David Perell · Video summary
How to Write Absurdly Well — Adrian Tchaikovsky
Adrian Tchaikovsky shares his approach to writing fantasy and science fiction, emphasizing world-building and character development.
Watch on YouTube ↗Key takeaways
- 🎯Tchaikovsky advocates for advanced planning in novels to create immersive worlds.00:35
- 💡He draws on his experience in role-playing games to craft detailed and believable settings.00:48
- 🚀Explore new world-building techniques from role-playing experiences.00:48
- 📈Making fights and action sequences feel organic requires careful consideration of pacing and relation to the plot.01:22
- 🌟Focus on crafting pacing for action scenes to enhance reader immersion.01:22
- 🔧Develop a detailed outline using Tchaikovsky's chapter-by-chapter method.02:12
Chapters
- 0:00🎯 Introduction to Adrian Tchaikovsky
- 0:35📚 Planning Novels in Advance
- 0:57🗂️ Chapter Planning
- 1:48🔄 Linear vs. Non-linear Writing
- 2:19🚀 World-Building Approach
- 3:37✨ Importance of Originality
- 4:28🐉 Dragons and Popularity in Fantasy
- 5:39🌍 Components of a Good 'What If'
- 9:07💡 Connecting Ideas
- 9:55🔍 Phases of Writing
- 11:08🤔 Live Characters in a Dynamic World
- 12:07🔥 Drama Emerging Organically
- 14:03🏙️ Setting vs. Traveling Narratives
- 15:47⚙️ Imagining Worlds
- 17:04👤 Character Believability
- 18:35🔬 Scientific Plausibility in Science Fiction
- 20:36❓ The Continuum of Science Fiction
- 22:10💥 Conclusion on Worlds and Characters
The digest
High Level Overview
Adrian Tchaikovsky, an acclaimed author of over 60 books and winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award, shares his detailed approach to writing richly immersive fantasy and science fiction. He explains how thorough worldbuilding, meticulous plotting, and scientific plausibility shape believable characters, gripping narratives, and dynamic settings. This insight is invaluable for writers and storytellers aiming to create imaginative yet coherent stories that resonate deeply with readers.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 6-minute article, 7 more sections, and every new episode from David Perell and the creators you follow.
- The Art of Advanced Planning and Worldbuilding
- Building Worlds from a "What If" Foundation
- Characters: Growing Believable Humans From Fantasy
- Balancing Scientific Plausibility and Fiction
- Differences Between Fantasy and Science Fiction in Worldbuilding and Purpose
- Practical Implications & Takeaways
- Action-Oriented Summary
More from David Perell
How to Write Incredible Stories (Wright Thompson Interview)
Wright Thompson reveals the architecture of storytelling is more crucial than words, emphasizing deep reporting, place, and interiority to uncover universal truths.
How to Write Vividly Well — Michael Connelly
Crime novelist Michael Connelly shares high-leverage writing techniques, focusing on telling details, character depth, and maintaining narrative momentum through meticulous revision.
How to Write Unapologetically Well — Tom Junod
Tom Junod discusses how to write unapologetically, emphasizing the importance of honesty and tackling taboo topics in writing.
The Key to Truly Beautiful Writing — Elif Shafak
Elif Shafak emphasizes the importance of infusing reality with magic in writing, showcasing the beauty of everyday experiences.
How to Write Something Truly Profound — Henry Shukman
Henry Shukman explores how writing transforms the ordinary into the profound, urging us to embrace vulnerability.
14 Techniques To Make Your Writing Memorable — Ward Farnsworth
Ward Farnsworth discusses 14 techniques to enhance your writing, emphasizing the use of Saxon words for memorability.