the shift the story underwent from prose to comic form, and growing as a writer over the years.  Check out Tiger Winds: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/krz-tiger-winds/list?title_no=330086&fbclid=IwAR2eYnTlD5LqJxXSis3Uy513G_Zrt7ZJKqhBGN4cvx1_GCrK99_EYXcOClM Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week on Quick Bits, Yale and Justin discuss our tendency to lost interest in our stories, whether while writing them or years afterwards. Sometimes, it's okay to move on from a project. But the reverse is also true--sometimes, our love for an old project spontaneously reignites. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, Yale and Justin discuss the merits (and drawbacks) of introducing a large cast of characters all at once. Is it better to slowly introduce your main cast one at a time, or are there situations where you might want to establish the whole cast right off the bat? If so, how do you prevent the reader from becoming overwhelmed?  Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, in a special episode, Yale and Justin take an in-depth look at two stories from tdotSpec's Speculative North Magazine. First, we examine Not a Vampire by Jeremiah Kleckner (which can be found in Issue 2), and then we discuss The Alchemy of Curses by Joshua Grasso (which can be found in Issue 1). If you'd like to check out those stories or any of the other amazing works published by tdotSpec, you can grab a free digital copy at tdotspec.com or buy a paperback version of any of the Speculative North issues through Amazon. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, Yale and Justin discuss to what extent they've planned out what books and series they intend to write in the future. Some writers develop complex worlds in which they plan to write dozens of novels, and others have only a single story they want to tell. Where do you fall on that scale? Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week on Story From Scratch, we wonder just how clear we need to spell things out for our readers. Is it okay to make the reader work hard once in a while, or does subtlety only alieante your audience, relegating you to a niche?  Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, Yale and Justin talk about their old writing... and how terrible it was. From frontloading paragraphs upon paragraphs of exposition, to going on author diatribes about things that have absolutely nothing to do with the plot, we've done it all. Sometimes it's worthwhile to look back and reflect on how far we've come (especially if we can get a good laugh out of it). Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week on Quick Bits, we discuss Justin's concept of a dynamic character arc. What if instead of having an arc where a character doesn't change until the climax of the novel, one were to write a story in which a character goes through multiple significant changes of the course of the novel? Yale and Justin debate whether this style of storytelling is actually feasable and has the potential to be satisfying. Examples are provided from some of Justin's works-in-progress, so beware of potential spoilers! Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week on quick bits, Yale and Justin talk about where to end a particular writing session. Do you stop at the end of a scene? End of a chapter? Is it better to write for a set amount of time or to write a set amount of words? Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week on Quick Bits, Justin and Yale revisit the topic of themes. Do you ever wonder how to straddle that line between conveying a message and force-feeding your opinions down the reader's throat? Do you have concerns about making definitive statements on grander concepts you fear you lack authority on? Well, we do--so join us as we hash out the intricacies of thematic subject matter. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

Welcome to Quick Bits! For the month of May, due to our busy schedules, we'll be publishing these shorter, more-focused episodes, each delving into a single topic. This week, we (by which we mean mostly Yale) discuss what software and hardware we use for writing. We learn how meticulously organized Yale is, and how meticulously disorganized Justin is. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, for a change, Yale and Justin discuss things they actually like about the writing process. It's easy to find things to gripe about, but at the end of the day, we're doing this writing thing because, well, we like doing it. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week on Story From Scratch, Yale and Justin discuss how they approach the revisions process. Justin ponders Stephen King's advice about taking time away before beginning revisions, and Yale grapples with perfectionism. Questions are raised about the benefits of actioning writing group feedback.  Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

