Collaborcast

Writing isn't simply typing. It's processing the world around you as you try to understand yourself and what it is you want to say. We live in a world of constant stimulation from all corners, much of it is disposable. So how do you get outside of it? And what should you expect once you do? Is being uncomfortable part of writing? Probably not for everybody, but maybe for you. In this episode of Collaborcast we explore the necessity of silence as part of your creative process.

What about you, Collaborist? Have you found refuge in quiet? If so, where?

Jason and Ben talk about the benefits and expectations of a writing retreat and how it differs from a writing conference. Are you looking for alone time and no distractions so that you can write ten thousand words? Are you looking to meet other writers working in your genre? Hoping to learn from your favorite authors and esteemed experts in the business of writing and publishing?

Well, Collaborist, we've got an episode for you!

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jason Buchholz’s acclaimed debut novel, A Paper Son, published by Tyrus Books in 2016, explores themes of migration, borderlands, heritage, and the sometimes hidden stories that bind us all together. He has ghostwritten books and book proposals for a variety of authors and as an editor he has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. A current nonfiction project has him hiking and kayaking deep into the quiet landscapes of the many wilderness areas of Northern California, where he lives. When he’s not writing or reading he spends his time playing and traveling with his son and daughter. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco.

Ben LeRoy has long been fascinated by the power of words and story to connect and expand the world. He was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books (2000-2009) and Tyrus Books (2009-2017) until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. During his time in publishing, Ben was a frequent speaker at conferences and routinely interviewed for pieces about the industry. In 2014, after the suicide death of a friend, Ben did volunteer work in all 50 states as part of the Be Local Everywhere project.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Jason and Ben discuss writing routines that work and why it's important to question the wisdom of anybody telling you they have a formula for success. A lot of writing advice comes off as aggressive and needlessly rigid, pretending that it's practical in a mythical cutthroat literary world. You don't need to hustle and grind. You don't need to write 5,000 words a day. You don't need to produce a novel every few months. For most writers it isn't realistic and the effects of unrealistic expectations can ruin a book before an author even gets started.

Let's discuss, Collaborist!

Also, because of goings on in the publishing world this week, we have a refresher conversation about the precarious nature of micro presses (no matter how well intentioned!), red flags to notice, questions to ask. You've got a few decades, write like it.

Support Collaborist on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/collaborist
Want to work with Collaborist on your novel? http://www.collaborist.org/services
Follow Collaborist on Social Media: Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/thecollaborist
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Collaborist1
TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@collaborist

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE As a regular part of our discussions on Collaborcast we discuss books that have inspired us and contribute to a larger point we’re trying to make about storytelling, craft, insights into the human condition, or any number of other things. When we remember, we may include links to those books in the episode notes. If you are interested in purchasing those books and do so by clicking on the link to the Collaborist storefront on Bookshop, we will receive an affiliate commission from Bookshop. We have selected Bookshop because of their commitment to keeping independent bookstores competitive in the online bookselling space. We encourage you to consider Bookshop when buying books online whether or not you choose to do so through Collaborist or your favorite independent bookstore. If you opt to get your books from somewhere other than our link – bookstores, libraries, estate sales, wherever—we’re totally okay with that, too. Books are valuable and wonderful and we encourage you to find the treasure wherever it works best for you, Collaborist. https://bookshop.org/shop/collaborist

ABOUT THE HOSTS Jason Buchholz has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of the novel, A Paper Son (Simon & Schuster).

Ben LeRoy was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books and Tyrus Books until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. He is currently at work on a novel that is far too long and too complicated for its own good.

Theme song by Self Help - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtbDS...

Jason and Ben wrap up their How to Write a Novel series with some thoughts about the end of a book and the process of writing.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jason Buchholz’s acclaimed debut novel, A Paper Son, published by Tyrus Books in 2016, explores themes of migration, borderlands, heritage, and the sometimes hidden stories that bind us all together. He has ghostwritten books and book proposals for a variety of authors and as an editor he has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. A current nonfiction project has him hiking and kayaking deep into the quiet landscapes of the many wilderness areas of Northern California, where he lives. When he’s not writing or reading he spends his time playing and traveling with his son and daughter. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco.

