Dissection - Daniel Alarcón's Writing Maneuvers
Sound School Podcast
Deep Dive
What is 'The Good Whale' about?
It's a story about Keiko, a killer whale who was captured and kept in captivity, and the efforts to return him to the sea. The series explores his life, the people involved, and the broader implications for wildlife and the environment.
Why did the introduction of Dick Donner feel unusual?
The introduction was casual and conversational, almost as if responding directly to a listener's unspoken question, which is not a typical way to introduce characters in storytelling.
What writing technique did Daniel Alarcón use to describe Keiko's past?
He used a backward sequence of events, repeating 'before that' to build a layered history of Keiko's captivity, starting from his capture in the North Atlantic to his life in Mexico City.
How did Daniel Alarcón handle the theme of anthropomorphism in 'The Good Whale'?
He subtly integrated the tension of anthropomorphism into the storytelling without explicitly explaining its pitfalls, weaving it seamlessly into the narrative to avoid disrupting the flow.
What was the significance of Keiko's role in the movie 'Free Willy'?
Keiko became the real-life whale behind the fictional character Willie, symbolizing the struggle for freedom and the broader debate about humanity's responsibility towards wildlife.
Why did the line 'But it was all about to change' feel overused?
The line lacked specificity and didn't contribute much to the narrative, making it feel like a cliché rather than a meaningful foreshadowing device.
How did Daniel Alarcón's fiction background influence his audio storytelling?
While his writing had literary flourishes, it remained rooted in audio storytelling, with a conversational tone and minimal reliance on tape, giving it a New Yorker magazine-like feel.
What was the challenge of moving Keiko from Mexico to his new home?
The logistics were complex, requiring Keiko to be comfortable in a sling for 14 hours while being transported by a UPS plane, with the goal of keeping him calm and trusting during the journey.
How did Keiko's life change after the 'Free Willy' movie?
He became a symbol for the broader issues of wildlife conservation and the health of the oceans, but his individual needs and trauma remained central to the story.
Shownotes Transcript