Death Of 1000 Cuts

In this unscripted, unedited episode I talk about why it can be so hard to let go of old habits when we're writing, and how harsh self-criticism can feel like a safety net, even when it prevents us from learning, planning and creating. If you'd like a free weekly writing exercise you can sign up here: http://eepurl.com/gbmfcP If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ Forbidden Planet: https://forbiddenplanet.com/272064-the-ice-house-hardcover/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786894815/ THE HONOURS links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-honours-tim-clare-9781782114765#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1782114769/ Ko-fi page: www.ko-fi.com/timclare

In this episode I chat to Chris Gribble of the National Centre for Writing. We talk about the books that changed his life, and his work at the NCW supporting new and emerging writers. It's a really interesting chat! This is a great episode to listen to if you want to know: - what does a new writer need? - what challenges do debut authors face? - where can new writers go for help? Here's the National Centre for Writing's website, with their events and information on what they do: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/ If you'd like a free weekly writing exercise you can sign up here: http://eepurl.com/gbmfcP If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ Forbidden Planet: https://forbiddenplanet.com/272064-the-ice-house-hardcover/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.c

In this episode I chat to bestselling author Joanne Harris about bending reality, the allure of the trickster, and managing expectations. Joanne has written - and continues to write - in a variety of genres, from Fantasy to Psychological Thrillers, and in this episode we talk about why these stories have more in common than might first appear. We discuss how genre boundaries don't really exist when you get up close, and how to deal with doubt and anxiety about audience expectations when you start to gain readers. Really, a good alternative title for this episode would be 'How To Shapeshift For Fun and Profit'. If you'd like to read some of Joanne Harris' work, a good place to start is THE GOSPEL OF LOKI: https://wordery.com/the-gospel-of-loki-joanne-m-harris-9781473202375#oid=1908_1 Or you might try RUNEMARKS: https://wordery.com/runemarks-joanne-m-harris-9781473217065#oid=1908_1 Or the bestselling CHOCOLAT: https://wordery.com/chocolat-joanne-harris-9780552998482#oid=1908_1 Or if you prefer a thriller,

This is a live episode of Death Of 1000 Cuts, recorded at the National Centre for Writing in Norwich, UK on November 1st. I take a look at some first pages and offer feedback, and the audience join in with their suggestions too. Then I finish by answering some quick questions. It was really fun to do an episode with a roomful of people. I hope you enjoy it! We talk about why error-avoidance and trying not to make mistakes kills creativity, how to write sex scenes, using tropes vs clichés, locating the narrative present, guiding the reader through the opening to your story - even that old favourite, show don't tell. It's a rollercoaster of writing thoughts and advice. If you'd like a free weekly writing exercise you can sign up here: http://eepurl.com/gbmfcP If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://m

This episode continues a short series on the psychology of writing, looking at the stories we tell ourselves when we tell stories. Here I look at the many ways in which we might tell ourselves we're not writing the right kind of story, what we write isn't proper fiction, and we're not proper novelists. I talk a bit about the uncomfortable feeling when our intuitive mental image of what a novel or a novelist looks like doesn't match up to what we're writing or who we think we are. And, of course - because I'm not about to leave you hanging - I suggest some ways through, some strategies by which we might start to explore those feelings and challenge them in a lasting way. If you'd like to read Kirsty Logan's work for yourself click here to get THE GRACEKEEPERS delivered to your door with free shipping worldwide: https://wordery.com/the-gracekeepers-kirsty-logan-9781784700133#oid=1908_1 Or Melissa Harrison's ALL AMONG THE BARLEY: https://wordery.com/all-among-the-barley-melissa-harrison-9781408897997#oid=190

In this episode we continue a short series on the psychology of writing. What stories do we tell ourselves when we tell stories? Writing a novel is a long business, and at some point, you're going to hit snags. Your enthusiasm or confidence might lag. Different writers typically have different points where they hit 'the Wall'. What can you do when it feels like your book has come off the rails? What can we learn from ultrarunners about the art of pushing through? This is a great episode to listen to if you're thinking 'help! I'm stuck with my novel!' or you have problems finishing things. If you enjoyed today's episode why not try Garth Nix's latest novel, ANGEL MAGE: https://wordery.com/angel-mage-garth-nix-9781473227712#oid=1908_1 Or SABRIEL: https://wordery.com/sabriel-garth-nix-9780007137312#oid=1908_1 Or MISTER MONDAY: https://wordery.com/mister-monday-garth-nix-9780007175017#oid=1908_1 Or perhaps THE FALL: https://wordery.com/the-fall-garth-nix-9780007261192#oid=1908_1 If you'd like a free weekly

