Lean Into Uncommon Commonalities (Susan O'Connor)

Susan O’Connor dives into niche community building within course creation. Her focus on shared experiences, teaching assistants, and constant curriculum updates fosters a dynamic, supportive learning environment. With peer feedback and industry pros, her masterclass offers warmth and connection.Susan O’Connor is a video game consultant and award-winning video game writer whose titles have generated more than a half-billion dollars in revenue.In this episode, Ari, Abe, and Susan discuss:Leaning into uncommon commonalities within niche communities in course creationThe importance of teaching assistants in student support and community structureConstant updates in teaching niche topics like video game storytellingInviting past graduates to discuss recent games for clear and communal learningThe implementation of peer feedback structures with small cohorts and buddy systemsIntroducing a “pro tier” with industry professionals providing feedback Stringent guidelines to ensure quality feedbackSusan’s successful transition from video game writer to game writing teacherThe role of a strong community in achieving significant financial successFuture plans to expand the program to include game design classes for writers“Creative people desperately need to be in community and often are not to the point where they just feel like, ‘Well, I don’t really need community. I’m just an oddball weirdo.’” — Susan O’ConnorGuest Bio:Susan O’Connor’s first job as a game writer was for “a slumber party game — for girls!” She was an award-winning game writer who has worked on over 25 projects, including titles in the BioShock, Far Cry, and Tomb Raider franchises. Titles in her portfolio have sold over 30 million copies and generated over $500 million in sales. She founded the Game Narrative Summit at GDC. Now, she partners with studios, publishers, and writers to help teams ship great games with great stories. She is dedicated to supporting creatives in the games industry so that they can do their best work.Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:MiraseeRuzukuSusan’s website: TheNarrativeDepartment.comSusan's previous episode: "Writing for Video Games"Credits:Hosts: Ari Iny and Abe CrystalProducer: Michi LantzExecutive Producer: Danny InyAudio Editor: Marvin del RosarioMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioTo catch the great episodes that are coming up on Course Lab, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channel or your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Music credits:Track Title: Bossa BBArtist Name: MarieWriter Name: Chelsea McGoughPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist Name: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: GraceArtist Name: ShimmerWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSTrack Title: Carousel LightsArtist Name: Chelsea McGoughWriter Name: Chelsea McGoughWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONPublisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.Episode transcript: Creating Uncommon Commonalities (Susan O'Connor).