Our friend Peter G. Reynolds joins us once again, this time for a deep dive into the hurdles of writing books for children. After all, children aren't (usually) the ones who write children's books. They're not the ones who edit them. And they're not the ones who buy them, either. How do all of these factors affect the way we approach writing them? To find out more about Peter, or purchase his books, visit him at https://www.storiesbypeter.com/ Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, we have a chat with children's author and podcaster Peter G. Reynolds. We talk about the influence writing groups have on our creative process and how an author can become pidgeon-holed within their community. Peter also shares a bit about the inception of his lovely podcast, Musings and Other Nonsense, and tells us how the "yes, and" philosophy from improv can help you overcome writer's block. To find out more about Peter, or purchase his books, visit him at https://www.storiesbypeter.com/ Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, we get an update from Yale on how his querying journey has been going thus far... which leads us to the topic of how to deal with the anxiety of waiting and the crushing blow of rejection. We discuss some useful coping mechanisms we've employed, which hopefully will be of use to you once you've finished that draft. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, we respond to questions and comments from our listeners! Sticking to our theme for the month, we touch on various topics related to querying. Find out how many agents to query at a time, whether you can query multiple agents at the same agency, and what sorts of unexpected questions agents might ask you to provide answers to.  Special thanks to everyone who sent questions in! We didn't get to everything, so we'll be doing more of these in the future. Be sure to send us your questions, comments, and thoughts. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

So you've got your package together and are ready to dive into the querying trenches. Except... there are hundreds of agents out there. How do you choose who to submit to first? What sort of things should you look for in an agent? What's the best way to go about researching agents? Learn the answers to these questions and more in our latest query-centric episode. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, Justin and Yale walk you through prepping for the querying process. We talk about how to know when your manuscript is ready to query, what to include in your synopsis, and how to structure your query letter. Justin struggles with numbered lists.  Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This month, we're going to be taking an in-depth look at the querying process. Got a finished manuscript but not sure what the next step is? No worries--we're here to walk you through it. In our overview episode, we discuss our first experiences with querying, the benefits of querying (aside from getting an agent, of course), and when to start thinking about querying. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, we talk all about channeling genuine emotions in our fiction. We go over the benefits of drawing on your own experiences and feeling things alongside the characters. Justin poses the question of whether emotional arcs need to be present in a first draft or can be added during revisions.  Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

It's our Valentine's Day special! Our friend Ana joins us again to discuss writing romance (particularly in genres other than romance). We get Ana's insights on how romance can absolutely gut a character, how to balance a romantic subplot with the main plot, and whether it's possible to write a blank-slate love interest. And remember: don't skimp on dessert! You can find Ana's writing in the anthology Sharp & Sugar Tooth: Women Up To No Good edited by Octavia Cade. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week on Story From Scratch... we have a difficult time staying on topic. Our good friend Anahita joins us for a discussion on writing multiple projects at the same time, not shying away from harsh critique, and how our educational backgrounds can inform our writing. We also discuss whether Casper was ever alive, what kind of animal Yale looks like, and whether we can trust people who don't believe in ghosts. You can find Ana's writing in the anthology Sharp & Sugar Tooth: Women Up To No Good edited by Octavia Cade. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

We're back from our hiatus with a brand new season! To kick off the new year, Justin and Yale chat about their takeaways from 2020 and their writing goals for 2021. Yale talks about his new manuscript, and Justin reveals a very odd fact about himself. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

Final Piece is a podcast Yale hosts about murder mysteries.  If you like solving puzzles and playing detective games, please subscribe! You'll an all-original crime scene to investigate every other Wednesday. Follow along and see if you can figure out the FINAL PIECE iTunes Spotify

