The psyches of nonhuman species are going to be different from ours. Sketching out the parameters of an alien mind is essential to writing believable characters.
Tag: How-To
Short essays on the mechanics of writing.
Short essays on the mechanics of writing.
The psyches of nonhuman species are going to be different from ours. Sketching out the parameters of an alien mind is essential to writing believable characters.
A close look at the stories that work will show that it is the characters themselves who change, not just their situation. That is what the reader is hoping for.
At its simplest, a good story concerns a character who is unhappy at the beginning and happy (or happier, at least) at the end.
In any world, all things obey natural laws. No Exceptions. Magic also must have its laws.
It’s perfectly possible to enjoy a difficult task [editing], provided one is skilled enough at it. The satisfaction of performing the task skillfully, being proud of the result, make the job pleasurable.
If your characters get horny, let them fuck. Tell us what it looks, sounds, feels, smells and tastes like. Show us how they feel. Your readers deserve no less…
…the net effect of violence in fiction: an emotional distancing of the reader from all those involved in the violence…
Violence is like a potent spice. Use it carefully and sparingly for best effect.
…for those who don’t like to read “four letter words”: Fuck ’em!