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.
062: “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang
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In this episode, we discuss “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang. What can we learn from this complex and heart-wrenching science-fiction story? How can we use very specific ideas from specialized fields to drive a narrative? How do we make sure the science that informs the story’s conceit helps to propel the drama of the story? How does tense allow Chiang to play with time in this story? How can we make an alien creature truly alien?
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August 15th, 2021 by Naples Writers' Workshop
061: “The Girls in Their Summer Dresses” by Irwin Shaw
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In this episode, we discuss “The Girls in Their Summer Dresses” by Irwin Shaw. What can we learn from a story driven by dialogue? How does a story like this generate momentum? How is the spare writing achieved? How much can be accomplished with good dialogue? What makes dialogue feel realistic? How can we use non-verbal communication in our stories?
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August 1st, 2021 by Naples Writers' Workshop
First Person: Interview with Richard Bausch
In this episode, Anna talks to eminent novelist and prolific short story writer Richard Bausch. They discuss his short story, “Isolation,” his novella, “Donnaiolo,” and what it’s like to have one’s work optioned and filmed in Hollywood. Richard will also read his recently published short story, “Trigger Warnings.”
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July 22nd, 2021 by Naples Writers' Workshop
060: “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates
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In this episode, we discuss “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates. What can we learn from this timeless story? How can we handle dialect in our stories? How can we develop good tension for a story? How can we show a character’s motivations without being specific? How can a story linger in its emotions?
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, 2021 by Naples Writers' Workshop
059: “Herman Wouk is Still Alive” by Stephen King
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In this episode, we discuss “Herman Wouk is Still Alive” by Stephen King. What can we learn from a short story by a master storyteller? How can we develop plot in a short story? How can we establish character?
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, 2021 by Naples Writers' Workshop
First Person: Interview with Benjamin Percy
In this episode, we interview Benjamin Percy.
Find out more about Benjamin Percy here: https://benjaminpercy.com/
Buy The Ninth Metal here: https://www.contentbookstore.com/
If you enjoy this episode, consider subscribing to our newsletter at http://www.napleswritersworkshop.com
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June 22nd, 2021 by Naples Writers' Workshop
058: “The Yellow Wall-Paper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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In this episode, we discuss “The Yellow Wall-Paper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. What can we learn from a 19th-Century Feminist short story? How does the diary-entry structure inform the way we read? How is a first-person point of view affected by the diary format? How does the horror genre help serve the story’s social commentary?
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, 2021 by Naples Writers' Workshop
057: “With the Beatles” by Haruki Murakami
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In this episode, we discuss “With the Beatles” by Haruki Murakami. How does structure help move the story forward and inform its themes? How do the three phases of the structure function in the story? How can ruminating on an idea propel a story? What can we learn from an ambiguous ending? How does a story intrinsically suggest connections between disparate things?
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, 2021 by Naples Writers' Workshop
056: “The Prairie Wife” by Curtis Sittenfeld
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In this episode, we discuss “The Prairie Wife” by Curtis Sittenfeld. What can we learn from a story that unspools like a stone tumbling down a hill? How can we accomplish such mind-blowing twists? How can we use unconscious cultural dispositions to create tension in a story? How does setting the action of a story in a single day help us structure it?
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, 2021 by Naples Writers' Workshop
055: “Wake for Susan” by Cormac McCarthy
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In this episode, we discuss “Wake for Susan” by Cormac McCarthy. What can we learn from a well-known author’s first publication? How can daydreams or telling stories to ourselves help drive a narrative? How can common experiences become the occassion for a story? How can the history of a place affect the stories that are set there? Can anyone send Kristine more vintage Garfield paraphernalia?
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, 2021 by Naples Writers' Workshop