Writing Rural With Alley
“Writing Rural With Alley” helps fiction writers bring rural lifestyles to life! Here you will learn to craft more realistic scenes and settings of rural life and lifestyles, new ways to show, not tell, helping to drive your story forward, discover obstacles and challenges for your characters to overcome. You’ll learn skills and techniques from the stone age to post-apocalyptic, including but not limited to, homesteading, living off the grid, bushcrafting, survival skills and more. And of course, we’ll explore all the ways things could possibly go wrong in your story.
Episodes
The Harsh Realities of Off-Grid Living: A Fiction Writer’s Guide
Living off the grid sounds like the ultimate freedom—no utility bills, no nosy neighbors—but reality paints a different picture. In this episode, we’re exposing the hidden struggles that fiction writers must consider for realistic storytelling. How do characters handle medical emergencies when the nearest doctor is miles away? What happens when insulin needs refrigerat...
Romanticized visions of off-grid living often overlook the brutal hardships—hauling water for miles, battling extreme temperatures without modern climate control, and surviving isolation when medical help is hours away.
In this episode, we break down the gritty details of off-grid survival that will elevate your storytelling—from historical dramas to dystopian fiction, Amish romance, and modern homestead tales.
🔥 What you’ll learn: ...
Silent, odorless, and deadly—carbon dioxide poisoning is an often-overlooked but chilling threat in fiction. Whether you're crafting suspenseful mysteries, survival thrillers, hard-hitting sci-fi, or anything else, understanding how CO₂ exposure works can add tension and authenticity to your storytelling.
In this episode, we break down the science of carbon dioxide poisoning, uncover little-known causes of carbon dioxide build...
Unleash the power of survival lore in your storytelling! Dive into this episode as we explore the Swedish fire torch—a fascinating survival tool that can double as your story's game-changer. Learn how to craft these ingenious log fires, their practical uses, and the pros and cons that make them both a versatile tool and a compelling plot device. Discover how long they burn and why their unique properties could elevate tension,...
Imagine a creature so unassuming, yet so vital, that its very existence shapes the foundation of life as we know it. I give you the earthworm. Often overlooked and underestimated, these tiny characters in the soil hold immense potential for captivating fiction. From their ecological significance as silent heroes of nature to survival, earthworms can add unexpected layers to storytelling. In this episode, we’ll dive into how these h...
Discover how to incorporate animals into your fiction to captivate readers and bring your stories to life. In this episode, I’ll share creative tips on using animals as plot points, comedic relief, and vivid scene enhancers. Whether you’re writing fantasy, drama, or comedy, learn how these unique characters can add depth and charm to your stories. Perfect for fiction writers looking to craft unforgettable stories with the help of a...
Ever wondered how dehydration could be the silent antagonist in your story? Dive with us into the depths of dehydration and discover how this often-overlooked condition can dramatically transform your characters and plot. From the initial thirst that gnaws at the edges of their sanity to the life-threatening consequences that raise the stakes, we’ll explore how to wield dehydration as a powerful tool in your storytelling arsenal. T...
Announcement 1: I'm taking a two week break.
Announcement 2: I have a new YouTube channel of writing prompts that comes out today called, Writing Gone Wrong!
If you enjoy this podcast and would like to help support the creation of this work or would like access to unique membership perks, you can do this and more at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/writingruralwithalley.
Welcome to another insightful episode of Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode we uncover common survival tips that could mislead your fictional characters into danger.
Join us as we delve into five misguided survival advice:
Don’t Eat Insects - Discover why this advice could deprive your characters of a vital food source.
Finding a River Means You Found Help - Learn the risks of relying on rivers as a guarantee for rescue.
Followi...
Are you a fiction writer seeking inspiration for survival scenarios in your stories? Dive into this episode where we debunk long-held beliefs about staying alive. From rubbing hypothermic skin to the misguided use of gunpowder on wounds, we’ll explore the history and myth behind these outdated tips.
Join us as we uncover five outdated survival advice:
1. Rubbing Hypothermic Skin - Discover why this common advice can be harmful.
2...
Welcome to another intriguing episode of the Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode, we explore common survival advice that, while often practical, could spell danger for your fictional characters in certain situations.
Join us as we explore five critical survival scenarios:
1. Eating Snow for Hydration - Learn why this could be a fatal mistake in freezing conditions.
2. Sheltering in Your Car During Winter - Discover the risks inv...
Welcome to another thrilling episode of Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode we debunk common survival myths that could spell doom for your fictional characters.
Join us as we explore five dangerous survival tips:
1. All Berries Are Safe to Eat- Discover the dangers of trusting every berry you come across.
2. You Can Drink Seawater to Survive- Learn why this can lead to a quicker demise.
3. Climb a Tree to Escape Wild An...
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode, we bust common survival myths that could endanger your fictional characters.
Join us as we delve into five critical survival misconceptions:
1. Cellphones Are Reliable to Call 911 Even When There Is No Signal - Uncover the truth about cellphone reliability in emergencies.
2. Screaming Will Attract Help - Learn why screaming might not bring the r...
Welcome to another captivating episode of Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode, we unravel common survival beliefs that could put your fictional characters in grave danger.
Join us as we explore five critical survival myths:
1. Sucking Snake Venom - Discover why this could do more harm than good.
2. Moss Always Grows on the North Side of a Tree - Uncover the truth about using moss for navigation.
3. Identifying Good Wate...
Welcome to another fascinating episode of Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode, we explore some inventive and lesser-known ways snow has been used historically and in modern times.
Join us as we uncover five uncommon snow uses:
1. Sleds (Historical Uses Included) - Discover the various ways sleds have been used throughout history.
2. Animals Eat Snow for Hydration - Learn how animals survive in snowy environments by consumin...
In this episode, we explore the many playful and practical ways snow can enhance your fictional narratives and everyday life.
Join us as we delve into five versatile uses of snow:
1. Snow Sports - Discover the thrilling world of snow sports, from skiing to snowboarding.
2. Fun Time (All the Things Kids Love) - Learn about the myriad of snow activities that bring joy to children, from building snowmen to snowball fights.
3. S...
Calling all fiction writers! Dive into the captivating world of pigs and discover how these extraordinary animals can add depth, drama, and intrigue to your stories. In this episode, "Piggytales," we explore the rich history and diverse roles of pigs, offering a treasure trove of inspiration.
Key Points:
* Origins and Natural Habitat: Unearth the fascinating backstory of pigs and their native environment...
In this episode, we explore the cunning and deceptive ways snow can be used by both antagonists and protagonists in your stories.
Join us as we uncover five clever snow uses:
1. Camouflage for People - Discover how snow can be utilized for effective concealment.
2. Camouflage for Traps - Learn how to disguise traps using snow for unexpected surprises.
3. Tracking Is Easier - Explore how snow can aid in tracking movements and ...
In this episode, we explore the practical and ingenious ways snow can be used to enhance your characters' chances of survival in extreme conditions.
Join us as we delve into five essential survival uses for snow:
1. Igloos - Discover the age-old art of building igloos to provide shelter in the harshest climates.
2. Pillar for Signal Fire - Learn how to create a snow pillar to elevate a signal fire for better visibility.
...
Does your character hunt? Do they know how to use every part of a deer? What’s antler velvet? How can the bones help your sick, injured, and pregnant characters? What on earth do deer have to do with curing rabies? Learn about all of this and more in today’s episode.
If you enjoy this podcast and would like to help support the creation of this work or would like access to unique membership perks, you c...
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