Quid Prose Quo: Recent Episodes
C.K. Jensen (they/them)
Welcome to the coolest writing podcast around! Made by writers for writers, this lofi podcast brings a fresh view to the writing world.
ckjensen.substack.com
One of the best ways to learn story structure is learning from the masters. In this episode, Rin and Zac talk about the Pixar Story Spine. If it's good enough for one of the most successful animation studios on the planet, it will be useful for you!
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Okay, but don't you have a more detailed story structure? Zac and Rin discuss the Save the Cat framework, a popular film structure pioneered by Blake Snyder which has now been adapted to novels by Jessica Brody.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
What are you supposed to do about the dragging middle? You know the problem: you've introduced the conflict of the story and have no clue where to go next. Rin and Zac, building on last week's episode, discuss how the four act structure can help you navigate a messy middle.
Reference links:
Four act structure:
Eastern four act structure
Seven point structure
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This week, Zac and Rin discuss another of the most common story structures: the three act structure! Listen to this episode to find out how to turn this reading comprehension tool into the framework of your next project.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
The Hero's Journey is one of the most common story structures in epic fantasy and Hollywood, but what is it? What do you need to know to use it in your story? And how can it be flipped on its head? Rin and Zac discuss the answers to these questions and more on today's episode,
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
In this first episode of a new miniseries, Zac and Rin talk about a high-level view of story-structure and list some of the common story structures that they are going to be unpacking throughout the next few weeks.
STRUCTURE REFERENCE BOOKS WE MENTIONED
Story by Robert McKeeWriting Archetypal Character arcs- K. M. WeilandHero with a 1000 faces - Joseph CampbellHeroine with 1001 faces- Maria TatarRomancing the Beat - Gwen HayesVonnegut’s story shapesCreativity Inc- Ed CatmullSave the Cat! Blake SnyderSave the Cat Writes a Novel! - Jessica BrodyThe Anatomy of Story - John Truby
Chart mentioned by Rin can be found on https://www.amybeatty.com/for-writers
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Bo Ellsworth joins the podcast to talk with Rin and Zac about failure, moving past it, and how to learn from it. They talk about some strategies you can adopt to boost the momentum of your own writing journey, so be sure to listen in.To find out more about Bo's books and writing, be sure to check out these links!If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
In this second episode with Will Cornell, Zac and Rin turn to discussing how When the World Spoke reflects some of the principles discussed in last week's episode.
Will's Tiktok and Instagram!
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Rin and Zac are joined by special guest Will Cornell! His debut novel When the World Spoke is coming out in November and heavily features religion, so we take the opportunity to ask him some questions about writing religion in fantasy!
Will’s links!
Tiktok
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
On this blast back to basics, Zac and Rin discuss different points of view, how to identify them, and their pros and consDo you have a favorite example of Point of View that we didn't talk about? Let us know in the comments!
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
It's time to have some fun! Rin and Zac chat about what has been going on in their reading lives.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Writing contests are a fun way to dip your feet into more professional writing, but what should you know going into it? Rin interviews Zac about what contests look like from the judges perspective and he gives some tips to consider.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us!
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
"When we choose to have empathy, when we choose to reach out to understand in both our storytelling and our research, we are able to tell stories that matter. We are able to research those that have been lost to time. We are able to tie the human experience together in ways that propel us forward."
Zac and Rin are joined in this very special guest episode by Paulee! Paulee is an archives specialist and historian who came on the show to talk to us about historical consciousness. Join us as we learn about how we can better approach history to inform our writing and worldbuilding!
Content warnings: discussion of concentration camps in World War two, esp in literature. brief mention of rape scene in a book.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
In the second half of their discussion on worldbuilding organization, Zac and Rin discuss some of their favorite tools to implement the organizational principles from last episode. Links to the tools we discussed:Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overviewLaTex/Overleaf: overleaf.comObsidian: obsidian.md
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Today, Zac and Rin start a two-part discussion on how to organize your worldbuilding notes. They talk about what knowledge engineering is and what it can teach writers about worldbuilding organization.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Why is character agency an important part of both your narrative and in building compelling characters? Zac and Rin discuss this idea and provide a spectrum of examples in this week's episode of Quid Prose Quo.
