 Download this episode (right click and save) Welcome back to our EpiCasts! This fifteenth edition, almost exactly coinciding with the fifteenth anniversary of the EpiGuide webfiction community, offers a bunch of juicy previews of what you can expect in several webserials for the rest of the year, news in the webserial world, and our discussion related to writing partnerships. Hosts Kira (yours truly) and Michael begin with our Fall 2013 previews (just how do you pronounce "2013," by the way?) for a batch of serialized fiction to take us through the end of the year. Find out what happens next, including defamation, divorce, death, and lots of other fun plots. Next we dip into the news focusing our own happy tidings thanks to our community's generosity, introductions to several new webfiction serials, and a controversy about a hot topic related to, well, hot topics too hot for certain ebook retailers. And finally, this episode we talk about the webserials who boast not just one but multiple authors, and find out how they handle working as a team: dealing with differences of opinion, dividing labor, and the joys of brainstorming on a jointly-created fictional world. There are several methods to their madness, so take a listen to learn all the ways people have partnered up to give us some new and longrunning serials. Once you've listened, hop on over to our Podbean site, the EpiGuide forum, or our new Webcast Beacon site (links below) to share your own thoughts on these topics and this episode. Many thanks to everyone who helped out by submitting your recaps and news stories! Episode Notes: Recording date: This episode was recorded on October 22, 2013. Rundown: 00:00 - 01:08: Opening pleasantries and teasers for the episode ahead 01:09 - 18:49: Webserial previews for the end of 2013 18:50 - 36:04: Webfiction and webserial news 36:05 - 36:44: How to submit news to the EpiCast 36:45 - 01:18:30: Discussion: Webserial writing teams: pros and cons 01:09:50 - 01:11:06: Thanks to sponsors, podcast sponsor ad 01:11:07 - 01:12:37: Closing thoughts and fare-thee-wells Many thanks to the special donors who helped make this podcast possible! Please see the sidebar for the list of Podcast sponsors. Links to the sites mentioned in this episode: EpiGuide Webseries and Webserial Community About Schuyler Falls Footprints EpiGuide at the Webcast Beacon Network American Legacy Autumn Lake The Blackthornes Blissful Blood Binds Capital Offense City of Roses: The Dazzle of Day Euphoria Guasti Cose Kandy Fangs: Venom Peacock King Ready or Not Suburban Ways Wonderland Woodwyrm Academy Article: "Self-Published Authors eBook Porn Crackdown" (The Guardian, Oct 18, 2013) Petition: Leave Our Self-Published/Indie Authors Alone Kobo eReaders and eBooks Smashwords Self Publishing Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening and closing theme), "The Future Soon" (Preview intro), "Good Morning Tuscon" (News intro), "The Big Boom" (News submissions theme), "I'm Your Moon" (Discussion intro), "You Ruined Everything" (EpiCast sponsor intro), as always all written and performed by Jonathan Coulton, host Kira Lerner's personal musical demigod. These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: We used Skype for the conversation and interviews, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity and The Levelator for editing/post-recording fine-tuning, and Podbean for hosting. If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast webserial news, recaps & chat

EpiCast #015: Teaming Up

 Download EpiCast #014 Podcast Powered By Podbean A quick follow-up EpiCast to share the latest news about webfiction and the publishing industry, but especially to talk about... the Seventh Annual Web Serial Writing Month, which is almost upon us! Hosts Kira (yours truly) and Michael begin with a varied selection of news items, including some serial premieres and finales, a new way a massive serial community is trying to help writers fund their work, and an upcoming convention for those in the indie publishing world. From there we shift into WeSeWriMo Prepration mode, reminding everyone that Web Serial Writing Month is nearly here, with a deadline of August 1 for signing up (meaning you can register up to and including August 1, just to be clear). After explaining exactly what WeSeWriMo is, we then offer some incredibly useful tips, offered by past participants of the month-long writing challenge, on how to best ensure that you succeed without driving yourself crazy in the process. An EpiCast first follows: a brief commentary plus an inspiring musical break (at least I think so) from me regarding battling the fears that can cripple writers no matter what their experience level. Finally we give our thanks one last time to the donors for last year's fundraising drive, thank our participants and say our farewells as we gear up for the EpiGuide's yearly marathon. Once you've listened, hop on over to our Podbean site, the EpiGuide forum, or our new Webcast Beacon site (links below) to share your own thoughts on these topics and this episode. Many thanks to everyone who helped out by submitting your recaps and news stories! Episode Notes: Recording date: This episode was recorded on July 14, 2013 (except for the commentary at the end, recorded on July 21, 2013). Rundown: 00:00 - 01:19: Opening pleasantries and teasers for the episode ahead 01:20 - 16:07: Around the Webserial World News 16:07 - 36:54: WeSeWriMo 2013: Tips for Success 36:54 - 45:23: Commentary and Song: "Fraud," by Jonathan Coulton 45:23 - 47:53: Thanks to sponsors, closing thoughts and fare-thee-wells Lyrics to "Fraud," by Jonathan Coulton. (As with all songs written and recorded by Coulton, these lyrics are licensed Creative Commons by-nc.) From the album Artificial Heart, individual songs and complete collection available for purchase on JonathanCoulton.com It wears you thin Unpacks a bag and it settles in Ten times an hour you'll wish it dead Ask it to leave but it stays instead So unkind Acting as if you could read its mind Making it hard to explain without Finding new things to complain about Sharp teeth test your skin Too late, you let an angel in It's all been done So many accidents, only one Paints you the picture you want to see Cover one eye and look carefully Big surprise It doesn't care about second tries You're afraid whatever choice you make Won't be exactly the right mistake Sharp teeth test your skin Too late, you let an angel in I bet you feel tapped out and nothing left to talk about I guess you're right You fraud It tells you lies You say you won't but you compromise Just don't imagine you'll ever win Any race you aren't running in It follows through Four in the morning it's calling you What's the over-under on getting it Done without always regretting it? Sharp teeth test your skin Too late, you let an angel in Many thanks to the special donors who helped make this podcast possible! Please see the sidebar for the list of Podcast sponsors. Links to the sites mentioned in this episode: EpiGuide Webseries and Webserial Community WeSeWriMo: Web Serial Writing Month WeSeWriMo 2013 Sign-up Thread at the EpiGuide About Schuyler Falls Footprints EpiGuide at the Webcast Beacon Network American Legacy Blissful The Book Designer Copyblogger Web Content Blog Indiegogo Kickstarter Lovergirl Metal Shadow Prelude One Day at a Time Online Novel Blog Self Publishing Book Expo Sitepoint Storm Lake The Street The Surprising Life and Death of Diggory Franklin Tales of the Big Bad Wolf They Live Among Us Twitter Wattpad: Fan Funding Web Fiction Guide Wordpress Blog: "Going Serial..." Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening theme), "The Big Boom" (News intro/closing theme), "Sticking it to Myself" (WeSeWriMo discussion closing theme), "Fraud" (Commentary), "Take Care of Me" (EpiCast sponsor theme), and "I Feel Fantastic" (closing theme) as always all written and performed by Jonathan Coulton, host Kira Lerner's personal musical demigod. These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: We used Skype for the conversation and interviews, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity and The Levelator for editing/post-recording fine-tuning, and Podbean for hosting. If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #014: WeSeWriMo 2013 (Web Serial Writing Month)

