In some ways, writing a novel that is part of a series is easier than writing a stand-alone. In others, it isn’t. Here’s a few examples: 1. You already have some of your cast in place … so you need to take extra care when creating new characters. 2. You know the universe, and some […]
The pros and cons of writing a series
Posted by Jaine Fenn on 11 January 2010 3
We don’t need no stinkin’ plot-plan, apparently
Posted by Jaine Fenn on 6 January 2010 2
I’m quite good at feeling guilty about writing. When I did it as a hobby I used to feel guilty about writing when I could be doing something more useful like overtime at a paid job, working on a game, cleaning the house etc. These days I feel guilty about not writing, because it is […]
A year in words
Posted by Jaine Fenn on 2 January 2010 2
I don’t do detailed writing metrics like exact number of words written, number of short stories submitted etc. This isn’t because I’m not interested in such matters; on the contrary, they’re fascinating and diverting and a lot less effort than actual work – which is why I don’t do them. However, I estimate that in […]
A year in words
Posted by Jaine Fenn on 2 January 2010 0
I don’t do detailed writing metrics like exact number of words written, number of short stories submitted etc. This isn’t because I’m not interested in such matters; on the contrary, they’re fascinating and diverting and a lot less effort than actual work – which is why I don’t do them. However, I estimate that in […]
Compliments of the season
Posted by Jaine Fenn on 24 December 2009 0
I’m taking a week or so off – except for the scribbling of notes, which just happens by itself – so there probably won’t be much activity here before the new year. I will check for comments when I get the chance. If this blog allowed me to post festive pictures, I would. It doesn’t, […]
Flat is a four letter word
Posted by Jaine Fenn on 21 December 2009 2
I’ve recently been thinking about the books I’ve read this year, with a view to writing short reviews for the BSFA. My memory isn’t what it once was, and I don’t always remember much about certain books – hence registering for LibraryThing and GoodReads. When I started to think about why this might be I […]
How not to be a writer (part 3: you are not the story)
Posted by Jaine Fenn on 16 December 2009 0
The final element that held up my writing career was critiquing – or rather the lack of it. I didn’t receive any useful critiques until I was in my thirties. If I’d found an experienced writer willing to give honest feedback – as opposed to the occasional long-suffering friend who’d usually say the story was […]
How not to be a writer (part 2: you mean I have to learn?)
Posted by Jaine Fenn on 13 December 2009 0
It seems obvious, but if you want to write and get paid for it, you need to learn the craft. Sadly, in my youthful ignorance and arrogance, I assumed that enthusiasm and natural aptitude would suffice. (It’s a position I could probably have justified more easily if I had practised more, but I already ‘fessed […]
How not to be a writer (part 1)
Posted by Jaine Fenn on 9 December 2009 0
The copy-edits of Guardians of Paradise are now back with my editor and first draft has commenced on Bringer of Light. Thinking about how I start novels got me thinking about how I came to write them for a living. Or rather, why it took me so long to become a professional writer. That put […]
Parish notices
Posted by Jaine Fenn on 6 December 2009 1
Thanks all for the suggestions for a new name and masthead; people kept coming up with more which made the decision harder but I think I’m going to go for ‘Tales from the Garret’, though I’m going to see if I can’t also use cDave’s suggestion based on one of my earlier posts of ‘Only […]