Lesson 47: How to Write Like Rowling
This week you can find me at MuggleNet Academia—one of the most popular educational podcasts on iTunes and nominated for four People’s Choice awards. I had a blast chatting it up with host Keith Hawk, Hogwarts Professor John Granger, and my writing buddy Christine Frazier of Better Novel Project.
In this academic lesson, we talk about “Harry Potter” as a literary artifact and how we can use the series to help aspiring writers become better at their craft.
SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE TACKLE
- What are Rowling’s three big story signatures? Should other writers try to imitate them?
- Which best-selling authors have clearly borrowed from Rowling’s secret toolbox?
- How much of Rowling’s success is due to her use of alchemical imagery and Christian symbolism? Do aspiring writers have to use them to be successful?
- Can pantsers write as well as outliners?
- What specific story structure did Rowling use for scaffolding her story? How does understanding it improve an author’s chances of success?
If you’re wondering what I sound like or wondering if we’d be a good editorial fit, here’s your chance! You can listen to the podcast at MuggleNet Academia, check it out on iTunes, or download the mp3.
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