In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) come back to the topic of outlining, which they briefly touched upon in our first season. Outlining is defined as the process of creating a structured plan before drafting a story, and is seen as crucial for both original fiction and fan fiction writers. They discuss their individual approaches to outlining, including the various tools they use, from quick notes they leave in notes apps to full visual boards. They delve into benefits they feel they gain from outlining in terms of maintaining coherence, aiding in pacing, and ensuring consistency in the narrative. Finally, they also note how outlining can serve as a tool for overcoming writer’s block and facilitating brainstorming sessions. 

This week, we mention: 

• Fics: The Arcane Thief by Snollygoster, Check the Spindle by copper_dust, The Seam Between by copper_dust, Merry Men by copper_dust, Lilac Falls by copper_dust, slipped (and said something sort of like your name) by pebblysand, castles by pebblysand, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand   
• Podcast: S1E2. How To Plot? (Or, Vibes - It’s 90% Vibes)? 
• Screenshots: for those of you who are curious, including here some links to the outline “board” for castles. Overall view ; Excerpt from the timeline ; More timeline notes ; Chapter outlines: example #1, chapter 18 ; example #2, chapter 19 
• Other: Webnovel contracts article, Miro, The Sorting Hat Chats test, pebblysand’s tumblr posts on outlining #1 & #2

Your recommendations for this week are:

• God is alive, magic is afoot by Buffy Sainte Marie
• Rome by Solann
• Taking a break from writing!

You can find us online at:

• The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi
• Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3
• Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) discuss their fanfiction hot takes and nit picks. Jo talks about engaging with comments, improving AO3, caring about statistics, and the misinformation that exists online about the monetisation of fanfiction. Lani expresses her desire for more creative additions to fanfiction, such as multimedia elements, and urges accuracy in portraying certain settings. Their nitpicks include issues like organizing one-shots within fics, clunky exposition, lack of extended worldbuilding in fantasy and sci-fi, redundant comparisons, and unnecessary material descriptions.

This week, we mention: 

• Books: Harry Potter by JK Rowling ; The Elements of Style by Strunk & White
• Films: The Truman Show ; 
• Fics: Manacled by senlinyu ; 
• Past episodes: S1E10. Multimedia in Fanfiction [Part 1] with @crazybutgood & @newsom (Or, Fooling the Security Cameras by Reading Fanfic At Work) ; S3E1. Audience (Or, Chances Are: You’re Not Going to Win the Nobel Prize for Fanfiction)
• TV: The Good Wife
• Other: @crazybutgood’s origami work, @getawayfox’s pie illustration work

Your recommendations for this week are:

• The Terror (novel & TV series) by Dan Simmons
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
• Occupied (TV series) (Netflix)

You can find us online at:

• The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi
• Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3
• Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) embark on an exploration of the intricate relationship between fanfic writers and their audience. They talk about navigating strategies for audience growth, emphasizing niche awareness, participation in fests, and the leveraging of social media. They delve into the importance of engagement, sharing tips on responding to comments and maintaining authenticity. They discuss their perspectives on the "write for yourself" advice, acknowledging the motivational impact of audience feedback and touch on the evolving culture of fandom over the past decade. Lastly, they explore the delicate topic of responding adequately to criticism and hate. 

This week, we mention: 

• Fandoms: Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders, Spooks
• Fics: Sunset In Your Veins by baejax, Sleeper by orphan-account, All the Young Dudes by MsKingBean69, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand, Merry Men by copper_dust
• Other: Alexandre Astier Interview (French), Title of Show (Musical)

Your recommendations for this week are:

• Girl A by Abigail Dean
• Fool Me Once (TV series)
• Bodies (TV Series)
• Society of the Snow (Film)

You can find us online at:

• The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi
• Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3
• Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) engage in a year-end roundup exercise, reflecting on their fanfiction writing, favourite reads, and their podcasting wins of 2023. They discuss their word counts for the year and talk about the lines or scenes they enjoyed writing. They highlight some great comments and reviews they’ve received, and answer a listener’s question about what surprised them in 2023. Lastly, they also chat about their podcast statistics and discuss plans for the upcoming year. 

