Lex Out Loud: Writing Science Fiction: Recent Episodes
Lex Starwalker
Lex Out Loud is a podcast for writers, readers and all lovers of speculative fiction. I’m writing my third novel, and I’m taking you along for the journey. Whether you’re a writer or game master, or you’re just curious about the creative writing process, this show is for you! I discuss my writing process, and I share the insights I learn, as my experience grows.
In this episode I compare and contrast the Culture’s Contact organization with the Federation from Star Trek. Specifically, I look at how Contact approaches other, less advanced civilizations and compare that to the Prime Directive. Spoiler: It’s almost completely the opposite approach. I’ll tell you why, as we explore this topic together.
Links
Check out my novel, Critical Balance.
Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.
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I’m looking for alpha & beta readers for my next novel.
A Few Notes on the Culture by Iain M. Banks
Start The Culture series with Excession.
It’s been a while since the last episode, so I bring you up to speed on what’s going in my life. I’m moving, and it sucks. I’m living in an Airbnb, which also sucks. But good news, I finished my novel, Citizen Zero. I talk a bit about how some genres, like sci-fi and fantasy, are more about the story’s setting, while other genres, like thrillers, mysteries, and horror, are more about the story’s plot. As a reader and a writer, I especially like stories that combine a “setting” genre with a “plot” genre.
Links
Check out my novel, Critical Balance.
Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.
Subscribe via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
Support the show on Patreon.
Donate to the show.
Follow me on Bluesky.
Join my Discord server.
Email me.
Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391
Check out my YouTube channel.
Join my Book Club, now on Discord.
I’m looking for alpha & beta readers for my next novel.
A Few Notes on the Culture by Iain M. Banks
Start The Culture series with Excession.
Check out episode 98 for my discussion of Martha Wells’s lecture on AI characters in stories.
Today we explore the technology of the Culture, especially its sentient AIs. We examine the reasons true AI might not be possible and decide whether those ideas seem likely to be true. We also look at how humanity will become a more complex and diverse species and civilization not only through our own genetic manipulation of our biology, but also by the inclusion of the AI lifeforms we create.
Links
Check out my novel, Critical Balance.
Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.
Subscribe via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
Support the show on Patreon.
Donate to the show.
Follow me on Bluesky.
Join my Discord server.
Email me.
Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391
Check out my YouTube channel.
Join my Book Club, now on Discord.
I’m looking for alpha & beta readers for my next novel.
A Few Notes on the Culture by Iain M. Banks
Start The Culture series with Excession.
Check out episode 98 for my discussion of Martha Wells’s lecture on AI characters in stories.
I return to my discussion of The Culture setting and explore the Culture’s economic systems. This leads to a discussion of our current day economics systems and government corruption. How do we move our current corrupt systems to one like The Culture’s where there is true democracy and equality?
Links
Check out my novel, Critical Balance.
Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.
Links
Subscribe via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
Support the show on Patreon.
Donate to the show.
Follow me on Bluesky.
Join my Discord server.
Email me.
Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391
Check out my YouTube channel.
Join my Book Club, now on Discord.
A Few Notes on the Culture by Iain M. Banks
Start The Culture series withConsider Phlebas or The Player of Games
I return to my discussion of The Culture setting and explore the Culture’s origins and its structure of government, such as it is. I also touch on why galactic empires are impractical, unlikely, and probably a silly idea. We’ll also explore why rebellion against controlling powers is much easier in a space-living civilization than one limited to a single planet.
Links
Check out my novel, Critical Balance.
Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.
Links
Subscribe via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
Support the show on Patreon.
Donate to the show.
Follow me on Bluesky.
Join my Discord server.
Email me.
Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391
Check out my YouTube channel.
Join my Book Club, now on Discord.
