In this episode of Project Shadow, hosts Charlie and Brian dive into the new Star Wars series 'The Acolyte,' analyzing its character developments, themes, and the impact of the High Republic era. They reflect on the importance of stakes and emotional control in the narrative, providing insights into the deep connections between characters. The conversation broadens to include bold storytelling approaches in modern sci-fi and fantasy series like 'Ahsoka' and 'Rings of Power', discussing the need for stories to stand on their own and the importance of evolving mythologies for contemporary audiences. The hosts highlight the challenges creators face in balancing respect for source material with innovation and celebrate successful genre diversification within franchises. The first 43 minutes is spoiler free.

00:00 Introduction to The Acolyte

00:54 Welcome Back to Project Shadow

02:14 Non-Spoiler Review of The Acolyte

03:00 High Republic Era Explained

08:27 The High Republic Publishing Initiative

13:37 The Stakes in The High Republic

16:26 Comparing The Acolyte to Other Star Wars Media

30:32 The Force and Its Importance in Star Wars

37:01 The Acolyte's Unique Approach

43:05 Spoiler Zone: Deep Dive into The Acolyte

52:59 The Jedi's Emotional Struggle

54:05 Character Dynamics: Osha and May

55:39 Killing Jedi: A Complex Challenge

57:06 Flashbacks and Perspectives

01:00:49 The Dark Side's Influence

01:08:55 Bleeding the Crystal: A Star Wars Moment

01:13:39 The Future of Star Wars Storytelling

01:34:28 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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The episode of Project: Shadow titled "Writing for a Subscription Platform" features Charlie, a non-binary sci-fi and fantasy writer, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities of writing for a subscription-based platform. Charlie contrasts this model with traditional novel writing, highlighting the constant need for engaging content in subscription writing and the different kind of pressure it entails.

Charlie explains that in subscription writing, each part of the story must be captivating, unlike a novel where the overall narrative holds precedence. This model allows for the story to evolve and grow over time, offering a more dynamic and interactive experience for both the writer and the audience.

The subscription model is detailed as a process where readers pay a small fee for early access to drafts and the opportunity to influence the story's direction. Charlie emphasizes the benefits of having committed beta readers (or alpha readers) who provide valuable feedback throughout the writing process.

Charlie shares personal experiences and strategies, including a shift towards more outlining than usual, while still allowing room for spontaneous creativity. They also express the vulnerability and fear associated with sharing early, unrefined drafts and the worry that their work might not resonate with readers.

The discussion then shifts to the mechanics of using a platform like Ream for publishing drafts and the fear of judgment that writers face. Charlie questions traditional publication methods' sustainability and suggests that the subscription model aligns more closely with modern readers' preferences for interactive and regularly updated content.

Finally, Charlie invites listeners to join them on their writing journey through their podcast, "The Nonbinary Writer," and teases future episodes focusing on media analysis, specifically Star Trek and Star Wars.

In this heartfelt episode, Charlie shares their personal journey through a period of burnout, not from overwork, but due to the overwhelming nature of current global and personal challenges. They discuss the difficulty in balancing their passion for discussing media with the increasingly toxic environment in fandom debates and the broader societal turmoil.

Charlie reflects on their disappointment with recent media, like the adaptation of "Dune," and how it missed capturing the essence of the source material's themes, which are so relevant today. They express frustration with the public's misinterpretation of their work and the struggle to find relevance and joy in creating art amidst the chaos of the world.

This episode delves into the importance of finding joy in small things and the necessity of living in the present rather than waiting for a better future. Charlie emphasizes the significance of the little joys in life and how they keep us going, despite the overwhelming nature of global issues like climate change and social injustices.