In this episode, Kim interviews award winning science fiction author, Charlie Jane Anders about her recently published craft book, Never Say You Can’t Survive!
After the interview, we take a break from our usual craft book analysis and writing exercise because…Kim and Renee went on a writing retreat! We abandoned our spouses, kids, and cats for five days to hole up in a secluded Airbnb. We discuss our expectations, preparations and what we managed to accomplish on our little adventure. Besides the entertainment value, we’re hoping our experiences will be useful and inspirational for when you plan your own get-this-damn-novel-written escape.
Free Bonus Episode!
Ever wonder what we put on Patreon? Following along on our writing retreat adventures and want to know the day to day dramas and discussions that took place (and snacks consumed) on our DIY Writing Retreat? We’ve included it here for all of our listeners.
Want to hear more? We post the bonus podcasts, SnarkNotes chapter notes, and detailed write ups of the exercises on our Words to Write by Patreon account.
Our Interview with Charlie Jane Anders, author of Never Say You Can't Survive
In this interview, this award winning author and podcaster teaches us how to "use creative writing to get through tough times and to keep yourself whole."
Charlie Jane Anders is an award-winning science fiction writer, journalist, and podcaster. Her book, All the Birds in the Sky, won the 2017 Nebula Award for Best Novel, her novelette Six Months, Three Days won a Hugo in 2011. She co-founded the science fiction blog io9 and has been co-host of the podcast Our Opinions Are Correct since 2018. In this episode, Kim interviews Charlie Jane about her writing craft book Never Say You Can’t Survive. You can find out more about her books here.
Advice that Gets Writers through Hard Times
“Whatever works for you, whatever is going to result in the story that you want to tell that’s great, do that. There’s no secret sauce, there’s no formula. No right or wrong way to do it.”
Going for the more than the usual prescriptive writing advice, Charlie Jane Anders engages the writer in a conversation, not a lecture. In our interview, she discusses the importance of writing in a community, the negative side to writing advice, and the inspiration for her awesome book title. Hint: check out Curtis Mayfield.
Join Kim & Renee at the Women's National Book Association!
Hello, Dear Writers! Have you ever considered using podcasting to promote your work and brand as an author? Join Kim and Renee at a Virtual Lunch & Learn at the Women’s National Book Association on November 10th from 12:00 – 1:00pm! They’ll discuss how authors can reach news audiences and expand their platforms, which can be as simple as being interviewed on other people’s podcasts or as elaborate as creating your own.
To attend, become a member of the Women’s National Book Association.
Writing Retreat, FTW!
Yes, we went on a writing retreat.
No, we weren't slacking...
Kim and Renee went on a Writer’s Retreat and lived to tell the tale! Don’t worry, we brought Bickham with us (along with too many tasty snacks, episodes of She-Ra, and Renee’s running shoes). Unfortunately, no cinnamon rolls were eaten in the making of this retreat…
Some Key Takeaways
First, Our Goals. Kim’s wanted to get as many words written as possible. Renee wanted to nail down a voice for the chapters of her memoir revolving around herself as a child.
- Going on a retreat with a trusted writing partner is really, really helpful.
- Take breaks (together). We found dividing up the work day into fifty minute writing sessions/ten minute breaks helped us maintain our momentum and stamina.
- Three days felt just right. Renee experienced a lull on day three.
- Bring less snacks.
- Bring Cinnamon Rolls
Workshop: Naming Names in your Memoir
For this week’s workshop episode, Renee wrote about the brief time she spent as a child in Pacific Grove, CA, taking care to identify specific streets and locations as...