12pt Font: Recent Episodes
Pendo Muema
Welcome to 12pt Font a Novel Writing (NaNoWriMo) Podcast where I answer questions, conduct interviews, give advice, provide resources, gush over my favorite books, writers, and well things, and generally babble as I muddle my way through November. Strap in for 31 episodes of us holding ourselves together, and pushing each other to be better in the pursuit of the art we want to create. We can do this. I hope. Stick around, let's do this together!
This is the second episode in the NonFiction novel series here at 12pt Font. So you’ve got an idea for a novel. What happens now? What is the next step in the non-fiction writing process? This episode is a full breakdown of a NonFiction outlining process. From Introduction to Closing chapters, and everything in between.
Show Notes: The Power of Habit | Charles Duhigg Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
How to Start a NonFiction Novel
This is the first episode in the next series for 12pt Font. We’re going to write a book together. From Conception to Publication this episode is the first of many to come. This episode covers our first forays into the world of nonfiction writing. Making a decision to write, carving out the time, and then coming up with the idea.
Show Notes:
Assassin’s Apprentice | Robin Hobb
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
The practical guide to close reading.
This episode we are building off of what we began last episode. We dive straight into the Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe, and we use this phenomenal work to explore close reading together.
Show Notes:
Literary Devices
Smoke and Mirrors | Neil Gaiman
The Tell Tale Heart | Edgar Allan Poe
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Why should Writers Read? It's a good question. This episode is all about why writers should read, what ‘close reading is’, and why you should consider doing it. We talk about the benefits of reading as a writer, and why close reading is a good way to expand your writer’s toolbox.
Show Notes:
Wocket in my Pocket
The Thief | Megan Whalen Turner
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
This episode we talk about Free Verse and Blank Verse poetry. What makes them different? How are they similar? How do you separate them from fixed form poetry? We also discuss how you can create your own free and blank verse poems. We dive into scansion, meter, feet, and other poetic conventions. As the final episode of the season two poetry series, these forms of poetry close out the show.
Show Notes:
The Raven | Edgar Allan Poe
Remember | Christina Rossetti
Paradise Lost: Book 2 | John Milton
It is Difficult to Speak of the Night | Jack Gilbert
Brave New World | Aldous Huxley
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
Expand your poetic horizons with the Glosa, with William Blake’s The Tyger. Want to learn about interesting forms of poetry, and intertextuality in poetry. The Glosa originates in Spanish court poetry. It is an incredible form of fixed-form poetry that uses quotes from other works to form the foundation of a new one. A great way to play with words, and to enter a dialogue with the poets of the past, present and future.
Show Notes:
The Art of Memoir | Mary Karr
Epigraph | Literary Devices
Glose or Glosa | Writers Digest
How to Write a Glosa | John Wheway
The Tyger | William Blake
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
What is a sonnet, where does it come from, and how do I write one? This episode we dive into these questions and more with an exploration of the Italian/Petrarchan and Shakespearean forms.
Show Notes:
The Power of Habit | Charles Duhigg
What is Sonnet
Sonnet | Literary Devices
Sonnet | Wiki
Petrarchan Sonnet | Wiki
Petrarchan Sonnet | Poetry Through the Ages
Review of Nuns Fret Not
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
This week we answer the questions what is haiku, and how do we write one? We’re demystifying this ancient Japanese art of poetry, in an accessible, and entertaining way that will get you writing haiku in no time.
Poetry is fun!
Come Say Hello:
Their Eyes Were Watching God | Zora Hurston
Haiku
List of Kigo
Kigo Definition
Kireji
More on Kireji
Matsuo Bashō
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
This episode of 12pt Font introduces our next topic: poetry. WOAH! Don’t click away! I promise I’ll do my best to make this series enjoyable, engaging, entertaining, informative, and of course, relevant. This episode attempts to answer the question ‘what is poetry?’. How well it succeeds in answering that question… Well, you’ll just have to listen and find out.
Show Resources:
How to Read (and Write) About Poetry | Susan Holbrook
Ossuaries – Dionne Brand
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
A bonus episode of 12pt Font to say CONGRATULATIONS. No matter whether you got 50K or 5, words were placed on a page that were not there before. That’s good. Be proud of yourself!
Show Resources:
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
The sun rises and sets upon this, the day before the end. Wherever we are in our project, the fact that so many of us have come this far is truly incredible. Let us all take time to celebrate the incredible achievement that is the work we have done. In this episode of 12pt Font, we talk about what happens after all the words are on the page, and the first draft is completed. Episode 42 is all about life after NaNoWriMo.
