PODCAST · arts
Improbable Things
by J. Grace Pennington
"Science Fiction is the improbable made possible," Rod Serling said. As a sci-fi writer, sometimes I've believed as many as six improbable things before breakfast and I'd like to share them with you!
Episodes
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Building Momentum, a Brother's Visit, and the Curtain of Subjectivity
After a longer break than expected, I'm back to talk about finally building some momentum on getting my next book published, my new cover, and a possible future guest for the podcast. I'm also getting lots of notes from my kids, reading mysterious books, and thinking about how an author can…
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Research, Beautiful Writing, and Varied Opinions
I'm finally back on track with editing, and having to research things to make sure everything is right, from timelines to frozen rivers. Also, is book 3 really as bad as I thought it was? Also, my daughter has learned her letter sounds, I've discovered a new beloved author, and I'm glad to…
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Early Rising, Narnia, and How to Tell a Story
Struggling to write has led me to wake up earlier, and I'm trying to come up with more YouTube content. I'm also reading one of my all-time favorite series to my kids, I'm reading thrillers, and I'm thinking about how the way you reveal things in a story can pull you forward, and how many of…
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Back Trouble, Wonderbook, and Re-Igniting the Spark
Rewriting is progressing, but not as quickly as I'd like, partly due to physical injury. But I have been able to start recording a new audiobook and record a few videos. Also, my daughter loves spelling words, I'm reading a unique book on writing, and I've found an important piece of the puzzle...
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Complications, Reviews, and Enigmatic Titles
Editing is going slowly but smoothly, but I'm having complications with my latest audiobook. I do have book reviews up in a new place, however, and I've been watching sad Disney movies, reading good books, and thinking about the impact of titles that don't quite make sense at first.
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Doing it All, Crosstalk, and Romance
I'm plugging away slowly at audiobook production and novel editing, while also wrapping up my current YouTube series! I also have thoughts about the different ways my girls think, the writing style of Connie Willis, and what kinds of romance I can actually enjoy.
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Reader Agreement, Bleak Twisty Thrillers, and Continuing vs. Restarting
I am FINISHED recording my next audiobook, and have big plans for the rest of the series! I'm also getting great reader feedback on my next book, working on thinking up new YouTube content, and taking my daughter on a special bookstore date. I also read too many bleak thrillers in a row, and...
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Valentine's Audiobook, Moving Websites, and Fiction Burnout
I produced and posted an audiobook in less than 24 hours, and I've been working on several other projects as well. Moving my websites for one thing. Also, my baby loves reading, I'm reading a good book, and I'm thinking about what made me start loving fiction again last year.
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Foreign Language, Taxes, and Abusive Romance
There's a very particular reason I put off working on my current audiobook for many years, and it's weird returning to that point in the series while simultaneously working on my new book! I'm also starting to think about getting my tax stuff together, reading a book with some major red flags…
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Technical Issues, Journaling, and "Here"
I'm finding many, many things I need to fix in the first draft of my latest book, as always, and I'm having technical issues trying to record and edit audiobooks, also as always! I also got my daughter a special gift, I finally finished Nicholas Nickleby, and I have mixed feelings on the movie...
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New Years' Goals, Dickens, and Adjusting
I'm finally back, after a long holiday break! I have plans for the 2025, new routines to figure out, and lots and lots of reading to do. I also got a little help in encouraging my daughter to want to learn to read, I'm making good progress on the Radialloy audiobook, and trying to learn how to…
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Burnout, A Christmas Audiobook, and Bittersweet Predictions
I didn't write much last month, but I have been busy--and I AM determined to finish my book before the end of the year! I'm also teaching a child to read, I tried out a new author, and I'm thinking ahead to what it will be like when I finish the very last book of the Firmament series...
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Coffee Shop Writing, Pointless Kids' Books, and Conflict
After a two-week break, I did some writing again! But I have been busy in those two weeks, starting my new YouTube series, getting ready for Black Friday, and harshly judging childrens' books. Also, dies EVERY scene in a story really need conflict? If so, how do we make that happen?
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Character Names, Collaborations, and Spoilers
For this special 100th podcast episode, I answer questions from listeners! How many books will be in the Firmament series? How do I name characters? How do I feel after a writing session? And have I ever collaborated with another author before?
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New Ventures, Goodbye Kindle Vella, and Emotional Rollercoasters
I'm SO close to being finished with my first draft, and I have exciting news--and some less exciting news. I'm also about to re-read a book that I read many times in my childhood, and I'm contemplating the way so many well-told stories keep ALMOST letting their characters be happy and achieve...
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Artsy Movies, Koala Names, and Pointless Books
I'm finally finished getting all my podcast episodes on YouTube! I also don't get artsy movies, my daughter seems to have inherited my love of naming things, and my latest book club book has got me thinking--does a story need to have a meaning or a point? if not, what does it need?
