Write First, Think Later

It’s not unique to her, but she’s damn proud of the name she created for it! Harri talks about Catalyst Characters and some things to keep in mind when working with them.

In today’s episode, Harri discusses the thing she struggled with most. The middle. Which is also the longest part of the writing project, so...oops!

Today, Harri talks about beginnings! She shares a rule of thumb and some of her favorite starts. And to celebrate, she restarted this episode and it’s sections at five times!

Today Harri talks about different time lines that your work could follow and suggests one in particular. She also encourages you to stan Leigh Bardugo and somehow finds her way off topic several times (and still isn’t sure what she talked about).

Harri talks (vaguely) about Minor Dramatic Questions and tries to think of the best way to explain them. Does she succeed? Probably not, but you’ll have to listen to find out!

In today’s episode, Harri discusses the Major Dramatic Question. She details why it’s important, how it can be used, how to find your story’s MDQ, and spoils the plot of the Shadow and Bone series. Visit www.thetrevorproject.com for LGBTQ+ resources. Follow this link to find a list of Black Led LGBTQ+ organizations to donate to: https://www.intheknow.com/2020/06/10/black-lgbtq-organizations-donate/. Trans rights are human rights. Black lives matter.

Visit tinyurl.com/blmforever and/or blacklivesmatter.carrd.co for resources and ways to help. Buy from black businesses, in your town or all across the country.

Download the app Eat Okra for a list of black own restaurants in your area.

Some readings:

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

White Fragility by Robin Diangelo, Ph.D

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Black Enough edited Ibi Zoboi

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

If you’re going to buy books, purchase from a black owned bookstore. Use this link to find one: https://lithub.com/you-can-order-today-from-these-black-owned-independent-bookstores/

There are a number of podcasts, tv shows, movies, and other books to check out.

Don’t say silence. “If you are in neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” - Desmond Tutu

Let’s talk about plot, baby! Let’s talk about linear timelines and plot planning...and the giant wasp flying around.

In celebration of finishing our chapter on character, Harri reads one of her favorite things she’s written! It’s also the most complete, so it’s kind of the only option? But still.

In this chapter, Harri talks about what characters want and how it relates to the text. Spoiler: it’s crazy important. Seriously, one of the most important things to consider when writing. Harri also spends a fair bit of time talking about fictional characters that are INFJ’s, so there’s that.