 Download EpiCast #013 This supersized EpiCast (the title has a double meaning!) has plenty of everything: recaps of the latest webserial installments, news about several returning webserials, a response to some listener feedback, and the massive main course in this feast: a discussion about long-running webserials and just how one can create--and maintain--a serial that has staying power. Hosts Kira (yours truly) and Michael start things off with summaries and bickering--all in good fun, of course. Learn what happened on a variety of webfiction serials over the past month, and find out why pronouns can make the difference between a standard sleazy politician's ploy and a storyline straight out of a V.C. Andrews novel. Next we offer a quick look at the news, which includes some returning serials (a few that have only been gone a couple of months, while another is making a resurrection from a years-long absence) and an announcement of a chat devoted to serialized tales. And as promised, we embark on an extensive, in-depth discussion about some of the longest-running webserials, with plenty of advice from their authors, a varied group that represents a combined total of more than fifty years of serialized fiction experience! Interested in learning how to writers ensure their plots and characters have such phenomenal staying power? Get comfortable because we've got a ton of tips and tricks, as well as commentary from our hosts (who alone have thirty years' experience behind 'em). Of course, we end with our sincere thanks to our sponsors and a teaser of our next episode, which will be posted in less than a week! Once you've listened, hop on over to our Podbean site, the EpiGuide forum, or our new Webcast Beacon site (links below) to share your own thoughts on these topics and this episode. Many thanks to everyone who helped out by submitting your recaps and news stories! Episode Notes: Recording date: This episode was recorded in two sessions on June 10 and July 14, 2013. Rundown: 00:00 - 01:28: Opening pleasantries and teasers for the episode ahead 01:29 - 20:23: Webserial recaps and commentaries 20:24 - 25:07: Editorial / Response to listener feedback 25:08 - 30:37: Webfiction and webserial news 30:38 - 01:18:30: Discussion: Creating webserials that pass the test of time 01:18:31 - 01:20: Thanks to sponsors, closing thoughts and fare-thee-wells Many thanks to the special donors who helped make this podcast possible! Please see the sidebar for the list of Podcast sponsors. Links to the sites mentioned in this episode: EpiGuide Webseries and Webserial Community About Schuyler Falls Footprints EpiGuide at the Webcast Beacon Network All or NothingAmerican Legacy The Blackthornes Blissful Guasti Cose: Something Red Hobson & Choi Legion of Nothing Memory of AUSOS Nox and Grimm One Day at a Time Online Novel Blog Storm Lake Strangers & Neighbors Stunt Tales of the Big Bad Wolf Twitter Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening and closing theme), "Not About You" (Recaps intro), "So Far, So Good" (Recaps ending music), "Good Morning Tuscon" (News intro), "Just as Long as Me" (Discussion theme), "Take Care of Me" (EpiCast sponsor theme), as always all written and performed by Jonathan Coulton, host Kira Lerner's personal musical demigod. These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: We used Skype for the conversation and interviews, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity and The Levelator for editing/post-recording fine-tuning, and Podbean for hosting. If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #013: Running Long