Show Resources:
The Adventure Zone | Graduation
Science Says Writing is Good!
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
Everyone can use support, especially during NaNoWriMo. In this episode, we discuss three ways to find yourself a wonderful writing buddy for support during NaNo and beyond! Reddit, Discord, and NaNoWriMo write-ins. Wherever your comfort level is, we’ve got an option for you! Each method has been tested, and each method has been proven successful. It just takes some patience, with a little hint of panic.
Show Resources:
How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age - Dale Carnegie
Chihayafuru
Reddit: The front Page of the Internet
Discord
NaNoWriMo
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
Hello, and WELCOME TO SEASON two of 12pt Font.
New Year; New Nano, and 12pt Font has got you covered. In this episode we answer the questions: What is NaNoWriMo, what does it mean to participate, and how does one ‘win’.
Show Resources:
NaNoWriMo
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
The final episode of 12pt Font Season One is all about the basics of business writing. In this episode we break down three main principles that are applicable to all effective professional communication. Join us as we demystify and simplify the ‘must-know’ skills of effective business communication.
Show Resources:
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace - Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup
The 4-Hour Workweek – Tim Ferriss
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
Episode 38 brings us Narrative Instance.
The instant in which the narration happens. In other words context. I know it seems simple, but I promise, it’s really not. Well, it can be, but sometimes it isn’t. This description not making any sense, that’s fair. I promise that if you just trust me on this one and listen to the podcast it might make some sense.
Show Resources:
Narrative Instance - Nasrullah Mambrol
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings|Graduation – Maya Angelou
The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao – Junot Diaz
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Episode 37: How to say more with less.
This episode is all about concision and the wonders of editing. We explore Jack Gilbert's A brief for the Defense, and I must make some sacrifices in using it to demonstrate concision. So! Stick around and we can explore this wonderful editing tool together.
Show Resources:
A Brief for the Defence – Jack Gilbert
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
It's episode 36, and Valentine's day has just passed us by. Love is in the air, but there's a lot of different kinds of love.
In this episode, we explore platonic love. How do we portray platonic relationships effectively in our stories?
Well! I have searched far and wide for some answers, this is what I have learned. Hope it helps you too!
Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert
A Brief for the Defence – Jack Gilbert
88Cups of Tea with Yin Chang
Light the Dark – Joe Fassler
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Number 35. Isn't that a nice round number? In episode 35 we get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a work clear. Using Walt Whitman's poem Song of Myself we can break down the sentence by sentence, and word by word details that help your writing to make sense.
ALSO! This episode – in addition to our writing prompt – we have our first writing exercise!
In the near future I'll have a web-page dedicated to all of these exercises on my website so stay tuned, and make sure to check in.
Show Resources
Song of Myself – Walt Whitman
Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert
Light the Dark – Joe Fassler
Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace (5th Edition) – Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup
Elizabeth Gilbert Excerpt
Camp NaNoWriMo
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Hey!
Today we have Amy Tan with the Joy Luck Club. The book is an incredible feat of setting and time manipulation and is an excellent example of cohesion. What is cohesion? So glad you asked!
Listen to find out!
Show Notes
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Neverwhere – Neil Gaiman
Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace (5th Edition) – Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
One Week of January Gone Already?
So we've properly begun the new year! Most of us have gone back to school, and back to work, and back the every day of life. With the new year come new habits, and new attempts at discipline. For many of us writers, this manifests into resolutions to write way more, and to get better as we do. A fair and decent goal if I do say so myself - and I do.
Show Resources
Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fictions and Illusions – Neil Gaiman
The Norton Reader (14th Edition) – Edited by Melissa A. Goldthwaite,
Joseph Bizup, John Brereton, Anne Fernald, and Linda Peterson
Twitter Writing Prompts
Reddit r/WritingPrompts
NaNoWriMo Prompts
Discord’s Sprinto-Bot
Writing Excuses | Season 13.38: How to Find and Use Alpha Readers – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette
Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email:12ptft@gmail.com
Hey Everyone!
Welcome to the new year! Congrats on Surviving 2018. Let's all strive to make 2019 our best, most excellent, most amazing, greatest year yet!
Today's episode is a week late. I hope you can forgive me. In it, we discuss plans for 2019. Goals we want to set, and future expectations. Here's to a regular upload schedule, and lots of inspiration!
