The Writ Wit: A Podcast About Writing and the Creative Process

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The Writ Wit, where two twits talk about writting. (No, those aren't typos) ​ Hosted by Matthew Donald and Matthew David, the Writ Wit is a podcast for writers, by writers. More accurately however, it's for people dumb enough to think two idiots who are b


    • May 14, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 169 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Writ Wit: A Podcast About Writing and the Creative Process

    Episode 165 - Overly Powerful Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2022 34:16


    In this episode, the two Matts sell a product that sells itself with just one heavily emphasized word, do multiple pushups on air just to prove a point, rag onto each other for forcing us to stay up late to record this, and talk about overly powerful characters in in the next of our set about Mary Sue-ish characters that were not calling Mary Sues because that term has been coopted by incels and can be any gender or race despite what said incels tell you. What makes a character too powerful? Does explaining said power help? What about their skills compared to others who should be more experienced? How mad is Matt David at his co-host for accusing him of making them stay up late to record this rather than breaking apart the recording time like he hates to do? We discuss it all, with phenomenal cosmic powers yet itty bitty living space, and talk about Star Wars, X-Men, and Spaceballs for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. And you can check out the Discord for Matt David's podcast Nerds 'R' Us here: https://discord.gg/PtuCAmXnNn

    Episode 164 - Overly Beloved Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2022 30:10


    In this episode, the two Matts raid what seems to be an ancient tomb but might end up being something far more mundane, go on tangents about segues and how some of us nail them and others of us steal their thunder, get a little too personal and intimate about our relationship, and talk about overly beloved characters in the next of our set about Mary Sue-ish characters that were not calling Mary Sues because that term has been coopted by incels and can be any gender or race despite what said incels tell you. What makes a character too beloved? Does every other character have to love this one for a character to be too beloved? Is a character like this worth saving or even possible to save? Will Matt Donald finally reveal the character he's been building up to while talking about this set? We discuss it all, while being overly beloved ourselves (seriously people, find better podcasters) and talk about Harry Potter, Twelfth Night, and two different Amanda Bynes movies for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. And you can check out the Discord for Matt David's podcast Nerds 'R' Us here: https://discord.gg/PtuCAmXnNn

    Episode 163 - Overly Self-Insert Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2022 37:21


    In this episode, the two Matts do another classic "really short ad" gag that hasn't gotten old the last three times we've done it, protest with large crowds about saving the invasive rodents, go on a tangent about Hawking radiation, and talk about overly self-insert characters in the first of our set about Mary Sue-ish characters that were not calling Mary Sues because that term has been coopted by incels and can be any gender or race despite what said incels tell you. What makes a character an overly self-insert rather than just inspired by your background? How can you improve these characters if you find yourself falling into this trap? When is a character too much like you in EVERY way? Why did Matt David rip off a big American superhero movie this month rather than some Japanese Kamen Rider-esque thingy as per usual? We discuss it all, inserting ourselves seemingly into the podcast, and talk about our old fanfics, Turning Red (as a positive, don't worry) and Moonfall for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. And you can check out the Discord for Matt David's podcast Nerds 'R' Us here: https://discord.gg/PtuCAmXnNn

    Episode 162 - Solarpunk, Biopunk, and All The Other Punks

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2022 51:28


    In this episode, the two Matts have to deal with another episode of the rival podcast of The Writ Wit, realize their 14-year-old edgelord friend has his own edgelord friend that actually makes him look mature, do way more puns than usual even for us, and talk about all the other different types of "punk" stories not big enough for its own episode in the last of our three-episode of the various types of "punk" stories. What are all these genres defined as? What makes an element worth its own genre? What are some new genres like this we could come up with on the spot? How badly did this episode's skit take a toll on Matt Donald's throat? We discuss it all, in the very prolific genre of podcasting known as dumbpunk, and talk about Treasure Planet, The Flintstones, Timberborn, and a few Kamen Rider shows much to Matt David's delight. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. And you can check out the Discord for Matt David's podcast Nerds 'R' Us here: https://discord.gg/PtuCAmXnNn

    Episode 161 - Steampunk, or What If The Future Happened Sooner?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2022 45:42


    In this episode, the two Matts sell a new Cerebral Stimulation product that's even grosser than the other two, compare different types of smoking in terms of which one looks the coolest, gush over old and obscure real time strategy games, and talk about the steampunk and similar subgenres of stories in the next of our three-episode set of the various types of "punk" stories. What is steampunk defined as? What are similar genres with the same idea but different aesthetics? Can it be as cynical as cyberpunk? Will Matt David ever read a real steampunk story and not just watch the other Matt play some fun video games? We discuss it all, with our finest pipes and gear-covered jackets, and talk about the words of Cherie Priest, Jules Verne, The Hobbit, and Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. And you can check out the Discord for Matt David's podcast Nerds 'R' Us here: https://discord.gg/PtuCAmXnNn

    Episode 160 - Cyberpunk, the Original "Punk" Genre

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2022 39:54


    In this episode, the two Matts work on a new studio for recording episodes, acknowledge all the stereotypes of the characters in our pre-episode skits, finally release a Writ Wit episode early for the Patreon after slacking off for at least a few months by this point, and talk about the cyberpunk genre of stories in the first of our three-episode set of the various types of "punk" stories. What is cyberpunk defined as? How did it get its name? Are the narrative or visual themes more important in terms of defining the genre? How many seconds would Matt Donald last a cyberpunk comedian? We discuss it all, while donning our cybernetic body implants and neon-blue mohawks, and talk about Blade Runner, A Scanner Darkly, obviously the game Cyberpunk 2077, and Game of Thrones for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. And you can check out the Discord for Matt David's podcast Nerds 'R' Us here: https://discord.gg/PtuCAmXnNn