 Download EpiCast #012 Our new EpiCast goes back to the basics: recaps of the latest webserial installments, and news (and plenty of discussion) related to the world of webfiction and online publishing. As always, hosts Kira and Michael begin by sharing summaries and commentary on a varied selection of webfiction serials, including what we believe is a first--three out of four series included in our recaps are brand new to the EpiCast. We also talk a little bit about how writers can improve their recap writing if they want to entice us readers to their sites. Writers, pay attention! Next we look at the news, where you'll hear chat about a real life scare turned into a believable but fictionalized upcoming webserial storyline, a controversial venture from Kindle (what else is new?), an exciting opportunity for a wider audience for one extremely popular series, and a recently launched webserial about a rarely visited subject... zombies. And finally we have a call for submissions out for authors who'd like to have a selection of their work read on our affiliate network, the Webcast Beacon. (Heard the announcement and are interested? Write webfictionworld (at) gmail.com to have your serial considered.) Don't miss the request for news items and our sincere thanks to our sponsors! Once you've listened, hop on over to our Podbean site, the EpiGuide forum, or our new Webcast Beacon site (links below) to share your own thoughts on these topics and this episode. Many thanks to everyone who helped out by submitting your recaps and news stories! Episode Notes: Recording date: This episode was recorded in two sessions on June 2 and 10, 2013. Rundown: 00:00 - 01:02: Opening pleasantries and teasers for the episode ahead 01:03 - 19:42: Webserial recaps and commentaries/reviews 19:43 - 20:28: Invitation to submit installment recaps 20:35 - 41:43: Online entertainment and ebook news and discussion 41:43 - 44:57: Request for news items, thanks to our sponsors, and closing remarks Many thanks to the special donors who helped make this podcast possible! Please see the sidebar for the list of Podcast sponsors. Links to the sites mentioned in this episode: EpiGuide Webseries and Webserial Community About Schuyler Falls Footprints EpiGuide at the Webcast Beacon Network American Legacy Animal Kingdom Bad Influences The Legion of Nothing Worm The Zombie Knight Amazon Kindle Worlds Announcement Author John Scalzi's "Instant Thoughts" on Kindle Worlds "Captive Prince" Publication Announcement WebFictionGuide Forum Post: Kira's guide to writing a good recap Webfiction World Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening and closing theme), "Not About You" (Recaps intro), "So Far, So Good" (Invitation to submit recaps), "Artificial Heart" (News intro), "The Big Boom" (News request), "Take Care of Me" (EpiCast sponsor theme), as always all written and performed by Jonathan Coulton, host Kira Lerner's personal musical demigod. These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: We used Skype for the conversation and interviews, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity and The Levelator for editing/post-recording fine-tuning, and Podbean for hosting. If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #012: June 2013 Recaps & News

 Download EpiCast #011 The latest EpiCast takes a look at the design and website features integral to every webfiction site. Hosts Kira and Michael sought input from readers to find out what attracts--or, worse, distracts--visitors who check out an author's site. First, however, we start by continuing to share some news items from the world of webserials, including some newcomers, an ending of a serial, and a Kickstarter campaign for a new graphic novel by a webserial author. And then it's time for our discussion topic. Most writers hope that great content stands on its own, but like it or not, appearance matters...and thanks to our audience responses, we have a list of Design Delights and Disasters that every webfiction writer will want to hear. What ranks highest on the list of "Likes" and "Dislikes"? Listen and find out... you might just be inspired to fix your site accordingly! There are also a couple of questions at the end of the episode that we hope you'll help answer by visiting the EpiGuide and taking part in the conversation. Join us and let us know your thoughts on these topics and this episode. And thanks as always to everyone who took part! Episode Notes: Recording date: This episode was recorded on April 7, 2013. Rundown: 00:00 - 01:24: Opening greetings and teasers for the episode ahead 01:25 - 08:26: Webserial news 08:27 - 46:29: Discussion: Design Delights and Disasters 46:30 - 49:43: Podcast sponsors, questions for the audience, and closing pleasantries (In case you're wondering, the news intro song, "Good Morning Tucson," is a bouncy number about a morning news anchor who's so sick of the banality of his job that he sets fire to his studio. Yes, the awesome never stops with Jonathan Coulton!) Many thanks to the special donors who helped make this podcast possible! Please see the sidebar for the list of Podcast sponsors. Links to the sites mentioned in this episode: EpiGuide Webseries and Webserial Community About Schuyler Falls Footprints All or Nothing American Legacy Animal Kingdom Beyond Beauty Kickstarter Campagin The Blackthornes Blissful Emerald Heights Fangs, Liver, Muscle Nightingales One Day at a Time Strangers & Neighbors Tales of the Big Bad Wolf Valley of Angels Thanks & Invitation: Join in! We received a couple of questions at the end of the podcast, and we'd love to hear your opinions and ideas on those as well as the sites and design topics we covered here in the official thread for this podcast at the Eppy. As always, keep an eye out over at the EpiGuide for a Call for Submissions where we'll be asking for webserial recaps and news, listener questions, and topic ideas. Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening theme), "Good Morning Tucson" (News intro), "Code Monkey" (Design discussion intro), "Take Care of Me" (EpiCast sponsor theme), and "I Feel Fantastic" (Epicast closing theme), as always all written and performed by Jonathan Coulton, host Kira Lerner's personal musical demigod. These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: We used Skype for the conversation and interviews, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity and The Levelator for editing/post-recording fine-tuning, and Podbean for hosting. If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #011: Webfiction By Design

