Derailed Trains Of Thought

Writer's Block. You've had it. I've had it. Everyone's had it, except possibly Isaac Asimov. The solution, of course, is to just start writing, but that's like saying the best way to find patience is to wait for it. So, can podcast hosts Timothy Deal and Nick Hayden help out? Who knows? But, gosh darn it, they'll try. Then for the second half of the show they delve into the weird and wonderful world of What If? This episode they smash together movie titles to see if the resulting mess is a viable product on its own. Unfortunately, the podcast was recorded just a bit too early to tackle Avengers: Unfriended. So, whether you're hoping to procrastinate on your latest project or are just horribly bored, why don't you listen in to your premiere podcast on storytelling, Derailed Trains of Thought! Show Notes

To: Timothy Deal From: Nick Hayden Subject: Regarding Episode 54's Write-up Tim, we gotta get this podcast posted, but my knack for inventing a clever hook for the write-up is failing me. I just need that and we're set to go. After the hook, I just mention that this week's topic is the use of meta in fiction and that in the second half we do some Take of Tales stuff. Seriously, though, if we're really going to be everyone's premier podcast on storytelling, we need a intriguing hook. Otherwise they won't listen to episode 54 of Derailed Trains of Thought, and they really, really should. Thanks! Nick P.S. Brain died for the title, too, but it's better than "Three-Dimensional Pun," which was my other option. Show Notes

It doesn't matter if you're all bloody. It doesn't matter if a mad scientist is about to complete his nefarious plot. It doesn't matter if you don't know if you really love her or if you love that girl back home instead. Tensions are high. Lives are at stake. You know what you have to do--you gotta kiss the girl! Romance is a great spice to all sorts of stories, and in this episode your hosts Nick and Tim talk romantic subplots, action hero damsels in distress, love triangles, and all manner of relational drama. Then, in the resurrection of Crackpot's Corner, Tim shares some plot ideas he received from dreams, including an intriguing political thriller filled with presidential doubles and, somehow, Neil Patrick Harris. Join us for Episode 53! Come on. You know you love us. Show Notes

"Show, don't tell." It's a rule pounded into storytellers...but are there times when telling is better? After all, you can't show everything, can you? Exposition is an essential part of storytelling, and your hosts Tim and Nick examine the good, the bad, and the ugly of explanation, narration, and good old-fashioned info-dumps. Afterward, they try their hand at flipping "showing" and "telling" in famous scenes from movies and books in their newest installment of "What If?" So, to get to the point: Hit play and listen to the newest episode of Derailed Trains of Thought, your premiere podcast on storytelling. Show Notes

"There goes Mr. Humbug. / There goes Mr. Grim. / If they gave a prize for bein' mean, / The winner would be him." Everyone knows it's not Christmas without Ebenezer Scrooge, so we're examining A Christmas Carol this December as we discuss the presentation of redemption in fiction. Then, because nothing says "Christmas is coming!" like a run of big releases in the theater, (not Tiny) Tim and (not Saint) Nick discuss their favorite recent movies, including Interstellar, Mockingjay Part 1, Big Hero 6, and a lesser known Muppet Christmas special. Have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and in the oft-repeated but always wonderful words of Tiny Tim, "God bless you, every one!" Show Notes

This is it, the show you've been waiting for--the 50th episode extravaganza! Join Tim and Nick and a boatload of guest stars as they lead you through a double-length whirlwind tour of the many segments, past and present, that make up the one, the only, the incomparable Derailed Trains of Thought! What are you waiting for? There's too much to tease, so jump right in! There's something for everyone! And if you hear a slight echo, it's only because there's so much awesomeness contained within the file, even the microphones couldn't handle it. Enjoy! Show Notes

Writing is revision and a movie is discovered in the editing room. Or so "they" tell us. Isn't vision enough? If not, how do we go about casting our re-vision anyway? Tim and Nick take up the topic with their usual flair in Episode 49 of Derailed Trains of Thought. Then, just because, they try their hand at revising popular movies and books--because, that's what people do now, you know? Listen in! Enjoy! Take notes! And remember, next up is our 50th podcast extravaganza! Show Notes