    Episode 159 - Works from 2021 Wildcard (The 2021 Writ Wit Witties!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2022 47:46


    In this episode, Matt Donald and Christina Eilert release the episode late again due to issues with recording schedules, talk about the colors of feathers versus fur, mention that we might have taken insurrectionists seriously if they had better hair, and talk about some wildcard entries in the last of our set on the 2021 Writ Wit Witties. What were some of the most "eh" works from 2021? Who had the best hair? Who had the worst hair? Are these really the last of the categories, ending the Witties this year with a whimper rather than a ...slightly louder whimper? We discuss it all, while having amazing hair ourselves that you'll have to trust us on in this audio format, and talk about Raya and the Last Dragon, Fast and Furious 9, Book of Boba Fett, and a 5-minute preview to Jurassic World: Dominion. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 158 - Works We Saw In 2021 Not From 2021 (The 2021 Writ Wit Witties!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2022 60:47


    In this episode, Matt Donald and Christina Eilert barely escape from something unknown but presumably involved birds or something, wonder if the worms in Dune might be a visual metaphor for its fans, piss off every film snob in the world by crapping on Stanley Kubrick and Citizen Kane, and talk about works we saw this year but aren't from this year in the next of our set about the 2021 Writ Wit Witties. What are the works people need to really, seriously shut up about? What stuff did we enjoy that maybe other people haven't checked out? Who's canceled, and who makes it to the next rankings? And seriously, just how many film snobs did both of us piss off? Like, all of them? We discuss it all, slowly getting more used to the at-home studio stuff, and talk about Hercules, Star Wars, Promising Young Woman, and ModNation Racers for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 157 - Works We Didn't Enjoy From 2021 (The 2021 Writ Wit Witties!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2022 37:04


    In this episode, Matt Donald and Christina Eilert discuss how to use pet birds' feathers for quill pens, have really bad audio quality for one of the hosts for the first few minutes but it gets better we promise, piss off a bunch of film nerds with one film's inclusion, and talk about what works we did not enjoy this year in the next of our set about the 2021 Writ Wit Witties. What works came out this year that other people should really just shut up about? What were our least favorite creators? What was our least favorite work overall? Why does Matt Donald insist no one who saw a certain sci-fi movie could tell that their creatures look like certain body parts even though it should have been obvious? We discuss it all, still learning the kinks of the at-home studio, and talk about The Suicide Squad, Mitchells vs. The Machines, Dollface, and Dune. Yeah, I said it. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 156 - Works We Enjoyed From 2021 (The 2021 Writ Wit Witties!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2022 66:43


    In this episode, one of the Matts returns from a holiday break, brings in longtime guest co-host Christina Eilert, forgoes an intro skit for now, and talks about what works he and Christina enjoyed this year in the first of our set about the 2021 Writ Wit Witties. What works came out this year that deserved more praise? What about ones that were hated too much and need a second chance? What about our favorite works of all time? What about Christina ripping off herself rather than something else for the What Will We Rip Off This Month segment? We discuss it all, welcoming a new year in this glorious pandemic with weak, sickly arms, and talk about All the Murders in the Building, Don't Look Up, a bunch of Marvel stuff as per usual, and the 5-minute Jurassic World: Dominion prologue. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 155 - Allegorical Monsters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2022 51:17


    In this episode, the two Matts celebrate the new year in a way fitting for the last couple of years, quote one too many Mel Brooks movies, compare the science of big red dogs versus blown-up babies, and talk about writing monsters that are allegories of real concepts, events, and people in the last of our set about allegories. Why are monsters so versatile in regards to allegories? How can you keep them from being too on-the-nose? Why would you want this versus just having smashy-laser-breath monsters with no reason beyond it being cool? Will the listeners miss Matt David next set as he finally abandons the Witties for good? We discuss it all, while unleashing the monster that is this podcast to the world, and talk about Godzilla, King Kong, Pacific Rim, and Frankenstein. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 154 - Allegorical Factions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2022 48:06


    In this episode, the two Matts have a conversation with 14-year-old edgelord Stuart about book deals, laugh about books having their movie adaptation's posters for covers when the movie has nothing to do with the book, speculate about the etymology of the word "Na'Vi," and talk about writing factions or groups of people that are allegories of real peoples in the next of our set about allegories. What are the benefits of having your factions be an allegory for something more well-known? How can you keep it from being too on-the-nose? Why would you want to do this versus having unique factions? How embarrassed should Matt Donald be about a faction from an earlier version of one of his stories that's a bit too stereotypical? We discuss it all, while being a perfect metaphor for the podcasting youth by being podcasting thirtysomethings, and talk about Avatar, Star Wars, and Rick and Morty for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 153 - Allegorical Plots and Events

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2021 42:06


    In this episode, the two Matts release the episode early for once to both coincide with the holiday and begin the transition of releasing these episodes on Saturdays rather than Wednesdays, perform another writing-themed Christmas song parody no one but us likes but is tradition at this point, deal with all three De Papier brothers at once, and talk about writing plots and events that are allegories of real or legendary events in the next of our set about allegories. What are the benefits of having your plots be an allegory for something more well-known? How can you keep it from being too on-the-nose? Why would you want to do this versus having unique plots? Why does Matt David dislike allegories so much and prefer surface-level stuff if he's a freaking writer? We discuss it all, while enacting a perfect metaphor of German expressionism like the professional auteur writers we are, and talk about Zootopia, X-Men, and The Core for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 152 - Allegorical Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 38:27


