Beyond The Trope
521 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 43 ratingsWe're a podcast for nerds, dedicated to exploring the deeper side of genre fiction, popular art, comics, and movies.
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Episodes
Denver Comic Con 2015 Interviews With DC Comics Writers and Artists
June 02, 2015 12:00 - 52 minutes - 48.8 MBDC Comics' Van Jensen, Jeff King, Marguerite Bennett, and Steve Leioloha all joined us at Denver Comic Con for great interviews. We want to thank them for taking time out to talk to us, and a special thank you to DC Comics' Nicole Yavasile for setting these interviews up and Michael Shelling for facilitating everything on site.
Denver Comic Con 2015 Impromptu Women in Comics Panel
May 27, 2015 14:36 - 54 minutes - 51.4 MBAt Denver Comic Con 2015, Emily got invited onto an impromptu panel about women in the comics industry. Both Michelle and Emily were there to get the entire panel, and amazing things happened!
Episode 57 Difficult Scenes
May 26, 2015 12:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MBThis week is all about fixing those difficult scenes in your WiP. Mentioned in this episode: LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green Harry Potter (book series) by J. K. Rowling Jim Butcher James Marsters SANDMAN (comic book series) by Neil Gaiman Gail Carriger
Episode 56 Developing a Magic System
May 19, 2015 12:00 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MBThis week we discussed how to develop a magic system for your fantasy world. Mentioned in this episode: Denver Comic Con Jim Butcher Susan Spann THE CIRCLE OF MAGIC (book series) by Tamora Pierce GRACELING by Kristin Cashore Writing Excuses Podcast STEELHEART by Brandon Sanderson MISTBORN by Brandon Sanderson DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor Terry Brooks Galaxy Quest (movie) The Prestige (movie) The Illusionist (movie) CODEX ALERA (book series) by Jim Butcher Tro...
Anomaly Con 2015 Interview with Selena Chambers and Molly Tanzer
May 12, 2015 12:00 - 42 minutes - 20.2 MBAnomaly Con gave us the opportunity to interview both Selena Chambers and Molly Tanzer. It was a great interview, and the entire thing is available right here at Beyond the Trope!
Anomaly Con 2015 Interview with Cory Doctorow (Explicit)
May 05, 2015 12:00 - 48 minutes - 23 MBAt Anomaly Con 2015, we got to interview Cory Doctorow. This is the full recording of that event! WARNING! This episode of Beyond the Trope contais adult language.
Episode 55 Tropes 101 Live at Anomaly Con 2015
April 28, 2015 12:00 - 51 minutes - 24.4 MBAt Anomaly Con 2015, we presented our Tropes 101 workshop. This is the full workshop, complete with audience participation.
Episode 54 Chemistry Club's Copia: Landfall Comic
April 21, 2015 12:00 - 32 minutes - 15.4 MBThis week, Chemistry Club joins us again to tell us about their work with artist Patch Silver. Together, they created an amazing comic called Copia: Landfall. Information at http://chemistryclubmusic.com
Episode 53 Workshopping Stories with Dave Robison
April 14, 2015 12:00 - 49 minutes - 23.7 MBThis week, Dave Robison of the Roundtable Podcast joins us for a great discussion on workshopping stories. Check him out at http://roundtablepodcast.com and http://twitter.com/WritersPodcast and http://wonderthingstudios.com Mentioned in this episode: NaNoWriMo Mary Robinette Kowal Alasdair Stuart Delilah S. Dawson Emma Newman Cat Rambo Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Michael R. Underwood Philippa "Pip" Ballantine THE HOBBIT by J. R. R. Tolkien Robert E Howard L. Sprague de Ca...
Episode 52 Interview with Gail Carson Levine and Fairy Tales
April 07, 2015 12:00 - 36 minutes - 17.4 MBGail Carson Levine joined us for a great discussion, and when she returned to her day, we talked about some of our favorite fair tales. Mentioned in this episode: DAVE AT NIGHT ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Levine STOLEN MAGIC by Gail Carson Levine (April 2015) PRINCESS TEST by Gail Carson Levine FAIREST by Gail Carson Levine PRINCESS TALES Volumes 1 and 2 by Gail Carson Levine The Louisville Review Cancer Poetry Project Sugar House Review Bigger Than They Appear New York Quar...
