The Other Side of the Story Podcast

Writing Advice: Part 1

Matt Myklusch — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:14:45 +0000

Information on Matt’s new book! Information on why it’s been so long since the last episode! Advice on writing! Exclamation points! Lots of them!!!

What more could you ask for?

DOWNLOAD: WRITING ADVICE, PART 1

EJ Altbacker

Matt Myklusch — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 03:18:55 +0000

In this episode, Matt speaks with author and screenwriter, EJ Altbacker. In addition to EJ’s popular Shark Wars series, he has also written for several animated TV programs such as Green Lantern, Spider-Man, and more. Matt and EJ talk about the differences between writing books and writing for television, both in terms of constructing a story and revising it. EJ shares his approach to crafting the world of Shark Wars– a world that continues to grow. Book 5, ENEMY OF OCEANS comes out January 15th. Check out the podcast, then check out the books.

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Produced by Dave LeClaire – Blue Sound Design and 4808 Productions

Go to bluesounddesign.com

J&P Voelkel

Matt Myklusch — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:34:42 +0000

In this episode, Matt talks to husband and wife writing team/fearless adventurers Jon and Pamela Voelkel about their JAGUAR STONES series. Matt and the Voelkels talk about how Jon’s life growing up in Peru, Costa Rica, and Columbia, combined with Pamela’s childhood in a sleepy English seaside town produced these tales (in a roundabout way). A boring marketing book and a snowballing series of action-packed bedtime stories for their children helped move things along. It’s a great conversation with some very fun, interesting people. Take a listen.

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Produced by Dave LeClaire – Blue Sound Design and 4808 Productions

Go to bluesounddesign.com

Jacqueline West

Matt Myklusch — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:53:21 +0000

In this episode, Matt talks to New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline West. Matt and Jacqueline talk about where her BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE series came from, her writing process, and her path to publication (some of which Matt already knew, given that he and Jacquline have the same agent). Still, he asked the questions just so you could hear the answers.

With that in mind, the least you can do is listen to this episode.

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Produced by Dave LeClaire – Blue Sound Design and 4808 Productions

Go to bluesounddesign.com

Appearance: New York Comic Con

Matt Myklusch — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:12:01 +0000

I am psyched to announce that I will be heading back to Comic-Con this fall. I missed the show in San Diego this summer, but I’ll be at the New York Comic-Con, right here in the city that never sleeps. (My son gets up at 5am every morning, so we have that in common). Details are below. Hope to see you there, and if you do stop by, please say hello!

Panel: HERO’S QUEST: Swords & Sorcery in Fantasy Fiction

Date: 10/13/2012

Time: 5:15 PM- 6:15 PM

Location: Javitz Center, NYC – Room 1A08

Appearance: Books of Wonder (NYC)

Matt Myklusch — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:03:56 +0000

Back in 2010, when the first Jack Blank book came out, I was invited to do a signing at Books of Wonder in NYC. It was a tremendous experience. This is a bookstore that makes you feel like you are stepping into a storybook when you walk in the door. It’s the kind of place that is very hard to find these days, so you should check them out for that reason alone.

But, if you need another reason, here it is: I am going back to do another signing on October 14th. Details are below. If you are in the NYC area, please come!

October 14th, 2012

Books of Wonder

18 West 18th Street (btw. 5th & 6th)

New York, NY 10011

1:00pm – 3:00pm

Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Matt Myklusch — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 02:07:41 +0000

In this episode, Matt talks to Debbie Ridpath Ohi, illustrator of I’M BORED, a new picture book written by actor and comedian Michael Ian Black. This marks the first time a guest on the show has been someone other than the author of a book (despite the promise in each episode’s intro to speak with today’s best authors, agents, and editors).

Matt and Debbie have a great conversation about the ins and outs of picture book publishing, her path to publication, dealing with rejection, and much, much more. In addition to her work on I’M BORED, Debbie has two more books coming from Simon & Schuster, one of which she will draw and write. But, she won’t stop there. Listen in and find out what else this talented artist/author has up her sleeve.

