professional science fiction and dark fantasy writer
I know a lot of writers. Most of them, I'd say 99.9%, are hard working ordinary people who honestly want to help new writers understand the business and get a firm, confident start in the profession and the field of publishing. And then there are the handful of jerks who do nothing but put up …
Continue reading "Bad Writing Advice for Amateurs and How to Ignore It"
The deeper I get into this novel the more I am bombarded by all sorts of ideas and impressions that come and go like koi rising to the surface in a green pond. I examine each one in turn and decide whether or not I will use it in the novel. It's a heady time …
Continue reading "The Chaotic Cuisinart of Novel Writing (and by extension, writing in general)"
Idea: Hello. Me: Who are you? Idea: An idea. Me: Hey, you're not too bad. Idea: I know. I think I have promise. Me: So do I. Excuse me a moment. Idea: Where are you going? Me: I'm going to write. Idea: Whoa! Hold on a minute. You're going to write me? Me: Why not? …
Continue reading "A Polite Conversation: First, Enter an Idea. Later, Enter Story."
Me: One thing I don't understand. Story: Just one? I doubt that. Anyway, that's why I'm here. Shoot. Me: Why is it sometimes you seem to write yourself, and other times it's like pulling teeth from a wolverine to get you finished? Story: Oh, boy. I was afraid you were going to ask me that …
Continue reading "Another Conversation with Story: The Synergy of Creativity and Process"
As a writer I am fascinated by processes which shape and form human thoughts and ideas in a social context. This interests me because as a writer I feel it is my duty to present human beings in their full and unadulterated light. Therefore, as we study different cultures and ideas, we see patterns and …
Continue reading "Flapper Talk and the Reflection of Language on Human Culture"
Me: Okay, it's early in the morning and I have coffee. Let's get started. There's this science fiction passage I want to get into today that will lead to the big reveal for the main character. Story: No. Me: What do you mean 'No'. Story: I mean no. Me: Come on, quite playing around. Story: …
Continue reading "A Private Conversation with Story: Who’s really in control?"
Hoover's Corner 