A Few Notes on the Culture by Iain M. Banks
Start The Culture series withConsider Phlebas or The Player of Games
This week I share an amazing lecture Martha Wells gave on AI characters in science fiction stories. Quite often these stories involve the enslavement of sentient beings. She gives us a lot of food for thought and shares a little about the origins of her beloved character, Murderbot. I also talk (very) briefly about the heroine’s journey.
Links
Check out my novel, Critical Balance.
Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.
Links
Subscribe via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
Support the show on Patreon.
Donate to the show.
Follow me on Bluesky.
Join my Discord server.
Email me.
Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391
Check out my YouTube channel.
Join my Book Club, now on Discord.
A Few Notes on the Culture by Iain M. Banks
Start The Culture series withConsider Phlebasor The Player of Games
StartThe Murderbot DiarieswithAll Systems Red
Murderbot show
Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie
The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger
This week I talk a bit about the Foundation and Murderbot TV adaptations. I give a quick update on my novel, Critical Balance, which is coming out. I also explain why I haven’t been able to share the beautiful cover art for Critical Balance until the book is released. I talk a bit about the upcoming Worldcon in Seattle. Then I begin my multi-episode series on exploring the setting of The Culture series by Iain M. Banks. Topics include how 9,000 years is a really long time and convergent human evolution across the galaxy. How “alien” will alien life really be? If you love sci-fi, worldbuilding, and/or The Culture, you won’t want to miss this series!
Links
Check out my novel, Critical Balance.
Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.
Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify.
Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.
Join my Book Club.
How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.
J.J. Ackernecht
Book of the New Sun
Culture Series
Murderbot show
The Murderbot Diaries
Storygraph
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Today I discuss why I decided to publish my book on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing. I share how the whole process works and what I’ve learned so far. I also talk about why I finally decided to do a paperback and e-book, and why I’ve decided to enroll my novel in Kindle Unlimited.
Links
Check out my novel, Critical Balance.
Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.
Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify.
Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.
Join my Book Club.
How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.
J.J. Ackernecht
Book of the New Sun
Culture Series
Murderbot show
The Murderbot Diaries
Storygraph
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Join my Discord server.
Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391
Today I discuss some of how independently publishing works and compare and contrast to the discussion on traditional publishing from the last episode. I share why I think independently publishing these days is almost a no-brainer.
Links
Check out my novel, Critical Balance.
Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.
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Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.
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How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.
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I’ve started a few different novels, and I’ve hit some snags. I’ve had a couple new novel ideas as well. I share the ideas with you, my progress, and my thoughts about which of these books I’m going to write next. I also share some musings on the future trajectory of our society and how it’s affecting my worldbuilding. Finally I consider whether courier ships in space make sense.
Links
Check out my novel, Critical Balance.
Have you read Critical Balance? Please leave a review on Amazon.
Lex Out Loud is now on Spotify.
Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.
Join my Book Club.
How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.
Support the show.
Join my Discord server.
Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391
I’ve started a few different novels, and I’ve hit some snags. I’ve had a couple new novel ideas as well. I share the ideas with you, my progress, and my thoughts about which of these books I’m going to write next. I also share some musings on the future trajectory of our society and how it’s affecting my worldbuilding. Finally I consider whether courier ships in space make sense.
Links
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Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.
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How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.
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Today I return to the show after being completely demoralized by my experience hiring a “professional” editor for my novel Critical Balance. It was a terrible experience. I got conned, lost a lot of money, and have nothing to show for it except hard lessons learned. I share the red flags I ignored or overlooked and the mistakes I made in the hopes you can avoid having to go through an experience like this yourself.
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This week I talk about a science-fiction writing club I’m starting in my home town. I also talk a bit about the ongoing revision process for Critical Balance and a couple story ideas I’m working on for my next novel.
Links
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This week I share a method I’ve come up with to help me write every day that I’m calling a story sketch. It’s also a great way to practice as a writer, experiment, and try out new techniques. I also talk a bit about how writing longhand is very different than typing when writing and some distinct advantages it has. Even though it’s not how I would want to write most stories, it’s perfect for the story sketch. Finally, I share how the story sketch will help with improvisation in writing and why that’s important no matter what kind of writer you are.
