Writing the Wrong Way with Jonathan Ball, PhD
By Writing the Wrong Way with Jonathan Ball, PhD
Writing the Wrong Way with Jonathan Ball, PhDNov 02, 2021
Self-Employment and Isolation with Elena Sturk-Lussier
Jonathan welcomes Uniter columnist Elena Sturk-Lussier to talk about their recent piece on the isolation of self-employment and freelance work.
Read more of Elena's columns: https://uniter.ca/author/elena-sturk-lussier
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
How to stay motivated with GMB Chomichuk and Lyndon Radchenka
Jonathan welcomes studio-mates Gregory and Lyndon to talk about how they stay motivated to continue creating when the work is not progressing well.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
Exposing yourself to feedback with Justin Currie and Lyndon Radchenka
Jonathan welcomes Justin Currie, a.k.a. Chasing Artwork, and Lyndon "The Letterer" Radchenka to talk about the risk and reward of building yourself a reliable feedback loop in your writing.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
Tara Cole-McCaffrey on Developing Your Style
Jonathan welcomes professional stylist Tara Cole-McCaffrey to talk about how to create your own personal writing style.
You can see more of Tara's style at https://patronofdreams.com/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
On shooting an independent horror movie
Jonathan welcomes friend and frequent collaborator GMB Chomichuk to share his thoughts on the indie filmmaking process immediately after they wrapped production on The Princess and the Dragon, a terrifying horror take coming soon to a screen near you!
For more of GMB Chomichuk's work: https://www.gmbchomichuk.ca/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
How to Be a Hero by Making Comics with Lyndon Radchenka and ZM Schuster
Jonathan welcomes comic co-creators Lyndon Radchenka and Zach Schuster to talk about their upcoming Hero-Man, and their recent trip to France to promote the book at an international comics festival.
You can pre-order Hero-Man now: https://a.co/d/geG2Bs0
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Staying on track with your screenwriting
Jonathan welcomes in his podcast producer Dan to talk about his "Meathouse" screenwriting project and about how to stay motivated and keep writing in the face of adversity.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
Doni on Writing an Afrofuturist Manga
Jonathan welcomes Doni, the creative force behind The Aperios World Project, to talk about Afrofuturism and its depiction in the modern media landscape.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
Too Many Cooks is a crash course in postmodern art
Jonathan talks about the viral video Too Many Cooks, and its multilayered look at the distortion of our reality.
Watch Too Many Cooks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrGrOK8oZG8
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
Is Shakespeare an experimental writer? Sonnet 130
Jonathan discusses William Shakespeare's Sonnet 130, which he considers an experimental poem from the most well-known writer in western civilization.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
Doctor Moreau vs Slavoj Zizek
Jonathan dives into the classic H.G. Wells novel The Island of Dr. Moreau and compares it's animals vs. human conflict to the philosophies of Dr. Slavoj Zizek.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
Who haunts Hill House? (Part 2)
Jonathan continues his breakdown of Shirley Jackson's 1959 gothic horror novel The Haunting of Hill House.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
Did Shirley Jackson write the perfect novel? The Haunting of Hill House
Jonathan discusses Shirley Jackson's 1959 gothic horror novel The Haunting of Hill House.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
David Lynch's Lost Highway contains a perfect scene that writers should study
Jonathan discusses a specific scene from David Lynch's Lost Highway (1997), which he says is one of the most perfect scenes ever created in film.
Watch the scene here first: https://youtu.be/gzoe2_Hlz7Y?si=bAZWa8ofxJ_MFWvr
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Is Ursula K. Le Guin the best science fiction writer in Omelas?
Jonathan discusses one of the best writers the genre of science fiction has ever seen, Ursula K. Le Guin, beloved the world over for her sci-fi-centred Hainish universe, and Earthsea fantasy series.
Specifically, Jonathan talks about Le Guin's 1973 short work of philosophical fiction, "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas."
You can read the short story here: https://shsdavisapes.pbworks.com/f/Omelas.pdf
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
What do Sigourney Weaver, Star Trek, and Alan Rickman have in common? Galaxy Quest!
Jonathan breaks down the 1999 Star Trek spoof Galaxy Quest, directed by Dean Parisot and written by David Howard and Robert Gordon. It's a clever take on what was at that point a tired franchise.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Has Christopher Nolan done his own Inception to convince me he is Hitchcock?
Jonathan breaks down Christopher Nolan's Inception (2010), how it externalizes an internal conflict, and works so well structurally. Truly a masterpiece of Hitchcockian proportions.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Who is the real Parasite in this smash Korean film?
