Best Lex Starwalker Podcasts (2024)

1
You Can Do Anything! Improvisation vs. Preparation part 1 & Why Creating Balanced Encounters is a Pipe Dream | GMJ 297 52:42

12d ago52:42

52:42

Welcome to Season 17! I’ve returned to the show. In this episode I discuss how I’ve begun to improvise more and prepare less as a GM. I also talk about why the idea of creating balanced encounters is, and will always be, a fantasy. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you…

1
My Writing Club, Dyson Swarms & Space Trains | LOL 091 1:00:42

2M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

This week I talk about a science-fiction writing club I’m starting in my home town. I also talk a bit about the ongoing revision process for Critical Balance and a couple story ideas I’m working on for my next novel. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify. Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatti…

1
Story Sketch | LOL 090 59:35

6M ago59:35

59:35

This week I share a method I’ve come up with to help me write every day that I’m calling a story sketch. It’s also a great way to practice as a writer, experiment, and try out new techniques. I also talk a bit about how writing longhand is very different than typing when writing and some distinct advantages it has. Even though it’s not how I would …

1
Writing vs. Storytelling | LOL 089 1:00:09

7M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

This week I discuss the differences between writing and storytelling. If you’re like me, you may have spent a lot of time and energy focusing on your writing while giving little thought to the art of telling a good story. I illustrate how point-of-view violations are anathema to good storytelling. Finally I explain how whichever path you’re taking—…

1
Character Flaws, Problems & Misbeliefs | LOL 088 1:30:12

7M ago1:30:12

1:30:12

This week I catch you up to what I’ve been doing writing-wise. I discuss protagonist flaws and problems. I also explore the limitations I’ve found in the misbelief concept. I think these limitations are overcome by realizing a misbelief is just a type of flaw. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify. Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliat…

1
Pathnotes from a Writing Conference | LOL 087 1:04:41

8M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

This week I share some of what I learned at a local writing conference I attended recently. I also share some decent writing craft books I’ve discovered that I’ll likely be talking some more about in future episodes. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify. Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatti…

1
Considering Independent Publishing | LOL 086 1:21:37

9M ago1:21:37

1:21:37

This week I share some of what I’ve learned about independent publishing compared to traditional publishing. I also give some of my thoughts on The Wheel of Time TV show thus far. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify. Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word. Join my Book Club. How to…

1
Thoughts on SpaceX & How Settling Mars Will Really Work | LOL 085 1:00:44

10M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

I discuss my thoughts on Starlink, Starship, and the colonization of Mars. Will we really use chemical rockets to get to Mars? Will we ever have cities on the surface of Mars? Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify. Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word. Join my Book Club. How to get…

1
The Creative Process & My (Revised) Daily Writing Goal | LOL 084 1:09:41

10M ago1:09:41

1:09:41

I discuss what I’ve learned about how the creative process works in the human brain and how I’ve used this to revise and improve my daily writing goal. I also talk a bit about the nested cylinders of Union City and growing trees in space. Links Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify. Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my G…

1
This Novel Isn't Working | LOL 083 1:07:52

11M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

This week I talk about why I’ve decided to put my space Odyssey idea on the backburner and return to writing a sequel to Critical Balance. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word. Join my Book Club. How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show. Join m…

1
This Novel is Allowed to Suck | LOL 082 58:35

11M ago58:35

58:35

This week I explain why the novel I’m writing is allowed to suck. I also talk a bit about why it's best to focus on a genre & subgenre in the beginning of your writing career. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word. Join my Book Club. How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from y…

1
How Not to Receive a Critique | LOL 081 1:36:40

11M ago1:36:40

1:36:40

This week I share an example of how not to receive a critique. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word. Join my Book Club. How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Support the show. Join my Discord server. Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391 Episode on Receiving Negat…

1
Writing for Science Fiction Readers | LOL 080 42:45

12M ago42:45

42:45

Today I talk about why I now think writing Critical Balance for mainstream readers was a mistake. I also talk a bit about beginning the first draft of my new novel. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word. Join my Book Club. How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library…