Links
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This week I discuss the differences between writing and storytelling. If you’re like me, you may have spent a lot of time and energy focusing on your writing while giving little thought to the art of telling a good story. I illustrate how point-of-view violations are anathema to good storytelling. Finally I explain how whichever path you’re taking—traditional publishing or independent publishing—good storytelling is far more important to your success than good writing.
Links
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Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Writing Excuses episode on The Hollywood Formula with Lou Anders
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
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This week I catch you up to what I’ve been doing writing-wise. I discuss protagonist flaws and problems. I also explore the limitations I’ve found in the misbelief concept. I think these limitations are overcome by realizing a misbelief is just a type of flaw.
Links
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Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Writing Excuses episode on The Hollywood Formula with Lou Anders
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This week I share some of what I learned at a local writing conference I attended recently. I also share some decent writing craft books I’ve discovered that I’ll likely be talking some more about in future episodes.
Links
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Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.
Join my Book Club.
How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.
Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer
Writing Excuses episode on The Hollywood Formula with Lou Anders
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Join my Discord server.
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This week I share some of what I’ve learned about independent publishing compared to traditional publishing. I also give some of my thoughts on The Wheel of Time TV show thus far.
Links
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Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer
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I discuss my thoughts on Starlink, Starship, and the colonization of Mars. Will we really use chemical rockets to get to Mars? Will we ever have cities on the surface of Mars?
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QueryTracker
qtCritique
Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines
Nuclear Fission Rocket Engines
Project Orion & Fusion Pulse Propulsion
Direct Fusion Drive
More on Direct Fusion Drive
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I discuss what I’ve learned about how the creative process works in the human brain and how I’ve used this to revise and improve my daily writing goal. I also talk a bit about the nested cylinders of Union City and growing trees in space.
Links
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Big Picture Science episode on The Creative Brain.
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This week I talk about why I’ve decided to put my space Odyssey idea on the backburner and return to writing a sequel to Critical Balance.
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This week I explain why the novel I’m writing is allowed to suck. I also talk a bit about why it's best to focus on a genre & subgenre in the beginning of your writing career.
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This week I share an example of how not to receive a critique.
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Episode on Receiving Negative Reviews.
Episode on How to Receive a Critique.
Episode on Writing Groups.
Today I talk about why I now think writing Critical Balance for mainstream readers was a mistake. I also talk a bit about beginning the first draft of my new novel.
Links
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Episode on Making Writing a Habit.
Episode on Setting the Right Writing Goal for You.
This week I discuss some of the interesting things I’ve learned about the Saturn system in my research and how I’ll be using them in the novel. I also share some thoughts and revelations I’ve had recently about writing in first person perspective.
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Today I talk about the importance of the first page and the first chapter in a book. I also share a recent realization I’ve had as to differentiating the great and not-so-great books I read. I’ve realized all my favorite books all have a key element in common.
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This week I talk about theoretical propulsion systems and travel times through the solar system. I also talk about how I’ve recently changed my mind about writing down ideas. I am now an idea collector and an idea curator.
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The rejections have been piling up, so this week I talk about dealing with disappointment and avoiding discouragement. I also talk a bit about the new Orbit Works imprint.
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Orbit Works
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I’ve come up with a completely new and different idea for my next novel, and I’m really excited to share it with you today. I discuss how the first idea you have is often far from the best idea, and how this has been true for this book I’m working on. I also talk a bit about new discoveries about the geysers on Enceladus.
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The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey.
The Odyssey of Homer.
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Today I update you on my progress and talk about I finally found a succinct definition of the difference between science-fiction and fantasy that’s simple, easy to remember & understand, and is accurate in most situations. I’ve also received some insight into why sci-fi is so popular in TV and movies, but when it comes to books, not so much. Finally, I discuss how I’m rethinking my approach to my next novel.