Editor's note: The zoom meeting recording we used to create this podcast episode encountered many technical difficulties. We appreciate your patience and continued support :)
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a self-published author currently in the query trenches for their next book. Their work focuses on fairy tale retellings and queer stories.They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
In our newest episode of Book Club, we talk about Lisa Cron's Story Genius.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.'
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Have you ever gotten to the end of a story and wanted to throw the book across the room? Today, Rin leads a discussion on writing satisfying endings and what we can learn from the bad ones.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Our last episode of 2023 was about National Novel Writing Month, and in this episode we talk about what we learned from our projects.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
We are back for the New Year! And as one does in January, we are talking about our goals for the year, and we want to hear about yours. Send them to us at quidprosequo@gmail.com
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
With NaNo just a few days away, it's time to talk about tips for actually doing it. Rin and Zac talk about important things to remember for NaNo, as well as sign off for the year. We'll see you in 2024!
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is just around the corner! Zac and Rin, two veterans of NaNo, discuss what it is, why they do it, and how you can get ready for the glorious mess that is National Novel Writing Month.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Part of the joy of certain points of view is the ability to get into the mind of a character. Rin and Zac discuss how dialogue and internalization work together to achieve that goal, as well as how to include more internalization in your stories.
If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.
First, leave a rating to help us grow!
Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!
Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!
C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.
D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Can you tell when a book is self-published by its blurb? Zac leads a discussion on how to write a good book blurb. This episode was originally supposed to air on 22 July 2022, but did not manage to make it through a host platform change. We hope you enjoy! If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.First, leave a rating to help us grow!Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Writers are often introverts. But if you keep to yourself, how will the world know about the cool things you're working on? Rin and Zac discuss best practices for getting started with social mediaIf you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.First, leave a rating to help us grow!Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Worldbuilder's disease gets the better of even the best of us. Zac and Rin explain a framework for worldbuilding that short-circuits worldbuilder's disease by focusing specifically on your characters.If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.First, leave a rating to help us grow!Second, follow us on social media: Instagram or Facebook!Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
While real life history and anthropology can be excellent resources for worldbuilding, there are certain things to keep in mind when you do so. Rin and Zac talk about principles for respectful inclusion of cultures other than your own. If you liked the show, here’s a few things you can do to support us! You can do none, one, a few, or all of these things, but no pressure any way you choose.First, leave a rating to help us grow!Second, follow us on social media: @quidprosequo on Instagram or Facebook!Third, check out our hosts and show them some love!C. K. Jensen is a biology lab analyst by day and a science fiction and fantasy author… also by day because they value good sleep hygiene. They would talk about writing all day every day with everyone if they could, but they can’t, so they run this podcast instead. You can find them at ckjensenauthor.com, or on any social media @ckjensenauthor.D. C. Wynters is an astronomical research assistant and speculative fiction writer from the Pacific Northwest. His work blends the thematic concern of literary fiction with the entertainment value of genre fiction. He and his wife enjoy playing games, watching movies, and composing music together. You can find him at dcwynters.com or on Instagram @dcwynters
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Beliefs and values are powerful and enduring motivations in the human experience. In this episode, Rin and Zac discuss the creation of fictional religions and how they manifest in the broader culture.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
In the second installment of our magic system episodes, Zac and Rin put last episode's principles into practice. They discuss how to create your own magic system and provide examples. Questions in this episode for quick reference: Where does it fall on the hard/soft spectrum? How powerful is it and what powers does it have? Who can use it? How is it used? How does it WORK? What is the cost/limitations/weaknesses? How is it used and viewed in society?
