Archive for Podcasts

I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Spreadsheets, Ghosts, and the Art of Outlining with James L. Sutter

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S20 Ep20: In Which Mur and James L. Sutter Discuss Editing, Outlining, and Ghostly Romances

“I think that is the beating heart of any novel, is characters changing.”– James L. Sutter

Transcript

(This post went live for supporters on July 4, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


Join Mur and guest James L. Sutter as they delve into the intricacies of the writing process, from the importance of meticulous outlining to the challenges of editing. They discuss James’s new book, The Ghost of Us, a queer YA supernatural romance that combines ghost hunting with a heartfelt coming-of-age story. They also share valuable tips on maintaining consistency and dealing with feedback, all while keeping the creative spark alive.

Links:

Evergreen Links


“Spreadsheets, Ghosts, and the Art of Outlining with James L. Sutter” is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
July 22, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 20 | murverse.com
“Spreadsheets, Ghosts, and the Art of Outlining with James L. Sutter”  by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Deck of Worlds: Unleashing Creativity in Fiction

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S20 Ep19: In Which Mur Explores the Deck of Worlds and Story Engine

“You know, if you use the word ‘modified,’ you can get away with anything.”– Mur

Transcript

(This post went live for supporters on July 1, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


Hey, are you lost? Check out the video!

Join Mur Lafferty as she dives into a live-streamed session of world-building using the Deck of Worlds and The Story Engine. Despite a challenging week, Mur’s creativity shines as she crafts unique settings and characters, from a swamp with carnivorous plants to a compromised cyborg in a cyberpunk universe. This episode is a treasure trove for writers looking to spark their imagination and explore new storytelling tools.

Links:

Evergreen Links


“Deck of Worlds: Unleashing Creativity in Fiction” is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
July 15, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 19 | murverse.com
“Deck of Worlds: Unleashing Creativity in Fiction”  by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Tarot Tales and Historical Hurdles with Susan Wands

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S20 Ep18: In Which Mur Explores Tarot and Historical Fiction with Susan Wands

“Action is always better than no action. You can always fix what you’ve done. You can’t fix not getting started.”– Susan Wands

Transcript

(This post went live for supporters on June 27, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


In this episode, Mur chats with Susan Wands, the author of High Priestess and Empress. They delve into the fascinating world of Pamela Coleman Smith, the creator of the iconic Rider-Waite tarot deck, and discuss how historical fiction blends with magical realism in Susan’s Arcana Oracle series. Susan shares her journey of rewriting her first book, dealing with genre expectations, and how tarot influences her creative process.

High Priestess and Empress illustrated cover, pinkLinks:

Evergreen Links


“Tarot Tales and Historical Hurdles with Susan Wands” is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
July 8, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 18 | murverse.com
“Tarot Tales and Historical Hurdles with Susan Wands”  by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[DD] Book Tours, TikTok, and Twitter Tantrums

Ditch Diggers logo, illustrated with Mur and Ursula images.
Ep 02: Book Tours, TikTok, and Twitter Tantrums
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“Being on BookTok will not give you a career if you don’t have one. Do what makes you happy.” – Ursula

Transcript

(This post went live for supporters on July 3, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


In this episode, Mur Lafferty and Ursula Vernon dive into the realities of book tours, the financial intricacies of publishing, and the ever-changing landscape of social media for authors. Ursula shares a retraction about the profitability of her book tour, while Mur discusses the challenges of balancing writing with personal commitments and health issues.

They also tackle the latest trends and controversies in the writing community, including the misguided advice about writing styles and the pressure to be active on platforms like TikTok.

  • Book Tour Financials
  • Author Panels and Interviews
  • Social Media Trends
  • Writing Styles and Absolutes

(more…)

I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Navigating Novel Noodling and New Ideas

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S20 Ep17: In Which Mur Reflects on Creativity and Ambition

“It’s really easy. It’s so relaxing to not be creative.”– Mur

Transcript

(This post went live for supporters on June 24, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


This week, Mur shares her journey through book edits, the struggles of low energy, and the comforting realization that creation is often less comforting than consumption. Mur explores the myriad of creative opportunities available today—from writing novels to making music videos—and the emotional weight that comes with each creative endeavor.

She also touches on her admiration for hybrid creators like Ursula Vernon and the spontaneous creativity of the band, The Garages. Mur reflects on her past as a sports journalist and how it shaped her writing, offering insights into finding the right angle for storytelling. Whether you’re struggling with a boring main character or the challenges of prequels, Mur provides thoughtful advice and personal anecdotes to help you navigate your creative journey.

