Side Track 6 - Children of the Wells Round Table

It's been awhile since our last Side Track (like 2011!), so when the Children of the Wells gang got together recently, we thought we'd have a round table discussion of what makes us tick as creators.

You know Tim and Nick, of course, but here's also Greg Meyer, Laura Fischer, Nathan Marchand, and Aaron Brosman, to share their thoughts on what makes a good story, as well as ponder other, less serious, questions.

Our next regular podcast should be out early August, since Nick is MIA for the rest of July. (Sorry!)

Download

Loading the player ...

Episode 45 - The One Certain Thing (Not Taxes)

Everyone knows if you're wearing a red shirt, you're going to die. And if you run out of flashbacks, you're going to die. And if you're someone's mentor, you're going to die. And if you're in a Shakespearean tragedy, you and everyone dear to you is going to die. And if you go to Z'ha'dum, you will die.

But why? What's the dramatic purpose in a character's death? In this episode of Derailed Trains of Thought, Nick and Timothy defy the Grim Reaper and scratch the surface of the ways and reasons fictional characters encounter death.

Then, for fun, we host an impromptu bracketed death match competition among a widely random selection of heroes and villains. I mean, Zantana vs. Yoshi--you've always wanted to know, right?

Someone famous once said: "Give me Derailed Trains of Thought or give me Death!" To that we say, "Listen in, and you can have both!" Enjoy!

Download

Show Notes

Loading the player ...

Episode 44 - Whose Outline Is It Anyway?

Look--it's a fact. Not everyone can make diabolically elaborate plans go off without a hitch like the Joker or those guys from Ocean's Eleven. That's why some people use copious outlines while writing, and others...not so much. This episode, Nick and Tim explore the continuum between outliner and pantser, between those who plan everything and those who plan nothing, and what advantages each style holds.

In the second half, we enjoy a hearty Take on Tales that examines Brandon Sanderson, Jack Kirby, Person of Interest, and Captain America.

So, how about planning to listen in on the 44th episode of your favorite podcast about storytelling? Or would you prefer to spontaneously decide to listen? Either way works for us. Enjoy!

Download

Show Notes

Loading the player ...

Episode 43 - The Child Within

Not everything's War and Peace. Thankfully. Some stories don't require a PhD. Sometimes we just want a good, simple story. So, Nick and Tim dive into the world of kidlit and kids' movies--bastion (we hope) of innocence and wonder. Why do stories aimed at kids appeal to adults? What limitations do such stories have and how can they go wrong? Tim and Nick may or may not tackle these questions in their wide-ranging discussion.

Then, in the second half, they re-imagine various classic stories (such as Citizen Kane) as cartoons and animated films. Why? Because they can. Also, there may be a mention of a certain movie involving Muppets.

So, whether you're 2 or 222, listen in to the 43rd episode of everyone's favorite podcast about storytelling!

Download

Show Notes

Loading the player ...

Episode 42 - Why We (Don't) Create

It's no secret Tim and Nick like to create. I mean, they've recorded more than 40 podcasts discussing the art of storytelling! But every creative person has a reason they create. And every creative person has multitudes of excuses for why they don't actually do that much creating. This episode, Tim and Nick analyse their own reasons for creation (and lack thereof), and in the process probably touch on some of your own desires and barriers.

If that's too personal, hang out until the second half, when we discover the combat-typing game Sesame Street Fighter and why EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!

Winter's not over yet (for some reason), so stay inside and listen in on Derailed Trains of Thought Episode 42, your answer to life, the universe, and everything...*

*Results may vary.

Download

Show Notes

Loading the player ...