I tried, but it’s time to walk away
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“For a long while, I found this podcast helpful for learning about the craft of writing. But lately, it seems to have strayed from its original goal.
During episode 15.04 with Patrick Rothfuss, Mary Robinette, cried foul about a “sexist” metaphor. I appreciate discussions of tropes and stereotypes, but Mary struck me as hostile. As a woman, I felt embarrassed. I recall thinking, “Of ALL the fights we have to endure, you’re picking THIS one?” I was honestly confused about why she was so deeply offended.
Despite that, I gave it another shot.
Then, in episode 15.34 about “deliberate discomfort,” one of the guests asserted that writers cannot “write horrible people just for funsies” and that scenes that depict discomfort should be essentially drawn from the author’s lived experiences. I’m sorry....whaaat? This slippery slope pairs nicely with the issues in #ownvoices.
Isn’t creating stories part of imaginative process? How were books about elves, wizards, vampires, and fairies made if the author never lived that experience? And what if I don’t *want* to talk about the discomfort I’ve experienced as a BIPOC, and want to use writing as an escape? Does this mean an author cannot write a gruesome scene in her horror novel unless she “experienced” that discomfort? What about fantasy authors? Are we forbidden from writing those stories because they are not “ours” to tell?
Instead of having a more nuanced (and messy) debate about this, everyone agreed. Lockstep.
I don’t need another insufferable talking head in my life. It’s time to for me to move on.”
D St. Amant via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/26/20
More reviews of Writing Excuses
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“I love the fun they are having making this show. And they share some truly significant ideas on writing.”
Scott Wozniak via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/24/17
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“The Writing Excuses crew have been at this for years but have never flagged in their dedication to assist other writers at improving their craft. Every episode is tight and well constructed. They also get a great range of guests host on which adds some nice depth to their content.”
GPellechi via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/16/15
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“This podcast is invaluable if you have a passion for writing, and entertaining even if you’re not interested in the subject (my sister for example is a reader not a writer and she loves it). The gang are so hilarious and each episode is filled with concise, lively discussion of stories and how to...”Read full review »
ArchersFan via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
11/11/17
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