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New Audiobooks, Catalogs, and Tress of the Emerald Sea
I'm more than halfway through with my current work in progress, but I'm having to change things up a bit to stay motivated. Also, I am finishing up one audiobook and starting another, my daughter is obsessed with the Amazon toy catalog, and I recently read a charming, unusual story that has…
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Astronomy, Eagle of the Ninth, and Cobra Kai
My new book is selling well, and I've reached the halfway point on the next book! I'm also learning more about astronomy, just for fun, having mixed feelings about my reading, and thinking about sequels and how they can honor their source material while still setting themselves apart.
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Shifting Schedules, Bookstore Dates, and Christian Sci-Fi
My latest book is now available on ebook and paperback! I'm also ready to share the synopsis for the next book with you all, and I have a new way of fitting writing into my schedule. I also took my daughter to my favorite bookstore, read a classic tale of romantic suspense, and got to have a...
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Advertising, Beyond Boundaries, and Reading Phases
One book is formatted and almost ready for publication, and I've started writing the next one! I'm also trying new advertising strategies, which I hate, my girls are acting out their favorite books, and I'm finding that I seem to be transitioning to a season of reading, which may or may not...
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You Tube, So Many Books, and Bad Writing
My book is ALMOST ready to be published, and I have been very busy getting content up on YouTube, including past episodes of this podcast! I also brought two big boxes of books into my home recently, my baby loves reading books, and I find too much comfort in how many successful books out there…
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First Draft Pain, Letter Writing, and Renewed Inspiration
I'm rushing to get things done before my book is published, and at the same time churning out a first draft that is reminding me just how painful the writing process can be. I also read a book I didn't like for multiple reasons, my daughter loves writing letters, and I find it so inspiring to…
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New Recording Method, New Bookshelf, and New Philosophy
I have a LOT of projects going on, including having to find a new way to record my podcast! I also bought a new shelf for someone particular in my household, I'm reading two very different books, and I'm changing the way I think about my book collection in general.
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Chapter Length, Mockingjay, and Sad vs. Hopeless
I have to break down my chapters multiple times in the editing and publishing process, and it can be a challenge! I also finally finished The Hunger Games trilogy, and I've been thinking about different types of sad stories and how they affect me.
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Cover Art, American Girl, and Structure
I've got updates on my latest book, including cover art and approximate release date! I'm also on a new writing schedule, buying books for my daughter's birthday, and contemplating story structure and the different ways of approaching it.
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Early Mornings, The Hunger Games, and Being Intentional
I'm not podcasting as often but I have found a good way to get more writing done this past week. I'm also reading a LOT, including finally getting to a certain young adult dystopian trilogy, and I'm taking a close look at my priorities to see how I can make sure I'm doing what I value most.
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Typos, Character Ages, and Rules
I'm moving right along on rewriting, despite storms and power outages, but am frustrated at how often typos slip through several rounds of editing! Also, people think my characters are younger than they are, and I recently had to switch to audiobook on my current read for a very frustrating reason.
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Reading Outside, Delightful Books, and Tornados vs. Dinosaurs
I've been doing a LOT of reading lately, and much of it has been outdoors. Delightful books and time-travel sci-fi have been among my reading fare, and I've been pondering the various types of story conflict and exactly what kind of natural enemy is the scariest.
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Reading Timing, Good Stories vs. Great, and Daily Planning
How does one choose what to read when and when it's time to pause one book to read another? Also, I saw The Fall Guy, and my daily planner is really helping with my daily schedule and productivity in so many ways!
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Taking Notes, Middlemarch, and Quality Pots
Moving right along with editing and recording, and it's been fun to see how the first book in my series holds up against the rest. I'm also keeping track of my reading in a new way, reading a very long book, and pondering quantity vs. quality yet again.
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Back to Work, Telling Stories, and Reading Fast
I'm back to both writing and podcasting after a long but helpful break, and I'm making exciting progress on my projects! I'm also telling stories to my kids, reading books in order, and learning one way reading so fast is a helpful tool.
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Color-By-Number, The Little Liar, and What Makes Good Fiction
Continuing to go over my latest work in progress and also trying some new things with audiobooks. My daughters love to read or "read" to me, and I've been doing some thinking on what makes me consider a book or movie a "great story."
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Things to Fix, Tax Stuff, and Not Feeling Guilty
I'm finding so many small-to-medium things I will need to fix as I go through my latest first draft, and I finally did a small thing that was a huge help for doing my taxes. I'm also trying go let go of reading aloud at the "perfect" time, and I'm slowly learning to not feel the guilt of "not…
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Changes, The Time Traveler's Wife, and Filling the Gap
In the internet age, unfortunately, you have to be willing to try new things and sometimes let go of old ones when it comes to promoting books. I'm also reading a thought-provoking (but kinda awful) book, and I had a sweet reminder of why I started writing YA sci-fi in the first place.