Episode 51 Marketing Tools for Authors
March 31, 2015 12:00 - 53 minutes - 25.3 MBThis week, Thomas A. Fowler is back to talk about marketing tools for authors. Mentioned in this episode: JURASSIC PARK (Book) by Michael Crichton JK Rowling Miss Marvel (Comic Book Series) Pixar Legend of the Gamers (Movie) Harvey (Play and Movie) Chuck Wendig Chuck Sambuchino Squarespace Weebly WordPress Kickstarter J. A. Konrath Travis Heerman Penny Arcade John Scalzi The Oatmeal Exploding Kittens Hugh Howie
Episode 50 Author Brands and Platforms
March 24, 2015 12:00 - 45 minutes - 21.5 MBOur friend, Thomas A. Fowler, joins us this week to talk about author branding and platforms. Mentioned in this episode: Book Riot Kotaku Quincy J. Allen George R. R. Martin Gail Carriger J. K. Rowling/Rober Galbraith JURASSIC PARK by Michael Crichton THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA by Ernest Hemingway Aaron Michael Ritchey
Episode 49 Interview with Jim C. Hines and Michelle's Trunk Novel
March 17, 2015 12:00 - 39 minutes - 18.9 MBThis week we talk to the amazing Jim C. Hines. He published a trunk novel, and we really like that! After the interview, Michelle shares another set of pages that aren't good enough to publish. Mentioned in this episode: Fable Legends (Video Game) Dungeons and Dragons (Tabletop RPG) Jay Lake Shannon Hale Patrick Rothfuss Tamora Pierce Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV Show)
Episode 48 Interview with Tamora Pierce and Women in Fantasy
March 10, 2015 12:00 - 44 minutes - 21.2 MBThis week we have the pleasure of talking to Tamora Pierce! It's a great interview, so enjoy. Mentioned in this episode: Anne McCaffrey Marion Zimmer Bradley Robin McKinley Patricia A. McKillip Virginia Hankins Barbara Hambly J. K. Rowling Gail Carson Levine Gail Carriger Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV Show) beyondthetrope.weebly.com/denver-comic-con L. A. Meyer Esther Friesner
Episode 47 Steampunk & Interview With Gail Carriger
March 03, 2015 13:00 - 35 minutes - 16.8 MBSteampunk is exciting for us. For many reasons. That's why we're talking about it this week. After a brief discussion, we jump into an exciting interview with Gail Carrier. Mentioned in this episode: Steamboy (Movie) THE HUNGRY CITY CHRONICLES (Book Series) by Philip Reeve 2 D6 In A Random Direction (Podcast) Clockwork Couture https://clockworkcouture.com DC Comics (Steampunk Covers) GailCarriger.com RING WORLD by Larry Niven HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by Douglas Adams END...
Episode 46 Young Adult Literature
February 24, 2015 13:00 - 35 minutes - 17.1 MBThis week, we dive into Young Adult Literature. Why we read it, why we write it, and why we love it! Mentioned in this episode: BEAST QUEST (Book Series) by Adam Blade Terry Pratchett Jasper Fforde THE HUNGER GAMES (Book Trilogy) by Suzanne Collins CODEX ALERA (Book Series) by Jim Butcher DARK DAYS OF HAMBURGER HALPIN by Josh Berk ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME MARGARET by Judy Blume 50 SHADES OF GREY by E. L. James
Episode 45 Amazon Kindle Scout Pt. 3
February 17, 2015 13:00 - 39 minutes - 18.8 MBIt's our third discussion of Amazon's Kindle Scout. This time, we brought in a lawyer, Susan Spann, to talk about the user agreement from a contract specialist's point of view. Mentioned in this episode: The CNET article http://www.cnet.com/au/news/amazon-wants-your-vote-on-which-books-to-publish/ The Amazon User agreement https://kindlescout.amazon.com/agreement Champagne Books Barnes and Noble Create Space Tattered Cover Amazon Unlimited Writer Beware at http://accrispin.blogsp...
Episode 44 Interview with Susan Spann
February 10, 2015 13:00 - 25 minutes - 12.4 MBIn this episode we talk to Author Susan Spann about her Shinobi Mystery series. Mentioned in this episode: HARRY POTTER (Book Series) by J. K. Rowling HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD MYSTERY by James N. Frey Janet Reid Literary Agent RMFW and their Colorado Gold conference Jim Butcher James Rollins Lee Child
Episode 43 Writing Media and Poetry
February 03, 2015 13:00 - 39 minutes - 18.7 MBPaper and pen, TextEdit, and more complex word processors are the focus of this week's episode. We discuss pros and cons of each medium, then take a break and plunge into poetry. Mentioned in this episode: A VISIT FROM THE GOON SQUAD by Jennifer Egan Stephen King Neil Gaiman Scrivener J. R. R. Tolkien THE ILLIAD and THE ODYSSEY by Homer THE SILMARILLION by J. R. R. Tolkien YOU FIT INTO ME by Margaret Atwood Shel Silverstein W. B. Yeats Flogging Molly (Band) JABBERWOCKY by Lew...
Episode 42 Writing Resolutions and Emily's Trunk Novel
January 27, 2015 13:00 - 29 minutes - 14.1 MBIt's time to announce our resolutions for the new year! We also dive into another one of Emily's trunk novels.
Episode 41 Writer's Block and Giles' Trunk Novel
January 20, 2015 13:00 - 37 minutes - 18 MBIn this episode, we tackle the concept of Writer's Block. After that brief discussion, we dive into one of Giles' old trunk novels. Relevant to this episode: HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD MYSTERY by James N. Frey
Episode 40 Amazon Kindle Scout Pt. 2
January 13, 2015 13:00 - 40 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode, we continue our discussion on Amazon's new Kindle Scout publishing service. Mentioned in this episode: http://www.cnet.com/au/news/amazon-wants-your-vote-on-which-books-to-publish/ http://www.jimchines.com/2014/10/kindle-scout/ https://kindlescout.amazon.com/agreement Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Anthology The Voice Go Fund Me http://rachelannnunez.blogspot.com Pandora
Episode 39 Amazon Kindle Scout Pt. 1
January 06, 2015 13:00 - 38 minutes - 18.3 MBIn this episode, we start a long discussion on Amazon's new Kindle Scout publishing service. Mentioned in this episode: http://www.cnet.com/au/news/amazon-wants-your-vote-on-which-books-to-publish/ http://www.jimchines.com/2014/10/kindle-scout/ https://kindlescout.amazon.com/agreement Audible Kickstarter Kirkus Reviews Stephen King Borders Books and Music
Christmas Break 2014
December 23, 2014 13:00 - 4 minutes - 2.36 MBWe're off this week and next. We'll see you again on January 6, 2015!
Episode 38 Interview With Jamin and Kiowa Winans
December 16, 2014 13:00 - 47 minutes - 22.6 MBThis week we interview Jamin and Kiowa Winans, producers of The Frame, out now on DVD and BluRay and available at http://double-edge-films.myshopify.com. Mentioned in this episode: Ink (Movie) Westword interview with Jamin and Kiowa Winans by Jason Heller http://blogs.westword.com/showandtell/2014/10/the_frame_jamin_winans_of_ink_makes_a_new_movie.php WORLD WAR Z (Book) by Max Brooks Denver Comic Con Akira (Movie) 11:59 (Movie) Take Shelter (Movie) Sunshine (Movie) The Assassina...
Episode 37 Holidays in Fiction
December 09, 2014 13:00 - 21 minutes - 10.5 MBWith the Holiday Season soon upon us, we talk Holidays in Fiction. It's a fun short episode about our favorite time of year. Mentioned in this episode: HOGFATHER by Terry Brooks HARRY POTTER (Book Series) by J. K. Rowling THE NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss Love Actually (Movie) THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER by Barbara Robinson
Episode 36 Story Tension
December 02, 2014 13:00 - 35 minutes - 16.9 MBStory Tension. The backbone of great fiction. Mentioned in this episode: New Girl (TV Show) THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY by John le Carré PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth E. Wein THE SECRETS OF THE IMMORTAL NICHOLAS FLAMMEL (Book Series) by Michael Scott HARRY POTTER (Book Series) by J. K. Rowling THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green
Episode 35 Character Agency
November 25, 2014 13:00 - 35 minutes - 16.9 MBWhat is Character Agency, and why is it important? That's the topic for this week's episode! Mentioned: James Bond (Character created by Ian Fleming) TIR ET LIR (Play) by Marie Redonnet I AM THE MESSENGER by Markus Zusak Butter (Movie) 1984 by George Orwell THE GIVER by Lois Lowry READY PLAYER ONE by Ernest Cline THE TWO PRINCESSES OF BAMARRE by Gail Carson Levine Tamora Pierce ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Levine SPINDLE'S END by Robin McKinley Penelope (Movie) SEPTIMUS HEA...
Episode 34 Interview with Jim Butcher and Writing Communities
November 18, 2014 13:00 - 49 minutes - 23.3 MBThis week, it is our pleasure to interview the amazing Jim Butcher, author of THE DRESDEN FILES, CODEX ALERA, and the upcoming CINDER SPIRES. After the interview, the three of us sit down to discuss writing communities. Mentioned in this episode: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV Show) ANITA BLAKE: VAMPIRE HUNTER (Book Series) by Laurell K. Hamilton JURASSIC PARK by Michael Crichton Pokemon (TV Show) Big Trouble in Little China (Movie) Anton Strout CINDER SPIRES (Book Series) by Jim Bu...