"Balder the Beautiful / Is dead, is dead!" These words once caused a young C. S. Lewis to glimpse a scene of beauty and joy. We all have our own memories of a moment in some story that resonated deeply with us with its beauty. What makes such a moment? What is beauty, anyway, and can we capture it? Tim and Nick are on the case, examining the role of beauty in art. In the second half, join us for A Bit of Story, recalling the longings of youthful springs, and some exciting project updates. The leaves are turning, and a lovely chill is on the wind. Settle in and listen to the 48th episode of everyone's favorite storytelling podcast, Derailed Trains of Thought! Show Notes

You know what makes a story real? What makes it intelligent and high-minded? Sex. Also, unflinching violence. Then probably more sex. Or at least another pint of blood. But is this true? At what point do these things become gratuitous? Or are they always unnecessary? When does showing depravity go too far? Where should we draw the line? Where!? WON'T ANYONE TELL US? Fear not! Tim and Nick are here to tackle these questions with all the grit and stoic fortitude they can manage. Then for a change of pace, they take a look back at summer movies, as well as at a few summer reads. It may not have enough science teachers turned drug lords for your liking, but come in anyway and listen to the 47th episode of everyone's favorite storytelling podcast--Derailed Trains of Thought! Show Notes

Dear listeners: You may have heard the hosts of this podcast refer to such works as Star Wars, Babylon 5, The Muppets, LOST, The Wheel of Time, and other such well-known works once or twice (or 1753 times) in previous podcasts. We would like to inform you that all such references have been blacklisted. Timothy and Nick must attempt a podcast referring only to lesser-known works. This experiment is being conducted with full cooperation of the hosts and will be temporary in nature. We are also subjecting Timothy and Nick to Jim Carrey's website. While more hazardous, we have good reason to suspect the hosts will come out (largely) unscathed. The 46th episode of Derailed Trains of Thought is sponsored by the Organization to Downplay Dostoyevsky, Balrogs, Aslan, Locke, Lupin, and Such (ODDBALLS). Enjoy. Sincerely, The Auditors Show Notes

It's been awhile since our last Side Track (like 2011!), so when the Children of the Wells gang got together recently, we thought we'd have a round table discussion of what makes us tick as creators. You know Tim and Nick, of course, but here's also Greg Meyer, Laura Fischer, Nathan Marchand, and Aaron Brosman, to share their thoughts on what makes a good story, as well as ponder other, less serious, questions. Our next regular podcast should be out early August, since Nick is MIA for the rest of July. (Sorry!)

Everyone knows if you're wearing a red shirt, you're going to die. And if you run out of flashbacks, you're going to die. And if you're someone's mentor, you're going to die. And if you're in a Shakespearean tragedy, you and everyone dear to you is going to die. And if you go to Z'ha'dum, you will die. But why? What's the dramatic purpose in a character's death? In this episode of Derailed Trains of Thought, Nick and Timothy defy the Grim Reaper and scratch the surface of the ways and reasons fictional characters encounter death. Then, for fun, we host an impromptu bracketed death match competition among a widely random selection of heroes and villains. I mean, Zantana vs. Yoshi--you've always wanted to know, right? Someone famous once said: "Give me Derailed Trains of Thought or give me Death!" To that we say, "Listen in, and you can have both!" Enjoy! Show Notes

Look--it's a fact. Not everyone can make diabolically elaborate plans go off without a hitch like the Joker or those guys from Ocean's Eleven. That's why some people use copious outlines while writing, and others...not so much. This episode, Nick and Tim explore the continuum between outliner and pantser, between those who plan everything and those who plan nothing, and what advantages each style holds. In the second half, we enjoy a hearty Take on Tales that examines Brandon Sanderson, Jack Kirby, Person of Interest, and Captain America. So, how about planning to listen in on the 44th episode of your favorite podcast about storytelling? Or would you prefer to spontaneously decide to listen? Either way works for us. Enjoy! Show Notes

Not everything's War and Peace. Thankfully. Some stories don't require a PhD. Sometimes we just want a good, simple story. So, Nick and Tim dive into the world of kidlit and kids' movies--bastion (we hope) of innocence and wonder. Why do stories aimed at kids appeal to adults? What limitations do such stories have and how can they go wrong? Tim and Nick may or may not tackle these questions in their wide-ranging discussion. Then, in the second half, they re-imagine various classic stories (such as Citizen Kane) as cartoons and animated films. Why? Because they can. Also, there may be a mention of a certain movie involving Muppets. So, whether you're 2 or 222, listen in to the 43rd episode of everyone's favorite podcast about storytelling! Show Notes

It's no secret Tim and Nick like to create. I mean, they've recorded more than 40 podcasts discussing the art of storytelling! But every creative person has a reason they create. And every creative person has multitudes of excuses for why they don't actually do that much creating. This episode, Tim and Nick analyse their own reasons for creation (and lack thereof), and in the process probably touch on some of your own desires and barriers. If that's too personal, hang out until the second half, when we discover the combat-typing game Sesame Street Fighter and why EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! Winter's not over yet (for some reason), so stay inside and listen in on Derailed Trains of Thought Episode 42, your answer to life, the universe, and everything...* *Results may vary. Show Notes

We all have our little pet scenes and characters. You know, that one line you'll watch again and again or that minor villain you write long fan fictions about because he's just SO COOL. Then there's costumes design of the palace guards (which is just so tacky) and the euphoric emotionality of their sordid romance and that shadows--see, it really is a munchkin hanging himself! And wait, what? You mean Orlando Bloom isn't the star of The Hobbit? Let's just say we sometimes get caught up in the spectacle, in the moment, in the inessential details and bunny trails, and miss what the story is really all about--and that's what this episode is all about. Then in the second half, Nick and Tim perform a live dramatic reading of a section of The Unremarkable Squire, Nick's latest fantasy novel. Serious discussion, obligatory LOST references, long analyses of Frozen, and ridiculous accents--that's what you can expect from Episode 41 of your premiere podcast about storytelling! Listen in! Show Notes

'Tis the season, and if you're like us, you'll end up with books and movies beneath your tree. But in a media-saturated culture, how do you navigate among the millions of choices for entertainment and art? Well, lucky for you, Tim and Nick have decided to tackle that exact question. (Imagine that!) And, just to help you out further, they also share some of the most influential work they've experienced this year, in case you're looking for a good book or movie. It's the last podcast of the year--number 40! We're officially over the hill. So, enjoy an hour with your favorite podcast on storytelling. And since we won't see you again until 2014, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Show Notes

We all love our ah-ha! moments. We like plot twists and seeing set-ups pay off. That medallion of his dead wife he wears under his shirt? Yep, blocks a bullet in the final battle. But when do these drama conventions become too convenient? And how to avoid letting the viewer see the strings that move the puppet? Nick and Tim investigate--or, at least, talk around the issue--in the 39th episode of Derailed Trains of Thought. Also, for your entertainment, your intrepid hosts put the Peter Jackson "if one movie is good, then three is better" magic to work on classic literature. Listen. Enjoy. Your premiere podcast about storytelling is here, just in time for the start of the holidays. Isn't that convenient? Show Notes

In the words of the famous (read: unknown) poem from Alice in Wonderland: He sent them word I had not gone (We know it to be true): If she should push the matter on, What would become of you? And what does this mean? No idea. But, it introduces an important point--understanding the perspective from which a story is told is vital to understanding the story. So, is first person perspective best or third person? Why would you use second person? How can tweaking the narrator's perspective change the entire warp and woof of the story? Believe it or not, Nick and Tim manage to discuss such things for half an hour. And it's interesting! Then, just so you don't think our random Wonderland quote is too random (is anything too random for Wonderland?), we spend the second half of the episode discussing fall TV, including one show involving a white rabbit. So buckle up. It's that time once again. You know he said it (and I mean it, too): "It's time to listen in on the 38th episode of Derailed Trains of Thought!" Sho

Ever had one of those days when you wake up late, spill hot coffee on yourself, accidentally sever your hand in the car door, and then witness the utter destruction of everything you know and love by a trans-dimensional blitzkrieg? Me, either. But if you're a fictional character, it's not outside the realm of possibility. So why do creators put their characters through such torture? Does a character ever suffer too much? And why are we attracted to suffering in TV and books we would be happy to avoid in real life? If those questions are too much for you, skip to the second half to hear Tim and Nick talk about perfume. So enjoy the always surprising, possibly fascinating, 37th episode of Derailed Trains of Thought. Show Notes