Episode 115 Keeping the god in the machine. Why 'Deus Ex Machina' endings suck and how to avoid them

March 13, 2018 00:16:48
Episode 115 Keeping the god in the machine. Why 'Deus Ex Machina' endings suck and how to avoid them
The Creative Writer's Toolbelt
Episode 115 Keeping the god in the machine. Why 'Deus Ex Machina' endings suck and how to avoid them

Mar 13 2018 | 00:16:48

/

Show Notes

itunes pic
Deus Ex Machina or 'god out of the machine' endings have a rich heritage going back to the Ancient Greek Theatre. But they are a terrible model for endings in creative writing. In this episode, we explore what Deus Ex Machina endings are, why they are so bad for creative writers, and how we can create a much better ending that will give credibility to our work and satisfy our readers.

Other Episodes

Episode

April 09, 2017 00:59:33
Episode Cover

Episode 98 - How to look after yourself and not be a jerk - living the writer's life well with Marie Bilodeau and Derek Künsken

This episode is a conversation with Ottawa based speculative writers Marie Bilodeau and Derek Künsken. In the conversation we explore how to live the...

Listen

Episode

April 16, 2016 00:15:41
Episode Cover

Episode 62 - In at the deep end. How to immerse readers in your story

In the previous episode we explored the two essential qualities of setting through describing the need for setting to be credible and immersive. In...

Listen

Episode

March 04, 2020 00:59:06
Episode Cover

Episode 158 Take the advice that works for you. A conversation with freelance editor Ellen Brock

This episode features one of my favourite guests, an editor who manages to combine a formidable expertise with a friendly and accessible manner, you’ll...

Listen