1
First Person Perspective & the Saturn System | LOL 079 1:00:51

12M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

This week I discuss some of the interesting things I’ve learned about the Saturn system in my research and how I’ll be using them in the novel. I also share some thoughts and revelations I’ve had recently about writing in first person perspective. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formattin…

1
The First Page | LOL 078 55:45

1y ago55:45

55:45

Today I talk about the importance of the first page and the first chapter in a book. I also share a recent realization I’ve had as to differentiating the great and not-so-great books I read. I’ve realized all my favorite books all have a key element in common. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to No…

1
Curating Ideas & Solar System Travel Times | LOL 077 1:12:42

1y ago1:12:42

1:12:42

This week I talk about theoretical propulsion systems and travel times through the solar system. I also talk about how I’ve recently changed my mind about writing down ideas. I am now an idea collector and an idea curator. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word. Join my Book C…

1
Disappointment | LOL 076 1:00:11

1y ago1:00:11

1:00:11

The rejections have been piling up, so this week I talk about dealing with disappointment and avoiding discouragement. I also talk a bit about the new Orbit Works imprint. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word. Join my Book Club. How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your …

1
The Wanderings of Lex | LOL 075 1:08:36

1y ago1:08:36

1:08:36

I’ve come up with a completely new and different idea for my next novel, and I’m really excited to share it with you today. I discuss how the first idea you have is often far from the best idea, and how this has been true for this book I’m working on. I also talk a bit about new discoveries about the geysers on Enceladus. Links Get a free 30 day tr…

1
Sci-Fi vs. Fantasy & Rethinking My Next Novel | LOL 074 1:29:08

1y ago1:29:08

1:29:08

Today I update you on my progress and talk about I finally found a succinct definition of the difference between science-fiction and fantasy that’s simple, easy to remember & understand, and is accurate in most situations. I’ve also received some insight into why sci-fi is so popular in TV and movies, but when it comes to books, not so much. Finall…

1
Market Research (aka Reading a Lot) | LOL 073 1:05:05

1+ y ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Today I update you on my progress and talk about how I’m building a reading list to stay apprised on the latest & greatest sci-fi novels being published. I also talk a bit about how, for me at least, social media is largely a waste of time. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Wo…

1
I Completed My Novel Synopsis! | LOL 072 1:27:13

1+ y ago1:27:13

1:27:13

I finally broke down and wrote a two-page synopsis of my novel, and guess what? It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be! I know, you’re shocked. Things not being as bad as we think seems to be a recurring theme on this show, doesn’t it? I also give my rankings of the various Star Trek shows and movies. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audi…

1
Querying Isn't as Bad as You've Heard | LOL 071 1:42:47

1+ y ago1:42:47

1:42:47

This week I talk about my experiences querying agents so far, and I’ve got some good news for you! It’s not nearly as bad as a lot of people make it sound. You’ve got this! Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word. Follow me on Mastodon! Join my Book Club. Query Shark blog. Quer…

1
My First Rejection! | LOL 070 1:04:48

1+ y ago1:04:48

1:04:48

I’ve received my first form rejection from a literary agent! This is an important milestone in my journey as a writer. I ponder its importance, and I also talk a bit why short sentences are an important tool in your writer’s toolbox. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Gam…

1
Using Simple Sentences & Querying Agents | LOL 069 1:25:42

1+ y ago1:25:42

1:25:42

I kick off season 4 with a discussion of using simple sentences in writing. I also talk about my experiences so far querying agents and give an update on my novels. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Follow me on Masto…

1
Voice & the Phases of Writing a Novel | LOL 068 1:00:39

1+ y ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Today I wrap up 2022 and season 3 of the show with ponderings on the writer’s voice. I also muse on the various phases in creating a novel. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Follow me on Mastodon! Join my Book Club. N…

1
Writer Beware | LOL 067 46:42

1+ y ago46:42

46:42

A couple companies that scam writers are being promoted by NaNoWriMo. I take this opportunity to discuss how, as writers, we need to be wary of con artists and others looking to exploit our hard work for their own ends. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Check out …