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Almost Done, Amusing Ourselves to Death, and Argylle
I'm very close to finishing the first draft of my next book, and am overall happy with how it's been going! I'm also thinking ahead to next month and reading a very thought-provoking book. Also, my husband and I saw Argylle and had VERY different reactions. Why is that?
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Cringey Old Work, Airplanes, and Reading Fast
I had to rethink the last half of my current work-in-progress, but that's still not as painful as revisiting old work! Also, we are reading books about airplanes, I'm reading a surprisingly good thriller, and I might be reading a bit too fast--or am I?
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Recommendations, Koalas, and Fitting Dreams Into Life
It looks like I'll be able to finish writing my next book this month, and I have a couple recommendations for learning how to outline a novel. Also, my daughter LOVES koalas, I'm reading Demon Copperhead, and I'm trying to be flexible when it comes to writing consistently with so many babies around!
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Writing Schedule, Cuddles, and Motivation vs. Willpower
I'm trying to step up my wordcount next month so I can get this book finished, and I'm thinking about my reading for the year. I also got a very sweet reminder of why I need to be flexible in my daily schedule. And which do you need more, motivation or willpower?
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Exciting Scenes, Fight Night, and Eclectic Reading Tastes
I got to one of those scenes in the Firmament series I've looked forward to writing for over a decade! I'm also not sure what I'll be bringing to my book club's "fight night," my daughter read me a whole book, and I've been thinking about how I'll read pretty much anything.
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Chapter Length, Books for Christmas, and Progress vs. Pressure
My novella is about to release, I have an unusual method for writing chapters, and my two-year-old loves routine. Also, is there a way to be consistent in working towards your goals without putting pressure on yourself and your family?
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New Goals, Prophet, and Planning Stories
New year, new reading and writing goals! I have several projects going, I'm finally reading a book I've meant to get to for years, and my daughter's interest in reading had exploded. Also, is it possible to be 100% planner when it comes to writing?
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Missing Characters, Reading Fast, and Stories That Stick With You
I'm wrapping up my writing projects for the year, but somehow I find I always miss my characters as soon as I'm not working with them! I'm also having to speed through my current read, which is unexpectedly fun. And what is it that makes some books impact you even if they aren't your favorites?
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Wrapped, 2024 Plans, and Truly Madly Guilty
I got to see my Wrapped podcasting stats and was encouraged! I'm also thinking ahead to what 2024 will look like for me as an author, and I'm reading a book I've meant to read for awhile. The book has me thinking--how do you balance letting tragedy happen in stories without taking it too far?
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New Release, Lightbulb Moments, and How to Tell a Story
My newest book is OUT and I'm revealing the synopsis for the next book! I'm also fascinated by the sudden leaps of development and growth in my kids, and I just finished reading a book that has me thinking that the WAY you tell a story may matter more than the story itself...
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Progenitor, True Art, and Feedback
I've had to start work on the next Firmament book already, even as I race to get the current one published! I'm also trying hard to figure out Amazon ads, thinking about what art truly is, and I saw the new Agatha Christie movie and was very confused--but not in the way you might think.
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Back Again, New Projects, and Valuing Reading
I'm finally back after months of maternity leave! What have I been working on, besides caring for an adorable baby? I have news about upcoming releases as well as updates about my daughter learning to read. Also, is love of reading something that can be imparted to our children?
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Series News, Children's Books, and Maternity Leave
I have a whole bunch of updates on my series, and we have a whole bunch of new books around our house! Also, I was not impressed by my first foray into the works of Wilkie Collins, and I discuss the concept of "drifting into" maternity leave and what that means for me.
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Making Letters, Cults, and Imperfections
My book will be released in two days, so I've been busy! Also, my daughter has found a creative way to express the alphabet, I'm learning a lot about cults, and I'm discovering how impossible it is to be perfectly consistent when writing a long series.
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New Poetry, Closing Libraries, and Letting Go
One of my current projects is forcing me to write poetry for the first time in years, our library is closing, and I'm reading a book about an octopus. Also, is there a difference between letting things slide and intentionally letting things go?
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3rd Edition, A Grief Observed, and Failure in Stories
I have lots of news about my series, including the 3rd edition of book 1! Also, I'm reading an unusual book by C.S. Lewis, and watching Lost in Space has me thinking about how failure can be used for the good of a story.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Improbable Things have?
Improbable Things currently has 113 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Improbable Things about?
"Science Fiction is the improbable made possible," Rod Serling said. As a sci-fi writer, sometimes I've believed as many as six improbable things before breakfast and I'd like to share them with you!
How often does Improbable Things release new episodes?
Improbable Things publishes regularly with 113 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Improbable Things?
You can listen to Improbable Things on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Improbable Things?
Improbable Things is created and hosted by J. Grace Pennington.
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