Keira's World - TopPodcast.com

Writing & Junk: Neurodivergence & the Creative Process Jun 12, 2023

My brain doesn't work the way yours does and that's okay.

Recorded on 1-17-2023

Writing & Junk: The Tiny Goal Jan 14, 2023

Sometimes, setting a small goal for yourself is exactly what your creativity and morale needs.

Recorded on 1-1-2023

Writing & Junk: At Loose Ends Jan 03, 2023

You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em and know when to walk away. Recorded on 11-19-2022

Fandom & Junk: Divorce Petition Dec 28, 2022

Me and the Beta process are never, ever getting back together.

Recorded on 11-7-2022

The Big Moxie: Inexplicable Babies Dec 24, 2022

Qt1-2023 ~ Sign-Ups: 12/1/22 – 12/31/22 and Posting Dates: March 1—March 31, 2023

Recorded on 12-2-2023

Fandom & Junk: WTF Ever Dec 18, 2022

It might get rude.

Recorded on 10-29-2022

Short & Junk: Writing & the Human Experience Nov 22, 2022

Answering two questions:

1: Have you tried that "change the font you're writing/editting in!" method? What did you think?

2: Are there other times where art inspired a story?

Short & Junk: How Big Is Your Idea? Nov 21, 2022

Question: How do you determine what idea works best as a short story versus a novella/novel?

Short & Junk: Keeping It Short Nov 20, 2022

Question: When you write a short story, is it hard to keep it short?

Short & Junk: Writing A Story Without My OTP Nov 17, 2022

Question: Is it weird writing about a new character in a fandom where you have an OTP? Recorded: 9-16-2022

Fandom & Junk: The Self-Insert (An Original Fandom Sin) Aug 30, 2022

Tonight we're going to talk about self-inserts in fan fiction and how that impacts your experience as a reader and a writer.

Recorded on 8-27-22

The Quantum Bang: The Road to 2023 Aug 10, 2022

The multi-fandom fix-it bang started its fifth year today and we're going to talk about it.

Recorded on August 1, 2022

Fandom & Junk: Fandom Wars Jul 09, 2022

You came in like a wrecking ball and we're not here for it.

Recorded on 7-8-2022

Writing & Junk: Decades in the Making Jun 09, 2022

The journey to becoming the writer you are doesn't have an end, but it had a beginning.

Recorded on 5-15-2022

Writing & Junk: Size Matters Jun 08, 2022

How do you figure out if you an epic story should be told in episodes, novellas, or novels?

Recorded on 3-25-22

To Every Season: The Layer Challenge Jun 04, 2022

Tropes, layers, and creating circumstances that inspire you.

Recorded on 3-22-22

More Information: To Every Season

Fandom & Junk: The Transformative Experience Jun 02, 2022

On writing fan fiction and taking your characters on the journey only you can tell. Is your work transformative? Let's talk about it.

Recorded on 3-11-2022

Writing & Junk: Soul Deep Jun 01, 2022

Recognizing the soul of your character to the benefit of our craft and story.

Recorded on 3-4-22

Revolutions: Canon Divergence/New Dimension May 31, 2022

Meandering through the themes for Rough Trade - November 2022.

Recorded on 2-18-22

Fandom & Junk: Headcanon (its a tool, not a weapon) May 30, 2022

Having a headcanon is like having a penis. It's perfectly okay to have one and be proud of it. It is not okay to get it out, wave it around like its fact, and try to shove it down someone's throat.

Recorded on 2-12-22

Writing & Junk: The Pursuit of Perfection (and other mistakes) May 28, 2022

Becoming the writer you're meant to be is a journey and perfection isn't the goal.

Recorded on 2-4-22

Writing & Junk: GMC-Goals, Motivation, & Conflict Mar 27, 2022

We're going to talk about characterization and GMC. Probably.

Recorded on 1-21-2022

Variations: Alternate Settings & Fusions Mar 10, 2022

We're going to explain the next RT challenge and the concepts that will come into play.

Recorded on 1-15-2022

Writing & Junk: Pacing & Foreshadows Mar 08, 2022

Controlling the narrative pace is one of the most important elements in storytelling and foreshadowing can play a role in that.

Recorded on 12/11/2021

Writing & Junk: Stuck in the Middle Mar 05, 2022

How to get a leg over your plot.

Recorded on 11-19-2021

PS. I said what I said.

The Writer's Table: Episode 32 Feb 26, 2022

Questions & answers from live listeners.

Recorded on 11-16-2021

Writing & Junk: Why So Serious? Feb 19, 2022

Writing, fandom and why good craft is always important.

Recorded on 11-11-2021

Rough Trade Pre-Game Feb 15, 2022

We chat about Rough Trade prior to the start of the November 2021 Challenge (which is also the start of National Novel Writing Month).

Recorded on 10-31-2021

Plotting Fluffy Stuff & Junk Feb 14, 2022

It's gonna be so fluffy we could die.

Recorded on 10/29/2021

Writing & Junk: Growing Your Inner Writer Jan 28, 2022

Thoughts on how to get over yourself, conquer your process, avoid heifers, and nurture the writer you were born to be.

Recorded on 10/27/2021

Writing & Junk: The Big Moxie Jan 17, 2022

2022 will be the year of the cozy challenge! Tonight we're going to talk about this new challenge and how it will work and why it's been created. Signups for quarter 1 and 2 are closed. But, signups for quarters 3 and 4 will open up on June 1, 2022.

https://writingandjunk.com/the-big-moxie-2022/

Recorded on 10/23/2021

Writing & Junk: Magical Realism & Fandom Fusions Jan 16, 2022

Mixing magical realism in difficult fandoms.

Recorded on 10/20/2021

Fandom & Junk: Idea Sniping Jan 15, 2022

Idea sniping is a dick move. We're going to talk about it.

Recorded on 10/15/2021

Rough Trade: 10 Years On Jan 14, 2022

What we learned over the years doing the Rough Trade challenges.

Recorded on 10/03/2021

Writing & Junk: Self-Editing & the Alpha Reader Jan 10, 2022

Self-editing, recognizing weaknesses, improving your craft and the role of the alpha reader. <P>

Editorial Note: About 15 minutes in there is a blip in the recording where we lost several minutes of audio, so the subject change is kind of abrupt due to editing out the unexpected silence. Our apologies. <P>

Recorded: 9-22-2021

Writing & Junk: Thoughts on Time Travel Jan 09, 2022

Time travel plots, ideas, musings, and the role of magical realism in contemporary fandoms.

<p>

Recorded: 9-14-2021

Writing & Junk: Preparing for Beta Jan 09, 2022

Let's talk about how to not be an asshole to your beta reader(s). Recorded: 9-11-2021

Plotting & Junk: Wish Babies Jan 07, 2022

We're going to delve into wish babies - mechanics, plot devices, and ripple management. Recorded:9-10-2021

Writing & Junk: Magical Realism & Fantasy Elements Jan 05, 2022

Magical realism and inserting fantasy elements into contemporary fandoms. Recorded: 9-9-2021

Life & Junk: Bored as Fuck Dec 26, 2021

We're really fucking bored so we talk about the 9-1-1 fandom, food, and life. Recorded: 8-1-2021

Writing & Junk: When Good Ideas Go Bad Dec 24, 2021

We meander our way through a discussion about bad writing choices, ideas, and ripple management. Note: There is a technical issue around the 2-hour mark that I clean up the best I could. Thanks. Recorded: 4-9-2021

Life & Junk: Episode 1 Dec 15, 2021

Alternate universe us are living their best lives and this podcast won't be safe for work. Recorded: 3-29-2021

Plot Drift: Buck Comes Online as a Sentinel (9-1-1 Fandom) Dec 09, 2021

During natural disasters, Sentinels can come online to protect the tribe. Evan Buckley is no exception. Recorded: 3-26-2021

Writing & Junk: Subplots & Secondary Characters Dec 07, 2021

Managing your subplots is a matter of discipline. Some of you guys should spend eternity in the corner. Recorded: 3-21-2021

Fandom & Junk: Fuck the Box Nov 13, 2021

Don't let anyone put you in the corner.

Fandom & Junk: Leaning into 9-1-1 Nov 08, 2021

Falling in love with a new fandom. Recorded 3-18-2021

Writing & Junk: The Importance of Being Honest Nov 06, 2021

Being honest and genuine in your craft is a gift you owe yourself. Recorded 03-12-2021

Garden Variety Soulmates Nov 05, 2021

Everyday love is extraordinary. Recorded on 03-09-2021

Fandom & Junk: No Statute of Limitations Nov 02, 2021

Setting a boundary isn't giving up, forgiveness is always optional, and moving on doesn't equal forgetting. Recorded on 3-5-2021

Fandom & Junk: Illusions of Helpfulness Nov 01, 2021

We don't think that word means what you think it means. Recorded 03-02-2021

Writing & Junk: World Building Oct 31, 2021

How to build a fictional world that resonates. Recorded 02-27-2021

Plotting & Junk: Tony Dinozzo Meets His Soulmate Oct 30, 2021

Tonight, we're going to plot like motherfuckers. Seriously. We're going to own this. Recorded 02-26-2021

Fandom & Junk: When You Want to Yeet Canon Oct 29, 2021

Sometimes, canon gets boring. Recorded 2-18-2021

Writing & Junk: The Importantance of POV Oct 28, 2021

Choosing the right point of view for a story is paramount to telling a good story. Recorded 02-16-2021

Fandom & Junk: You Don't Own My Words Oct 27, 2021

So, I had an epiphany.

Recorded on 2-15-2021

Writing & Junk: Building Original Characters Oct 10, 2021

Tonight we're going to create original characters - template profile provided on Discord. This is a working podcast so the background noise level might be annoying. Recorded on 02-12-2021

The Writer's Table: Episode 31 Jul 03, 2021

Take a seat at our table and ask writerly type questions. Recorded on 02-11-2021

Tropes & Junk: Soulmate Concepts Jun 24, 2021

Alternate paths to the soulmate trope.

Recorded 02-03-2021

Writing & Junk: Great Expectations Apr 10, 2021

Setting realistic goals, dealing with disappointment and resetting. Recorded 1-9-2021

The Big Fat Creative Life Mar 21, 2021

Being a writer isn't romantic.

Recorded 10-15-2020

Plotting & Junk: Soulmates Feb 27, 2021

So, your characters are soulmates...that's precious.

Recorded on: 10-8-2020

Fandom & Junk: But Why Are the Fucks Gone? Feb 18, 2021

When your character's final give a fuck is completely gone.

Writing & Junk: The Shifter Plot Drifts Feb 04, 2021

We plot some shifter stories, sort of.

Plus there is a discussion about fisting.

World Building: Shifters Jan 13, 2021

Creating a shifter 'verse and layering it over a fandom. & fisting

Recorded: 10-1-2020

The Writer's Table: Episode 30 Jan 10, 2021

Questions & Answers about writing...mostly. Staying on topic is a problem, actually, but we're okay with that.

Recorded on: 9-12-2020

Fandom and Junk: Characterization & Alternate Universes Oct 17, 2020

We're going to ramble through a discussion about characterization in AUs. Probably.

Writing & Junk: Nurturing Your Creative Spirit Oct 03, 2020

We're going to talk about creative ruts, good writing practices & motivation.

Writing & Junk - The Website Sep 22, 2020

Website Planning

http://www.writingandjunk.com

The Year of the Sentinel - The Guide Sep 13, 2020

The Guide trope in the Sentinel/Guides Are Known Trope is one of the more interesting developments in the Sentinel fandom.

Conversations: The Absence of War by Keira Marcos Jun 29, 2020

Keira brainstorms the plot for her 2019 Quantum Bang with Jilly James and explores her Harry Potter headcanon across several subjects including family magic. This is a working podcast so there will be background noise as we research stuff. Warning: Discussion of child abuse.

The Writer's Table: Episode 29 Jun 11, 2020

Ladyholder and I are going meander our way through some questions with some degree of success.

Fandom & Junk: Writing Challenges and Other Acts of Intellectual Masochism Apr 13, 2020

We're gonna get real frank -- about running and participating in challenges in fandom.

Recorded on: 3-12-2020

Fandom & Junk: Attention Whores Mar 22, 2020

We say some stuff that might piss you off but do keep in mind that we aren't responsible for managing your emotional responses to our words. Recorded on 3-11-2020

Bitch Craft: The Creative Reset Button Mar 11, 2020

Tonight we're going to explore the creative mindset and how to get your groove back when you're knocked off stride.

The Year of the Sentinel: Established Relationships Mar 10, 2020

Tonight we're going to explore various established relationships as it relates to April 2020 challenge for Rough Trade.

The Year of the Sentinel: The Sentinel Mar 04, 2020

The Sentinel half of the Sentinel/Guide trope.

Fandom & Junk: Toxic People Mar 02, 2020

Tonight we're going to talk about setting boundaries and mental health in fandom. Podcast recorded: 3-27-2020

Plot Drift: Stark & DiNozzo Feb 26, 2020

Jilly James spite plots a bunch of ideas around the Tony Stark/Tony DiNozzo pairing.

Story Building: Episode 7 Feb 24, 2020

Writing Sex in Romance Summary: We're going to have a real frank discussion about writing sex and why a lot of writers suck at it.

Story Building: Episode 6 Feb 23, 2020

The Decision Tree Summary: Creative decision making and ripple management.

Story Building: Episode 5 Feb 20, 2020

Writing Romance: Q&A

Story Building: Episode 4 Feb 17, 2020

The Mini-Plot Summary: Creating the mini-plot document

Story Building: Episode 3 Feb 14, 2020

Character Profiles & GMC Summary: Creating character profiles is essential to the plotting process as it helps with Goals, Motivation, and Conflict -- both for your plot and for your character.

Story Building: Episode 2 Feb 11, 2020

Defining Your Theme & Central Idea Summary: Brainstorming, theme wrangling, and the central idea.

Story Building: Episode 1 Feb 11, 2020

Introduction: Plotting a Novella Summary: How to get started.

Little Black Dress: Shifters Feb 11, 2020

We're going to throw some concepts at a wall and see what sticks.

Plot Drift: Wings & Babies Feb 10, 2020

Keira brought this shit on herself.

Bitch Craft: Action Precedes Motivation Jan 20, 2020

Writerly habits, daily writing, and setting personal goals.

The Writer's Table: Episode 28 Jan 17, 2020

Q & A with Keira Marcos

Plot Drift - Tony DiNozzo Picks a New Career Jan 12, 2020

Because he really should've fucked off shortly after Chained but okay, Tony, okay.

Plot Drift: Tony DiNozzo, Boxed In & the Turducken Jan 04, 2020

A bullet should've been enough. Also: We're sorry, Stargate. It's Emmeline's fault.

Fandom & Junk: Nothing New Under the Sun Dec 29, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about common tropes, the 7 (or 9) plots, and how fandom breeds similar concepts constantly. It's about inspiration and the hive mind, really.

Trope Drift: The Sentinel Fusion Dec 23, 2019

Tonight we're going to explore various concepts in Sentinel fusions.

Plot Drift: Any Compentent Adult vs the Goblet of Fire Dec 19, 2019

There's going to be some ADULTING.

Conversations: Jilly James Plots These Small Hours Dec 11, 2019

Prior to writing These Small Hours during NANOWRIMO for 2019, Jilly bounced the idea as part of the Conversations series.

Bitch Craft: The Art of Brainstorming Dec 04, 2019

Brainstorming and developing a premise into a full-fledged idea.

Bitch Craft: The Art of the Sequel Dec 02, 2019

Writing a sequel is a delicate balance between informing your reader of the previous story and bludgeoning the reader with 30k of exposition they don't need.

Little Black Dress Concept: Elementals Dec 01, 2019

Brainstorming the concept of elementals as an AU you can drape over any fandom canon. We had technical difficults near the end so this ends kind of abruptly. But we'd finished the topic and gone off into the wild blue yonder discussing dog movies that made us cry anyways.

Fandom & Junk: Vexing Canon Elements Nov 26, 2019

Sometimes, something so outrageous happens in the canon of a show or movie series that the whole fandom just stutters. We're going to talk about it.

Bitch Craft: Group Writing & the Series Bible Nov 26, 2019

Writing with another author can be daunting, writing with a large group can seem impossible. That's why planning is key.

Bitch Craft: Creative Focus Nov 22, 2019

Finding and keeping creative focus can be difficult. Tonight we're going to talk about it.

Bitch Craft: Relationship Dynamics & Chemistry Nov 16, 2019

Sexual chemistry, on-screen chemistry, and character's relationships.

Little Black Dress Concept: The Psionic Rift Nov 10, 2019

Our challenge: To create thematic concepts that can be laid on top of any fandom.

The Writer's Table - Episode 27 Nov 04, 2019

-Series bibles and style guides -Character creation and keeping track -Weaving major events into your narrative -Project organization -Crossover V Fusion -Chaptering and pacing in your narrative -Artificial pace and gimmicks -Decision trees and zero drafting -Character chemistry -OTPS

Bitch Craft: How Many Characters Do You Really Need Oct 30, 2019

Your character roster depends on the structure of your work -- be it novel, novella, or episode series.

Fandom & Junk: Contemporary Fandoms & Time Travel Oct 28, 2019

Does it have to be inexplicable?

Bitch Craft: Story Renovation Oct 27, 2019

Margaret asked: How do you separate a complete whole into smaller parts and how do you know where to cut it at?

