We’re back!

The tsunami from our personal and corporate lives has subsided and we’re picking up the pieces - as you can see from our video chat.

What’s Next?

Well, all that prep from 2024 was not in vain. Because we built out our world, plotlines and character back story, we can and will pick up to deliver Heck’s Exile to you.

We wanted to create a schedule that is fair to you and to us, bearing in mind our other commitments. Therefore, you will get:

* A monthly vignette: First one due on the 9th May

This is perfect if you are new to the world and want to try it without commitment. The vignettes can be read as a stand-alone, giving background or insight into the characters without disturbing the main plot.

* A vignette reading: 23rd MayAs part of our experimentation, we want to give you short, easy stories you can listen to on the go.

* Two episodes: 16th & 30th MayWe’re each committed to one per month (more if you are lucky), following the adventures of Heck, Junya and Ashur. Whilst there are coming-of-age elements, this is not a children’s story. There will be sex, violence, friendship, romance and old-fashioned swearwords.

If our posting schedule changes, we will let you know via Notes and pin it to the Serial Hour homepage.

Thank you for watching and keeping faith.

Nat & Erica.

Discover the world of Cornish faeries in The Harmonics Saga. Our monthly Live discuss the serial, starting with Episode 1: Heck's Exile.

(0:00:01) - Fairy World Character Development

Return of Serial Hour podcast, new fairy story set in 18th-century Cornwall, world-building rooted in British Isles mythology and historical context.

(0:14:11) - Water Fairies and Character Development

Fairies in Cornwall must unite to defend against sea threats, highlighting the cultural importance of water and the unique abilities of water fairies.

(0:22:17) - Fire Fairy Faction and Stigma

Nature's fairies have unique wings for different factions, including a rare fire-earth hybrid, in a complex and dark society.

(0:30:10) - Fairy Genealogy and Birth Lore

Genealogy and fairy births will be explored in the next episode, released in two weeks. Stay tuned!

Let’s each take one (or two?) of our favorite characters (doesn’t have to be the main character) and dissect their arc in the story. Who they were when they started, where they are now in the story, and where we hope they’ll end up in “the end.”

Timestamps

(0:00:01) - Character Arcs in Fantasy Serials

Charisma's journey as a female magician, her disguise in a competition, and her father's acceptance and legacy.

(0:12:28) - Character Arcs and Family Legacies

Lyford family's magical legacy, cross-dressing, character development, arcs, and transformations in a world of societal expectations.

(0:17:41) - Character Dynamics and Story Development

Complex characters in a fantasy city face love, duty, and survival as chaos looms, while a retired adventurer grapples with a moral dilemma.

(0:31:06) - Point of View in Character Writing

Character perspective, gender identity, and narrative balance are discussed in relation to storytelling techniques.

(0:44:37) - Exploring Character Development in Fiction

Nature's impact on four women's journeys, challenging social constructs and writing process, and audience engagement.

Timestamps

(00:02) Authors Discuss Continuity and Tracking

(14:07) Serial Writing Structure Tips

(23:21) Character Naming and Consistency

(33:25) Character Attachment and Story Continuity

(43:15) Crafting Cliffhangers and Character Development

(49:13) Podcast Hosts Discuss Storytelling and Entertainment

Foreword by Erica Drayton

Unlock the secrets behind crafting captivating serial narratives as Natalie Phillips, and I unveil the tools and techniques essential for weaving complex storylines. Step behind the scenes of the Wondermere universe and Tale of 2 Cities, where meticulous planning meets creative flair. Our conversation ranges from the discovery of my 'story Bible' to Natalie's foray into the realms of Scrivener, offering an arsenal of strategies for authors and a glimpse into the creation process for readers who love to be ensnared by serialized fiction.

This episode peels back the layers of character development and the importance of naming in serial storytelling. Listen as I dissect the use of nicknames and the impact they have on maintaining continuity and depth within our expansive tales. Together, we share laughs and insights on how we ensure each character – friend or foe – plays their crucial role in the grand tapestry of our narratives, keeping readers both grounded and intrigued.

Join us for a candid discussion that weaves together the power of storytelling with the art of entertainment. We revel in the journey of our creations and tease the thrilling developments that promise to keep our listeners on the edge of their seats. So, get cozy, press play, and immerse yourself in the craft of serial storytelling as we share stories, strategies, and a bit of playful banter along the way.

Timestamps

(00:03) Serial Hour Podcast

Collaboration, risk-taking, and learning from each other in the world of online serial writing.

(08:25) Fantasy Serial Writing Journey

Forbidden card magic, societal expectations, and love in a world where status dictates partnerships.

(15:38) Writing and Publishing Serial Stories

Nature's decision-making process for sequels, writing during pandemic, and rediscovering old projects during spring cleaning.

(29:09) Title Dilemma

Maintaining consistent narrative, character development, dedication to writing, and potential title change for "A Tale of Two Cities.

(33:45) Tale of Two Cities Comparison

Exploring the connection between my fantasy newsletter and Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities," and discussing political and social divisions in London and Paris during the French Revolution.

(37:59) Serial Story Endings and Character Development

Structured vs. fluid approach to writing serialized fiction, character development, challenges of being a writer, and fostering a community of serial writers and readers.

Foreword by Natalie Phillips

When Erica and I first crossed paths in the unpredictable realm of online serials, we hardly imagined the creative odyssey it would spark. Our latest chat on Serial Hour is a candid reflection of our escapades in storytelling, from Erica's vivid narratives in "Slight of Hand" to my own musings in Plotted Out. Our conversation is a tribute to the kinship found in shared narratives and the revelations that come from crafting tales where magic brushes up against the stark lines of society's expectations.

Imagine a city where the mere flick of a card could cost you everything, or where the bustling energy of Istanbul breathes life into a fantasy world of intrigue and forbidden love. That's where our stories take flight. Erica's characters dance on the edge of societal norms, challenging the very fabric of their world, while my girl with her forbidden deck draws readers into a dance of danger and destiny. Together, we unfurl the intricacies of our stories, celebrating the ebbs and flows of rebellion, love, and the quest for autonomy that resonate at the core of our work.

As we wrap up our musings for this episode, Erica and I swap insights on the delicate craft of serial writing—from the art of a satisfying ending to the nuances of character evolution. We invite our fellow serial story enthusiasts to join the discourse, sharing their own creative journeys and the narratives that captivate their imaginations. Whether you're weaving your own serialized saga or simply savouring the twists and turns of ours, there's a seat at the table in this gathering of minds where the magic of storytelling unfolds in every word.