By Mur Lafferty
The podcast currently has 275 episodes available.
S20 Ep26: In Which Mur and S.B. Divya Discuss Worldcon, Accessibility, and Future Worlds
NOTE- I will be doing a giveaway for signed copies of Meru and Loka on October 31, 2024! Details on how to win are inside the podcast!
I'm delighted to welcome welcome my longtime friend, S.B. Divya, to discuss Divya’s new book, Loka. We dive into our experiences at Worldcon, the intricacies of accessibility at large conventions, and the unique challenges faced by those with disabilities. Divya shares her journey in creating a richly detailed future world for her books, explaining how she envisions life a thousand years from now and the process of worldbuilding that supports her stories.
We also explore the concept of burnout, particularly in the context of long Covid, and how Divya managed to balance her writing career with her health needs. The conversation highlights the importance of taking intentional breaks and the reality of being a writer with a disability.
We get insights into Divya’s creative process, her thoughts on genetic engineering, space exploration, and the sociopolitical landscapes of her speculative worlds. Plus, there's a special giveaway for US listeners to win signed copies of Meru and Loka!
Transcript
Links:
S.B. Divya’s Website
Loka by S.B. Divya
Meru by S.B. Divya
Greta Thunberg
Clarkesworld Magazine
Evergreen Links
Like the podcast? Get the book! I Should Be Writing book.
My newsletter, The Hot Mic, and my Patreon. Supporting either of those will get you perks like access to the discord, exclusive content, and early, ad-free episodes.
Socials: Bluesky, Mastodon, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Focusmate.
Theme by John Anealio
Savor I Should Be Writing tea blends
Support local book stores! Station Eternity, Six Wakes, Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition and more!
OR Get signed books from my friendly local store, Flyleaf Books!
All books featured in Season 20
"Navigating WorldCon and Writing Challenges with SB Divya" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!
Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!
CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
October 7, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 26 | murverse.com "Navigating WorldCon and Writing Challenges with SB Divya" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
S20 Ep25: In Which Mur Interviews Wole Talabi and Sung-Il Kim at Worldcon
"Leave with more connections than you came with." - Wole Talabi
In this special episode, Mur Lafferty returns with interviews recorded at Worldcon, featuring Wole Talabi and Sung-Il Kim. Apologies for audio issues, but I really wanted to get these to you because interviews with these writers can’t be missed.
First, I chat with Wole Talabi, the author of Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon and the short story collection Convergence Problems. Wole shares his experiences attending Worldcon, the importance of community building at conventions, and the collaborative process behind the Mothersound: The Sauútiverse Anthology.
Next, I talk to Sung-Il Kim, whose debut English novel Blood of the Old Kings is set to release in this month. Sung-Il discusses his journey from role-playing game development to fiction writing, the translation process, and the importance of starting your story with a compelling hook.
NOTE- Thanks to Tor, I will be doing a giveaway for Blood of the Old Kings on October 15, 2024! Details on how to win are inside the podcast!
Transcript
Links and references:
Wole Talabi
Sung-Il Kim
Worldcon
Bubonicon
Infinite Archive
The Ophelia Network
Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon
Convergence Problems
Mothersound: The Sauútiverse Anthology
Blood of the Old Kings
Author PD James
Translator Anton Hur
Subterranean Press
MIT Press
Twelve Tomorrows Anthology
Evergreen Links
Like the podcast? Get the book! I Should Be Writing book.
My newsletter, The Hot Mic, and my Patreon. Supporting either of those will get you perks like access to the discord, exclusive content, and early, ad-free episodes.
Socials: Bluesky, Mastodon, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Focusmate.
Theme by John Anealio
Savor I Should Be Writing tea blends
Support local book stores! Station Eternity, The Ophelia Network, Six Wakes, Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition and more!
OR Get signed books from my friendly local store, Flyleaf Books!
All books featured in Season 20
Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!
CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn. Get archives of the show via Patreon.
October 1, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 25 | murverse.com “Exploring Shared Worlds and Translation Challenges with Wole Talabi and Sung-Il Kim” by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
[Please note that this podcast is explicit with a few swear words and CW- parental death discussed.]
