Shows
Story from ScratchPrioritization (Quick Bits)What do you do when you've got multiple projects to juggle? This week's episode is all about figuring out what to prioritize when it comes to our creative endeavors. How do we decide what needs to get done first? How do we stick with a project once we've chosen to prioritize it? How important is it as a new author to consider which book to make your debut novel? Yale and Justin hash out all that and more in this episode of Quick Bits. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ 2021-08-2322 minStory from ScratchEverything I Make Sucks (Quick Bits)This week on Quick Bits, we talk about negativity. Ever get into that headspace where you question whether you're any good at this creative thing at all? We've been there too, and it's a natural part of the process. This episode explores some of the factors that may contribute to a negative view of one's creative output and strategies for dealing with the fallout of such frustrations. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-08-1615 minStory from ScratchWriting for Webcomics ft. Kevin ValentineThis week, Kevin Valentine joins us once again to chat about his process writing the KRZ: Tiger Winds webcomic. We touch on pitching, finding the right collaborator, and seeing our brainchildren come to life in a visual format. Check out Tiger Winds: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/krz-tiger-winds/list?title_no=330086&fbclid=IwAR2eYnTlD5LqJxXSis3Uy513G_Zrt7ZJKqhBGN4cvx1_GCrK99_EYXcOClM Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-08-0225 minStory from ScratchComics and KRZ ft. Kevin ValentineThis week, we're joined by Kevin Valentine, author of the webcomic KRZ: Tiger Winds. We talk about the inspiration behind Kevin's LGBTQ+ focused series, the shift the story underwent from prose to comic form, and growing as a writer over the years. Check out Tiger Winds: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/krz-tiger-winds/list?title_no=330086&fbclid=IwAR2eYnTlD5LqJxXSis3Uy513G_Zrt7ZJKqhBGN4cvx1_GCrK99_EYXcOClM Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-07-2635 minStory from ScratchFalling in and out of Love with Stories (Quick Bits)This week on Quick Bits, Yale and Justin discuss our tendency to lost interest in our stories, whether while writing them or years afterwards. Sometimes, it's okay to move on from a project. But the reverse is also true--sometimes, our love for an old project spontaneously reignites. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-07-1912 minStory from ScratchFrontloading CharactersThis week, Yale and Justin discuss the merits (and drawbacks) of introducing a large cast of characters all at once. Is it better to slowly introduce your main cast one at a time, or are there situations where you might want to establish the whole cast right off the bat? If so, how do you prevent the reader from becoming overwhelmed? Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-07-1222 minStory from ScratchTales from Speculative NorthThis week, in a special episode, Yale and Justin take an in-depth look at two stories from tdotSpec's Speculative North Magazine. First, we examine Not a Vampire by Jeremiah Kleckner (which can be found in Issue 2), and then we discuss The Alchemy of Curses by Joshua Grasso (which can be found in Issue 1). If you'd like to check out those stories or any of the other amazing works published by tdotSpec, you can grab a free digital copy at tdotspec.com or buy a paperback version of any of the Speculative North issues through Amazon. Please check...2021-07-0534 minStory from ScratchOur Future Writing Plans (Quick Bits)This week, Yale and Justin discuss to what extent they've planned out what books and series they intend to write in the future. Some writers develop complex worlds in which they plan to write dozens of novels, and others have only a single story they want to tell. Where do you fall on that scale? Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-06-2111 minStory from ScratchObfuscationThis week on Story From Scratch, we wonder just how clear we need to spell things out for our readers. Is it okay to make the reader work hard once in a while, or does subtlety only alieante your audience, relegating you to a niche? Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-06-1426 minStory from ScratchCringing at Our Early WritingThis week, Yale and Justin talk about their old writing... and how terrible it was. From frontloading paragraphs upon paragraphs of exposition, to going on author diatribes about things that have absolutely nothing to do with the plot, we've done it all. Sometimes it's worthwhile to look back and reflect on how far we've come (especially if we can get a good laugh out of it). Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-06-0726 minStory from ScratchDynamic Character Arcs (Quick Bits)This week on Quick Bits, we discuss Justin's concept of a dynamic character arc. What if instead of having an arc where a character doesn't change until the climax of the novel, one were to write a story in which a character goes through multiple significant changes of the course of the novel? Yale and Justin debate whether this style of storytelling is actually feasable and has the potential to be satisfying. Examples are provided from some of Justin's works-in-progress, so beware of potential spoilers! Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/2021-05-3114 minStory from ScratchWhen to Stop (Quick Bits)This week on quick bits, Yale and Justin talk about where to end a particular writing session. Do you stop at the end of a scene? End of a chapter? Is it better to write for a set amount of time or to write a set amount of words? Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-05-2413 minStory from ScratchPretentious Themes (Quick Bits)This week on Quick Bits, Justin and Yale revisit the topic of themes. Do you ever wonder how to straddle that line between conveying a message and force-feeding your opinions down the reader's throat? Do you have concerns about making definitive statements on grander concepts you fear you lack authority on? Well, we do--so join us as we hash out the intricacies of thematic subject matter. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-05-1012 minStory from ScratchOur Favourite Writing Tools (Quick Bits)Welcome to Quick Bits! For the month of May, due to our busy schedules, we'll be publishing these shorter, more-focused episodes, each delving into a single topic. This week, we (by which we mean mostly Yale) discuss what software and hardware we use for writing. We learn how meticulously organized Yale is, and how meticulously disorganized Justin is. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-05-0310 minStory from ScratchThings We Like About WritingThis week, for a change, Yale and Justin discuss things they actually like about the writing process. It's easy to find things to gripe about, but at the end of the day, we're doing this writing thing because, well, we like doing it. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-04-2617 minStory from ScratchOn RewritingThis week on Story From Scratch, Yale and Justin discuss how they approach the revisions process. Justin ponders Stephen King's advice about taking time away before beginning revisions, and Yale grapples with perfectionism. Questions are raised about the benefits of actioning writing group feedback. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-04-1925 minStory from ScratchWriting for Children ft. Peter G. ReynoldsOur friend Peter G. Reynolds joins us once again, this time for a deep dive into the hurdles of writing books for children. After all, children aren't (usually) the ones who write children's books. They're not the ones who edit them. And they're not the ones who buy them, either. How do all of these factors affect the way we approach writing them? To find out more about Peter, or purchase his books, visit him at https://www.storiesbypeter.com/ Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow...2021-04-1246 minStory from ScratchThe Impact of Writing Groups ft. Peter G. ReynoldsThis week, we have a chat with children's author and podcaster Peter G. Reynolds. We talk about the influence writing groups have on our creative process and how an author can become pidgeon-holed within their community. Peter also shares a bit about the inception of his lovely podcast, Musings and Other Nonsense, and tells us how the "yes, and" philosophy from improv can help you overcome writer's block. To find out more about Peter, or purchase his books, visit him at https://www.storiesbypeter.com/ Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http...2021-04-0544 minStory from ScratchDealing with UncertaintyThis week, we get an update from Yale on how his querying journey has been going thus far... which leads us to the topic of how to deal with the anxiety of waiting and the crushing blow of rejection. We discuss some useful coping mechanisms we've employed, which hopefully will be of use to you once you've finished that draft. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-03-2924 minStory from ScratchQuerying Q&AThis week, we respond to questions and comments from our listeners! Sticking to our theme for the month, we touch on various topics related to querying. Find out how many agents to query at a time, whether you can query multiple agents at the same agency, and what sorts of unexpected questions agents might ask you to provide answers to. Special thanks to everyone who sent questions in! We didn't get to everything, so we'll be doing more of these in the future. Be sure to send us your questions, comments, and thoughts. Please check o...2021-03-2233 minStory from ScratchChoosing an AgentSo you've got your package together and are ready to dive into the querying trenches. Except... there are hundreds of agents out there. How do you choose who to submit to first? What sort of things should you look for in an agent? What's the best way to go about researching agents? Learn the answers to these questions and more in our latest query-centric episode. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-03-1526 minStory from ScratchStep-By-Step Guide To QueryingThis week, Justin and Yale walk you through prepping for the querying process. We talk about how to know when your manuscript is ready to query, what to include in your synopsis, and how to structure your query letter. Justin struggles with numbered lists. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-03-0840 minStory from ScratchIntro to QueryingThis month, we're going to be taking an in-depth look at the querying process. Got a finished manuscript but not sure what the next step is? No worries--we're here to walk you through it. In our overview episode, we discuss our first experiences with querying, the benefits of querying (aside from getting an agent, of course), and when to start thinking about querying. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-03-0125 minStory from ScratchWriting With FeelingThis week, we talk all about channeling genuine emotions in our fiction. We go over the benefits of drawing on your own experiences and feeling things alongside the characters. Justin poses the question of whether emotional arcs need to be present in a first draft or can be added during revisions. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-02-2224 minStory from ScratchRomance for Dessert ft. Anahita EftekhariIt's our Valentine's Day special! Our friend Ana joins us again to discuss writing romance (particularly in genres other than romance). We get Ana's insights on how romance can absolutely gut a character, how to balance a romantic subplot with the main plot, and whether it's possible to write a blank-slate love interest. And remember: don't skimp on dessert! You can find Ana's writing in the anthology Sharp & Sugar Tooth: Women Up To No Good edited by Octavia Cade. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us...2021-02-1537 minStory from ScratchGoing On Tangents ft. Anahita EftekhariThis week on Story From Scratch... we have a difficult time staying on topic. Our good friend Anahita joins us for a discussion on writing multiple projects at the same time, not shying away from harsh critique, and how our educational backgrounds can inform our writing. We also discuss whether Casper was ever alive, what kind of animal Yale looks like, and whether we can trust people who don't believe in ghosts. You can find Ana's writing in the anthology Sharp & Sugar Tooth: Women Up To No Good edited by Octavia Cade. Please check out...2021-02-0839 minStory from ScratchJustin's Dark SecretWe're back from our hiatus with a brand new season! To kick off the new year, Justin and Yale chat about their takeaways from 2020 and their writing goals for 2021. Yale talks about his new manuscript, and Justin reveals a very odd fact about himself. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2021-02-0118 min
Story from ScratchIntroducing Final PieceFinal Piece is a podcast Yale hosts about murder mysteries. If you like solving puzzles and playing detective games, please subscribe! You'll an all-original crime scene to investigate every other Wednesday. Follow along and see if you can figure out the FINAL PIECE iTunes Spotify2020-12-0701 min
Story from Scratch2020 Writing and Mental Health RecapThis week, we take a look back at all that has happened in 2020. It was a tumultuous year, but nonetheless, we have made it to the end (almost). Justin talks about his upcoming music release and Yale teases his upcoming project, Final Piece, a murder mystery podcast. Listen to Justin's Album, Songs About Depression: https://blooburds.bandcamp.com/album/songs-about-depression Subscribe to Final Piece: https://www.finalpiecepod.com/ Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast2020-11-3036 min
Story from ScratchFight Club is Amazing & Shutter is Very ScaryThis week, Yale and Justin take care of homework from a month ago. After watching their respective movies, our cohosts review what they enjoyed about 10 Cloverfield Lane, Fight Club, and Tale of Two Sisters. MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. You've been warned. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2020-11-2331 min