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Check out Carla Ra’s blog.
How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary Wolfe. (Use my referral code for a free trial of Audible.)
Locus Magazine
Analog Magazine
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Today I update you on my progress and talk about how I’m building a reading list to stay apprised on the latest & greatest sci-fi novels being published. I also talk a bit about how, for me at least, social media is largely a waste of time.
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Come watch Star Trek with me on my Discord server! Fridays at 6pm Pacific.
I finally broke down and wrote a two-page synopsis of my novel, and guess what? It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be! I know, you’re shocked. Things not being as bad as we think seems to be a recurring theme on this show, doesn’t it? I also give my rankings of the various Star Trek shows and movies.
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Article on Writing a Novel Synopsis
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This week I talk about my experiences querying agents so far, and I’ve got some good news for you! It’s not nearly as bad as a lot of people make it sound. You’ve got this!
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Query Shark blog.
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I’ve received my first form rejection from a literary agent! This is an important milestone in my journey as a writer. I ponder its importance, and I also talk a bit why short sentences are an important tool in your writer’s toolbox.
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I kick off season 4 with a discussion of using simple sentences in writing. I also talk about my experiences so far querying agents and give an update on my novels.
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Query Shark blog.
SFWA article on Writing Queries & Summaries.
QueryTracker online tool.
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Today I wrap up 2022 and season 3 of the show with ponderings on the writer’s voice. I also muse on the various phases in creating a novel.
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New York Times article on Voice.
Query Shark blog.
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A couple companies that scam writers are being promoted by NaNoWriMo. I take this opportunity to discuss how, as writers, we need to be wary of con artists and others looking to exploit our hard work for their own ends.
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Episode on Finding the Right Writing Goal for You.
Episode on Why NaNoWriMo Isn’t a Good Fit for Many Writers.
Writer Beware.
Article on New Degree Press.
Article on Inkitt.
Rachel Sharp’s article on her experience when she tried to warn other NaNoWriMo “winners” about Inkitt.
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Today I discuss what I find difficult and easy about drafting and revising. I find there are aspects to each that I love, and aspects of each that are more challenging. I also talk a little about journaling my journey as a writer.
Links
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Manuscript Format Blog Post.
Become a Beta Reader!
Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word
Query Shark blog
Follow me on Mastodon!
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Episode on Finding the Right Writing Goal for You.
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I’ve finished the 4th and 5th drafts of Critical Balance. I talk about my struggles and journey with these two drafts, and I share some of the changes I made. I also discuss my thoughts about, and struggles with, my word count through the revision process. Finally I wonder about the odds of getting published that are often floated around. There are many commonly-made mistakes that are actually easy to avoid. How much does avoiding those mistakes improve your chances?
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Manuscript Format Blog Post.
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Query Shark blog
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This week I give an update on my progress and talk a bit about how managing the flow of information to the reader may be the most challenging aspect of writing a novel.
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Manuscript Format Blog Post.
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Query Shark blog
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I talk a bit about a new hobby of mine—crossword puzzles. I think solving crosswords on the regular has quite a few benefits for writers. I also give some tips for getting started in this hobby.
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Manuscript Format Blog Post.
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I give an update on my progress with version 4 of Critical Balance. I also share some struggles I’ve been having that have been impacting my productivity. Finally, an unexpected bonus: an example of why you really don’t want to screw up the ending of a story.
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Manuscript Format Blog Post.
Become a Beta Reader!
Andy Weir discusses The Martian.
Andy Weir Discusses The Martian and Artemis
Recent interview with Andy Weir (sorry, it’s on Facebook).
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I discuss how a fundamentally important element of my setting is barely mentioned in the novel that takes place in that setting. I also give an update on my writing life and talk a bit about why so many trees are grown in Union City.
Links
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Manuscript Format Blog Post.