This week, we mention: 

• Books: Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Maurice by E.M. Forster, Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex 
• Fics: castles by pebblysand, The Wilderness by @batmansymbol, A Happier Year (Near About) by @peopleshooterhat, Harry Learns the Hard Way by copper_dust, a louisville slugger to both headlights by pebblysand, Merry Mean by copper_dust, Orchards by @whinlatter, Undefined by orbythesea, Sunset in Your Veins by baejax
• Podcast: S2E2. Outgrowing Fandoms (or The Harry Episode), S2E3. Multimedia in Fanfiction [Part 2] with @rosalui (Or, Snackleholt Bingsley LARPs Warrior Cats on the Amazon Kindle)

Your recommendations for this week are:

• The Rougarou by @evesaintyves
• This Word Lies at the Bottom of a Lake by berhanes
• Rewatching, rereading something you love 

You can find us online at:

• The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi
• Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3
• Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) catches up with Baby Doll (a.k.a @maycandrawtingz) who has written a number of reader-insert fanfics in multiple anime fandoms. In this interview we talk about Baby Doll’s work, but also particularly about her use of Wattpad as the primary platform on which she used to post her work. Unfortunately, last summer, Baby Doll saw one of her very popular fics be deleted by Wattpad due to a breach of their terms and services, the ramifications of which we discuss in the episode. 

This week, we mention: 

• Animes: Demon Slayer, My Hero, Jujutsu Kaisen 

Your recommendations for this week are:

• Writers, always save your work!

You can find us online at:

• Baby Doll: tumblr ; AO3
• The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi
• Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3
• Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3
  
  

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) delve into the intricacies of worldbuilding in fanfiction. They begin by discussing their individual perspectives on worldbuilding, and how their definitions of the word have changed overtime. They talk about the importance of detail in the worlds that they create, and touch on the common mistakes they often see writers make in that realm. They also explore the inspiration behind worldbuilding and share examples of well-executed fics. They conclude with reflections on the dynamics of "fix it" worldbuilding, a trend that is getting traction in fanfiction these days.

This week, we mention: 

• Books: Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Maurice by E.M. Forster
• Fics: castles by pebblysand, Beasts by @whinlatter, The Wandsmith’s Apprentice by @marycontraire, The Wilderness by @batmansymbol, Man-eaters of Kumaon by ignipes, A Happier Year (Near About) by @peopleshooterhat 
• TV: Mad Men
• Podcast: S2E8. Research (Or, Shifting Into Draco Malfoy’s Girlfriend)

Your recommendations for this week are:

• How To Tag Fics on AO3

You can find us online at:

• The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi
• Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3
• Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3
  
  

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) discuss the importance and process of choosing titles for fanfiction works. They  talk about how titles often precede the fanfiction itself and debate the challenge of ensuring readers understand the full meaning of a title. They express our appreciation for certain title "trends" like using song lyrics and unconventional formatting and address the significance of compelling titles for attracting readers. 

This week, we mention: 

• Books: Normal People by Sally Rooney, Ulysses by James Joyce, Incendiary by Chris Cleave
• Fandoms: Harry Potter, The Good Wife
• Fics: Storge by copper_dust, The Seam Between by copper_dust, Wattleford, Bumbleby. 'Potterwatch: Underground Radio and the Voice of a Revolution.' Hogsmeade: Widdershins, 2006 by @rosalui, children by pebblysand, Merry Men by copper_dust, a louisville slugger to both headlights by pebblysand, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand, Desperado by fluorescentgrey, If death is a doorway, I am gate seeker by dwellingondreams, Bad Oracle by we_built_the_shadows_here, Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow by TheDevineComedian, and yes i said yes i will yes (or: four weddings and a funeral) by honey_wheeler, Hush Lane Where the Holly Grows by copper_dust, castles by pebblysand, pompeii by orbythesea, Lilac Falls by copper_dust, the wolf is just a puppy (and the door’s double-locked) by pebblysand
• Films: Love Story
• Music: Complicated by Avril Lavigne, Love Story by Taylor Swift, Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood, Details in the Fabric by Jason Mraz, Murder Most Foul by Bob Dylan, Pompeii by Bastille, Skinny Love by Bon Iver, Holes by Passenger
• TV: Mad Men,
• Other: pebblysand’s tumblr post explaining the castles chapter titles

Your recommendations for this week are:

• One Look Thesaurus
• Andor (TV) 

You can find us online at:

• The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi
• Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3
• Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) return from their summer break to discuss the world of long fics. They define what a "long fic" is to them, and explore the advantages of writing longer stories, including building a dedicated fanbase. They also offer insights on chapter length, update frequency, and the possibility of revising past chapters. Lastly, they tackle challenges like writer's block and address @annaistryingAO3’s questions about character development and maintaining a balance in slow-burn romances within fanfiction. 

