230: A Christmas Story, Well Told - Interview with Orson Scott Card

DIY MFA Radio

Hey there word nerds!

I have to admit that today I’m having a major fangirl moment because I’m interviewing Orson Scott Card on the show!

Orson Scott Card is the author of the New York Times bestseller Ender’s Game and has won several Hugo and Nebula awards for his works of speculative fiction. In fact, his Ender novels are read widely by adults and young readers alike, and are increasingly used in schools.

However his latest work of fiction, A Town Divided by Christmas, reads more like a Hallmark Christmas movie than the science fiction and fantasy work he has become known for. This novel is about a small, rural town divided by a decades-long feud over which newborn baby should be the baby Jesus in the Christmas pageant. But at its core is a Christmas time romance.

So listen in as we chat about this awesome book, and how to craft a well told story for Christmas or any time of the year.

In this episode Orson and I discuss:

• What makes a good Christmas story.
• Why writing within a formula can help you focus in on the heart of your novel.
• The importance of good dialogue.
• How to get readers emotionally invested in your characters.
• Worldbuilding techniques, large and small.

Plus, Orson’s #1 tip for writers.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/230