 Download EpiCast #010 Hi everyone! We're back with an episode focusing on what's coming up this spring in the world of webfiction serials, with dramatic revelations, bizarre coincidences, terrifying tragedies, and convoluted romances aplenty. Your co-hosts Kira (yours truly) and Michael also offer up some news items focusing on the online reading community Goodreads, Amazon, and a new take on an old classic tale that uses the multifaceted nature of the web to provide an original look at characters we've loved for 200 years. This podcast is actually the first of two, the second of which will be posted next week; the recording was just too long to keep as a single podcast due to our in-depth discussion (we were feeling particularly chatty!) on this month's topic -- web design and what readers like, and hate, when it comes to webserial sites. So look for that conversation, as well as more news items related to new webserials, later this month. Episode Notes: Recording date: This episode was recorded on April 7, 2013. Rundown: 00:00 - 01:20: Opening greetings and teasers for the episode ahead 01:21 - 22:12: Spring Previews 2013 22:13 - 29:23: Online Reading/Web Entertainment News 29:24 - 30:58: Podcast Sponsors and closing pleasantries Many thanks to the special donors who helped make this podcast possible! Please see the sidebar for the list of Podcast sponsors. Links to the sites mentioned in this episode: EpiGuide Webseries and Webserial Community About Schuyler Falls Footprints All or Nothing American Legacy Animal Kingdom Bastion: The Last Hope Goodreads Goodreads Reader Poll Hobson & Choi Holly(Woods) The Lizzie Bennet Diaries Mind the Thorns The Morpheus Reports One Day at a Time Strangers & Neighbors Wired Article: Lizzie Bennet Diaries Thanks & Invitation: Join in! We'd love to hear from you about any of the sites or topics we covered in this episode. Keep an eye out over at the EpiGuide for a Call for Submissions where we'll be asking for webserial recaps and news, listener questions, and topic ideas. Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening and closing theme), "First of May" (Spring Previews intro), "The Future Soon" (News intro), "Take Care of Me" (EpiCast sponsor theme), all written and performed by the brilliant Jonathan Coulton . These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: We used Skype for the conversation and interviews, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity for editing, and Podbean for hosting.If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #010: Webfiction Spring Previews 2013

 Download EpiCast #009 Hi everyone! We have a fresh batch of webseries/webfiction news, recaps, and discussion, not to mention revolting self-promotion on the part of one of our hosts, all ready for you to enjoy in EpiCast #009. Your co-hosts Kira (yours truly) and Michael, the latter back after a break, offer up a few quick news items ranging from simple schedule changes to a site redesign (and our opinions thereof), a call for serial submissions from a renowned publisher, and a social media webseries in the making. There are also the aforementioned storyline recaps, all but one submitted courtesy of some generous writers -- and the lone instance of one of our hosts going rogue was Michael, who very generously decided to recap About Schuyler Falls, another series that reached its fifteenth birthday this year like his own Footprints, which we spotlighted last month. He then proceeds to embarrass his co-host by going on about it for a bit. And finally, once that's done, we get to a debate/discussion, which focuses on the nature of how writers treat their webserials: should these be fixed works that stand or fall proudly on their own, or fluid entities that can be revised after publication? Listen on and decide for yourself! Episode Notes: As ever, sound quality remains a cruel beast who won't be tamed. One of us sounds like she's in a tin can, the other is apparently in an echo canyon. We apologize, as always, for the weirdness. Recording date: This episode was recorded on November 24, 2012. Rundown: 00:00 - 01:51: Opening pleasantries, thanks to last month's sub host Ira, comments from our co-host about the previous episode in his absence, and teasers for the episode ahead 01:52 - 13:31: Around the World in Webseries, plus call for news submissions 13:32 - 30:35: The Story So Far: webserial storyline recaps 30:36 - 35:11: Chat re: the season finale & 15th birthday of About Schuyler Falls 35:12 - 35:43: Writers: Call for recap submissions 37:00 - 57:30: Discussion: Should webserials be fixed or fluid? 57:31 - 58:56: Closing pleasantries, contact info, thanks to podcast sponsors, goodbyes! Many thanks to the special donors who helped make this podcast possible! Please see the sidebar for the list of Podcast sponsors. Links to the other sites mentioned in this episode: EpiGuide Webseries and Webserial Community About Schuyler Falls Footprints One Day at a Time American Legacy Twitter, Hollywood Working on In-Stream Video Series (via Ad Week St. Martin’s Griffin E-serials (via TuesdaySerial) All or Nothing Animal Kingdom Spy Like Me "The Graceful Retcon" forum topic at the EpiGuide Emerald Heights The Blackthornes Thanks & Invitation: Join in! We'd love to hear from you about any of the sites or topics we covered in this episode. Keep an eye out over at the EpiGuide for a Call for Submissions where we'll be asking for webserial recaps and news, listener questions, and topic ideas. Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening theme), "The Big Boom" (News intro), "Not About You" (Recaps intro), "So Far, So Good" (Recaps submission theme), "You Ruined Everything" (Intro to Fixed or Fluid discussion), "Bills, Bills, Bills" (EpiCast sponsor theme), and "I Feel Fantastic" (Closing theme), all written and performed by the brilliant Jonathan Coulton (except "Bills, Bills, Bills," which is his cover of the Destiny's Child song). These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: We used Skype for the conversation and interviews, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity for editing, and Podbean for hosting.If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #009: Fixed vs. Fluid: Should Webserial Authors Change Old Installments?