In terms of admin, we also wanted to let you know that until the end of the year, the podcast will be released on a monthly basis, instead of fortnightly. This is to ensure that it remains sustainable for us on top of our other “real life” responsibilities. 

This week, we mention: 

• Books: Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella, Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding, Normal People by Sally Rooney
• Fandoms: Harry Potter
• Fics: castles by pebblysand, In Search of Mythical Kings by copper_dust, Check the Spindle by copper_dust, Merry Men by copper_dust, The Seam Between by copper_dust, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand, children by pebblysand, Lilac Falls by copper_dust, toxicology by speechwriter
• TV: Peaky Blinders
  
  

Your recommendations for this week are:

• Not a House or Even a Tent by rheaitis (The Charioteer)
• The Wilderness by speechwriter (HP)

You can find us online at:

• The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi
• Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3
• Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) discuss the topic of building a writing style. They explore the question of whether fanfictions writers should strive to imitate established styles - like that of the author of the source work - or embrace their own unique style. They also touch on the relationship between their writing styles and their natural speaking voices, and Jo explains why she personally prefers a casual storytelling approach. They reflect on what they would like to change about their own styles and share their influences, including original fic writers and specific fanfiction authors. They also answer two listener questions: one about creating different styles for individual stories, and another about the balance between appreciating other people’s styles and finding one's own voice.

This week, we mention: 

• Fandoms: Harry Potter, The Good Wife
• Fics: castles by pebblysand, In Search of Mythical Kings by copper_dust, Check the Spindle by copper_dust, Merry Men by copper_dust, The Seam Between by copper_dust, Run by ToujoursPadfoot (the platform this was published on no longer exists, the link is from the wayback machine), ce ne sont que des cailloux by pebblysand, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand, Minuet by fluorescentgrey
• Writers: orbythesea, lowriseflare (see livejournal for TGW fics), dirgewithoutmusic, fluorescentgrey
• Books: His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, It by Stephen King
• Previous episodes: S1E1. What is Fanfiction (Or, Children with Unsupervised Internet Access in the Early 2000s), S2E2. Outgrowing Fandoms (Or, The Harry Episode) 

Your recommendations for this week are:

• Kimbeen’s Maurice fics
• Hated in the Nation (S3E6 of Black Mirror)

You can find us online at:

• The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi
• Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3
• Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3
  
  

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) discuss the connection between music and fanfiction. They explore how music and writing are linked as means of artistic expression that can evoke emotions, tell stories, and inspire individuals. Lani shares that music plays a significant role in her life and influences her writing, with different stories having different relationships to music depending on the theme. Jo talks about how she uses music as inspiration, incorporating it into fic titles, and sometimes having a specific theme song for a fic. They also discuss creating playlists for their fics and incorporating musicality into their writing. Lastly, @turanga4 asks about the playlist that Jo made for her longfic castles and she gives a little backstory around her song choices. 

This week, we mention: 

• Fandoms: Harry Potter, Ancient Greece, Silk, Peaky Blinders
• Fics: castles by pebblysand, In Search of Mythical Kings by copper_dust, Hush Lane, Where the Holly Grows by copper_dust, Check the Spindle by copper_dust, Merry Men by copper_dust, Children by pebblysand, A Handful of Dust by fluorescentgrey
• Books: Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell, Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, Incendiary by Chris Cleave, Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
• Music: My Chemical Romance, Yellow by Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Don’t Look Back in Anger & Wonderwall by Oasis, the Eurovision
• Film: Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola

Your recommendations for this week are:

• Maurice by E.M. Forster, Alec by William di Canzio, The Mask of Apollo by Mary Renault
• Orchards by @whinlatter

You can find us online at:

• The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi
• Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3
• Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3