Story from ScratchThe Origin and Reasons Behind "From Scratch" Ft. Scott ThrowerThis week, we have a short but sweet episode where Scott Thrower of Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children gives us his feedback on our beloved "From Scratch" segment. Full episodes return starting next week! Be sure to check out Scott's Arcane History series, the first three books of which are available on Amazon! Scott's website: https://scottthrower.ca/ Subscribe to Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fairy-tales-for-unwanted-children/id1225047924 Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us...2020-11-1611 minStory from ScratchSuccess in Self-Publishing ft. Scott ThrowerThis week, we're once again joined by the exquisite voice of Scott Thrower as we pick his brain on the self-publishing market. We chat about the scandalous exploitation that plagued the early self-publishing landscape and dissect the workoholism of an independent author. Be sure to check out Scott's Arcane History series, the first three books of which are available on Amazon! Scott's website: https://scottthrower.ca/ Subscribe to Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fairy-tales-for-unwanted-children/id1225047924 Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http...2020-11-0936 min
Story from ScratchStorytelling as a Podcast ft. Scott ThrowerThis week, we're joined with an extra special guest. Creator of Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children, Scott Thrower is in this episode to talk about his work on the stunning podcast, his career as a self-publishing novelist, and all that's necessary to be an independent creator in the current environment. Be sure to tune in to see if Yale and Justin might learn something! Scott's website: https://scottthrower.ca/ Subscribe to Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fairy-tales-for-unwanted-children/id1225047924 Please check out our partners, the publisher...2020-11-0230 minStory from ScratchHorror as Genre vs. Horror as Story Element ft. Y. M. PangIt's time for another Halloween special! This episode, we once again have our friend Y. M. Pang join us as we discuss the differences between writing a horror story and writing scenes of horror in stories that belong to other genres. We touch on the distinction between dark fantasy and horror, the subversion of expectations, and how horror is the country music of literary genres. Check out Michelle's website: http://www.ympang.com Or follow her on Twitter @YMPangWriter Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ ...2020-10-2625 minStory from ScratchIs Editing Pointless? ft. Y. M. PangOkay, so we've been building up to this one for a while now. After months and months of griping about writing groups, beta reads, and revisions, this episode, we finally attempt our big take-down of editing as a whole. Y. M. Pang joins us once again for this spicy debate as we settle once and for all whether there's actually any point to editing your story. Check out Michelle's website: http://www.ympang.com Or follow her on Twitter @YMPangWriter Still thinking of editing your novel? Visit https://www.royaleditorial.com/ P...2020-10-1937 minStory from ScratchAttack of the CrocoballoonsIn a first for the podcast, special guest Y. M. Pang joins us for one of our "From Scratch" segments. When tasked with creating a story that incorporates each of our darkest fears, we come up with a riveting B-movie plot that is sure to fuel your nightmares for years to come. Check out Michelle's website: http://www.ympang.com Or follow her on Twitter @YMPangWriter Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch ...2020-10-1223 minStory from ScratchThe Short Story Market ft. Y. M. PangThis episode, we are joined by our good friend Michelle, one of the most accomplished writers we know. Michelle has published with some of the top science fiction and fantasy magazines, including The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Clarkesworld, and Asimov's Science Fiction. We pick her brain about breaking into the short story market and discuss her mantra of don't self-reject. Check out Michelle's website: http://www.ympang.com Or follow her on Twitter @YMPangWriter Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow u...2020-10-0530 min
Story from ScratchTop 5 Twist Endings of All TimeThis episode, we each give our top 5 list of best twist endings and explain why we think they're so great. Between books, movies, and TV shows, our conversation reaches a wide net, so be warned! Major spoilers ahead. We talk about Joss Whedon films and classic anime, comedies and horror, novels and short stories, and more. They were really good lists - and I say so without any bias. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @st...2020-09-2941 min
Story from ScratchTwist Endings for ClassicsThis episode, we give our takes on how classic movies/books/tv shows could have ended with a twist ending instead of how they actually ended. What starts as a fun game turns into a test of our co-hosts' knowledge of Shakespeare, avoiding New England accents, and surprisingly good additions to some already really great works. We discuss Romeo and Juliet, The Hobbit (not the films), Iron Man, Goodfellas and more! Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast 2020-09-2222 min
