Improbable Things: Recent Episodes
J. Grace Pennington
"Science Fiction is the improbable made possible," Rod Serling said. As a sci-fi writer, sometimes I've believed as many as six improbable things before breakfast and I'd like to share them with you!
My book is ALMOST ready to be published, and I have been very busy getting content up on YouTube, including past episodes of this podcast! I also brought two big boxes of books into my home recently, my baby loves reading books, and I find too much comfort in how many successful books out there are so poorly written!
I'm rushing to get things done before my book is published, and at the same time churning out a first draft that is reminding me just how painful the writing process can be. I also read a book I didn't like for multiple reasons, my daughter loves writing letters, and I find it so inspiring to hear good teaching and instruction from accomplished authors.
I have a LOT of projects going on, including having to find a new way to record my podcast! I also bought a new shelf for someone particular in my household, I'm reading two very different books, and I'm changing the way I think about my book collection in general.
I have to break down my chapters multiple times in the editing and publishing process, and it can be a challenge! I also finally finished The Hunger Games trilogy, and I've been thinking about different types of sad stories and how they affect me.
I've got updates on my latest book, including cover art and approximate release date! I'm also on a new writing schedule, buying books for my daughter's birthday, and contemplating story structure and the different ways of approaching it.
I'm not podcasting as often but I have found a good way to get more writing done this past week. I'm also reading a LOT, including finally getting to a certain young adult dystopian trilogy, and I'm taking a close look at my priorities to see how I can make sure I'm doing what I value most.
I'm moving right along on rewriting, despite storms and power outages, but am frustrated at how often typos slip through several rounds of editing! Also, people think my characters are younger than they are, and I recently had to switch to audiobook on my current read for a very frustrating reason.
I've been doing a LOT of reading lately, and much of it has been outdoors. Delightful books and time-travel sci-fi have been among my reading fare, and I've been pondering the various types of story conflict and exactly what kind of natural enemy is the scariest.
How does one choose what to read when and when it's time to pause one book to read another? Also, I saw The Fall Guy, and my daily planner is really helping with my daily schedule and productivity in so many ways!
Moving right along with editing and recording, and it's been fun to see how the first book in my series holds up against the rest. I'm also keeping track of my reading in a new way, reading a very long book, and pondering quantity vs. quality yet again.
I'm back to both writing and podcasting after a long but helpful break, and I'm making exciting progress on my projects! I'm also telling stories to my kids, reading books in order, and learning one way reading so fast is a helpful tool.
Continuing to go over my latest work in progress and also trying some new things with audiobooks. My daughters love to read or "read" to me, and I've been doing some thinking on what makes me consider a book or movie a "great story."
I'm finding so many small-to-medium things I will need to fix as I go through my latest first draft, and I finally did a small thing that was a huge help for doing my taxes. I'm also trying go let go of reading aloud at the "perfect" time, and I'm slowly learning to not feel the guilt of "not doing enough."
In the internet age, unfortunately, you have to be willing to try new things and sometimes let go of old ones when it comes to promoting books. I'm also reading a thought-provoking (but kinda awful) book, and I had a sweet reminder of why I started writing YA sci-fi in the first place.
I'm very close to finishing the first draft of my next book, and am overall happy with how it's been going! I'm also thinking ahead to next month and reading a very thought-provoking book. Also, my husband and I saw Argylle and had VERY different reactions. Why is that?
I had to rethink the last half of my current work-in-progress, but that's still not as painful as revisiting old work! Also, we are reading books about airplanes, I'm reading a surprisingly good thriller, and I might be reading a bit too fast--or am I?
It looks like I'll be able to finish writing my next book this month, and I have a couple recommendations for learning how to outline a novel. Also, my daughter LOVES koalas, I'm reading Demon Copperhead, and I'm trying to be flexible when it comes to writing consistently with so many babies around!
I'm trying to step up my wordcount next month so I can get this book finished, and I'm thinking about my reading for the year. I also got a very sweet reminder of why I need to be flexible in my daily schedule. And which do you need more, motivation or willpower?
I got to one of those scenes in the Firmament series I've looked forward to writing for over a decade! I'm also not sure what I'll be bringing to my book club's "fight night," my daughter read me a whole book, and I've been thinking about how I'll read pretty much anything.
My novella is about to release, I have an unusual method for writing chapters, and my two-year-old loves routine. Also, is there a way to be consistent in working towards your goals without putting pressure on yourself and your family?
New year, new reading and writing goals! I have several projects going, I'm finally reading a book I've meant to get to for years, and my daughter's interest in reading had exploded. Also, is it possible to be 100% planner when it comes to writing?
I'm wrapping up my writing projects for the year, but somehow I find I always miss my characters as soon as I'm not working with them! I'm also having to speed through my current read, which is unexpectedly fun. And what is it that makes some books impact you even if they aren't your favorites?
