The pod will be going on hiatus until September! If you want to stay in touch, you can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3Have a lovely summer!

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) discuss motifs and symbolism in writing. Lani goes through the different motifs she either intentionally or unintentionally uses in her own work, and they both caution against the use of clichéd symbols, like relying on weather to reflect a character’s emotions. They also address misconceptions about symbolism and Lani insists that not every detail in a story is symbolic. They encourage writers to develop their own personal motifs and use of symbols in their own works.This week, we mention: Books: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald ; The Eye in the Door by Pat Barker ; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling ; none of this is serious by Catherine PrasifkaFandoms: Harry Potter  Fics: the wolf’s just a puppy (and the door’s double locked) by pebblysand ; castles by pebblysand ; merry men by copper_dust ; Check the Spindle by copper_dust ; The Atoners by copper_dust ; March Hare by copper_dust ;Films: Pride and Prejudice ; Music: Ren ; Taylor SwiftMusicals: RentPodcast episodes: S1E12. Writing War (Or, All of Us Are Going to Geneva)TV: The OA ; Peaky Blinders ;Visual Art: Susan Rotherberg ; Grayson Perry ; Your recommendations for this week are:Baby Reindeer (TV)this is how you remember it by Catherine PrasifkaYou can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) delve into the use of time in narrative, focusing on techniques such as flashbacks, foreshadowing, and non-linear storytelling. Lani discusses her approach to incorporating time in her fanfiction, emphasizing the importance of moments of emotional intensity. They explore the use of non-linear narrative structures, discussing how they can enhance character development and mirror immersive thinking. They also share our strategies for handling transitions and overcoming challenges when incorporating time-related elements into fanfiction.This week, we mention: Books: He Said/She Said by Erin KellyFandoms: Harry Potter, Silk (BBC)Fics: Maps to the Stars’ Homes by Lizbee, The Atoners by copper_dust, The Seam Between by copper_dust, Check the Spindle by copper_dust, castles by pebblysand, Children by pebblysand, Merry Men by copper_dust, Seven Simple Machines by fluorescentgrey, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand, ce ne sont que des cailloux by pebblysandFilm: Memento, Inception Previous episodes: [BONUS] Wattpad & Platforms with @MyLittleDuckies (Or, Please, Save Your Works!)Your recommendations for this week are:The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor SwiftBad Blood by John Carreyrou (and the Bad Blood: The Final Chapter podcast)You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) come back to the topic of outlining, which they briefly touched upon in our first season. Outlining is defined as the process of creating a structured plan before drafting a story, and is seen as crucial for both original fiction and fan fiction writers. They discuss their individual approaches to outlining, including the various tools they use, from quick notes they leave in notes apps to full visual boards. They delve into benefits they feel they gain from outlining in terms of maintaining coherence, aiding in pacing, and ensuring consistency in the narrative. Finally, they also note how outlining can serve as a tool for overcoming writer’s block and facilitating brainstorming sessions. This week, we mention: Fics: The Arcane Thief by Snollygoster, Check the Spindle by copper_dust, The Seam Between by copper_dust, Merry Men by copper_dust, Lilac Falls by copper_dust, slipped (and said something sort of like your name) by pebblysand, castles by pebblysand, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand   Podcast: S1E2. How To Plot? (Or, Vibes - It’s 90% Vibes)? Screenshots: for those of you who are curious, including here some links to the outline “board” for castles. Overall view ; Excerpt from the timeline ; More timeline notes ; Chapter outlines: example #1, chapter 18 ; example #2, chapter 19 Other: Webnovel contracts article, Miro, The Sorting Hat Chats test, pebblysand’s tumblr posts on outlining #1 & #2Your recommendations for this week are:God is alive, magic is afoot by Buffy Sainte MarieRome by SolannTaking a break from writing!You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) discuss their fanfiction hot takes and nit picks. Jo talks about engaging with comments, improving AO3, caring about statistics, and the misinformation that exists online about the monetisation of fanfiction. Lani expresses her desire for more creative additions to fanfiction, such as multimedia elements, and urges accuracy in portraying certain settings. Their nitpicks include issues like organizing one-shots within fics, clunky exposition, lack of extended worldbuilding in fantasy and sci-fi, redundant comparisons, and unnecessary material descriptions.This week, we mention: Books: Harry Potter by JK Rowling ; The Elements of Style by Strunk & WhiteFilms: The Truman Show ; Fics: Manacled by senlinyu ; Past episodes: S1E10. Multimedia in Fanfiction [Part 1] with @crazybutgood & @newsom (Or, Fooling the Security Cameras by Reading Fanfic At Work) ; S3E1. Audience (Or, Chances Are: You’re Not Going to Win the Nobel Prize for Fanfiction)TV: The Good WifeOther: @crazybutgood’s origami work, @getawayfox’s pie illustration workYour recommendations for this week are:The Terror (novel & TV series) by Dan SimmonsThe Giver by Lois LowryOccupied (TV series) (Netflix)You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) embark on an exploration of the intricate relationship between fanfic writers and their audience. They talk about navigating strategies for audience growth, emphasizing niche awareness, participation in fests, and the leveraging of social media. They delve into the importance of engagement, sharing tips on responding to comments and maintaining authenticity. They discuss their perspectives on the "write for yourself" advice, acknowledging the motivational impact of audience feedback and touch on the evolving culture of fandom over the past decade. Lastly, they explore the delicate topic of responding adequately to criticism and hate. This week, we mention: Fandoms: Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders, SpooksFics: Sunset In Your Veins by baejax, Sleeper by orphan-account, All the Young Dudes by MsKingBean69, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand, Merry Men by copper_dustOther: Alexandre Astier Interview (French), Title of Show (Musical)Your recommendations for this week are:Girl A by Abigail DeanFool Me Once (TV series)Bodies (TV Series)Society of the Snow (Film)You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) engage in a year-end roundup exercise, reflecting on their fanfiction writing, favourite reads, and their podcasting wins of 2023. They discuss their word counts for the year and talk about the lines or scenes they enjoyed writing. They highlight some great comments and reviews they’ve received, and answer a listener’s question about what surprised them in 2023. Lastly, they also chat about their podcast statistics and discuss plans for the upcoming year. This week, we mention: Books: Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Maurice by E.M. Forster, Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex Fics: castles by pebblysand, The Wilderness by @batmansymbol, A Happier Year (Near About) by @peopleshooterhat, Harry Learns the Hard Way by copper_dust, a louisville slugger to both headlights by pebblysand, Merry Mean by copper_dust, Orchards by @whinlatter, Undefined by orbythesea, Sunset in Your Veins by baejaxPodcast: S2E2. Outgrowing Fandoms (or The Harry Episode), S2E3. Multimedia in Fanfiction [Part 2] with @rosalui (Or, Snackleholt Bingsley LARPs Warrior Cats on the Amazon Kindle)Your recommendations for this week are:The Rougarou by @evesaintyvesThis Word Lies at the Bottom of a Lake by berhanesRewatching, rereading something you love You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) catches up with Baby Doll (a.k.a @maycandrawtingz) who has written a number of reader-insert fanfics in multiple anime fandoms. In this interview we talk about Baby Doll’s work, but also particularly about her use of Wattpad as the primary platform on which she used to post her work. Unfortunately, last summer, Baby Doll saw one of her very popular fics be deleted by Wattpad due to a breach of their terms and services, the ramifications of which we discuss in the episode. This week, we mention: Animes: Demon Slayer, My Hero, Jujutsu Kaisen Your recommendations for this week are:Writers, always save your work!You can find us online at:Baby Doll: tumblr ; AO3The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) delve into the intricacies of worldbuilding in fanfiction. They begin by discussing their individual perspectives on worldbuilding, and how their definitions of the word have changed overtime. They talk about the importance of detail in the worlds that they create, and touch on the common mistakes they often see writers make in that realm. They also explore the inspiration behind worldbuilding and share examples of well-executed fics. They conclude with reflections on the dynamics of "fix it" worldbuilding, a trend that is getting traction in fanfiction these days.This week, we mention: Books: Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Maurice by E.M. ForsterFics: castles by pebblysand, Beasts by @whinlatter, The Wandsmith’s Apprentice by @marycontraire, The Wilderness by @batmansymbol, Man-eaters of Kumaon by ignipes, A Happier Year (Near About) by @peopleshooterhat TV: Mad MenPodcast: S2E8. Research (Or, Shifting Into Draco Malfoy’s Girlfriend)Your recommendations for this week are:How To Tag Fics on AO3You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) discuss the importance and process of choosing titles for fanfiction works. They  talk about how titles often precede the fanfiction itself and debate the challenge of ensuring readers understand the full meaning of a title. They express our appreciation for certain title "trends" like using song lyrics and unconventional formatting and address the significance of compelling titles for attracting readers. This week, we mention: Books: Normal People by Sally Rooney, Ulysses by James Joyce, Incendiary by Chris CleaveFandoms: Harry Potter, The Good WifeFics: Storge by copper_dust, The Seam Between by copper_dust, Wattleford, Bumbleby. 