DEEP CUTS Episode 87: How Much Backstory Do Authors Need?

Backstory—the story stuff happens before the stuff that happens in the story. How much do authors need to make a great tale? Do you need a fully fleshed-out world before you write the first sentence, or can you wing it? Scott Sigler and ARealGirl Herself discuss.



Deep Cuts is created by Scott Sigler and A B Kovacs




Produced by Steve Riekeberg




Production Assistance by Allie Press




Copyright 2026 by Empty Set Entertainment 




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