Drunken Pen Writing Podcast

As we near the end of House of Leaves, we dive deeper into the madness of the novel and breakdown all the crazy we've experienced thus far. We also give our harsh criticisms of what has so far turned out to be an underwhelming read. We apologize if Ashleigh's audio sounds off in this episode. Like the typical drunkards we are, we forgot to plug his mic into the mixer. We promise that next week's e...

In this episode, we get serious (at least for us) and tackle two things all writers experience at some point in their careers. That's right, we're talking about how to face rejection and fight off imposter syndrome.  We give tips on how to deal with getting rejected and some ways to overcome it. Then we discuss imposter syndrome and why you shouldn't let it screw up your writing. Somebody call Dr....

In part two of our House of Leaves Inebriated Reading Challenge, we go into what we like and dislike so far about the book. We also break down the author's writing style and formatting decisions.  There's also plenty of classic DPW nonsense for you to laugh at even if you aren't or haven't yet read the book. Despite the book's tone, we keep things light and fun. To check out our fiction, head on o...

In this episode, we discuss the 7 tips on how to write sci-fi by science fiction author Max Barry. We break down his tips and go over how we would do things. Then we go over the types of genre fiction we need to start reading and how the tips previously discussed fit into all types of novel writing. If you want to check out Max's article, you can go to  https://io9.gizmodo.com/how-to-write-a-great...

In our first IRC (Inebriated Reading Challenge) episode we read the cult classic, House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski. Mr. Ashleigh Hatter, the expert in weird fiction himself, joins Caleb James for this new weekly reading episode where they'll be discussing their progress of the book and break down all the weird ass things that happen in this novel. Though, novel might be a generous title for...

Holy Moly Donut Shop! We actually stayed on topic this episode. That's a new record for us. And that topic is fine literature. Mainly classic literature. But if you think this episode is going to be a bit dry, you're completely wrong! We wax philosophical on the classics, what makes for good literary fiction versus pretentious modern art BS, and what work we recommend to those who are interested i...

In our first Storycast episode, Caleb James reads a short story entitled "The Ocean The World Ignored" by DPW writer, Ashleigh Hatter. "This is for the men and women, for the families and communities and livelihoods that have been lost and forever altered. I can never know how much you’ve lost in these floods, and I know these words won’t fix anything. But I wanted to show you that you aren’t forg...

In this week's episode, we bring fellow DPW writer Ashleigh Hatter on to discuss why YA fiction is so popular and why we don't care for it. This was our first attempt at bringing a guest on via Skype and the audio isn't the best, but the discussion is pretty fun regardless. We do divert from the main topic multiple times and go into some random craziness (much like the cold open), but it's all in...

After some technical difficulties, we go into this episode talking about some of the most hated characters in literature. Then we discuss some of our personal favorite characters to hate. If you want to check out the list, head on over to  https://www.bustle.com/p/10-of-the-most-hated-characters-in-literature-from-heathcliff-to-umbridge-2446564

In this episode, we travel around the world and find words that we should incorporate into the English language. Of course, it wouldn't be a DPW Podcast without the butchering of these words' pronunciation. We also go off topic multiple times and get into some bizarre discussions, but for the most part, we keep our focus on the strange words and their meanings.    If you're interested, you can che...

In this episode we start off by talking about the many words and phrases used to describe boobs and penises, then we try to act like adults by going over a list of the top Japanese authors you should check out. Not only do we break down the authors and their work, but we also go into Japanese culture and how it differs from the western world. Then we end things with a quick rant about the new trai...

In this episode, we discuss the rules of writing magical realism. We break down what magical realism is and how it differs from fantasy. Then we knock some smarts into you by going over the differences between hippies and hipsters, why Caleb dislikes Philadelphia, and what kind of events we want to cover in the future.  Head on over to www.drunkenpenwriting.com  for more great content. And be sure...

In this Drunken Bullshit episode, we talk about our hatred for people who purposely post movie spoilers online, our upcoming press gigs, and our issues (no pun intended) with the current state of the comic book industry. This is a pretty relaxed episode. At least for our standards. If you're interested in checking out our writing you can head on over to www.drunkenpenwriting.com  for plenty of gre...

