Episode 130: The Balancing Act - a podcast by Jeffery W. Ingram

from 2016-07-11T00:00

:: ::

The Balancing Act in storytelling

Today's Topic – Finding the Balance needed in your fantasy story

As a Worldbuilder and a storyteller, there are many things to worry about. Does our story rock? Have we represented out fantasy world correctly? Did I sell more books than people I know?  This is a short list.  I am sure you can come up with a myriad of others as well.  However, One of the less obvious questions; did we strike a balance?

Visit the gardul.com for the show notes
Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes

What the heck is balance?

Balance can mean many things. Should one of our races dominated the other? If not what is holding them back?  Much of originality, it is one of the most abstract questions in worldbuilding.  We have to remember that balancing is an art, not a science. Our goal should not be to set the balance dial to the middle.  We have to consider many different things and balance the story to where we need it to maximize the entertainment of the reader.

What are we trying to balance?

Does the plot not have the proper flow? Do you have to rush the third act of the story just to finish under 1.2 Million words? Is one of our characters to powerful? Do you notice all the questions?  If you are like me, you might have asked too many questions.

Check out the episode as Michael and I explore the art of balancing the story.

Podcast Show Flow

  • Balance <> equal
  • Things to consider balancing
  • Story vs. Plot
  • Over Powered Characters
  • Look out for the Deus ex machina solutions to problems

The Worldbuilding Task for the Day

Outline your story, figure out what parts are extending the story and what parts are part of the plot. Make sure you have the balance.

The Real World task for the day

Watch Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the lost ark 

The Tease

Enter the Bard Session 2

Michael's Resources

Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Further episodes of Worldbuilder's Anvil

Further podcasts by Jeffery W. Ingram

Website of Jeffery W. Ingram