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.
086: “Wikihistory” by Desmond Warzel
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In this episode, we discuss “Wikihistory” by Desmond Warzel. What can we learn from this story set on an internet forum? How can we be creative with pseudo-paratext? How can we rely on a reader’s understanding of format to fill in the blanks of a story? How can we generate story ideas by thinking about the many ways people communicate with one another?
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August 15th, 2022 by Naples Writers' Workshop
085: “The Black Phone” by Joe Hill
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In this episode, we discuss “The Black Phone” by Joe Hill. What can we learn from a story by one of Stephen King’s kids? How does horror work in written form? How can we craft prose that lets the reader zip through the story? What can we learn from the prose of this story? What can we learn from the structure of this story? How can separating a story into sections help both the writing and the reading?
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, 2022 by Naples Writers' Workshop
084: “Referential” by Lorrie Moore
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In this episode, we discuss “Referential” by Lorrie Moore. What can we learn from a story inspired by another famous story? What can we learn from the changes Moore makes in the story? What about the story elements and even language that are the same? What is the artistic value in rewriting someone else’s story?
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, 2022 by Naples Writers' Workshop
083: “Brokeback Mountain” by Annie Proulx
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In this episode, we discuss “Brokeback Mountain” by Annie Proulx. What can we learn from the quiet voice of this story? How does the narrative voice represent the characters? How can the setting determine the voice of the story? How can a voice embody the whole story? Can we learn from the underlying story of characters who can’t have what they really want?
Alternate version of the story: “Brokeback Mountain” by Annie Proulx
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July 1st, 2022 by Naples Writers' Workshop
082: “The Future is Blue” by Catherynne M. Valente
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In this episode, we discuss “The Future is Blue” by Catherynne M. Valente. What can we learn from this cli-fi story? What makes a great prose style? How can we make our prose fun to write and fun to read? How can sentence rhythm be evocative? How can we quickly build an immersive fictional world?
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, 2022 by Naples Writers' Workshop
081: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” by James Thurber
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In this episode, we discuss “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” by James Thurber. What can we learn from this happy little story and its main character’s vivid daydreams? How does the literary form help us create this kind of character or experience? What does Walter Mitty tell us about the literary arts in general? How can we use onomatopoeia in a story?
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, 2022 by Naples Writers' Workshop
080: “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid
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In this episode, we discuss “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid. What can we learn from this little story? Is it flash fiction? What is it? How can we create rich characters by presenting only what they say?
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, 2022 by Naples Writers' Workshop
079: “Town of Birds” by Heather Monley
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In this episode, we discuss “Town of Birds” by Heather Monley. What can we learn from this story? Does there have to be a metaphorical meaning? How can a strong image or concept drive a story?
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, 2022 by Naples Writers' Workshop
078: “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien
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In this episode, we discuss “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. What can we learn from this classic story? How does the conceit of the narration help tell the story? How does the setting and situation impact the story? How can we manipulate point of view to create narrative effects? Should we ever ignore writing advice?
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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April 15th, 2022 by Naples Writers' Workshop
077: “The Hunter’s Wife” by Anthony Doerr
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In this episode, we discuss “The Hunter’s Wife” by Anthony Doerr. What can we learn from a story with a fantastical premise? What do we get from a slow-building, patient story? How do pace and story work together? How can we use our deep familiarity with a setting in our writing?
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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April 1st, 2022 by Naples Writers' Workshop