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In this first installment of a two-part episode, Rin and Zac discuss some of the theory behind magic systems, and what you need to consider as you craft your own for your fantasy work.
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Money makes the world go round and the same is often true of our fictional worlds. Zac and Rin discuss what to keep in mind about designing economies for fictional worlds and provide examples of how the distribution of resources impacts the setup of the story.
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Knowing the territory is a crucial first step in a military campaign and in a story with any amount of travel. Rin and Zac talk about creating maps and environments for your worlds. Zac gets to geek out about astronomy and Rin offers an example of how geography influences the world around the characters. Check out the Linktree in the @quidprosequo instagram bio (https://linktr.ee/quidprosequo) for extra worldbuilding resources.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Amelia joins Rin and Zac to discuss fanfiction: the writing of fiction using settings, characters, and scenarios from your favorite stories
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How do you introduce your work clearly and concisely? Today, Zac and Rin talk about how to pitch your stories to readers as well as how to write your author bio
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
As much as we might like to avoid admitting it, our stories are ultimately products. That means that if we want to make money writing, we need to understand economics. Zac leads a discussion on what economics can teach us about writing and the writing process.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Novels have agents and editors, but where do you go to publish short stories? Rin and Zac discuss where to find anthologies and journals that publish short stories as well as how to maximize your chances of getting published.
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Once you've written something, it's time to share it. If you're going to go the traditional publishing route, that means querying. Zac and Rin discuss what they've learned querying and give some pointers for your querying journey. Resources mentioned: Manuscript Wishlist, Query Tracker, Query Shark.
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Writing can be lonely, but learning to be a better writer doesn't have to be! Zac leads a discussion on how to seek out a writing mentor and how to work with them to improve your craft
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Part of being a writer is having many more ideas than you have time to write them. Rin guides a discussion about how to put projects on the backburner and how to come back to them after taking a break!
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In a brief interlude to their Writing Fundamentals Series, Rin and Zac host a new episode in the Book Club series on Terry Brooks autobiography: Sometimes the Magic Works!
Mentioned: Episode 26: Building a Second Brain
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
If you want to grow as a writer, you're going to have to get feedback. Zac and Rin talk about some things to consider when you first start looking for feedback from others.
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Everyone learns about the Writing Process in school, but Rin and Zac are talking today about how you can create your own! Referenced in today's episode, in order of appearance:
Episode 038 Plannning vs. Pantsing
Episode 013 Naming Conventions
Episode 033 Nonlinear Drafting
Episode 036 Writing From Trauma with Mary Adkins
Episode 029 Editing
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
Rin and Zac talk about what makes a planner a planner, a pantser a pantser, and why most people are a combination of the two.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensenauthor.substack.com
In a second special episode with Mary Adkins, Zac, Rin and Mary talk about using the hard experiences of our lives to inspire our writing.Trigger Warning: pregnancy loss/miscarriage.
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Rin and Zac meet with special guest Mary Adkins, who teaches them about traditional publishing and marketing.
https://maryadkinswriter.com/
https://www.thebookincubator.com/
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Zac and Rin discuss how the philosophy of pragmatism can influence the way you build your setting
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Many of us write stories the same way we read them: we start at the beginning and work towards the ending. Today, Rin and Zac talk about how to break out of linear drafting and embrace non-linearity
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Zac and Rin talk about embracing failure as part of becoming a better writer.
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Short stories are just like novels, but fun sized! Rin and Zac discuss the benefits of writing short stories and how to go about doing it. Trigger Warnings: Suicide from 5:35-6:35, terminal illness mention from 6:50-7:24
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The future is Indie! Rin leads a discussion on what authors should know before Indie publishing and some things to keep in mind
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Zac and Rin discuss the process of turning a first draft into a final product.
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Subplots are the spice of storytelling and today, Rin and Zac discuss how to do them well and how to organize them in your draft!
