Its common currency in genre fiction land that if you want to make a living, you write fantasy. Whereas if you want to develop a cult reputation with readerships in double figures whilst subsisting on a diet of dried pasta and bread crusts you write SF. The interesting thing is that this doesn’t have anythingContinue reading “The Streets are Paved with Fantasy (Blockbusters)”
Category Archives: Writing Journal
The Names Have Been Changed to Protect the Innocent
I’ve just started a 6 month mentoring programme that has grown out of both my literature devlopment work and my interests as a writer. I’m going to make a few posts about it here on the Don’t Look Down blog as a way of recording my progress and I thought it might also be ofContinue reading “The Names Have Been Changed to Protect the Innocent”
Feast of Fantasy
I’ve been on an epic fantasy read over the last month. Not just epic in content, but epic in size! First up a collection of short fiction by Kelly Link. Miss Link is at the head of a number of new (at least to me) fantasy writers who are melding fantasy / horror writing withContinue reading “Feast of Fantasy”
Word Hustler
There is a great little post over at Tobias Buckel’s blog about hustling for freelance work to support a writing career. I’m not sure I’d advise taking out a six month loan (thats about 10 – 12k!) unless you are uber serious, totally confidant in your writing skills and have at least a few publicationsContinue reading “Word Hustler”
Protected: STORY: Circe’s
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
I Am William Gibson…Again
Which Author’s Fiction are You? William Gibson wrote your book. Technology terrifies and delights you. Take this quiz! Quizilla | Join | Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code This is just spooky!
The Quotable Bradbury
I thought I would share some excellent quotes from the mighty Ray Bradbury. They’re the kind of thing that only make sense once you have made the mistakes they are trying to help you avoid IMHO. “Don’t think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It’s self-conscious and anything self-conscious is lousy. You cannot try toContinue reading “The Quotable Bradbury”
99% Crap
Agent and former leading SF / Fantasy editor John Jarrold on the route to publication. More information about John here Or see the original thread at the TTA Press forum here ***** This does vary from company to company, but here is the general route for a new writer: Basically, every editor in London willContinue reading “99% Crap”
Papier Massacre
If there is one event by which I can measure the passing of the years its the book purge. I don’t engage in them frequently. I like books, and having them sitting in piles around my (and other peoples) abode(s) makes me happy. It can’t go on though. Eventualy you realise that without intervention youContinue reading “Papier Massacre”
Reality Check Beastie
For anyone clinging onto the life of a jobbing novelist as there get of reality free card, here is a little bait to bring out the reality check beastie: Chralie Stross on the writers life
Handling the Hate
I’ve long observed a natural pattern fall into place with each new writing project. Writing session one passes in a haze of bedazzled excitement as the possibilities of the story at hand hand unfold in your imagination like a glorious summer bloom. Session two is usualy tinged by the belief that you aren’t quite getting down onContinue reading “Handling the Hate”
The World in a Drop of Water
M John Harrison has posted an interesting response to the question of realities within fiction on the TTA Press forum. Believe it or not I’ve actualy spent quite a bit of time debating this issue myself. Not that you could tell that by my contribution to the thread. I agree with MJH, but it doesn’tContinue reading “The World in a Drop of Water”
Damien Walter 