20 episodes

Historian and novelist Ada Palmer and author and vocateur reader Jo Walton interview other fiction authors, historians, scientists, editors, and friends, interspersed with bonus episodes where they discuss topics such as history, gelato, and the craft of writing.

Ex Urbe Ad Astra Ada Palmer

    • History
    • 4.8 • 19 Ratings

Historian and novelist Ada Palmer and author and vocateur reader Jo Walton interview other fiction authors, historians, scientists, editors, and friends, interspersed with bonus episodes where they discuss topics such as history, gelato, and the craft of writing.

    Ex Urbe Ad Astra #13 - The Florentine Renaissance with Larry Rothfield

    Ex Urbe Ad Astra #13 - The Florentine Renaissance with Larry Rothfield

    In this episode, Ada and Jo speak with historian Larry Rothfield about the political nuances of 15th century Florence, and the shifting perspectives of the Renaissance to come since then.

    • 1 hr 47 min
    Ex Urbe Ad Astra #12 - Pacing with Ken Liu

    Ex Urbe Ad Astra #12 - Pacing with Ken Liu

    In this episode, Ada and Jo discuss the merits of good pacing across a range of story lengths with Hugo and Nebula award-winning author, Ken Liu.

    • 1 hr 52 min
    Ex Urbe Ad Astra #11 - The Problem of Evil in Narrative with Alexis Shotwell

    Ex Urbe Ad Astra #11 - The Problem of Evil in Narrative with Alexis Shotwell

    In this episode, Ada and Jo speak with Alexis Shotwell about the issues that arise from ill-intentioned characters, and the moral questions they present to readers.

    • 1 hr 43 min
    Ex Urbe Ad Astra #10 - Setups and Payoffs with Jon Evans

    Ex Urbe Ad Astra #10 - Setups and Payoffs with Jon Evans

    In this episode, Ada and Jo speak with Jon Evans about the remote research versus travel, short stories, beleivability, and setting up shocking twists for striking payoffs.

    • 1 hr 43 min
    Ex Urbe Ad Astra #9 - Stopping Reading

    Ex Urbe Ad Astra #9 - Stopping Reading

    In this episode, Jo and Ada discuss a number of reasons to put a book down without finishing.

    • 1 hr 35 min
    Politics in Disability and Fiction with William Alexander

    Politics in Disability and Fiction with William Alexander

    Award winning children's author William Alexander joins Jo and Ada to talk about using politics and disability in fiction for children and adults.

    • 1 hr 49 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
19 Ratings

19 Ratings

books&tea&sometimesR ,

Swoon

Why yes, I *would* like to be invited to listen in on conversations between two of my favorite writers. What a gift!

DrCJCarpenter ,

Fascinating

Two brilliant writers talking about fascinating topics. What more could you want in a podcast?

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