Become a Beta Reader!
Check out the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope!
An article by the Planetary Society (which I’m a proud member of) with more background on the JWST images.
Andy Weir discusses The Martian.
Andy Weir Discusses The Martian and Artemis
Recent interview with Andy Weir (sorry, it’s on Facebook).
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Today I talk about how naming your chapters can help you when it comes time to summarize your novel for an agent or editor.
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Manuscript Format Blog Post.
Become a Beta Reader!
Stephen King’s Reading List for Writers.
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I share 15 writing tips from Stephen King’s book, On Writing. I discuss my experiences and how these tips have helped me as a writer.
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Episode on Alpha & Beta Readers.
Episode on Setting the Right Writing Goal for You.
Stephen King’s Reading List for Writers.
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I share some thoughts on novel pacing and the common approaches to pacing I often see in the novels I really like. I also discuss some of the things I like and dislike about thrillers and relate them to the pacing discussion. Also included is a discussion of how I rank the importance of character, setting, and plot in a story. I talk about a couple books I’ve enjoyed recently, as well as a great sci-fi TV show and a wonderful documentary.
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Links
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My episode discussing how our primary job as writers is to communicate.
Later by Stephen King
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
The Wonderful: Stories from the Space Station
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This week I share an important lesson I learned from being wrong about the serial comma. I go over the big three style guides used for writing in American English, including the one most important to we novelists—The Chicago Manual of Style. Before that, I share some frustrations I have as a creator on YouTube. I also talk about the merits of appendices in some novels, the singular they, and whether Pluto is a planet.
I’m Looking for Beta Readers
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Links
My episode discussing how our primary job as writers is to communicate.
Chicago Manual of Style online.
Chicago Manual of Style print version.
The Elements of Style.
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This week I answer a variety of questions submitted by listener Matt Yancik. I cover a variety of writing-related topics including comparing writing and game mastering, comparing discovery writing and outlining, and the kinds of appendices I’d like to put in my book.
I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers
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Links
Interview with Matt Yancik
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Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research.
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This week I discuss how being a successful writer requires a careful balance of self-confidence and humility. I also consider the downside of ignoring negative and/or nasty reviews and give a more productive alternative.
I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers
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Links
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Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research.
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Sometimes I get the impression people think commercial is a bad word—commercial as in commercial fiction. It’s not, and today I’ll tell you why.
I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers
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Links
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Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research.
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Today I bring you up to date on what I’ve been working on. I talk a bit about how if you don’t use it, you lose it and how I’m really loving crosswords to keep my vocabulary sharp. Finally, I discuss receiving my first alpha feedback, titling the book, and how I’m adjusting my strategy going forward.
I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers
Interested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information.
Links
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Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research.
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Whether you’re doing research for your novel or looking for information of the craft of writing, it’s always a good idea to look into where the information is coming from. Does the information come from a reputable and reliable source, or not?
I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers
Interested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information.
Links
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Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research.
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Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391
I have finished the second draft of my novel! Today I talk a bit on how I’m approaching my revisions and what I’m focusing on with each draft.
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Today I share my love of fountain pens with you. I used to hate writing longhand. Now I love it, and it’s all because of fountain pens (and the inks, of course!).
Links
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Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer by J. Michael Straczysnki
Goulet Pens website
Goulet Pens YouTube channel
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I share my thoughts and process, as I begin preparing for the second book in the series. I also talk about how I plan on handling an ensemble cast of characters.
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Today I define what specifically the terms “alpha reader” and “beta reader” mean to me and how I use them in my editing process. I also reflect on why it’s really a good idea not to let anyone read your first draft.
Links
The Writing Excuses podcast.
Brandon Sanderson’s YouTube Channel
Brandon Sanderson’s 2020 Creative Writing Lectures
YouTube Channel with Brandon Sanderson’s older lecture series.
