Fiction writers from the Naples Writers' Workshop read successful stories and ask "Why Is This Good?"
We discuss how fiction works, the craft of writing, literary art, and what we can learn from examples of excellent writing.
Join us twice each month for our workshop podcast.
Why Is This Good? is hosted by Kristine Gill, J. C. Bronsted, and Rob Curtin.
112: “Spring in Fialta” by Vladimir Nabokov
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In this episode, we discuss “Spring in Fialta” by Vladimir Nabokov. What can we learn from Nabokov and his ability to capture moments? How can detailed moments build up a story? How can a compelling character sketch create a strong story? How does great fiction grapple with the ineffable? How can we make non-visual descriptions vivid?
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September 15th, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
111: “The Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu
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In this episode, we discuss “The Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu. What can we learn from this affecting story with a touch of magic to it? How can we use a bit of magic or fantasy to enliven a story? How can magic help create cultural distinctions? How does magic and fantasy affect literary fiction?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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September 1st, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
110: “This Way for the Gas Ladies and Gentlemen” by Tadeusz Borowski
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In this episode, we discuss “This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen” by Tadeusz Borowski. What can we learn from this devastating account of prisoners at Auschwitz? How can a stark, simple depiction create such a vividly moral story? How can characters raise and discuss moral dilemmas that the story confronts? How can we turn horrible personal experiences into fiction?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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August 15th, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
109: “Happy Endings” by Margaret Atwood
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In this episode, we discuss “Happy Endings” by Margaret Atwood. What can we learn from this playful bit of metafiction? How can we be playful and experimental when writing a story? How can a metafiction or playful form still have an emotional story arc? Can letting go of the rules and writing to discover what’s possible help us with our stories?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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August 1st, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
108: “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe
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In this episode, we discuss “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. What can we learn from this classic horror story? How much is needed to create the main effect of the story? What can be done with a good story premise? How do we choose the central character for a story based on a good premise? How has style and language changed since the 19th century?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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July 15th, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
107: “How to Eat Chicken Wings” by Kristen Arnett
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In this episode, we discuss “How to Eat Chicken Wings” by Kristen Arnett. What can we learn from this fun little piece? Are chicken wings a metaphor? Can a metaphor change through a story? How can food help develop an idea in a story? How can we push the boundaries of form?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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July 1st, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
106: “The Frog Prince” by Robert Coover
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In this episode, we discuss “The Frog Prince” by Robert Coover. What can we learn from this retelling of a classic fairy-tale trope? Should we take a story like this literally? What does it mean to have a writer’s eye? How do we find the perfect details? How is seeing great details not merely a matter of choosing the best words?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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June 15th, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
105: “Milkwishes” by Kristen Roupenian
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In this episode, we discuss “Milkwishes” by Kristen Roupenian. What can we learn from this story that happens so much in the character’s thoughts? How can memories be the main focus of a story? How can we develop subtle narrative voice in a third-person story? What can you do with a really long sentence?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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June 1st, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
104: “Redemption” by John Gardner
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In this episode, we discuss “Redemption” by John Gardner. What can we learn from this story based on true events from the author’s childhood? How important is it that depictions feel real? How can we very quickly introduce characters? How important is it to develop the arc of a story to depict true events?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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May 15th, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
103: “A Temporary Matter” by Jhumpa Lahiri
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In this episode, we discuss “A Temporary Matter” by Jhumpa Lahiri. What can we learn from this story with such a simple premise? How can memory inform a story? How does memory differ from flashback? How can a story be driven by a character’s thoughts? How can a secret help develop drama?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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May 1st, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop