Podcast Episodes – The Narrative Breakdown

Cheryl, James, and Matt Bird discuss unreliable narrators and deceptive points of view. Mentioned in this episode: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Atonement We Were Liars Fight Club Primal Fear The Sixth Sense Gone Girl Lee Child’s “A Simple Way to Create Suspense” Flowers for Algernon Millicent Min Girl Genius The Usual Suspects You, the […]

In this bonus episode, authors Eric Gansworth and Joseph Bruchac and their editors, Cheryl Klein and Stacy Whitman, discuss the particular pleasures and challenges of writing, editing, and publishing Native American young adult literature. Relevant links: Eric Gansworth’s website Joseph Bruchac’s website Stacy Whitman’s website Cheryl Klein’s website Debbie Reese’s website (mentioned in the conversation) […]

Ken Levine, co-founder of Irrational Games and creator of BioShock, talks about video game writing and his goals for advanced storytelling in games. By the way, Ken is writing the screenplay for WB’s remake of LOGAN’S RUN. Thanks to Scott Cierski for suggesting this topic. Mentioned in this episode: Ken’s talk about “Narrative Legos” Irrational […]

James talks to Jerry Bonner, a screenwriter who switched to writing for video games. Check out Jerry’s articles at HNGN. Jerry’s Twitter Games mentioned include: Ride to Hell Prisonscape   (coming in 2015) Tynon The Legend of Zelda Mass Effect 2 Mass Effect 3 Half Life Super Mario Brothers Karateka Metal Gear Solid Red Dead Redemption […]

Video game critic Tom McShea talks about the best storytelling happening in video games. Games mentioned include: The Legends of Zelda THe Walking Dead The Last of Us Mass Effect 3 Dragon’s Lair Arcade Game Laserdisc Sleep No More (a theatrical experience in NY) Fallout 3 Bioshock Bioshock Infinite In other news… It’s good to […]

How should you compose your query letter when submitting a manuscript? Cheryl and author Katy Beebe discuss the do’s and dont’s. By the way… Thanks for listening. Sorry we’ve been away! We hope to be more consistent in the fall but could use your help. Our PayPal donation email is narrativebreakdown@gmail.com Any amounts are appreciated […]

Chad Kultgen on writing a graphic novel, creating a new comedy for NBC, and getting his novel adapted into a major motion picture. Plus, Cheryl and James announce a new opportunity for listeners. Listeners! We’re celebrating our 40th episode. Thanks for your support over the last couple of years. We’d love to do more shows, […]

We’re back with a great episode on character goals and philosophies, including how those goals can change. Featuring the return of Matt Bird and Cheryl Klein. Direct Download Link for the episode More about this show, for new listeners: This is a creative writing podcast and a screenwriting podcast. In The Narrative Breakdown, Cheryl Klein, […]

Scrivener expert Gwen Hernandez talks about using meta-data, labels, colors, keywords, and annotations to streamline projects and ease the re-writing process. To varying degrees, these techniques can be applied in other software, not just Scrivener. And for those not familiar with Scrivener, we provide a brief introduction to the application that has become one of […]

HUMAN – AI relationships with Phillip Chernyak and Chris Shields. We look at plots and themes of the past and, inspired by the film HER, challenge writers to explore new narrative territory involving robots, artificial intelligence, and technology. Mentioned in the episode: HER Top Ten Data Episodes from Star Trek NG (1986) Robot and Frank […]

An introduction to copyright, libel, public domain, options, fair use and other related topics of importance to writers, featuring two Park Avenue lawyers from the firm of Satterlee, Stephens, Burke, and Burke – Mark Fowler and Mark Lerner. Referenced in the episode: Copyright Term and the Public Domain (the Cornell link) RightsofWriters.com – Mark Folwer’s […]

Cheryl talks to author and editor Jill Santopolo about middle grade fiction as well as the secrets to productivity. Referenced in the episode: Jill Santopolo website Sparkle Spa Series Alec Flint books Vermont College of Fine Arts Because of Winn-Dixie Books by Lisa Graff A Tangle of Knots Harriet the Spy Chasing the Milky Way […]

We talk about using history as the source material for your writing, looking at iconic history-inspired films, non-fiction films nominated for the 2014 Oscars, and helpful resources for finding out about true lives and events that might inspire you. Screenwriter Jason Ginsburg returns as co-host. Let us know what you think about the ethics of […]

Writing about a culture other than your own, balancing pace and tone, using a highlighted chapter list: these are some of the topics covered in our fascinating discussion with the versatile novelist Trent Reedy. Referenced in the episode: Trent Reedy’s Web site WORDS IN THE DUST DIVIDED WE FALL TRILOGY: BOOK 1 BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA […]

Novelist Bill Konigsberg on identity, free-writing, creative flexibility and learning as you go. Referenced in the episode: OPENLY STRAIGHT OUT OF THE POCKET Piper Center for Creative Writing (at Arizona State) Bill Konigsberg’s Web site Ned Vizzini’s IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY Attention! Listeners of the Narrative Breakdown can now get a FREE audio […]

Matt Bird returns to discuss character flaws in relation to their flip-side strengths. Referenced in the episode: Audiobooks.com The Cockeyed Caravan Matt’s Ultimate Story Checklist Tootsie Sherlock Elementary The 40-Year-Old Virgin The Americans Almost Human The Hurt Locker The King’s Speech Also, the iPhone/iPad app The Storyometer has been updated, featuring many more prompts and […]

Storyteller Melanie Hamlett discusses the techniques of spoken word performance as well as her primary source material – an adventurous life fueled by insatiable curiosity. In the near future, look for her book SEX WITH CLOWNS. Referenced in the episode: Melanie’s Blog Links to some of Melanie’s stories Melanie’s story about a night with a […]

James talks to writer/director Laurie Collyer about how a script evolves through pre-production, production, and post-production. Her latest film, SUNLIGHT JR., starring Naomi Watts and Matt Dillon, is in theaters this week. We also discuss her 2006 release SHERRYBABY, starring Maggie Gyllenhaall and Danny Trejo. By the way, SUNLIGHT JR is also available on demand, […]

We discuss horror films with help from two aficionados – filmmakers Phillip Chernyak and Chris Shields. What makes horror tick? When is it effective or ineffective? How should a writer approach the genre? Mentioned in the episode: Chris Shield’s Horror Podcast – The Brood The Conjuring The Fly (1986) Nightmare on Elm Street. Scream The […]

We talk with author and editor Kass Morgan about her novel THE 100, soon to be a TV show on the CW. Topics include working with a packager, applying or not applying her own rules, and the challenges of writing an ensemble story. Follow Kass on Twitter. Mentioned in the episode: Alloy Entertainment Battlestar Gallactica […]