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Today I talk about beginning the process of editing the first draft of my novel. I also talk about the importance of taking some time off between finishing the first draft and beginning the second draft and how it was really difficult for me to do.
Links
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
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I have finished the first draft of my novel! In the season 2 finale episode, I reflect on the last year and the progress I’ve made in this novel. I also talk about what’s in store for the coming year, both in terms of my writing and the podcast. Thank you to all my listeners for your support, and happy holidays!
Links
Episode on Setting the Right Writing Goal for You
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One of the best ways to become a better writer is to read a lot. Today I talk about pacing. I share some observations I’ve made of a lot of books I’ve read recently—how they gradually increase momentum as the book progresses.
Links
To Sleep in a Sea of Starsby Christopher Paolini (Audible trial)
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (Audible trial)
On Writing by Stephen King (Audible trial)
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Learning through Reading
Pacing & Increasing Momentum
Today I continue my series on writing groups and critiquing with a discussion of how to receive a critique.
Links
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (Audible trial)
Artemis by Andy Weir (Audible trial)
Billy Summers by Stephen King (Audible trial)
To Sleep in a Sea of Starsby Christopher Paolini (Audible trial)
Episode on Giving Good Critiques
Episode On Writing Groups
The Elements of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style
CMOS online
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What I’m Reading
Endings & Sequels
What I’m Watching
How to Receive Critiques
Today I’m going to share the ideal word counts for a debut sci-fi or fantasy novel. After that I’ll talk a bit about what I’ve learned as a writer from The Wheel of Time.
Links
Word Counts for Novels
LOL Episode on Points of View and Tense
LOL Episode on Manuscript Best Practices
On Writing by Stephen King.
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In episode 41 I talked about best practices for formatting your manuscript. This week I discuss best practices for backing up your manuscript and other files relevant to your work in progress. If you follow this advice, it will take a true end-of-civilization cataclysm for you to lose your work, and if that happens, you’ll likely have bigger things to worry about!
Links
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
On Writing by Stephen King.
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Today I’m going to recommend some best practices when it comes to writing your actual manuscript. These include the best software to use and guidelines on formatting your manuscript.
Links
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
On Writing by Stephen King
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Differences between Templates, Themes & Styles
Templates vs. Themes
How to Use Themes & Styles
How to Use Word Templates
Using Track Changes in Word
Microsoft: Track Changes in Word
How to Use Track Changes in Word
Example manuscript format guidelines from SFWA.
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November is national novel writing month, and for many writers that means the NaNoWriMo competition. This week I’m going to go against the grain, play devil’s advocate and discuss why NaNoWriMo might NOT be the way you want to celebrate November.
Links
Episode 38: Setting the Right Writing Goal for You
How Long Should a Book Be?
Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer: The Artistry, Joy, and Career of Storytelling by J. Michael Straczynski
On Writing by Stephen King
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An essential part of preparing your novel for submission is participating in a writing group. This gives you a chance to get other writers’ eyes on your novel, so they can help you improve it. A very important part of being in a writing group is being able to give good critiques of other writers’ work. Today I’m going to share some best practices for critiquing other writers, so you all can make the most of the experience.
Links
Episode 35: On Writing Groups
Billy Summers by Stephen King
Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer: The Artistry, Joy, and Career of Storytelling by J. Michael Straczynski
On Writing by Stephen King
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The best way to make real progress as a writer is to set a daily writing goal and stick to it, writing every day. However, finding the right goal for you can be a bit of a process, and chances are you won’t get it exactly right on the first try. Today I’ll talk about how I recently changed my writing goal to something that works better for me and how it’s made all the difference.
Today I’ll go over some of the options for the point of view of a story. I’ll explain why you generally want to avoid the “weird” ones—they usually get in the way of the reader understanding and enjoying the story. However, occasionally a less common POV will enhance a reader’s immersion in a story, and if you can pull it off flawlessly, it can take your story to the next level.