1
Drafting vs. Revising | LOL 066 41:16

1+ y ago41:16

41:16

Today I discuss what I find difficult and easy about drafting and revising. I find there are aspects to each that I love, and aspects of each that are more challenging. I also talk a little about journaling my journey as a writer. Links Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.…

1
Finishing the 4th & 5th Drafts of Critical Balance | LOL 065 1:20:10

1+ y ago1:20:10

1:20:10

I’ve finished the 4th and 5th drafts of Critical Balance. I talk about my struggles and journey with these two drafts, and I share some of the changes I made. I also discuss my thoughts about, and struggles with, my word count through the revision process. Finally I wonder about the odds of getting published that are often floated around. There are…

1
The Flow of Information in a Novel | LOL 064 1:09:31

1+ y ago1:09:31

1:09:31

This week I give an update on my progress and talk a bit about how managing the flow of information to the reader may be the most challenging aspect of writing a novel. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reader! Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Query Shark blog S…

1
Crossword Puzzles for the Writer | LOL 063 1:03:20

2y ago1:03:20

1:03:20

I talk a bit about a new hobby of mine—crossword puzzles. I think solving crosswords on the regular has quite a few benefits for writers. I also give some tips for getting started in this hobby. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reader! Support the show. Join my Discord serve…

1
TMI | LOL 062 1:14:40

2y ago1:14:40

1:14:40

I give an update on my progress with version 4 of Critical Balance. I also share some struggles I’ve been having that have been impacting my productivity. Finally, an unexpected bonus: an example of why you really don’t want to screw up the ending of a story. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Po…

1
Vampire: The Masquerade Part 3 | GMJ 296 1:31:57

2y ago1:31:57

1:31:57

I continue my overview of Vampire: the Masquerade by White Wolf Games. This week I talk about the virtues and humanity, backgrounds, diablerie, frenzy, rotschrek, and awarding and spending experience points. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Interested in Beta Reading for my new novel, Cr…

1
Vampire: The Masquerade Part 2 | GMJ 295 1:23:30

2y ago1:23:30

1:23:30

I continue my overview of Vampire: the Masquerade by White Wolf Games. This week I go over the Disciplines—the various vampiric powers—as well as the clans of vampires. I also talk about generation and how the blood pool mechanics work. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Interested in Beta…

1
Vampire: The Masquerade Part 1 | GMJ 294 1:18:30

2y ago1:18:30

1:18:30

I give an overview of Vampire: The Masquerade RPG by White Wolf Games. In this first part I talk about some of the things I’ve learned from Vampire that have made me the GM I am today. I discuss how the prelude concept from Vampire changed my games forever, and I’ll go over nature, demeanor, and personality archetypes in more detail. Check Out my N…

1
The Storyteller System by White Wolf | GMJ 293 1:36:14

2y ago1:36:14

1:36:14

This week I give a brief introduction to the Storyteller RPG system by White Wolf. This is the system used for the World of Darkness games, including Vampire: the Masquerade, Werewolf: the Apocalypse, Changeling: the Dreaming, Mage: the Ascension, and Wraith: the Oblivion. This versatile system is easy to learn, easy to teach, and easy to run, and …

1
Adventure Paths, Mage & Vignettes | GMJ 292 1:10:13

2y ago1:10:13

1:10:13

Craig joins me again today to continue our discussion of his Mage chronicle. We talk more about the open-ended magic system of Mage and how, to a large degree, the biggest limitation is the players’ own imaginations. We also talk about Pathfinder’s Adventure Paths and how vignettes and preludes can add depth to the tabletop RPG experience. Check Ou…

1
Mage the Ascension & Mechanics- vs. Narrative-Focused Games | GMJ 291 1:24:23

2y ago1:24:23

1:24:23

Craig joins me to discuss his Mage chronicle he’s running. What is it like running a game where the player characters can do just about anything they can imagine? We also talk about the differences between more mechanics-focused games and more narrative-focused games. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your next purchase at Metalli…

1
Behind the Scenes | LOL 061 53:41

2y ago53:41

53:41

I discuss how a fundamentally important element of my setting is barely mentioned in the novel that takes place in that setting. I also give an update on my writing life and talk a bit about why so many trees are grown in Union City. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reader! …

