I Should Be Writing

mur@murverse.com

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[ISBW] Magic Systems and Ruinous Creatures

May 14, 2026

ISBW 22.11 (There will be a giveaway of Ruinous Creatures! I'm taking entries until May 21! Email me with GIVEAWAY in the subject line! You do not need to be a paying supporter to enter.) Recently we welcomed Jessi Cole Jackson to the show to talk about her debut novel, Ruinous Creatures! We cover Jackson's unique bone-specific magic system and her inspirations, not to mention how to wrap your head around romance and spice when you've only written tame things before. Remember you can join us ...

[ISBW] Are you sure you want to injure that character?

April 28, 2026

"If you injure somebody, that injury tells a story, and you have to decide whether that story fits the rest of your story." 22.10 In this episode, I go into "realism" with regards to injuries and health. Are injuries for pain? For an instant of shock? To give the character a new hardship? We talk about some of Stephen King's works and how to balance realism with narrative flow. This post went live for supporters on April 21, 2026. If you want early and ad-free episodes, support at Patreon! N...

[ISBW] When Characters Go Rogue

April 21, 2026

"Every character is the star of their own story." ISBW 22.9 In this episode we talk about how different writers view characterization, from the ones who struggle to the ones who say the characters live in their heads. How do you manage all these wily beasts who want their stories told? I will also be appearing next week at Ravencon, and then the following week at Demicon! This post went live for supporters on April 17, 2026. If you want early and ad-free episodes, support at Patreon! Remembe...