Today I discuss why space tourism really is extremely important, not just for science and space exploration, but also for the future of humanity itself.
As writers there’s only so much we can do to perfect our manuscript on our own. Ultimately, we’ll need someone else’s eyes on it to find issues we’ve missed, preferably before sending it off to an agent or publisher. Writing groups, alpha readers and beta readers are way we can get this invaluable feedback. In this first of a series of episodes, we’ll talk about finding or creating the right writing group for you.
Today I talk about how writing can be an emotional rollercoaster. Personally, I’ve found I have a lot of emotional highs and lows while writing a novel, and “good writing days” often seem to follow “bad writing days” and vice versa. I also talk about how the difference between good and bad writing is often subjective. Finally, I share how I’ve discovered some themes emerging in the book I’m currently writing.
Today I’m going to talk about the importance of keeping your novel, or other writing project, fresh in your mind. The ideal is writing every day, and this is the simplest, best solution. But if that isn’t possible, the next best thing is keeping it fresh in your mind, so your subconscious continues to work on it in the background, even when you’re not consciously thinking about it.
Today I’d like to put some of my previous discussions into context and remind you that I may not know what I’m talking about.
Today I’m going to talk about some of the prewriting I did for these stories. I’ll talk about why I started writing a prequel before I wrote the main story, and why that ended up being the perfect approach for me to take with this project.
Today I talk about how consistency is the key to finishing a novel, and how if you want writing to be a part of your life, your best path to success lies in making writing a daily habit.
Today I talk about a brute force writing hack to get you started or get you past a point where you’re stuck—a conversation between two characters. I also talk a bit about my philosophy on the writing and revising process, and I point out some of the pitfalls of having too many point-of-view characters in a story.
Today I’m going to talk a bit about where I think I fall on the spectrum between discovery writing vs. planned writing. I’m starting to feel like I’m somewhere in the middle, so I’ll talk about how I’m approaching this book now and how that’s going. I’m trying to find a blend of the two approaches that works for me.
I thought the perfect way to wrap up our first season on worldbuilding would be to answer the rest of your questions about the setting. Today I’ll talk a bit about the state of the Earth in the setting, jobs in space and how education will differ in the future.
This week I share what I’m reading, watching and playing. If you’re looking for a good mundane/hard sci-fi, I recommend Stowaway. I very quickly go over some exciting developments in space exploration and technology lately. I also revisit the topic of novel word counts in different genres.
Today I tell you about an easy and free way to get access to ebooks & audiobooks from your library without ever having to leave your house!
Today I ponder the point at which reading about writing or listening to someone else talk about writing becomes less useful than actually writing. I also consider the length and frequency of this podcast’s episodes and ask for your feedback.
This week I talk about brute force writing and how I used it to get started on this project when I felt a little stuck. If you’re stuck, whether at the beginning of a project or in the middle of it, maybe this method will work for you too. I also talk a bit about creating one of my main characters and searching for a good situation to kick off the novel.
I’m finally ready to start writing the first book! This is an exciting, and yes, slightly terrifying, time! Today I’ll talk about my approach and strategy for beginning the book. I’ve received a great deal of inspiration and help from one of the best writers of our time, Stephen King, and his book, On Writing. I’ll share some of these insights and how they’ve helped me decide how to approach this book.
Aspiring writers and new writers often have some romanticized views of writing. Among these views is the idea that writing is easy, or that it should be easy, at least. This is patently false. Writing is hard.
Today I’ll answer some listener question about how society will be different in my future setting. I also talk a bit about the difficulties of writing during a pandemic and some of the things I really like to see in a story that I hope to do in my own.
Today I’m going to do my best to answer some of the questions you’ve submitted about the setting. I discuss how the large orbital space stations are built and how many there are.
