To apply these concepts to your own work, would you like to explore on building a "long-term creative system" or his tips for blending humor with serious science fiction? Writing Excuses 6.17: Writing Assistants
Ultimately, "The Wondercabinet" posits that we are the sum of what we choose to keep. For Howard Tayler, and for the aspiring writers listening, the goal is not just to write a book, but to build a repository of skills and interests that can sustain a lifelong career. The episode leaves the audience with a poignant homework assignment: to examine their own "non-writing life" and identify the unique tools they already possess, waiting to be displayed in their own creative cabinet. [S18E6] The Wondercabinet
The concept of a Wondercabinet is rooted in the Renaissance tradition of gathering disparate items—biological specimens, clockwork mechanisms, and art—into one room to represent the breadth of the world. Tayler applies this to the writing life: an author is a collector of perspectives. Whether it is his background in corporate management or his love for technical gadgetry, Howard illustrates that a creator’s "voice" is often just the unique arrangement of the curiosities they have collected over a lifetime. To apply these concepts to your own work,
A major takeaway from the discussion is the reality of the "long game." Having produced a daily comic for twenty years without fail, Tayler emphasizes that creativity is a muscle supported by systems. He argues that professional success is less about the "spark of genius" and more about building a "cabinet" of reliable tools—habits and structures—that allow an artist to keep creating even when the spark is dim. The episode leaves the audience with a poignant
Season 18 marks a "refresh" era for the podcast, and this interview highlights Howard’s transition from a founding host to a seasoned mentor. He speaks candidly about the shifting identity of a writer: how the person who started Schlock Mercenary is not the same person finishing it. This evolution requires the artist to occasionally "clear the shelves" of their cabinet, making room for new genres—like horror or RPG design—to ensure their creative vitality does not stagnate.
of the podcast Writing Excuses is an interview-style episode featuring host Howard Tayler . The title refers to the historical concept of a "cabinet of curiosities" ( Wunderkammer )—a collection of notable, diverse, and often strange objects that preceded modern museums. Thematic Core: Curating Your Creative Identity