[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, 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 [S18E6] The Wondercabinet

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 The concept of a Wondercabinet is rooted in

In this episode, Howard Tayler discusses his long-standing career as a web cartoonist and author, particularly focusing on how he "curates" his own creative output. The essay below explores the episode's central themes of , professional sustainability , and the "Wondercabinet" as a metaphor for a creator's unique toolkit. Essay: The Architect of Curiosities To apply these concepts to your own work,

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.

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.