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 TimE
(@time)
Posts: 404
Silver Star Member
 

https://courses.nationalcentreforwritin ... d-building

Free course.

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Posted : April 17, 2020 9:11 pm
Disgruntled Peony
(@disgruntledpeony)
Posts: 1283
Platinum Member
Topic starter
 

Been awhile since I posted anything here... I'm going to have to fix that.

In any case, I've found an article about writing women as characters (when one is a man) that I think bears mentioning. XD It's pretty solid stuff.

https://mailchi.mp/afdee19b2fb2/how-to- ... 067572fe54

If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. ~ Mark Twain
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, SHM, 1st Place (Q2 V38)
Ticknor Tales
Twitter
4th and Starlight: e-book | paperback

 
Posted : November 5, 2020 7:21 am
 TimE
(@time)
Posts: 404
Silver Star Member
 

Insights from Writing through to Publishing by Hugh Howey - Wool Trilogy.
https://hughhowey.com/writing-insights- ... -a-writer/

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Posted : January 10, 2021 1:56 am
Chezecaek
(@chezecaek)
Posts: 25
Advanced Member
 

I strongly recommend wordnik.com if you need an online dictionary/thesaurus. Extremely thorough and I no longer use anything else.

 
Posted : January 11, 2021 12:49 pm
 TimE
(@time)
Posts: 404
Silver Star Member
 

People get their knickers in a twist over pov issues that may well be down to varying narrative distance.
This is a good article. https://jerichowriters.com/narrative-distance/

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Posted : January 28, 2021 9:50 pm
 TimE
(@time)
Posts: 404
Silver Star Member
 

This is one of the better writing blogs with plenty of tips though not specifically f/sf. The link is to her 'Toolkit'.

This Itch of Writing: THE TOOL-KIT: the Itch of Writing Resources (typepad.com)

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Posted : April 7, 2021 2:14 am
Dustin Adams reacted
Agathon
(@agathon)
Posts: 62
Bronze Member
 
Posted by: @rschibler

This http://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/ is a fun site for story ideas, character names, or funky words.

This https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-7-types-of-short-story-opening-and-how-to-decide-w-5814687 is a format/creation site I like to peruse if I'm having trouble starting a story.

This http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/ is self-explanatory, but an excellent resource.

Finally, https://www.nature.com/ is a good site to check out for story fodder.

salute

The article on clichés in the sf-encyclopedia.com is amusing and excellent. Thanks, RSchibler!

Agathon McGeachy
Figure Sculptor, Mechanical Designer, Reformed Rakehell, Writer
Vol 37, Q2: HM
Vol 37, Q3: HM
Vol 37, Q4: HM
Vol 38, Q1: R
Vol 38, Q2: R
Vol 38, Q3: HM
Vol 38, Q4: HM
Now in print: NIWA 2020 Anthology 'Escape' and NIWA 2021 Anthology 'Forbidden' available on Amazon

 
Posted : April 13, 2021 12:26 pm
babooher
(@babooher)
Posts: 217
Silver Member
 
Posted by: @rschibler

This http://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/ is a fun site for story ideas, character names, or funky words.

 

I was looking for a term for something in my current WIP and this site gave me exactly what I needed. Thanks!

2012 Q4: R
2016 Q3: SHM
2019 Q2: HM, Q3: HM
2020 Q2: HM, Q4: SHM
2021 Q1: HM, Q2: SF, Q3: SHM, Q4: SHM
2022 Q1: SHM, Q2 RWC, Q4 RWC
2023 Q1: RWC Q2: SHM Q3:Nope Q4: WIP

 
Posted : April 21, 2021 8:17 pm
babooher
(@babooher)
Posts: 217
Silver Member
 

Need some help getting words on a page? Stuck in a revolving rut of revision? Try www.writeordie.com! I like to use it while my wife is sleeping in the same room. I turn the volume up as loud as I can knowing that I'll be killed, divorced, or wishing for both if I stop writing and the app screeches! Writeordie.com, get to writing--or else.

2012 Q4: R
2016 Q3: SHM
2019 Q2: HM, Q3: HM
2020 Q2: HM, Q4: SHM
2021 Q1: HM, Q2: SF, Q3: SHM, Q4: SHM
2022 Q1: SHM, Q2 RWC, Q4 RWC
2023 Q1: RWC Q2: SHM Q3:Nope Q4: WIP

 
Posted : May 19, 2021 7:20 pm
 TimE
(@time)
Posts: 404
Silver Star Member
 

140 pages of tips from a judge - Orson Scott Card on how to write scfi and fantasy

https://archive.org/details/How_to_Write_Science_Fiction_and_Fantasy_by_Orson_Scott_Card/page/n1/mode/2up

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Posted : July 29, 2021 1:44 am
AliciaCay
(@aliciacay)
Posts: 145
Silver Member
 

