Writing Roots

It’s no secret to anyone that listens to this podcast that Brandon Sanderson is Leigh’s favorite author, but he also has a lot of advice to help new authors. While he’s creating worlds with depth and beauty, he also spends time to help writers expand their abilities. From a podcast to a university class, he’s made sure there are ample resources for anyone wanting to dive into creating fantasy works of their own.

First aired January 30, 2021.

Resources:

The post S18 Bonus – Pearls from the Masters: Brandon Sanderson appeared first on Writing Roots.

Ernest Hemingway is considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th Century, his influence expanding beyond just his works alone. His writing is as straightforward as his advice for writers. We review some of that advice and break down how it applies to modern writers.

First aired January 28, 2021.

The post S18E8 – Pearls from the Masters: Ernest Hemingway appeared first on Writing Roots.

Two of the greatest fantasy writers came from the same writing group. Not only that, but they were known friends as they worked on their individual stories and books. J.R.R Tokein is best known for The Lord of the Rings and the rest of the Middle Earth universe. C.S. Lewis, while he has many philosophical or theological writings, is known in the fantasy world for The Chronicles of Narnia series.

In this episode, we take quotes from both of these authors and compare them, seeing how the two sometimes-rivals agreed or disagreed in many ways.

First aired January 25, 2021.

The post S18E7 – Pearls from the Masters: J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis appeared first on Writing Roots.

Agatha Christie is among the greatest mystery authors of all time. Her stories, though around 100 years old, are still loved and well-read today. Part of that was her ability to weave a mystery that keeps the reader intrigued and wondering.

She also shared advice and revealed her own writing process that is still useful for new authors. Leigh and Ley share those and discuss why it’s useful advice after a century in this episode.

First aired January 21, 2021.

The post S18E6 – Pearls from the Masters: Agatha Christie appeared first on Writing Roots.

While Aristotle is more well-known for his philosophical ideas, he also has many memorable and applicable quotes to writing today. Storytelling in Greece during Aristotle’s time was largely done through theater. Modern patterns for tragedies, dramas, and comedies can all trace their roots to Greek theater. Aristotle helped define what makes a good play, from the plot to the characters.

Leigh and Ley discuss the advice and how it can still be useful in the modern world in this episode.

First aired January 18, 2020.

The post S18E5 – Pearls from the Masters: Aristotle appeared first on Writing Roots.

No one is as economical with words quite like an action author. Among the best of them is Lee Child, known for his Jack Reacher series. His writing is succinct and straight forward even as he lays out a mystery and plot that can entice the readers. For this episode, we take a look at the advice he’s given and how it can be applied in our own writing.

First aired January 14, 2021.

The post S18E4 – Pearls from the Masters: Lee Child appeared first on Writing Roots.

One author with almost endless advice for those getting started in their writing careers is Neil Gaiman. Many of his books and other works are lauded for their creativity and humor, and many have been made into movies or shows as a result. Much of the advice he gives, though, is to encourage writers to embrace their craft, for there is always something important in storytelling, no matter the kind of story.

Listen to this episode to hear some pearls of wisdom from Neil Gaiman.

First aired January 11, 2021.

The post S18E3 – Pearls from the Masters: Neil Gaiman appeared first on Writing Roots.

Masters of the writing craft come in all forms and all genres. While much of his popularity was gained as a vlogger, John Green was first an award-winning author. His unique connection to a younger audience helped him gain popularity for his Young Adult fiction. Though he hasn’t published many books in total, his advice can be invaluable for all authors.

In this episode, we take a look at his advice regarding discouragement, what it takes to be a writer, and how to become better.

First aired January 7, 2021.

The post S18E2 – Pearls from the Masters: John Green appeared first on Writing Roots.

When learning to write, one of the best ways to improve is to look to the ones who have gone before. Like an apprentice blacksmith, new writers can rely on the masters of the writing craft. One of the most common modern authors that has helped guide the apprentices is Stephen King. From finding influence in his own work to reading On Writing, hundreds of authors find his words of wisdom to be beacons in their writing journey for what can be considered good writing.

Throughout the month of January, we’ll be examining the advice from the masters of writing and storytelling. Listen to this episode to hear some of what Stephen King has to say about the process.

First aired January 4, 2021.

The post S18E1 – Pearls from the Masters: Stephen King appeared first on Writing Roots.

There is so much advice out there for writers. Some of it is good, some of it is great, and some of it is terrible. However, not all advice can be applied across the board for every writer. There are style differences, genre expectations, and simple author quirks that make each author a unique being in how they go about writing. But while advice can’t be just applied at face value every time, there are still reasons to listen and contemplate the suggestions given.

First and foremost, listening and trying to apply advice in the best way possible will make you a better writer. We’re saying goodbye to 2020 by considering how we all can learn to become better at what we love. The goal is to prepare you for the start of the new year, when we talk about the advice given by well-known and respected authors.

First aired December 31, 2020.

The post S17E9 – How Do I Learn to Become a Better Writer? appeared first on Writing Roots.