Shows
We're lying, but that's okThe History of Video GamesGet ready for a dose of nostalgia. JS and Ludlow talk gaming history, the evolution of game narrative, and the benefits of gaming on mental and physical wellness.Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-12-1951 min
We're lying, but that's okOur Favorite Characters: What makes them so good? Ludlow and JS discuss their favorite characters from TV, film, and literature and what about those characters make them so appealing. Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0Show Notes:Recommendation: Incarnations of Immortality by Piers AnthonyLudlow’s List:Benedic; Much Ado About NothingMarian Alston; Nantucket BooksWhiskeyjack and Anomander Rake; The Malazan Book of the FallenHonorable mention: John Bates, Downton AbbeyFa...
2023-12-1248 min
We're lying, but that's okThe AI threat to creative jobsIs AI going to take over creatives’ jobs? Ludlow and JS discuss Chat GPT and share their opinions and predictions.Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-12-0555 min
We're lying, but that's okA Deep Dive into D&DLudlow shares a piece of his childhood: playing D&D during the Satanic Panic of the 80’s. In this episode, JS and Ludlow dive into the history of D&D from the first edition to what’s coming next.Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-11-2847 minWe're lying, but that's okThe History of LARPHow did live action role play begin? JS digs into the history of LARP while Ludlow offers insights from his personal experience in LARPing. Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themes Production: Maxwell Gariety Music: The Silent Grove by Axletree Licensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-11-2145 min
We're lying, but that's okFanfictionLudlow and JS explore the history of fanfiction and its role in the larger ecosystem of publishing. Should fanfiction be considered legitimate? Is it stealing? Listen for a discussion of these questions and more. Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themes Production: Maxwell Gariety Music: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-11-1544 min
We're lying, but that's okA Celebration: Finishing our MFAsLudlow and JS have completed their MFA programs. Things were a little rough there with the monumental task of the thesis novel--but they have lived to tell the tale!Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0A Note: Publishing episodes has been on hold while we were finishing our MFA programs. We have decided to take the month of July to get ahead on recording, and will resume publishing episodes in mid-August. We are so grateful...
2023-07-2053 min
We're lying, but that's okScifi and Fantasy ConventionsWhat and when was the very first scifi convention? How did conventions start? What are conventions like now? Ludlow and JS discuss the history of conventions and their current culture. Ludlow also give his tips for first-timers based on his convention experience. Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-06-1551 min
We're lying, but that's okSession ZeroHow it all began.We finished off season 1 last week with the final part of our writing mini-series and 25th episode! We will resume with season 2 the first week of June.Thank you all for listening through season 1 while we figured out what the heck we're doing. We look forward to having you with us as we continue to learn in season 2. Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-06-091h 07
We're lying, but that's okWriting Series Pt 3 | Writing the OtherHow do you include diversity in your writing in respectful ways? How do you write characters who are different from yourself and do it properly and accurately? In the final part of the writing mini-series, Ludlow and JS discuss "Writing the Other," a term coined by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward. Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themes Production: Maxwell Gariety Music: The Silent Grove by Axletree Licensed under Attribution 4.0 Show Notes: Visit the writing the other website for additional resources and to find the guidebook...
2023-05-1851 min
We're lying, but that's okWriting Series Pt 2 | RevisionIn part two of the three part writing mini-series, Ludlow and JS discuss the process of revision. Next week: Writing the OtherExplicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-05-1346 minWe're lying, but that's okWriting Series Pt 1 | Writing ProcessesIn part one of a three part writing mini-series, Ludlow and JS discuss their writing processes and how they have evolved. Part 2 coming next week: RevisingExplicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-05-0450 min
We're lying, but that's okRole Playing (the nerdy kind): A beginner's guideNo, not the sexy kind of role playing.--this isn't a spicy podcast. We're talking about Role Playing Games (RPG) and Live Action Role Playing (LARP). If you don't know much about these, are interested in dipping your toe in, or have ever wondered why grown adults play make-believe, this episode is for you. If you're already a fan, settle in, because we have more in-depth episodes about this topic coming down the pipeline! Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-04-2648 minWe're lying, but that's okWhy Libraries are Still RelevantIt's a question I come across every so often: are libraries still relevant? Does anyone even go anymore? Yes they are. And yes they do. In this episode, JS and Ludlow discuss the benefits of libraries and how simply using your library's resources can benefit your community. Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-04-2148 min
We're lying, but that's okStorytellersWhy did we decide to become writers? Ludlow and JS discuss who they are as storytellers. Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-04-1346 min
We're lying, but that's okPublishing PathsWhat's involved in getting a finished manuscript into the hands of readers? Today, JS and Ludlow talk about publishing paths and the behind the scenes in getting a novel reading for reading. There may be more involved than you think! Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-03-1650 min
We're lying, but that's okWeight of Gold readingJS Gariety reads a chapter from her newly released novel "The Weight of Gold." She and Ludlow Adams discuss some of the book's themes. Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0Show Notes:Buy The Weight of Gold now!
2023-03-0944 min
We're lying, but that's okHenry Cavill and Warhammer 40kThe Witcher, Superman, and now head of Amazon's Warhammer 40k universe--Henry Cavill has had a lot going on lately. Today we chat a bit about this king of nerds. Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-03-0244 min
We're lying, but that's okGenreWhat's the purpose of genre? Does it mean something different to authors than it does to readers?Ludlow Adams and JS Gariety discuss genre as a tool and how they each are using genre in their own projects.Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0Show Notes:The Sign of the Seven trilogy by Nora Roberts (horror romance)
2023-02-2346 min
We're lying, but that's okQuestionable Authors with Important Contributions (Part Two: Problematic Present)*Since recording this, the Hogwarts Legacy game has come out. Please see the show notes.Warning: this is a painful topic. Yep, we're talking about JK Rowling. The idea of separating an artist from their contribution get's a lot more complicated when that artist is still alive and profiting. Is it even possible?Ludlow Adams and JS Gariety open a dialogue about this difficult and uncomfortable question.Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-02-1745 min
We're lying, but that's okQuestionable Authors with Important Contributions (Part One: Problematic Past)Percy Shelley, George Orwell, Jack London, Roald Dahl...there's no shortage of writers with questionable values who made significant contributions to the literary world. But today we focus on two of the most severe and influential: HP Lovecraft and Robert E, Howard.Can an author be separated from their work? Can you acknowledge a contribution without honoring the artist who made it, or without inadvertently condoning their harmful beliefs? Ludlow Adams and JS Gariety open a dialogue about these difficult and uncomfortable questions.Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell...
2023-02-0945 min
We're lying, but that's okGame AdaptationsRPG, miniatures, video...Today we discuss film and tv adaptations of games with a particular focus on the possible Warhammer40k TV series.Explicit Content: May contain mature language or themesProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-02-0211 min
We're lying, but that's okAdaptations: TV vs FilmAre TV series just a trend, or are they better than film for adapting print? Ludlow Adams and JS Gariety discuss film and TV adaptations, and possible reasons why TV adaptations have become so popular in recent years.Explicit Content: May contain strong languageProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-01-1942 min
We're lying, but that's okCrowdfunding Publishing ProjectsCrowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have been used to fund publishing projects for years now. But Brandon Sanderson's record breaking Kickstarter may have made crowdfunding books an even more viable option. Today we discuss why authors might choose to crowdfund and why readers should bother funding publishing projects. We also go into how Sanderson's Kickstarter may have helped self-publishing authors in general. In addition, JS Gariety announces her own Kickstarter for her debut novel coming out this March.Explicit Content: May contain strong languageProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by...
2023-01-1244 min
We're lying, but that's okEbooks: Good or bad for the industry?Do cheap/deeply discounted ebooks devalue literature as a whole? Ever since the Kindle was released, authors and publishers have been asking this question. Today, Ludlow Adams and JS Gariety discuss the impact ebooks have had other the years, how things are changing with subscription models, and how authors can take advantage of the changes (because they're happening, whether we like it or not).Explicit Content: May contain strong languageProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2023-01-0546 min
We're lying, but that's okNew Year Reading ResolutionsWhat are the benefits of reading regularly?Plus a couple tips for successful goal-setting.Explicit Content: May contain strong languageProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0Show Notes:Book Recommendations for your New Year book listYear of the Witching by Alexis HendersenThe Dawn of the Coven by Alexis HendersenHouse of Hunger by Alexis HendersenAll the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane AndersEyes of...
