Monday, July 30, 2007

Writing 009 -- Characters of Tragedy & Redemption

This episode explores Tragedy and Redemption tales. It's purely an introduction; there is so much more we can talk about.

I take a look at some classic stories like Macbeth, Les Miserables and A Christmas Carol. They really stand up to time not merely as stories but as models of their respective genres.

Enjoy. And please -- comment.

Listen: Characters of Tragedy & Redemption

Regards,
Tom


Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Writing 008 -- Writing Historical Fiction: Part 2

In this episode, we continue our discussion on how to write Historical Fiction. This show is broken down into three parts and we analyze the works of James Michener, Umberto Eco and Anne Rice.

The show is broken down to three parts:

I. The Time and Place of the Narrator
II. The World Beyond the Character
III. The Character and His Immediate World

Listen:
Writing Historical Fiction -- Part 2 (Writing 008)

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Writing 007 -- Writing Historical Fiction

This episode has gotten some responses, both positive and negative. (Though constructive criticism is always good.)

Some people felt I was correct to call for as much historical accuracy as possible when writing historical fiction. (I certainly don't think the historical novelist should be sloppy about things.)

Other people felt that adherence to history can get in the way of storytelling.

Both are true. Both have a legitimate case.

Good storytelling might require bad history. But bad history is nothing to be proud of.

Good history doesn't guarantee good storytelling. And bad storytelling is nothing to be proud of.

I just prefer the best of both worlds.


Regards,
Tom