Authors often get asked about their writing process. Most of all, readers want to know how we come up with our story ideas? From where do these ideas spring forth? Is it magic? Divine muses? Simple insanity? I know there are authors out there that get inspired by reading other works of fiction. That does … Continue reading Story Ideas — Where do they come from?
Tag: writing ideas
Some Details About Me Posted Elsewhere
Some comments I wrote on my relationship with writing were posted by fellow blogger Richie Billing. My blurb is accompanied by that of another writer named Paul Freeman, who I had not heard about before now. Richie is planning a series of posts like this, and I think it's a interesting concept--looking at how writers got started … Continue reading Some Details About Me Posted Elsewhere
A Chance at Twenty Big Ones!
I stumbled on to a little writing contest a couple weeks ago that looked too good to be true (is it?), so I thought what the heck and submitted. The contest is the "International Flash Fiction Competition" by the Fundación César Egido Serrano, an international organization that promotes words over violence "in all areas of public … Continue reading A Chance at Twenty Big Ones!
Engineering in SF and Fantasy
Tor.com recently had an article featuring a round-table of leading speculative fiction authors discussing engineering in Science Fiction and Fantasy. It is a very interesting discussion. Engineering, and science in general, can be a great component to a science fiction story. But I find there are some key flaws or weaknesses that make it hard … Continue reading Engineering in SF and Fantasy
Writing Updates
I've been pretty bad at updating this blog during the past few weeks. I've been on military orders and my work with the Army had been a lot more intense and rigorous than I expected. Add to that the deep academic nature of much of what I do, which tends to leave my brain melted … Continue reading Writing Updates
Are Most Writing Competitions Just Money Grabs?
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I am away from home on temporary duty and didn't have a workable internet connection. I finally just changed my cellular plan to unlimited data and am now using my phone as a wifi hotspot. Here's a post on a topic that has been bothering me as of … Continue reading Are Most Writing Competitions Just Money Grabs?
The Wonderful Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
One of my favorite cartoons when I was young was the 1974 Chuck Jones animated version of "Rikki Tikki Tavi," narrated by Orson Wells. The classic video can now be accessed in a public archive HERE. This might seem a bit odd, since I was born exactly a decade after this production was released and … Continue reading The Wonderful Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
REBLOG: The #1 Rule Of Writing
Victor has some great thoughts here, presented in parable, which is always a useful technique. I fully agree with his point, though I don't know if I have enough authority yet to demand others listen to my opinion. All I can say is that I agree that writers need to work up from the bottom, … Continue reading REBLOG: The #1 Rule Of Writing
How (not) to Use Real History in Your Fantasy World
Here's a quick tip to help you polish your fantasy novel outlines and world-building. While it is common--perhaps unavoidable--to add historical inspirations to your fantasy world, you should do so in moderation. And you should be sure to differentiate your fantasy world from its real-world inspiration. Copying too much from a historical example can come off … Continue reading How (not) to Use Real History in Your Fantasy World
REBLOG: Where Ideas Come From
There's nothing wrong with writing stupid or pointless things. I think, that's maybe the best bit of advice you can offer a new writer. Much of the content of Douglas Adams's work is stupid and pointless, but done in such a majestic way. Sometimes we just want to read something totally ridiculous, to remind ourselves … Continue reading REBLOG: Where Ideas Come From
JM Williams 