Story from ScratchHarpies and Cyclopses Oh My!In this episode, we (try) to create our version of a good twist from scratch! Taking inspiration from a number of sources, Yale and Justin try to navigate through the complexities of writing a scene with a good twist, but making it both satisfying and unexpected. We discuss why going a 'full 180' is not that unexpected, and the usefulness of subverting expectations by first setting them. Eventually we come to an agreement on how we would write a battle like the Battle of Helm's Deep in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Please...2020-09-1527 min
Story from ScratchWhat Makes a Satisfying Twist?This episode, Yale and Justin are all about twists: shocking reveals and last-minute turns-of-the-tide. Our co-hosts try to dig down to the root of what makes twists good. They talk about Rick and Morty, and The Usual Suspects, and why 'it was all a dream' is so bad. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2020-09-0719 minStory from ScratchQ&A: Internal Consistency and Three-Dimensional CharactersThis week, we answers questions sent in by you, the fans. We touch on how to ensure internal consistency when baking pancakes--er, make that when writing a novel; how to write characters who go beyond the basic archetypes; and how to integrate a message into your story without being too anvillicious. If you have any questions you'd like us to answer in future episodes, email us at storyfromscratchpodcast@gmail.com. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2020-08-3119 minStory from ScratchStar Wars—I Mean Star TREK—Beyond ft. K. M. McKenzieThis episode, our friend K. M. McKenzie joins us to discuss and dissect the 2016 movie Star Trek Beyond. We gripe about soulless Hollywood blockbusters, over-reliance on CGI, and, of course, J. J. Abrams. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2020-08-2430 min
Story from ScratchAre prologues really useless? ft. K. M. McKenzieIn this episode, we discuss a previously hotly contested topic: the prologue. Our good friend K. M. McKenzie joins us and gives her strong opinion on the matter, and we debate over whether or not prologues have any merit to them whatsoever. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2020-08-1733 minStory from ScratchLost on an IslandIn this episode, we once again build a story from scratch, this time riffing off stories that feature mysterious settings like Lost, Cube, and The Maze Runner. We explore coming up with the question part of a mystery first rather than the answer, analyze the process of coming up with a compelling mystery, and come away with the conclusion that everyone should go watch the movie Oldboy. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch 2020-08-1123 min
Story from ScratchOn Writing Groups ft. K. M. McKenzieThis episode, our lovely friend and wonderful writer K. M. McKenzie joins us to talk about her career and how we came to know each other. We also talk about her involvement with our partners, TdotSpec! We dive into the history of our circle of speculative fiction writing groups in Toronto and discuss the woes of querying as writers. Don't miss out on this extra-special interview episode. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2020-08-0347 min
Story from ScratchSurviving as a Writer During QuarantineIn this episode, we address the giant elephant in the room and how it has affected our productivity as creatives. That's right--this episode's all about how we're managing during the COVID-19 era. We talk about some of the things we've been doing to keep sane during this period of social isolation and provide a few tips and tricks for maintaining a degree of normalcy in these abnormal times. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at: IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyfscratch2020-07-2718 min
Story from ScratchTime Travel in Rick and Morty Is So GoodIn this episode, we examine an episode of the popular animated sci-fi comedy show, Rick and Morty. The specific episode we watched and gave our thoughts on was Season 4, Episode 1. So, please go watch the episode yourself before listening to the spoilers! We talk about the time travel concepts and break down why the elements in this particular episode work or don't work. As we always say, "In comedy, everything is forgiven" but is there even anything to forgive? Maybe you can have your funny cake and eat it with full engaging narrative power too.2020-07-2020 min
Story from ScratchDirigible Chase!In this episode, we return to our long-honoured tradition of coming up with a story idea - from Scratch™! We "borrow" some ideas from the noble Sherlock Holmes stories once again (it's not stealing if we're upfront about it) and follow the Justin method for coming up with the first paragraph. It's strange how we always end up in the same comedic/horror bent, but I guess that's what you get from concentrated doses of Justin and Yale. Please check out our partners, the publisher tdotSpec at http://tdotspec.com/ Follow us at...2020-07-1316 min