Show Resources
Pitch Wars
With Great Pleasure at Christmas: Neil Gaiman
Light the Dark – Joe Fassler
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Hello, lovely people!
Some changes have been made. Most things have been kept the same. We took a week off, but we’re glad to be back for you today! We will be uploading full time starting next week, but until then here is an episode to tide you over until the 28th.
Show Resources
The Rook – Daniel O’Malley
Taking Breaks Makes You Work Better
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 30 It Is Over
What more can I say except congratulations? Go grab an energy bar, and hug your nearest loved one. (I highly recommend a good cry into your fur-baby.) You have done it. 5k or 50k, you have more today than you did on the 1st.
Show Resources
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 29 makes tomorrow the last day.
How do you feel? I feel like a maniac. In the best way possible. We are writers. We can Win. If you haven’t already, there's still time. Write like your life depends on it, then write some more. Let's go NaNo Let's GO!
Show Resources
Romeo and Juliette: Act 2 Scene 2 – William Shakespeare
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 28, and hey…
It is okay. Press the button. Do pass go, do collect $200. Honestly though. Think about it. What is the worst that could happen?
Only two more days! If you can win NaNo, what can’t you do?
Show Resources
WWDW With Amy Rose Spiegel – Jeff Umbro & Kyle Craner
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
We are on day 27
Do you know what that means? People are either wrapping up, giving up or getting her done. Where are we at in this? I do not know. What are we doing? NO CLUE! But for those of us who have something to give. We should give it our all. Put yourself out there. (If you are not hurting anybody?) what is actually the worst that could happen?
Show Resources
Racheal’s Lense – Racheal Hunter
Ditch Diggers Podcast – Mur Lafferty & Matt Wallace
Everybody, Always – Bob Goff
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
OH, MY GOODNESS Day 26
The end is so close, and some of us have fallen out of love with our stories. We’re so close to the end though. SO CLOSE. Do not give up yet. Love it or Hate, try to get it done anyways. You can do it. YES, YOU CAN!
Show Resources
Twilight – Stephenie Meyer
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 25 means 5 more days!
Today it’s exactly what the title says. We were in a rut, and now we’re dragging ourselves out of one. Can we do this? OF COURSE. Writers are incredible people. Crazy resilient, and terrified of deadlines. That is us!
Show Resources
Reading Glasses Podcast – Brea Grant & Mallory O’Meara
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 24 – Y’all Still with Me?
So, today’s episode is kind of about recognizing when you’re about to quit, then making the decision NOT to do that. We will be revisiting some of what was said last episode, as a type of follow up. Hope you enjoy it!
Show Resources
KamaHapa Website & Facebook – Chris Ngui
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
We have arrived at Day 23.
With exactly 7 days left, it’s fight or flight time. For those of us who have already won, the elation is so good! For those of us keeping pace, congratulations for real. However, the rest of us, behind with no clear direction forward? WE CAN DO THIS! Don’t quit. WE CAN DO THIS!!!
Show Resources
Jane Eyre or AudioVersion – Charlotte Bronte
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Somehow, we’ve made it to Day 22.
How? No clue, but we’re going to celebrate anyway with a Question and Answer Sprint interspersed with advice form Incredible Writers.
Strap in because we’re speaking fast, and writing faster.
The end is near.
Show Resources
Big Little Lies – Liane Moriarty
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Beta Readers
Ray Bradbury on Short Stories
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
It’s Day 21 here at the 12pt Font writing studios… Yep.
Here at 12pt Font we strive for excellence in all things, this includes of course procrastination. As a master procrastinator myself I felt it was my solemn duty to bestow upon you my writing prowess, and skills. As well as share with you the incredible procrastinating power of our colleagues in NaNoWriMo. Writers on your marks, get set, stop.
Show Resources
Harmon Quest
Dan Harmon on Procrastination
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Almost Can’t Believe we’ve made it to DAY 20!!!!!
Yeah. YEAH! Look at us go! Today we talk more about non-fiction. Specifically information gathering, plagiarism (do not do it) and when/how to bend the truth.
Show Resources
Go the F*** to Sleep – Adam Mansbach
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 19 is all about Essays!
Wait! Wait! Come back. I’ll try to make it fun I promise! We’ll listen to Amy Poehler, and talk about puppers, and I’ll even censor the word ‘thesis’ so you never have to hear that word more than you need to. I got Your Back!