In this episode I continue our short series about the psychology of writing. What stories do we tell ourselves when we tell stories? I investigate the idea of expectation - the awareness of an audience out there, who will ultimately evaluate the novel you're working on. How might it impact your ability to write? How might your relationship to that putative audience shift over your career? And what kind of interventions can you make if your relationship with your imagined readers becomes unhelpful? Here are a couple of novels by authors featured on today's episode that I think you'll really like. DO YOU DREAM OF TERRA TWO? by Temi Oh: https://wordery.com/do-you-dream-of-terra-two-temi-oh-9781471171277#oid=1908_1 IN OUR MAD AND FURIOUS CITY by Guy Gunaratne: https://wordery.com/in-our-mad-and-furious-city-guy-gunaratne-9781472250216#oid=1908_1 If you'd like a free weekly writing exercise you can sign up here: http://eepurl.com/gbmfcP If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my n

This episode is the first in a short series about the psychology of writing. What stories do we tell ourselves when we tell stories? How can we write more, write better. and be a little bit happier when we do those things? Drawing on months of conversations with neuroscientists, psychologists, psychiatrists and nearly 200 episodes of podcast, I try to zero in on some answers. More importantly, I give some practical suggestions, based on studies, of what you can do to get the most of writing. Later episodes have contributions from previous guests as I have a look at the mindset side of writing, the thought distortions that can creep in, and how to keep morale up when you run into trouble. If you'd like some further reading after today's episode you might enjoy FLOW: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: https://wordery.com/flow-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-9780061339202#oid=1908_1 Here's my upcoming event in Norwich with a ticket link: Tim Clare – DEATH OF 1000 CUTS LIVE Friday 1 Nove

In this episode I chat about genres as games, thriving within rulesets, my take on what makes a book 'literary', and how self-criticism doesn't even work on its own terms. If you'd like a free weekly writing exercise you can sign up here: http://eepurl.com/gbmfcP If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ Forbidden Planet: https://forbiddenplanet.com/272064-the-ice-house-hardcover/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786894815/ THE HONOURS links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-honours-tim-clare-9781782114765#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1782114769/ Ko-fi page: www.ko-fi.com/timclare

In this episode I chat with poet and playwright Luke Wright about finding your voice, your subject matter, and mixing politics with personal, human drama. Luke Wright is an acclaimed poet with twenty years of performance experience behind him, a slew of hit solo shows and latterly a trio of critically-acclaimed verse plays, the latest of which is THE REMAINS OF LOGAN DANKWORTH. He's also a very good friend. We talk about starting out ranting in pubs about celebrities and politicians to moving into subtler, more vulnerable work, and how what connects with you can change as you get older. This is a great episode to listen to if you want to know: - how can I find my voice as a writer? - what topics can I write about? - how can I combine character with politics? You can read more about Luke Wright and his new show THE REMAINS OF LOGAN DANKWORTH on his website here: http://www.lukewright.co.uk/shows/logan-dankworth/ You can follow him on Twitter here: @lukewrightpoet If you'd like a free weekly writing exerc

On today's show I chat with author Mike Shel about writing Fantasy, indie publishing, writing for games, and tackling anxiety. Mike Shel is the author of THE ACHING GOD and SIN EATER, two Fantasy novels set in a world of danger, suffering and hope. We talk about how he built up the courage to attempt his own novel, his work with Paizo publishing writing adventures for roleplaying game Pathfinder, and how he drew upon his professional background as a therapist specialising in anxiety and panic in his fiction. Anyone who's listened to the show for a while knows I love Fantasy fiction, roleplaying games, and talking about anxiety. With Mike I hit the trifecta. Have a listen, unless you're in one of my two Pathfinder groups, in which case SPOILERS, YOU ARE BANNED. I'd consider it a personal favour if you'd go check out one of Mike Shel's books and perhaps grab yourself a copy of THE ACHING GOD. THE ACHING GOD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aching-God-Iconoclasts-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07C9DBKB6 (UK) https://www.amazon.c

In this episode, I chat about confronting emotions, feeling the big feels, and how facing up to things in life can help inform and supercharge your writing. This is an unedited, unscripted episode, where I talk about what's on my mind. I talk about my work on a new non-fiction book, coming off my meds after over 2 years, death, psychiatry and the terror of feelings. I also talk about ways in which we can write better and braver, and how, if you write what you want, boldly, in spite of what people might think, you'll never be a hack. If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ Forbidden Planet: https://forbiddenplanet.com/272064-the-ice-house-hardcover/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786894815/ THE HONOURS links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-honours

In this unscripted, unplanned episode I respond to a listener's email about 2nd drafts and talk about my process. If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ Forbidden Planet: https://forbiddenplanet.com/272064-the-ice-house-hardcover/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786894815/ THE HONOURS links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-honours-tim-clare-9781782114765#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1782114769/ Ko-fi page: www.ko-fi.com/timclare

