In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about why almost half of all tales, here, feature violence to some degree…
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Behind the Cut – Tin-Hearted Man
Behind the Cut – In the Margins
In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I answer a listener question about the narrators I choose to sometimes work with. After that, I talk about how I have never been much of a fan of puzzles and riddles, but why I chose to write a short story featuring both.
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Behind the Cut – Godspeed, Crazy Mike
In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I get personal and talk about why a character in “Godspeed, Crazy Mike” has Tourette syndrome…and how I approach writing about people with disorders and disabilities…
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Behind the Cut – Revisions
It’s not uncommon for people to assume stories are a reflection of the author — especially stories in which an author features a writer as a protagonist. “Revisions” is about a writer who was raised by a single mother. Some people who know me mentioned they felt it was heavily influenced by my mother.
I discuss where my life is similar to the protagonist in the story and…how our situations and views greatly differ.
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Behind the Cut – Christmas Miscellany 5
It was a strange year, but also a productive year for Not About Lumberjacks.
As we close out 2021, some thoughts on the year that was…and some hopes for the year ahead…
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Behind the Cut – In Cypress Slough
“In Cypress Slough” includes two gay characters, but it’s not a story about being gay in East Texas.
In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about representation, the stories I’d never write (and why), and how I approach writing disenfranchised characters who have experienced lives I can only imagine.
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Links to some people and things mentioned in this episode:
- ScreamQueenz
- Writing the Other
- Nisi Shawl
- Cynthia Ward
- David Bowles
- Invisible | Invisible 2
- Craft in the Real World
- Alba Salix
- Fable and Foley
- Natalia Sylvester
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Behind the Cut – Milkboy
While “Milkboy” is based on a true story, it definitely ends up a work of fiction. When I started the story, I had no idea where to take it. Discovering what to do with the story led to a ridiculous and heartfelt tale of friendship that is one of my favorite stories on the site.
I talk about that — and much more — in this behind-the-scenes look at the latest episode of Not About Lumberjacks.
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Behind the Cut – Calling Out of Time
“Calling Out of Time” started with a tweet. Without a random thing I saw on Twitter, it’s unlikely this story would exist.
Ideas are everywhere if you’re open to them, but it’s not as easy as picking them out of the air — it helps to know which ideas are worth working through vs. those best ignored.
While there is an effort involved in writing any story, ideas aren’t so hard when you know the one simple test I talk about in this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story…
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Behind the Cut – A Deathly Mistake
“A Deathly Mistake” ended up becoming one of my favorite episodes of Not About Lumberjacks.
In this behind-the-scenes look, I discuss how it was a bit of a departure from other stories I’ve written for the show. I also talk about fears faced in recording “A Deathly Mistake”…and close with a request to everyone who listens.
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Behind the Cut – Christmas Miscellany 4
This year’s annual Christmas episode was anchored by a story based on real life. But what is “real life” when it comes to stories — even those claiming to be true? I discuss how fiction and truth have a way of coming together to create even greater truths in the process of their mingling.
Also, I chat a bit about 2021 plans for Not About Lumberjacks…
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