Episode 33 Fantasy Tropes
November 11, 2014 13:00 - 44 minutes - 21 MBThis week we dive deeper into tropes, focusing on Fantasy Tropes. Mentioned in this episode: tvtropes.com GAME OF THRONES (Novel) by George R. R. Martin J. R. R. Tolkein James Joyce THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA by C. S. Lewis THE CODEX ALERA by Jim Butcher A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS by Lemony Snicket CINDER by Marissa Meyer CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON (Movie) Writing Excuses Podcast THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith Gregory Maguire DORO...
Episode 32 Body Language and Dialogue
November 04, 2014 13:00 - 45 minutes - 21.5 MBA two-topic episode featuring Body Language and Dialogue. Mentioned: Dr. Paul Ekman Lie to Me (TV Show) WICKED by Gregory Maguire THE LITTLE WHITE HORSE by Elizabeth Goudge
Episode 31 Books From Our Childhood
October 28, 2014 12:00 - 40 minutes - 19.5 MBJoin us as we walk down memory lane. It's time to talk books from our childhood! Mentioned in this episode: WHITE FANG by Jack London Nancy Drew (Book Series) Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner (Book Series) Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne (Book Series) SABRIEL by Garth Nix (Narrated by Tim Curry) Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J Sobol (Book Series) Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Book Series) LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott A WRINKLE IN TIME ...
Episode 30 Plagiarism
October 21, 2014 12:00 - 49 minutes - 23.7 MBPlagiarism is terrible. There is a current incident that we discuss in this week's episode. Mentioned: Rachel Ann Nunes (ranunes.com) The Absolute Writer Forum Predators and Editors PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith J. K. Rowling The James Potter e-book series by G. Norman Lippert fanfiction.net
Episode 29 Conferences and Pitching
October 14, 2014 12:00 - 1 hour - 32.2 MBThis week, we talk about conferences, why to attend them, and proper etiquette for pitching to editors and agents. Mentioned in this episode: Angie Hodapp Aaron Michael Ritchey Chemistry Club (ChemistryClubMusic.com) Query Shark (QueryShark.blogspot.com) Nathan Bransford (Author) Jim Butcher Scam School (Video Podcast) TED Talks
Episode 28 Book Reviews
October 07, 2014 12:00 - 28 minutes - 13.6 MBThis week we review three of our favorite books. Mentioned in this episode: THE SYRENA LEGACY (book series) by Anna Banks SAGA (Graphic Novel) by Brain K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins
Episode 27 Trunk Novels: Michelle
September 30, 2014 12:00 - 32 minutes - 15.6 MBLast but not least, it's time to talk about Michelle's first book. This week's story gave all of us hours of amusement.
Episode 26 Trunk Novels: Giles
September 23, 2014 12:00 - 35 minutes - 17.1 MBThis week, we pick apart Giles' first book. It has its failings, but it's good for a laugh, too. And if you pay close attention, you'll learn something.
Episode 25 Trunk Novels: Emily
September 16, 2014 12:00 - 29 minutes - 14.1 MBThis is our first featured trunk novel. This week, we talk about Emily's first novel and dissect it for fun and education. Mentioned in this episode: George R. R. Martin J. R. R. Tolkien
Episode 24 Interview with Chemistry Club
September 09, 2014 12:00 - 42 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this fantastic episode, we interviewed the band, Chemistry Club. Buy their music on iTunes and Bandcamp, and check out their website, www.chemistryclubmusic.com, to get links to their Facebook and Twitter. Mentioned in this episode: I Fight Dragons (Band) A Very Potter Musical Dungeons and Dragons (Tabletop RPG) Kirby Krackle (Band) The Doubleclicks Stubby Shillelaghs Brian Hoffman Captain Dan and the Scurvy Crew (Band) Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer Chemistry Club Pandora.com ...