    In this episode, the two Matts do another really short ad to save time before their gig at a comedy club, have far worse audio quality than usual due to complications at our usual studio, threaten other writing podcasts so that we can remain number 1, and talk about writing characters that are allegories of real or legendary figures in the first in our set about allegories. What are the benefits of having your character be an allegory for someone more well-known? How can you keep it from being too on-the-nose? Why would you want to do this versus have more unique characters? What is the punchline of Matt Donald's joke in that comedy club and why will it definitely not get him cancelled? We discuss it all, while being perfect Christ metaphors because we share our name with the first book of the New Testament, and talk about Superman, Robin Hood, The Bible, and Matt Donald's own Megazoic: The Primeval Power, an equally notable work as those other three for sure. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 151 - Character Archetypes: The Magician

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 37:01


    In this episode, the two Matts do a clean sweep of all their spare skit ideas they hastily came up with in one episode, compare each other's handwriting and penmanship, have a plan to ensure they don't keep releasing episodes a week late like this one again, and talk about the character archetype of The Magician in the last of our set of the first batch of twelve character archetypes. What makes The Magician, well, The Magician? What's the difference between this and our previous archetype, The Sage? Do they always have to literally use magic? Will Matt David ever do a good joke with his little "ba-dum tss!" he likes to throw out occasionally, or even really a joke at all? We discuss it all, while enacting the wizardry that is modern podcasting, and talk about Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and Doctor Who. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, the list of archetypes we were talking about can be found here: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-the-12-literary-archetypes#12-archetypal-characters-to-use-in-your-writing

    Episode 150 - Character Archetypes: The Sage

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 37:23


    In this episode, the two Matts finally unleash the American De Papier brother Lone Star onto the world, complain about leaving the other behind despite not doing anything to pursue, go way too far on NaNoWriMo word count once more, and talk about the character archetype of The Sage in the next of our set of the first batch of twelve character archetypes. What makes The Sage, well, The Sage? How can they give helpful advice while still being their own character? Are their certain stereotypes you should avoid? How many more national stereotypes are there for Matt Donald to use different De Papier brothers for? We discuss it all, while giving out wonderful sage-like advice on this show, and talk about The Chronicles of Narnia, Bedazzled, 9, and a gender-bent version of Cinderella for some reason. More like Genderella, am I right?! Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, the list of archetypes we were talking about can be found here: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-the-12-literary-archetypes#12-archetypal-characters-to-use-in-your-writing

    Episode 149 - Character Archetypes: The Lover

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2021 34:38


    In this episode, the two Matts release the episode a week late again because why the hell not at this point, go on a tour at a factory where writers can get their ink in an... exotic manner, recognize the differences between one Matts' skit and the other's, and talk about the character archetype of The Lover in the next of our set of the first batch of twelve character archetypes. What makes The Lover, well, The Lover? How can they be more than the character or concepts they love? Do they necessarily have to be a love interest, or can they just be the heart of a team? Will Matt David successfully read out the name of our sponsor this week, or are we too grossed out by the product to do so? We discuss it all, while loving each other in a brotherly and platonic way, and talk about Wonder Woman, Pacific Rim, Star Wars, and Dragon Prince. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, the list of archetypes we were talking about can be found here: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-the-12-literary-archetypes#12-archetypal-characters-to-use-in-your-writing

    Episode 148 - Character Archetypes: The Hero

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 41:38


    In this episode, the two Matts tune in to The Writ Wit's rival podcast hosted by two familiar voices who have always held us in contempt, discuss the importance of Oxford commas and other punctuational and grammatical elements, gasp in betrayal when one of us cleans the others' apartment without their consent, and talk about the character archetype of The Hero in the first of our set about the first batch of twelve character archetypes. What makes The Hero, well, The Hero? How can we keep these characters interesting and not so goody-two-shoes? Can these characters be the antagonists somehow? When will Matt Donald rehire Matt David after he betrayed his trust? We discuss it all, while being The Heroes in our own little podcasting worlds, and talk about Superman, Captain America, Luke Skywalker, and The Eternals. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, the list of archetypes we were talking about can be found here: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-the-12-literary-archetypes#12-archetypal-characters-to-use-in-your-writing

    Episode 147 - Writing Stories Without Passion

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2021 38:41


    In this episode, the two Matts release the episode a few days late to coincide the skit with Halloween (and yes, that's totally the reason), do another annual Halloween-themed skit but this time about a "story vampire," come up with funny nicknames for famous authors, and talk about writing stories without passion in the last of our set about terrible story ideas? When would writers have to write stories they're not interested in? How can you make it interesting for you? Is there a way to still make it good? How good is Matt David's Transylvanian accent and when will Hollywood call him? We discuss it all, while just about to go out for candy and creep out some kids, and talk about the works of Charles Dickens, George R.R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, and the movie Monsters University for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 146 - Writing Under-Researched Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 40:52


