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Story Evolution and Writing Processes with R.M. Galardo

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner sits down with author R.M. Galardo to discuss her latest book, 'Traveler,' and its development from her initial work, 'Sister.' They talk about the complexities of series writing, exploring how 'Heirloom' evolved into 'Traveler' and the lessons learned during the writing journey. The conversation also highlights the importance of writing courses and communities, particularly Holly's Writing Classes, and the specific tools, like the Octopus Map used for plotting.

Tanner wraps things up by sharing updates on his own writing process and the practicality of using dictation to manage workload and boost productivity.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:05 Welcome Back, Rebecca Lardo

01:17 The Journey from 'Sister' to 'Traveler'

02:05 Challenges and Rewrites

04:00 Planning the Series Arc

05:23 Character Development and Revisions

07:03 Writing Techniques and Inspirations

10:33 Balancing Artistic Vision and Market Demands

23:53 Balancing Creativity and Commerce

25:38 The Importance of Community in Writing

28:59 Navigating Critique Groups

31:25 Developing a Writing Process

34:25 Consistency and Motivation in Writing

40:37 Exploring Dictation for Writing

44:47 Upcoming Projects and Announcements

Links:

Intro & Outro music: Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Connect with R.M. Garlardo at https://www.rmgalardo.com/

Check out Holly's Writing Classes at https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/

Sign up for the free Flash Fiction Course at https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/course/how-to-write-flash-fiction-that-doesnt-suck-the-free-class/

Checkout my author website and sign up for the newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/

Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.com

Check out the merch and support the show at: https://www.killerprose.com/store

Email me at: killerpenbooks@gmail.com

Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfright

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/killerprosepodcast

Time Management Episode: https://www.killerprose.com/managing-your-most-valuable-resource-as-a-writer-time/

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About the Podcast

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About your host

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Tanner Rutledge

Tanner Rutledge writes small-town mysteries and supernatural thrillers. Before turning to fiction, he spent 15 years as a private investigator, working on everything from missing persons to homicide cases. Those years gave him an intimate understanding of motivation and the quick thinking it takes to crack a case.

Tanner’s love of storytelling started early. He was the kid who wrote spooky tales for his second-grade classmates and stayed was always up late reading Stephen King and RL Stine under the covers. In college, he studied criminal justice but couldn’t stay away from creative writing and literature classes. When the world shut down in 2020, he finally gave himself permission to shift his focus back to writing and hasn’t looked back since.

He also hosts The Killer Prose Podcast, where he talks about the craft of writing, creativity, and the strange overlap between true crime and the paranormal.

When he’s not writing, you can usually find him spending time with his family or hanging out with his little black cat, Broccoli—his constant companion and occasional editor.