Fandom & Junk: Leaning into Hannibal Oct 23, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about the Hannibal Lector--the TV show, books, movies, & the cannibalism are all potential topics. Also, Hannigram 'cause we ship it like whoa. Note: We figured out after the podcast that Will was framed for the Copycat Murders which hadn't been linked to Hannibal's other crimes at the time of Will's incarceration.

The Writer's Table - Episode 26 Oct 19, 2019

Questions and answers about plotting, characterization, and time management.

Bitch Craft: Character Wants & Needs Oct 16, 2019

Defining your characters wants and needs is the heart of determining their goals, motivations, and conflicts.

Plot Drift- Tony DiNozzo Offers Ian Edgerton a Ride Oct 15, 2019

Tony DiNozzo and Ian Edgerton and the various ways they could come together. Plus - we went off on a Hannibal tangent near the end. Listen to it, we're hilarious and also, Hannibal might eat your face if you don't.

Bitch Craft: Redemption Arcs Oct 12, 2019

Canon characterization, fanon interpretations and the journey to redemption.

Bitch Craft: Happily Ever After & Other Lies We Tell Oct 11, 2019

The construction of a proper fiction narrative is absolutely lousy with the lies authors tell.

Bitch Craft: Tony DiNozzo Dreams a Little Bigger - 2/2 Oct 09, 2019

For Tony, NCIS was just one stop on his way up until he ran face-first into a wall named Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

Bitch Craft - Tony DiNozzo Dreams a Little Bigger - 1/2 Oct 08, 2019

For Tony, NCIS was just one stop on his way up until he ran face-first into a wall named Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

Plot Drift - We Plot Something Stargatish Oct 07, 2019

We plot a Stargate AU where the Wraith are complicated, the culling of Sateda had much harsher consequences, and a secret Ronon has held close for years is laid bare. **This podcast contains discussion of cannibalism and a frank discussion regarding the very obvious implications of how the Wraith feed and what they consider their food supply.

Bitch Craft: Let Other Writers Inspire You Oct 01, 2019

Inspiration, transformative works, fan fiction, and creativity.

Variations: Harry Potter & Time Travel Sep 28, 2019

Time Travel ideas and the world of Harry Potter.

Bitch Craft: Writing Conflict Sep 26, 2019

The founding principal of writing fiction is GMC (Goals, Motivation & Conflict). Tonight we're going to talk about Conflict.

Bitch Craft: Insertion Points & Canon Contradictions Sep 25, 2019

Finding your point of divergence in canon & mitigating issues.

Plot Drift: Patrick Sheppard & the SGC Sep 24, 2019

Patrick Sheppard joins the SGC before John.

Variations: Tony DiNozzo is a Sheppard Sep 24, 2019

All the ways Tony could be related to the Sheppard family.

Conversations: Jilly Plots the Shifts 'Verse Sep 21, 2019

Jilly & Keira idea bounce a Teen Wolf AU story featuring Victoria Argent.

Bitch Craft: Idea Bouncing 101 Sep 20, 2019

The ability to brainstorm an idea with another author is a specific skill.

Fandom & Junk: Tropes We Hate Sep 16, 2019

Fandom is full of fucked up shit. Tonight we're going to bitch about it. *There isn't a single moment in this entire podcast where one of us welcomes ANYONE to send us a recommendation for a link to a story that will change our minds about a specific trope.

Year of the Sentinel: Canon vs Fanon Part 2 Sep 16, 2019

The divide between canon and fanon is so wide in The Sentinel that it might as well be the Grand Canyon.

Year of the Sentinel: Canon vs Fanon Part 1 Sep 16, 2019

The divide between canon and fanon is so wide in The Sentinel that it might as well be the Grand Canyon.

The Author's Desk - Keira Marcos Sep 08, 2019

I answer questions about my writing process, future works, and fandom.

Bitch Craft: Story Building & Other Misdemeanors Sep 07, 2019

We talk about finding inspiration and building stories in the challenge environment.

Quantum Drift: John Sheppard Saves Marshall Sumner Sep 05, 2019

The Fix-It that changes everything about Stargate: Atlantis.

Bitch Craft: Are Your Ripples Wrong - 2/2 Sep 04, 2019

One of the more difficult aspects of a canon divergence (or time travel) fic is the accounting for the ripples that can emerge from a changed event.

Bitch Craft: Are Your Ripples Wrong - 1/2 Sep 04, 2019

One of the more difficult aspects of a canon divergence (or time travel) fic is the accounting for the ripples that can emerge from a changed event. Note: My voice is a little weird when the podcast starts. I did my best to correct it and what we have is what we get at this point.

Trope Drift - Time Travel & Canon Divergence - 2/2 Sep 01, 2019

Using Time Travel to create points of divergence in the canon of a fandom.

Trope Drift: Time Travel & Canon Divergence - 1/2 Sep 01, 2019

Using Time Travel to create points of divergence in the canon of a fandom.

Plot Drift: Rodney McKay Joins the Expedition in the Second Wave Aug 30, 2019

What happens if McKay comes out with the second wave instead of with the first? #stargateatlantis #sga

Fandom & Junk: Characters & Worlds That Resonate Aug 29, 2019

I was recently asked why I write in several different fandoms and why I write in them. What is it in these fandoms that draw me in as a writer. Tonight, we're going to talk about it.

Bitch Craft: Defining Your Central Theme Aug 24, 2019

The central theme of your novel sets the tone for both your characters and the reader.

Fandom & Junk: The Fic Factory Paradigm Aug 18, 2019

A focus on damaging reader trends in fandom.

Fanon Theory: All the Things Ultron Could Be Aug 16, 2019

Discussion of various fan theories regarding the creation of Ultron. #MCU

Bitch Craft: The Subtle Fuck You Aug 13, 2019

Revenge arcs are probably the most popular in fandom--tonight we'll discuss a subtle approach to this trope.

Fandom & Junk: The Mary Sue Paradox Aug 10, 2019

Some people don't know the difference between an original character and a Mary Sue. Tonight we're going to talk about it.

Bitch Craft: The Great Big World & Your Story Aug 09, 2019

How to write in fandoms with huge canons.

Plot Drift: Jack O'Neill Leads the Atlantis Expedition Aug 04, 2019

Tonight we're exploring what would change about the Atlantis Expedition if Jack O'Neill had gone out as the expedition leader.

Quantum Craft - Finding & Handling Ripples Aug 03, 2019

Since the Quantum Bang signups for 2020 start on August 1st, we thought we'd tackle the thorniest issue in writing a fix-it.

Bitch Craft: Character Bashing vs Villainy Jul 30, 2019

How thin is the line between character bashing and making a canon character the villain of your work?

Bitch Craft: Is Writer's Block a Myth? Jul 27, 2019

Knowing how your mind works and what effects your creative space is crucial to productivity and morale.

The Writer's Table: Episode 25 Jul 21, 2019

Pro Publishing Q&A

Plot Drift: The Stargate Program Gets Declassified Jul 20, 2019

The ramifications of revealing a Big Secret.

Quantum Craft: Character Focused Jul 18, 2019

Fixing what went wrong in your character's life is the most emotionally satisfying approach to a fix-it and we're going to talk about it.

Plot Drift: The unSubtle Fuck You Jul 15, 2019

Sometimes you just want to watch the world burn.

Quantum Drift: Homeland Security Arrests Michael Rivkin Jul 12, 2019

Tonight we're going to fix NCIS. This podcast is at least...45% on topic.

Quantum Craft: The Fix-It Catalyst Jul 07, 2019

Quantum Craft: In this podcast, we talk about the fix-it catalyst and the ripple effect it should cause in the canon of your chosen fandom.

Quantum Craft: Types of Fix-Its Jul 07, 2019

The Quantum Bang is about exploring the ripples of the changes you make to canon. Tonight we're going to give an overview of types of fix-its.

Mental Health & Creativity Jul 06, 2019

Depression and all the other things that in your head that get in your way. Note: The content of this podcast could be triggering for some people as we had a frank discussion about clinical depression and OCD.

Bitch Craft: Ripples & Divergent Points -Part 2 Jun 30, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about ripples and canon divergence points in various shows, movies, and books when it comes to writing a canon divergent story. *There are some sound quality issues in this podcast. I'm aware of it but I can't fix it. Sorry.

Bitch Craft: Ripples & Divergent Points -Part 1 Jun 30, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about ripples and canon divergence points in various shows, movies, and books when it comes to writing a canon divergent story.

Plot Drift: Tony DiNozzo Gets His Own Team Jun 22, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about canon divergences in NCIS using Tony DiNozzo as the central character and various events as the catalyst.

Bitch Craft: Canon Divergence Vs Alternate Universe Jun 21, 2019

We're going to break down the difference between a canon divergence and an alternate universe.

Author Interview- JJ Morrison Jun 20, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about Jilly James' alter ego, JJ Morrison and her new book coming out next month. http://jj-morrison.com | http://jillyjames.com

Bitch Craft- Make Me Believe Jun 17, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about the suspension of disbelief.

Plot Drift - Central Theme Vs a Minor Trope Jun 16, 2019

Tonight we're going to discuss the definition of your central theme and how minor tropes play a part in your work. Technical Note: About 30 minutes in, there is a glitch because we changed servers on Discord and accidentally kicked our recording bot off our server. Don't worry, Craig wasn't hurt and came back to play with an invitation. No actual content was lost as we noticed immediately and went about fixing it. It might just sound a tad awkward at the breaking point.

Plot Drift - The Atlantis Expedition Gets a New Leader (SGA) Jun 15, 2019

Tonight, Ladyholder will join me in plotting on the fly a fan fiction concept for Stargate: Atlantis

Bitch Craft-The Thin Line Between Inspiration & Theft Jun 13, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about the difference between being inspired and stealing someone else's idea.

Bitch Craft - Lampshading & the Handwave Jun 12, 2019

We joke about the Author's Handwave of Destiny. Tonight, we're going to talk about it.

Bitch Craft: Plot vs Character Jun 10, 2019

Sometimes a writer is faced with making a choice that serves their plot but not their characterization. Tonight, we're going to talk about it.

Fandom & Junk: Are you in a Fandom Rut? Jun 09, 2019

Getting snug in a single genre or fandom and staying there for years is detrimental to your growth as a writer.

Bitch Craft: Original Sin Jun 09, 2019

Stepping outside the box is good, setting the box on fire and riverdancing on the ashes is not.

Fandom & Junk: Alternate Universes Jun 06, 2019

Cinna asked: "Are there stories you've written that you have a burning desire to write an AU of? If so will you share what and why?"

Fandom & Junk: All the Things We Hate About You Jun 05, 2019

Sometimes, fandom sucks.

The Quantum Bang Preshow-2019 Jun 02, 2019

The two-hour count down to the launch of the first Quantum Bang.

Fandom & Junk - Fusion Vs Canon Divergence Jun 01, 2019

Lizfic asked, "Can a fusion count with a fix-it, or would it need to be canon divergence?"

Bitch Craft: Habit is Not a Virtue May 30, 2019

Bad habits, stagnation and YOU.

The Writer's Table - Episode 24 May 27, 2019

Recording of a Live Q&A on Discord

Bitch Craft: The Art of Conversation May 08, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about dialogue, but we spend the first 45 minutes talking about other stuff, the tone, the mechanics, and the word choices we make as authors.

Trope Drift: Friends to Lovers May 05, 2019

Tonight we're going to discuss the trope "friends to lovers" in fandom and it's journey into popular fiction. When does a trope become a genre?

Plot Drift: Sentinels & Guides May 04, 2019

Sentinels and Guides. Rough Trade Next YearCanon DivergenceFavorite S/G StoryFandom JourneyDark Mode for websitesSentinel CrossoversSentinels and Guides are KnownPSA about DiabetesMore discussion about Rough Trade next year.

The Writer's Table - Episode 23 Apr 28, 2019

Topics:My dogPoint of view and animal charactersOmniscient POVGrammar and word choices -- common mistakesUnsolicited AdviceSex Toys, condoms, and lube (warnings about rigid toys)Scene pacing and how events can drag down the narrativeWord economics & a clean narrativeChapter lengthScene BreaksPlotting an episode seriesYour Writer Tool BoxOut of Character actionsBad character choicesWanda Maximoff is a terrible personHow offensive is a character?A perspective on Steve Rogers in the MCU

Plot Drift: Tony DiNozzo Joins the SGC Apr 27, 2019

Tonight we're going to plot drift Tony DiNozzo straight in the SGC.

Bitch Craft: The Author's Vision Apr 25, 2019

We talk a lot about plotting and the planning that we put into our work. Last night we discussed ripples and ramifications that come from plot decisions. Tonight we're going to talk about the author's vision and the path that can take for your novel.

Bitch Craft: Character Actions, Motivations, & Reader Perception Apr 24, 2019

When your plot choices make characterization decisions that your readers can't live with -- your hero becomes a villian.

Fandom & Junk: The Subtle Fix-It Apr 21, 2019

It's beyond tempting to go whole-hog when you're writing a fix-it fic and to start with a bang. But sometimes a single moment, a single change in the canon of a story can lead your characters in a different direction in a very organic way. Tonight we're going to talk about little changes and the ripples they can cause -- both big and small.

Bitch Craft: Evaluating Your Impulses Apr 20, 2019

Just becuase you have an idea, doesn't mean you should use it. Tonight we're going to talk about plotting, pantsing, and impulse control.

Bitch Craft: The Brain Reboot Apr 16, 2019

How do you reboot your brain? We're going to talk about the things that inspire us and things that drag us down. How to work through it and knowing when to give yourself a break.

Bitch Craft: The One Sentence Prompt & Inspiration Apr 13, 2019

It's Friday. We're going to try to stay on topic. We're chatting on Discord.

Bitch Craft: Writing Communities and Support Apr 08, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about our expanding communities, personalities, and how to be helpful. Cause we all need reminders of things we learned in kindergarten.

The Writer's Table - Episode 22 Apr 07, 2019

Topics:Housekeeping StuffChapteringPoint of View BreaksAdverb UseageFinding your pacePenguin PantsingFonts & Comic SansQuantum BangKnowing CanonPassive vs Active VoiceNatural dialogue isn't grammatically correct Chat on Discord

Bitch Craft: People Who Live in Your Pages Apr 06, 2019

“When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people not characters. A character is a caricature.”- Hemingway Tonight we're going to talk about creating original characters and why in this respect fandom is bad for you.Character Questionnaire: https://writerswrite.co.za/the-character-questionnaire-you-need-to-complete/ Chat on Discord

Rough Trade April 2019 - Take Two Apr 01, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about the upcoming challenge and our expanding community.Chat on Discord

Fandom & Junk: The Static Personality Mar 30, 2019

Fandom doesn't like change -- tonight we're going to talk about it.People change. Get over it.(Sorry about the fan running in the background!)Chat on Discord.

Plot Drift: Fate Takes Pity Mar 28, 2019

Tonight we're going to plot drift time travel fix its. Chat on discord: https://discord.gg/WgYnBPQ

Plot Drift: Tony DiNozzo saves John McGarrett's Life Mar 25, 2019

Tonight we're going to plot (and plot some more) fics featuring our favorite unicorn (Tony DiNozzo) saving the life of Steve McGarrett's father. We'll be chatting on discord as always.You can join the server for free here: https://discord.gg/WgYnBPQ

The Writer's Table - Episode 21 Mar 24, 2019

One Sentence PromptsSentinel/Guide dynamics and new conceptsCanon Divergence, S/G worldbuilding fusionFanon tropes and driftPlotting and event timelinesEstimating word countFinding and fixing problemsEstimating story lengthPlot Arc constructionWriting what inspires you and asking yourself the right questionsThe muse doesn't exist.Know your boundaries but push yourself to try new thingsWrite for yourselfMultiple Points of Views, genres, narrative and group dynamics, and the outsider point of view.

Author Interview: Margaret Couplet Mar 23, 2019

About the Spring Prince by Margaret CoupletVance has always been the quiet twin, the one more likely to observe than act on impulse but as Ostara approaches he discovers a desire to stand out. While his twin may have been a boisterous Winter his Summer is no less powerful and when volunteers are called forth for a chance to win a Prince he must decide whether he’s truly comfortable in the shadows.margaretcouplet.wordpress.com

The Writer's Table - Episode 20 Mar 19, 2019

Topics: MCU & Bucky Barnes pairingsAsgard and Golden ApplesShe-HulkPhil Coulson an Rule 63Originality for the sake of orginalityCreating orginal charactersCasting and naming your charactersOutlining and PlottingThe plans you make and how they fall apartSmall ideas vs big ideasYou learn by doingLeverage your experiencePOV changes and scene breaksFirst person point of view

Bitch Craft: Divergence Points Mar 17, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about various canons in fandom and pick out our insertion points. There will probably be a lot of dick jokes.

Plot Drift: Canon Divergence Mar 16, 2019

Tonight we shall diverge with canon. Seriously. We're going to totally diverge like bosses.