I got to see my Wrapped podcasting stats and was encouraged! I'm also thinking ahead to what 2024 will look like for me as an author, and I'm reading a book I've meant to read for awhile. The book has me thinking--how do you balance letting tragedy happen in stories without taking it too far?
My newest book is OUT and I'm revealing the synopsis for the next book! I'm also fascinated by the sudden leaps of development and growth in my kids, and I just finished reading a book that has me thinking that the WAY you tell a story may matter more than the story itself...
I've had to start work on the next Firmament book already, even as I race to get the current one published! I'm also trying hard to figure out Amazon ads, thinking about what art truly is, and I saw the new Agatha Christie movie and was very confused--but not in the way you might think.
I'm finally back after months of maternity leave! What have I been working on, besides caring for an adorable baby? I have news about upcoming releases as well as updates about my daughter learning to read. Also, is love of reading something that can be imparted to our children?
I have a whole bunch of updates on my series, and we have a whole bunch of new books around our house! Also, I was not impressed by my first foray into the works of Wilkie Collins, and I discuss the concept of "drifting into" maternity leave and what that means for me.
My book will be released in two days, so I've been busy! Also, my daughter has found a creative way to express the alphabet, I'm learning a lot about cults, and I'm discovering how impossible it is to be perfectly consistent when writing a long series.
One of my current projects is forcing me to write poetry for the first time in years, our library is closing, and I'm reading a book about an octopus. Also, is there a difference between letting things slide and intentionally letting things go?
I have lots of news about my series, including the 3rd edition of book 1! Also, I'm reading an unusual book by C.S. Lewis, and watching Lost in Space has me thinking about how failure can be used for the good of a story.
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel of revisions on my series! Also, how exactly does one act like a Tweedle-Beetle? And what is the absolute BEST part about writing, reading, or watching a series?
Which is better for interesting readers, a summary or a sample scene? How can one get good audio recordings in a loud home? And is indie publishing really a better path than self-publishing?
I got to look over some of my VERY old writing this week, which can be both fun and embarrassing, my kids are starting to use their imaginations, and I had a great opportunity this week to think back over the past year and how I've grown and all that I've accomplished.
I have a release date for my next book! I also have an idea for sharing about how I get so much done with little kids around. Meanwhile, what do Shazam: Fury of the Gods and Ted Lasso have in common?
Work on my second editions is going slow but steady, and I finally attended a group I've intended to visit for the past 7 years! I'm also watching Charlotte's Web and reading a LOT of books, including The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. And I have thoughts.
Going back and revising my books for new editions is like taking a tour over the development of my writing style, for better or worse. I'm also teaching my daughter to read and immersing myself in Jane Austen. And how do I stay motivated when feelings and mental health fluctuate?
Revising my old works is making me see that my writing was really, really bad back then. I'm also deciding what to prioritize in my series, and of course reading more Jane Austen. And how can I use the approaching end of a project to motivate myself?
Still working on revising the early books in my series and it's been very revealing. Can word choice show a fear of commitment? Also, how do little bookworms behave at a Superbowl party? And why is C.S. Lewis's writing just SO good?
Revisiting and revising the early books in my series has been more bittersweet than I expected. I also always forget how much I dislike math until I have to do it, and I've been thinking a lot about how my writing can fit well into my life as a mom.
New month means time to break out the planner and keep track of those goals! Also, there are people in my life who ask questions during movies, I'm reading Jane Austen, and it turns out you do have to spend money to make money.
I've got a new story on Kindle Vella, new bookmarks, and news of a really awesome giveaway! Also, I'm learning HOW to read (I thought I already knew how) and am debating making a big change to my series.
My book is FINISHED and off with my editor, and podcast listeners get the first sneak peek of the synopsis! Also, I got my kids a CD player, I'm reading all the Jane Austen, and if I want to grow my business that means I need to change how I do things -- right?
Welcome to 2023! I'm making great progress on my work in progress, making plans for the new year, and making decisions about what projects to focus on. How does one find balance between personal passion and the business side of things, anyway?
I'm rewriting chapters, publishing a Christmas story, and gathering bookish fun facts. Also, I discovered this week what a difference your perspective makes when reading, and I'm thinking about my goals and hopes for 2023.
Editing is finally speeding up a little! I'm also still publishing short stories on Vella, and I posted my first TikTok. Plus, now that news of my pregnancy is out, I can share how that's been affecting my writing journey.
I checked what my lifetime sales and earnings for all my books are and it was fascinating! I'm also trying TikTok, against my better judgment, and am getting to beta-read the next book in a series I love. Also, what is the purpose of this podcast? What should it look like going forward?
Editing is going slowly but steadily, and I got a peek into one reader's journey through my series! I also got new bookshelves, plan to teach my daughter to read, and have been thinking about what an oasis of purity and joy a good story can be.
It's been a year since I started this podcast! I've written and published a lot since then, plus we now have our own back yard -- though I'm using it a bit differently than I intended. Also, how does my inability to visualize things impact my writing?
I finally received my copies of my latest book and I'm so pleased with them! I also voice my discomfort with the "everything you thought you knew about this character is a lie" trope, and I contemplate whether we will write in Heaven. If so, will we write fiction? What would perfect fiction look like?
I have major updates on all three of the stories I've been working on! I also bought a bunch of books over the weekend because one can never have enough, I'm reading quite a hefty book currently, and I have been pondering how to "kill your darlings" without losing what you love about your story.
Big things are afoot for the next three books in my series! I also have a cute story to tell about my baby, I love reading entertaining grammar books, and I'm learning to use procrastination as fuel for productivity.
I've had to completely rethink huge chunks of both stories I'm currently working on, I have a new project I'm releasing, and I'm wondering why I struggle with reading military and action-based stories. Also, which is more valuable when it comes to art -- quantity or quality?
I'm more than halfway finished with my work in progress, but I'm struggling with it. I'm also back to reviewing my 2021 reads, and I have a recommendation from my 2022 list as well! And can faithfulness in building habits actually bring, not only momentum, but joy?
I give updates on my works in progress, talk about my struggles with my newsletter, and explain why and how I'm thinking about learning sign language. Also, I finished Project Hail Mary, and it's kind of amazing how much I love writing and yet hate... well, writing.
I have exciting writing updates to share, plus I finally finished a show I've been watching off and on for half a decade! Also, do you know what narrative lensing is? I didn't, but now that I've learned about it I think it's going to help my writing a lot.
One story is publishing, I'm about to start editing the next, and I've started writing another! In the midst of all that, I have some thoughts about a children's book we enjoyed, a grown-up book I'm not enjoying so much, and how theme and point affect your protagonist.
News about writing, publishing, and my website! Also, my daughter is learning how she can use letter sounds to figure out words, I'm re-reading an old favorite, and I'm doing lots of thinking about the word "can't."
I reached an important writing goal yesterday, and other good writing-related things are happening lately, too! Also, I hot to see firsthand how kids can be influenced in small ways by stories, and I ponder gratuitous content in books and how you can explore complex topics in unusual ways.
I'm staying busy publishing, writing, and promoting, and still finding time to take my kids to the library! I'm also reading a lot, which gives me thoughts about grammar and punctuation, why they matter, and what it communicates if you don't use them.
Progress on the Firmament series marches on slowly but surely, including wrapping up the first draft of the next book. Meanwhile, we found a better section of library books, I'm continuing my journey through classic dystopias, and I am forced to face the real reason I don't actively market my books.
Continuing to publish on Kindle Vella, and starting to work on the paperback! Also, I have a lot more books in my home now than I did last week, which is good because my daughters appear to love books. Meanwhile, I'm reading Star Trek fiction and pondering what it means practically to be a writer.
My book is out! Sort of. I'm doing something a little different this time. My daughter also learned how to tell the difference between two of her colored pencils, and I ponder the reasons it's difficult to write and share about personal things.
My book is on track for publication, and I'm having great discussions with my editor about worldbuilding! Also, I'm announcing my secret reading goal for the year and considering the different aspects of storytelling and how we are drawn to different parts of the process.
Major update on editing and a much less happy update on libraries. Also, why do I use the word "slightly" too much? What do I admire about N. D. Wildon's writing? And as I look back on a decade of the Firmament Series, I ponder the purpose of it all.
Rewriting is going faster now, but it's hard to keep up with all the details from all the books in a series! Also, why are so many kids books so... weird? And what are we looking to get out of reading? Are spoilers good or bad?
Editing, as usual, has been slow but steady. There are a lot of details to be filled in in the story. Also, I need more bookshelves and I have thought on the new season of Stranger Things!
I'm doing official rewrites, and I love it! In this episode I talk about some ways I'm trying to improve the story, how much my daughter loves her pencil, what the show Angel has to teach me about the emotional ups and downs of a series, and more!
Editing is going well, but there is one major flaw my first drafts always have that I'm having to work on. I'm also reading Till We Have Faces and I have a few thoughts -- and I watched Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which I have a lot of thoughts about!
I've found an unusual way to help motivate me to get my editing done, and I have a plan to finish my draft! I also talk about my first ever "book," problems with leaving large time gaps in a series, and how my perfectionism affects my writing process.
Trying to find new rhythms and routines for my writing and editing, and learning that part of that is allowing spaces for rest! Also, I'm realizing the series I'm reading had a big impact on the Firmament series, and I'm so happy seeing my kids already becoming story-lovers!