This week, we take a look back at all that has happened in 2020. It was a tumultuous year, but nonetheless, we have made it to the end (almost). Justin talks about his upcoming music release and Yale teases his upcoming project, Final Piece, a murder mystery podcast. Listen to Justin's Album, Songs About Depression: https://blooburds.bandcamp.com/album/songs-about-depression Subscribe to Final Piece: https://www.finalpiecepod.com/ Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, Yale and Justin take care of homework from a month ago. After watching their respective movies, our cohosts review what they enjoyed about 10 Cloverfield Lane, Fight Club, and Tale of Two Sisters. MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. You've been warned.   Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, we have a short but sweet episode where Scott Thrower of Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children gives us his feedback on our beloved "From Scratch" segment. Full episodes return starting next week! Be sure to check out Scott's Arcane History series, the first three books of which are available on Amazon! Scott's website: https://scottthrower.ca/ Subscribe to Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fairy-tales-for-unwanted-children/id1225047924 Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, we're once again joined by the exquisite voice of Scott Thrower as we pick his brain on the self-publishing market. We chat about the scandalous exploitation that plagued the early self-publishing landscape and dissect the workoholism of an independent author. Be sure to check out Scott's Arcane History series, the first three books of which are available on Amazon! Scott's website: https://scottthrower.ca/ Subscribe to Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fairy-tales-for-unwanted-children/id1225047924 Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, we're joined with an extra special guest. Creator of Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children, Scott Thrower is in this episode to talk about his work on the stunning podcast, his career as a self-publishing novelist, and all that's necessary to be an independent creator in the current environment. Be sure to tune in to see if Yale and Justin might learn something! Scott's website: https://scottthrower.ca/ Subscribe to Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fairy-tales-for-unwanted-children/id1225047924 Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

It's time for another Halloween special! This episode, we once again have our friend Y. M. Pang join us as we discuss the differences between writing a horror story and writing scenes of horror in stories that belong to other genres. We touch on the distinction between dark fantasy and horror, the subversion of expectations, and how horror is the country music of literary genres. Check out Michelle's website: http://www.ympang.com Or follow her on Twitter @YMPangWriter Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch Additional Sounds from Zapsplat.com

Okay, so we've been building up to this one for a while now. After months and months of griping about writing groups, beta reads, and revisions, this episode, we finally attempt our big take-down of editing as a whole. Y. M. Pang joins us once again for this spicy debate as we settle once and for all whether there's actually any point to editing your story. Check out Michelle's website: http://www.ympang.com Or follow her on Twitter @YMPangWriter Still thinking of editing your novel? Visit https://www.royaleditorial.com/  Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

In a first for the podcast, special guest Y. M. Pang joins us for one of our "From Scratch" segments. When tasked with creating a story that incorporates each of our darkest fears, we come up with a riveting B-movie plot that is sure to fuel your nightmares for years to come. Check out Michelle's website: http://www.ympang.com Or follow her on Twitter @YMPangWriter Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch Additional Sounds from Zapsplat.com

This episode, we are joined by our good friend Michelle, one of the most accomplished writers we know. Michelle has published with some of the top science fiction and fantasy magazines, including The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Clarkesworld, and Asimov's Science Fiction. We pick her brain about breaking into the short story market and discuss her mantra of don't self-reject.  Check out Michelle's website: http://www.ympang.com Or follow her on Twitter @YMPangWriter Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This episode, we each give our top 5 list of best twist endings and explain why we think they're so great. Between books, movies, and TV shows, our conversation reaches a wide net, so be warned! Major spoilers ahead.  We talk about Joss Whedon films and classic anime, comedies and horror, novels and short stories, and more. They were really good lists - and I say so without any bias.   Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This episode, we give our takes on how classic movies/books/tv shows could have ended with a twist ending instead of how they actually ended. What starts as a fun game turns into a test of our co-hosts' knowledge of Shakespeare, avoiding New England accents, and surprisingly good additions to some already really great works. We discuss Romeo and Juliet, The Hobbit (not the films), Iron Man, Goodfellas and more!   Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

In this episode, we (try) to create our version of a good twist from scratch! Taking inspiration from a number of sources, Yale and Justin try to navigate through the complexities of writing a scene with a good twist, but making it both satisfying and unexpected. We discuss why going a 'full 180' is not that unexpected, and the usefulness of subverting expectations by first setting them. Eventually we come to an agreement on how we would write a battle like the Battle of Helm's Deep in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This episode, Yale and Justin are all about twists: shocking reveals and last-minute turns-of-the-tide. Our co-hosts try to dig down to the root of what makes twists good. They talk about Rick and Morty, and The Usual Suspects, and why 'it was all a dream' is so bad.    Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This week, we answers questions sent in by you, the fans. We touch on how to ensure internal consistency when baking pancakes--er, make that when writing a novel; how to write characters who go beyond the basic archetypes; and how to integrate a message into your story without being too anvillicious. If you have any questions you'd like us to answer in future episodes, email us at storyfromscratchpodcast@gmail.com. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