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Produced by Dave LeClaire – Blue Sound Design & 4808 Productions
Go to bluesounddesign.com

William Joyce

Matt Myklusch — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 01:33:58 +0000

This was a good one. I’m an artist at heart, so I was very excited to speak to William Joyce about his work. This guy does it all. He’s an author, illustrator, and filmmaker. Actually, that’s not quite right… he’s an Academy Award winning filmmaker.

Basically, William Joyce is a Jack of all trades, master of ALL TRADES. On top of that, he was kind enough to make time for me, and by extension, you too!

We talked about the # 1 bestselling picture book, THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE, as well as the “strategy” behind the release of its other incarnations as an animated short film and Story App. The popular GUARDIANS OF CHILDHOOD series was also discussed, as was the upcoming Dreamworks Animation film, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS. We talked shop, and had a few laughs. Add in a mutual contempt for Jar Jar Binks, and you have conversation that is not to be missed.

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UPDATE: BOOK/ARTWORK GIVEAWAY! Review this podcast in iTunes and enter for your chance to win an autographed copy of THE END OF INFINITY with an original drawing by me inside! There will be 3 winners. Click here for more info on how to enter.

Produced by Dave LeClaire – Blue Sound Design & 4808 Productions
Go to bluesounddesign.com

7 Things I’ve Learned So Far

Matt Myklusch — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 01:34:06 +0000

My third book, THE END OF INFINITY, came out today, and I am feeling particularly reflective. I STILL can’t believe I got to tell the whole Jack Blank story. Seriously. This is a trilogy, folks… I wrote an real, honest-to-god trilogy! It boggles my mind that I actually got to this place.

In honor of this momentous occasion, I have recorded a short but sweet podcast for your listening pleasure. In this episode, I recount “the 7 things I’ve learned so far.” Some of you may have read this before… these were actually the 7 things I had learned at the time of the Book One’s publication, but it’s all still good advice today. Sometime down the road I will post 7 new things, but for now, just sit back, relax, and listen to these pearls of wisdom.

Then, get up, go to the bookstore, and buy my book.

(please!)

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Produced by Dave LeClaire – Blue Sound Design & 4808 Productions

Go to bluesounddesign.com

Shannon Messenger

Matt Myklusch — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:18:03 +0000

In this installment of the show, I spoke with the lovely and talented Shannon Messenger, author of not one, but TWO new books: KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES (October, 2012) and LET THE SKY FALL (March, 2013).

We talked about both of Shannon’s books, and also spent a lot of time talking about revisions. (Mainly because the whole interview was a do-over). Shannon and I spoke once before on this podcast, and then my hard drive crashed. Everything was lost. Everything.

But, Shannon was good enough to come back on the program and give me another shot to get this right. You know what? I think we nailed this one. Make sure you check it out.

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ALSO: CONTEST UPDATE! Post a comment below to enter for your chance to win an autographed copy of THE SECRET WAR, Book 2 in the Jack Blank Adventures. Write anything! Something about my books, Shannon’s books, the show… heck, you can write the word “ketchup” and that will count. I’m giving away five copies of THE SECRET WAR, and one winner will be chosen at random to win an advance copy of Book 3, THE END OF INFINITY. Deadline to enter is 8/3/12 at midnight.

ALSO (PART 2): APPEARANCE UPDATE!!! On July 31st, 2012, I will be speaking at the New York Public Library’s 67th Street branch at 1pm. If you are in the area, come on down and say hello. For more info on that appearance click here.

LAST UPDATE: CONTEST WINNERS

Winners were Aurora, Scott, Anthony, Emily, and Greta (who posted on JackBlank.com). My post advertising this contest on that site was not as clear about where to enter as it could have been, so I pooled the entries from both sites, assigned numbers to each post, and drew numbers via a random number selector I found online. Just trying to make it fair as I can. Thanks for playing everyone.

