The Mechanical Writers Podcast: Recent Episodes
J D Smith and Freyja James
Hosted by J D Smith and Freyja James this is a weekly podcast covering the world of writing, our personal approach to it and many adjacent subjects. We have ponderings, interviews and discussions. Learn more at https://www.jdsmithbooks.co.uk/podcast-1
A continuation of the exploration of Larp from Jim and Freyja's perspective as newbies to the hobby.
Information about the Larp we attended can be found here:
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Main_Page
And some other Larp based podcasts if this has only wet your whistle:
The Larp Noobs - https://open.spotify.com/show/2aZOOHzq7JGs7TOxSQXhdQ?si=b9c1ce4bb9674be6
2 Have & 2 Role - https://open.spotify.com/show/01FnKJCvj9R9zIuhN6LIvs?si=46e3e2ac1dab4a99
Larps and Tarps - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MSwC79TytMxEWlM7hgFuO?si=608ff7823c2e417b
In a departure from our usual content Jim and Freyja explore their experiences of trying Larp for the first time in 2022 and generally try, emphasis on that word, to explain what it is and why they enjoy it.
Information about the Larp we attended can be found here:
https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Main_Page
And some other Larp based podcasts if this has only wet your whistle:
The Larp Noobs - https://open.spotify.com/show/2aZOOHzq7JGs7TOxSQXhdQ?si=b9c1ce4bb9674be6
2 Have & 2 Role - https://open.spotify.com/show/01FnKJCvj9R9zIuhN6LIvs?si=46e3e2ac1dab4a99
Larps and Tarps - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MSwC79TytMxEWlM7hgFuO?si=608ff7823c2e417b
Happy New Year! In todays episode Freyja and Jim attempt to equip anyone listening with some prompts and thoughts about starting a new story in the year to come. Enjoy!
In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss the problems of Lore as a design choice in fiction and why it can get in the way of a good story.
In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk (ramble) about why nations trend towards conflict and how to use outdated diplomatic assumptions to improve conflict writing in your story.
Freyja and Jim have left the house! In todays episode they discuss their little expeditions to the local literary festival and a slightly less local Graphic Novel and Comic fair.
Off the Shelf
https://offtheshelf.org.uk/
Thought Bubble
https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/
In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss how to construct a good character backstory for TTRPGs, ramble about their own game and discuss personality tests. Its one of those episodes, just roll with it.
In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss Subtext, Narrative Framing and their problems with fandom culture. By way of the War, Generational Trauma and a fan club 2000 years in the making.
Folding Ideas Annihilation Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URo66iLNEZw
In this Episode Freyja and Jim discuss the place of religion in societies and how to more convincingly integrate them into your fictional settings.
In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk about Plot and Story, why they are different and why that difference matters, along with the usual nonsense.
In this episode Freyja and Jim talk about setting up and paying off satisfying narrative moments in TTRPGs. They also talk through the various categories of death that can befall characters and how to deal with them.
In this week's episode Freyja and Jim discuss plot twists, good and bad, along with the danger of subverting audience expectations at the expense of thematic cohesion.
In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss Languages in fiction, how they express cultural norms and values along with how to make your very own Conlang.
Vulgarlang Link - https://www.vulgarlang.com/
In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk through the mechanics (get it?) of the editing process, some of the misconceptions about it and why its not something to fear.
In this episode Freyja and Jim talk about writing good quests and villains for both TTRPGs and video games.
In this weeks festive episode Freyja and Jim talk about what makes a Christmas film and what the best Christmas film ever made is. Also featuring socialism.
In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss the question of writing yourself into your work via characters or themes and if this is an problem or a boon, few conclusions are reached as ever.
In today's long delayed episode Jim and Freyja discuss creating a history for your world and how and when to flesh this history out with juicy detail.
In this week's episode Jim and Freyja discuss the moral obligation of writers and tour popular culture offending as many fandoms as possible in forty five minutes.
Topic Links
Hamilton Sally Controversy - https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/hamilton-thomas-jefferson-controversy-explained/
After a chaotic start Freyja and Jim spend this week discussing the restrictions and freedoms of writing your first RPG Campaign and try to answer the age old question. "How much planning should I do??"
In this weeks episode Freyja and Jim discuss some of the pieces of 'soundbite' advice new writers often hear and the pitfalls of that type of mentality. Garlic also features.
In this weeks, delayed, episode. Freyja and Jim discuss how the geography of your world can affect the stories told within it along with offering some helpful advice on creating realistic looking maps and cultures.
In the real first episode of their exciting new side project Freyja and Jim discuss the differences between reading as a consumer and as a writer. They also attempt to provide some helpful tips for how to consciously consume media as inspiration, and how to find your niche.
In this first (sort of) episode. Freyja and Jim lay out the plan for the future and what you can expect from the podcast going forwards.