From Uncanny Magazine:
Uncanny Magazine will be reopening to Short Story Submissions on Wednesday, August 4. They will close again on Wednesday, September 1, at Midnight Central.
They're SFWA-qualifying, but with some nuances: 10c a word. 6000 words max, 750 words min. Unpublished material only.
https://uncannymagazine.com/submissions/?fbclid=IwAR0Kvko5lB0aIxeeaK6crds4iKhZK4LZho0grym0kJA3zFdvTb2TgMUOcv8

#

From Diabolical Plots:
Diabolical Plots opens for submissions for August 1-14, 2021.
We also plan to have our first-ever themed submission window in October 2021, for the theme “Diabolical Pots”, food themed speculative fiction stories.  See the announcement post for more details.
Science Fiction, fantasy, speculative horror.  10 cents/word, up to 3500 words.
See the guidelines for more details. https://www.diabolicalplots.com/guidelines/

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From Third Flatiron:
Third Flatiron will be open July 19 - August 2 for submissions to its Fall SFFH short story anthology, tentatively titled, "Things With Feathers: Stories of Hope.” Pay rate for accepted stories is 8 cents/word, and some may be podcasted. Info at:
https://thirdflatiron.com/?fbclid=IwAR1hjV9YvY1AApMgTyt_9em9TqmIvWtOG2CDpZEL-KAUtxDyRb_KGk3Awd0
#
 
From Kevin J. Anderson:

Announcing a new anthology, my third one produced with my grad students at Western Colorado University.
Open for submissions on August 30 6¢/word,. Hope to see something from you.
MIRROR, MIRROR:
Modern Myths
Executive Editor: Kevin J. Anderson
When you’re alone with your reflection, are you prepared for what you see?
A prince in disguise? A monster revealed? An alien race?
Mirrors can be truth-tellers, wish-granters, face-concealers, illusion-makers, even monster-summoners. Maybe the mirror shows an evil twin, or an echo of the life that should have been. Or a portal to another world.
What happens when it shatters?
Once upon a time, no one knew the phrase “Once upon a time.” You’ve read the classic stories. Now write the lore you’ve always wanted to read. Explore this creative challenge from your own unique perspective informed by your roots, culture, and background. We want original fables, folklore, and fairy tales for an eclectic anthology showcasing a new dawn of an old artform.
Imagine a canon of diverse characters for today’s readers to love and loathe. Gaze into the mirror, whether literally or figuratively—classic or genre-bending, grim or whimsical, as long as it is new and fresh.
We are looking for original short stories (prose poems will also be considered) to include a mix of fantasy, science fiction, horror, magical, and romance elements. Must be appropriate for a “PG-13” audience. Please, no copyrighted characters. Previously unpublished stories only. Women, BIPOCs, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse individuals, and other minorities are strongly encouraged to submit.
Length: up to 5000 words (firm limit)
Rate: 6¢/word on acceptance.
Rights: First Anthology Rights and audio rights as part of the anthology; rights revert to author one month after publication; publisher retains non-exclusive right to include in the anthology as a whole.
Due: We are open to submissions from August 30 through October 15, 2021.
Submit: A Microsoft Word or RTF file in standard manuscript format to
One submission per person, please. NO SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS.
Edited by Kevin J. Anderson with an editorial team provided by Western Colorado University Graduate Program in Creative Writing, Publishing MA students. Anthology made possible by a generous contribution from Draft2Digital.

V32: HM (Q4)
V33: HM, HM, SHM, HM
V34: R, R, HM, HM
V35: HM, HM, R, HM
V36: R, R, SHM, R
V37: SHM, FINALIST, HM, SHM
V38: SF, X, SHM, SHM
V39: SHM, tbd, tbd
https://aliciacay.com

 
Posted : July 30, 2021 10:01 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

I just posted a bunch to my critique group. I'll repeat them here. My apologies if I duplicate someone else's. Just consider it a second recommendation.

I always start with Million Dollar Outlines by Dave. It's one of the biggest influences on my approach to story. He discussed story structure, audience analysis, and plotting techniques.  https://www.amazon.com/Million-Dollar.../dp/B00B9JYJ6W/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:05 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Save the Cat by the late Blake Snyder discusses a popular story structure for screenplays; but my agent recommended it for novels as well. It's about more than just structure. It's also about identifying theme and genre, and about troubleshooting stories.  https://www.amazon.com/Save-Cat-Last.../dp/B00340ESIS/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:06 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Save the Cat Writes a Novel is (not surprisingly) more focused on novels. I actually like the original better, but both are good.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078VWDNKT