Produced by Dave LeClaire – Blue Sound Design & 4808 Productions
Go to bluesounddesign.com

Nathan Bransford

Matt Myklusch — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:58:41 +0000

This week, I interviewed Nathan Bransford, author of the Jacob Wonderbar series. His books, Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow and Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe are both out now. Book 3 in the series, Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp will hit stores March 2013. Nathan was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd., and still holds the record for fastest knockout in the All Valley Karate Tournament, held every year in sunny, southern California.

All right, I made that last part up. But, Nathan and I did have a great conversation about his books, his unique path to publication, publishing industry trends, social media marketing for authors, and lots more. Check it out.

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Produced by Dave LeClaire – Blue Sound Design & 4808 Productions
Go to bluesounddesign.com

Brandon Mull

Matt Myklusch — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:19:18 +0000

Episode number 2 features the Bestselling author of the FABLEHAVEN series, and # 1 Bestselling author of the BEYONDERS series, Brandon Mull!

Brandon and I share an editor at Simon & Schuster, and I was lucky enough to spend some time on the road with him on a mini-book tour. (Mini for me, that is. It was actually just one leg of a major book tour for him. He’s always on tour, really).

Anyway, check it out. Brandon and I had a great conversation. He’s an awesome guy with a ton of interesting stuff to say about writing. That’s kind of why he’s a good writer. Don’t miss this interview.

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Produced by Dave LeClaire – Blue Sound Design & 4808 Productions
Go to bluesounddesign.com

Steve Mooser, SCBWI

Matt Myklusch — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:57:12 +0000

In the first episode, I am joined by my friend and former writing partner, Emil K. Hemsey. We talk a bit about a novel we wrote together years ago, (back when neither one of us knew what we were doing). Turns out, a lot of the mistakes we made could have been avoided had we been part of a community of writers. This episode’s guest is the head of one of the biggest – if not the biggest – writing community I am aware of.

Together, Emil and I interview Stephen Mooser, President and Co-Founder of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. SCBWI is the world’s largest children’s publishing organization with over 22,000 members worldwide, and 70 regional chapters.

Steve is also the author of nearly sixty books for children and has written in every genre– picture books, series books, nonfiction, and novels. He was kind enough to take a break from managing SCBWI’s 2012 Winter Conference in New York to discuss the organization’s history, the business of publishing, and tips for aspiring writers with us.

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Produced by Dave LeClaire – Blue Sound Design & 4808 Productions
Go to bluesounddesign.com

Writing Moments that Matter

Matt Myklusch — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:54:50 +0000

I get a lot of questions about my writing process, and the truth is, I love to talk about that stuff. It’s a big part of what this podcast is going to be about. Here is a post I did last year on the subject of character, and writing moments that matter:

I remember watching the Olympics many years ago and an American swimmer was being interviewed. I don’t remember his name. I guess it’s not important. What is important is that he was heavily favored for his event. So much so, that in the interview, he spoke as if it were a given that he’d be taking home the gold. If I recall, he said something along the lines of the following:

“I don’t need the medal. I’m going to give the medal to some people who I care a great deal about. They can have the medal, that’s for them. I have the moment. The moment is everything.”

A bit arrogant? Probably more than a bit, considering the company he was in. But, this guy was coming up on the defining moment of his swimming career. He’d spent entire life building up to it, and he was determined to own it. I have to respect that. I’ll never forget that guy whose name I can’t remember. “The moment is everything.” I couldn’t agree more.

I think about this when I’m writing because it’s the presence or absence of moments like these – moments that really matter – that make or break any story. There’s only going to be a couple of them. I’m talking about big moments, unforgettable moments… “You Can’t Handle the Truth” moments.