    In this episode, the two Matts record a skit that's literally nonsense rather than figuratively like all the other times, discuss the differences between Japanese driving tests versus American ones, end the episode with a terrible joke that neither of us wrote this time, and talk about writing under-researched stories in the next of our set about terrible story ideas. How can you make sure you do adequate enough research? Are there some instances where research doesn't matter as much? What are the kinds of writers that would fall victim to not doing enough research? How badly did Donald stumble when writing the ad for this week? We discuss it all, without any research on any topic whatsoever because we're professionals, and talk about Doctor Who, The Emperor's New Groove, and Banjo-Kazooie for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 145 - Writing Incompatible Crossovers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2021 36:23


    In this episode, the two Matts have a skit that's out there even for this show, talk about the logistics of jigsaw puzzles and how their pieces align, relish in how nice it is for our friends from different social circles to be friends with each other as well, and talk about writing incompatible crossovers in the next of our set about terrible story ideas. What stories inherently don't work together? Can you make any two stories work with enough effort? Is it harder or easier to cross over three or more stories versus two? How impressed was Matt David with Matt Donald thinking of a slightly out-there crossover between Batman and a lesser known superhero? We discuss it all, with the very compatible crossover of us two twits, and talk about Kingdom Hearts, Cowboys and Aliens, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Batman like I said earlier. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 144 - Writing in Someone Else's Universe Without Permission

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 41:38


    In this episode, the two Matts sell a foil as in aluminum that makes foils as in contrasting characters, have some painful half-rhymes in the preceding skit, compare each other's experiences with the two different Avatars, and talk about the problems with writing in someone else's universe in the first of our set about terrible story ideas. How can you avoid taking someone's idea for inspiration when it's too close? What are some ways you can get more inspiration? Can you publish it eventually without being sued? Was Donald right about which episode he said he'd rip off of Sim Theme Park? (spoiler alert: he wasn't) We discuss it all, while keeping to our own universe of ideas like good writers, and talk about Power Rangers, Die Hard, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and James Cameron's Avatar. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. If you want to further support the show, subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/matthewdonald. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 143 - Writing Your Characters Out Through Death

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2021 40:09


    In this episode, the two Matts don a pare of cool shades that make everything seem cooler and help build writing to MAXIMUM COOL, list a bunch of Z-grade supervillains, discuss going weekly versus monthly versus weekly episodes per sets with breaks, and talk about writing out your characters through their deaths in the last of our set about how to write your characters out from the story. How can a character have a fulfilling death? Must there always be a body? How often can you have them come back from the dead, if at all? Why in the world did Matt David bring up that orgy point when it had NOTHING to do with ANYTHING?! Seriously, why, David?! We discuss it all, while trying not to die in this pandemic world, and talk about Star Wars, Winter Soldier, Ratchet and Clank, and Dudley Do-Right for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 142 - Writing Your Characters Out Through Retirement

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 32:44


    In this episode, the two Matts lament how uncreative movie executives are when another remake/rebootquel is announced, talk about long made-up words as well as long real words, relish in the success of one of the hosts finishing the first draft of their next big book, and talk about writing out your characters through retirement in the next of our set about how to write out your characters from the story. Why would a character who's fought for so long retire? What are the benefits and detriments to this way of writing out your characters? Can your characters return still after this without cheapening their earlier departure? Will Matt Donald's new book Teslanauts do just as GREAT *cough* as his Megazoic series? We discuss it all, while never planning to retire ourselves because the economy's ruined, and talk about Avengers Endgame, StarCraft 2, The Matrix, and Michael Jackson for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 141 - Writing Your Characters Out By NOT Completing Their Arcs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2021 34:07


    In this episode, the two Matts tell a tale of two writers at vastly different scales, have a record number of swears in the introduction that get beeped out, come up with a new name for the famous coffee shop that shall not be named for legal reasons, and talk about writing out your characters by NOT completing their arcs in the next of our set about how to write out your characters from your story. Why in the world would a writer want to leave a character's arc unfinished? How much of an explanation do you need for a character's sudden absence? Are there instances with the writer just forgot about the character? Will Matt David ever learn to not shout "I TOLD YOU SO!" while holding up a bright neon sign saying that he told you so? We discuss it all, while hoping the arc of this podcast's existence doesn't go unfinished, and talk about Ice Age, A Goofy Movie, Friends, and Clan of the Cave Bear. What an odd collection of pop culture works this week... Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, the music tracks at the beginning are Pumpkin Woods by Derek and Brandon Fiechter and Crawling by Karl Casey.

    Episode 140 - Writing Your Characters Out By Completing Their Arcs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2021 41:08


    In this episode, the two Matts come back from a one week break in addition to the usual one week break between sets because we're dependable podcasters, sell a computer virus protection software that might be an allusion to something in the real world but it's too subtle to tell, lament about being an English major versus something more reliable like a business major, and talk about writing out your characters by completing their arcs in the first of our set about how to write out your characters from your story. What is the best way to ensure your characters' arc is completed? What's the difference between completing their arc versus just another day in the plot for them? How can you make it in a way that's satisfying? Why does Matt David constantly tell Matt Donald to slow down even though Matt Donald always speaks so carefully and with great intention? We discuss it all, while hoping to complete the arc of this podcast sometime before the heat death of the universe, and talk about Back to the Future, Frozen, and She's the Man for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 139 - Planning Your Inciting Incident

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 43:03


    In this episode, the two Matts listen to the quarterly Captain Writ serial where this time he deals with a villain who steals writers' gumption, have a lengthy-ish physics talk about muons and moles, deal with pearl-clutching puritans in our fan mail segment, and talk about planning your inciting incident in the last of our set about pre-planning before your draft. What do you need in mind before planning your inciting incident? How long into the story can the incident take place? Can it happen far before your story begins as well? Do Matt Donald and Matt David ever reconcile when they realize they meant the inciting incident as two separate things in the story's plot? We discuss it all, while never acknowledging the inciting incident that led to this garbage podcast, and talk about Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Finding Dory and the songs of Fleetwood Mac for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 138 - Planning Your Plot and Genre