Show Resources
A Room of Ones Own (In Search of a Room of One’s Own) – Virginia Woolf
Champion of the World – Maya Angelou
Yes Please – Amy Poehler
Table of Contents (Under the Snow) – John McPhee
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 18.
Hi, I have said some things in this episode. I don’t know. Just listen? This episode is about why we push through. Why bother doing what we do.
I hope this helps.
Show Resources
How Bad Do You Want It – Eric Thomas
Geronimo Stilton – Elisabetta Dami
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
It is day 17 now. Are we tired yet?
Yes. That was an easy question. 😆. Okay, so we are tired, what do we do about it? Fear not dear listener. I have got your back. Today’s episode is all about how to bounce back from burnout.
Show Resources
What Would Happen if you Didn’t Sleep? – Ted-Ed ft. Claudia Aguirre
On Exhaustion – John Green
Matilda, Also Matilda, Also Matilda – Roald Dhal
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 16, and it’s time to stop!
Not really. Unless you’ve won, and your story is completed. In which case. YOU REALLY NEED A COMMA in your life. A comma indicates a natural break between connected ideas. You need them in your story, you need them in your life.
Today we talk about the necessity of the comma; the natural break.
Show Resources
Philip DeFranco Youtube
7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 15, and we’ve reached the halfway point.
This episode is honestly just a mishmash jumble of unscripted questions, neither of us knows what I’m about to say… but… that makes it fun?
Show Resources
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The Danger of a Single Story - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Hey, day 14! What's good?
Diversity. The answer is diversity.
Today is all about how to write a diverse cast of characters, and why it's important. Honestly, it's about being selfish with your creativity, and creating incredible stories. Also, diversity adds a sense of realism that is often overlooked. Also, good inclusion means you never have to apologize for bad inclusion. So…Here's how to not be problematic, while also expanding your writing potential. 😁. Ya welcome.
Show Resources
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Writing Excuses|Season 11.37 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal, & Gama Martinez
Legion: Skin Deep – Brandon Sanderson
Let’s Add Diversity – NaNoWriMo
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Guess What! Day 13
Today we talk about word count conundrums. Do you have too many words, and your story isn’t close to over? What do you do if you finished your story, but now you are under the word count? How do you organically increase your word count?
We talk about all of this and more. So come join us for some word count solutions!
Show Resources
Tongue-Tied by Maxine Hong Kingston – Otto Santa Ana
How To Double Your Word Count
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 12 Everybody, and we are back to our regular format.
Today we talk about names! How to name characters, how to name places, and how to title your book… Kind of.
There is no check-in today. That was intentional. That segment will be back tomorrow, but I felt it would not be helpful at the time I was recording this... Because I was behind... 😳
So, writers. GET NAMING!
Show Resources
The Name of the Wind – Patrick Rothfuss
Worldbuilding – Brandon Sanderson
Naming Your Book - Jenna Moreci
How JK Rowling Named Everything – Bran Seeker
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
It's Day 11 and today is a bit different.
Because so many countries including mine are observing a memorial or remembrance day, this episode will consist of an encouragement, and a writing prompt.
It's a little shorter than usual, but it is an anomaly. We'll be back to our regular schedule tomorrow.
Okay, Day 10.
We get it.
Hey Friends we’re right in the middle of week two, and the pressure is on. That adrenaline has worn off. Our lives and exhaustion is catching up, and our loved ones are not having it. To top it off, the book has become somehow more difficult? We want to quit. We want to get up, and do something relaxing. And leave our day to day behind, and it’s so hard.
Today we talk about wanting to quit, Self Discipline, and the Price of art.
Let’s Go WriMo Let’s GO!
Show Resources
The Adventure Zone – The McElroy’s
George RR Martin and Stephen King
The Most Difficult Part of Being A Writer – Richard Walter
Maintaining Discipline Daily – InspireDicipline
A Soft Murmur
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 09 Going strong-ish.
Today we cover writer epiphany, and writer burnout.
We’re properly in the month now, and while some of us are gearing up for the second wind, others have flagged behind. Writing is very simple, and yet deceptively difficult. When it’s working it is an incredible experience, but when it’s not, it can be so frustrating.
We talk about both today – those YES moments and those crashes as well. I give you some resources. Neil Gaiman shows up – as does he always, and we appreciate his wisdom …
Hopefully in the end you’ll walk away with new tools in your writer toolbox.