Ben LeRoy has long been fascinated by the power of words and story to connect and expand the world. He was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books (2000-2009) and Tyrus Books (2009-2017) until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. During his time in publishing, Ben was a frequent speaker at conferences and routinely interviewed for pieces about the industry. In 2014, after the suicide death of a friend, Ben did volunteer work in all 50 states as part of the Be Local Everywhere project.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Need an Editor, Ghostwriter, or Coach? Hire a Collaborist! – https://collaborist.org/services/
Looking for a Writers’ Group? - https://collaborist.org/writers-groups/
Interested in a book mentioned during the podcast? - https://bookshop.org/shop/collaborist
More about Jason Buchholz - http://www.jasonbuchholz.com/
More about Ben LeRoy – http://www.thebenleroy.com
Collaborist on Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/Collaborist1
Collaborist on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecollaborist
Collaborist on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Should you chase trends when writing a novel? Is there a way to take advantage of the zeitgeist atop the bestseller list? Is there a formula for striking it rich with your writing? Is it more important to write a book according to what's popular now? Or to write the book that's burning in your heart? Do you have to choose? Can you do both?

Let's discuss, Collaborist!

Also, because of goings on in the publishing world this week, we have a refresher conversation about the precarious nature of micro presses (no matter how well intentioned!), red flags to notice, questions to ask. You've got a few decades, write like it.

Support Collaborist on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/collaborist

Want to work with Collaborist on your novel? http://www.collaborist.org/services

Follow Collaborist on Social Media: Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/thecollaborist

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Collaborist1

TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@collaborist

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

As a regular part of our discussions on Collaborcast we discuss books that have inspired us and contribute to a larger point we’re trying to make about storytelling, craft, insights into the human condition, or any number of other things. When we remember, we may include links to those books in the episode notes. If you are interested in purchasing those books and do so by clicking on the link to the Collaborist storefront on Bookshop, we will receive an affiliate commission from Bookshop. We have selected Bookshop because of their commitment to keeping independent bookstores competitive in the online bookselling space. We encourage you to consider Bookshop when buying books online whether or not you choose to do so through Collaborist or your favorite independent bookstore. If you opt to get your books from somewhere other than our link – bookstores, libraries, estate sales, wherever—we’re totally okay with that, too. Books are valuable and wonderful and we encourage you to find the treasure wherever it works best for you, Collaborist. https://bookshop.org/shop/collaborist

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jason Buchholz has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of the novel, A Paper Son (Simon & Schuster).

Ben LeRoy was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books and Tyrus Books until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. He is currently at work on a novel that is far too long and too complicated for its own good.

Theme song by Self Help - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtbDS...

00:00 Introduction

02:39 Updates from Collaborist

05:06 Should You Chase Writing Trends

Hey, Collaborist! Have you ever wondered how to do scene building in your novel? How do you weigh a scene vs. a summary? How do you write a scene that is essential and not simply a way to pass the time to get to the good parts? Well, have we got an episode for you! Jason and Ben discuss scene building, what the difference is between scene and summary, what it means to let a moment pass, why some people shrug, and how to maximize the effect of your words on your readers.

Support Collaborist on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/collaborist
Want to work with Collaborist on your novel? http://www.collaborist.org/services

Follow Collaborist on Social Media:
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/thecollaborist
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Collaborist1

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE As a regular part of our discussions on Collaborcast we discuss books that have inspired us and contribute to a larger point we’re trying to make about storytelling, craft, insights into the human condition, or any number of other things. When we remember, we may include links to those books in the episode notes. If you are interested in purchasing those books and do so by clicking on the link to the Collaborist storefront on Bookshop, we will receive an affiliate commission from Bookshop. We have selected Bookshop because of their commitment to keeping independent bookstores competitive in the online bookselling space. We encourage you to consider Bookshop when buying books online whether or not you choose to do so through Collaborist or your favorite independent bookstore. If you opt to get your books from somewhere other than our link – bookstores, libraries, estate sales, wherever—we’re totally okay with that, too. Books are valuable and wonderful and we encourage you to find the treasure wherever it works best for you, Collaborist. https://bookshop.org/shop/collaborist

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jason Buchholz has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of the novel, A Paper Son (Simon & Schuster).

Ben LeRoy was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books and Tyrus Books until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. He is currently at work on a novel that is far too long and too complicated for its own good.

Hey, Collaborist! Have you ever been told that you need to "show, don't tell" in your novel? Did you then run to the internet (overflowing with writing advice) to find out what exactly people were talking about and why they suggested that you "show don't tell?" Even after reading a variety of how to blog posts from people you don't know, were you still just as confused as ever? Well, have we got an episode for you! Jason and Ben discuss the adage Show Don't Tell, what the difference is between scene and summary, and why you don't want somebody on your shoulder ruining a movie for you.

