sci-fi author, beatmaker

Category: Fiction Writing Page 4 of 7

Word Craft #4: Brian Trent

New England author Brian Trent writes both science fiction and fantasy. He’s an early riser who gets his 5-6 hours of writing started at 5 a.m., which by my math means the work whistle goes off no later than 11 in the morning — not a bad lifestyle! But of course a writer’s work is never done. Please welcome Brian Trent to Word Craft!
-J.D.

ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BOOK

Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer.

Writing has been in my blood since I was very young—I still have the wordless illustrated comics I used to draw when I was in my single digits. The desire to tell stories was there at the beginning, to create worlds I could play in. As I got older, I realized that I could also use stories as little laboratories to examine anything I wanted: different narrative techniques, unique characters, the potential impact of a speculative technology on the world, the potential development of society in the future.

Science fiction is still my preferred sandbox. I do write fantasy, history, and horror, but I’ve always been drawn to the rational structures and extrapolative methodology of sci-fi.

Word Craft #3: Adrian Laing

Fellow Flame Tree author Adrian Laing has been in the world of authors and publishers for years as the in-house lawyer at HarperCollins UK, and has also penned a number of popular nonfiction titles. Please welcome Adrian Laing to Word Craft!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tell us a little about yourself.

Author and barrister Adrian Laing

I am a lawyer by training; a qualified barrister and solicitor. I have been writing professionally since 1983 when my first legal article was published and have written many legal articles and co-authored three leading textbooks currently published by Bloomsbury Professional. I am married with five children.

I first ventured out of legal works after my father died in 1989 and wrote a biography of him which I can see retrospectively was my way of validating my self-perception not only as a lawyer but a writer. The research for that work was extensive and the process of interviewing many people over a considerable period of time, was very much a ‘writing experience’.

Word Craft #2: Daniel M. Bensen

Daniel Bensen’s science fiction novel Junction was just released on January 10th (Flame Tree Press). I can relate to Daniel because my wife is also my first and best reader. I can’t relate to Daniel because I never “draw little pictures of where everyone is and how they move around” (though I’m intrigued by the idea).

I hope you enjoy Word Craft #2! I plan on continuing the series with at least one post a month (in addition to my other content).

-J.D.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m an English teacher and I live in Sofia Bulgaria with my family in the Balkan Tower of Matriarchy. Ruled by my wife’s grandmother on the 1st floor, the Tower of Matriarchy stretches four stories into the air and five generations into filial insanity. We go through a ton of yogurt, and you could eat the drama with a spoon, but there’s always someone when you need them.

Word Craft #1: Catherine Cavendish

I’m starting a new series on this blog: Word Craft – A Deep Dive Into Writers’ Methods and Practices. I’m fascinated by how writers write — processes are more varied than you might guess — and this interview series is an opportunity to see how other authors practice their craft (and to borrow their best techniques).

My first guest is fellow Flame Tress Press author Catherine Cavendish. Welcome Catherine!

-J.D.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer.

I live near Liverpool in Britain although I was actually born in Hereford. I have had a varied career which has taken me from advertising and sales through to vocational guidance and helping people of all ages and from all walks of life to get jobs and embark on new careers. These days I am lucky enough to be a full time writer of horror – mainly of the supernatural, ghostly, Gothic kind.

Some of My Favorite Writing Advice

I’m a collector. I’m convinced there’s a gene for it. As a child I collected stamps, coins, and fantasy miniatures (one of those collections continues into adulthood). In addition to various small items, I collect information in various categories.

My favorite collecting category writing advice. I keep a vast spreadsheet of advice and “writing rules” from my favorite authors.

Here are a few highlights from that collection:

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