The Act Break

There are hundreds of books out there on the craft of writing a book. In this episode Jamie and Karli talk about some of the most popular and their experiences with books on writing. Each craft book has it's own qualities to offer, just as each writer does. 

Chatting about the 1965 classic science fiction novel Dune, our hosts are joined by the wonderfully positive, vibrant company of internet friend Kat Nia Watkins! With each of our participants landing at a different spot on the spectrum of Dune enjoyment the conversation opens up new ways to perceive the journey of Muad'Dib. 

One of their all time favorite feel good films, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, starring Ben Stiller and Kristin Wiig, directed by Ben Stiller himself, is what's up in the story break down this week. Jamie and Karli are talking story beats, emotional impact and that wonderful thing, character development. 

It's all about that wonderful world of SFF— that's Science Fiction Fantasy. What's the difference? Why aren't they their own things? What is a sub-genre? Should we all be more specific? And many other questions are speculated over in this week’s episode. 

We all have those shows, books, movies or music that make us a little embarrassed we like them. And this week Jamie and Karli are sharing theirs. All the media guilty pleasures and why they fall into that category is the topic of discussion. (Consider yourself warned!)

Jamie and Karli’s next internet friend to join in the podcast shenanigans is the kind, motivated A.P. Thayer. They’re discussing short stories— what they are, what they love about them, and why perhaps everyone should try to write them. Plus other helpful writer advice like the benefits of joining a writing group and reading across genres. They may also indulge in their mutual coffee obsession.

Time for another installment in the “Story Break Down” series. This week Jamie and Karli are discussing the 2020 HULU Original film, Palm Springs, written by Max Barbakow and Andy Siara, directed by Max Barbakow. Starring Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti and J.K. Simmons. "It's one of those infinite time loops you might have heard about."   (This podcast contains spoilers!)

Have you ever wished you could go back and give yourself advice? Yeah, these podcasters do too. Jamie and Karli are talking about things they wish they’d known when first starting their own writing journeys. Blood, sweat, tears, and a solid five years, here’s what they’d tell their younger selves.

Whether it's prophecy, destiny, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time, what makes the CHOSEN ONE, chosen? The age old trope has been done time and again, still folks love it, or do they? Jamie and Karli rattle off their opinions on this, the ultimate protagonist.   (This Episode contains mild spoilers for... Kung Fu Panda, Avatar: The Last Air Bender, Buffy the Vampier Slayer, Star Wars, T...

Whether you've been working on your novel for two years or ten, writing can be a slog. Jamie and Karli are joined by long time internet friend, Ethan Gregory (Greg) to talk about what it takes to keep writing when your story is taking a looooong time to write. Sometimes these things take time to cultivate. They'll touch on how to stay motivated, regrouping when necessary and not comparing our jour...

A look into three different results of film adaptations. From staying true to source material, or elevating it, to throwing the book out altogether. Jamie and Karli are doing a mini case study of Fight Club, The Umbrella Academy, and Ready Player One. (This podcast contains spoilers!)

Time for the next installment of the “Story Break Down” Series. This week we're discussing the 2020 Christopher Nolan film, Tenet. It's a mind bendy science fiction triller, like only Nolan can deliver. Grab a beverage and maybe something for the inevitable head ache.  (This podcast contains spoilers!)

The Fantasy vs the Reality— this week is about the perfect writing environment, and how to do your best with what you've got. Then Jamie and Karli top off the conversation with goal setting, how to do it, how NOT to do it, and the super totally okay-ness of reevaluating your goals. 

Jamie and Karli are joined by the lovely author of "13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Super Bad Villains" and host of "The Rebel Author Podcast", Sacha Black, to talk about great villains and why they are so vital to great stories.   

Taking a break from the grind of obligations Jamie and Karli talk about what it's like to be in that all too familiar place, the book slump. What causes them, why, and ideas of how to get out.  From reading goals, and how they hit them, to the way cliffhangers don't always hit right. They're having a relaxed chat about book reader life. 

In this episode Jamie and Karli talk about the wonder of stand up comedy, how it's influenced them over time and the joy it brings. Packed full of comedy special recommendations and why you should turn one on tonight. It might just be the doom scrolling break you need. (The comedy and this podcast.) 

The first in the "Story Break Down" Series, Jamie and Karli watch or read a particular piece of fiction and have an in-depth conversation about their thoughts on the chosen fiction. This week’s pick: the 2006 film "Lucky Number Slevin" directed by Paul McGuigan; a fun, stylized film about a case of mistaken identity and chock-full of gangsters and assassins.  (This podcast contains spoilers!)

This episode brings a whole new level of excitement as Jamie and Karli welcome their first brave guest to the podcast. Rylee Joss is a writer, book devourer and all around nice person. She's taken the time to come chat about the Thriller genre and the differences between thrillers, suspense, and horror. Then the three of them talk specifically about 'Lock Every Door' by Riley Sager, picking apart...

Join Jamie and Karli as they search for the elusive and shifting definition of THE MACGUFFIN! A plot device used time and again in literature and film. They'll talk about contradicting definitions, examples, the good, the bad, and the 100% their opinion on the matter.  The first in a series dubbed "Trope Files," where they break down and discuss commonly used tropes in literature and film. 

Like browsing in a late 90's, early 2000's local video store, peruse some of Jamie and Karli's favorite books and movies and judge them accordingly. 

Take a break with Jamie and Karli. Get to know a little about them, why they are starting this podcast, and why they almost didn't start this podcast. (Spoilers: They decided to do it.)