'Potterwatch: Underground Radio and the Voice of a Revolution.' Hogsmeade: Widdershins, 2006 by @rosalui, children by pebblysand, Merry Men by copper_dust, a louisville slugger to both headlights by pebblysand, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand, Desperado by fluorescentgrey, If death is a doorway, I am gate seeker by dwellingondreams, Bad Oracle by we_built_the_shadows_here, Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow by TheDevineComedian, and yes i said yes i will yes (or: four weddings and a funeral) by honey_wheeler, Hush Lane Where the Holly Grows by copper_dust, castles by pebblysand, pompeii by orbythesea, Lilac Falls by copper_dust, the wolf is just a puppy (and the door’s double-locked) by pebblysandFilms: Love StoryMusic: Complicated by Avril Lavigne, Love Story by Taylor Swift, Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood, Details in the Fabric by Jason Mraz, Murder Most Foul by Bob Dylan, Pompeii by Bastille, Skinny Love by Bon Iver, Holes by PassengerTV: Mad Men,Other: pebblysand’s tumblr post explaining the castles chapter titlesYour recommendations for this week are:One Look ThesaurusAndor (TV) You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) return from their summer break to discuss the world of long fics. They define what a "long fic" is to them, and explore the advantages of writing longer stories, including building a dedicated fanbase. They also offer insights on chapter length, update frequency, and the possibility of revising past chapters. Lastly, they tackle challenges like writer's block and address @annaistryingAO3’s questions about character development and maintaining a balance in slow-burn romances within fanfiction. In terms of admin, we also wanted to let you know that until the end of the year, the podcast will be released on a monthly basis, instead of fortnightly. This is to ensure that it remains sustainable for us on top of our other “real life” responsibilities. This week, we mention: Books: Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella, Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding, Normal People by Sally RooneyFandoms: Harry PotterFics: castles by pebblysand, In Search of Mythical Kings by copper_dust, Check the Spindle by copper_dust, Merry Men by copper_dust, The Seam Between by copper_dust, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand, children by pebblysand, Lilac Falls by copper_dust, toxicology by speechwriterTV: Peaky BlindersYour recommendations for this week are:Not a House or Even a Tent by rheaitis (The Charioteer)The Wilderness by speechwriter (HP)You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) discuss the topic of building a writing style. They explore the question of whether fanfictions writers should strive to imitate established styles - like that of the author of the source work - or embrace their own unique style. They also touch on the relationship between their writing styles and their natural speaking voices, and Jo explains why she personally prefers a casual storytelling approach. They reflect on what they would like to change about their own styles and share their influences, including original fic writers and specific fanfiction authors. They also answer two listener questions: one about creating different styles for individual stories, and another about the balance between appreciating other people’s styles and finding one's own voice.This week, we mention: Fandoms: Harry Potter, The Good WifeFics: castles by pebblysand, In Search of Mythical Kings by copper_dust, Check the Spindle by copper_dust, Merry Men by copper_dust, The Seam Between by copper_dust, Run by ToujoursPadfoot (the platform this was published on no longer exists, the link is from the wayback machine), ce ne sont que des cailloux by pebblysand, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand, Minuet by fluorescentgreyWriters: orbythesea, lowriseflare (see livejournal for TGW fics), dirgewithoutmusic, fluorescentgreyBooks: His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, It by Stephen KingPrevious episodes: S1E1. What is Fanfiction (Or, Children with Unsupervised Internet Access in the Early 2000s), S2E2. Outgrowing Fandoms (Or, The Harry Episode) Your recommendations for this week are:Kimbeen’s Maurice ficsHated in the Nation (S3E6 of Black Mirror)You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) discuss the connection between music and fanfiction. They explore how music and writing are linked as means of artistic expression that can evoke emotions, tell stories, and inspire individuals. Lani shares that music plays a significant role in her life and influences her writing, with different stories having different relationships to music depending on the theme. Jo talks about how she uses music as inspiration, incorporating it into fic titles, and sometimes