Episode 8 - Types of Conflict
Daystar and Alexander describe five of the major types of conflicts in storytelling, and the pitfalls and strengths of each. Timestamps: 00:30 Why do we need conflict? 02:05 Man vs Man 05:54 Man v...
27 Aug 201643min
Episode 7 - Magic Systems, Part 2
Daystar and Alexander continue discussing magic systems, including advice on constructing one that's rational and compelling. Timestamps: 1:10 Sanderson's Second Law: Limitations 8:25 Sanderson's...
20 Aug 201645min
Episode 6 - Magic Systems, Part 1
Daystar and Alexander discuss what makes a magic system, what their purpose and function is, and some of the pitfalls and challenges to creating effective ones that enhance storytelling rather than di...
13 Aug 201641min
Episode 5 - Rule of Cool
Daystar and Alexander discuss the Rule of Cool trope, and how rational fiction tries to create organically cool moments without sacrificing the story's integrity. Timestamps: 0:40 What is the Rule o...
8 Aug 201639min
Episode 4 - Fanfiction
What are the pros and cons of writing fanfiction, and what types of fanfiction work best to inspire rational fiction? Timestamps: 0:40 The Three Types of Fanfiction 3:13 Examples, and where Rationa...
31 Jul 201639min
Episode 3 - Originality
In a world where "everything is a remix," what's so important about originality, and how can you help your writing be original?
24 Jul 201637min
Episode 2 - Tropes
Daystar and Alexander discuss what tropes are, why they exist, how they're often used (or misused) in fiction, and a few ways to avoid bad tropes in rational and rationalist fiction.
16 Jul 201638min
Episode 0 - History
A brief history of the Rational and Rationalist fiction genres, their roots in the LessWrong community, and the influences from flagship authors of HPMOR and Luminosity.
10 Jul 201626min
