Today's article on my site...

[seawasp]

... is on the process of writing, as I experience it. 

Comments

[jeriendhal.livejournal.com]

Iiiiiiinteresting. I tend to be more character than plot based when I'm writing, following LMB's adage of "What's the worst possible thing I can do to this character?" Though I usually have an end goal for the characters in mind when I start writing, I usually don't outline the plot except for some vague notions in my head. This gives me a lot of freedom, but unfortunately also leads to a helluva lot of false starts. Like you I also tend to edit lightly if at all, beyond the usual spelling and grammar.

I'm also impressed by your writing speed. I'm lucky if I can get 1200 words down in a week, much less a day.

[seawasp]

Oh, I follow the "make it hard for your character" rule, but since I know where I'm going with that, there's things that can happen and things that can't. And some things I won't write, of course.

If I *couldn't* manage 1200 words an hour, I wouldn't be able to have even a small career writing; not enough time.

[j-v-lynch.livejournal.com]

Hey, I just got a copy of Spheres of Influence to review. Will I be lost having not read Grand Central Arena?

[seawasp]

Lost? Probably not, if you read the "What Has Gone Before (and a little bit of What Has Come After)" section. Have less connection with the characters and world than you would if you'd experienced it? Yes; you'll especially have missed the (hopefully powerful) Moments of Awesome for DuQuesne and Ariane, which have echo effects throughout Spheres.

Do you want GCA? Or no time to read it even if you had it?

[j-v-lynch.livejournal.com]

I am content with either and can make time to read the first one. It all depends on if you would like the book reviewed as a stand alone work or as a continuation of the previous one. I've read sequels that are not very good without having made the emotional connections in the first book. This will be the first of your books that I've read so I have no opinion on your writing outside of LiveJournal.

[seawasp]

Well, then, if this is your first book of mine my general feeling is you should read it in context. GCA starts somewhat slow as it has to set up TWO universes (the solar system of 2375 and the characters therein, and then the Arena), but it's gotten overall very positive reactions and I think reading it will definitely improve your experience of Spheres of Influence.

I think Spheres can stand okay by itself, with its foreword, but it's definitely going to miss something if you haven't really met the characters beforehand.

How do you want your copy of GCA?

[j-v-lynch.livejournal.com]

I'll email you...

[seawasp]

I'll see it when I get home (at work right now).

[seawasp]

Did you get it? I sent it out last night.

[xander-opal.livejournal.com]

A rather different take on initial focus than what I often hear. Often, the advice I wander across is 'Character first and foremost, world to the side.' At least, the impression I have. An interesting world for interesting situations, with appropriately interesting characters looks to be your method?

[seawasp]

Well, it's often "very basic story outline" first, then "well, I need a world that supports that story outline" and a lot of worldbuilding, and then "now, what kind of people do this stuff and will lend themselves to the most awesome?"

[kjn]

My impression is that there are as many construct a story as there are storytellers.

I think the only near-universal advice on writing is Swanwick's: you must find the appropriate balance of dinosaurs and sodomy.

[seawasp]

What about Daleks?

[kjn]

More sodomy needed: add Davros or named Daleks. More dinosaurs needed: add nameless Daleks. A single Dalek can be used for either purpose.

[scott-sanford.livejournal.com]

In a moment of morbid curiosity, I googled "dinosaur sodomy Dalek" (doubtless to the horror of anyone who's trying to track what people are looking for on the internet). 128,000 hits. I'm backing away slowly now.

[muirecan.livejournal.com]

The one absolutely true thing about writing that I have learned from various authors writing and talking about their personal writing process is that ... There is NO ONE TRUE WAY TO WRITE. It is very much idiosyncratic and what works for the author it doesn't mean that the methods taught on how to write don't work but just don't be discouraged if they don't work for you. :)

It is also amazingly refreshing to find out that there are many paths to the book. :D