having a specific theme song for a fic. They also discuss creating playlists for their fics and incorporating musicality into their writing. Lastly, @turanga4 asks about the playlist that Jo made for her longfic castles and she gives a little backstory around her song choices. This week, we mention: Fandoms: Harry Potter, Ancient Greece, Silk, Peaky BlindersFics: castles by pebblysand, In Search of Mythical Kings by copper_dust, Hush Lane, Where the Holly Grows by copper_dust, Check the Spindle by copper_dust, Merry Men by copper_dust, Children by pebblysand, A Handful of Dust by fluorescentgreyBooks: Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell, Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, Incendiary by Chris Cleave, Trainspotting by Irvine WelshMusic: My Chemical Romance, Yellow by Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Don’t Look Back in Anger & Wonderwall by Oasis, the EurovisionFilm: Marie Antoinette by Sofia CoppolaYour recommendations for this week are:Maurice by E.M. Forster, Alec by William di Canzio, The Mask of Apollo by Mary RenaultOrchards by @whinlatterYou can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and her guest, @word-wytch, talk about reader-insert fanfiction. If you don’t already know, reader-insert fanfiction is a type of fanfiction which allows readers to become characters in the story and often explore romantic scenarios with their favourite characters. They talk about the growing popularity of reader-insert fanfictions and about the different levels of character-building involved in creating “reader” characters. They discuss how the readers' desires and expectations are balanced with the writer's ideas and the challenges of satisfying readers while maintaining the writer's own vision. @word-wytch also shares her experience writing a reader-insert fic in the Stranger Things fandom and how she developed her reader character to create a compelling story. We hope you enjoy. This week, we mention: Fandoms: House MD, Fable, Rush, Once Upon A Time, Stranger Things, Peaky BlindersFics: Don’t Stand So Close to Me by word_wytch S1E3. Original Characters (Or, Starting Fandom Fires!)Interactive Fics Chrome ExtensionYour recommendations for this week are:Youtube channels: Abbie Emmons ; ShaelinWrites ; Hello Future MeThe Tale of Jenny and Screech by Ren. (TW: gun violence & DV)You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3Word-Wytch (@word-wytch): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) talk about romance in fanfiction. They explore what defines romance as a genre and how it differs from platonic love and sexuality. They also discuss the concept of the OTPs and whether a story can be romantic without being about romantic love. Lani shares some of her favourite romantic quotes from original fiction, and they dive into which story elements we consider most important in writing romance. They also offer some advice on writing kissing scenes, using tropes, and pacing.  This week, we mention: Fandoms: The Good Wife, Harry Potter, Ancient Greece, Alexander the GreatFics: castles by pebblysand, In Search of Mythical Kings by copper_dust, here is a map with your name for a capital by lowriseflare, Hush Lane, Where the Holly Grows by copper_dustBooks: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Grief Lessons: Four Plays by Euripides by Anne Carson, Looking for Alaska by John Green, Fire from Heaven by Mary RenaultPrevious episode(s): S1E4. “Shipping” (Or, Imagining Vietnam Vets Reading Our Fanfiction)Your recommendations for this week are:lowriseflare’s The Good Wife fics on livejournal. The author is also on AO3 (although their fics weren’t cross-posted). Bookmarking the stories you like, please!You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) talk about research in fanfiction. They discuss the importance of it, but also their drastically different approaches to it. Lani reveals how she researches every fic that she writes, while Jo explains how she mostly integrates things she already knows from other sources into her stories. They touch on the different methods of conducting research, from being broadly interested in a historical period and place, to researching specific details of canon as you go along. They also discuss the challenges of researching for fanfiction, including finding credible sources, the need for accuracy, and striking a balance between staying true to the original work and adding their own twist to the story. Lastly, they answer a question from their lovely listener, @sugareey-makes-stuff, about how the keep track of all thei research material. This week, we mention: Fics: castles by pebblysand, Merry Men by copper_dust, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysand, Storge by copper_dust, The Seam Between by copper_dust, Check the Spindle by copper_dustResearch resources: sci-hub (academic papers), archive.org (books)Books: Enfand de salaud by Sorj Chalandon (French book about 1980s Nazi trials)Other media: Nail Bomber: Manhunt by Daniel Vernon, Has Coachella Fallen Off? by Lucy MoonYour recommendations for this week are:Slammerkin by Emma DonoghueExpectation by Anna HopeYou