When I write, I always start out knowing what the big moments are in my stories. That is usually the first spark of any idea I have. The trick for me is writing my way up to them. Back when I first started writing, I just wanted to get there. My focus was on getting done. I looked at plot as paramount, and my characters as little more than tools to advance the plot. As a result, the big turning points in my work always lacked punch. There was no real connection with the characters. I didn’t realize that even if I had written a scene as well as Aaron Sorkin wrote that speech from A Few Good Men, it wouldn’t have mattered. Not if I phoned in the set up.

Powerful dialogue is important, but it’s not enough to make us care all by itself. What makes the moment matter is everything that comes before it. The only reason we care what happens in a story is because we care about the characters. That’s where we get invested. It’s like in baseball… If you follow a team and only watch them play in Game 7 of the World Series, you might be happy if they win, but you’ll never care about the game as much as the person who watched every single game that season. The person who did that loves the team. They live and die with every pitch.

Writers need their readers to love their characters and live and die with their actions every step of the way. That’s when the promise of the big moment is made, in the build up. The emotional investment that the reader puts into a character is what gives those big turning point moments punch.

When writing The Jack Blank Adventures, I worked hard to make Jack, my main character, somebody that people could immediately sympathize with and root for. He’s an orphan growing up at St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost. He doesn’t know anything about who he is or where he comes from. His name is Jack Blank because he was found on the doorstep of St. Barnaby’s in a basket with the name “Jack” written on the handle. Growing up, every time he had to write his name on a test or homework assignment, he just wrote “Jack” and left the rest blank. Jack Blank. After a while, the name simply stuck.

St. Barnaby’s is built on a stretch of swampland alongside the New Jersey Turnpike. Every year the whole place sinks a little further into the muck. They say for a kid growing up at St. Barnaby’s, staying above swamp level is about as much as you can hope for in life, and it doesn’t look like things will be much different for Jack. He actually takes a career aptitude test there that tells him he will have a long and fruitful career as a toilet brush cleaner! Not exactly the fast track.

Luckily, a robot-zombie comes out of the swamp and tries to kill Jack before that happens. He survives using some super powers he didn’t even know he had, and earns himself a trip to the Imagine Nation, the place where all the fantastic and unbelievable things in our world originate— including him. It’s a world filled with super-heroes, super-villains, aliens, robots, ninjas, and more, but when Jack gets there he runs into more trouble. It turns out Jack is either going to be the savior of the Imagine Nation, or the worst threat its ever faced.

Most people are convinced Jack is going to be the latter, but here’s the thing. He doesn’t let that define him. He has his own ideas about the future. That’s the key with Jack, the quality that I think connects him with readers and makes him likable. Admirable even. He’s a courageous underdog. Someone who won’t give up. And, the central question that drives all of his actions in the story is understandable, realistic, and something the reader wants to know as well. Who is he? The questions about Jack’s past mysterious tie into the problems looming in his future. What is he going to grow up to be?

If I’ve done my job right, I’ve created a situation that everyone can relate to (the desire to break away from mundane, bleak circumstances and escape to a magical world that is full of possibility) and I’ve inserted into that situation a character that people will get behind. The world Jack goes to is larger than life, and the things that happen to him there are too, but they only matter if they are set up properly. All of that build up has to be viewed through the lens of character.

That’s how I approach my writing today. I am less concerned about getting done and more concerned with getting it right. Before I let myself move on from one chapter to the next, each individual chapter has to feel right to me. I can’t define what “right” is, but I know it when I see it. And, I absolutely know when something feels wrong.

Each chapter has to pass muster before I write the next one, and when I get a block of 5 or 6 chapters together, I stop and read them straight through too. I want to see how they play. Are character’s actions staying consistent with who they are? Do they all have their own personality, voice, and vocabulary? Are they engaging and likable (or hate-able, depending on who they are in the story)? Is the story moving? The action in the chapters has to move the story at a pace that feels right. The individual chapter endings and beginnings have to fit into each other like songs in a good playlist. You never know if they do or not until you read a bunch of them together. That’s when you find out if you’re taking the reader to the place you want them to go. If your characters, plot, and setting are all intertwining to maintain emotional investment. If you’re building up moments that matter.