Links:

Evergreen Links


“Navigating Novel Noodling and New Ideas” is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
July 1, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 17 | murverse.com
“Navigating Novel Noodling and New Ideas” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Ditch Diggers, Podcasts, Projects

[DD] Ursula Vernon Takes Over: New Beginnings and No More Cancer

Ditch Diggers logo, illustrated with Mur and Ursula images.
Ep 01: Ursula Vernon Takes Over New Beginnings and No More Cancer
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“If you want to make money, you have to think about it like a job.”– Mur

Transcript

(This post went live for supporters on June 26, 2024. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


Welcome back to Ditch Diggers! In this episode, we kick things off with a fresh start and a new co-host. The mighty Mur Lafferty is joined by the fabulous Ursula Vernon (aka T. Kingfisher) as they dive into the nitty-gritty of the writing business.

Ursula shares her personal journey of overcoming cancer and getting back into the writing groove, while Mur talks about the realities of making deadlines and the business side of writing. They also discuss the recent Hugo Awards controversy and the implications for authors involved.

(more…)

I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Short Story Submissions and Surviving Rejections

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S20 Ep16: In Which Mur Tackles Short Fiction Submissions

“You’re not gonna be Wiswell or Chambers. You’re gonna be you.”– Mur

Transcript


In this episode, Mur delves into the intricacies of submitting short fiction, sharing invaluable tips and personal experiences. From the importance of understanding market guidelines to the emotional resilience required to handle rejections, this episode is packed with advice for both new and seasoned writers.

Mur also recounts her recent whirlwind trip to Buffalo, battling migraines, and the unexpected productivity boost from writing a Baldur’s Gate fanfic for a friend. Plus, she answers listener questions on short story submissions, beta readers, and the pitfalls of “rejectomancy.”

Links:

Evergreen Links


“Navigating Short Fiction Submissions” is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
June 24, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 16 | murverse.com
“Navigating Short Fiction Submissions” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Murder Mystery Meltdown and the AI Assistant

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S20 Ep15: In Which Mur Muses on AI and the Writer’s Journey

“I’m exaggerating a little bit, but if you look at the last 20 years, that’s pretty much how I work.”– Mur

Transcript


In this podcast we dive into the depths of editing my novel, Infinite Archive, and how I’m navigating the murky waters of murder mystery tweaks. We also explore the increasingly complex landscape of AI in writing and its implications for creatives.

Links:

Evergreen Links


“Murder Mystery Meltdown and the AI Assistant” is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
May 2, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 15 | murverse.com
“Murder Mystery Meltdown and the AI Assistant” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] Conquering Conventions and Crafting Confidence

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S20 Ep14: In Which Mur Dives into Conventions and Confidence

“You can’t stop caring about something… You stop what you do about it, but you can’t really just turn that switch off.” – Mur

Transcript

 

From the thrill of networking to the trepidation of tax season, Mur navigates the maze of a writer’s life with humor and honesty. In this episode, she shares her experiences and insights on convention attendance, from choosing the right ones to the art of mingling without the cringe. Plus, she tackles the ever-present concern of COVID safety in crowded spaces.

Whether you’re a cosplayer or a casual attendee, Mur advises on how to present yourself professionally, connect with industry pros, and enjoy the con experience while staying true to your comfort level. And for those not ready to dive back into the physical con scene, she discusses the merits of virtual conventions and how they can be a great alternative.

Links:

Evergreen Links


“Conquering Conventions and Crafting Confidence” is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
April 24, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 14 | murverse.com
“Conquering Conventions and Crafting Confidence” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
I Should Be Writing, Podcasts, Projects

[ISBW] From Patent Memos to Nebula Nods with Wole Talabi

Riding the Revision Rollercoaster - season 20 episode 11

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S20 Ep13: In Which Mur Attends Wole Talabi’s Creative Alchemy

Transcript

 

“The primary driver of my sense of success is, ‘do I feel happy with what I’ve done?'” – Wole Talabi

Mur chats with Wole Talabi, an engineer turned author (but still engineer). They discuss the Schrodinger’s Cat of publishing, the thrill of rewriting old stories for new audiences, and the joy of challenging the norms of fiction.

Links:

Evergreen Links


“From Patent Memos to Nebula Nods with Wole Talabi” is brought to you in large part by by my supporters, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
April 17, 2024 | Season 20 Ep 13 | murverse.com
“From Patent Memos to Nebula Nods with Wole Talabi” by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0