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021 35:31


    In this episode, the two Matts deal with Matt Donald's fierce and bizarre craving for a certain Middle Eastern food, don't quite meet our writing goals for our drafts but are really, really close, come up with a decisive answer for a classic riddle, and talk about planning your plot and genre in the next of our set about pre-planning before your draft? Which comes first, the plot or the genre? How do you know the vibe of your story before you write it? Is the plot tied directly to the genre, or can you have the same plot with wildly different genres? Why is Matt David obsessed with the breasts of birds, as opposed to the breasts of other, more worthy targets? We discuss it all, having already figured out the vibe and genre of this dumb show years ago, and talk about Edge of Tomorrow, Inception, Avatar, and Age of Mythology for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, the music as the beginning is Sandstone Cliffs by Derek and Brandon Fiechter.

    Episode 137 - Planning Your Lead Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 33:50


    In this episode, the two Matts don't do an ad about a product that lets you recover lost ideas, look up facts on-air about classic authors and their works, deliberate about works in one comic book media universe versus another, and talk about planning your lead characters in the next of our set about pre-planning before your draft. What are some aspects to keep in mind? How much of yourself can you put into your character? How does planning your characters work for new writers versus experienced ones? We discuss it all, with two wonderful lead characters with actual Hollywood-worthy bods, and talk about Harry Potter, The Man Who Invented Christmas, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the Arrowverse.  Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 136 - Planning Your Concept and Hook

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 40:25


    In this episode, the two Matts begin the tradition of having a week break between segments for our sanity's sake, lament the passing of time as our years on this Earth grow longer, discuss who prescribes medication versus who gives it out, and talk about planning your concept and hook in the first of our set about pre-planning before your draft. How do you know whether you have a good idea? Is your concept better for a single installment or a huge series? How can you describe your hook? How will Matt Donald survive turning thirty freaking years old as he just did? We discuss it all, having previously planned the concept of this show years ago, and talk about Phantom of the Opera, Iron Harvest, The Secret Country, and Boy Meets World for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 135 - Keeping Continuity in Serial Works

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2021 40:44


    In this episode, the two Matts make a robot look over all the previous skits and fake ads for the show and let it write a script for them, discuss dealing with your first negative review, really want to go get burgers after recording, and talk about keeping the continuity intact in the last of our set about the pitfalls of writing serial works. Who can you employ to help look over your work and ensure continuity remains intact? How can you write notes to keep track of everything? Are you able to adequately look over everything yourself? Does Matt David's metaphor about "continuity surgeons" work better or worse than his earlier one about narrative being like a checking account? We discuss it all, with perfect continuity in every shot of this audio format show, and talk about Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Prince of Persia for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 134 - Raising the Stakes in Serial Works

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 48:19


    In this episode, the two Matts prepare to release their magnum opus that'll surely impress everyone, use a really good word in the skit that should have been a vocabulary vitamin of the month, nearly finish another one of their big story drafts, and talk about appropriately raising the stakes in the next of our set about the pitfalls of writing serial works. How can you realistically raise the stakes while not being too ridiculous? How much can you show early versus later? Do all the threats have to be related in a serial work? Is Matt Donald's idea about theater productions using actual apocalyptic threats to make the stakes real for the audience a genius idea, or the ramblings of a maniac? We discuss it all, while raising the stakes of what this podcast is really about all this time, and talk about Lord of the Rings, Dante's Inferno, Armageddon, and Space Jam for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 133 - Buildup With No Payoff in Serial Works

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 36:08


    In this episode, the two Matts do a nice, friendly, totally painless bout of writer's yoga, get really excited about our metaphors, reflect on symbolism in works versus the author's intent, and talk about building up with no or little payoff in the next of our set about the pitfalls of writing serial works. How can you ensure the payoff to something you've been building up for a while is worth it? What can you do to keep the buildup interesting? Can you run into the inverse problem of not enough buildup for a big payoff? Is Matt Donald dumb for not fully understanding Matt David's metaphor about checking accounts, or is the metaphor just forced? We discuss it all, with zero buildup to the topic because we're professional podcasters, and talk about Infinity War, Harry Potter, Aquaman, and Atlantis: The Lost Empire for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 132 - In-The-Moment Fun in Serial Works

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2021 40:03


    In this episode, the two Matts come back after another unnecessary week-long break, do a really short ad that was meant to save time for edits but look how that turned out, compare our grades in school to how much of a frick we give, and talk about making sure serial works have in-the-moment fun in the first of our set about the pitfalls of writing serial works. Does every episode or chapter have to be plot-important? How can you have your characters grow even when the plot is set aside? Where can you add importance to an episode or chapter if it's not part of the overarching narrative? How obvious is it that Matt David came up with the premise of this set, just like the one about episodic works? We discuss it all, in an episode super-important to the narrative of the podcast so you can't miss it, and talk about Harry Potter, Harley Quinn, Merlin, and Rise of Nations for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 131 - Mental Diagnosis Inclusivity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 44:43