S20 Ep24: In Which Mur and Tanya DePass Discuss Fanfic, Diversity Consulting, and Creative Journeys
Recorded ON ISBW's birthday, in Glasgow, y'all. Nineteen years. I'd drop the mic, but it seems I'm committed now.
I think people who turn up their nose at Fanfic are really A: missing out and B: being snobs. - Tanya DePass
Transcript
(This post went live for supporters on August 23, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)
Join Mur as she celebrates the 19th anniversary of "I Should Be Writing" with special guest Tanya DePass, aka cypheroftyr. Tanya is a prolific writer, streamer, and game developer, known for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry. In this episode, they delve into Tanya’s multifaceted career, from founding "I Need Diverse Games" to working on the upcoming Wonder Woman game.
Tanya shares her journey with fanfiction, discussing how it has evolved over the years and how it helps her hone her writing skills. They also touch on the importance of diversity consulting in creative works, offering advice on when and how to seek out consultants to ensure authentic representation.
They explore the emotional challenges of creative careers, the value of finding opportunities, and the importance of community support. Tanya’s insights into streaming, game development, and balancing multiple roles provide a comprehensive look at the modern creative landscape.
Links
Evergreen Links
"Celebrating ISBW's 19th Bday Live at WorldCon with Writer and Gamer, Tanya Depass!" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!
Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!
CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. August 26, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 24 | murverse.com "Tanya DePass, Writing, and Gaming, Live from WorldCon, Glasgow!" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0S20 Ep23: In Which Mur and Waubgeshig Rice explore post-apocalyptic worlds.
It's like, ultimately, words are expendable. You just pick different ones. - Waubgeshig Rice
Transcript
(This post went live for supporters on August 21, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)
In this episode. Mur chats with award-winning author and journalist Waubgeshig Rice about his latest book, Moon of the Turning Leaves. They delve into the challenges and rewards of transitioning from journalism to fiction, the intricacies of writing post-apocalyptic literature, and the importance of smaller presses for budding authors.
Waub also shares his inspirations, the impact of his indigenous heritage on his storytelling, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring writers. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the craft of writing and the resilience of communities in the face of global calamities.
And y'all, SO MANY good book recommendations! Check the shownotes at murverse.com.
Links
Evergreen Links
"Exploring the Post-Apocalyptic World with Waubgeshig Rice" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!
Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!
CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. August 23, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 23 | murverse.com "Exploring the Post-Apocalyptic World with Waubgeshig Rice" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0S20 Ep22: In Which Mur Chats with MJ Wassmer and Discusses Debut Novels and the Writing Journey
"You can't think yourself into better actions, but you can act yourself into better thoughts."- MJ Wassmer
Transcript
Join Mur as she welcomes MJ Wassmer, author of Zero Stars Do Not Recommend, to discuss the ups and downs of debuting in the publishing world, writing speculative comedy, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with finishing a book.
MJ shares his personal journey, from working in corporate America to becoming a published author, and offers insights into his writing process, dealing with rejections, and the importance of having a supportive spouse.
Links:
MJ Wassmer
Zero Stars Do Not Recommend
MJ Wassmer on Instagram
Doctor Who
Rick Rubin
Josh Ritter
Inky
Evergreen Links
Like the podcast? Get the book! I Should Be Writing book.
My newsletter, The Hot Mic, and my Patreon. Supporting either of those will get you perks like access to the discord, exclusive content, and early, ad-free episodes.
Socials: Bluesky, Mastodon, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Focusmate.
Theme by John Anealio
Savor I Should Be Writing tea blends
Support local book stores! Station Eternity, Six Wakes, Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition and more!
OR Get signed books from my friendly local store, Flyleaf Books!
All books featured in Season 20
"Debut Novels and the Writing Journey with MJ Wassmer" is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!
Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!
CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
August 5, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 22 | murverse.com "Debut Novels and the Writing Journey with MJ Wassmer" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
S20 Ep21: In Which Mur and Mary Pascual Talk Writing and Mental Health
"I refuse to feel like or believe that [ADHD] is a detriment. Honestly, there are so many things about ADHD that I personally love."- Mary Pascual
Transcript
(This post went live for supporters on July 8, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)
In this episode, Mur Lafferty is joined by Mary Pascual, author of Walk the Web Lightly. They dive into the challenges of writing with ADHD, the importance of mental health for writers, and the unique creative processes that come with neurodivergence. Mur shares her recent experience of turning in her eighth book, Infinite Archive, and the duo explores the intricacies of balancing deadlines with self-care.