 Download EpiCast #008 The latest EpiCast is here and it's a special one indeed: in addition to our regular webserial recaps and webseries/webfiction news, we have an in-depth tribute to Footprints, a webserial that's reached its remarkable 15th anniversary this month! Our co-hosts are Kira Lerner and Ira Madison III (subbing for Michael, who in addition to being busy happens to be the author of the serial we're honoring so we figured we'd let him sit back and enjoy the applause), two longstanding members of the EpiGuide community who share their thoughts on the serial's place in webserial history, its strengths and weaknesses, their personal likes and dislikes and generally go crazy over this amazing milestone as well they should, because, c'mon, fifteen years, people! But before the party begins, we have the aforementioned webserial storyline recaps (current as of October 17, when this episode was recorded) and news of recent or upcoming text and video serial premieres, as well as a highly useful resource for anyone who loves the online serial format. Dig in and enjoy the celebration! Episode Notes: Again, we apologize for some sound quality issues. One of our hosts, who shall remain nameless but let's just say she couldn't get her microphone to work correctly no matter how much it was thrown across the room in disgust. Recording date: This episode was recorded on October 17, 2012. Rundown: 00:00 - 03:59: Opening pleasantries, introduction to Ira, teasers for the episode ahead, updates on our community fundraising drive and WeSeWriMo 04:00 - 24:57: The Story So Far: webserial storyline recaps 24:58 - 25:44: Writers: Call for recap submissions 25:45 - 37:00: Webserial and Webseries News 37:00 - 37:30: Call for submission for news 37:30 - 01:14:17: Footprints at 15: history, highs, lows, and everything in between 01:14:18 - 01:16:45: Closing pleasantries, thanks to podcast sponsors, general contact info Many thanks to the special donors who helped make this podcast possible! Please see the sidebar for the list of Podcast sponsors. Links to the other sites mentioned in this episode: EpiGuide Webseries and Webserial Community Official Web Serial Writing Month Site About Schuyler Falls Nightingales American Legacy Animal Kingdom The Blackthornes Blissful Covington Bay Drifter: Broken Road Footprints Guasti Cose: Something Red Independence Day (Author Bex Aaron's Site) On Concrete Shelves Soma Spy Like Me Storm Lake TuesdaySerial.com Thanks & Invitation: Join in! We'd love to hear from you about any of the sites or topics we covered in this episode. Keep an eye out over at the EpiGuide for a Call for Submissions where we'll be asking for webserial recaps and news, listener questions, and topic ideas. Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening and closing theme), "Not About You" (Recaps intro), "So Far, So Good" (Recaps submission theme), "I'm Having a Party" (Intro and exit theme for "Footprints" Anniversary discussion), all by the brilliant Jonathan Coulton. These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: We used Skype for the conversation and interviews, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity for editing, and Podbean for hosting.If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #008: Footprints at Fifteen

 Download EpiCast #007 The EpiCast is back -- with a special episode looking forward to our annual writing marathon, Web Serial Writing Month (WeSeWriMo). In our seventh episode, we take a break from the past and focus on the future: webserial previews for the rest of the summer, where you'll get some hints and teasers for some exciting storylines in the weeks ahead. But the lion's share of the podcast is devoted to WeSeWriMo, the only marathon dedicated to the unique world of web-based writing, from webserials to video and audio webseries to serialized novels, webcomics and beyond. And as far as we know, it's also the only writing challenge that lets the writers choose their own goal. With registration open through August 1, that leaves just over a week as of this writing for you to take part. For this supersized edition, co-host Kira Lerner interviewed six very different writers of very different forms of web entertainment series, and in our discussion about WeSeWriMo with them you'll learn about the project itself, how the writers choose their ambitious goals, what obstacles they've faced over the years, how successful they've been, and their own tips on how to cross the finish line with your all your goals triumphantly met. Kira and fellow co-host Michael also discuss the history of how WeSeWriMo came about, and share their own thoughts on what this challenge means to them--and the entire webserial writing community. Episode Notes: We apologize in advance for some differences in quality of the interviews, which were conducted over Skype but with different technical set-ups on each end of the conversations. Edits in the interviews have been made for time purposes, but all interviewees' words are their own. Over the next couple of days we'll be posting the full versions of these interviews, which contain much more information and let you hear some fascinating tidbits we couldn't include due to time or content constraints (Kira, being the inquisitive type, asked the authors questions about their serials and other aspects of their writing process that didn't involve WeSeWriMo; those didn't make it into the podcast, but were so interesting we wanted you to get a chance to listen in). Recording date: This episode was recorded on July 19, 2012; the interviews were conducted from July 9 - 15. Rundown: 00:00 - 01:58: Opening pleasantries, teasers for the episode ahead 01:59 - 16:00: The Future Soon: summer storyline previews 16:00 - 16:37: Music break! 16:38 - 20:55: Introduction to WeSeWriMo 20:56 - 59:23: The Writers' Challenge: interviews and discussion with eight writers on Web Serial Writing Month 59:24 - 01:01:20: Closing thoughts, information on signing up, and a final quote from one of our interviees Many thanks to the writers who participated in our discussion: Angie Capozello, Nox and Grimm Ashley, Spy like Me Cecilia Tan, Daron’s Guitar Chronicles Max Pilote, Squeaky and Squawky Murazrai, Chaos Fighters: Chemical Warriors Ty Junior, Mysteries of Our Lives Links to the other sites mentioned in this episode: EpiGuide Webseries and Webserial Community Official Web Serial Writing Month Site WeSeWriMo Sign-Up Thread (free EpiGuide registration required) About Schuyler Falls Footprints All or Nothing The Blackthornes Dark Haven Euphoria Guasti Cose NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) New Yorkers Nightingales One Day at a Time The Penny Dreadful Q10 Text Editor Storm Lake Typewriter (not mentioned by name; no backspace wordprocessor tool Write or Die (for the free version, click "Web app") Thanks & Invitation: We're grateful to everyone who submitted previews and interview questions by email or through Skype conversations. We haven't scheduled our next month's edition yet, but keep an eye out over at the EpiGuide for a Call for Submissions where we'll be asking for webserial recaps and news, listener questions, and topic ideas. Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening theme), "The Future Soon" (Preview intro), "A Laptop Like You" (Music break / WeSeWriMo intro), "I Feel Fantastic" (closing theme), all by the brilliant Jonathan Coulton. These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: We used Skype for the conversation and interviews, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity for editing, and Podbean for hosting.If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #007: WeSeWriMo (Web Serial Writing Month)

