Episode 51 - Wanted: Three Ghosts for One Night Job

"There goes Mr. Humbug. / There goes Mr. Grim. / If they gave a prize for bein' mean, / The winner would be him." Everyone knows it's not Christmas without Ebenezer Scrooge, so we're examining A Christmas Carol this December as we discuss the presentation of redemption in fiction.

Then, because nothing says "Christmas is coming!" like a run of big releases in the theater, (not Tiny) Tim and (not Saint) Nick discuss their favorite recent movies, including Interstellar, Mockingjay Part 1, Big Hero 6, and a lesser known Muppet Christmas special.

Have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and in the oft-repeated but always wonderful words of Tiny Tim, "God bless you, every one!"

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Episode 50 - Guest Starring...Everybody!

This is it, the show you've been waiting for--the 50th episode extravaganza! Join Tim and Nick and a boatload of guest stars as they lead you through a double-length whirlwind tour of the many segments, past and present, that make up the one, the only, the incomparable Derailed Trains of Thought!

What are you waiting for? There's too much to tease, so jump right in! There's something for everyone! And if you hear a slight echo, it's only because there's so much awesomeness contained within the file, even the microphones couldn't handle it.

Enjoy!


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Episode 49 - Write It Again, Sam

Writing is revision and a movie is discovered in the editing room. Or so "they" tell us. Isn't vision enough? If not, how do we go about casting our re-vision anyway? Tim and Nick take up the topic with their usual flair in Episode 49 of Derailed Trains of Thought.

Then, just because, they try their hand at revising popular movies and books--because, that's what people do now, you know? Listen in! Enjoy! Take notes! And remember, next up is our 50th podcast extravaganza!

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Episode 48 - Glimpses of Light

"Balder the Beautiful / Is dead, is dead!" These words once caused a young C. S. Lewis to glimpse a scene of beauty and joy. We all have our own memories of a moment in some story that resonated deeply with us with its beauty. What makes such a moment? What is beauty, anyway, and can we capture it? Tim and Nick are on the case, examining the role of beauty in art.

In the second half, join us for A Bit of Story, recalling the longings of youthful springs, and some exciting project updates.

The leaves are turning, and a lovely chill is on the wind. Settle in and listen to the 48th episode of everyone's favorite storytelling podcast, Derailed Trains of Thought!

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Episode 47 - The SFW 'NSFW Episode'

You know what makes a story real? What makes it intelligent and high-minded? Sex. Also, unflinching violence. Then probably more sex. Or at least another pint of blood.

But is this true? At what point do these things become gratuitous? Or are they always unnecessary? When does showing depravity go too far? Where should we draw the line? Where!? WON'T ANYONE TELL US?

Fear not! Tim and Nick are here to tackle these questions with all the grit and stoic fortitude they can manage.

Then for a change of pace, they take a look back at summer movies, as well as at a few summer reads.

It may not have enough science teachers turned drug lords for your liking, but come in anyway and listen to the 47th episode of everyone's favorite storytelling podcast--Derailed Trains of Thought!

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Episode 46 - The Expurgated Version

Dear listeners:

You may have heard the hosts of this podcast refer to such works as Star Wars, Babylon 5, The Muppets, LOST, The Wheel of Time, and other such well-known works once or twice (or 1753 times) in previous podcasts. We would like to inform you that all such references have been blacklisted. Timothy and Nick must attempt a podcast referring only to lesser-known works. This experiment is being conducted with full cooperation of the hosts and will be temporary in nature.

We are also subjecting Timothy and Nick to Jim Carrey's website. While more hazardous, we have good reason to suspect the hosts will come out (largely) unscathed. The 46th episode of Derailed Trains of Thought is sponsored by the Organization to Downplay Dostoyevsky, Balrogs, Aslan, Locke, Lupin, and Such (ODDBALLS). Enjoy.

Sincerely,
The Auditors

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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!)

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Episode 41 - Can't See No Forest For All These Trees

We all have our little pet scenes and characters. You know, that one line you'll watch again and again or that minor villain you write long fan fictions about because he's just SO COOL. Then there's costumes design of the palace guards (which is just so tacky) and the euphoric emotionality of their sordid romance and that shadows--see, it really is a munchkin hanging himself! And wait, what? You mean Orlando Bloom isn't the star of The Hobbit?

Let's just say we sometimes get caught up in the spectacle, in the moment, in the inessential details and bunny trails, and miss what the story is really all about--and that's what this episode is all about.

Then in the second half, Nick and Tim perform a live dramatic reading of a section of The Unremarkable Squire, Nick's latest fantasy novel.

Serious discussion, obligatory LOST references, long analyses of Frozen, and ridiculous accents--that's what you can expect from Episode 41 of your premiere podcast about storytelling! Listen in!

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