Behind the Typewriter

This week, we take a look behind the typewriter of JESSICA BURKHART, as we discuss the first step in the writing process: the idea.

Where do ideas come from? Is every idea able to carry a whole novel? And what’s the difference between ideas and inspiration?

Jess grants us a glimpse into her writing process, talks about her upcoming novel SADDLEHILL ACADEMY and shares some tips on making every idea uniquely your own.

Mentioned in this interview: Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Want to stay in the loop? Follow @JessicaBurkhart and @BTTypewriter on Twitter!

We are lucky enough to take a look behind the typewriter of DAVID R. SLAYTON, who teaches us all about worldbuilding.

Writers, we covered a whole lot in this interview, so take notes!

We discussed research and historical accuracy, creating magic systems within your world, and how breaking the rules of convention, and breaking the rules of your own world, can actually strengthen your book.

Our author guest, David, also shares how genre expectations shaped his approach to worldbuilding as his novels take place both in contemporary settings (WHITE TRASH WARLOCK) as well as secondary fantasy settings (DARK MOON, SHALLOW SEA).

Want to stay in the loop? Follow @drslayton and @BTTypewriter on Twitter!

Mentioned in this interview:

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Dune by Frank Herbert

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

The Untamed (TV Show)

Bewitched (TV Show)

Farscape (TV Show)

Star Trek (TV Show)

Mass Effect (Game)

Thief (Game)

Dark Souls (Game)

Skyrim (Game)

Dragonquest (Game)

Scrivener (Software)

Google Docs (Software)

Notion (Software)

This week, we’re given the chance to look behind the typewriter of MACKENZIE REED, who talks us through creating compelling characters.

We asked Mackenzie about figuring out who the main character in your story should be, crafting villains that challenge the protagonist (but sometimes they’re hot while doing so), and the friends your protagonist makes along the way.

Mackenzie also shares how she fleshed out the side characters in THE ROSEWOOD HUNT, so they could even be protagonists of their own stories.

Mentioned in this interview:

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

The Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy

True Blood by Charlaine Harris

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Mass Effect (game)

Knives Out (movie)

Want to stay in the loop? Follow @mackenziemreed and @BTTypewriter on Twitter!

Let’s take a look behind the typewriter of MELISSA KARIBIAN, who helps us understand the differences between pantsing and plotting a novel.

We discuss the different approaches writers take to start their novels, from diving in and discovering their ideas as they go, to planning every minute detail. Mel sheds light on terms like under- and overwriters, and highlights the perks of writing the end of your book first.

Melissa also shares how her writing process has changed through her series from book one, A SONG OF SILVER AND GOLD, to book two, A CHORUS OF ASHES AND SHADOWS.

Mentioned in this interview:

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Story Genius by Lisa Crohn

The Anatomy of Story by John Truby

Chelsea Abdullah’s blog post on Reverse Outlines

Scrivener (Software)

Notion (Software)

The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

Want to stay in the loop? Follow @Mel_Karibian and @BTTypewriter on Twitter!

Welcome to Behind the Typewriter, a podcast exploring the writing and publishing process step by step. Meet your hosts Nina and Yasemin, who discuss how there might not be a lot of nepo babies in publishing but how privilege and representation still shape your understanding of what careers are available to you.

Next episode, you’ll meet the first BTT author guest who will share their knowledge and wisdom about finding ideas and inspiration for your book.

Want to stay in the loop? Follow @BTTypewriter on Twitter!