The Asimov’s Double Issue Oct./Nov is a thick digest of science fiction goodness, so the fact that I’m focusing on three stories that are telling the same story — the destructive, betraying nature of women and the stalwart male who must resist this betrayal — is, I admit, a bit ungracious. But still, really? We’re still telling this same story? I just expect better of science fiction writers. Jack Dann’s Waiting for Medusa is notated Read more…
If it’s October that means that it’s time for the annual NaNoWriMo post. In a nutshell, here is my approach to the event that consumes the writing community for the wacky month of November: Don’t do it. To recap: in 2009, I wrote a post entitled, Writing a Novel? Don’t Do NaNoWriMo. Writing requires steady, consistent effort. Blasting through a novel at over 1000 words a day means that you will get a lot of Read more…
How my muse gets my attention: The Uncommitted Come-on “There might maybe sorta kinda be a story in that little bit of an idea right there. You could maybe see it if you look at it sideways. Just saying. No? Okay, I was wrong. Never mind.” The Vague Restlessness “Sit down and write. You don’t know what to write? Okay, get some tea. Brush your hair. You still feel like you need to write? Maybe Read more…