There is this word, “deep.” People want deep characters. No one likes shallow, except folks who aren’t so great at swimming. Think back on the story people who’ve stayed with you for years and years after you first read about them, and you’re probably going to notice they’re deep. But what is this “deep”? How …
Category Archive: writing
Oct 07 2011
Are There Any Mineralogists in the Audience?
If so, have you ever howled at silly mineralogical mistakes in a piece of fiction? Wanna prevent me from making you scream? I’m in the midst of worldbuilding, you see, and I’ve just come across the uncomfortable fact that I know bugger-all about minerals. I know some basics: that when a geologist is talking about …
Oct 04 2011
Dana’s Dojo: Get Your Black Belt Right Here
It’s the beginning of the winter writing season, and Sensei Dana is en la casa. Specifically, her arse is planted in the big chair, and her legs will soon have semi-permanent laptop-shaped impressions upon them. We do not know food. We do not know sleep. We do not know social events. We are writing. Summer …
Sep 27 2011
Dojo Summer Sessions: Steven Pinker Makes Me Feel Better
He shall probably do the same for you. I fell in love with Steven quite by accident. I was at Bookmans, the most delicious used bookstore I’ve ever been in this side of Powell’s, and I was combing the Buddhism section for some Zen goodness. Behind me stood books on writing, so I turned round …
Sep 20 2011
Dojo Summer Sessions: Writing Inspirations, Good Advice
I’m busy writing a short story that decided it couldn’t wait and trying to pre-load meaty posts for this long winter writing season. So I shall foist you off on other, wiser people who had quite good things to say to writers such as ourselves. This is a small collection of quotes I’ve gathered over …
Sep 13 2011
Dojo Summer Sessions: I Shall Require Topics
Summer’s drawing to a close, and the winter writing season is very nearly upon us. The Muse is back from wherever she spent her summer vacation. It looks like winter will be coming early. There’s a sharp chill in the night air, and a certain gleam in her eye that says I’m in for it. …
Sep 06 2011
Dojo Summer Sessions: The Writer’s Gut
My heart sister says important things about writing. And you may say to yourself, “Well, of course, Dana would think so – Nicole’s the sister she never had.” That’s true. Yes, I am partial. But there’s also another factor: Nicole writes for a living, so when she says things about writing, these important things, it …
Aug 30 2011
Dojo Summer Sessions: The Writer’s Rituals
I think most of us who write, no matter how skeptical or non-superstitious we are, have our little rituals to summon the Muse (not that the wretched entity comes when called). Consider this an invitation to regale us with yours. I’m not picky when it comes to blogging. I’ve done it in my PJs, but …
Aug 23 2011
Dojo Summer Sessions: Connie Willis on Comedy, Tragedy, and Getting Married via LOTR
Comatose from traveling, I’m afraid. However, I have Connie Willis here to delight, surprise, and teach you. She’s one of the best SF authors in existence. Also, funny and surprising. Watch! Don’t miss this next one for sheer geeky hilarity. Lord of the Rings has changed a lot of people’s lives, but I don’t think …
Aug 16 2011
Dojo Summer Sessions: Vonnegut Draws Us Story Arcs
I’m traveling. And before I left, I was preoccupied with traveling. So you shall have a video rather than me babbling. Listen to Kurt Vonnegut babble instead – you’ll enjoy it and you might find your Muse tickled, which is very nearly all a writer ever needs.
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