Science-fiction writer
I’m talking about novels, of course. Be naughty in your own time. Each genre has an average expected novel length, and usually for first-time-authors that length is almost a condition. For science-fiction novels, the average length is usually between 90 and 120K, and if the author hasn’t been published before, agents and publishers will rarely [...]
These two extremes of speculative fiction have always provided a stark contrast to modern reality, and have fascinated through their often “visionary” aspects. Anyone interested in science-fiction or modern fantasy has stumbled upon stories that paint the future in a decided color. Such stories always awaken a powerful curiosity in us, and we often close [...]
Choosing the right point of view for a work of fiction is, in my opinion, the most important decision a writer makes beside choosing the protagonist. It not only dictates what pronouns to use, and how much of the protagonist’s thoughts the reader gets to see, but also determines the distance between reader & protagonist. [...]
It’s one of the classics of literature, isn’t it? The hero’s journey is part of almost every genre, it’s part of fictional DNA, it’s a must, right? Well, not in my notsohumble opinion. The hero’s journey is too formulaic for my taste. Not because I’m better, or some equally inane bullshit, but because I don’t [...]
First, a sad little announcement—I might not be able to keep up with my twice-a-week blogging schedule in the coming few months, due to some unforeseen events, such as the brain surgery my pet cockroach performed on himself, and which turned him into an evil mastermind out for world domination. Thus I’m regretfully announcing I [...]
I’ve recently started a new series of speculative posts, in which I pose a What If question and try to investigate its potential. This is an open discussion and you’re all very welcome to participate. Or just teleport the discussion to your own blog. Or to the far reaches of outer space where it can [...]
Time for a fresh wind to hunt across the planes of this blog, and shake some new ideas from the treetops. Starting this year, I’ll be hosting guest posts by fellow writers as a monthly thing. I’ve met so many smart, creative and motivated writers since I started blogging, I thought it would be a [...]
Wild speculation and extrapolative thinking is an important part of being a science-fiction writer. It keeps your gears oiled and your sense of wonder alive, not to mention it’s an integral part of worldbuilding. Bah, who am I kidding, it just makes so much fun to go all crazy about stuff and let your inner [...]
There’s nothing I love talking about more than writing science-fiction and all the things that flow into it. I’m aware that many great minds have said many great things about this genre, and many brilliant writers have left their spectacular mark on it throughout the years. I’m also acutely aware I haven’t published any work [...]
Point of view isn’t just a choice of pronoun, it’s a tactical decision in the service of storytelling. The way we tell a story can make or break it, regardless of the marvelous genius of the plot or the unique personality of the characters. Point of view is a weapon, and it can be wielded [...]
I'm fascinated with the dynamics of the human mind and the mechanics of the universe, so I twist both of them into a twine and make a pretty little bow. Around a plasma cannon!