Bitch Craft: Writing Prompts, Productivity & Creativity Mar 15, 2019

Tonight I want to talk about wriitng habits and what sparks creativity. I might even succeed.Chat on discord: https://discord.gg/WgYnBPQ

Plot Drift: The Road Not Taken Mar 10, 2019

Tonight we're going to plot canon divergences -- fandoms to be decided on the fly. Chatroom on Discord: https://discord.gg/WgYnBPQ

The Plot Drift: How to Go Up a Hill & Down a Mountain Mar 09, 2019

Action precedes motivation. Tonight we're going to explore the act of being creative and how you can nurture your own creativity through brain storming ideas with other authors.We'll probably even stay on topic...sort of.Note: Things did not go as planned. Sorry about all the dick jokes.Chatroom on Discord: https://discord.gg/WgYnBPQ

Plot Drift: Jarvis Time Travels Mar 05, 2019

Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing unless it is given to you during the course of the discussion on the show! Remember - we're chatting on Discord. Free to join - easy to use!https://discord.gg/WgYnBPQ

Bitch Craft: Writing Prompts & Inspiration Mar 04, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about writing prompts, inspiration, and the power of interacting with other writers for idea building and brain storming.Remember - we're chatting on Discord. Free to join - easy to use!https://discord.gg/WgYnBPQ

Bitch Craft: The Genesis of the Idea Mar 02, 2019

Tonight we're talking about ideas - how they root, how they expand, and what to do with them.We're chatting on discord. It's free to join and very stable!https://discord.gg/WgYnBPQ

Plot Drift: Tony DiNozzo is a Sentinel & Teen Wolf Bitching Feb 24, 2019

Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing unless it is given to you during the course of the discussion on the show!Our Podcast chat is now on Discord: https://discord.gg/WgYnBPQ

The Writer's Table - Episode 19 Feb 18, 2019

What to do when you sign a contract to publish a book.Self Publishing, Vanity PublishingEditing Your Word BabySauron & the Fire DickHot FlashesWord Baby Vs Publisher's ProductSexFan Art in FandomCanon Harry PotterDumbledore shouldn't be hot OR Damn You Jude LawGandalf Vs. DumbledoreHarry Potter never realized he'd been manipulated by Dumbledore and SnapeQuantum BangDiscord and Just Write SprintsRough Trade AprilMargaret Couplet & the Spring PrinceApril & Finding AtlantisSpecial Operations *NCIS*Small Magic stuff Chatroom located on Facebook in our writing group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/awriterstable/

Just Write: Sprints & Discord Feb 15, 2019

Tonight we're going to talk about the write-in and what it is. Chatroom on the Writer's Table on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/awriterstable/chats/

Plot Drift: Harry Potter is a Sentinel - Part Two Feb 10, 2019

Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing unless it is given to you during the course of the discussion on the show!Chatroom on the Writer's Table on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/awriterstable/chats/ Broadcast Time:8pm Pacific9pm Mountain10pm Central11pm Eastern

Plot Drift: Harry Potter is a Sentinel Feb 09, 2019

Note: The first 30 minutes of this podcast is about Sentinel concepts and the MCU.Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing unless it is given to you during the course of the discussion on the show!Chatroom on the Writer's Table on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/awriterstable/chats/

Plot Drift: Patrick Sheppard Joins the Expedition Feb 06, 2019

Jilly and I are going to make John Sheppard act like an adult or something like that.https://www.facebook.com/groups/awriterstable/chats/

Plotting 101: Developing the Pace of Your Novel Feb 03, 2019

There are various times when it is important to focus on the pace of your novel in the plotting stages. I like to make decisions after my mini-plot AND do analysis after I've done my event plot timeline. We're going to talk about pacing and how it impacts both your characters and the story you want to tell. Chatroom on the Writer's Table Group on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/awriterstable/

The Writer's Table - Episode 18 Feb 02, 2019

When writing is stressfulPlot holesRage quitting a fandomOTPs and Ship WarsAlbus Dumbledore and the NTPTime TravelQuantum Bang & Rough TradeThe Writer's Table, Plot 101, and future units Chatroom located on Facebook in our writing group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/awriterstable/

Bitch Craft: Erotica vs Reality Jan 29, 2019

Reality sucks and isn't entertaining. Tonight we're going to talk about it.Cosmo ArticleChatroom is available through the Writer's Table group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/awriterstable/

Fandom & Junk: Feedback, Validation & the Reader Jan 27, 2019

Tonight, we're going to talk about the importance placed on feedback and it's impact on the author and creativity. The chat will once again be in the Writer's Table Facebook chat group on Facebook messenger.The group is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/awriterstable/

Plotting 101: World Building Jan 26, 2019

The amount of world building you do depends a great deal on the genre of the work you’ll be writing. Fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction, historical and even westerns will require more research and world building than a novel set in a contemporary environment.We're chatting on Facebook tonight. Only members of the Writer's Table can join the chatroom (sorry!). The link is listed in the group in announcements.

The Writer's Table - Episode 17 Jan 19, 2019

Topics Discussed:World BuildingBackground Pairings and reader reactionChanging character background and demonstrating change.Triad relationshipsBad Writing & NCISThe Body Farm, Serial Killers, and National ParksHarry Potter The ROyal Ward ficWriting SexLove Potions and Goats http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: The Big Question - Episode 2 Jan 12, 2019

Timepiece asks: So when you’re doing your final edit – the line edit – do you have a list of things to search/replace, or at least search/check? Phrases you tend to overuse, homophones you tend to confuse, punctuation to check? I really like em-dashes but they’re really hard to insert as you go, so I use — and then replace when I’m done. And I know the correct usage of there/their/they’re, but it’s easy to type the wrong one when I’m trying to get stuff down. I feel compelled to check them all.Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table - Episode 16 Jan 05, 2019

EditingThe Beta ProcessThe Quantum BangThe importance of point of viewSmall MagicMidsomer MurdersSexual AidsCanon characterization and internal consistancyStargate: AtlantisHuman Nature & Eyebrow Trash TalkHold My Coffee and the first season of Atlantis http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: The Big Question - Episode 1 Dec 24, 2018

To beta or not to beta....Tonight we're going to talk about the value of the alpha/beta reader process AND the time that it takes.

Fandom & Junk: The Actor vs The Character Dec 15, 2018

How to get the actor's bad behavior out of your head when you're writing a fictional character. OR we'll just bitch about it a lot.http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: The Good Fan Dec 08, 2018

Tonight we're going to talk about fandom -- the good, the bad, and the ugly. Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: Censorship & Community Repercussions Dec 04, 2018

Tonight we're going to talk about Tumblr. Obviously. Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

NANOWRIMO: The Aftermath Dec 01, 2018

Let's talk about NANO, our experiences, successes, and failures with this writing tradition.Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Sentinel 101: The Long & Short of It Nov 28, 2018

Tonight we're going to talk about novels and short stories and how it relates to the Sentinel fandom.And a big discussion about Point of View.Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table: Episode 15 Nov 26, 2018

Topics Discussed:Alternate Universes, Stargate, and Keira's fandom crisis.Challenge environment issuesThe creative impasse and learning to pick your battlesPosting pressure and asshole readersTime managementEmergence & InspirationWriter NarcissismDescriptions in fictionClassical LiteratureDetails and the destruction of paceNatural skills versus learned behavior/skills in the creative processScene StructureReader ExpectationsCharacter Ethics and what it means to turn a characterSentinel Story Cock teaseLInks:Chatroom: http://www.keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Characters & Unintended Consequences Nov 17, 2018

Characterization, unintended consequences, plotting, and the ramifications of not paying attention.http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/Nulaxy KM12 Keyboard

Bitch Craft: Serial Work & Episodes Nov 15, 2018

Desertpoet1 asks: When you have a large fanfic plot how do you know when you should break the idea up into a series and what's the best way to break an idea up into more than one story? PLus a huge conversation about editing.Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Odds & Ends Nov 11, 2018

Edronhia asks: How do you draw the distinction between the extra details that may not be necessarily relevant to the plot but serve the purpose of rounding out the story and making in richer and fuller and those details that are just extra padding and can be cut to make the story tighter. Chatroom:http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: When Ideas Fall to Pieces Nov 10, 2018

Writing is often stressful, rewarding, frustrating, delightful, exciting and utterly dreadful. Tonight I'm going to talk about it.Five Star Flex Hybrid BinderPresentation CoverMetal RingsChatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: National Novel Writing Month Nov 01, 2018

The challenge environment and what it brings out in you can really define as a writer. It'll teach you good and bad things about your work ethic, your craft, and your voice as a writer. Tonight we're going to talk about it.http://www.keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: When Writing Hurts Oct 30, 2018

Boomom12 asks: I had joined rough trade in April, and due to having 7 funerals in the month, I was only able to post about 1,000 words of my story. Recently I was inspired to work on this story, and I was in tears trying because it brought back the memories of that month. What would you do in this situation? Would you try to push through? Or should I just start all over, to distance myself? Any thoughts appreciated! Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table - Episode 14 Oct 28, 2018

Topics Discussed:TownshipTips to prevent distractions during writingDistraction free writing devicesSkipping or replotting scenes that stall you outCharacterization, fandom characters, and original characters -- picking what works best for your storyChaptering (Beginning, Middle, and End)Posting on Rough Trade and the Writer ExperienceOriginal characters, Mary SuesHumanity in your charactersLInks:Fate Protects Fools (Small Children, and Ships Named Valor) by sunryderChapter Blocking/Pacing -The Writer's Table - Episode 12 Chatroom: http://www.keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Two Questions - Episode 2 Oct 27, 2018

Daisy: You’ve often spoken about preferring to write Character Driven stories as opposed to Plot Driven ones. Could you describe the difference between them and what they actually mean, please? Because your characters need to have something to do – plot points – so what makes it character driven rather than plot driven? Jeckisa Lynn: You and Ladyholder talked in that episode about how Harry is different in Courting Hermione Granger vs. other stories, particularly Soulmate Bond due to the influence of his mother in the former. How do you think John Sheppard and his brothers would be different if their mother hadn't died while they were young? Or if Patrick remarried while they were still growing up? How would it impact their relationships with each other and with Patrick? I know in Ties That Bind he has been with Jonah for a long time, but to my memory he began that relationship when the boys were older. Also, the influence of a woman parent is in some ways just fundementally different (no better or worse obviously, just different). Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table - Episode 13 Oct 25, 2018

TopicsTBA Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: Canon Divergence Oct 21, 2018

From Fanlore: A canon divergence AU is a term used in some fandoms for fanfiction set in a universe that diverges relatively narrowly from canon, with a point of departure in a character's backstory or even during canon.Lantean Legacy by Keira MarcosDe Novo by Jilly JamesIf Found, Please Return by Jilly JamesFour Military Men by LadyRaMacavity by LadyRaThe Connection by KeikokinMissing: Presumed, Still Talking by MsGordo3http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: Readers Aren't Currency & other Skulduggery Oct 20, 2018

I've got things to bitch about so I thought I'd have a podcast. Since Jilly has opinions (about everything) she's joining me to talk about the reader culture in fandom and the shady shit that manifests in it. http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Two Questions - Episode 1 Oct 16, 2018

Yzba asks: As both a writer and a reader, I tend to get hyper-focused on a fandom. So for however long that focus lasts, I won’t be able to touch any other fandom. As a reader, that’s okay, but as a writer, it’s more of an issue. I’ve been wanting to do RT for years, but I know that whichever fandom I would sign up with might not be the one my mind is on once we get to the actual event. A few weeks ago, I plotted out my Quantum Bang in one fandom, but my brain has now switch to something different, and I know chances are it’ll change again a lot during the bang. Any tips to solving this problem? It makes finishing any story almost impossible, and it can piss me off.Rothesis asks: What characteristics make for a type of character that you have difficulty writing? Some fandoms can be enjoyed without really inspiring fanfiction. What have you noticed are common features of this type of creative work?http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table - Episode 12 Oct 14, 2018

Join us in the chatroom and ask questions about the process and writing. Topics Discussed: KM's Uncle was buried with a beerApril 2019 - Take Two ChallengeProject organization, one big file vs multiple chapter filesCreating chapters as you writeChapter blocks and pacingCharacterization, chapter structure and the difference between plotters and pantsersDialogue vs. expositionFalling Action - Steep vs. a GlideStructure of a sex scene (characterization, tone, and dialogue)Visual aids for sex scenesRespecting your own boundaries and exploring your craftJude Law as Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find themSnapledore (No Edie, you'll never live this down)Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Plot Drift: Two Ideas, Gaming & Shenanigans Oct 13, 2018

Not gonna lie, this is a hot mess. We had fun though and we sailed off on the mothership to Pegasus with Tony and Steve at one point. Also, we talked about April 2019's Rough Trade.Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Wild Hares: Mutant Edition Oct 12, 2018

Tonight we're going to throw out ideas for mutant stories that you're free to take for your own use. We'll talk about plot points, external and internal motivations, and everything in between.You've got four days to sign up for RT -- if you don't have an idea already -- you can check out our wild hare pasture.Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Character Drifting Oct 07, 2018

Moving a character from one fandom to another for the purpose of exploring them and their movement into a new world can be difficult AND rewarding. Tonight we're going to talk about it. http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/Fics:The Hard Prayer by Rheanna https://archiveofourown.org/works/3521 Fate Protects Fools (Small Children, and Ships Named Valor) by sunryderhttps://archiveofourown.org/works/438485 The Oak and The Ash by sunryderhttps://archiveofourown.org/works/937441 The Burning Mask by Julesmonsterhttps://archiveofourown.org/works/520506 React by Jilly James (7 Chapters)https://evilauthorday.dreamwidth.org/17631.html

The Writer's Table - Episode 11 Sep 29, 2018

Join us in the chatroom and ask questions about the process and writing. Topics Discussed: Fotojet (magazine covers & art)Qualifiers in feedback " so far"Flushing out an ideaStory TitlesPlagiarismPosting on sites & formatPost Length on WordpressChapter LengthBad Craft, Bad writing adviceRough TradeQuantum BangBeta, freelance editingDialogue MechanicsParagraph structureGrammarly, Grammar CheckerMicrosoft WordChatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: The Mutant AU Sep 23, 2018

Tonight we're going to trope drift on the Mutant AU -- which is also the theme of the November RT this year:http://www.roughtrade.org/about-2/schedule/november-2018-not-quite-human/

The Writer's Table Episode 10 Sep 22, 2018

Join us in the chatroom and ask questions about the process and writing. Topics Discussed:The Pleasure Club at Cobblestone PressDialogue PunctuationEditing vs self-editingSubmitting your work and & self esteem issuesSummary vs SynopsisStart with a bang or how your first 20 paragraphs can ruin your novelSelf Promotion/False ModestyMansplaining & SexismABO, Consent, Harem fic, sexismPlot Bunnies & Farm Bunnies911 in fiction (movies, tv shows, and books)Mary Sues and Female original characters in fanfictionMale privilege, white privilege, etcChatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Quantum Bang - Alpha & Beta Readers Sep 11, 2018

Shivani7 Asks: What does being an alpha/beta reader on the Quantum Bang mean? Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/http://quantumbang.org/

Bitch Craft: How To Get Your Groove Back Sep 08, 2018

One of the most difficult periods of a writer's life when they have no desire to write. I don't believe in the "muse" but there have been times in my life as a writer where I was uninspired and had zero motivation. We're going to talk about how we've worked through that whole thing. Questions are welcome in the chatroom.http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: The Quantum Bang Sep 04, 2018

Tonight we're going to talk about Fix Its & the Quantum Bang. Sign Ups open! Quantum Bang: http://quantumbang.org/Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/ Other podcasts on this topic:Fandom & Junk: Big BangsTrope Drift: The Fix It : Part 1 & Part 2

Bitch Craft: Desecrating Your Unicorn Sep 01, 2018

We all have a favorite character -- one we gravitate toward in a fandom as a reader and as a writer. Tonight we're going to talk about altering that character and exploring the dark side. http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table - Episode 9 Aug 25, 2018

Join us in the chatroom and ask questions about the process and writing. Topics Discussed:Answering this question: I have a tendency to get lost in tiny details, resulting in an awful research binge that ends with me stuck in the mindset of this is what needs to happen or forgetting to research something until I’m halfway through my story and half the plot just crumbles due to one fact being off because I’ve got a problem with leaving something by itself when I know it’s wrong. Any advice?Pantsers vs. PlottersQuantum Bang & Recycled PlotsCharacter Motivations - evil vs. misguidedTwisted, terrible, no good Dumbledore plot that horrified everyone in the chatVulcan Genital Tentacles The diary/letter formatNail polishFix Idea - Time Travelhttps://www.fanfiction.net/s/4061219/1/The-Time-MeddlersBounce BuddiesChatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: The Redemption Arc Aug 24, 2018

Character Redemption ArcsHow do you redeem a character who's done unspeakable things in canon? I've been noodling this for a while because I have a redemption arc in my QB project. Honestly, it's a new thing as I'm perfectly content often to let terrible characters continue to be terrible in my work. But there is more than one theme in play when it comes to redemption.Redemption - the action of saving or being saved from sin, error or evilRepent - feel or express sincere regret or remorse for one's wrongdoing or sinForgiveness - the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.Absolution - formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment.There is a psychological process at play that I think some writers overlook in the redemption arc. What drives a character to make such sweeping changes to their behavior? What changes their goals? What's the catalyst?A big change without a clearly defined motive would be empty and ultimately unrewarding to read.But ultimately, actions speak louder than words, right? That's why it's important (for me) to see a character prove their intent with their actions. Incidentally, this is why I never bought into Snape's "redemption". He was horrible and abusive. He made no effort whatsoever to be a better person.We're discussing this topic in the Writer's Table on Facebook as well.Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table - Episode 8 Aug 19, 2018

Join us in the chatroom and ask questions about the process and writing. Topics Discussed:Writer's GroupsMary Sue Characters and other fandom termsSelf InsertsDialogue vs. ExpositionPace MechanicsImportant information in scenes and in dialogueShowing vs. Telling (Active writing vs passive writing)The Fourth WallKnowing the theme or central point of your storyWriting good dialogueChatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Plot Drift: Tony DiNozzo Time Travels Aug 18, 2018

Jilly and I will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table - Episode 7 Aug 17, 2018

Join us in the chatroom and ask questions about the process and writing. Topics Discussed:Pro PublishingCobblestone Press & On Top (KM's new ebook)Story structure & SubplotsCharacter POV & SubplotsWriting SequelsQuantum Bang (blogs)How do you know when your story is complete?National Novel Writing MonthRough Trade & the Not Quite Human ChallengeMicro-editing during the writing processEstimating word count from outlines and previous worksTimeline vs Scene MapsChatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Choosing Your Story Format Aug 14, 2018

Writing Hitsuzen asks: You’ve shared on the podcast that on several occasions you have started a project, then realized that the format (episode, serial novella, novel, etc.) you initially chose for that story did not work. Sometimes you have re-plotted the story so it would fit the format you wanted to use, and other times you have decided to use a different format that better served the story you already had in mind. When re-writing a large idea, how do you decide between (for example) breaking up a series of novels into episodes and seasons, or re-plotting the story so that it would fit a novel format better?http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/ Note: The last hour of this podcast is mostly about sex.