After discussing the dynamics involved in the revolting practice known as boofing, we actually have a good writing discussion about the importance of showing rather than telling in regards to your fiction.  Of course, it wouldn't be a DPW episode without some shenanigans, but we manage to stay in line in this episode. And for once we didn't talk about comics at all. That might be a new record for...

We'll be honest with you, this isn't our best episode. In fact, we probably rambled nonsense for the first ten minutes. But we do eventually get to talking about new movies such as Glass, Hellboy, and we even talk about E. L. James' new book, The Mister.  If you're interested in seeing what other things we get into, check us out @drunkpenwriting on Twitter.  You can also give our writing a read at...

On this special 420 episode, we discuss some must-read works of fiction for all the marijuana enthusiasts out there. We also go into the most memorable movie stoners and what movies shouldn't actually be considered stoner flicks. So sit back, spark up a J, and have a good time as we delight your ears with our off brand of humor. If you want to read the article we based this episode on, check out ...

In this Drunken Bullshit episode, we have a long discussion about our current projects, our writing processes, and our dreams of one day getting published. Then as the booze really begins to take hold, we talk about the awesomeness that is Into The Spider-Verse, the disappointment of the new Pet Sematary movie, What books we're currently reading, accidental book purchases, and a lot more drunken n...

In our first Book of the Month episode, we get drunk and do a terrible job of reviewing Hair of the Dog: Book One, by Matt Holland. We give this book 4 out of 5 whiskey shots. It's a title any drunkard can get behind. Check out the synopsis below.  "Magic has cured every disease, wiped out hunger, and made most fuel obsolete. The only problem it hasn't solved is war. But there's no profit in peace...

In the drunken aftermath of our last episode, we talk and slur our way around a slew of interesting topics: comic books, movies, superhero genitals, our writing failures, anime, manga, public restroom etiquette, annoying teenagers, terrible rappers, the book of the month. We go on and on about any and everything while enjoying the finest of beverages. Good or bad, this episode was a lot of fun to...

We capsized the boat immediately in this episode and never quite managed to right ship. We do talk a lot about comics, movies, and why people need to chill out in regards to changing famous characters for various adaptations. This especially rings true when it comes to the character of the Joker, who has another iteration coming out this fall with Joaquin Phoenix's Joker movie.  The booze was flow...

In this episode, we discuss how to create an author persona that'll get people interested in you and your work. We also give examples of various famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Hunter S. Thompson, Kurt Vonnegut, and Stephen King who were as famous—if not more so—for their author personas as their work. And it wouldn't be a DPW episode if we didn't get into some strange topics and random r...

In this eventful episode, we choose our first DPW book of the month. We pick between five awesome books submitted to us by our Twitter followers and decide which one we'll read and review as our first ever book of the month. After all that, we go into some personal business by ranting about the awful parts of our day jobs. That's right. We have crappy day jobs just like everyone else. If you want...

In what is essentially part two of our drunken St. Paddy's day episode, we continue the drunken buffoonery as we discuss the greatest fictional drunks in literature. Then we try to straighten things out by going over some of the best Irish authors and the work you should read from them. Though, things go sideways quite a few times in this one. If you want to check out our writing, you can visit ww...

We kick off St. Patrick's Day 2019 with a special episode. As we slowly grow more inebriated, we discuss the authors who have been labeled the greatest drunks in 20th-century literature. Of course, it wouldn't be a true DPW drunken episode without some impromptu mayhem. And as we near the end of the episode, we hold a hilarious reading of one of James Joyce's raunchiest love letters. For more grea...

We give you a break down of the quickest ways to get your work out of the slush pile and into print. Then things deteriorate as we get drunker and find ourselves sidetracked by acting out what Billy Bob Thorton from his role in Sling Blade would be like in a sex scene. Finally, we end things on a better note with some movie talk. To read the article this episode is based on, check out https://drun...