This episode, our friend K. M. McKenzie joins us to discuss and dissect the 2016 movie Star Trek Beyond. We gripe about soulless Hollywood blockbusters, over-reliance on CGI, and, of course, J. J. Abrams.  Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

In this episode, we discuss a previously hotly contested topic: the prologue. Our good friend K. M. McKenzie joins us and gives her strong opinion on the matter, and we debate over whether or not prologues have any merit to them whatsoever. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

In this episode, we once again build a story from scratch, this time riffing off stories that feature mysterious settings like Lost, Cube, and The Maze Runner.  We explore coming up with the question part of a mystery first rather than the answer, analyze the process of coming up with a compelling mystery, and come away with the conclusion that everyone should go watch the movie Oldboy. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch  

This episode, our lovely friend and wonderful writer K. M. McKenzie joins us to talk about her career and how we came to know each other. We also talk about her involvement with our partners, TdotSpec! We dive into the history of our circle of speculative fiction writing groups in Toronto and discuss the woes of querying as writers. Don't miss out on this extra-special interview episode. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

In this episode, we address the giant elephant in the room and how it has affected our productivity as creatives. That's right--this episode's all about how we're managing during the COVID-19 era. We talk about some of the things we've been doing to keep sane during this period of social isolation and provide a few tips and tricks for maintaining a degree of normalcy in these abnormal times. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

In this episode, we examine an episode of the popular animated sci-fi comedy show, Rick and Morty. The specific episode we watched and gave our thoughts on was Season 4, Episode 1. So, please go watch the episode yourself before listening to the spoilers! We talk about the time travel concepts and break down why the elements in this particular episode work or don't work. As we always say, "In comedy, everything is forgiven" but is there even anything to forgive? Maybe you can have your funny cake and eat it with full engaging narrative power too. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch

In this episode, we return to our long-honoured tradition of coming up with a story idea - from Scratch™!  We "borrow" some ideas from the noble Sherlock Holmes stories once again (it's not stealing if we're upfront about it) and follow the Justin method for coming up with the first paragraph.  It's strange how we always end up in the same comedic/horror bent, but I guess that's what you get from concentrated doses of Justin and Yale.  Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch  

Welcome back to Story from Scratch! After a long hiatus, Justin Dill and Yale Wang have returned to bring you a new season of Story from Scratch. That means that we'll be coming to you with weekly releases once again. Woohoo! In this episode, Justin and Yale take a look at what they've accomplished in 2019. Together, they examine their works and talk about how productivity felt over a tumultuous year. As well, they discuss some changes to the podcast format and announce a fancy new partnership! That's right. Story from Scratch has partnered with the publisher tdotSpec to bring you a wider range of content, including guests! Please check them out at http://tdotspec.com/ and give them your support ♥

In this long-awaited, highly-anticipated episode, Yale and Justin discuss the secret to GOOD ACTION, an element many stories fail to deliver in a compelling way. Justin gives his theory on how to make actions carry weight, something Yale struggles with (so really, he should shut his mouth and listen for once). The conversation eventually leads to a stroll through the history of good action scenes. Comparisons to anime are inevitably made. Justin's theories turn out to be actually great advice to writers, so tune in to learn more! The From Scratch segment for the story STRANDED was omitted in favour of more in-depth discussion! --- Those who have been long-time followers will know that we've been on a dreadful hiatus. But, fear not! During this time of global crisis, we will do our part and are looking at a return in the near future. Stay tuned!   IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyFscratch