Writing Excuses Season Four Episode Nine: How to Write Men

Writing Excuses Season Four Episode Nine: How to Write Men

From http://www.writingexcuses.com/2010/03/07/writing-excuses-4-9-how-to-write-men-with-jessica-day-george/

Key points: males talk straight to the point; feminine speech patterns tend to be less direct. Beware of stereotypes, cliches, and writing every character the same. Men tend to focus on tasks; women often multitask better. Men solve problems; women talk. Write, then ask your readers whether or not it works. Your readers always know when there's a problem -- they may not know how to fix it, but they know there's a problem. Don't overthink -- keep it natural. If your brain overheats, strap ice packs to your head while writing.
( under the ice pack )

[Howard] This is a fantastic writing prompt. This is your alternative history writing prompt. Go back into the 19th century, take an absurd folk belief like one of the ones that Jessica just shared with us. Take that and treat that as fact. Treat that as fact and write a story that hinges on that principle.
[Dan] Awesome.
[Brandon] This has been Writing Excuses. You're out of excuses, now go write.

Writing Excuses Season Four Episode 10: Writing for Young Adults

Writing Excuses Season Four Episode 10: Writing for Young Adults

From http://www.writingexcuses.com/2010/03/14/writing-excuses-4-10-writing-for-young-adults/

Key points: YA, middle grade, and adult are mostly bookstore marketing labels -- where do we shelve it and who do we sell it to? Focus on writing for teens. Think about how to appeal to them, mostly by providing something they can relate to. The YA genre definition says school and romance are key interests. 16-year-olds are at a crux, where they can make decisions and do things, yet they are still told what to do. Teens may adopt the easy, superficial analysis just because they haven't got the experience to make them realize that's too simple. Be wary of writing teens as "little adults." Consider the character's background, experiences, and setting -- but don't overdo it.
( between school and romance... )

[Jessica] Your writing prompt is to take a young protagonist, at least younger than 16, and put them in a situation where they are in charge of some adults. You have to have a good reason why they are in charge.
[Dan] Very nice.
[Brandon] This has been Writing Excuses. You're out of excuses, now go write.