Episode 23 Publishing Industry Insight
September 02, 2014 12:00 - 44 minutes - 21.4 MBWith Angie Hodapp and Warren Hammond in the studio, it's a chance to discuss some publishing industry insider information. Mentioned: Hilary Clinton Neil Gaiman Chuck Wendig John Scalzi MacMillan Publishing Kristin Nelson Harper Collins
Episode 22 RMFW 2014 Anthology
August 26, 2014 12:00 - 37 minutes - 18 MBWarren Hammond and Angie Hodapp are back to talk about the RMFW 2014 Anthology, Crossing Colfax. Mentioned in this episode: Nikki Baird (RMFW Anthology Chair) RMFW.org ON WRITING by Stephen King MY BIG FAT SUPERNATURAL WEDDING edited by P.N. Elrod Duotrope.com thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com SFWA.org Jean C. Stein S. J. Harper Harmony Ink Press
Episode 21 Sci-Fi, Mystery, and Book Planning
August 19, 2014 12:00 - 1 hour - 29.4 MBIn this episode, we talk Sci-Fi, Mystery, and how to plan a novel. Mentioned: KOP Series by Warren Hammond Raymond Chandler Kurt Vonnegut Dick Francis Jason Star TWILIGHT by Stephanie Meyer SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION by Stephen King Scrivener (word processing program) Jeanne C. Stein HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD MYSTERY by James Frey Agatha Christie Mond (TV Series) Columbo (TV Series) David Farland Mario Acevedo George R. R. Martin Joss Whedon Ellie Ann J. K. Rowling
Episode 20 Interview with Warren Hammond and Angie Hodapp Plus Critique Groups
August 12, 2014 12:00 - 47 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this episode, we talk with Warren Hammond and Angie Hodapp about the dynamics of being married to another writer. Then we move into a discussion on critique groups. Mentioned in this episode: RMFW Writers of the Future TOR Books Warren Hammond's KOP series Mario Acevedo Jeanne C. Stein (Author of the Anna Strong Novels) Aaron Michael Ritchey Nelson Literary Agency Max Brooks (And WORLD WAR Z) Jim Cole Margie Lawson Borders (RIP) Pikes Peak Writers
Episode 19 World Building and Character Development
August 05, 2014 12:00 - 52 minutes - 25 MBAnother Mini-Topic episode where we talk about World Building and Character Development. Mentioned in this episode: HARRY POTTER by J. K. Rowling THE SENATOR'S DAUGHTER (Short Story) by Giles Hash J. R. R. Tolkien TWILIGHT by Stephenie Meyer THE IMMORTAL NICHOLAS FLAMEL (Book Series) by Michael Scott Tamora Pierce Terry Pratchett Anne Rice Orson Scott Card DUNE by Frank Herbert A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE (Book Series) by George R. R. Martin Terry Brooks Robert Jordan Marvel ...
Episode 18 Jane Austen and J. R. R. Tolkien
July 29, 2014 12:00 - 48 minutes - 22.9 MBIt's a week of two mini-topics! We split up the episode between Jane Austen and J. R. R. Tolkien. Mentioned in this episode: EMMA PERSUASION PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen (Also both the 1940 and BBC adaptations) Mark Twain HARRY POTTER (Book Series) by J. K. Rowling Netflix Oh, Mr. Darcy (song) by The Doubleclicks THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA (Book Series) by C. S. Lewis THE HOBBIT THE SILMARILLION THE HISTORY OF MIDDLE EARTH (Book Series) THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy...
Episode 17 The Future of Publishing
July 22, 2014 12:00 - 43 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode we discuss (though never quote from) Michael Levin's opinion piece about the possibility of Barnes and Noble going out of business by the end of 2014. His article can be found here: http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_25685095/guest-commentary-will-barnes-noble-be-gone-by Mentioned in this episode: Terry Pratchett Amazon Kindle Jim Butcher Tamora Pierce Jasper Fforde Neil Gaiman Sky High (Movie) GEEKOMANCY by Michael R. Underwood Project Gutenberg
Denver Comic Con 2014 4th Special
July 15, 2014 12:00 - 51 minutes - 24.7 MBThis is our final Denver Comic Con 2014 Special. This week, we bring to you three one-on-one interviews from the con. First up, Emily interviewed Denver Comic Con director, Christina Angel. Next, Michelle sat down with Greg Weisman of Gargoyle fame. And Giles finishes the episode with artist Gareth Hinds.
Denver Comic Con 2014 3rd Special
July 08, 2014 12:00 - 1 hour - 28.7 MBOur third episode from Denver Comic Con 2014 features interviews from Jason Henderson and Steven L. Sears.
Denver Comic Con 2014 2nd Special
July 01, 2014 12:00 - 42 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this, our SECOND fabulous episode from Denver Comic Con 2014, we interview Frank Beddor, The Doubleclicks, and Kevin J. Anderson.
Denver Comic Con 2014 1st Special
June 24, 2014 12:00 - 52 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this, our first of FOUR Denver Comic Con Specials, we discuss Giles' and Michelle's first Con experience. Giles also makes a fool of himself in front of Quincy J. Allen. After that, we interview the AMAZING author, Ellie Ann.