2022-12-3151 min
We're lying, but that's okBeing Good Fandom CitizensDo fans have a responsibility to be good fandom citizens? Today we discuss if the concept of literary citizenship extends to fans.Fandom communities are prevalent especially in fantasy, and just like every other community experience, there are people who are kind and welcoming, and people who want to gatekeep. And then the majority of us who are trying to be good citizens, but because we're human, slip up sometimes.Explicit Content: May contain strong languageProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2022-12-1453 min
We're lying, but that's okThe Truths in Fiction: Part twoToday we'll discuss the purpose of stories in societies and why genres like fantasy and science fiction are so good at drawing people in and creating hard-core fans. Could it really just be escapism? Story "experts" like Jonathon Gottschall and Lisa Cron believe stories are more than that.Can a story literally change lives?Explicit Content: May contain strong languageProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0Show Notes:Jonathon Gottschall TEDx talk
2022-12-0749 min
We're lying, but that's okThe Truths in Fiction: Part oneToday we'll discuss the purpose of stories in societies and why genres like fantasy and science fiction are so good at drawing people in and creating hard-core fans. Could it really just be escapism? Story "experts" like Jonathon Gottschall and Lisa Cron believe stories are more than that.Can a story literally change lives?Explicit Content: May contain strong languageProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0Show Notes:Jonathon Gottschall TEDx talk
2022-12-0145 min
We're lying, but that's okMFA Programs: Worth it? Today we peek just for a moment behind the scenes in our lives as authors.Is higher education worth it anymore? Is an MFA necessary or even valuable? We will discuss the current world of higher education, what it means for artists, and our personal decisions to purusue our MFAs.Explicit Content: May contain strong languageProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2022-11-1630 min
We're lying, but that's okDepicting Mental Illness in FictionRepresentation, realism, and catharsis. We'll discuss why these themes are important to us and how well mental illnesses have been represented in media. We'll also briefly discuss pop culture fascination with severe mental illnesses and how that influences how they're predicted, including the serial killer obsession.Explicit content: May contain explicit languageProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0Show Notes:https://writingtheother.com/
2022-11-091h 04
We're lying, but that's okThe Darkening of FictionIs fiction getting darker? Why do people want to consume dark stories? Where's the line, and does grimdark cross it? In the wake of Halloween, we're discussing dark fantasy and the grimdark movement--its controversy and lack of definition as a genre. We'll discuss the broader darkening of fiction and whether it's really that new. Explicit content: Dark themes; may have explicit languageProduction: Maxwell GarietyMusic: The Silent Grove by AxletreeLicensed under Attribution 4.0
2022-11-0247 min
We're lying, but that's okAdaptations Part Two: The Wheel of TimeHow closely should an adaptation follow the original material? Is there such thing as a perfect adaptation? Is that even possible when adapting novel to film?We'll explore these questions and more as we discuss The Wheel of Time Season One and what we know so far about the recently wrapped Season Two (season one in part one, season two in part two).We'll focus on some of showrunner Rafe Judkin's most controversial decisions for the show, including the final two episodes.This week we predict what season two of WoT will include...
2022-10-2653 min
We're lying, but that's okAdaptations Part One: The Wheel of TimeHow closely should an adaptation follow the original material? Is there such thing as a perfect adaptation? Is that even possible when adapting novel to film?We'll explore these questions and more as we discuss The Wheel of Time Season One and what we know so far about the recently wrapped Season Two (season one in part one, season two in part two).We'll focus on some of showrunner Rafe Judkin's most controversial decisions for the show, including the final two episodes.Show Notes: Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells on "Intentionally...
2022-10-2052 min