The Writer's Table - Episode 6 Aug 13, 2018

Tonight we're going to focus on plot elements for November's RT challenge - NOT QUITE HUMAN.Join us in the chatroom and ask questions about the process and writing. Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: Rule 63 Aug 11, 2018

SOABA commented: I recieved a rather nasty email regarding one of my always-a-girl!Bilbo fics on AO3. I’m used to being called homophobic (mostly reviews like that just make me roll my eyes these days because anyone who has looked at my profile knows I’m very comfortable writing m/m) but this email called me transphobic for daring to make Bilbo a girl, along with several other unpleasant things. The emailer also implied that all authors who switch a character’s canonical gender is as well. I was… really confused. Do you, as a more experienced writer, have any idea why someone would consider my fem!Bilbo stories transphobic?I certainly don’t consider myself to be transphobic. I’ve never written a trans character into one of my stories, true, but ONLY because I am terrified of inadvertently offending someone due to a lack of knowledge and the last thing I want to do is hurt anyone with my work. As someone else who has written fem!Bilbo (for the same reason as me; The Hobbit is a sausage fest) do you think that there was any basis to this emailer’s claim?http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/IDRIS ELBA'S SPIRIT ANIMAL

The Writer's Table - Episode 5 Aug 09, 2018

Join us in the chatroom and ask questions about the process and writing. Topics:Quantum Bang & AccountabilityBad Fandom HabitsReading & WritingProfessional PublishingGMCPosting Works In Progress & making changesCanon content in fan fictionFixing CanonOutside points of view, information, and valueMaking a bad guy a good guyWhat's a fix it?Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table - Episode 4 Aug 04, 2018

Tonight's Writer's Table will focus on tips and tricks for pansters. Bring your questions!Guest: LadyholderChatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: The Fix It - Part 2 Aug 02, 2018

Tonight we're going to talk about Fix Its as we prep for the Quantum Bang. Sign Ups opened today!Quantum Bang: http://quantumbang.org/Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/Trope Drift: The FIx It - Part 1

The Writer's Table - Episode 3 Jul 31, 2018

Tonight's Writer's Table will focus on challenge environments and planning for big writing events like National Novel Writing Month and Big Bangs, etc.3 Act StructureWe also talked about:Word Economics and Plot LengthThe Five Act DramaUsing Chapter Length to estimate novel lengthThe myth of Writer's "block".Guest: Jilly JamesChatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: Mpreg, Rule 63, & Changing Perspectives Jul 28, 2018

New information can and does change the perspective of a self-actualized human being. We're gonna talk about it.Surrogate by Seekergeek(Un)covered by rageprufrockSweet Memories by KaylaFear Us by JoshLamont (Hufflepuff Sort) http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table - Episode 2 Jul 27, 2018

We're going to have a discussion about writing the topics of which will be decided the chatters in the chatroom.Start of the writing processWriting scenes to inspire yourselfStory Stalls and Adjacent ScenesPre-writing organization and plottingPOV shifts and head-hoppingPlot Time vs. Actual WritingAmount of time spent writingFan Fiction Ideas vs. Original Fic IdeasRough Trade fics and the Whole New World Challengehttp://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

World Building Ramifications Jul 23, 2018

Forward thinking, ramifications of changes and social politics in fiction. All of it matters and as we head into bigger projects for NANO and the Quantum Bang this topic will be even more important. We're going to talk about it. http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Writer's Table - Episode 1 Jul 22, 2018

Join us in the chatroom and ask questions about the process and writing. Topics:Picking out a titleBinge Writing & RoutineAnal Sex and ToysFirst Person POVThird Person POVMystery vs SuspensePartial topic discussion: the start of the processChatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: No Plan Survives Engagement Jul 07, 2018

Plotting, planning, and writing -- the perils of such things in a challenge environment. We're going to talk about it.Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Plot Drift: Bilbo Baggins Travels In Time Jul 01, 2018

Jilly and I will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.That Wasn't Part of the Plan by Mad Fairyhttp://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Plot Drift: John Sheppard Time Travels Part II Jun 30, 2018

Jilly and I will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Plot Drift: John Sheppard Time Travels Jun 29, 2018

Jilly and I will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Under Pressure Jun 23, 2018

All the little things that get in the way of writing -- deadlines, word counts, summaries, titles, names, research, reader behavior, alpha readers, beta readers, unexpected feedback on a work in progress.We're going to talk about it.

Bitch Craft: Internal Motivations & Character Building Jun 19, 2018

Tonight Jilly James and I will talk about internal motivations, character building, and plot structure. Chatroom on my site.

Bitch Craft: External Motivations Jun 17, 2018

Tonight we're going to talk about external motivations and events -- how they drive the plot, how they drive characterization, and give examples from our own work.Participants: Keira Marcos & Jilly JamesChatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Short Story World Building Jun 16, 2018

We're going to talk about world building, short story craft, & ironing out the kinks in a Sentinel/Guide universe. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: Big Bangs Jun 15, 2018

Per Fanlore: "A Big Bang is a specific type of challenge usually involving long fics and accompanying artwork. This type of challenge is a reprise of the old zine tradition of collaboration between artists and writers for internet fandoms." We're going to talk about it.http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: Our Tribe Jun 13, 2018

Over the years I've been in fandom, I've made friends (and apparently mortal enemies) which wasn't honestly a goal. It's been such a lovely surprise overall. We're going to talk about it. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com

Trope Drift: The Mutant AU Jun 10, 2018

In November, the theme for Rough Trade is "Not Quite Human" which is a mutant au challenge. We're going to talk about it. This will certainly be the first of many conversations about the topic as we head towards National Novel Writing Month. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Plot Drift: The Harry Potter Factor Jun 09, 2018

In MHQ, a plot bunny was posted about Harry getting doused with luck potion by accident and it became a permanent part of his magic.I've been noodling the concept for a bit and I wondered --what if Lily did something a little more deliberate? We're going to talk about it. Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Your Writing Foundation Jun 08, 2018

Basic craft, readability, creativity, originality, consequences and repercussions.AND we bitched a lot about stuff & junk.http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/ The Elements of Style by Strunk & White

Bitch Craft: Fostering Creativity Jun 07, 2018

Writing challenges, critique partners, beta and alpha readers, behavior in fandom. Etc.We're going to talk about it.Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Great Intentions Jun 03, 2018

Reader & Writer expectations in fandom. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

The Fandom Paradigm Jun 02, 2018

"In science and philosophy, a paradigm is a distinct set of concepts or thought patterns, including theories, research methods, postulates, and standards for what constitutes legitimate contributions to a field."- Wikipedia"A framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of a [fandom]" - dictionary.comTonight, we're going to talk about the rewards and consequences of stepping outside of the established fandom paradigm as a writer. Plus we'll probably bitch about your readership can respond to this and how to combat that bullshit. Etc. Chatroom on my site:http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Story Construction: Too Many Cooks May 26, 2018

It's essential to be careful about the number of people you allow in your process as a writer. We're going to talk about it. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Plot Obstacle: Jethro Gibbs May 25, 2018

Every fandom has a character that can be problematic for various reasons regarding their actions, characterization, and their personal history. In NCIS, that character is Jethro Gibbs. We're going to talk about it.Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom Bane: Jennifer Keller May 24, 2018

Every fandom has a character that makes fans want to rage quit the whole thing. In Stargate: Atlantis, for a lot of people that's Dr. Jennifer KellerTonight, Ladyholder and I are going to plot the murder of a fictional character, repeatedly. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/Forum Topic: http://www.roughtrade.org/the-workshop/topic/fandom-bane-jennifer-keller/

Fandom Bane: Albus Dumbledore May 23, 2018

Every fandom has a character that makes fans want to rage quit the whole thing. In Harry Potter, for a lot of people that's Albus Dumbledore.Tonight we're going to plot the murder of a fictional character, repeatedly. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/Forum topic: http://www.roughtrade.org/the-workshop/topic/fandom-bane-albus-dumbledore/

Fandom & Junk: 10 Years May 21, 2018

Today is the 10 year anniversary of my site. I'm gonna talk about it.Surrogate by Seeker Geek: https://archiveofourown.org/works/334792Chatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom Bane: Ginny Weasley May 19, 2018

Every fandom has a character that makes fans want to rage quit the whole thing. In Harry Potter, for a lot of people that's Ginny Weasley.Tonight we're going to plot the murder of a fictional character, repeatedly. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/Forum Topic: http://www.roughtrade.org/the-workshop/topic/fandom-bane-ginny-weasley/

Fandom Bane: Ziva David May 18, 2018

Every fandom has a character that makes fans want to rage quit the whole thing. In NCIS, it's Ziva David (for me and Jilly).Tonight we're going to plot the murder of a fictional character, repeatedly. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/Forum topic: http://www.roughtrade.org/the-workshop/topic/fandom-bane-ziva-david/

Plot Drift: Bilbo's Inheritance May 12, 2018

Fandom: The HobbitPremise: On the day Belladonna Baggins was laid to rest, her son, Bilbo, received a key.Plotters: Keira Marcos & Jilly JamesChatroom: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/**Note: Ideas discussed on this show are not up for adoption. If you're inspired by us, please give appropriate credit.

Random Shenanigans May 06, 2018

FandomFan FictionThe value of your workThe emotional value of writing vs. financial rewards.Harry PotterFantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemAlpha ReadersProfessional PublicationNo. (That's a complete sentence.)Never apologize for the things you enjoy Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: The Sentinel AU--Return of the Trope May 05, 2018

I have 99 ideas and all of them are too long.Chatroom on my site.http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: The Sentinel AU - Part Deux Apr 22, 2018

A rambling conversation about Sentinel AUs that might give me an idea or something - KMChatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: The Sentinel AU Apr 21, 2018

Tonight we're going to talk about Sentinel AU's in honor of the upcoming Little Black Dress challenge in July for Rough Trade.Chatroom on my site (hopefully): http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: Writer Relationships Apr 15, 2018

Do you really need a beta reader?We're going to talk about it.Chatroom on my site:http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: Ignore Canon! No, wait, not like that! Apr 07, 2018

Make canon your bitch but be polite about it 'cause she's a lady.Chatroom on my site:http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: No One Puts Baby in a Corner Apr 01, 2018

Fandom has a habit of putting writers in a box and complaining if they dare do anything different. We're going to talk about that.Chatroom on my site.

Fandom & Junk: Character Archetypes Mar 31, 2018

Soaba asks: Could you explain the differences between Gandalf and Dumbledore? A friend doesn't understand why I love the former but hate the latter and insists that they are almost exactly the same and none of my arguments, (i.e. that Dumbledore is a manipulative bastard who groomed Harry to sacrifice himself), are helping her to get it.CHAT ROOM ON MY SITE.

Fandom & Junk: The Author's Relationship with Canon Mar 25, 2018

Ravensrookery asked: I have only seen snippets of the Hobbit movies but I do agree that Richard Armitage makes a beautiful dwarf. Do you watch a television show or movie and get inspired from the actors/actresses portrayals, or by coming across a fic and reading it by happenstance, and then seeking out the source material? I think I remember you saying that you had never watched The Sentinel before you started writing in the fandom. Do you think a fic writer needs to see the movie, television show or read the books that their work is based on, to really perfect their work? Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: How To Handle Bad Writing Advice Mar 18, 2018

SOABA asks: So, I’m currently working on a BDSM AU of the Hobbit and I’ve finished all my world building but I’ve run into a snag – I have three vastly different plots that will work in the universe and I am inspired by all three of them. Basically, my question is this: Is it okay for a writer to recycle their own world building and write multiple stories or should I pick one and then move on to a different idea altogether? The characters and events in each idea will be extremely diverse, but another writer told me that writing more than one type of this AU in a single fandom was lazy. I didn’t really agree, but wanted to get your opinion on it.Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/25 Ways to Plot, Plan, and Prep Your Story by Chuck WendigHow to Outline Your Novel

Bitch Craft: Character Development, Casting, & Original Characters Mar 17, 2018

RavensRookery asks: I have always loved when fic writers give a casting “cheat sheet”, because it helps me to see and hear the fic in the character’s “voices” that the author chose. It helped so much in Ties that Bind to have a casting bio for each character. Does this help you in writing, or do you pick an actor/actress after the fic is done? Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Hey Fandom: RPF is Inappropriate Mar 10, 2018

Stop trying to excuse your desire to use real people as meat puppets. Writing "fictional" stories about real people is disgusting and I don't care if that makes you mad.Chatroom on my site:http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Rough Trade: Pros and Cons Mar 04, 2018

Participating in Rough Trade is easily one of my most rewarding experiences as a writer. I've learned more about myself as a writer than I ever thought possible. We're going to talk about that tonight.Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Character Redemption Mar 03, 2018

Redeeming a favored "bad guy" is one of the more attractive and fascinating aspects of writing fan fiction. We'll be talking about that tonight.Chatroom on my website.http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: Vengeance & Justice Tropes Feb 25, 2018

Jilly and I will be discussing revenge, justice, and all the ways fandom fuck that up tonight.Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/ There is a minute of dead air at the start. Sorry.

Friday & Junk Feb 24, 2018

Various TopicsNuWave OvensStar Trek - Kirk/SpockVulcan TouchingAnimal Transformation FicShifterPlottingJoe Lawson FicThe Raft of the Medusa (NCIS-dark fic)Retrograde (SGA)Penguin Fic (SGA)Coats & Customs (the hobbit)Sansûkh (the hobbit)Into the West (the hobbit)Of An Archane Binding (the hobbit)Freedom Is Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose (SGA)Bad Feedback, Entitlement, Opinions, & Fandom Participation

Soulmate Bonds and Ramifications Feb 21, 2018

Jilly and I will be drifting through various fandoms and pairings on a plot drift for soulmate bonds this evening. (some of that happened) Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: The Soulmate Bond Feb 20, 2018

Tonight, Jilly and I will be drifting with the trope "Soulmate Bonds." It's sure to be messy.Chatroom on my site:http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/ Oak tree babies: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4706909

Bitch Craft: You've Got to Know When to Hold 'em Feb 18, 2018

Rogue Asks: You answered my question on The trauma of rewrites, so I guess this one is: If you don’t do a major rewrite, so you ever go back and finish the original story? Or has it been so mish-mashed that there is no hope of ever going back/finishing it?Chatroom on my site:http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: The Unreliable Narrator & Point of View Feb 11, 2018

liekinloimu asks:1) Unreliable narrator. Unreliable narrator is not a widely discussed topic, and not easy to pull off well. What do you think about unreliable narrators, and should they be written solely in first person POV? Is it possible to write a third person POV unreliable narrator and not leave the reader feeling the writer themself (as opposed to the character) has been lying to them? Have you ever written an unreliable narrator and if you haven’t, would you ever consider writing one?2) Mixing first person POV and third person POV in the same story. Do you have an opinion on this? Have you ever done it? What would be your advice for a writer who wanted to write that?Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Canon Events, Changes, & Ripples Feb 10, 2018

Janet asked: Keira, you’ve talked about how changing one thing must ripple into the future as in Harry growing up in a loving home changes how he responds to thing that happen in Hogwarts. How would you do something that makes so many ripples such as Gibbs killing Ari in Autopsy before Kate dies? Morrow is still in charge so that changes the response in Israel, no Gibbs being Ahab, Ziva running loose possibly deciding who to shoot? It affects so many people.Also, you have written Harry Potter’s prophecy with so many different meanings and made it work. I wondered if you had a personal opinion about the meaning?Jilly, How the heck do you pronounce Wyvern and Yveria ?Thank you.CHATROOM ON MY SITE!