Mary discusses her latest book, its themes of time, art, and science, and the journey of her young protagonist, Nya. They also touch on the blurred lines between YA and middle grade fiction, and how personal experiences and mythological inspirations shape their storytelling. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the highs and lows of the writing life, and the shared struggles and triumphs of creative minds.
Links:
Evergreen Links
"Embracing ADHD and Crafting Timelines with Mary Pascual" is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!
Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!
CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. July 29, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 21 | murverse.com "Embracing ADHD and Crafting Timelines with Mary Pascual" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0S20 Ep20: In Which Mur and James L. Sutter Discuss Editing, Outlining, and Ghostly Romances
"I think that is the beating heart of any novel, is characters changing."- James L. Sutter
Transcript
Join Mur and guest James L. Sutter as they delve into the intricacies of the writing process, from the importance of meticulous outlining to the challenges of editing. They discuss James’s new book, The Ghost of Us, a queer YA supernatural romance that combines ghost hunting with a heartfelt coming-of-age story. They also share valuable tips on maintaining consistency and dealing with feedback, all while keeping the creative spark alive.
Links:
Evergreen Links
"Spreadsheets, Ghosts, and the Art of Outlining with James L. Sutter" is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!
Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!
CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. July 22, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 20 | murverse.com "Spreadsheets, Ghosts, and the Art of Outlining with James L. Sutter" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0S20 Ep19: In Which Mur Explores the Deck of Worlds and Story Engine
"You know, if you use the word 'modified,' you can get away with anything."- Mur
Transcript
(This post went live for supporters on July 1, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)
Join Mur Lafferty as she dives into a live-streamed session of world-building using the Deck of Worlds and The Story Engine. Despite a challenging week, Mur's creativity shines as she crafts unique settings and characters, from a swamp with carnivorous plants to a compromised cyborg in a cyberpunk universe. This episode is a treasure trove for writers looking to spark their imagination and explore new storytelling tools.
Links:
Evergreen Links
"Deck of Worlds: Unleashing Creativity in Fiction" is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!
Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!
CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. July 15, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 19 | murverse.com "Deck of Worlds: Unleashing Creativity in Fiction" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0S20 Ep18: In Which Mur Explores Tarot and Historical Fiction with Susan Wands
"Action is always better than no action. You can always fix what you've done. You can't fix not getting started."- Susan Wands
Transcript
(This post went live for supporters on June 27, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)
In this episode, Mur chats with Susan Wands, the author of High Priestess and Empress. They delve into the fascinating world of Pamela Coleman Smith, the creator of the iconic Rider-Waite tarot deck, and discuss how historical fiction blends with magical realism in Susan's Arcana Oracle series. Susan shares her journey of rewriting her first book, dealing with genre expectations, and how tarot influences her creative process.
Links:
Evergreen Links
"Tarot Tales and Historical Hurdles with Susan Wands" is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!
Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!
CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. July 8, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 18 | murverse.com "Tarot Tales and Historical Hurdles with Susan Wands" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0S20 Ep17: In Which Mur Reflects on Creativity and Ambition
"It's really easy. It's so relaxing to not be creative."- Mur
Transcript
This week, Mur shares her journey through book edits, the struggles of low energy, and the comforting realization that creation is often less comforting than consumption. Mur explores the myriad of creative opportunities available today—from writing novels to making music videos—and the emotional weight that comes with each creative endeavor.
She also touches on her admiration for hybrid creators like Ursula Vernon and the spontaneous creativity of the band, The Garages. Mur reflects on her past as a sports journalist and how it shaped her writing, offering insights into finding the right angle for storytelling. Whether you're struggling with a boring main character or the challenges of prequels, Mur provides thoughtful advice and personal anecdotes to help you navigate your creative journey.
Links:
Evergreen Links
"Navigating Novel Noodling and New Ideas" is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!
Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!
CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon. July 1, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 17 | murverse.com "Navigating Novel Noodling and New Ideas" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0The podcast currently has 275 episodes available.