Show Resources
The Time Travelers Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
Best of Shower Thoughts
Neil Gaiman on Ideas
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Friends We Did It!
We have been committed to our craft, for a WHOLE WEEK! Look at how fat you’ve come and CELEBRATE! Because you’re accomplishing things. Be Proud of yourselves!
Today’s episode is a rapid fire question and answer round in celebration of 7 dedicated days of writing. Let us laugh together as we embark on the next part of this process. ¼ down. ¾ to go!
Show Resources:
Neil Gaiman on the Nerdist Podcast
Legion – Brandon Sanderson
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
It is Day 07 fellow Novelists!
Look at us go. Or not go. Having trouble starting, picking up the pen or sitting yourself in front of the keyboard? Listen to me interview Jane Ngui (my incredible mother), who explains how to set yourself up for success from the moment you wake up.
Having trouble just getting yourself to write? No Problem. Mel Robins has got your back.
Let’s get set up for success.
Show Resources
The Culture Map – Erin Meyer
The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Crucial Conversations – Kerry Patterson
How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over – Mel Robins TED Talk
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 06 Everyone!
Today’s Topic is kind of heavy.
We’re talking about what to do when you experience anxiety when writing.
Buckle up for some of the best advice I can give when It comes to just getting the words out. I’m not an expert, I’ve just sat at a blank screen enough to be kind of good at getting over my own inability to write. It may not always work, (it doesn’t always for me).
Remember I believe in you. You can do this. Don’t believe me, believe Will Smith! He’d never lead you astray.
Show Resources
Will Smith on Failure
Turtles all the way Down Excerpt
Turtles all the Way Down – John Green
The Story Grid Podcast – Shawn Coyne
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 05.
How are we doing?
Today we have three questions about motivating yourself to write that first draft. Come join us for an interview with Anna Park (best friend, genius, expert writer). Listen to Stephen King outline how he gets his stories, and if you want you could listen to me talk about the easiest way to tell a story.
Spoiler alert, I learned all of this through tragic trial and error, and by reading a lot of books, and listening to people who are MUCH better writers that me at this point in my career. That's Okay. We're all still learning.
So. Let's get into it?
Show Resources
Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
Stephen King Creative Writing Lessons
Anna Park Insta
Spirit Live Radio
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Day 04 and we're doing it, friends!
Today is all about location, location, location.
I cover some great places to write, like parks, or libraries, or the infamous coffee shop. We also go over some great writing resources, and listen to other writers talk about what programs they use. We also listen to a little bit of Pierce Brown's Red Rising, and hear him talk about his ideal writing environment.
We’ve got a lit of content today, so stick around! Hopefully, you'll walk away with some new resources to add to your writer toolkit.
BONUS! The episode title today is an actual tongue twister, so… You're welcome?
Resources:
Red Rising – Pierce Brown
Pierce Brown Interview
Writing Excuses|Season 12 Ep30 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Hey! It’s Day 03.
How are you doing?
Today is all about talking to our family and friends about the goals we’ve set for ourselves. What to do if your family doesn’t take your writing seriously. What to do if your family doesn’t understand your boundaries. Today is about getting yourself in gear to succeed, and how to talk to the people you love about your passion.
Cuz #WritersGottaWrite.
Show Resources:
Patrick Rothfuss Full Interview
The Good Place Trailer
Why You Write, And Why Most People Don’t Understand – Ryan J. Pelton
Crash Course Philosophy
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Welcome to Day 02
Today we talk about how to write when you’re missing plot details. How to maintain writing flow, and what do you need for a good opening sequence. We get into craft, emotion and how to just put the words on the page. One letter after the next, after the next, after the next.
I believe in you! You can do this!
Resources from the Show:
Children of Blood and Bone – Tomi Adeyemi
Worldbuilding – Brandon Sanderson
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: PendoLand
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
Hello Creatives and Curious.
Today's podcast is all about prep.
Have you done it? What if you didn’t? What does it look like for me? Come join us for some prep, panic, and advice.
Resources I Mentioned:
Legion Skin Deep – Brandon Sanderson
Make Good Art – Neil Gaiman
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
Anatomy of Story – John Truby
Writing Excuses|Season 10 – Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal
My NaNoWriMo Survival Kit – FiksiDust
Come Say Hello:
Website: https://www.pendoland.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendoland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pendoland
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMeZ-oFWTl-_U-W8RZ3t3Rw
Email: 12ptft@gmail.com