Bitch Craft: The Trauma of Major Rewrites Jan 27, 2018

Rogue asks: How do you go about restructuring an already (mostly) written story to include a new person or situation? You did this with The Unspeakable Plot but you have never said how easy or hard it was to do. Chatroom on my site:http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom: The Ungrateful 1% Jan 15, 2018

These assholes make me tired. "They seem to think that fanfiction exists just for them and not for the authors. You know like a guy that thinks only orgasms are for men and that women that have them are whores." - Azure Hart http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: BDSM, Consent, & Fictional Environments Dec 24, 2017

Writing BDSMGuest Host: Jilly James Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: A Sternly Worded Surface to Air Missle Dec 07, 2017

There is nothing more rewarding as a reader than when your favorite character gets to say exactly what you always wished they would in canon. It's a moment of vindication like no other, really, and we're going to talk about it tonight.Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: Time Travel Dec 06, 2017

The time travel trope is easily the most popular trope in fan fiction. To fandom, time travel is the ultimate way to fix a canon event that they can't tolerate. We're going to talk about it.Lay Down Your Sweet And Weary Headhttp://archiveofourown.org/works/938431 The Time Meddlershttps://www.fanfiction.net/s/4061219/1/The-Time-Meddlers The Reunionhttps://www.fanfiction.net/s/4655545/1/Reunion Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Author Intent Vs Reader Expectations Dec 02, 2017

Legessa asked a super long question that wouldn't fit in the box. Here's the TLDR part:So now it comes down to it. Can what the reader has previously known as a secondary character lead a story without having to evolve to someone that is almost unknown, or was this a case of an author who focused so much on the plot being explained that everything else fell to the wayside to get there?Whole comment: http://keiramarcos.com/ask-me-anything/comment-page-3/#comment-32485Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: The Misunderstanding Oct 18, 2017

The "misunderstanding" is one of the easiest tropes to insert into your fic because humans don't communicate well with other and most of our favorite characters are emotionally contispiated, broody assholes who avoid discussing anything remotely important.It creates instant conflict and can drive the plot.It can also be annoying as all fuck when done badly or you're left wondering how the hell the situation that the author has chosen is even remotely possible between two people who speak the same language.We'll discuss this.Chatroom on my site: http://www.keiramarcos.com

Trope Drift: The Fix It Oct 07, 2017

There is rarely anything more satisfying than as a fix-it fic when you're a fanfic writer. Righting what once went wrong Sam Beckett style is never going to get old. Tonight we'll discuss the tropes associated with Fix-Its and our favorite fix-it stories. Chatroom on my site!www.keiramarcos.com

Trope Drift: The Big Secret Oct 01, 2017

Secrets are a common trope, plot device, or world building element. Big secret, dark secret, secret identity, secret world, secret powers, dangerous secret, secret admirer, secret keeper, and so on. If you’re a writer, eventually you’re going to deal with secrets—whether you work with secrets on a small scale or large one. A look at how secrets can be used in your plot/world building for good and bad, and possibly new ways to approach the classic trope. Also, looking one of the more satisfying elements of the big secret trope: The Reveal.Chatroom on my site:http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Trope Drift: Harry Potter Sep 17, 2017

My favorite tropes in HP and theoretical twists on them.Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/ Crack Time Travel (sort of Harem fic): https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4655545/1/Reunion

Trope Drift: Star Trek Sep 09, 2017

From K: Hi, I was wondering if, in honor of Sept 8th being Star Trek Day, you would consider devoting a podcast to your Trek fics (including your Evil Author Day snippet of Instinct - which I adore) and maybe do a Trope Drift about Trek fics in general. And maybe offer some good Trek fics to read, as I haven't been the luckiest in finding good fics in that fandom.Tangled Destinies is my number one comfort fic to read. Jim and Spock's gentleness with each other contrasted against the harshness of the events happening to them directly and around them is so wonderful to read. Their gentleness and their protection of each other makes the part where Jim is forced to experience Pon Farr without Spock so much more effective and heart wrenching. Is that kind of reaction something you planned from the beginning? Or was it an accidental byproduct of how you wrote Jim and Spock?Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/Link:http://kyliselle.livejournal.com/4014.htmlhttp://kyliselle.livejournal.com/5392.htmlhttps://www.fanfiction.net/s/5344838/1/Atlashttp://archiveofourown.org/series/2522 http://archiveofourown.org/series/5176 https://archiveofourown.org/works/844797

Trope Drift: NCIS Sep 07, 2017

Tonight we're going to take a trope, twist it up and set it loose sort of like a plot drift.If this podcast inspires you to write a story, make sure to link to the podcast when you give credit.You do not have permission to use any specific plot elements we discuss. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: Twists on Fandom Tropes Sep 04, 2017

"A trope is a storytelling device or convention, a shortcut for describing situations the storyteller can reasonably assume the audience will recognize." - TV TropesProbably nothing inspires more writers in fandom than a trope -- Sentinel AUs, A/B/O, Time Travel, Independent Characters, Soulmate AUs, Fix-It, Alternate Realities, Shifters, Daemons, etc. Tropes are essentially fandom fuel. We're going to talk about them tonight and ways to make them new.Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Fandom & Junk: Writing & Inspiration Sep 02, 2017

Writing relationships, tropes, fandom, & topic meanderingChatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Big Concepts in Fiction Aug 21, 2017

The biggest stumbling block in world building is weaving a concept into the timeline. Often, the biggest mistake a writer makes is accepting the real timeline for our world. They try to inject their concepts into an unchanged timeline and history is unforgiving.Of course, creating an alternate timeline can be a daunting prospect and it can also be an uncomfortable intellectually to essentially erase events even in a work of fiction. But if you really want to serve your concept, you must assess the timeline of the world your building and deal with the consequences of historical events in how they impact your goals your story. Chatroom on my site: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

If You're Bitchy and You know It... Aug 19, 2017

If You're Bitchy and You know It... Clap Your HandsIf You're Bitchy and You know It... Clap Your HandsIf You're Bitchy and You know It... then your resting bitch face will surely show itIf You're Bitchy and You know It... Clap Your HandsIf You're Bitchy and You know It... Flip the BirdIf You're Bitchy and You know It... Flip the BirdIf You're Bitchy and You know It... then let your double birds show itIf You're Bitchy and You know It... Flip the BirdIf You're Bitchy and You know It... Shout "Fuck you!"If You're Bitchy and You know It... Shout "Fuck you!"If You're Bitchy and You know It... then let your mouth surely demonstrate itIf You're Bitchy and You know It... Shout "Fuck you!"If You're Bitchy and You know it... do all threeIf You're Bitchy and You know it... do all three If You're Bitchy and You know it... then your resting bitch face will surely show itIf You're Bitchy and You know it... do all three. -- I bet you thought I wouldn't do all the verses. CHATROOM ON MY SITE: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Foreshadowing in Fiction Aug 18, 2017

"Foreshadowing is a literary device by which an author hints what is to come. Foreshadowing is a dramatic device in which an important plot-point is mentioned early in the story, and will later return in a more significant way. It is used to avoid disappointment. It is also sometimes used to arouse the reader." - From WikipediaTonight I'm going to talk about foreshadowing in my work in general and specifically if the people in the chatroom bring anything up. Foreshadowing is a writer's tool most often deployed to increase suspense and to give readers clues regarding future events. Sometimes it can be subtle but often when you read a work a second time the author has given you very obvious clues regarding future events in their work.This isn't something I can "pants" so if I pants (instead of plot) something I have to go back in the second draft and weave foreshadowing in. REMEMBERCHATROOM ON MY SITE: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Plot Drift: Dead Air Variations Aug 15, 2017

Tonight Jilly & I, will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.CHATROOM ON MY WEBSITE: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Writing the Bad Guy Aug 12, 2017

Listen to my first pod cast on this topic: Short & Junk: Villains in FictionKiki asks: What do think are the characteristics of a good villain? Who are some of your favorite villains among your own work and others? Who have been the most fun villains to write? Have you created any villains that you really didn’t enjoy writing and regretted because they were emotionally challenging?You have a lot of very satisfying scenes with the bad guys getting what’s coming to them- do you have any particular favorites? Or are there those that people comment on more than others?CHATROOM ON MY SITE: http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Bitch Craft: Readership & Craft Aug 08, 2017

How important is readership?Should you make craft decisions based on your audience and potential readership?GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR CHAT:http://keiramarcos.com/chat-room/

Saturday Night Special Aug 06, 2017

Dark TowerUrban FantasyDread Pirate JillyRevenantDarkly LoyalMagical Rituals & World BuildingSuspension of DisbeliefMy Sister's CatChildhood MemoriesBeing An AdultAliens80's Hair

World Building Drift: Urban Fantasy Aug 05, 2017

Tonight's guest, Jilly James, and we'll be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "world drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they build on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.

Knickers of Judgement II, the bitchquel. Aug 02, 2017

I'm gonna talk about things that piss me off and alternatively freak me out.https://www.facebook.com/knickersofjudgment/

Bitch Craft: Editors & Publishing Jul 29, 2017

There are several kinds of editors in a publishing house -- it depends on their structure. I'm going to talk about my experiences with various kinds.Acquisition EditorContent EditorLine EditorProofreaderTechnical Editor

Bitch Craft: The Importance of Being Earnest Jul 22, 2017

Jilly wants to talk about characterization so:Humans are complicated, messy, flawed, mean, good, bad, neutral, and everything in between.As a writer, your relationship with a character in your head is important because it shapes your narrative and the presentation of that character in your story. If you don't know them--you can't write them well or consistently.CHARACTER PROFILE WORKSHEET EXAMPLE Tony Serial Killer fics:Good Boy by CopperbadgeStyle by Copperbadge

Bitch Craft: Writer & Story Maturation Jul 20, 2017

The only way to get better is to write even when you fuck it up.

Fence Sitting & Other Fandom Misdemeanors Jul 15, 2017

Fashi0n asks: What do you think an author should do if they notice that in a story they had completed that one of their character arcs isn’t as fully developed as it should be? Edit a posted work, write a sequel, or just shrug it off?

Bitch Craft: Animal Characters + Point of View Discussion Jul 12, 2017

Do you have a different process that you use for animal characters than human ones? Some of my favorites are: Quark in What Might Have Been; Rowena in the Soulmate Bond; and Bramwell in Darkly Loyal.They all have such vivid personalities and 2 of them do that without talking. Do you do a lot of planning for their personalities or do they tend to flow once you get writing? What animals have you had the most fun writing? Does it take a lot of work to keep track of where the animals would logically be at any given point once you’ve put them in the story?

Herding Cats & Other Acts of Emotional Masochism Jul 08, 2017

Bad habits, reading fan fiction, creative synergy, and writer interaction -- how being in a writer-pile is both good and bad for you. No one challenges me more than another writer. And honestly, no one could fuck me up writer-wise more than another writer. It's easy to brush off the opinions of non-writers because I don't take them seriously as it concerns my craft. The same can't be said of another writer. This is how and why a Beta or Alpha reader can literally be the hand that rocks the cradle that your word baby is taking a nap in.

Is Fandom Ruining You? Jul 01, 2017

I've often said that I think fandom is a good place for writers to practice and learn about themselves as writers. But is there a line when that process becomes a bad thing? Does fandom give readers unreasonable expectations regarding professional projects? When a reader is used to a 300k word epic--will a 75k professionally published novel seem "too short" to them?Do fandom readers spoil writers with attention?I'm gonna talk about this.Also, we're hours away from the new RT Challenge: Battle of the Five Fandoms

The Wild Hare Project - Part 2 Jun 09, 2017

The Wild Hare Project is a writing collective, a place carved out on the Internet for writers to explore their craft with no deadlines, no ticking clocks, and no expectations. One night, Jilly James and I got a wild hair up our booties and we created this borg-like thing. Resistance will be considered lame.www.wildhareproject.com

Bitch Craft: The Slumbering Giant Jun 04, 2017

Okay, your idea is huge but calm your tits. In this podcast we'll explore breaking down your plot events and lowering the burden on your characters to prevent plot-point dumping.

Bitch Craft: Reoccurring Original Characters May 30, 2017

Rothesis Asks: I’ve finally listened to both character drift podcasts. I’d like you to expand on something, if you feel comfortable discussing it. You talked about both the core idea of a character and tweaking a character to fit the story you are using them in at the moment. You have several OCs that you have used in more than one posted story. Could you go over what you consider the core characteristics of one, and how you adapted them to fit the next world you placed them in?For example, the Thaddeus Banner in Pheonix interacts very differently with Harry than the Thaddeus in Soulmate Bond. However, I believe most of that is the difference in HARRY’s background. The only change to Banner that I can identify as a reader, is that he has parslemagic in Soulmate Bond. In contrast, the Chase Harris in Ties That Bind feels very similar to the Chase Harris in Sentinels of Atlantis, but I’m fairly sure there had to be a lot of changes (besides the obvious of house training and sentinel abilities).

Bitch Craft: Choices, Consequences, & Characterization May 27, 2017

The plot choices we make should impact characters AND future events. Choices made regarding characterization can have far reaching impact on plot and it damn well should.

Slice of Life: Bless Your Heart May 26, 2017

Nine times out of ten, whenever I say "bless your heart" it's because I literally can think of nothing to say that wouldn't be insulting.

Blue Moon Challenge May 08, 2017

Challenge Period: 11/1/2017-11/30/2017Challenge: Write an Urban Fantasy novel We'll discuss questions/issues/concerns and fandom ideas for the Blue Moon ChallengeQuestion for the show? Ask here: https://tinyurl.com/keacpxe

Bitch Craft: Character Strength & Assholery May 07, 2017

Kiki asks: One (of the many) things I really admire in your fiction is your ability to deal with issues of ethics and morality without it ever feeling like you’re up on a soapbox. Do you ever find it difficult to walk that line? I particularly enjoy this in the HP fics since JK Rowling’s wizarding world has so many completely screwed-up legal and ethical situations happening. Do you have particular characters you feel are particularly well-suited to delivering verbal smack-downs of that sort to people? Lily's Changes: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6992471/1/Lily-s-ChangesSandstorms: https://www.wraithbait.com/viewstory.php?sid=11931

Bitch Craft: Fandom Characters & Perspective Apr 29, 2017

Daisy asks:I’m currently re-reading ‘Birth of the Serpent King’ and I found myself curious about a couple of things. I think BSK was the first HP that you shared with us (Jan 2011) and I’m struck with how different it is from your more recent HP work.Now I might just be imagining this, but you seem much kinder to various people in BSK than say ‘Darkly Loyal’ which you’re continuing at present on Rough Trade. Some of the Weasley family, Dumbledore and Snape are sympathetically drawn and even likable in BSK but are treated very differently in your more recent work.So my question is, have your views developed and even changed over the years or have you made a conscious decision to allow your bitch side out to play more recently? I’ll admit a certain vested interest since I love what your bitch side produces![...] do you see this as a deliberate choice from writers to simply write different fic or a changing and developing of views amongst the fandom? A revisionist view as it were.Read the FULL comment here.

Bitch Craft: From Start to Finish Apr 22, 2017

Tabee ask: Hi Keira, I’ve been thinking a lot about the amount of time that goes into writing. Could you talk a little about how long it takes you to get from original idea to planning, research, plotting, writing, editing, then posting/publishing? I’m more interested in a fanfic related answer, but a professional writing prospective would be neat too.Also, how do you balance multiple stories at one time?

Bitch Craft: Honing Your Craft Apr 15, 2017

The most important thing you can give yourself is the freedom to grow and change as a writer. Accepting limitations is all good and fine as long as you don't let that acceptance prevent you from learning.It's not always about the writer you are now, sometimes it's about the writer you will be.Bourbon and Asprin: http://archiveofourown.org/series/465685

Valium & Other Missed Opportunities Apr 08, 2017

I'm gonna bitch about stuff.

The Wild Hare Project Mar 12, 2017

The Wild Hare Project is a writing collective, a place carved out on the Internet for writers to explore their craft with no deadlines, no ticking clocks, and no expectations. One night, Jilly James and I got a wild hair up our booties and we created this borg-like thing. Resistance will be considered lame.http://wildhareproject.com/

Bitchcraft: The Do Over Mar 06, 2017

Akane asks: If you could go back and totally rework any of your published fanfics, which ones would it be and what would you do differently?

Bitch Craft: Writing Environment and Self-Editing Mar 05, 2017

Twilight Seeker asks: This is about writing environment. Where do you write? Can you write anywhere or do you have to be in a certain space set up a certain way? Do you think having a dedicated writing space is beneficial?Desert Poet Asks: I’ve only been writing fanfic for about three years. One of the things I’ve struggled with is editing my own work before sending it off to an alpha reader or a beta. I have gotten better with time and practice, but I wanted to ask if you have any tips for learning to edit your own work?

The Knickers of Judgment Mar 02, 2017

I'm not gonna lie -- I judge the shit out of you based on what you read, what you write, and what you pretends outrages you on Facebook.

Character Drift: Original Male by Jilly James Feb 25, 2017

Tonight, Jilly's going to create an original male character from the bones up.Content warning: Bad guy creation, serial killer dicussion.

Character Drift - Original Male Characters by Keira Marcos Feb 18, 2017

Tonight I'm going to create an original male character from the bones up and I'll write a short (or two) about him on The Workshop this weekend and they'll appear on my site as well.

Bitch Craft: Story Planning Feb 11, 2017

I'm going to explore two questions tonight:Akane asks: What's the difference between dividing a 100k book into chapters and a 100k season into episodes?Writing Hitsuzen asks: I was wondering if you could dedicate an episode or part of one to tips on how to tell if an idea is too large for a given word count?

The Episode Drift: Jilly James Feb 04, 2017

Background: Atlantis is within 100 years of being destroyed due to failing power. Two of the city crafters decide to ensure the city survival. They descend into human form, marry and have 4 children. Four Ancients are needed to unlock and reclaim the city, including activating the city AIs which hold the secrets of Atlantis. Emma Sheppard dies in an accident when the boys are 9-14. Setup: John is recruited to be the military commander for the expedition. He and his 3rd brother, Alex, are part of the original expedition. Patrick Sheppard dies while the expedition is cut off from Earth. David Sheppard raises holy hell trying to find his siblings. Eventually, Jack O’Neill reads them in, including that they’re working on reinforcements for Atlantis. David and Matthew both join the mission. David goes with the reinforcements through the gate, Matthew travels on the Daedalus as a pilot. When the brothers are in the control room together, they’re asked if they want to claim the city. Major plot points:When the brothers claim the city, the mask on their DNA is removed. They’re fully AncientTensions rise with the SGC command (Landry) when they refuse the order to hand over control of the city to the IOA’s choice. They also refuse the order to be recalled to EarthSGC tries to force the issue. They are unsuccessful in getting control of the city because of the AIsParents make an appearanceAll four brothers resign from the military and try to negotiate with the SGC and the IOA for Earth personnel to continue to staff the cityEverything seems to be settling down, but assassins are sent on the next Daedalus runMayhem ensues

Plot Drift: The Daedalus Rescues John and he gets a surprise Jan 28, 2017

Tonight's guest, Jilly James, will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.