 Download EpiCast #006 Welcome to the latest (in every way) EpiCast. For our sixth episode, "Crossing Over," we focus on the usual web entertainment news and recaps, as well as answer a pair of interesting questions courtesy of our listeners. Topics range from your hosts' promotional pet peeves to a bunch of new webseries launches to our advice on learning HTML to the merits, challenges and technical considerations of webserial crossovers -- when two or more series exchange or share storylines and characters. Episode Notes: Sorry for the delay in posting the episode! Some technical issues were causing us great agita this time around. On the plus side, this is our longest episode yet; on the downside, this means the new deadline for submitting any news or recaps is only a week away (May 20th). Michael also apologizes in advance for his bullfrog impression, but the poor dear was dealing with a cold, so excuse his increasingly hoarse voice throughout the 'cast. Finally, this episode is dedicated to the memory of Bart Kahn, one of Kira's closest friends from elementary school through college and beyond, who passed away suddenly on April 21, 2012, at far, far too young an age. He is missed by all the people whose lives he touched with his humor, talent and support. Recording date: This episode was recorded on April 24, 2012. Rundown: 00:00 - 01:01: Opening pleasantries 01:02 - 19:07: The story so far: episode/installment recaps 19:08 - 19:55: Invitation to submit recaps/news 19:55 - 30:35: Web entertainment news and previews, plus our self-promotion pet peeves 30:35 - 31:05: Music break! 31:05 - 57:28: Discussion from our inbox     31:05 - 34:40: HTML Tutorials     34:41 - 57:28: Serial Crossovers 57:44 - 59:52: Closing remark and special note Links to the sites mentioned in this episode: EpiGuide Webseries and Webserial Community About Schuyler Falls Footprints All or Nothing Aztec Springs The Blackthornes EpiGuide Directory: Production Resources / Websites Funky Chickens HTML Help Guasti Cose Level 51 Lissa Explains It All (HTML Tutorials) Nightingales SitePoint Spy Like Me Suburban Ways Wandering Falls (under construction) West Lake Wonderland Thanks & Invitation: We're grateful to everyone who submitted recaps, previews, questions and/or news items. As always, the recaps and news focus on the EpiGuide.com community but we do try to expand and look at a variety of serials whenever possible. To participate with your own webseries/webserial recaps, or to submit news for next month's edition, please send the info to us by May 20 (for recaps) or May 25 (for everything else). The email address is mentioned in the podcast, or you can visit The EpiGuide, register an account, and send a private message to either me or Michael. Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening theme), "Not About You" (Recap intro), "So Far, So Good" (under recap segue), "Code Monkey" (Music break, listener mail / HTML tutorial discussion intro), "Summer's Over" (Dedication / closing theme), all by the brilliant Jonathan Coulton. These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: We used Skype for the conversation, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity for editing, and Podbean for hosting.If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #006: Crossing Over

 Download EpiCast #005 Celebrate spring with a new EpiCast, our fifth episode devoted to the world of webfiction, webseries and all original entertainment available on the web. This month cohosts Kira and Michael offer recaps, previews and new series introductions, as well as discussion about webserial networks and whether they help or hinder either the audience or the creators. (Spoiler alert: we like 'em.) Finally, we also discuss some new serials both text-based and video, share some news about an awards show for webseries, and welcome back an old series that's returned from the dead. Thanks to everyone who submitted recaps, previews and/or news items. As always, the recaps and news focus on the EpiGuide.com community but we do try to expand and look at a variety of serials whenever possible. To participate with your own webseries/webserial recaps, or to submit news for next month's edition, please send the info to us by April 15 (for recaps) or April 20 (for news bulletins). The email address is mentioned in the podcast, or you can visit The EpiGuide, register an account, and send a private message to either me or Michael. Recording date: This episode was recorded on March 18, 2012. Rundown: 0:00 - 1:12: Opening pleasantries and intro 1:13 - 22:47: "The Story So Far..." (Recaps and commentary on recent storylines from a selection of webfiction serials and webseries. This month we also include a review of one of the serials that one of our hosts considers a stand-out.) 22.48 - 23:32: Invitation to serial writers to submit recaps for our next podcast 23:33 - 34:04: "Around the Webseries World" - We introduce several new webserials and webseries, reveal the winners of the Indiesoaps awards, share news about some webserial authors who've moved to the ebook world--including one former Featured Site, and welcome back another former featured site that's returned after a very long break. 34:26 - 52:16: Our chat session focuses on webserial networks, including describing a selection of networks and their different themes, the pros and cons for both webserial staffs as well as their potential audiences, and why sometimes networks implode rather than thrive. 52:32 - 53.59: Wrap-up. Links to sites mentioned: EpiGuide About Schuyler Falls Adventures of Superseven Digital Novelists Divisions The Entertainment Network (TEN) FluffySeme Footprints For Now and Forever Kat Halstead (Facebook) Husbands Independence Day (Facebook) Indie Soap Awards The Legacy: Cloak and Dagger Level 51 The Magnetron Chronicles MZPtv On Empty Online Series Network Pretty Ragged Isle Scripts and Scruples Special People Strangers and Neighbors Strings of Retaliation Vampire Wares VBCtv The VPN Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast opening & closing theme), "Not About You" (Recap intro), "So Far, So Good" (under recap segue), "The Big Boom" (after news segue), "Take Care of Me" (network discussion intro), all by the brilliant Jonathan Coulton. These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: If anyone's interested, we used Skype for the conversation, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity for editing, and Podbean for hosting.If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #005: Networks