Story from ScratchHot Streaks, Setbacks, and Stories from ScratchWelcome back to Story from Scratch! After a long hiatus, Justin Dill and Yale Wang have returned to bring you a new season of Story from Scratch. That means that we'll be coming to you with weekly releases once again. Woohoo! In this episode, Justin and Yale take a look at what they've accomplished in 2019. Together, they examine their works and talk about how productivity felt over a tumultuous year. As well, they discuss some changes to the podcast format and announce a fancy new partnership! That's right. Story from Scratch has partnered...2020-07-0618 min
Story from ScratchMake Action Scenes Engaging AgainIn this long-awaited, highly-anticipated episode, Yale and Justin discuss the secret to GOOD ACTION, an element many stories fail to deliver in a compelling way. Justin gives his theory on how to make actions carry weight, something Yale struggles with (so really, he should shut his mouth and listen for once). The conversation eventually leads to a stroll through the history of good action scenes. Comparisons to anime are inevitably made. Justin's theories turn out to be actually great advice to writers, so tune in to learn more! The From Scratch segment for the story...2020-05-2338 minStory from ScratchHalloween Special! What's scary? And The BabadookThis spooky episode, Yale and Justin discuss their love for the Halloween season and how they came to enjoy it so much. Yale tries to nail down what he thinks is scary. Justin explains his yearly tradition and recommends some truly scary films! As promised, our co-hosts do a deep-dive into the 2014 film, The Babadook. Is it really scary? What about it is scary? Listen in as they bunker down and analyze the film in great detail. The From Scratch segment for the story STRANDED will return next week! IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast ...2019-10-291h 22Story from ScratchWorthwhile Struggle and End of Act 1This episode, Yale and Justin discuss the difficulties of writing, especially keeping a consistent vision, maintaining motivation, and how struggling with these difficulties makes writing worthwhile. Our co-hosts touch on the essence of a story once again, as they try to break down how the process of writing works for each of them. Justin talks about his views on unfinished works. In the From Scratch segment, our duo recaps what's happened so far and outline what needs to happen in our story before the end of Act 1. 2019-10-2159 minStory from ScratchCharacter WorkThis episode, Yale and Justin do some character work! Yale's favorite. He leads Justin down a path of abstractly defining the roles of each of the characters and together, they stumble upon each of their motivations along the way! Feeling really productive, our duo even ventures to establish the dynamic of our group of heroes. And the plot also develops. IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyFscratch2019-10-0149 minStory from ScratchBrainstorming SpecialThis episode, Yale and Justin buckle down and really make a lot of world-building decisions for STRANDED. In doing so, our co-hosts stumble on some surprisingly appropriate motivations, as well as decide the major beats that the story should have. Yale gets excited about Goodfellas, Justin gets a taste of Yale's story-breaking energy, and the two actually lay down a decent plot. IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @StoryFScratch2019-09-2447 minStory from ScratchActually Good Writing Advice (Minisode)This episode, Yale and Justin talk about how to balance writing two different projects at the same time. Yale also asks how he can feel more confident about his story ideas, worried that they might all end up reading like they are the same story. Justin gives legitimately good advice and talks about his foray into writing horror. A minisode for this week due to time constraints, but STRANDED will be back next week. IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyFscratch2019-09-1625 minStory from ScratchMary SueThis episode, Justin and Yale discuss the subject of 'Mary Sue' characters, or characters that meet some criteria of being a 'Mary Sue'. They begin by defining what the term means and examine just what is so bad about Mary Sue characters. In true Story from Scratch fashion, our co-hosts even try to defend some aspects of Mary Sue characters so as to truly understand what the 'Mary Sue' label means. We'll return to STRANDED, our continuing journey next episode. IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyFscratch2019-09-0959 minStory from ScratchPrologues and Planet BuildingThis episode, Yale and Justin discuss the merits of prologues (or lack thereof). Yale has never liked prologues, but Justin remains adamant that they are sometimes necessary. Our co-hosts end up on a tangent about deluxe editions and speculate on business decisions. In STRANDED: from Scratch, our crew finally set off to the mysterious planet and discover that it's strange - or is it? A lot of world-building has still yet been finalized, but our heroes will definitely probably meet obstacles on their quest to find the elusive DNA. Tune in as we find out what those...2019-08-081h 17Story from ScratchGathering the Band (again)This episode, Yale and Justin discuss the necessity of using weak verbs and why it's okay to not kill your darlings. Justin explains 'resting' words. Yale celebrates. There are lots of digressions. In STRANDED: from Scratch, after our Manny and Gabby had carefully selected their crew, a stranger coerces our heroes into joining the team. And first impressions are shaky at best as we're introduced to the Admiral and Shady/Shift.e. IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast Twitter: @storyFscratch2019-07-231h 09Story from ScratchFirst Draft RevelationNo Story from Scratch segment this week! We promise we'll return to STRANDED (from Scratch) next Monday. In the meantime, while we replenish our creative juices, Justin regales us with some new discoveries he's made while looking back at his previous writing. And, in a new segment, Yale's Questions, our cohosts discuss character archetypes and how to borrow from other subgenres. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram: @StoryfromScratchPodcast for updates and additional content! 2019-07-0849 minStory from ScratchAn Aspiring Writer's RetrospectiveTaking a break from the hard work of writing from scratch, this week's episode is the second part of our 'retrospective' series. Yale digs deep into his memories and tries to break down all the major moments in his young but (self-proclaimed) intense writing career. We get a glimpse into how the more manic of our co-hosts ticks, and a strange habit that they share.2019-07-0147 min
Story from ScratchAssembling the BandThis episode, Yale and Justin continue discussing why writing rules are wrong. They discuss the loneliness of writing and Yale complains about the double standard of what publishers expect from the first page of your manuscript. Justin helps readjust his expectations. And for our Story from Scratch segment, we now have a title! STRANDED will be the title for the adventures of Captain Manny, Gabby the cyborg, and their crew. Join in this week as they assemble the rest of their team. 2019-06-241h 09
Story from ScratchCaptain and CyborgThis episode, we continue with our story about a Journey (yet untitled - sorry about that folks). Our captain is not so capable. His cyborg friend is not so happy. And we nail down some details about our world as we discuss chapter one. We also have a new segment: where we debunk the merits of some common writing rules. 2019-06-1750 min
Story from ScratchA Journey (Season Two)We're kicking off Season Two of the podcast with a new segment where we talk about commonly prescribed writing rules. Specifically, we give our take on how we feel those rules could or even should be broken. Then, we begin an all-new Story from Scratch segment with a story about a journey. And this time, we'll be continuing this story all the way until completion - no matter how long it takes. So stay tuned: next week, we'll be continuing our story about a journey (yet untitled) and see what details about the story we can nail...2019-06-131h 00
Story from ScratchPSA: Season Two Trailer!Welcome to Season Two of Story from Scratch! We will be embarking on a journey to write an entire fantasy/sci-fi novel to completion (or at least the first draft). From the next episode onwards, we will be continuing with the same story each week. The goal is to complete the scenes necessary for about a chapter per episode. Of course, we won't neglect our usual segments. Make sure to follow @StoryfromScratchPodcast on Instagram for updates and additional content!2019-06-1302 min
Story from ScratchMagic SystemsA second episode this week as promised! We're nearing the end of season one, and we're super excited to be working on a special new segment for season two! This episode, Yale and Justin discuss what's necessary to make a magic system satisfying and how they personally approach creating a magic system for novel-writing. Justin gives Yale some solid advice, and they come to some satisfying rules in the end. Want more from the podcast? Follow us on Instagram: @StoryFromScratchPodcast for news, updates and more!2019-06-0730 min
Story from ScratchEssence of a StoryA second episode will be released this week. Season two is coming soon! This episode, Yale and Justin talk about instinct. Specifically, when should you listen to your gut when you're writing? Things get heated and our hosts get real deep when they confront whether their methods are truly effective. Justin gets a little sensationalist (his words). Yale discovers what 'plot' is. Want more from the podcast? Follow us on instagram: @storyfromscratchpodcast for more news and updates!2019-06-0349 minStory from ScratchJustin Dill: A Writer's RetrospectiveBreaking from our usual format, we take a look at Justin's journey towards becoming a writer. This episode touches on everything from Justin's earliest writing efforts to the roles the critiquing and querying processes played in shaping his writing habits. And, shockingly, Star Wars fan fiction.2019-05-2732 min