1
Chapter Titles | LOL 060 49:00

2y ago49:00

49:00

Today I talk about how naming your chapters can help you when it comes time to summarize your novel for an agent or editor. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reader! Stephen King’s Reading List for Writers. Support the show. Join my Discord server. Call My Voicemail: 951-465-…

1
15 Writing Tips from Stephen King's On Writing | LOL 059 1:33:53

2y ago1:33:53

1:33:53

I share 15 writing tips from Stephen King’s book, On Writing. I discuss my experiences and how these tips have helped me as a writer. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Episode on Alpha & Beta Readers. Episode on Setting the Right Writing Goal for You. Stephen King’s Reading List for Writers. Support the show. Join my …

1
My Ideal RPG System | GMJ 290 53:31

2y ago53:31

53:31

I’m often asked if I’ve ever considered creating my own RPG system, and the answer is Yes! Today I talk about some of the features that my ideal RPG system would have. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Interested in Beta Reading for my new novel, Critical Balance? Find out more here. Get …

1
Novel Pacing & Thrillers | LOL 058 1:14:44

2y ago1:14:44

1:14:44

I share some thoughts on novel pacing and the common approaches to pacing I often see in the novels I really like. I also discuss some of the things I like and dislike about thrillers and relate them to the pacing discussion. Also included is a discussion of how I rank the importance of character, setting, and plot in a story. I talk about a couple…

1
Style Guides, or What I Learned from Being Wrong about the Serial Comma | LOL 057 1:19:48

2y ago1:19:48

1:19:48

This week I share an important lesson I learned from being wrong about the serial comma. I go over the big three style guides used for writing in American English, including the one most important to we novelists—The Chicago Manual of Style. Before that, I share some frustrations I have as a creator on YouTube. I also talk about the merits of appen…

1
My Approach to Game Mastering & Returning to the World of Darkness | GMJ 289 1:27:30

2y ago1:27:30

1:27:30

I field some questions from listener-GM Matt Yancik on topics of game mastering: my GM philosophy, managing the table & players, and GMing compared to playing. I then talk a bit about the new Mage: the Ascension campaign I’m playing in and reminisce about my time with the old World of Darkness games Changeling: the Dreaming & Vampire: the Masquerad…

1
Writing & Game Mastering | LOL 056 1:01:12

2y ago1:01:12

1:01:12

This week I answer a variety of questions submitted by listener Matt Yancik. I cover a variety of writing-related topics including comparing writing and game mastering, comparing discovery writing and outlining, and the kinds of appendices I’d like to put in my book. I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers Interested in being an alpha or beta reader f…

1
Balancing Self-Confidence & Humility and How to Approach Negative Reviews | LOL 055 56:33

2+ y ago56:33

56:33

This week I discuss how being a successful writer requires a careful balance of self-confidence and humility. I also consider the downside of ignoring negative and/or nasty reviews and give a more productive alternative. I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers Interested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information. Li…

1
Commercial is NOT a Bad Word | LOL 054 51:26

2+ y ago51:26

51:26

Sometimes I get the impression people think commercial is a bad word—commercial as in commercial fiction. It’s not, and today I’ll tell you why. I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers Interested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Big Picture S…

1
Moving On! | LOL 053 1:16:18

2+ y ago1:16:18

1:16:18

Today I bring you up to date on what I’ve been working on. I talk a bit about how if you don’t use it, you lose it and how I’m really loving crosswords to keep my vocabulary sharp. Finally, I discuss receiving my first alpha feedback, titling the book, and how I’m adjusting my strategy going forward. I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers Interested …

1
Check Your Sources | LOL 052 56:51

2+ y ago56:51

56:51

Whether you’re doing research for your novel or looking for information of the craft of writing, it’s always a good idea to look into where the information is coming from. Does the information come from a reputable and reliable source, or not? I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers Interested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here f…

1
My Revision Process | LOL 051 39:57

2+ y ago39:57

39:57

I have finished the second draft of my novel! Today I talk a bit on how I’m approaching my revisions and what I’m focusing on with each draft. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Support the show. Join my Discord server. Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391By Lex Starwalker

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Lex Starwalker Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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