The Mechanical Writers Podcast
Episodes
24 episodes
Episode 22 Pt2 - Larp 2022
A continuation of the exploration of Larp from Jim and Freyja's perspective as newbies to the hobby.Information about the Larp we attended can be found here:https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Main_PageAnd some o...
Episode 21 Pt 1 - Larp 2022
In a departure from our usual content Jim and Freyja explore their experiences of trying Larp for the first time in 2022 and generally try, emphasis on that word, to explain what it is and why they enjoy it.Information about the Larp we...
Episode 21 - New Year, New Story
Happy New Year! In todays episode Freyja and Jim attempt to equip anyone listening with some prompts and thoughts about starting a new story in the year to come. Enjoy!
Episode 20 - Lore
In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss the problems of Lore as a design choice in fiction and why it can get in the way of a good story.
Episode 19 - War and Peace, Worldbuilding Pt5
In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk (ramble) about why nations trend towards conflict and how to use outdated diplomatic assumptions to improve conflict writing in your story.
Episode 18 - Field Trips, Off the Shelf and Thought Bubble
Freyja and Jim have left the house! In todays episode they discuss their little expeditions to the local literary festival and a slightly less local Graphic Novel and Comic fair.Off the Shelfhttps://offtheshelf.org.uk/Though...
Episode 17 - Backstory, Writing for TTRPGs Pt4
In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss how to construct a good character backstory for TTRPGs, ramble about their own game and discuss personality tests. Its one of those episodes, just roll with it.
Episode 16 - Media Literacy
In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss Subtext, Narrative Framing and their problems with fandom culture. By way of the War, Generational Trauma and a fan club 2000 years in the making.Folding Ideas Annihilation Video - https://www.yo...
Episode 15 - Faith and Religion, Worldbuilding Pt4
In this Episode Freyja and Jim discuss the place of religion in societies and how to more convincingly integrate them into your fictional settings.
Episode 14 - Plot vs Story
In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk about Plot and Story, why they are different and why that difference matters, along with the usual nonsense.
Episode 13 - Setup, Payoff and Death. Writing for TTRPGs Pt3
In this episode Freyja and Jim talk about setting up and paying off satisfying narrative moments in TTRPGs. They also talk through the various categories of death that can befall characters and how to deal with them.
Episode 12 - Shock Writing
In this week's episode Freyja and Jim discuss plot twists, good and bad, along with the danger of subverting audience expectations at the expense of thematic cohesion.
Episode 11 - Languages, Worldbuilding Pt 3
In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss Languages in fiction, how they express cultural norms and values along with how to make your very own Conlang.Vulgarlang Link - https://www.vulgarlang.com/
Episode 10 - Editing and Criticism
In todays episode Freyja and Jim talk through the mechanics (get it?) of the editing process, some of the misconceptions about it and why its not something to fear.
Episode 9 - Quests and Villains, Writing for TTRPG's Pt2
In this episode Freyja and Jim talk about writing good quests and villains for both TTRPGs and video games.
Episode 8 - Christmas 2021
In this weeks festive episode Freyja and Jim talk about what makes a Christmas film and what the best Christmas film ever made is. Also featuring socialism.
Episode 7 - Writing Oneself
In todays episode Freyja and Jim discuss the question of writing yourself into your work via characters or themes and if this is an problem or a boon, few conclusions are reached as ever.
Episode 6 - History, Worldbuilding Pt2
In today's long delayed episode Jim and Freyja discuss creating a history for your world and how and when to flesh this history out with juicy detail.
Episode 5 - The Ethics of Writing
In this week's episode Jim and Freyja discuss the moral obligation of writers and tour popular culture offending as many fandoms as possible in forty five minutes.Topic LinksHamilton Sally Controversy - https://www.denofgeek.com/mov...
Episode 4 - To Plan or Not to Plan, Writing for TTRPGs Pt1
After a chaotic start Freyja and Jim spend this week discussing the restrictions and freedoms of writing your first RPG Campaign and try to answer the age old question. "How much planning should I do??"
Episode 3 - Dispelling “Necessary” Ingredients
In this weeks episode Freyja and Jim discuss some of the pieces of 'soundbite' advice new writers often hear and the pitfalls of that type of mentality. Garlic also features.
Episode 2 - Geography, Worldbuilding Pt1
In this weeks, delayed, episode. Freyja and Jim discuss how the geography of your world can affect the stories told within it along with offering some helpful advice on creating realistic looking maps and cultures.
Episode 1 - Reading as a Writer
In the real first episode of their exciting new side project Freyja and Jim discuss the differences between reading as a consumer and as a writer. They also attempt to provide some helpful tips for how to consciously consume media as inspiratio...