21.15: Using Contrast for Maximum Effect

Writing Excuses

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

Business, Careers, Fiction

4.6 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 12 April 2026

⏱️ 31 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Today, we’re talking about how to use contrast to make key moments in your story hit harder, especially in the middle. We explore how pairing light and dark beats, shifting expectations, or placing opposing elements side by side can deepen the emotional impact and keep your readers engaged. Our conversation also looks at different kinds of contrast—from big structural turns to subtle tonal juxtapositions—and explores how managing distance, tension, and “loaded” moments can create that satisfying snap when a scene lands.

Homework:

Look at a pivotal moment in your story and add a beat before or after it that inverts some element of the original. This could mean changing the tone or mood, introducing a contrasting character, or shifting the setting in a way that highlights something new about the scene.

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

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Locus Magazine is one of the finest and most respected resources for readers, writers,
0:07.8	editors, illustrators, and assorted aficionados of speculative fiction.
0:13.3	Locus tells the stories of and about storytellers through author interviews, book reviews,
0:18.7	curated reading lists, industry news, and more.
0:22.6	The annual Locus Awards recognize and celebrate excellence across science fiction, fantasy,
0:28.2	and horror, showcasing new and diverse voices in the speculative genres.
0:33.5	Right now, Locus is holding their annual fundraising drive.
0:37.3	I'm proud to support Locust, and I'd love for you to join me.
0:41.4	Visit locustmag.com slash IG26 to explore the rewards available to this year's supporters.
0:50.8	If you're looking for a long enough lever to move the world of speculative fiction, look no further.
0:56.9	Locus is that lever.
0:58.9	It's the rising tide that lifts all ships.
1:01.8	It's the shining city on the hill.
1:04.5	Visit locustmag.com slash IG26 to help Locus keep the lights on and the future bright.
1:12.6	Locusmag.com slash IGG26.
1:17.2	Call my wife.
1:18.7	Calling UK Wildlife.
1:20.8	Voice assistance not working for you.
1:22.8	BlackRock Investment Trust has a lot working for you.
1:25.3	Get to know them at blackrock.com.
1:27.1	Capital at risk, marketing material.
1:28.5	BlackRock Investment Management UK Limited,
	...

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