    In this episode, the two Matts install an AI for their house that's incredibly overzealous and ruins everything as AIs do, compare themselves to giant fantasy books in terms of girth and children's picture books in terms of depth, talk about twists and when they work versus when they don't, and talk about writing characters with different mental diagnoses in the last of our set about inclusivity. How should writers treat these characters? Do these mental diagnoses define the characters, or can they expand beyond it? How can you handle revealing outright if characters have these diagnoses? Is Matt Donald justified in his dislike of Shane Black, or is he being overdramatic as usual? We discuss it all, with actual experience in the matter as a person on the autism spectrum or living with someone on the spectrum, and talk about Jurassic World, Big Bang Theory, The Predator, and a hilarious Donald Glover standup special for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, here's our links for guides on writing these characters: There's a literal encyclopedia's worth of information out there.  To get you started though (wind up the car and let ‘er rip!), here's a link: https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html or from Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968  To read about anxiety disorders from National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH.nih.gov):https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/  Mood disorders, accessed at Mental Health America: https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/mood-disorders  From the American Psychology Association, regarding personality disorders: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/personality-disorders   Stress disorders and dealing with them, from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-symptoms-effects_of-stress-on-the-body  Neurodevelopmental disorders, from Dignity Health: https://www.dignityhealth.org/las-vegas/services/neurological-care/neurodevelopmental-disorders  Somatic symptom disorders from the Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17976-somatic-symptom-disorder-in-adults  Neurocognitive disorders, this from MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001401.htm [by the way, these typically come later in life than the developmental phase, including dementia, Alzheimer's, etc.] Finally, as a source for those dealing WITH said people: https://www.mhanational.org/recognizing-warning-signs 

    Episode 130 - Physical Diagnosis Inclusivity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 37:49


    In this episode, the two Matts reflect on when natural storytellers tell stories about real life, make terrible jokes about reaching the climaxes of stories, compare the podcast to a three-act structure of death and dismay, and talk about writing characters with different physical diagnoses in the next of our set about inclusivity. How can writers treat these characters? Should they be written any differently than other characters? What are some different ailments that can happen to people that can affect the plot? Will Matt David find a way to reference a different tokusatsu show in regards to EVERY topic this show covers? We discuss it all, with definitive experience in the matter as abled men, and talk about The Lost Years of Merlin, Godzilla vs Kong, Avatar, and Greenland. The movie, not the country. Although I'm sure the country's nice. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Thank you, Welp Magazine, for adding The Writ Wit as one of your top podcasts about creative writing to listen to in 2021! You can find the link here: https://WelpMagazine.com/?p=17625 Also, here's our links for guides on writing these characters: [note taking re: disabilities of the body - spinal cord injury -> paraplegia (loss below chest)/quadriplegia (neck down) [a.k.a. paralysis], acquired brain injury (concussions, etc.) -> impaired thought/learning or physical/sensations, spina bifida (incomplete formation of spine in utero comes with raft of other issues), cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy (most likely caused by something brain-related), multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy, Tourette's, dwarfism, presumably more also] For those with failing vision: https://visionaware.org/emotional-support/for-family-and-friends/  For those with bad hearing: https://www.hearinglink.org/living/partners-children-family-hearing-people/common-reactions-to-hearing-loss/    or more linked in the description [  https://www.hiddenhearing.org/hearing-loss/living-with-hearing-loss/knowing-someone-with-hearing-loss https://bloomhearing.com/hearing-tips/18-ways-to-help-loved-one-hearing-loss/  If your head's the only thing that moves: https://www.flintrehab.com/caring-for-a-quadriplegic-at-home/ [or https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/supportive-after-a-loved-ones-paralysis ] There are sites with basic information about how these affect your [character's] life and the family that now has to support them, like cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and the like!  Go Google them, kids!

    Episode 129 - Ethnic and Religious Inclusivity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2021 39:07


    In this episode, the two Matts work on writing under extreme pressure (and I'm talking extreme), learn new ways to fall victim to door-to-door salesmen's tactics. talk about food for an excessive period of time, and talk about writing characters of different ethnic or religious labels in the next of our set about inclusivity? How can one avoid tokenism? What can you do to learn about people's cultures and backgrounds? How can you work it into stories from in the past or present? How will people react to Matt Donald's attempts at inclusivity in his upcoming book that he will have undoubtedly messed up? We discuss it all, with absolute experience in the matter as straight white men, and talk about The Help, Hidden Figures, and The Road to El Dorado. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, the music at the beginning is the Jaws main theme by John Williams, but like I needed to tell you that. Also, here's our links for guides on writing these characters: The North American Mission Board has a chart for the different philosophies between Christianity and Islam for instance (linked in the description: https://www.namb.net/apologetics/resource/comparison-chart-islam-and-christianity/ ).  In this way, you can work from the religion you're familiar with to grasp more of what the other one does to celebrate their faith.  This will stand in for several others of the same ilk, but on the compare/contrast for Hinduism and Buddhism, look here!  https://medium.com/interfaith-now/hinduism-and-buddhism-similarities-and-differences-in-belief-and-practice-324f7057a247  Ethnic groups probably have some op-eds all over the place particularly nowadays, so get the right idea in mind and go to town on a search engine!