Support Collaborcast on Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/collaborcast

Want to work with Collaborist on your novel? http://www.collaborist.org/services

Follow Collaborist on Social Media:

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/thecollaborist

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Collaborist1

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

As a regular part of our discussions on Collaborcast we discuss books that have inspired us and contribute to a larger point we’re trying to make about storytelling, craft, insights into the human condition, or any number of other things. When we remember, we may include links to those books in the episode notes. If you are interested in purchasing those books and do so by clicking on the link to the Collaborist storefront on Bookshop, we will receive an affiliate commission from Bookshop. We have selected Bookshop because of their commitment to keeping independent bookstores competitive in the online bookselling space. We encourage you to consider Bookshop when buying books online whether or not you choose to do so through Collaborist or your favorite independent bookstore. If you opt to get your books from somewhere other than our link – bookstores, libraries, estate sales, wherever—we’re totally okay with that, too. Books are valuable and wonderful and we encourage you to find the treasure wherever it works best for you, Collaborist. https://bookshop.org/shop/collaborist

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jason Buchholz has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of the novel, A Paper Son (Simon & Schuster).

Ben LeRoy was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books and Tyrus Books until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. He is currently at work on a novel that is far too long and too complicated for its own good.

Theme song by Self Help - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtbDS_UewGA&ab_channel=SelfHelp

Jason and Ben discuss the importance of setting, how it does and does not act as another character, the importance of writing with authority about a place, and how setting is not only about the physical location but also the time and context.

As always, thanks to Self Help for the intro and outro music!

About the hosts:

Jason Buchholz has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of the novel, A Paper Son (Simon & Schuster).

Ben LeRoy has long been fascinated by the power of words and story to connect and expand the world. He was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books (2000-2009) and Tyrus Books (2009-2017) until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. During his time in publishing, Ben was a frequent speaker at conferences and routinely interviewed for pieces about the industry. He is currently at work on a novel that is far too long and too complicated for its own good.

Affiliate Disclosure: As a regular part of our discussions on Collaborcast we discuss books that have inspired us and contribute to a larger point we’re trying to make about storytelling, craft, insights into the human condition, or any number of other things. When we remember, we may include links to those books in the episode notes. If you are interested in purchasing those books and do so by clicking on the link to the Collaborist storefront on Bookshop, we will receive an affiliate commission from Bookshop. We have selected Bookshop because of their commitment to keeping independent bookstores competitive in the online bookselling space. We encourage you to consider Bookshop when buying books online whether or not you choose to do so through Collaborist or your favorite independent bookstore. If you opt to get your books from somewhere other than our link – bookstores, libraries, estate sales, wherever—we’re totally okay with that, too. Books are valuable and wonderful and we encourage you to find the treasure wherever it works best for you, Collaborist.

Jason and Ben discuss the critical balance between pace, plot, and tension. We discuss the difference between what happens in a book and what a book is about. We talk about the Karate Kid, Mad Max, thrillers, genre expectations, and how to make sure you're paying attention to your intentions and reader expectations.

Also! We're now on Patreon. If you'd like to support ongoing Collaborist initiatives and feast on a buffet of cool writing, mentoring, and community benefits, visit us at www.patreon.com/collaborist.

If you're looking for more information about our Free Query Letter Review happening August 1-7th, you can find it on your website at www.collaborist.org.

Books discussed in this episode include:

About the Hosts:

Jason Buchholz has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of the novel, A Paper Son (Simon & Schuster).

Ben LeRoy has long been fascinated by the power of words and story to connect and expand the world. He was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books (2000-2009) and Tyrus Books (2009-2017) until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. During his time in publishing, Ben was a frequent speaker at conferences and routinely interviewed for pieces about the industry. He is currently at work on a novel that is far too long and too complicated for its own good.

Affiliate Disclosure:

As a regular part of our discussions on Collaborcast we discuss books that have inspired us and contribute to a larger point we’re trying to make about storytelling, craft, insights into the human condition, or any number of other things. When we remember, we may include links to those books in the episode notes. If you are interested in purchasing those books and do so by clicking on the link to the Collaborist storefront on Bookshop, we will receive an affiliate commission from Bookshop.

We have selected Bookshop because of their commitment to keeping independent bookstores competitive in the online bookselling space. We encourage you to consider Bookshop when buying books online whether or not you choose to do so through Collaborist or your favorite independent bookstore.

If you opt to get your books from somewhere other than our link – bookstores, libraries, estate sales, wherever—we’re totally okay with that, too. Books are valuable and wonderful and we encourage you to find the treasure wherever it works best for you, Collaborist.

Jason and Ben discuss what makes an effective antagonist. Is the bad guy always the one in the bushes? Who else can be the person between your protagonist's goals and success?

Thanks to Self Help for the intro and outro music.