This is an unscripted, unedited episode where I chat about where I am with my writing and give you some suggestions for dealing with setbacks, energy dips and wrong tracks. If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ Forbidden Planet: https://forbiddenplanet.com/272064-the-ice-house-hardcover/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786894815/ THE HONOURS links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-honours-tim-clare-9781782114765#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1782114769/ Ko-fi page: www.ko-fi.com/timclare

On this episode I look at the first page of a listener's work and suggest ways to make it better. I chat about style, the order we reveal information, cutting unnecessary words and point of view. It'll be really useful if you want to get better at editing your own fiction. If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ Forbidden Planet: https://forbiddenplanet.com/272064-the-ice-house-hardcover/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786894815/ THE HONOURS links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-honours-tim-clare-9781782114765#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1782114769/ Ko-fi page: www.ko-fi.com/timclare

**HEADS UP, DUE TO A TECH GLITCH THE AUDIO IS NOT SO HOT ON THIS ONE** This is a live episode from Latitude festival, Suffolk. I had a really fun time there chatting to a big old tent o' people about writing. I had a big projector screen and all! As I explain at the start of the episode, the sound technicians had a few problems hooking my recorder up, so the sound quality is pretty poo-poo. I thought I'd share the episode anyway for those of you who are interested! But my apologies - normally the sound won't be this bum. Here's a link to that chat with Temi-Oh, btw: https://soundcloud.com/timclare/death-of-1000-cuts-season-2-episode-33-chatting-with-temi-oh If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ Forbidden Planet: https://forbiddenplanet.com/272064-the-ic

This is a live episode from Latitude festival, with me chatting to author Kerry Hudson. I chat with Kerry Hudson about her memoir LOWBORN, about class and growing up in poverty, and her novels THIRST and TONY HOGAN BOUGHT ME AN ICE CREAM FLOAT BEFORE HE STOLE MY MA. She talks about how she came to writing - what seemed like - late in life, writing through trauma, and her experiences of feeling like an outsider in the predominantly upper-middle-class publishing industry. This is a great episode to listen to if you want to know: - how can I find my authentic voice? - what if I can't find any books out there like what I want to write? - how should I get started writing? If you'd like to check out Kerry's work, why not grab a copy of LOWBORN: https://wordery.com/lowborn-kerry-hudson-9781784742454#oid=1908_1 THIRST: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thirst-Kerry-Hudson/dp/0099589893/ TONY HOGAN BOUGHT ME AN ICE CREAM FLOAT BEFORE HE STOLE MY MA: ://www.amazon.co.uk/Hogan-Bought-Ice-cream-Float-Before/dp/0099554623/ I

In this episode I chat with Science Fiction & Fantasy author Aliette de Bodard. Aliette de Bodard is an award-winning author who writes everything from big, epic Fantasy down to short stories and flash fiction, with some novellas in the middle. We talk about how she trained herself with flash fiction challenges, her early attempts at novels and what they taught her, and the art of writing characters whose ethics and methods you don't agree with. In particular we chat about her new novel, THE HOUSE OF SUNDERING FLAMES, characters who write themselves, and plots that really, really don't. This is a great episode to listen to if you want to know: - how can I train myself to be less perfectionist? - how do I know if something's gone wrong with my story plan? - how can I write morally-questionable characters but still keep the reader reading? Here are some of Aliette's books we talk about. If you enjoy this episode please support her by treating yourself to one: THE HOUSE OF SUNDERING FLAMES: https://wordery.c

In this episode I chat about the tension between what people want to read, and what we should write to grow and satisfy ourselves as writers. This is a writing ramble episode, which means it's unplanned, unscripted. Just me and a mic, chatting to you about what's on my mind. I hope you enjoy it, but bear in mind these ones are, by nature, a little more discursive than usual. If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ Forbidden Planet: https://forbiddenplanet.com/272064-the-ice-house-hardcover/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786894815/ THE HONOURS links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-honours-tim-clare-9781782114765#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1782114769/ Ko-fi pa

In this episode I chat with neuroscientist Adam Green about the science of creativity. Adam Green is a founder and current president of The Society for the Neuroscience of Creativity. We chat about his research into how exogenous neurostimulation (zapping targeted parts of people's brains with electricity) can improve their performance on creative tasks. We chat about the science of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and a future in which authors may choose to supplement their creative abilities with technology. This is a great episode to listen to if you want to know: - what is creativity? - what parts of the brain are responsible for creativity? - how is creativity useful? - what is tDCS? - how can I make myself more creative? Adam's sister Leah Naomi Green has just won the Walt Whitman Award of the Academy of American Poets, and you can pre-order her upcoming collection, THE MORE EXTRAVAGANT FEAST, here: https://www.amazon.com/More-Extravagant-Feast-Poems/dp/1644450186 If you'd like to support me,