Two Wayward Writers (North)

In the latest episode of Two Wayward Writers North, Rachel and Laura tackle the topic of profanity. It’s not our intention to offend, but we're aware some people find some words offensive in some situations. We talk about swear words in the context of language and its usage, so really, you needn’t take offence.

Laura never swears; Rachel swears a lot. But never in front of her mother. And never in the presence of patients. But did you know profanity is a natural analgesic?

We discuss the importance of knowing your audience, Laura warns of the risk of a custodial sentence if you happen to swear in Singapore, and Rachel explains how to use the definite article to turn a negative word into a positive one.

We examine how and when to use swearing effectively in writing, and find examples of faux cursing on screen and on the page. Yet again we draw on the wisdom of Terry Pratchett and Andy Weir amongst others.

If you like Two Wayward Writers North, be sure to catch Two Wayward Writers South. It’s more of the same but the other way up.

You can find Two Wayward Writers North and South on your favourite podcast streaming service.

In this episode, Rachel and Laura tackle Point of View - why it matters and why, in exceptional circumstances, it doesn't.

Rachel discusses free indirect discourse and explains how she's rewriting an entire novel in a different POV, and Laura tells us why she's sticking to first person for now.

Along the way they encounter Virginia Woolf, Terry Pratchett, John Irving, Charles Dickens, Kae Tempest and Andy Weir.

Find us on Litopia:

rachel-mccarron.litopia.com

laura-rikono.litopia.com

If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Two Wayward Writers South

In this episode, Rachel and Laura discuss long and short writing. Rachel reflects on an accusation of prolixity, and Laura puts forward the case for repetition. Along the way, they debunk Iceberg Theory, identify a gap in the market for Fragment Fiction, and Laura explains the concept of Warrior Cats.

It’s a merry romp through the bushes and briars of the long and the short of it, the top and the bottom of it and all points between. As Laura says, “Don’t be afraid of lots of words.”

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to listen to our sister podcast Two Wayward Writers South. Available on your favourite streaming service.

Rachel and Laura are joined by their first very special guest author, Claire Gallagher.

Claire is the author of contemporary romances, often with a fantastical twist. She also writes female-led psychological thrillers which she is aiming to publish traditionally via her literary agent. Over the years, Claire has also toyed with other genres, such as Middle Grade fantasy, Young Adult gothic romance and historical fiction. Her short stories have been published online, in anthologies and in magazines.

Because of her extensive experience writing and reading multiple genres, Claire was the ideal guest to help us navigate the topic of genre.

Find her on Litopia: claire-gallagher.liopia.com

Connect with Rachel: rachel-mccarron.litopia.com

and Laura: laura-rikono.litopia.com

In the very first episode of Two Wayward Writers, Laura and Rachel talk about voice - not necessarily writing voice, but the voices we talk with.

Join them for a natter about accents and how the flow state of writing or singing doesn't always come easily with speaking.

This episode was recorded long-distance between Lancashire and Borneo, and there may be slight lag or distortion in the audio in places. We hope it doesn't spoil your enjoyment. We're working on a better connection for next time.