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writers

Asta’s Annotations: Editing Tips for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writers

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Today I thought I would cover three of the common editing queries I see from science fiction and fantasy writers. 1) World and Race Names The common issue here appears to be whether or not to capitalise. My advice is to follow standard English conventions, unless you have a strong reason not to do so. In either case, the real key is consistency. Don’t swap and change from chapter to chapter; make a decision on your preference and stick to it. Here is an example based on common English usage, followed by a fantasy rendering. In Denmark, many Danes enjoy … Read more

For Writers: Writing Non Binary

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Gender

FOR WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer John Allenson: John suggested that we talk about writing non binary characters. So often in fiction, we’re stuck on the idea that characters are either male or female – that they fit into society’s traditional gender worldview. Even with transgender characters, there’s often an expectation that they are “really” one or another – male or female – and are on a journey to physically become their real gender. But that leaves out a whole bunch of people, including folks who are intersex, transgender people who do not fully transition, and gender fluid … Read more

For Writers: Mentoring New Authors

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Yoda mentors Luke

FOR WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Ryane Chatman: “How do you feel about mentoring new authors?” I like to think that QSF provides a safe space for experienced, new, and aspiring authors, but have any of you taken someone on one-on-one? How was/is the experience? Join the chat

For Writers: You, In Stories

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mirror

FOR WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Ryane Chatman: “How much of your life ends up in your stories?” Ryane asks a great question. I have stories where one of the protagonists is 80% me, and some where I’m hardly present at all, though of course my life experience almost always informs the story. And struggling writers do often show up in my tales. *grin* How does your life, history, and personality manifest itself in your stories, if at all? Join the chat

Social Media for Writers

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Social Media

FOR WRITERS Angel is taking a break from her Bits this week. Yeah, I knew that sounded wrong as soon as I typed it. :P Anyhow, today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Ben Brock: “Which social media platforms are best for which things?” I’ll elaborate a bit. As writers, we need to reach out to current and potential readers to energize and grow our fan base. Are some social media platforms better for reaching different parts of the LGBTIQA rainbow? Are some better for promo? What about bang for the buck? Are some best for advertising, while others may be … Read more

For Writers: Dealing With Mental Illness

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mental illness

For Writers: Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Lex Chase: Again with pushing for diversity, what about writing characters with mental illness? Not as villains or unhinged perverts but as heroes? And not only heroes, but heroes compliant with treatment or making steps to seek treatment? Not using their illness to make them “interesting” or use an episode as a plot device. Join the chat

Asta’s Annotations: The Death of Punctuation, or the Decline of the Reader?

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Anyone who knows me well will know semicolons are punctuation marks about which my views are passionate. Unfortunately, many digital/small publishing houses do not appear to agree. Notes from editors frequently come through to me with requests to remove all (or at least some) of my semicolons since they are ‘specialised punctuation’. My response to this (in my head) is to ask: Since when? Now, this column is by no means intended as a rant against any publishers or fellow editors; I merely use it to illustrate a point. I fully accept that each publishing house has its own preferences, … Read more

For Writers: Inspired by Readers

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Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Ryane: “Do you talk to your readers for inspiration?” I’ll broaden this out a little. Do you have any fans who help with your creative process, either directly or indirectly? Maybe a fan who also betas for you and knows your work so well that they catch continuity errors even you missed? Do fans ever offer suggestions for your characters that ultimately change the work? Do you interact with your fans in other creative ways? Join the chat

Writing More Diversity

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For Writers: Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Angel Martinez: “How are you challenging yourselves to write more diverse fiction?” For my own part, I have started to stretch myself, writing characters other than young gay men. I’ve writte a couple trans characters, lesbian characters, and bi characters. But diversity extends beyond the LGBTIQA spectrum. We also need older characters, characters of color, characters with disabilities, and more. So to ask Angel’s question again: “How are you challenging yourselves to write more diverse fiction?” Join the chat

Worldbuilding Week Day Five: Tools and Techniques

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Worldbuilding Week

Welcome to the second annual Worldbuilding Week at QSF. We’ll talk about all aspects of building a world for your story, including languages; alien/magical races; history and timelines; culture and politics; sex, marriage and reproduction; tools and techniques; and religion. It should be a lot of fun. Today we’re talking about tools and techniques, and A. Catherine Noon will be our moderator. Good morning! I’m author and textile artist A. Catherine Noon with you today, helping to facilitate a discussion about Worldbuilding Tools and Techniques. Since there are as many different approaches as there are writers, artists, and gamers, I … Read more