Jonathan discusses the 2019 Academy Award-winning Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, who co-wrote the screenplay with Han Jin-won. A dark comedy from South Korea that does everything right as far as screenwriting goes, and many other things as well.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Is Seth Rogen just using James Franco? The genius of Pineapple Express
Jonathan talks about the 2008 hit comedy Pineapple Express, written by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Thanos versus The Alien! Screenwriter Dan O'Bannon and Dynamic Story Structure
Jonathan talks about Dan O'Bannon's Guide to Screenplay Structure, a book on screenwriting from the writer of Alien, Total Recall, and Lifeforce.
Pick up Dan O'Bannon's book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Dan-OBannons-Guide-Screenplay-Structure/dp/B00F6IZHHC
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Robert Eggers made a deal with the devil to write The Witch — and so can you!
Jonathan discusses his thoughts on the 2015 horror film The Witch, written and directed by Robert Eggers.
Watch The Witch (2015): https://youtu.be/iQXmlf3Sefg?si=cbW0wG4hplEtRfAm
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Creating a shared world with GMB Chomichuk and Chadwick Ginther
Jonathan welcomes frequent writing collaborators GMB Chomichuk and Chadwick Ginther on the show to talk about their upcoming project Shared World, which launches Nov. 29, 2023: https://www.facebook.com/events/1011277780184918/?ti=ls
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Adam Sandler's terrible movie Jack and Jill can make you a better writer
Jonathan analyzes the 2011 Adam Sandler film Jack and Jill, in which Sandler plays two characters, a twin brother and sister:
https://youtu.be/YyK_CTdrFyw?si=d_ELeIVWjhKcaWT_
According to Jonathan, it's actually a well-constructed character journey hidden inside a hot mess of a film.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
What do you want? (Part 2)
Jonathan continues to answer questions from a former student about how to become the professional writer they want to be.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
What do you want? (Part 1)
Jonathan answers a student's questions about writing, how to make good writing decisions, and how to be a more consistent, collaborative writer.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
How to become a REAL writer
Jonathan answers a listener question about how to begin the writing process, and from that answers the larger question of “How do I become a REAL writer?” or how to create consistently good written content on a regular basis.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
UCalgary Keynote on Horror Stories and The Eye Collector
Jonathan gives a keynote address to students at the University of Calgary about creating The Eye Collector, and how he wrote it the wrong way.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Building the Meathouse with Dan Vadeboncoeur
Jonathan welcomes back WTWW producer Dan Vadeboncoeur to talk about developing his Meathouse film concept into a full-fledged screenplay.
Hear the Super Pulp Science episode that birthed the Meathouse:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ceXzWIFGyjwZqxyk9q48T?si=4ab388b351244414
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
10 Rules for Beginning Screenwriters like Dan Vadeboncoeur
Jonathan welcomes in podcast producer Dan Vadeboncoeur, who is venturing into screenwriting territory with his horror film project Meathouse. Jonathan takes Dan through his 10 rules for beginning screenwriters to start him on his way.
Hear the Super Pulp Science episode that birthed the Meathouse:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ceXzWIFGyjwZqxyk9q48T?si=4ab388b351244414
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Suzette Mayr on Being Haunted, Historical Research, and Winning the Giller Prize for Fiction
Jonathan welcomes Canadian Novelist Suzette Mayr, winner of the Giller Prize for her novel The Sleeping Car Porter, published by Coach House Books. Mayr talks about growing up in a haunted house, how it influenced her writing, and much more.
You can find Mayr’s work in this anthology of horror short stories: https://www.littleghostsbooks.com/product/what-draws-us-near/1045
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Dalnavert - A Ghost Story - a Lit Live Reading
Jonathan reads his short story Dalnavert, a ghost story he wrote while staying overnight in a haunted house (The Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg).
You can get a free eBook version of Dalnavert here.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
The Writing Life - Questions and Answers - with Ryan Fitzpatrick
Jonathan is interviewed by fellow writing instructor Ryan Fitzpatrick about his varied career as a professional writer, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
For more of Ryan's work: https://ryanfitzpatrick.ca/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Effective Exposition with Elle León Nostas and Andrew Penczner
Jonathan welcomes Elle León Nostas and Andrew Penczner, creators of Mark of Death: Year of the Rat for Bliss on Tap Publishing. They talk about creating the larger world around their story, and the inspiration behind their tale of time stealers and death dealers.
Pick up your copy of Mark of Death: Year of the Rat:
https://bliss-on-tap-publishing.square.site/product/mark-of-death-volume-one/83
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
How NOT to Get an Agent with Emmy Nordstrom Higdon
Jonathan welcomes back literary agent Emmy Nordstrom Higdon to discuss the role of an agent in the publishing process, and what NOT to do when you're trying to get an agent for yourself.
Check out the work of another of Emmy's clients Kelly Ohlert and her novel To Get to the Other Side.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Peter Chiykowski on The Story Engine and Generating Ideas
Jonathan welcomes writer and illustrator Peter Chiykowski to discuss his Story Engine Deck and how it can help writers come up with new and original story ideas.
Get your own copy of The Story Engine Deck: https://storyenginedeck.com/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Dennis Cooley on Building a Poetry Collection and Working on Multiple Projects
Jonathan welcomes back one of his mentors, poet Dennis Cooley (author of Body Works and Bloody Jack, among others). They discuss "mining the site," throwing oneself into researching for writing, and more tenets taught to a young Jonathan Ball.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
David Annandale on Doctor Doom, Warhammer, Horror, and Writing Tie-In Fiction
Jonathan welcomes writer David Annandale to the podcast. Annandale is the author of the Doctor Doom trilogy for the Marvel Untold series, multiple Warhammer 40,000 books, the Jen Blaylock thriller series, and more.
You can find more of Annandale’s work on his website. https://davidannandale.com/
And on Mastodon: https://mstdn.social/@davidannandale
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Matthew Medney on Science Fiction, Writing Collaborations, Comics, and the Business of Story
Jonathan welcomes writer Matthew Medney to the podcast. Medney is the bestselling author of Beyond Kuiper, Above the Ground, Stable, The Fifth Force, and Remnant, among others. He is the former CEO of Heavy Metal Magazine.
Find more of Matthew's work here.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Aaron Giovannone on creating poetic tension and The Nonnets
Jonathan welcomes poet Aaron Giovannone to talk about his second book of poetry The Nonnets, and how he evokes emotion in such short-written works.
Pick up your copy of The Nonnets here: https://www.amazon.ca/Nonnets-Aaron-Giovannone/dp/1771664061
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Ryan North on Writing Fantastic Four, Squirrel Girl, Dinosaur Comics, and YA Graphic Novels
Jonathan welcomes Canadian comics writer Ryan North, a contributor to major Marvel titles such as Fantastic Four, Secret Invasion, and Squirrel Girl. North talks about writing Dinosaur Comics, and other YA graphic novels like Danger and Other Unknown Risks, How to Invent Everything, and more.
Check out North's work at: https://ryannorth.ca/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Oystein Ulsberg Brager on The Amelia Project and Experimenting with Audio Drama
Jonathan welcomes theatre director and playwright Øystein Ulsberg Brager to talk about his audio drama podcast The Amelia Project and the growing world of audio drama podcasts.
Listen to The Amelia Project at https://ameliapodcast.com/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Joe Fisher on creating the sci-fi audio drama podcast Midnight Burger
Jonathan welcomes writer Joe Fisher in to talk about his audio drama podcast Midnight Burger, the story of a dimension-hopping diner and its many interesting and unusual customers.
Listen to all episodes of Midnight Burger: https://www.weopenatsix.com/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
https://www.instagram.com/jonathanballcom/
https://www.strangerfiction.ca/
Jonathan answers your questions
Jonathan answers questions he asked for and received through his various social media channels and newsletter recipients. Almost anything is on the table. Almost.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Discussing micro-press publishing with Ryan Fitzpatrick
Jonathan welcomes back poet Ryan Fitzpatrick to talk about his digital chapbooks, running a micro-press, and his new collection of poetry.
Check out Ryan's new book, Sunny Ways: https://invisiblepublishing.com/product/sunny-ways/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Discussing The Legend of Zelda with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Part 2
Jonathan continues his conversation with poet Ryan Fitzpatrick about their mutual favourite video game series, The Legend of Zelda.
Part one of the discussion can be found here.
Check out Ryan's work: https://ryanfitzpatrick.ca/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Discussing The Legend of Zelda with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Part 1
Jonathan welcomes poet Ryan Fitzpatrick back to the podcast to discuss their mutual favourite video game series, The Legend of Zelda.
This is part one of the discussion, part two will be posted next week.
Check out Ryan's work: https://ryanfitzpatrick.ca/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Grants: Background and Development with Lyndon Radchenka
Jonathan and Lyndon discuss a somewhat amorphous section of grant applications - justifying why you and your work are important.
Check out Lyndon's work at https://www.infinitestudio.ca/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Launching The Laundrymen Kickstarter with Steven Kaul & Lyndon Radchenka
Jonathan welcomes back Lyndon Radchenka and his creative collaborator Steven Kaul to talk about their new Kickstarter comic book project, The Laundrymen: The Life Thief.
Pick up your copy of The Laundrymen: The Life Thief at laundrymen.ca
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Grant Budgets: Lyndon Radchenka asks the relevant questions
Lyndon Radchenka returns to the podcast to ask Jonathan the most frequently asked questions about how to create the budget section of your grant proposal.
Check out Lyndon's work at https://www.infinitestudio.ca/
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom
Natalee Caple on fictionalizing history 'In Calamity's Wake'
Jonathan welcomes acclaimed author Natalee Caple to his University of Winnipeg class to talk about her latest novel, In Calamity's Wake, and her take on fictionalizing real-life historical figures
You can buy In Calamity's Wake here.
For more of Jonathan's work:
https://twitter.com/jonathanballcom