Collaborcast Collaborist

Hey, Collaborist! Have you ever been told that you need to "show, don't tell" in your novel? Did you then run to the internet (overflowing with writing advice) to find out what exactly people were talking about and why they suggested that you "show don't tell?" Even after reading a variety of how to blog posts from people you don't know, were you still just as confused as ever? Well, have we got an episode for you! Jason and Ben discuss the adage Show Don't Tell, what the difference is between scene and summary, and why you don't want somebody on your shoulder ruining a movie for you.
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AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
As a regular part of our discussions on Collaborcast we discuss books that have inspired us and contribute to a larger point we’re trying to make about storytelling, craft, insights into the human condition, or any number of other things. When we remember, we may include links to those books in the episode notes. If you are interested in purchasing those books and do so by clicking on the link to the Collaborist storefront on Bookshop, we will receive an affiliate commission from Bookshop. We have selected Bookshop because of their commitment to keeping independent bookstores competitive in the online bookselling space. We encourage you to consider Bookshop when buying books online whether or not you choose to do so through Collaborist or your favorite independent bookstore. If you opt to get your books from somewhere other than our link – bookstores, libraries, estate sales, wherever—we’re totally okay with that, too. Books are valuable and wonderful and we encourage you to find the treasure wherever it works best for you, Collaborist. https://bookshop.org/shop/collaborist
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Jason Buchholz has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of the novel, A Paper Son (Simon & Schuster).
Ben LeRoy was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books and Tyrus Books until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. He is currently at work on a novel that is far too long and too complicated for its own good.
Theme song by Self Help - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtbDS_UewGA&ab_channel=SelfHelp

Jason and Ben discuss the importance of setting, how it does and does not act as another character, the importance of writing with authority about a place, and how setting is not only about the physical location but also the time and context.
As always, thanks to Self Help for the intro and outro music!
About the hosts:
Jason Buchholz has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of the novel, A Paper Son (Simon & Schuster).
Ben LeRoy has long been fascinated by the power of words and story to connect and expand the world. He was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books (2000-2009) and Tyrus Books (2009-2017) until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. During his time in publishing, Ben was a frequent speaker at conferences and routinely interviewed for pieces about the industry. He is currently at work on a novel that is far too long and too complicated for its own good.
Affiliate Disclosure: As a regular part of our discussions on Collaborcast we discuss books that have inspired us and contribute to a larger point we’re trying to make about storytelling, craft, insights into the human condition, or any number of other things. When we remember, we may include links to those books in the episode notes. If you are interested in purchasing those books and do so by clicking on the link to the Collaborist storefront on Bookshop, we will receive an affiliate commission from Bookshop. We have selected Bookshop because of their commitment to keeping independent bookstores competitive in the online bookselling space. We encourage you to consider Bookshop when buying books online whether or not you choose to do so through Collaborist or your favorite independent bookstore. If you opt to get your books from somewhere other than our link – bookstores, libraries, estate sales, wherever—we’re totally okay with that, too. Books are valuable and wonderful and we encourage you to find the treasure wherever it works best for you, Collaborist.

Jason and Ben discuss the critical balance between pace, plot, and tension. We discuss the difference between what happens in a book and what a book is about. We talk about the Karate Kid, Mad Max, thrillers, genre expectations, and how to make sure you're paying attention to your intentions and reader expectations.
Also! We're now on Patreon. If you'd like to support ongoing Collaborist initiatives and feast on a buffet of cool writing, mentoring, and community benefits, visit us at www.patreon.com/collaborist.
If you're looking for more information about our Free Query Letter Review happening August 1-7th, you can find it on your website at www.collaborist.org.

Books discussed in this episode include:


Dune
Franny & Zooey
Catcher in the Rye
In the Skin of a Lion


About the Hosts:
Jason Buchholz has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of the novel, A Paper Son (Simon & Schuster).
Ben LeRoy has long been fascinated by the power of words and story to connect and expand the world. He was the founder and publisher of the critically acclaimed publishing companies Bleak House Books (2000-2009) and Tyrus Books (2009-2017) until the latter was sold to Simon & Schuster. During his time in publishing, Ben was a frequent speaker at conferences and routinely interviewed for pieces about the industry. He is currently at work on a novel that is far too long and too complicated for its own good.
 
Affiliate Disclosure:
As a regular part of our discussions on Collaborcast we discuss books that have inspired us and contribute to a larger point we’re trying to make about storytelling, craft, insights into the human condition, or any number of other things. When we remember, we may include links to those books in the episode notes. If you are interested in purchasing those books and do so by clicking on the link to the Collaborist storefront on Bookshop, we will receive an affiliate commission from Bookshop.
We have selected Bookshop because of their commitment to keeping independent bookstores competitive in the online bookselling space. We encourage you to consider Bookshop when buying books online whether or not you choose to do so through Collaborist or your favorite independent bookstore.
If you opt to get your books from somewhere other than our link – bookstores, libraries, estate sales, wherever—we’re totally okay with that, too. Books are valuable and wonderful and we encourage you to find the treasure wherever it works best for you, Collaborist.

Jason and Ben discuss what makes an effective antagonist. Is the bad guy always the one in the bushes? Who else can be the person between your protagonist's goals and success?
Thanks to Self Help for the intro and outro music.

Jason and Ben discuss what makes an effective protagonist. What does it mean to write what you know? Does your leading character have to be good? Sympathetic? All knowing?
Thanks to Self Help for the intro and outro music.
#howtowrite #writing #novelwriting #novel #amwriting #nanowrimo

We talk about how to choose a point of view (POV), things to avoid during your book's opening, and we've got questions for you! Thanks to Self Help for the intro and outro music!
RESOURCES & LINKS:
Need an Editor, Ghostwriter, or Coach? Hire a Collaborist! – https://collaborist.org/services/ Looking for a Writers’ Group? - https://collaborist.org/writers-groups/ Interested in a book mentioned during the podcast? - https://bookshop.org/shop/collaborist More about Jason Buchholz - http://www.jasonbuchholz.com/ More about Ben LeRoy – http://www.thebenleroy.com Collaborist on Twitter –