    Episode 128 - Gender and Sexuality Inclusivity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 40:07


    In this episode, the two Matts sell a device that auto-generates giant door-stopping encyclopedias about your fantasy worlds no matter how scant the details, learn a new grammar term and define it sort of for the listeners, mercilessly mock each other for the works we're going to rip off this month, and talk about writing characters of different genders and sexualities in the first of our set about inclusivity. What are some ways we can include these people in non-token ways? How can we portray them accurately and positively? What are some good examples of these characters done right? What will happen to Matt David's reputation after that terrible joke about burning the witch? We discuss it all, with incredible experience in the matter as straight white men, and talk about Glee, John Wick, Star Wars, and Captain Marvel. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, here's our links for guides on writing these characters: For being an ally of these people (inevitably there's some support system in place for your LGBTQ+ character!): PFLAG.org/allies has plenty, along with the Human Rights Campaign (main site is hrc.org).  An article for younger listeners: https://engage.youth.gov/resources/being-ally-lgbt-people   Finding resources that your characters may have access to informing them about coming out: https://www.glsen.org/activity/coming-out-resource-lgbtq-students  or visit The Trevor Project's page and go to Support Center (it's under “Resources” on the top bar), where you can download a guide There are several advocacy groups for the queer community, like PFLAG, GLAAD, and more.  Regarding gender identity struggles, the HRC also has resources for this on their web page.

    Episode 127 - Writing for Adults

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2021 42:46


    In this episode, the two Matts retell the origin story of the conceptualization of the Writ Wit podcast, chuckle at the MPAA rating description for a certain live-action remake, read out a listener's passage where they actually used one of our Vocabulary Vitamins of the Month, and talk about writing for adults in the last of our set about different age demographics. What are the benefits to having nothing be off limits? How much potential is there? Is there anything younger audiences tolerate more than older ones? When will Matt Donald get over his obsession over a specific kids-oriented juice product? We discuss it all, while broke and starving like most adults are in this economy, and talk about the works of Clive Cussler, Dean Koontz, the book Anonymous Rex, and another Tokusatsu show. A dinosaur and a Tokusatsu work? With these hosts? Say it isn't so! Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 126 - Writing for Young Adults

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 37:31


    In this week, the two Matts release the episode a week late for no discernible reason, sell a writing tip handbook alongside something helpful in, uhh, other ways, talk about character growth versus audience expectations, and talk about writing for young adults in the next of our set about different age demographics. How can writers connect to teenagers with developing minds? What's the difference writing this versus adult or middle grade? When are certain things too much for this audience? How long will Matt David rank sports players instead of doing something actually creative? We discuss it all, with swears and dirty jokes up the wazoo because teenagers think that's cool, and talk about Eragon, Twilight (begrudgingly) and all of Matthew Donald's books so far because he loves writing this genre. Buy them on Amazon.com! *ding!* Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, the music at the beginning is "Ain't No Sunshine (When She's Gone)" by Soft Jazz.

    Episode 125 - Writing for Middle Grade

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2021 39:13


    In this episode, the two Matts go on a flashback to the first writters of the Paleolithic era, mispronounce the Vocabulary Vitamin of the Month, go into long tangents about intellectual property ownership, and talk about writing for middle grade in the next of our set about different age demographics. What can you get away with when writing for this slightly older audience? What is the difference between this and young adult? When is the right time to bring up certain issues? When will Matt Donald implement the title and cover changes for his Megazoic books? We discuss it all, with backwards hats and loose-fitting pants because that's totally how middle grade kids nowadays dress, and talk about Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dinoverse, and Thomas the Tank Engine for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 124 - Writing for Kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2021 39:17


    In this episode, the two Matts sell a fancy voice recorder to help writers remember their ideas wherever they are, realize that what other people like or don't like should have no bearing on what we like, compare riding dragons and horses to riding motorcycles, and talk about writing for kids in the first of our set about different age demographics. What kinds of books keep kids' interest best? How short or how long can the books be? What topics can you get away with versus what should you avoid? When will Matt David write his children's book about daddy sea horses and how they give birth instead of the females? We discuss it all, with no kids present because we're not creeps, and talk about Where the Wild Things Are, Zootopia, the Bionicle chapter books, and And Tango Makes Three. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 123 - The Gist of Good Storytelling with Matt Cook

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 50:26


    In this episode, the two Matts sell a narrative excitement espresso to get one of us out of our doldrums, ramble about our future stories to those who probably don't care, talk about the impossibility of stereotyping the name Matt, and bring in Los Angeles Times bestselling author, magician, and composer extraordinaire Dr. Matt Cook to talk about the gist of good storytelling. What does Dr. Cook think makes a compelling protagonist? How do themes work in the process of writing? Are tropes and storytelling devices important or not when coming up with a narrative? Will the universe implode with three Matts all in one podcast episode? We discuss it all, with the utmost professionalism and proper etiquette for our distinguished guest, and talk about Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Matt Cook's books Sleight of Mind, Good Little Marauder, Sabotage, and so on. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Special thanks to Dr. Matt Cook for his time in this episode. Find out more about him at http://visitmatt.com/ 

    Episode 122 - Urban Fantasy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 37:23


    In this episode, the two Matts record their other podcasts after switching bodies, tease something special to come next episode, berate endangered animals for not trying harder in their own conservation efforts, and talk about urban fantasy stories in the last of our set about slightly fantasy stories. What are the benefits of writing urban fantasy compared to other subgenres? How close to the real world can it be despite all these fantasy elements? When does a magic realism story become an urban fantasy one? How dare Matt Donald reveal that the De Papier brothers are not real and are just silly voices? We discuss it all, in the fantastical urban realm that is our recording studio, and talk about Harry Potter, Supernatural, Twilight, and a more fantastical version of Groundhog Day where the town is cursed and Phil Connors is replaced with Phil Collins. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 121 - Surrealism

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2021 37:36


    In this episode, the two Matts sell a product that's bar none the grossest thing we've ever sold, have new best friends on standby if the other doesn't do what they want, imitate broken pianos because we're one note, and talk about surrealism in the next of our set about slightly fantasy stories. What constitutes as surrealism exactly? How abstract should the definition be? How can you get into the kind of headspace to write surrealism without resorting to things your body shouldn't? What kind of messed up dreams did the two Matts have that they so readily share on the podcast? We discuss it all, while wearing spiral shirts and 3-D glasses because that's surreal man, and talk about 300, Inception, Alice in Wonderland, and our two weird dreams, one of which is way weirder than the other. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.

