“Just Finish the First Draft” Is Usually Bad Writing Advice

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, Jon talks about the frustrating gap between recognizing that your work could be better and actually knowing how to improve it. He breaks revision down from the scene level to the paragraph and sentence levels, explains why developing an “ear for story” diffe…

The Problem With “TV Brain Prose”

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we unpack what happens when you approach a novel like a TV show that hasn’t been filmed yet. Jon digs into “TV brain prose,” a common problem among aspiring fiction writers whose scenes rely on camera-like description, character blocking, visual information,…

S5E12 – 'Commissions and Fees'

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide. On this week’s Mad Men Men podcast, we dig into “Commissions and Fees.” A.K.A. the devastating penultimate episode of Season 5. Yes, it's the episode where Lane’s financial crisis reaches its breaking point. Meanwhile, Don rediscovers h…

S5E11 – 'The Other Woman'

The Mad Men Men return to tackle one of Mad Men‘s most acclaimed—and devastating—episodes! Jon, Mike, and Will unpack “The Other Woman,” exploring Joan’s most impossible choice yet. But also Peggy’s long-overdue departure from Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, and Megan’s growing determination to chase…

S5E10 – 'Christmas Waltz'

On this week’s Mad Men Men, we dig into “Christmas Waltz.” That's right, it's a holiday episode about money trouble, emotional drift, and people looking for comfort in all the wrong places. But also, it’s one of Season 5’s strangest and saddest turning points. Because let's just say it gives severa…

S5E9 – 'Dark Shadows'

On this week’s Mad Men Men, we dig into “Dark Shadows.” That's right, it's the episode where envious smog spreads through the office, the suburbs, and even Thanksgiving dinner! But also, Don starts to feel the elevator walls closing in from every direction. And everyone around him seems newly aware…

S5E8 – 'Lady Lazarus'

On this week’s Mad Men Men, we dig into "Lady Lazarus." The Season 5 midpoint where Don starts to realize the world is moving faster than he can follow. But also, Megan finally reveals what she truly wants. And Pete mistakes desire for destiny in the most Pete Campbell way possible. If you’re new …

S5E7 – 'At the Codfish Ball'

On this week’s Mad Men Men, we unpack "At the Codfish Ball." The episode centers on dinners, children, in-laws, and professional wins. More importantly, it asks what growing up really means. Usually, it means learning how badly adults can disappoint you. We talk about Megan as her own person, not …

One Piece 1176 Manga Recap: 'With Pride'

This week, Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled “With Pride.” One Piece 1176 is currently available to read for free on Viz. Topics this week include: Franky's new power upgrade! Fun theory about "ambient energy" being the key to Devil Fruits. How …

S5E6 – 'Far Away Places'

“Far Away Places” is one of those Mad Men episodes where the show quietly changes shape. This week on Mad Men Men, we dig into that Season 5 standout. First, the episode fractures a single day into three interlocking stories. Then, it follows Peggy, Roger, and Don as each tries to escape a life tha…