 Download EpiCast #004 Hey everyone. For our fourth EpiCast episode, Michael and I have the usual recaps, previews and new series introductions, as well as discussion on how much easier it is to read webfiction that’s been carefully edited. We answer a listener’s question about semi-controversial topic: Awards, and whether the EpiGuide will ever hold another award ceremony again–and also some chat about the pitfalls and benefits of awards in general. Finally, we also discuss some new developments in the ever-converging world of TV vs. video webseries, such as the new original programs appearing on Hulu and Netflix, share some new useful tools to help authors self-publish, and introduce you to new webserials and webseries. Thanks to everyone who submitted recaps, previews and/or news items! As always, the recaps and news focus on the EpiGuide.com community but we do try to expand and look at a variety of serials whenever possible. To participate with your own webseries/webserial recaps, or to submit news for next month's edition, please send the info to us by March 11 (for recaps) or March 17 (for news bulletins). The email address is mentioned in the podcast, or you can visit The EpiGuide, register an account, and send a private message to either me or Michael. Recording date: This episode was recorded February 19, 2012. Rundown: 0:00 - 1:01: Opening pleasantries and intro 1:02 - 17:53: "The Story So Far..." (Recaps of recent storylines from a selection of webfiction serials and webseries) 17:54 - 18:16: Invitation to serial writers to submit recaps for our next podcast 18:17 - 23:19: Chat about the aforementioned recaps, and why editing can make or break a webserial 23:20 - 39:42: "Around the Webseries World" - We discuss the convergence of TV and webseries via Hulu and Netflix's original content, services to help authors self-publish, and recent webserial/webseries launches. 39:43 - 54:15: Responding to listener email: the Eppy Awards (and whether they'll return), and for that matter, the pros and cons of awards presentations in general. Errata: The Eppys were held in 1999, 2000 and 2001. 54:16 - 55:54: Wrap-up. Links to sites mentioned: EpiGuide About Schuyler Falls All or Nothing Battleground Calibre eBook Management Dark Pool Dark Pool Kickstarter Page Divisions | Divisions Tumblr Page Eppy Awards 2000 Eppy Awards 2001 Euphoria Folium Book Studio Footprints House of Cards (2012) House of Cards (Original) iBooks Author Lilyhammer New Tools Make Self-Publishing e-Books Easier (USA Today article) Red Staple eBook Conversion Service Suburban Ways Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast intro), "Not About You" (Recap intro), "So Far, So Good" (under recap segue), "The Big Boom" (News intro), "We are the Champions" (awards discussion intro) and "I Feel Fantastic" (end theme), all by the brilliant Jonathan Coulton, except of course "We are the Champions" is a cover of Queen. These tracks are licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: If anyone's interested, we used Skype for the conversation, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity for editing, and Podbean for hosting.If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #004: Awards

 Download EpiCast #003 Hello all, and welcome to our first EpiCast of 2012. This is our third episode, #003: Extras., and we have the latest batch of recaps, some discussion about storylines that affected us during the past month, a few news items, and a rather extensive examination of the difference between self-created HTML sites and blog/CMS-based sites, and the related issue of ways to supplement one's writing with extra features -- what works, what's not so great, and what our hosts (Michael and Kira, as usual) actually think is mandatory. Yep, we totally go there. Nervy, huh? The recaps and news focuses on the EpiGuide.com community but we do try to expand and look at a variety of serials whenever possible. If you don't see your favorite genre being represented, please encourage the author / producer to submit material to us! We do hunt down topics and serials ourselves, but it sure makes life easier for us when the writers give us tips themselves. As mentioned, this episode is hosted by Kira Lerner (yours truly), admin of the EpiGuide, and Michael, longtime community member and webserial producer. Recording date: This episode was recorded January 15, 2011. Rundown: 0:00 - 1:22: Opening pleasantries and chatter 1:35 - 22:00: "The Story So Far..." (Recaps and discussion of recent storylines from a selection of webserials) 22:00 - 26:30: Commentary on a storyline in Footprints 26:30 - 27:34: Invitation to serial writers to submit recaps for our next podcast 27:34 - 29:05: "Around the Webseries World" - News, announcements and interesting topics from around the community. 29:05 - 58:48: Discussion about HTML sites vs. blog-/CMS-based sites, different ways of presenting one's story, useful extra features. 58:48 - 1:01: Wrap-up. Links to sites mentioned: EpiGuide About Schuyler Falls American Legacy The Blackthornes The Company Therapist Dark Haven Emerald Heights Footprints The Intimate History of the Greater Kingdom Mr. Anyone Nightingales On Concrete Shelves One Day at a Time Strangers and Neighbors Wonderland Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast intro and wrapup music), "Not About You" (Recap intro), and "So Far, So Good" (under recap segue), all by the brilliant Jonathan Coulton and licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: If anyone's interested, we used Skype for the conversation, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity for editing, and Podbean for hosting.If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #003: Extras