Bitch Craft: Group Writing a Series Jan 23, 2017

morey971 asks: Hi Keira,A few podcasts ago you mentioned a series called "The Pleasure Club" from the publisher Cobblestone Press. I noticed that this series or group of works are written by many different authors. My have several questions, listed below, that have to do with these types of works and how a collection like this might be different in the publishing process than say getting an original work published.Thank you for your time!1. Can a new author come up with an idea and present it to the publisher for these types of books, or is it more common for the publisher to approach a writer that's already established with that publishing company?2. Do the publishers give out guidelines on how these books are supposed to be written or how they work?3. Is the writing process for this type of series different than say a normal submission to a publisher?4. Have you ever written for a collection like this? if so, what was your experience like?5. Have you ever heard of a writer using these collections as a way to "get their foot in the door" so to speak?6. Is there anything else you would like to share about works being written for a collection like "The Pleasure Club"? http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/line/pleasureclub.htm

Bitch Craft: 7 Stories and the Infinite Possibilities Jan 21, 2017

In the midst of rereading TTB (for the nth time!) I found myself wondering where you get your ideas from, and how you are able to turn them into stories. You've said before that you're a romantic writer and that you love happy endings, but would it possible for you to explain your process of getting from a germ of an idea to 'wow, I have to write that!' or even 'I've nailed that sucker!'? You did a little of it in your plot drifts (which were wonderful) but how on earth do you come up with such different ways of describing a love story?Thank youDaisyx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Basic_Plots PS - I'm tired of thinking up short pitches so from now on my short pitch will be: For Fuck's Sake

Writing, Fandom, & Validation Jan 14, 2017

You don't need anyone's permission to write or to post your work.You don't need anyone's approval to enjoy your own writing.Validation from others is empty.

DIAF 2016 Jan 01, 2017

We gather here tonight to tell 2016 to kiss our asses.Bring booze.

Short & Junk: Twanda! Dec 21, 2016

Sometimes my mother is incapable of acting her age.

Bitch Craft: External and Internal Motivations Dec 05, 2016

Chestnut Nola asked: I’ve found your podcasts about writing very helpful (and entertaining), so thank you for doing them.You’ve discussed character motivations and consequences quite a bit, particularly how external motivations can forward your plot. I’m wondering how you structure the internal motivations of your characters and how that moves within the overall plot. What do you think of the internal narrative of a character and how that helps shape your story? I find the external plot is often very clear for me, while the internal plot, and growth of a character is often elusive until I sit down to write.

The Best Laid Plans Dec 04, 2016

One of the more interesting things about being a person with OCD is that I always plan for the absolute worst in my real life BUT I never consider failure as an option as a writer. That's odd right?

Bitch Craft: Creativity & Productivity Dec 02, 2016

Sometimes being creative and being productive at the same is not possible. I'm probably going to spend about ten minutes talking about this then go completely off the rails regarding a topic because I'm a little scattered right now.

Bitch Craft: Identifying the Climax Oct 29, 2016

Finding the climax in your plot and avoiding rising action afterward is on the most important skills you can develop as a writer.

Bitch Craft : The Falling Action & World Building Oct 28, 2016

Daisy-May asked: I’m re-listening a some podcasts and something Jilly said raised a question in my mind. She said that she struggles with ‘falling action’. I thought about this for a while and realised that although I’m trying to become a plotter rather than a pantser, I still struggle to break scenes/chapters down into action/falling action/consequences etc. Would you be able to talk about how one actually plots such things, or even just describe what the terms mean to you?

With a Side of Crazy Oct 22, 2016

For fuck's sake.

The Late Show Oct 15, 2016

I don't even know. This will change.

Bitch Craft: I Plot, I Plan, I Write Oct 11, 2016

No, but seriously, I plot all that shit out. It doesn't matter where the work will end up. I plan it all out.Synthetic World Building:http://keiramarcos.com/synthetic-world-bulding/

The Writer's Toolbox Oct 09, 2016

We're going to talk about cools things we use for writing. Check out the list of resources on The Workshop: http://www.keiramarcos.com/roughtrade/the-workshop/?view=thread&id=6#postid-7

Bitch Craft: The Big Short Challenge Oct 08, 2016

Flash fiction and short form story telling is the single best way to hone your word economics.That's what the Big Short Challenge on the Rough Trade workshop is all about.The desire for butt covers.AndButtageddon: The Final Days of Pounding Ass by Dr. Chuck TingleWARNING: THE LAST 25 MINUTES MIGHT SCAR YOU FOR LIFE.

Bitch Craft: Unsolicited Plot Suggestions Oct 07, 2016

They're the devil. Stop it.What makes you do this?Do you have any idea how invasive and terrible it is to intrude uninvited on the process of a writer?

Bitch Craft: You Probably Can't Handle The Truth Oct 05, 2016

Your beta lies to you. I know this because I've beta'd before and I've lied while I did it.A person is only as honest as with you as they think you can handle and that's the truth.

A Hazy Shade of Winter Oct 01, 2016

I love fall and winter and writing.

Bitch Craft: Female Characters (plus nonsense) Sep 28, 2016

Sometimes you can't even blame it on the fact that the writer is a man.Female characters -- the good, the bad, and the smug.And food nonsense.

The Home Improvement Store Sep 27, 2016

Today, I dug a hole. I'm gonna talk about it and various other things that come to mind.+ CakeAnd TV shows.

Rough Trade: Reshaping Your Character Sep 24, 2016

Q&A for Participants

You Won't Get Validation Here Sep 23, 2016

Apparently, I'm supposed to be gracious? This keeps coming up! I made of list of 5 things I think I owe people: Just so you know.Reader participation, menstrual cups, etc.

Short & Junk: I'm a Bitch Sep 22, 2016

Don't be surprised -- it's unbecoming to ignore the truth.Don't frown -- it'll give you wrinkles

I Lie For a Living Sep 19, 2016

Fiction writing = telling myself an untrue story

The Podcast With No Name Sep 17, 2016

I rambled for 2 hours.

Internet Personalities & Taco Trucks Sep 14, 2016

Being on the Internet provides people with the opportunity to reinvent themselves. The results aren't always great. I'm gonna talk about it.Plus politics and Donald Trump.Guest: Jilly James

Short & Junk: New Canon vs. Head Canon Sep 13, 2016

CuriousExploxer asks: When fandoms such as Harry Potter (Pottermore) and Marvel (movie universe) release new facts, does the new information influence your WIP? Would you change a completed story because of new information release in the fandom?

Storytelling & Junk Sep 12, 2016

I came precariously close to getting thrown out of my favorite Kroger on Friday.

A False Sense of Intimacy Sep 09, 2016

Unnatural attachments and people on the Internet

Bitch Craft: The BFP Sep 03, 2016

Daisy-may asks: So many of your stories are several volumes long. How do you decide how long your idea is likely to be? You've said you tend to work in threes and fives, but how do you make a plot bunny turn into five volumes? It's a skill I vastly admire and, as a reader, more is definitely better(!) but how are you able to think so big? Side Note: BFP stands for BIG FUCKING PLOTGuest: Jilly JamesGot a question you'd like to listen to me sort of answer in a rambling fashion: Ask Me Anything

Falling On My Face, etc Aug 30, 2016

I read What Might Have Been this weekend. I frowned a lot, irritated by my choices and missed opportunities in scenes.Talking about my writing process.Guest: Jilly James

Bitch Craft: Empty Well Aug 20, 2016

There comes a point in with every writer when the words won't come. Why I stopped forcing myself to try and the ramifications of non-creative time.

Plot Drift: Don Eppes goes on the Atlantis mission (sga) Aug 06, 2016

Tonight's guest, Jilly James, will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period. - - - -Vagina Cave FicMy Scorpion by Firehorse (Xander/Spike)

Short & Junk: 5 Reader Pet Peeves Aug 05, 2016

Five things that will make me NOPE out of a fic so fast I'm often in danger of spraining my pointer finger.

Born This Way Jul 30, 2016

There came a point in my life when I started answering the question "What do you do?" with-- "I'm a writer". But I was always a writer. I took my first breath on this earth -- a writer. I couldn't yet speak or even see but I was already a writer because writers are born not made.

Bitch Craft: Reshaping Canon Events & Ramifications Jul 23, 2016

Tonight we'll talk about taking a canon event and reshaping it for your own purpose in writing fan fiction. This particular skill puts you on the road to writing original works as you learn the consequences of actions and determine how your character's motivations can change through action.

Plot Drift: Rachel Edwards is killed... (Hawaii 5-O) Jul 18, 2016

Full Prompt: Rachel Edwards is killed during the car jackingDrifter: Cinna MinionNOTE: Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.---Moving In by Westgirl

Bitch Craft: Character Motivations and Consequences Jul 17, 2016

Guest: Jilly JamesWhen you make your characters do the things they do and reader perception.The Hard Prayer by RheannaRequired short pitch: Did you know your character is an asshole?FANDOMS: NCIS, STARGATE, NUMB3RS, THE CLOSER, MAJOR CRIMES

Bitch Craft: Changes & Consequences Jul 16, 2016

Guest: Jilly JamesI'll be talking about making changes to canon events and the ripple effect of change in the overall arc of a story.The ramifications of big and small decisions in the work -- and how I deal with them.I will take prompts from the chatroom regarding "changes" but please be civil and don't get pushy if I don't pick your idea. Canon's Discussed: NCIS, Harry Potter

Anything Goes Jul 02, 2016

Weak characters, Mary Sues, etc etc. Story creation.Genderswap:Married by Ladycatalso:New Release: Making It Work by Lexi Bane

Let Me Entertain You Jun 27, 2016

Everyone expects me to be entertaining. All the time. Every day. Fandom, group dynamics, constructive criticism, and our pocket universe.

Fandom Trope: Kicked Puppy Syndrome, etc Jun 20, 2016

One of the most annoying tropes in fandom is the idea that one character in particular is always weak, always in need of rescue, etc etc. I'm getting kind of tired of reading stories where Tony DiNozzo is always someone's victim. Seriously. So I'll be talking about this trope and why I find it so damned annoying.Guest: Jilly JamesAwesome NCIS stories where Tony is a badass: Run by JasmineThe Raft of Medusa

Plot Drift: Harry Potter is an Ancient Jun 19, 2016

Tonight's I will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.

Plot Drift: Tony DiNozzo Leaves NCIS Jun 18, 2016

Tonight Ladyholder, Jilly James, and Keira will be plotting during the podcast. Each Drifter will get 35 minutes to plot their way through the prompt.Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.

Fandom: My Favorite Works Jun 11, 2016

SpenceSpin asks: Hey, I was wondering what your favorite fics are within the various fandoms you’re involved in. You rank in my favorites for sure, and I’m always curious what the most compelling writers are reading themselves.https://pinboard.in/u:keiramarcos

On Writing: A Hierarchy of Needs Jun 10, 2016

Betas and the Trust FallBrainstorming dos and don'tsThe pitfalls of Plot Drifting with a large groupFandom GaslightingJilly James will be joining me tonight while we talk about the benefits and drawbacks of relationships with other writers. The alpha/beta reader relationship can be a huge benefit or a major source of stress.

Plot Drift: The year is 1881 in magical Britain (HP AU) Jun 05, 2016

The year is 1881 in magical Britain (HP AU).Details to be filled in after the show.Drifter: Keira Marcos

Bitch Craft: The Beginning & Pantsing Jun 02, 2016

My thoughts on the first line, the first scene, and how that impacts the story you have to tell.How to Outline Your Novel: The OptionsGuests: Jilly James & Ladyholder

Plot Drift: Rodney and John bond accidently May 28, 2016

Tonight's I will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.Once I've exhausted the first try at the prompt - I'll have a guest to bounce more ideas off and Jilly James has volunteered as tribute.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period. Extinction by Original Tempushttps://originaltempus.wordpress.com/fanfiction/stargate-atlantis/extinction-part-1-the-return/ Sentience Series by Tarlanhttp://archiveofourown.org/series/9174 Forever Lost by Tarlanhttp://archiveofourown.org/works/221637 Marines to the Rescue! by crimsoncladhttp://archiveofourown.org/works/218320 Double Occupancy by Isishttp://archiveofourown.org/works/662667 High and Tight Verse (NCISS) by thecookiemommahttp://archiveofourown.org/series/15154 Advantage by Resonanthttp://archiveofourown.org/works/59436

Plot Drift: One day Q disappears... May 21, 2016

Tonight's guest, Ladyholder, will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give the guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.Spoilers for Specter and Skyfall.

Plot Drift: John Sheppard is an Ancient May 14, 2016

Tonight's guest, Jilly James, will be plotting on the fly during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give the guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.

Plot Drift: What if James Potter left Britain with his family? May 09, 2016

liekinloimu Asks: You have said many times that you are plotter. Do you mind telling us something about the process of how the plots take form in you mind? Like: do you get a major idea, like the high point of the story, and then start adding other bits of story around it? Or do you get one small idea, which then starts to expand to something bigger? Do you ever get so many ideas for one story that they just can't all fit in there? And if so, how do you decide which ones to keep so that the plot does not expand to million different directions?---To answer this question, I'm going to plot live on the air. The only prep I've done for the show is ask myself a single question:What if James Potter left Britain with his family and told no one where they went?

Bitch Craft: Keeping Your Characters unREAL Apr 23, 2016

Spelunker74 asks: You commented at one point that McGee's book in NCIS crossed lines by being too closely modeled after his coworkers, and could/should have resulted in a lawsuit. I wondered if you have fast and hard rules for including real life people/events in your works, and how you balance that with the need and/or desire to work things out in fiction? Your characters are such fleshed out believable people. Do you have tricks for preventing them from becoming caricatures of friends and family?AND THEN BITCHING with Ladyholder & Cinna MinionAND in hour 2 - Jilly talks about McGee's book.This radio show ends abruptly due to Blogtalk malfunction.

Bitch Craft: Word Economics and Story Craft Apr 16, 2016

Sometimes, you feel like a nut and sometimes you don't.

Bitch Craft: The Wishing Well Apr 09, 2016

Akane asks: If you could go back and totally rework any of your published fanfics, which ones would it be and what would you do differently?

Bitch Craft: Going Pro Mar 19, 2016

Cinna asks: I know you said not to get attached to titles in stories you submitted for publishing.Have they ever made you change the name or gender of a character? If so what was the motivation behind that or did the publishing company give you a reason?Were there changes they had you make that you did but felt unhappy with?What was the single most upsetting moment for you as a newly published author?Have there been times you needed to remind yourself that while it was your art it was also your job and you needed to find a way to harmonize the two so that you could handle the changes that had to occur? What was the most satisfying experience for you as an author?What was one time you had to avoid exposing yourself to a fan in person for your pro work?How often have YOU written fanfic of your own work? What was one time you wrote fanfic for an author you knew and why? (shared or not) How hard was it to not out yourself at first and what did you find most frustrating about it?

Short & Junk: Fandom Meandering Mar 08, 2016

Hermya asks: First off, I love your fic. I suppose I want to ask what currently inspires you fic wise at the moment. I've seen that you've been writing in the Harry Potter genre a lot more of late. What is it about this fandom that has caught your gaze?

Bitch Craft: How's It Going to End Mar 05, 2016

YMFaery asks: In a podcast I listened to recently, you said something along the lines of you don't write something if you don't know how it'll end. Does that mean you've had ideas that didn't go beyond the plotting stage (if that), because you didn't have an end in mind? Or did you eventually find endings for them? I've had at least two ideas I never developed beyond the initial concept because I had no clue where the end would be, and I did not feel comfortable trying to start something that didn't have an end. (And for one of them, I had no clue how to resolve it without one group looking like they caught a bad case of the Idiot virus.)

A Few of My Least Favorite Things Feb 27, 2016

Fuck it.

Q&A - Ask Me Anything Feb 22, 2016

I'll be answering questions from my Ask Me Anything page.

Favorite Fandom Characters & Stuff Feb 13, 2016

Jilly Asks: What do you think makes the fans zoom in on a character and go "Yup, that's the one. That's the favorite!" Certainly all characters are liked but someone, but usually a show or movie has a character that stands above the rest.From my perspective: Supernatural has Dean, Teen Wolf is Stiles, NCIS is Tony, Criminal Minds is Spencer... shows like SG1 and SGA I could argue it was either of the two leads.But what is it about those characters that makes us sit up and take notice, and more importantly, how to bring that level of interest to an original character?

Short & Junk: The Tale of Two Almost-Chickens Feb 11, 2016

Ancestor GT asks: Here’s a question in your opinion what came first the egg or the chicken --And other questions in the chatroom.

Bitch Craft: Science, Technology, and Junk Feb 10, 2016

Ladyholder asks: So, when it comes to technology in your stories, how do you treat it? How do you keep it fresh? I’ve read older stories where the tech is very dated, and that can throw me out of the trance.As a second, do you look at current tech and try to imagine what it might be like in 10, 20, or 100 years?