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:07 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Million Dollar Professionalism, by Contest judges Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta, is full of excellent advice on how to conduct yourself as a professional in the business. They give an abbreviated version as a conference talk, including at Superstars and WotF. If you have a chance to see it, I highly recommend it.  https://www.amazon.com/Million-Dollar.../dp/B00NT5T63K/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:08 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Story by Robert McKee is again more about screenplays, but a lot of the ideas port to novels.  https://www.amazon.com/Story-Structure.../dp/B0042FZVOY/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:09 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Dave ran the Apex Writers Group. (I'll discuss this in more detail later.) Twice a week he hosted Zoom calls to bring in writers, editors, publishers, artists, filmmakers, counselors, agents, and other creative folks to tell us about their work and answer our questions. In early October, he brought in Gary Goldstein to talk about building relationships in the business. I liked his presentation so much, I immediately bought his book, Conquering Hollywood. (I don't do that for every Apex speaker.) And since October, I find myself discussing this book in practically every writing conversation. It had that much of an impact on me. (Ask the attendees at last year's workshop!) As with other books above, it's primarily about screenwriting, but applies to all publishing--to any creative endeavor. It's a book about meeting people, getting to know what interests them, and building a rich network that can lead to unexpected opportunities. That sounds a little insincere, but it's not. It's about relationships over results.  https://www.amazon.com/Conquering.../dp/B00MNM3FP0/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:10 pm
Wulf Moon, RETreasure, storysinger and 1 people reacted
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Kevin J. Andeson runs an MFA program in publishing at Western Colorado University every semester. As part of that program, the students solicit stories for a themed anthology, select from the slush pile, edit, and publish the anthology. In the process, they see a lot of stories, and reject most of them. In Slushpile Memories, they describe lessons learned, including common reasons for rejecting a story. If you've ever wondered what can get a story rejected, this is a good place to learn.  https://www.amazon.com/Slushpile-Memories.../dp/B09DTJ6SH7/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:10 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Dean Wesley Smith is another Contest judge. He has had a long career in both traditional and indie publishing, though these days he's mostly indie. His book Killing the Top Ten Sacred Cows of Indie Publishing looks into myths both for and against indie.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561466123/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:12 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Both indie and traditional are in constant flux. Dean blogs about changes in the business at  https://www.deanwesleysmith.com.

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:12 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Dean's wife Kristine Kathryn Rusch (another Contest judge) is also an award-winning author, the only person to win science fiction's Hugo award for both writing and editing. She writes on the business of writing at  https://kriswrites.com/category/business/ .

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:14 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 
Dean and Kris are the owners of WMG Publishing, which publishes their books and also anthologies and periodicals. WMG also provides online workshops.  https://wmgpublishinginc.com/workshops-and-lectures/

 
 

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:14 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

One more Kevin J. Anderson recommendation. And full disclosure, I'm a coauthor on this one: On Being a Dictator. Kevin inspired me to try dictation, and it proved more and more useful to me as I practiced. One year at the Writers of the Future Workshop, I asked Kevin, "Are you going to write a book about dictation? Because if you don't, I'll have to. People ask so many questions!" The next year he said, "We're writing this book now." We each have different ways to dictate, with Kevin hiring a transcription company while I use Dragon software. So we gave complementary perspectives on how dictation can help your writing.  https://www.amazon.com/Being-Dictator.../dp/B07TYJLJNS/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:18 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

This one's older, but still very inspirational: Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury. It's a peek inside one person's writing process. If you're a fan of Bradbury's fiction, this gives you insight into how he created it.  https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Writing-Ray.../dp/B07XC483PT/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:19 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

I mentioned Dean and Kris's blogs for business. Another good blog is The Passive Voice, written by a copyright lawyer who looks at the business often (but not always) from a legal perspective.  http://www.thepassivevoice.com/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:19 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Writer Beware is a blog that specializes in identifying and investigating scams that target writers.  https://accrispin.blogspot.com/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:20 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

We lost Dave, but the archives of his blog are full of practical writing advice.  https://mystorydoctor.com/writing-blog/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:20 pm
Wulf Moon, RETreasure, storysinger and 1 people reacted
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Superstars Writing Seminars is an annual workshop focused on the business of writing, with one day devoted to craft. A large number of Contest judges teach there.  https://superstarswriting.com/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:21 pm
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

Fyrecon is an annual conference (currently online) for writers, artists, and other creatives. It's a blend of business and craft. Full disclosure: I'm a frequent presenter at Fyrecon, and good friends with the organizers. They are also good friends of the Contest, and they want to get to know you. https://www.fyrecon.com/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:21 pm
Wulf Moon, RETreasure, storysinger and 1 people reacted
(@martin-l-shoemaker)
Posts: 2135
Platinum Plus Moderator
 

The Submission Grinder is a free online tool for finding markets and for tracking your submissions.  https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/

http://nineandsixtyways.com/
Tools, Not Rules.
Martin L. Shoemaker
3rd Place Q1 V31
"Today I Am Paul", WSFA Small Press Award 2015, Nebula nomination 2015
Today I Am Carey from Baen
The Last Dance (#1 science fiction eBook on Amazon, October 2019) and The Last Campaign from 47North

 
Posted : January 28, 2022 8:22 pm
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