Story from ScratchWriting WoesThe 3rd episode as promised for this week! This episode, Yale and Justin discuss the struggles that they've encountered in their own writing. Topics include: motivation, authenticity, and publishability. Next week, we will have two special episodes, where Yale and Justin reveal a little more about themselves, both as people but more importantly, as writers. Stay tuned!2019-05-261h 11
Story from ScratchHow to Adjust the Focus in World Building and Sherlock pt. 22nd episode of 3 this week! Once again, we are starting an exciting new project for Season 2. Stay tuned! This episode, Yale and Justin continue on their journey to creating a story based on Sherlock and Watson, Justin explains his 'Lens' theory for world-building, they get lost in time-travel, and much more. To finish the episode, our hosts discuss what superpower they would want to have in order to become the best writer.2019-05-231h 24
Story from ScratchA Story based on Sherlock Holmes and How to Give Useful CriticismWe're releasing three episodes this week! Once we're caught up, we'll be announcing an exciting project we're doing for season two. Stay tuned! This week, Yale and Justin embark on a new Story from Scratch, based on the venerable Sherlock Holmes. It's messy, slow, but ultimately Justin makes some very good points. To finish off the episode, we talk about giving feedback attuned to the writer. What a jam-packed episode.2019-05-211h 20
Story from ScratchSubgenres, What We Write, and HowThis week, Yale and Justin actually have some good actionable advice! They discuss their troubles with writing 'in-genre' (2:18), how they decide what to write about (17:07), and give their best thoughts on how to prepare to write (29:41). The last segment is where the real meat is. If you have any thoughts, please let us know! Twitter: @StoryFScratch IG: @storyfromscratchpodcast2019-04-1551 min
Story from ScratchComing Back from a BreakThis week, Yale and Justin share their worries about and give tricks that might help you get back into writing again. First drafts are hard, and sometimes you have to take a break. How do you get back into the swing of things? Tune in to find out!2019-04-0140 min
Story from ScratchAnswering the Top 7 Questions About WritingThis week, fantasy writers Yale and Justin take a break from the from Scratch lifestyle and answer popular writing questions in hopes to help give new writers the peace of mind to continue their novels. Their rants get to the point eventually.2019-02-051h 04
Story from ScratchWriting Epic Fantasy and The Musical Death NoteThis week, Yale and Justin give their opinions on epic fantasy. Then, they continue their work on creating a story based on The Picture of Dorian Gray. Yale continues to demonstrate that he is woefully uninformed about many story references.2019-01-2137 min
Story from ScratchReacting to Criticism and Dorian GrayThis week, Yale and Justin discuss the importance or unimportance of criticism and word specificity. Also, with great focus and organization, they create a new story - from scratch!2019-01-1550 min
Story from ScratchMagic Systems and Happy EndingsThis week, Yale and Justin discuss the results of the brainstorming for the last episode and discuss some problems they have in their own writing. What's required for a satisfying magic system? What makes for a great ending? Find out in this week's Story from Scratch!2019-01-091h 04
Story from ScratchFlash Fiction Minisode: "Sanctuary"Yale and Justin come up with a flash fiction story idea - from scratch! As Justin prepares to participate in a one-day writing project, our co-hosts try to come up with an idea based on the one word prompt: "sanctuary".2018-12-1830 min
Story from ScratchA Great First ChapterYale and Justin are back with their story based on trees - the kind that serves as magical hard drives. Follow along to find out if they finish writing the first chapter because the rest of the book practically writes itself.2018-12-091h 15
Story from ScratchA Good First ParagraphThis week, Yale and Justin develop the first scene for their novel and lay down the 5 rules for writing a good first chapter.2018-09-1130 min
Story from ScratchDeveloping a PremiseThis week, Yale and Justin develop their tree-based world from the last episode and discover that names are hard.2018-09-0752 minStory from ScratchWorld-building around Non-standard CombatThis week, Yale and Justin start from scratch and come up with the world/main character of a novel, and they both fail at science.2018-08-271h 16