    Episode 120 - Magic Realism

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2021 32:39


    In this episode, the two Matts gaze upon the Best Dang Story Ever(TM), wonder if rotten tomatoes could still make a good salsa, proudly proclaim our crimes while running from the government, and talk about magic realism stories in the first of our set about slightly fantasy stories. What are the benefits in writing magic realism versus other subgenres? How real can it be? How many fantasy elements can you introduce before it stops being magic realism and becomes full-on urban fantasy? What crazy coasters will Matt Donald ride next time he goes to a theme park once everything's safe again? We discuss it all, with a hint of magic in our very real voices, and talk about A Hundred Years of Solitude, Groundhog Day, Bruce Almighty, and Brave New World (the latter is not magic realism, but it's a classic book we talk about so it makes it sound legit) Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. Also, the music at the beginning is "The Miracle of the Ark" By John Williams from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Obviously.

    Episode 119 - Rooting For the Villains

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 40:08


    In this episode, the two Matts listen to another excerpt from the quarterly serial about Captain Writ, make an intro joke that works as a double for another one of our shows, talk about a villainous political figure that in no way will make any of our listeners upset, and talk about how to get your readers to root for the villains in the last of our set about motivating readers. What do you have to do to get your readers to root for the villains? Why would you want to do this? Do these villains have to be antagonists, or can they be protagonists? Did Matt David have a happy birthday, as this episode releases on his birthday? We discuss it all, with such devilishly charming voices that listeners can forgive our evil ways, and talk about Joker, Cabin in the Woods, and The Emperor's New Groove (yes, really) Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.  

    Episode 118 - Rooting Against the Heroes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2021 45:34


    In this episode, the two Matts sell a product that's as handy as a crab with tweezers, realize they've been friends for twenty years this year, don't see references to old school literature and instead compare it to sillier modern things, and talk about how to get your readers to root against the heroes in the next of our set about motivating readers. Why would you want your readers to root against heroic characters? How can this help the narrative get more complex? How do you do this if the heroes are protagonists or antagonists? Will Matt Donald ever get the fame and fortune he wanted to be a writer for? We discuss it all, while hosting this terrible podcast and thus making people root against us, and talk about Noah, Captain America: Civil War, and Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time. One of those works is slightly more high-brow than the others. (Hint: it's not the one with the Lombax) Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.  

    Episode 117 - Rooting Against the Villains

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2021 37:36


    In this episode, the two Matts show off their Master Writting Computer that inevitably doesn't work, confuse the actions of rodents versus others acting off of said rodents, marvel the use of language in old cartoons, and talk about how to get your readers to root against the villains in the next of our set about motivating readers. What are some evil things you can make your villains do to achieve this? What are some ways to still make them kind of entertaining still? How can you balance that entertainment while still making them worthy of rooting against? Will Matt David put any of his own money into the production of this show other than for gas for driving to the studio? We discuss it all, with stinky armpits and long nose hairs that'll repulse people and make sure they root against us, and talk about The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the Berenstain Bears for some reason. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course.  

    Episode 116 - Rooting For the Heroes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2021 40:04


    In this episode, the two Matts sell a pesticide that wards off cliches, nearly cause a device detecting cliches to blow, claim superiority over one another as co-hosts in different ways, and talk about how to get your readers to root for the heroes in the first of our set about motivating readers. What are some classic ways to let your readers know your hero's a good guy? What are ways that aren't so cliched? Is there any room to break new ground in this regard? Will Matt Donald ever forgive himself for forgetting to write a joke he's come up with so far for every episode? We discuss it all, with such dashing smiles and charming personalities it's impossible not to root for us, and talk about Star Wars, Aladdin, Captain America, and Huckleberry Finn. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. 

    Episode 115 - Stuff We Hope to See In 2021 (The 2020 Writ Wit Witties!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2021 52:56


    In this episode, the two Matts only have three minutes left to defuse the contrived plot device bomb before it blows up the narrative facility, take shots at classic writers that were so influential that they directly started modern English, lament the decline of the mid-budget rom-com, and finish hosting the luxurious sorta-annual awards show The Witties by covering works we hope to see in 2021 should everything go according to the schedule (which it won't). What works initially from 2020 were we most disappointed got delayed to 2021? What works are we looking forward to the most? Which works are we dreading the most? How will this wondrous awards show be the same if Matt David refuses to return for them in the future? We discuss it all, with shiny new suits and ties in hopes of a better tomorrow, and talk about Black Widow, Godzilla vs. Kong, Cruella, and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. Have any feedback or questions for our hosts? Email us at mattd@matthewdonaldcreator.com. Also you can purchase Matt Donald's book "Megazoic" on Amazon by clicking here, its sequel "Megazoic: The Primeval Power" by clicking here, its third installment "Megazoic: The Hunted Ones" by clicking here, or its final installment "Megazoic: An Era's End" by clicking here. If you'd like, of course. 

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