Study Up For 'Think': Writers As Characters, In Rising Action

How do writers turn abstract ideas and emotions into characters and plotlines? Manuel Gonzales' “Pilot, Copilot, Writer,” a lyrical short story from his first collection The Miniature Wife, could be read as a consideration of that struggle. The Austin writer talks to Think host Krys Boyd about where compelling stories come from today at 1 p.m.

In this excerpt, Gonzales' narrator – a writer – doesn't know how his plane stays in the air during an excruciatingly long hijacking. He's told “perpetual oil” keeps he and his fellow fearful passengers above the ground in a hell of uncertainty, circling above Dallas.

Gonzales doesn't just fight through the creative process himself.  As the executive director of Austin writing non-profit Bat Cave, he helps kids and teens ages 6-18 hone their creative writing skills through free workshops and tutoring sessions. Read more about the program.

Listen to Think from noon to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, on KERA 90.1 or stream the show at kera.org.