I love historical fiction; however, I’ve encountered the occasional work in which it’s clear the author hasn’t done sufficient research before writing. Anachronisms are the biggest culprit in this regard, so today I thought I’d share four tips on conducting research for your historical novel.
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer K. S. Madden: Hi Scott, after reading a lot of the recent responses, I’d love to see you do a question post sometime about the surge in interest in seeing more asexual characters. I was at Readercon in Boston a few months ago and there was a panel there as well stating the need for more asexual protagonists in mainstream scifi/fantasy. I’m curious what people want to see. Asexual characters in romantic relationships? Or asexual characters just having adventures and being free of relationships? Or is this partly a desire to see … Read more
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Kari Trenten: Do you enjoy having pairings with roles such as top/bottom, seme/uke, butch/femme? Or do you prefer something more ambiguous and equal? Does this preference apply to cover imagery as well as how the characters develop within the story itself? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat
GLAAD are finally able to count non-binary and asexual characters on television. The LGBTI organization have just released their yearly Where We Are on TV Report. The report analyzes the diversity of primetime scripted series regulars on broadcast networks. It also looks at the number of LGBTI characters on cable networks and streaming services for 2017-2018. 6.4 percent of regular characters in the upcoming year are expected to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans or queer. This is the highest percentage GLAAD has ever seen. There are going to be 17 regular and recurring trans characters across cable, broadcasting and streaming … Read more
FOR WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Dave Fragments: How do you pick the theme or your story? For instance, I only and rarely do vampire stories because Anne Rice intimidates me. So if I have a character who is a vampire, then the plot must come before the character. Other stories begin with a thought like the main character being an abused orphan who doesn’t know his history and goes from there in self discovery. That’s character driving plot. Obviously. What motivates your story – character or plot and which of those are subordinate? Join the chat
FOR READERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer J. Scott Coatsworth: For Intersex Awareness Day, I thought we’d talk about your favorite intersex characters and books. :) Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Angel Martinez: To celebrate Asexual Awareness Week, we thought we’d do a couple discussion topics. First off for readers, what are your favorite ace characters in speculative fiction? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Amy Leibowitz Mitchell: Are there people or subject matter you think are underrepresented in queer speculative fiction? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat