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Zac and Rin discuss how artificial intelligence influences writing and the different ethical questions writers face when they use it.
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So much can be unlocked through organization. Rin leads a discussion about how building a second brain unleashes creativity
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Building off of their discussion last episode, Zac and Rin talk about the connections between roleplaying and writing.
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Zac and Rin discuss how randomness can be used as a point of departure in worldbuilding!
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Zac and Rin finish their miniseries for book club- Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins. They discuss three more of the twelve principles discussed in Goins's work.
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Zac and Rin continue their miniseries for book club- Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins. They discuss three more of the twelve principles discussed in Goins's work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensen.substack.com
Zac and Rin continue their miniseries for book club- Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins. They discuss three more of the twelve principles discussed in Goins's work. Zac's essay on opportunity cost: https://www.patreon.com/posts/57077333
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensen.substack.com
Zac and Rin start a miniseries for book club- Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins. They discuss three of the twelve principles discussed in Goins's work.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensen.substack.com
Rin and Zac read stellar examples of microfiction and analyze them, to help you learn the ropes of microfiction writing. Microfiction we read from Centrifictionist: https://thecentifictionist.home.blog/2022/05/17/why-i-dont-eat-birthday-cake/ https://thecentifictionist.home.blog/2022/05/17/generations/
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Rin and Zac discuss the objective correlative. Blog post on the objective correlative we mentioned: https://thinkingthroughourfingers.com/2015/06/05/writing-with-emotion-the-objective-correlative/ TED Talk on emotions Zac mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gks6ceq4eQ
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In the second episode of our conlang series, Zac and Rin discuss semantics, grammar, and writing systems.
Resources: The Language Construction Kit: Mark RosenfelderThe Art of Language Invention: David J. Petersen Creating a font: https://www.reddit.com/r/conlangs/comments/1w41qm/creating_a_font_for_your_alphabet/
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In the first episode of this two part series on Conlangs, Zac and Rin discuss why conlangs, and begin explaining phonology and phonotactics. Don't know what any of those words mean? Don't worry, we break it down for you :)Resources: The Language Construction Kit: Mark RosenfelderThe Art of Language Invention: David J. Petersen Creating a font: https://www.reddit.com/r/conlangs/comments/1w41qm/creating_a_font_for_your_alphabet/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ckjensen.substack.com
In a new series, Zac and Rin discuss Stephen Pressfield's The War of Art, a book about overcoming resistance and being creative
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Zac and Rin discuss why a naming convention may be the right choice for your novel, different types of naming conventions, as well as name resources.
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This week we are joined by a new host, D.C. Wynters, also known as Zac! Rin and Zac discuss how to find good beta readers, and how to get the most out of your beta readers' reading!
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Due to the loss of a cohost, Quid Prose Quo will be on hiatus for the foreseeable future.
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Isa and Rin talk about their experience within their writing group, and share advice for starting your own!
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Isa and Rin set and share writing goals. Write into Instagram @quidprosequo to share your own writing goals!!
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Isa and Rin are so excited to share their writing journeys with you this week!
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Isa and Rin talk about how to write better representation of queer characters.
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In this episode, Isa and Rin talk about the differences between drafting and revision in their processes.
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Rin and Isa talk about their prewriting checklists and processes!
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In this episode, Isa and Rin share their tips for building a writing habit--- or any habit, really!
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Rin and Isa break down how to build up your creative reservoirs after burnout.
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Tune in this week to hear tips on how to avoid burnout, especially during NaNoWriMo! Rin and Isa share their best ideas and practices.
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In this episode, we discuss the best ways to prepare for Nanowrimo, which starts today! Good luck writing, everyone!
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In this episode, Isa leads the discussion on what a mother work is, how she discovered the concept, and helps CK and listeners explore what their mother work may be.
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A get to know you episode, where Rin and Isa introduce themselves and share their best writing advice and book recommendations
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