Fiction writers from the Naples Writers' Workshop read successful stories and ask "Why Is This Good?"
We discuss how fiction works, the craft of writing, literary art, and what we can learn from examples of excellent writing.
Join us twice each month for our workshop podcast.
Why Is This Good? is hosted by Kristine Gill, J. C. Bronsted, and Rob Curtin.
117: “Drive My Car” by Haruki Murakami
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In this episode, we discuss “Drive My Car” by Haruki Murakami. What can we learn from this quietly contemplative story? What kind of structure can we find in a relatively structureless piece? How does the idea of grief influence the structure? What can drive a story forward?
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December 1st, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
116: “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut
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In this episode, we discuss “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut. What can we learn from this classic of speculative fiction? How does its cartoonishness impact its humanity? How important is it for fiction to be grounded in human experience? How does our modern technology affect how we read this story? Is Vonnegut’s prose really “mechanical”?
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November 15th, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
115: “The Cartographer Wasps and the Anarchist Bees” by E. Lily Yu
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In this episode, we discuss “The Cartographer Wasps and the Anarchist Bees” by E. Lily Yu. What can we learn from this fanciful story? How does language help create the mood of the unfolding of the story? How can summaries benefit from little vivid moments? How can we make richly realized momentary characters?
Alternate version here.
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November 1st, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
114: “The Man Who Lost the Sea” by Theodore Sturgeon
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In this episode, we discuss “The Man Who Lost the Sea” by Theodore Sturgeon. What can we learn from this dreamlike science fiction story? How versatile and variable is point of view? How many different kinds of second person are there? What can we learn about point of view for our own stories? How do point of view and other devices create a sense of mental confusion for the character in the story? What can we learn about our own writing by recognizing a tone or character type we enjoy in other stories?
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October 15th, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
113: “And of Clay Are We Created” by Isabel Allende
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In this episode, we discuss “And of Clay Are We Created” by Isabel Allende. What can we learn from this story based on real events? How does point of view help define the emotional distance of a story? How can we turn real events or disasters into stories?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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October 1st, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
112: “Spring in Fialta” by Vladimir Nabokov
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In this episode, we discuss “Spring in Fialta” by Vladimir Nabokov. What can we learn from Nabokov and his ability to capture moments? How can detailed moments build up a story? How can a compelling character sketch create a strong story? How does great fiction grapple with the ineffable? How can we make non-visual descriptions vivid?
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September 15th, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
111: “The Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu
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In this episode, we discuss “The Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu. What can we learn from this affecting story with a touch of magic to it? How can we use a bit of magic or fantasy to enliven a story? How can magic help create cultural distinctions? How does magic and fantasy affect literary fiction?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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September 1st, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
110: “This Way for the Gas Ladies and Gentlemen” by Tadeusz Borowski
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In this episode, we discuss “This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen” by Tadeusz Borowski. What can we learn from this devastating account of prisoners at Auschwitz? How can a stark, simple depiction create such a vividly moral story? How can characters raise and discuss moral dilemmas that the story confronts? How can we turn horrible personal experiences into fiction?
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August 15th, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
109: “Happy Endings” by Margaret Atwood
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In this episode, we discuss “Happy Endings” by Margaret Atwood. What can we learn from this playful bit of metafiction? How can we be playful and experimental when writing a story? How can a metafiction or playful form still have an emotional story arc? Can letting go of the rules and writing to discover what’s possible help us with our stories?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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August 1st, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop
108: “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe
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In this episode, we discuss “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. What can we learn from this classic horror story? How much is needed to create the main effect of the story? What can be done with a good story premise? How do we choose the central character for a story based on a good premise? How has style and language changed since the 19th century?
For daily writing tips, industry news, and great short fiction, join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/napleswritersworkshop
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July 15th, 2023 by Naples Writers' Workshop