Short & Junk: The Canon Cockblock Feb 09, 2016

Akane says: I was writing a character redemption fic for the 2015 Nano then the character went and redeemed himself on the show... Now I've lost the drive to finish my story because canon satisfied me.Also, Civil War is later this year and I'm definitely scared to see cause it's messing with my OTP.So, here's my question - have you ever been cock blocked by canon? Are there ways to work around or push through it? Is it okay to just let the story go if you've lost the passion for it?I recommend you also listen to: Short & Junk: Canon is for Pussies

Short & Junk: Sometimes I Plagiarize Myself Feb 04, 2016

Wushu76 asks: Firstly I wanted to say thank you for hours and hours of blissful escapism. I love that I can reread and always find something new, some little detail I didn't realise the significance of the first time around, or even the second time around.My question was inspired by listening to one of the older pod casts. You mentioned that Lantean Legacy and What Might Have Been are direct AUs and I was wondering if that was true of any of your other worlds?Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories and even more, thank you for not letting the assholes drive you away.

Fuck if I Know Jan 30, 2016

The one where we talked about gross food and how fictional characters would be in bed.

Short & Junk: Multiple Plot Lines Jan 28, 2016

Jilly asks: I don’t know if this question has come up, but what’s your strategy for managing multiple separate plot lines in a story? Whether it’s the more extreme version where you have one storyline happening on Earth and one on another planet, to minor secondary storylines.

Short & Junk: Control is a Myth Jan 26, 2016

Wynnebat asks: How do you deal with not having control over your works? I post on AO3 and it’s generally good. But my fics got onto that ebooks site a while back, have been translated and reposted without permission, got mentioned and linked in some idiot’s college essay, and all this shit. I usually like posting online, but sometimes it really gets to me just how little control I have over everything.

Short & Junk: Authors Who Inspire Me Jan 25, 2016

Yzba asks: We all have books (fiction or not) that inspired us, for good because of the subject matter or the writing, or badly because they were absolute crap. What are yours? Are there books you reread over and over again because you fell in love with them?

Bitch Craft: The Second Draft & Harry Potter Plotting Jan 24, 2016

Au Says: You’ve said before that the original Harry Potter and the Soulmate Bond was written when you were younger and the current version is an updated, re-written version. And the version of Sentinels of Atlantis you’ve published is very different from the version you lost in the data crash. So my question is, when you enter into these situations where you are taking stories that you’ve already written before and decide to rewrite them, how do you go about deciding what to let go of, what to keep, what to change? So basically, how do you approach the process of rewriting something you’ve already written?

Bitch Craft: Protecting Your Inner Writer & Fandom Stuff Jan 23, 2016

Silverf0x said: My desire to write died six years ago, same time my brother died. Last week i had an idea that wouldn’t go away until i wrote it down. And What do you know, I actually enjoyed myself I wasn’t expecting it. Point is what do i do to ease myself into this so i don’t lose the enjoyment? And I’ve forgotten most of what i ever learned about craft So how do i pick up those skills again?Tall Poppy Syndrome: https://youtu.be/Og6BWd0z5-4Required Short Pitch: I hate this fucking short pitch thing (Where does thing even show up?).Special Guest: Jilly James

Bitch Craft: Time Jumps and Story Pace Dec 18, 2015

Question from Ask Me Anything: Akane asks, "I have another question for you: how do you deal with time jumps in your work? What are some methods you’ve seen and which do you prefer the most?"

Bitch Craft: Rituals and Stuff Dec 10, 2015

Website question: Would you do a radioshow about how you strukture and research rituals in your Harry Potter fics. I Think they are well thought out and often awesome! Required short pitch: The stupid short pitch is stupid.

Short & Junk: Proof of Life Oct 29, 2015

I'm probably going to cough in your ear, whine, and sneeze all through this.

Short & Junk: Ties That Bind Interlude - Rodney McKay Oct 19, 2015

Bastdazdog asks: I was hoping you could speak more on Rodney and his emotional state so far in TTB. I am wondering if it’s a case of John who, at the beginning of the story had already progressed through the five stages of grief and so while he still needed to heal, it was just the final bit of healing that could only happen by falling in love again, whereas Rodney is still distancing himself from what happened to him leaving him stuck in the first phase/stage – denial, and it’s Rodney’s great coping skills (fuelled by having to continue to interact daily with his abuser and her continued abuse) that allow him to hide in plain sight, and so his journey is still really just beginning when TTB opens and he meets John. If so, how far along is Rodney in healing at the end of chapter 14 – The Broken Road Actually -- the comment was huge. Read the whole thing here.

Short & Junk: The Inner Circle Oct 17, 2015

I received a twatty email about my "inner circle" and playing favorites and mentoring so I thought I'd talk about that. Tonight's Required Short Pitch: We've never sacrificed a unicorn.

Bitch Craft: Multiple Plot Lines Oct 16, 2015

Jilly Asks: I don’t know if this question has come up, but what’s your strategy for managing multiple separate plot lines in a story? Whether it’s the more extreme version where you have one storyline happening on Earth and one on another planet, to minor secondary storylines. Tonight's required short pitch: I'm a little vain so I'm going to talk about myself first.

Bitch Craft: Works in Progress Oct 12, 2015

Spelunker74 asks: I was wondering how you decided what to work on next without getting overwhelmed. Do you plan ahead of time what you will work on, or write whatever, and in which ever fandom, you’re feeling like writing in at the moment? Bernie Sanders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frPKif4j5go

Short & Junk: Emotional Blackmail & Other Terrible Fan Habits Oct 09, 2015

Assholery in fandom.

Bitch Craft: Time Skips and Nonlinear Storytelling Oct 08, 2015

Rivermoon 1970 asked on Tumblr: I find that in some of my stories I use time jumps, not a lot and often not more than a couple of years at the most. However I usually try to have a very short explanation and try to avoid info dumps. I've noticed quite a few fics that have huge time jumps 10+ years often with no explanation. Happens a lot in the HP, Supernatural and Buffy fandoms. What are your thoughts on time jumps and how to use them well?Side note: I'm going to start calling my short writing topic shows - Bitch Craft. Of an Arcane Binding

Short & Junk: A Single Perspective Oct 06, 2015

1. Have your character write or read letters to deepen their knowledge.2. Have your character witness events to gain information.3. Have your character provoke or invite discussions so they can learn what they need to learn.Make Lists for your main character:1. What does he know?2. What does he need to find out? And who will he learn this information from?3. What are his goals?4. What are his motivations?5. What are the conflicts?6. Who does he hate?7. Who does he love?Also:http://bubbies.com/ (get the sauerkraut, seriously. Awesome!)

Short & Junk: Bad Craft VS Author Voice Oct 05, 2015

Basic craft, author voice, and author arrogance.That thing you do, that's wrong, isn't quirky. It's not author voice. It's not a "style choice". It's just stupid.

Epilogue Removed & Rough Trade Stuff Oct 02, 2015

No, really I cut it out with a box cutter and I have no regrets. I also burned the pages in a ritual of my own design to ward off all that negativity and creepiness.Albus Potter really doesn't exist as far as I'm concerned.

I Forget to Charge my Cellphone (daily) Oct 01, 2015

It's a problem for everyone but me.

Like a Leaf on the Wind Sep 28, 2015

I'm going to get cussed out.

Rough Trade, Time Travel, Super Powers, & Serial Killers Sep 26, 2015

http://www.keiramarcos.com/roughtrade/?page_id=5736November 2015 - Up Close and PersonalTheme: Time TravelChallenge: You must write your story from a single character's point of view.Word Count: one 50,000 or two 25,000Site Sign Up: 10/1/2015 -- 10/15/2015

Short & Junk: Changing POV & Story Structure Sep 25, 2015

Chestnut Nola asks: Hi Keira, you’ve talked at length about POV first/third/god, as well as transitioning POV within a scene as opposed to using a scene break.I’ve only written one story with multiple POV and changed POV in chapter format. I kept the POV the same throughout the chapter, then when I needed to changed the POV in the next chapter I kept that POV throughout. (I hope this makes sense)What are your thoughts about changing POV via chapter?

Short & Junk: Becoming A Writer Sep 23, 2015

Cinnaminion asks: How long did it take you to develop your writing process? Do you feel like you don't ever really finish developing just continually make improvements like with the writing craft itself? What is one thing you would go back and tell your younger self in regards to your writing? What is the one piece of advice you would have liked to have or that you feel any writer needs to know when developing their own process? Lastly what is the one fandom that you want to write in but are intimidated by & why?Tonight's required short pitch: I was born this way.

Short & Junk: Serial Novellas vs Episodes Sep 22, 2015

Jilly asks: I’m curious about the stories you’ve written in an episode format. How does this differ from a say a series of novellas or short stories? Do you plan things differently for an episode vs. a short story? If so, in what way?Sandstorms

On Writing: Second Drafts, Rewriting, & Letting Go Sep 19, 2015

I don't write on stone tablets and I don't pretend I do.Tonight's topic comes from the Ask Me Anything page.AU asks: You’ve said before that the original Harry Potter and the Soulmate Bond was written when you were younger and the current version is an updated, re-written version. And the version of Sentinels of Atlantis you’ve published is very different from the version you lost in the data crash. So my question is, when you enter into these situations where you are taking stories that you’ve already written before and decide to rewrite them, how do you go about deciding what to let go of, what to keep, what to change? So basically, how do you approach the process of rewriting something you’ve already written? Outside Influences by Candy Apple (The Sentinel/Starsky & Hutch Crossover)Spock Vs Q

Short & Junk: Sex Scenes Sep 18, 2015

You can't put that there.Writing sex - dos and don'ts.

Short & Junk: Flashbacks and Other Crutches Sep 16, 2015

Flashbacks, information dumping, and other stuff that bores your reader out of their fucking.

Short & Junk: Scene Structure Sep 15, 2015

Smileybob asks: What constitutes a scene in a book? I’ve tried to find a definition but the definitions I’ve found were vague and unhelpful. It seems like everyone has their own definition.

The Fun Kind of Crazy Sep 12, 2015

In the south, we're proud of our crazy people.Special Guest: Cinna Minion Rorchach's Blot : Make A Wish

Short & Junk: Villains in Fiction Sep 11, 2015

lil_coyote asks: How do you go about making a villain that is believably evil enough to give the hero a run for their money while still being someone the reader has interest in and wants to read about? You’ve set some epic villains loose in your plots, but they don’t overshadow the heroes. I suppose I’m looking to make sure my bad guy won’t be flat without making him so big that he takes over the story.

Short & Junk: I Got Nothing Sep 09, 2015

Life is like a box of chocolates that has already been picked over.Which one of you bitches ate the carmel ones?

Short & Junk: Romance in Fandom Sep 08, 2015

wolfmoon8719 asks: What is the most Romantic thing you have written or read in Fandom? And why do you think so many writers in fandom cross the line into "Not Romantic"Inception:Pleurant by Tabi_essentially Don't Fall In Love With a Dreamer by EleveninchesBreaking and Entering by ResonatStargate: Atlantis:Coping Mechanisms by AmirealAgainst All Odds by darkmoore & ca_piersonTotal Recall by ca_pierson and darkmoore

The One About Sex, Romance and Female Characters in Science Fiction Sep 05, 2015

It's Friday, I'm bored and none of my topics really appeal. I will be discussing that whole coke-can-cock thing.

Short & Junk: Gender in Fandom Sep 04, 2015

Rivermoon1970 asks: I know you touched on it briefly in the last Short and junk but gender bending seems to be a topic coming up in a lot of the writing groups I'm in. What do you think about it? Especially when the core personality of the character is drastically changed.

Short & Junk: Going Pro Sep 03, 2015

Checkmate asks: So, there was a brief period in HP fandom history when it seemed like every other “Big Name Fan” was make the transition to being a professional writer and was removing all of their Fanwork from the Internet as a result. One of the reasons most frequently given for the removal was that the writers wanted to repurpose the original content of their fan fiction for their professional work. I’d really like to know what you think about this practice as both a professional writer and a fanfic author and if you’ve ever had an idea for a fanfic that at some point in the creative process became an original work or vice versa?

Short & Junk: Under Pressure Sep 02, 2015

How fucked up fan behavior ruins motivation.

Short & Junk: Being a Good Fandom Citizen Sep 01, 2015

Usia asks: I remember the asshat who wanted you to warn for gay sex. I was wondering, who do you warn or tag for and why? Or alternatively what do you not warn or tag for?

Short & Junk: Feminization of Male Characters Aug 31, 2015

Yzba asks: Seems like I have another question, or maybe a need to bitch about something. The tendency for some slash writers to feminize male characters. Particularly in the hp fandom, there’s this trend of giving Harry hips and long hair, It’s usually enough to make me close a fic really fucking fast. Lately, I’ve also seen it in other fandoms. Your thoughts?

And Then There Were Words Aug 29, 2015

Jilly Asks: 1) Last words: strategies for getting to the end and writing a good ending.2) How to avoid “and then” (sort of related to #1)3) Thoughts on cliffhangers as endings (also sort of related to #1)4) First words. I find the first paragraph to be the hardest writing in the story. What’s that process like for you and how do you approach what to write first?5) Have you ever abandoned a story? What’s the process you go through in making that decision? Tonight's So Far Unseen (in public) Required Short Pitch: Ten bodies later, you still don't have an ending and you hate yourself.

Short & Junk: Canon is for Pussies Aug 28, 2015

I realized after the show last night that I didn't quite finish Penumbria's question. So, part 2 of the question:Original questionPenumbria asks: What kind of process do you go through when writing in a new fandom? How do you pick it? What kind of canon research do you do? I know you just started writing Hobbit this year. How do you make that decision? At what point do you usually decide how much of canon you are ignoring and what you want to change, major and minor?Also, I think this show dovetails nicely with the show below: Déjà vu: Same Character, Different Reality

Short & Junk: I'm Going On An Adventure Aug 27, 2015

Penumbria asks: What kind of process do you go through when writing in a new fandom? How do you pick it? What kind of canon research do you do? I know you just started writing Hobbit this year. How do you make that decision? At what point do you usually decide how much of canon you are ignoring and what you want to change, major and minor?Time in a Bottle by AstolatFreedom is Just Another Word For Nothing Left to Lose by synecdochicImperfections by DashaCarving by SunryderFlowers for Yavanna by Soaba

Short & Junk: Third Person Point of View Aug 26, 2015

Akane asks: How is third person omniscient different from head hopping? I’m reading a book YA called The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner. Personally, I feel like the author is head hopping like a motherfucker, but maybe it’s third person omniscient? Even after listening to your latest podcast this morning, I’m still not sure what the difference between the two are.Rogue53 asks: I have to agree with Akane, I’m still not really sure about the differences between all of the 1st person and third person writing. I can’t even tell what I’m writing in, let alone anyone else.Quick & Dirty Tips: First, Second, and Third PersonThird Person Omniscient

Short & Junk: When the Story Isn't Working Aug 25, 2015

Jilly asks: Have you ever been in the middle of a story and decided to replot?This had happened to me for two reasons. 1) I just didn’t like the way the story was going. and 2) I’d written the character in such a way that keeping them in character no longer lined up with the plot.So, how do you go about stepping back, taking a critical view, and replotting from where you are?

Great Expectations Aug 23, 2015

I'm going to bitch about stuff.Tonight's Required but so far unused Short Pitch: Tonight's Episode is Brought to you by the letters F and UJohn Oliver on Internet Harrassment

Déjà vu: Same Character, Different Reality Aug 22, 2015

Question from Ask Me Anything: penumbria asks: How do you write the same characters in different stories and stay true to their canon personas (so they aren’t OCs with the name of the canon character) but still keep them different without becoming Mary Sue or Gary Stu? In your head, what do you do to separate them from story to story. Like Harry in War Mages versus Harry in Serpent King vs Harry in Phoenix. Or Snape in War Mages, Serpent King, Unspeakable Plot, Soulmate Bond, and Phoenix? Or Elizabeth where some stories she is awesome (Sentinels of Atlantis) and others not so much, the same with Keller. How do you keep it straight in your head without falling into a rut that makes stories all the same with only a few details different because the characters are the same and react to each other the same way? How do you keep your personal head canon from bleeding all over every story in a fandom? It is something I know I struggle with. I’d love some advice because your stories handle it well.Tonight's Required but Not Used Short Pitch: Déjà vu is usually a glitch in the Matrix.

Short & Junk: Building Original Characters Aug 21, 2015

Calia asks: When writing how do craft the original character you are writing? Do you decide on their voice first or their overall interaction with the fandom known characters based on your outline of the story? Strange shoes: https://liduvinadesign.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/those-strange-shoes/

Short & Junk: Growing a Writer Aug 20, 2015

Moonstar48 asks: How do you go about encouraging a young writer to write? I try and support my daughter as a writer but sometimes I feel like I should do more. Then I feel like I am pushing her to write when she might not want to. What is the line that I shouldn’t cross while giving the most support. 1 thing I know not to do is I have asked to see or read any of her writing without her permission. I wait and let her ask me to read something. Two Psychotic Chickens: http://keiramarcos.livejournal.com/123636.html

Short & Junk: Bad Wheezys Aug 19, 2015

Dark Evanescence asked: So I was listening to the podcast, it was awesome BTW. And at the end you were talking about the lack of development in Ginny and Ron. I know you totally hate them both. But is it because of who they are in the book, or because you see what they COULD have been and it pisses you off. And could you ever see your self writing a redemption of one of them?