 Download EpiCast #002 Happy holidays, everyone! And a little late in arriving but no worse for the delay is our second episode of the EpiCast,#002: Finales. As always, we focus on discussion, news and recaps from the world of original web entertainment, and more specifically, the EpiGuide.com community. This month's installment is chock-full of recaps in particular from a variety of serials in a variety of genres, which is just how we like 'em. From sci-fi to fantasy to melodrama, there's surely something for everyone. We also take a look at the end of one highly popular serial, answer a related question from a listener that allowed us to reminisce about serials gone by, and finally offer some discussion topics and news tidbits for everyone. Hosted by Kira Lerner (yours truly), admin of the EpiGuide, and Michael, longtime community member and webserial producer. Recording date: This episode was recorded December 11, 2011. Errata: During our news segment Kira incorrectly identified a publishing platform that was mentioned by M.E. Traylor on the EpiGuide. The correct name for this platform is PressBooks. Sorry about that! Rundown: 0:00 - 1:09: Opening pleasantries and chatter 1:10 - 18:05: "The Story So Far..." (Recaps and discussion of recent storylines from a selection of webserials) 18:06 - 25:20: Recap, review and commentary on the final episode of The Blackthornes 25:20 - 26:05: Invitation to serial writers to submit recaps for our next podcast 26:06 - 32:46: "The Audience Asks..." We answer a question from a listener re: our most-missed webserials. 32:56 - 36:17: "Around the Webseries World" - News, announcements and interesting topics from around the community. Introducing Special People, eBook resources, and a blog post about publishing platforms 36:26 - 37:30: Wrap-up Links to sites mentioned: EpiGuide About Schuyler Falls American Legacy Autumn Lake Black Hat Magick The Blackthornes Covington Bay Crescendo Cove - Also for sale as an eBook! The DSR Ebook Service Professionals Directory @elizabethscraig Emerald Heights Fluffy-Seme Footprints Hanging By a Thread: The Storylines We Missed Mr. Anyone MZP-TV One Day at a Time Pandamian PressBooks Special People Spy Like Me Weblit Platforms: Pandamian vs. Fluffy-Seme (Here's the discussion on the EpiGuide) Music credits: "Chiron Beta Prime" (EpiCast intro), "Not About You" (Recap intro), "So Far, So Good" (under recap segue), "The Big Boom" (News intro), and "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast wrapup music) all by the brilliant Jonathan Coulton and licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: If anyone's interested, we used Skype for the conversation, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity for editing, and Podbean for hosting.If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #002: Finales

 Download EpiCast #001 Welcome to the EpiGuide's first podcast. This series of broadcasts will feature discussion, news and recaps from the world of original web entertainment, and more specifically, the EpiGuide.com community. We'll cover everything that the Eppy does -- from online fiction and web serials to webseries and webcomics, in all forms and in all genres. This pilot episode is a bit of a test-bed for us, so please bear with us as we get used to and refine the format. It's longer than we'll probably aim for in the future (and actually we cut about twenty minutes of extra material, which may show up at a later date as "deleted scenes" or outtakes, if there's interest). Hosted by Kira Lerner (yours truly), admin of the EpiGuide, and Michael, longtime community member and webserial producer. Recording date: This episode was recorded November 13, 2011. Rundown: 0:00 - 3:04: Introductions and brief history of the EpiGuide; rundown of the EpiCast's content 3:05 - 13:15: Recaps of recent storylines from a selection of webserials 13:16 - 20:37: Recap commentary focusing on Strangers & Neighbors and The Blackthornes (re: storyline endings/serial finales) 20:39 - 21:23: Invitation to serial writers to submit recaps for our next podcast 21:24 - 28:43: News and discussion on topics of note in the web serial world, including: warnings about predatory publishers; online fiction venues for reading publishing webfiction; WebfictionWorld podcasts (erratum: the WeSeWriMo podcast was episode #5, not #7); the new season of the webseries Venice... and hints on how to make life difficult for potential paying audience members. 28:43 - 29:45: Wrap-up and big sighs of relief from your hosts! Links to sites mentioned: EpiGuide About Schuyler Falls Another Place and Time The Blackthornes Emerald Heights FictionPress Footprints Nightingales One Day at a Time Strangers and Neighbors Venice the Series Wattpad Web Fiction Guide Forums Webfiction World Podcast Music credits: "Dance, Soterios Johnson, Dance" (EpiCast intro/wrapup music) and "So Far, So Good" (played under recap segue), both by Jonathan Coulton and licensed Creative Commons by-nc. Technical notes: If anyone's interested, we used Skype for the conversation, Replay Recorder for recording, Audacity for editing, and Podbean for hosting.If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or brickbats you want to throw at us regarding this episode, please let us know!

EpiCast #001: Pilot

Discussion, news and recaps from the world of original web entertainment, produced by the EpiGuide.com community.

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EpiCast webserial news, recaps & chat

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