I'm editing the next Firmament book, but it's been a bit of a struggle lately. Also, my website is down, my daughter loves my red pencil, and I'm fascinated by how tone affects our perspective of a story!
I'm finishing up writing one book and about to start editing another! Meanwhile, my daughter wants to learn how to spell everything. I also started reading my first Stephen King book, and have thoughts about that and about good Hollywood stories.
Research can have an enormous impact on stories, at least for me -- which is currently what's happening with my work in progress. Also, I got a library card, am reading books I disagree with, and have the definitive answer on whether ebooks or hard copies are better.
Another Firmament writing and publishing update, along with a little of what makes me so excited about this book and about sci-fi in particular. Also, how is one supposed to choose what book to read next? And when if comes to realism in fiction, how much is too much? All thos and more on this week's Improbable Things.
Does writers block exist, and if so, do I have it? What exactly do I love about Star Trek, and how does that relate to the Firmament Series? And how in the world do you write a good ending, anyway? I discuss all this and more on this week's Improbable Things.
My writing and publishing are moving along well, but I do have certain struggles -- like writing descriptions. Also, I finished reading Allegiant, started the Beekeeper's Apprentice (again), and have been wondering, how far is too far when it comes to suspension of disbelief?
An update on both Eleftheria and Humanoid -- there's good news for both! Also, I talk about one of the struggles with writing a long series, and I question what it means to feel like someone was "making up a story as they went along."
I've finished outlining the next Firmament book, after many upset and downs! So how is the writing going? I'm also doing other things, like vacuuming the house when my kids wanted me to read to them. And what is the purpose of darkness and evil in our stories?
I've started work on the next Firmament book! I also took a listener's suggestion for what to read to my kids, and thinking about what makes a good children's book in general. And why do so many writers not get romance right?
What's next for the Firmament series? I have a couple of new goals. I'm also continuing my search for read-alouds for my small children and wondering -- are audiobooks real books? And why do people love reading dystopia so much?
Writing and receiving reviews, reading aloud to my kids, and considering agendas in books and movies and when they are and are not done well -- just a few of the things I'm up to this week! Oh, and I also announce the title of the next Firmament book.
Did I manage to finish Firmament: Eleftheria last month? What are my plans for the series going forward? Was my last read any good? And how in the world should you go about choosing what to read next when you finish a book? I discuss all this on this week's episode of Improbable Things.
Finally settling into our new home! I discuss my new writing area, my book club, all the C. S. Lewis I'm suddenly reading, and my thoughts on making a book out of bits and pieces of other books.
We are moving! Which means I'm not currently writing, but I'm still able to make progress in one specific way. In this episode, I share some book-related moving details, talk about reading to my kids, and give a few (spoiler-free!) Spider-Man: No Way Home thoughts.
I'm back after two weeks of holidays and sickness! In this short episode, I give updates on my writing, finally finish a very long read, and pontificate on the difference between what we can observe and what we should do about it.
I'm glad to be finishing my novel, but why didn't I realize what I had planned for the last few chapters was so boring? Should I raise my reading goal for next year since I've been able to easily surpass it? Also, I read The Midnight Library and it's got me thinking about how to make sure worldview is flowing naturally from the characters and not being forced. I cover all this and more on this week's episode of Improbable Things!
Busy holiday seasons leave little time for writing -- or even for missing writing! Also, I read Dune and my opinion may or may not surprise you. Will I ever have a home library? And is it okay if not everyone likes the same books? I discuss all this on this week's Improbable Things.
Did I finish NaNoWriMo in time? Should I keep up my writing or take a holiday break? How in the world was Ayn Rand able to get me to read 1000 pages about railroads? And is there a right and wrong way to give your story a message? These are the questions I try to answer on this week's Improbable Things.
NaNo update, favorite times to write, and how limitations with kids around has actually helped me be more productive! Also, is propoganda ever a good thing? And how much is too much when it comes to injecting reality into our fiction? We'll discuss all this and more on this week's episode of Improbable Things.
NaNo update! Will I be able to make it to 50,000 words this month? Is writing fun, or is it miserable? And if your TV show gets canceled, should you rush to wrap things up or just let it end and leave people hanging? We'll discuss all this and more on this week's Improbable Things.
In this episode, I give updates on my NaNo novel, talk a little bit about my blog, expound on Humanism in science-fiction, and express my frustration with a common television romance trope.
In this episode I talk about finishing my latest Firmament novel -- and the disaster that followed -- give preliminary NaNoWriMo thoughts, ponder Liane Moriarty's mysteries, and give my opinion on what separates fantasy from science-fiction.
Welcome to the Improbable Things podcast, where I share six thoughts about writing, stories, or science-fiction! In this episode I share updates on my writing plans, compare Atlas Shrugged to 1984, and explain my theory on why the Maze Runner movies are actually better than the books.