Short & Junk: Plotting, Story Length, and Profiteering. Aug 18, 2015

PlottingStory ConstructionStory LengthContract WorkQuestions:Zabi asked: What makes you decide the length of a fiction? Do you prefer set goals or writing until an arc ends??Mayanangel asked: How do you plot out your story? In big arcs of “chapter 1, this, this, and that need to happen” or “chapter 1, scene 1, conversation between A and B leads to scene 2″ or something else entirely?

Short & Junk: Publishing & Story Titles Aug 17, 2015

Eryn asks: Do US publishers contract non-US/not-from-English-speaking-countries authors? (obviously the story would be in English)Akane asks: How and when in your process do you come up with titles for your stories and series?

You Keep Using These Words Aug 15, 2015

Total number of people banned from my site as of this date: 9

Short & Junk: The Beta Relationship Aug 14, 2015

Finding and working with a beta.

Short & Junk: My Research Process Aug 13, 2015

Christian Kane Doesn't Work at my Library and it's sad.

Short & Junk: How to deal with Entitled Readers Aug 13, 2015

Orignal question from Ask Me Anything: How do you NOT kill the idiots that send you whiny ass self entitled bullshit???

Short & Junk: Writer's Block and What To Do Aug 11, 2015

Comment on Ask Me Anything: How about getting over writing blocks, either because of life getting in the way, or the story not working, or any other of the infinite number of reasons. Commenter: Jilly

On Writing: Point of View, Character Perspective, and Head-Hopping Aug 10, 2015

On Writing: Point of View, Character Perspective, and Head-Hopping

On Writing, Fandom, Fan Influence, Rough Trade, Tropes, and Inspiration Jul 25, 2015

On Writing, Fandom, Fan Influence, Rough Trade, Tropes, and Inspiration

Potluck and Funerals Jul 20, 2015

When you hit a wall, how to go over it, and story ownership. CO-Host: Ladyholder

Happy Little Accidents Jul 11, 2015

My life in fandom is nothing but a series of accidents glued together with a bad attitude and a broken give-a-fuck.

Your Tire is All Flat and Junk Jul 05, 2015

Fandom Rough Trade Writing Other Bullshit.

Like Throwing a Twinkie Down a Hallway Jun 29, 2015

Or how things get big by accident.

On Writing: Learning to Write for Yourself Jun 15, 2015

Jilly James will be joining me tonight and we'll talk about the paths we took to get where we are today as writers.

Homophobia, Het Shippers, & OTPs Jun 07, 2015

Fandom would be great if it weren't for the people.

On Writing: Exposition and Junk Jun 01, 2015

The art of bombarding your reader with information in a way that is entertaining is ...difficult as fuck. We're going to talk about it.

The Sentinel: Fanon & Canon May 30, 2015

The Little Black Dress challenge is a Sentinel fusion -- mixing the concept of the Sentinel with a different fandom. What's canon and what's fanon?

The Little Black Dress Challenge & Rough Trade May 25, 2015

Word economics Short Story Writing Writing Challenges Themes The Sentinel Rough Trade Publishing Managing Your Time

Bottoms Up May 20, 2015

The fandom preoccupation with who is taking it up the butt is nothing short of extraordinary.

Author Commentary : Ties That Bind May 18, 2015

Link: http://keiramarcos.com/fan-fiction-index/stargate-atlantis-fan-fiction/ties-that-bind-sga-au/ After the death of his submissive, Colonel John Sheppard spent four years alone. Grief and anger pushed him and made him even more ambitious in his career. Taking Dr. Rodney McKay into his life and his bed was supposed to be a political maneuver– but then he met the man and everything he thought he wanted changed in an instant. Dr. Rodney McKay has spent a year alone after divorcing his Domme and cutting her collar off in public. He doesn’t know if he’s ready for a new Dom but he does know he wants Atlantis and Colonel John Sheppard’s collar is his path to the city of the Ancients. Then the Marine put his hands on him and Rodney realizes that he’s already half way to risking his heart again. Neither man was prepared for the explosive combination of their sexual dynamic and the intense emotional connection that would burn between them like an inferno.

Favorite Tropes & Inherent Problems May 10, 2015

We all have favorite tropes. When it comes to writing them -- you want to explore what makes the trope special to you but there is also a drive to be unique and interesting as you do it.

Being A Good Beta, Sex Ed, and Rough Trade May 09, 2015

The art of being a Beta in fandom. Condoms, Lube, sex education, STDs. Rough Trade.

On Writing: Being a Creative Person May 02, 2015

Writing Reading Not writing Learning to love your craft Accepting yourself as a writer Fandom Writing Fan Fiction Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit

On Writing: Novel Construction Apr 18, 2015

World building, character development, elements of the novel, and the impact of writing in a bubble. Writing a novel is a balancing act and how well you balance your plot, your characters, and your world building determine the quality of your novel. The ability to do this takes practice.

Fandom, Entitlement, and Writers Apr 13, 2015

Why writers leave fandom, reader impact, trolling, abusive people, bullying, and entitlement.

On Writing: GMC, Gender Roles, and Women in Fiction Apr 06, 2015

External and internal character development and its impact on plot. Gender roles. The Hobbit. Movies and books that make us cry.

The Life and Times of Lexi Bane Mar 28, 2015

Join us tonight to discuss all things going on with Ladyholder's professional life as a writer. We'll have 2 special bits of news to share. Website: https://lexibane.wordpress.com/

Bitching, Story Building, & Ending the Story Mar 21, 2015

White Girls, Tom Petty, and OMFG Fandom WTAF? Sometimes life and people can just be the most frustrating experience ever. - - - - Craft discussion 38 minutes in: Story Building: The Begining, the Middle, and the End.

Time Travel, Fix It Fics, and Fan Fiction Mar 14, 2015

Ladyholder is going to do most of the talking. I still have a terrible cold.

Creativity and Stuff Feb 22, 2015

Did you think of that yourself? And as a matter of a fact, I don't want your plot advice. Recs: A Journey to New Start http://wolfsnest.n40c.net/Wolfwalker/JTANS/jtansmain.html Observations on Sentinels and Guides in Victorian London http://archiveofourown.org/works/224907

Female Characters, Mary Sues, & Group Dynamics Feb 21, 2015

Jilly James wrote a thought provoking blog post this week talking about the use of original female characters and group dynamics in fandom. She'll be my special guest this evening. You can read her blog here: http://www.jillyjames.com/?p=828

Every Writer is a Liar Feb 07, 2015

Story Telling, The Hobbit, and Fandom influence.

Original Characters & Lube Jan 31, 2015

This is what I get for asking for topics in Minion HQ on facebook. Shrugs. ALSO: Historical Fiction, The Hobbit (goddamnit), Sam Carter, and new fandom obsessions AND, remember -- no ass to mouth!

New Fandom Blues Jan 24, 2015

What to do when you are dragged unwilling into a new fandom.

Bite Me, Etc Jan 17, 2015

Nora Roberts told her fans to bite her this week. I was really amused.

Enabling & Fandom Jan 03, 2015

Or that time Ladyholder incepted me into the Hobbit fandom without my permission and ruined me for life.

Dick Privelege Dec 22, 2014

Lessons on the use of the Internet or just me bitching about an asshole.

Shark Week Dec 06, 2014

It's probably going to get a little bloody. It's okay to stand up for yourself and defending yourself is never a waste of time. Guest: Cinna Minion

April Rough Trade 2015 Dec 06, 2014

I'll be finalizing my plans for my April projects so if you want to play a long and write your own version of my idea -- tonight's the night to listen up. So far, I've talked Ladyholder and Cinna Minion into playing with me ;-)

Bad Influence or How I'm the Worst Big Name Fan EVER! Nov 29, 2014

Apparently I'm "bad" for fandom so I'll be discussing that this evening. I'd like to thank the whiny ass person who gave me this topic by being butt hurt in my email BUT it would be insincere so I already sent them an email telling them to fuck right off.

Because it's Sunday Nov 24, 2014

It's Sunday. We're going to talk about shit. It'll be interesting or not. It probably won't be boring. It'll definitely be arrogant.

Fandom, Reader Wank, & Abandonment Nov 22, 2014

Some times fandom really pisses me off and I mean that. Sometimes I want to tell fandom to go F*CK itself.

Podcasts and the Future Nov 15, 2014

I pay for a lot of time I'm not using. I'm considering renting it out for podcasts OR even pre-recorded broadcasts. So, I'm going to talk about that.

Bitchfest 2014 Nov 08, 2014

I'm going to bitch about stuff.

Birthday Bash Nov 01, 2014

Happy Birthday to Me!

Let's Talk About Sex Oct 25, 2014

This is going to be FILTHY.

Rough Trade, BDSM, & Stuff Oct 18, 2014

Topics: Rough Trade, Lexi Bane, my future plans, and Ties That Bind.

Rough Trade Discussion Oct 04, 2014

Rough Trade, project files, plotting, art, etc.

Brain Storming: Harry Potter Steampunk AU Sep 22, 2014

Ladyholder and Keira will spend two hours throwing ideas back and forth to each other to create a Harry Potter Steampunk AU based on a plot bunny Keira accidently spawned during her previous radio show. Chances that Keira will write this: 30% Don't ask!

Rough Trade: Soulmate Bond Challenge Sep 21, 2014

Tonight, we'll be chatting about the concept and I'll talk about how I plan to execute my own idea.

Dildos, Ice Pirates, & Ranting Sep 14, 2014

One day aliens will pick up signals from our planet. Here's hoping they don't come here and wipe us out in self-defense.

Author Commentary: Rodney McKay Sep 06, 2014

Rodney McKay - Character Discussion Fandom: Stargate Atlantis Link to my Stargate stories: http://keiramarcos.com/fan-fiction-index/stargate-atlantis-fan-fiction/

Technical Difficulties & Fuckery Aug 30, 2014

This was like ... I swear I was sober. I can't speak for my guests.

Author Commentary: John Sheppard Aug 23, 2014

Character: John Sheppard Show: Stargate: Atlantis Link: http://keiramarcos.com/fan-fiction-index/stargate-atlantis-fan-fiction/

Author Interview: Lexi Bane Aug 16, 2014

Ladyholder was recently contracted professionally and her first book comes out in October. You can find out more about her book here: http://lexibane.wordpress.com/the-ofaolain-clan/

Life, Obligations, and Publishing Aug 09, 2014

Making Tea Microwave Plot Notebooks writing process Q&A from Readers stupid questions post on Live Journal Lucy Fiction vs. Reality Story Mechanics Junk Science Spousal Veto Bitching at Family Taking care of your mama Cousins Aunts Family Lack of Filters HeeHaw Caller- Kaz - reading Harry Potter, slash fic, character analysis of John Sheppard Writing sex - don't plot sex Jennifer Keller as a character Change a character and watch it ripple through the canon of a show OTPs Caller - Ladyholder - Beautiful and Dangerous Things, writing with a partner, the Tea Lady, Question - published erotica Professional publishing Writing with a Livescribe Echo Smartpen Hitachi Magic Wand Sybian Vibrator Naughty Lady Parties Lube for anal sex Hugh the sex doll

Fiction Tropes and Cliches Aug 02, 2014

Fandom and original fiction.

The Bitch's Round Table Jul 26, 2014

Discussion topics: Rough Trade, inspiration, writing, Ring of Fire excerpt, life, dogs, and Red Letter Days My thanks to: Ladyholder, Naelany, Cinna Minion, Jilly and the amazing Kaz for joining me in tonight's discussion about the Rough Trade Challenges.

Everything & Nothing Jul 19, 2014

Rough Trade, Ties That Bind, Beautiful and Dangerous Things. Special Guests: Ladyholder, Kaz, and the Tea Lady!

Rough Trade: Boot Camp I Jul 12, 2014

What I learned in the first RT Boot Camp

Sex, Politics, and other Fuckery Jul 05, 2014

Article: Free Your Mind and your Crotch will Follow Religion Politics Hobby Lobby Size Matters (really) Sex

Internet Privacy, Stalking, and You Jun 28, 2014

What do you know about stalking online? Do you know how to protect yourself and your content? What your Facebook profile says about you and how you can lock yourself down. But be warned -- it'll never be enough.

The Economics of Short Story Construction Jun 22, 2014

Basic plot construction Tips for creating a short story Word Economics Things to avoid and planning for writer fatigue Recommended Read: Wit's End by Greywolf Lupous Stories Discussed during the radio show: The Air That Angels Breathe The Situations of War Invisible Repercussions

The Fandom Closet Jun 15, 2014

Are you in the closet when it comes to Fandom? We're going to talk about embracing fandom, reasons to hide, the judgement of others and general fuckery this evening.

Rough Trade Jun 08, 2014

July's challenge, writing in a deadline, short story construction, and other fuckery.

Author Commentary - Sentinels of Atlantis - Season 1 Jun 01, 2014

Sentinel John Sheppard thought he’d spend his life unbonded and then he met Dr. Rodney McKay. The mission to Atlantis is their mutual path and they will gather the strongest, brightest, and best for the mission that will take them to another galaxy. http://keiramarcos.com/fan-fiction-index/stargate-atlantis-fan-fiction/the-sentinels-of-atlantis-atlantissentinel/ Questions welcome The future of the series, season 2, and the ramifications of the season finale on the rest of the story.

Fandom: Star Trek May 30, 2014

The Original Series vs. Abbrams Universe -- the impact the new movies have had on fan fiction, the Star Trek fandom, and the pairing of Kirk/Spock. Why I write in AOS but never had any desire to write in TOS as a fan fiction writer.

Author Commentary - Ties That Binds - Part Two & Lantean Legacy May 25, 2014

Link: http://keiramarcos.com/fan-fiction-index/stargate-atlantis-fan-fiction/ties-that-bind-sga-au/ After the death of his submissive, Colonel John Sheppard spent four years alone. Grief and anger pushed him and made him even more ambitious in his career. Taking Dr. Rodney McKay into his life and his bed was supposed to be a political maneuver– but then he met the man and everything he thought he wanted changed in an instant. Dr. Rodney McKay has spent a year alone after divorcing his Domme and cutting her collar off in public. He doesn’t know if he’s ready for a new Dom but he does know he wants Atlantis and Colonel John Sheppard’s collar is his path to the city of the Ancients. Then the Marine put his hands on him and Rodney realizes that he’s already half way to risking his heart again. Neither man was prepared for the explosive combination of their sexual dynamic and the intense emotional connection that would burn between them like an inferno.

Fandom: Stargate: Atlantis May 23, 2014

Discuss Stargate: Atlantis -- characters, canon plot choices, and why I choose to ignore certain parts of canon outright. What would I have done differently in canon? What parts of canon do I feel were left unexplored? Rough Trade and Fandom And a surprise interview with Ladyholder

Fandom Anniversary Party May 22, 2014

It's my 6th anniversary online with www.keiramarcos.com Questions. Chat. Lantean Legacy. Sentinels of Atlantis. Ties That Bind. Harry Potter. Fandom. Feedback. :-)

A Conversation with Two Bitches May 19, 2014

I lost my temper this morning with a reader. I posted about it on my website. It's not the first time. It won't be the last. Here are my thoughts on the subject. Fandom. Bitching. Entitlement. Readers. Writers. Rough Trade. Stephen King. Sex Toys.

Writing Fan Fiction 101 May 16, 2014

Betas, Nitpickers, Head Canon, and other fuckery.

Author Commentary: The Awakening May 13, 2014

Tonight, I'll be discussing my first and only completed project in the Sentinel Fandom that is not a cross over with Stargate. Questions in the chatroom, on the phone, or on my LiveJournal listing for this radio show are welcome. Title: The Awakening Author: Keira Marcos Fandom: The Sentinel Pairing: Blair/Jim Betas: Ladyholder & Kelly Status: Complete Word Count: 69,152 Rating: NC-17 (for sex, violence, and very adult themes) Warnings: Foul language, explicit sex, violence, murder, blood, discussion of sexual abuse and violence against minor characters, and various other things you might suspect in a story about a Sentinel Cop and his Guide. Mean!Carolyn. Selfish!Naomi. Summary: Detective Jim Ellison doesn’t want a Guide. What he wants is peace and quiet and maybe for his ex-wife to disappear. Dr. Blair Sandburg, a successful profiler with the FBI, has nearly given up on finding his Sentinel. Then the night came where one’s pain drew the other across the country – neither will ever be the same.

Fandom: Harry Potter May 06, 2014

Harry Potter -- writing and reading in the fandom. Fandom tropes I adore. The future of the fandom now that the book series is finished. Pairings I like. Pairings I hate. Why I hate Ron Weasley with the fury of a thousand suns.

On Writing: The Structural Elements of a Scene May 04, 2014

I'm going to talk about scene building, character placement and plot necessity until I run of things. Then I'll probably ramble a bit until I run out of time. Things I rambled about: Plot development FanFiction.net Reading as a writer habit Harry Potter Ties That Bind The professional editing process Book structure and how it impacts your scenes AND Wal-Mart

On Writing - Plot and World Building Apr 27, 2014

How and why plot works in the construction of your story. The difference between plot driven and character driven narrative. How world building contributes to your story and how poor world building can ruin it.

On Writing -- Building Fictional People Apr 13, 2014

Character profiles, personal history, dialogue, and speech patterns. How to make fake people more real to yourself and to your reader. Building a three dimensional person on a page is one of the fundamental skills of a fiction writer. Ignoring the character process does the story and your craft a huge disservice. I'll take writing related questions the second hour. On the phone or in the chatroom.

Minion Call In Show Mar 13, 2014

That time I learned how to use the switch board on Blogtalk.

Fandom, Fan Fiction and Writing Sex Mar 11, 2014

If this goes badly, we're just going to forget it ever happened.