Iain M Banks reading an exclusive extract from his as yet unpublished new novel in the Culture series at Alt.Fiction 2007 in Derby, UK.
Category Archives: Writing Journal
Alt.Fiction Bulletin 2
Well, Alt Fiction has been and gone again. And it was really, really excellent. I managed to squeeze three sessions into the afternoon. First up was a discussion about the alternative fiction small press with Pete Crowther of PS Publishing, Christopher Teague of Pendragon Press, Andrew Hook from Elastic Press and one other I willContinue reading “Alt.Fiction Bulletin 2”
Alt.Fiction Bulletin 1
Alt.Fiction 2007 gets off to a rousing start with talks from Mark Chadbourne, james Barcla, Stan Nichols and a bundle of other writers. There is a fantastic selection of book stalls that I’m yet to even get near – I’ve stepped out for a bit to eat lunch and let the brain cool down afterContinue reading “Alt.Fiction Bulletin 1”
Wangst
I wish I could have latched onto any of the more intelligent concepts in this gnarly, supremely accurate and well overdue article by Julian Gough, but the concept of Wangst has had me chorling with venemous glee all morning. I’m going to go a step further than my pal Julian and declare Wangst the new born genre of commercial fictionContinue reading “Wangst”
Dragon Smack
Today is good day in the world because George R R Martin is writing ‘A Dance with Dragons’. The next volume of of ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ is probably the most eagerly awaited book in the world. If you don’t believe me then pick up volume one, ‘A Game of Thrones’ and start reading.Continue reading “Dragon Smack”
Transrealism
‘Although reading is linear, writing is not.’ Rudy Rucker, The Transrealist Manifesto Where have all the manifestos gone? Art is like motor racing, whilst winning is all well and good its the chance of witnessing a bloody great crash that makes it compelling. Or being in one. Without the odd revolutionary manifesto every once inContinue reading “Transrealism”
Alt.Fiction
Some people mark religious holidays. Others celebrate at rock festivals. I get excited about SF conventions. I’ve got that Xmas day feeling you used to get as a kid and it can only mean one thing . . . ALT FICTION! To be accurate Alt Fiction is a festival, not a convention. There are no Klingon costumes or in fact costume ofContinue reading “Alt.Fiction”
Sunday Subs
Rule One: You Must Write Rule Two: Finish What You Start Rule Three: You Must Refrain From Rewriting, Except to Editorial Order Rule Four: You Must Put Your Story on the Market Rule Five: You Must Keep it on the Market until it has Sold Rule Six: Start Working on Something Else Heinlein’s Rules ofContinue reading “Sunday Subs”
The Short Story
Once again the National Short Story Prize have neglected to include me on their shortlist. The nerve of it! Instead they chose this lot: ‘Slog’s Dad’ by David Almond ‘The Morena’ by Jonathan Falla ‘The Orphan and the Mob’ by Julian Gough ‘How to Get Away with Suicide’ by Jackie Kay ‘Weddings and Beheadings’ by HanifContinue reading “The Short Story”
A Gnats Wing Beat…
…is considerably longer than my attention span. I have what is probably a rather unhealthy writing system. Like my reading habits I’ve resorted to having multiple writing projects on the go in the hope that one will suit my mental state when I sit down to write. Just for fun I’m going to list allContinue reading “A Gnats Wing Beat…”
More Moore
Links to photos of the Alan Moore event a few months back by Andrew, who’s photographic skills far outstrip mine. Alan Moore Ian Sinclair
Career Management
An interesting enquiry to Miss Snark the mystery literary agent. How do you deal with embarrassing novels from earlier literary personae? And when, if ever, do you raise them with an agent? One of the positive consequences of having crashed and burned on multiple novel writing projects is that none of my unborn children madeContinue reading “Career Management”
Damien Walter 