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Writing Excuses

20.07: Lens 3 - Identity 2 - Motivation & Goals

Writing Excuses

Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

Fiction, Business, Careers

4.71.3K Ratings

🗓️ 16 February 2025

⏱️ 26 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Do you know what your characters want? And is there a deeper desire underneath that one? 

A character's motivations can help make them "relatable," drive the story's momentum, and create obstacles. Additionally, characters/ desires can serve different parts of themselves, which can help make them complex and multifaceted. But what is a good character motivation and how do you share it with your readers? 

Homework: Write a scene from a secondary POVs character. Pick a concrete goal for them that is NOT the protagonist's goal. How does that change the way they react in the scene?

P.S. Want to come write with us in 2025?! Our retreat registration is open, and we are starting to fill up! We are going to unlock our creative processes in Minnesota and explore Story Refinement as we cruise down the Mexican Riviera! Learn more here

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Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, Dongwon Song, Erin Roberts, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.


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Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

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0:22.5

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0:26.2

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0:28.5

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0:34.3

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0:39.5

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0:47.1

slash go for $1,000 off. Because when it comes to your business, it's not just about keeping the lights on.

0:53.7

It's about keeping

0:54.4

everything secure. Writing doesn't have to be a solitary activity. That's why we host in-person

1:01.7

retreats and workshops. At the writing excuses retreats, you'll get access to classes, one-on-one

1:07.3

office hours, critique sessions, and activities to keep you inspired and motivated.

1:12.3

Become a more engaging storyteller and learn how to navigate the publishing landscape.

1:16.3

As you make meaningful progress on your stories, you'll also build connections with your fellow writers

1:21.3

that will last for years to come.

1:23.8

Check out our upcoming events at writingexcuses.com slash retreats.

1:29.2

This episode of writing excuses has been brought to you by our listeners, patrons, and friends.

1:35.2

If you would like to learn how to support this podcast, visit www.com.

1:41.5

Slash writing excuses.

1:44.8

Season 20, episode 7.

1:49.0

This is writing excuses.

1:51.1

Motivation and goals.

1:53.1

I'm Donglan.

...

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