[ISBW] When Characters Go Rogue

About this episode

This episode discusses how different writers approach characterization and manage their characters' stories.

"Every character is the star of their own story." ISBW 22.9 In this episode we talk about how different writers view characterization, from the ones who struggle to the ones who say the characters live in their heads. How do you manage all these wily beasts who want their stories told? I will also be appearing next week at Ravencon, and then the following week at Demicon! This post went live for supporters on April 17, 2026 . If you want early and ad-free episodes, support at Patreon ! Remember you can join us on Thursdays, 3pm Eastern on Twitch ! The next live episode is April 24, when we will talk about A Year of Furious Creation. Links Ravencon Demicon Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman Evergreen Links Like the podcast? Get the book! I Should Be Writing . Socials: Bluesky , Instagram , YouTube , Focusmate Theme by John Anealio Support local book stores! Station Eternity, Six Wakes, Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition and more! OR Get signed books from my friendly local store, Flyleaf Books! Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. You can also support by leaving a Spotify or Apple review! CREDITS Theme song by…

People in this episode

Host: Mur Lafferty

Topics covered

• characterization
• writing process
• character development
• author experiences
• live podcast events

Keywords

• characterization
• writing
• authors
• Ravencon
• Demicon
• creative process
• podcast

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: I Should Be Writing

Places: Flyleaf Books

More episodes of I Should Be Writing

• [ISBW] Magic Systems and Ruinous Creatures · May 14, 2026 · 39 min
• [ISBW] Are you sure you want to injure that character? · April 28, 2026 · 33 min
• [ISBW] Can Rejectomancy Save Our Sanity? · April 6, 2026 · 32 min
• [ISBW] Medicine and AI with Dr. Justin C. Key · March 30, 2026 · 47 min
• [ISBW] Regret, Spite, and shiny new book haul · March 24, 2026 · 37 min
• [ISBW] Revisiting Space Murder with Olivia Waite · March 16, 2026 · 39 min