can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fiLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Lani (@copper-dust) interviews author @johaerys-writes from the Song of Achilles fandom. They talk about what it means to write fanfiction based on an ancient classic, especially one which occupies such a culturally dominant role in Johaerys’ home country, Greece. They also discuss writing for a fandom that is ostensibly in the public domain, writing a very foreign culture context, and finding relevance in an artwork that’s nearly three thousand years old. We hope you enjoy!This week, we mention: Fandoms: Dragon Age, The Song of Achilles, The IliadS1E10. Multimedia in Fanfiction [Part 1] with @crazybutgood & @newsom (Or, Fooling the Security Cameras by Reading Fanfic at Work)S1E6. Writing in English as a Second Language with @venom0usbarbie (Or, Feeling the Académie Française Looking over my Shoulder)Fic: High-Flying Bird and you’re a walking disaster, and yet - by @johaerys-writesAchilles in Vietnam by Johnathan ShaySupernanny (TV series)Your recommendations for this week are:Gold, All That Glitters and Sunset In Your Veins by viscariafieldsYou can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotifyRosalui (@rosalui): tumblr; AO3; livejournalLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) talk about writing about politics or social issues in fanfiction. They chat about the ins and outs of building a fictional political system, the challenges in making sense of canon, and the ethics of tackling more controversial topics. They also touch on art being a medium for social justice and political dissent, and discuss whether we think artists have a duty to be politically engaged. This week, we mention: Fics: castles by pebblysand, Merry Men by copper_dust, the fault in faulty manufacturing by pebblysandBooks: Animal Farm by George OrwellOther media: Hamilton, The West Wing, The Good Wife, Election Your recommendations for this week are:Cologne by Ben FoldsChild of a Dream by Valerio Manfredi Lily Allen talking about politicsLily Allen - Backstage PassLily Allen on Politics, Trolls, and Her New RecordLily Allen on George Ezra and FriendsYou can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotifyLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) and Lani (@copper-dust) talk about writing dark stuff. Topics that involve wars, deaths, assaults, and all those very nice things that often give rise to trigger-warnings. They discuss why writers are drawn to tackling these issues, the cathartic experience of writing and/or reading through trauma, and the boundaries they may set for themselves when they write their stories. They also touch on trigger-warnings themselves (when and how to use them), and on the ethics of writing in the darker corners of storytelling. While they do not discuss anything that is explicit, this episode obviously contains discussions of certain sensitive subjects so if you do not wish to listen to this episode, please don’t hesitate to pass. This week, we mention: Fics: castles by pebblysand, Merry Men by copper_dust, Lilac Falls by copper_dust, a louisville slugger to both headlights by pebblysand, Check the Spindle by copper_dust Books: Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Little Red Chairs by Edna O’Brien, Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes Your recommendations for this week are:Demon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverGold by viscariafieldsIncendiary by Chris CleaveYou can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotifyLani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

In this episode, Jo (@pebblysand) interviews @btelling, also known as Nargles15 on Ao3, author of the brilliant Harry Potter AU fanfic, The Squib. They talk about being in the online fanfiction trenches of the late 2000s, and @btelling’s love for writing what she calls “dystopian hellscapes”. They discuss the appeal of writing about the post-war Harry Potter world, and the reasons they are both drawn to exploring dark themes. @Btelling details her experience pursuing an MFA and talks about the art of building tension and suspense in her works. Lastly, she and Jo discuss the frustrations of writing for free in a world ruled by capitalism and the merits of coming back to writing after a burn-out and long hiatus. This week, we mention: Fandoms: Harry PotterFics: The Squib by @btelling, Knowing Where to Look by @ala_baguette, the Armistice Series by annerb, Manacled by senlinyu, castles by @pebblysand, the roar series by @pebblysandAO3 Wrapped StatsThe Consumerist Dystopia of Harry Potter by verilybitchie (video essay)Thoughts on Hermione and Courage by @pebblysandS1E6 Writing in English As A Second Language With @venom0usbarbie The Stand by Stephen KingBeautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally RooneyYour recommendations for this week are:The Last of Us Oryx and Crake by Margaret AtwoodTender is the Flesh by Agustina BazterricaThis Way Up  You can find us online at:The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotifyBlayne (@btelling): tumblr ; AO3Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3