Those moments are the difference between a good story and a great story. In order to deliver on the promise of a big moment, the writer has to know what it is ahead of time, build up to it properly, and own it. Kind of like the swimmer I told you about earlier. One other thing I remember about him? He took home the gold, just like he said he would.

Originally posted as part of WriteOnCon 2011

7 Things I’ve Learned So Far

Matt Myklusch — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:53:48 +0000

Shortly after my first book came out, I was asked to write a post on the 7 things I had learned so far in my career. That was a couple years ago, and I have learned more stuff since then, but I think these 7 things are worth coming back to. Hope you find them useful:

1. You only fail if you quit. Don’t think about the odds and don’t give up. If you’re still trying to get published and haven’t quit, then you haven’t failed, no matter how long you’ve been at it A screenwriter named Josh Olson wrote, “You can’t discourage a writer. If I can talk you out of being a writer, then you’re not a writer.” I totally agree. Life is going to present you with no shortage of excuses for giving up. The important thing to remember is that’s all they are— excuses. They’re not reasons. Have faith in yourself and your story. You can do anything if you want it bad enough.

2. You’ve gotta really want it. If you want writing to be your job one day, you have to treat it like a job now. Don’t try to find the time to write… make the time. I know it’s not easy. You probably have a job, schoolwork, a family… maybe all three. Whatever your situation is, I’m sure you have a million things in your life that will keep you from writing. I’ve been there. I’m still there. But, there are 24 hours in every day. Last year, I started getting up at 5 a.m. every morning so I could write for at least an hour before work. All those hours eventually added up to a finished novel. You just have to make the time and push on through. If you can do it on less than ten cups of coffee a day, you’re doing better than me.

3. Write for YOU. Scheduling difficulties aside, writing shouldn’t all be such hard work. I don’t want to focus too much on that side of things. No one is forcing you to sit down and write except you, so write for yourself. Write the story that you want to read. The one that you’ll have the most fun writing. It takes a long time to write a novel, and if nothing ever happens with whatever you are working on right now, you better at least have fun writing it. That’s what I did with JACK BLANK, and I think it made a huge difference in how the story came out. It certainly made those early mornings a lot easier.

4. Writing isn’t just typing. It goes on all day. I find that if I am stuck on something and really push myself to think of an idea or solve a plot problem, I can usually come up with something pretty mediocre. But, if I let the story sit in the back of my head percolating long enough, eventually, something clicks. Make sure that part of your brain is always on.

5. Get to know your characters. Your characters drive your story, so if you’re not sure what comes next, sometimes you have to get to know your characters a little better. Tom Clancy once said in an interview how he planned to kill a character in one of his books, but then, at one point in the story, the character did something so interesting that he had to change his plans. When I first heard that, I thought, “This guy’s crazy. The character did something interesting? He decides what the characters do.”
But, Tom Clancy was right. If you really get to know your characters, they can surprise you. Get to know them before you start writing. What do your characters want? What are they afraid of? What have they been through in life that makes them who they are? All of this information might not even make it into your actual story, but if you know these things about your characters, then you’ll know what they would do in any given situation. You’ll know what each individual character would say and how they would say it.

6. Stay off the internet! If you’re writing, don’t let yourself click over to your email, twitter, or any other site you usually hit up. It will kill your productivity. Case in point, I checked the Yankees pitch-by-pitch on MLB Gameday four-hundred times while writing this post, and it has taken way longer than it should have. (The good news is, the Yankees won). But seriously, don’t let yourself take little breaks to check your email or anything else while you’re working. Let your writing time be writing time.

7. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Get your hopes up. That’s what hope is for. If things don’t work out with your current manuscript, that’s okay… take a day to feel bad about it and then keep moving forward. See item number one for additional details.

Originally posted at www.writersdigest.com on 10/8/10