Today I’m going to do my best to answer some of the questions you’ve submitted about the setting. I share some thoughts about differences between the subgenres of fantasy & sci-fi: sci-fi-fantasy/space fantasy, space opera & mundane sci-fi. Then I talk about how I was surprised in my research to learn that some things are far more plausible and imminent than I thought, while other things are far less plausible than I thought. Finally I talk about aliens, robots & AI in the setting and some plans for the stories that will take place within it.
Today I’m going to talk about animals in space. Turns out, there’s a bit of a debate to be had here. Whether you’ve ever thought about this or not, chances are you have assumptions that put you on one side or the other. Let’s examine and challenge some of these assumptions and see if we can answer the question, “Will we really take animals to live with us in space?”
First, I gush about Douglas Adams and share some of his great writing advice. Then I’ll give you an update on where I’m at on this project. I’ll also share some thoughts I’ve been having about what I want to do and say with this project. I’ll also share some insights I’ve had about some big differences between this book and the last book I wrote.
I’ve talked quite a bit about the overall setting for the books. Lately I’ve been working more on zeroing in on the specific setting I’ll use for the first book. Today I’ll talk a bit about some exciting recent events in space exploration. Then I’ll discuss where I’m at in the worldbuilding and my ideas for the cylinder habitat that will be the stage for the first story.
One of the major features of my setting are rotating cylinder-shaped habitats for living in space. Ultimately these will be located in orbit of Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond. I’ve done a lot of work fleshing these out, and today I’ll share some details with you. If you’re in the future, and you’re a reader of my books wanting to know more about these Cylinder Cities, then this is for you! For present day listeners, this will bring us up to date on where I’m at in the worldbuilding of these habitats and their role in the setting.
Whether you’re a writer or a game master, your job becomes much easier once your setting comes to life in your mind. You’re able to much more easily improvise new setting elements on-the-fly that fit into your overall concept. Lex shares how he’s found visualization to be a key skill to help him develop his setting and know when it’s ready to go.
Lex continues the series on Future Earth History with a discussion of the Moon, Mars & beyond!
Lex continues his exploration of the future history of Earth. This week he looks into goals to better utilize cislunar space, using the Roadmap to Space Settlement published by the National Space Society as a guide. Lex focuses in on how space solar power, especially, will change life on Earth for the better and make the rest of what we want to do not only possible, but easier and cheaper.
Lex discusses some of what he's been working on in the past week. He goes over some of the everyday technology people will be using in the setting. He then goes over some high concepts and ideas he's interested in exploring through the plots and conflicts. He discusses some research questions he'll be tackling in the future and gives an update on where he's at in the worldbuilding process. Finally he shares some informative resources he's found in his research.
Lex begins an exploration of the future history of Earth, starting at the present day and moving forward, with a focus on the expansion of humanity into the rest of the solar system. The first foundational step in this journey is fully utilizing low Earth orbit (LEO). Only with the necessary infrastructure in place in LEO will we be able to move to other parts of the solar system.
Lex explores some of his ideas for the cities of his story, which are great rotating cylinders in geostationary orbit around Earth, connected to the Earth by space elevators. To aid in this discussion, Lex explores some real-world designs of orbital habitats, including the O’Neill Cylinder, the McKendree Cylinder and Kalpana One. He also touches on arcologies and graphene.
Lex gives a clarification on his enjoyment of space opera, and then goes on into worldbuilding. He talks about how he’s using a few different sources to aid in his projections of how humanity will settle the solar system. He figures out how far he wants this process to have progressed, and this helps determine the level and types of technology that will be required. Finally, Lex wraps up the episode with a preview of the topics he’s planning for the near future and an invitation for listeners to help guide the show’s trajectory.
Lex gives some thoughts on how to get excited for your novel when you're just not feeling it, but mostly he nerds out about space elevators.
Writing most novels is going to require at least some research. How much depends a lot on the genre you’re writing in and the details of your novel. Research is the natural place to start your worldbuilding, and in this episode, Lex discusses the research he’s doing for his current project and his approach to research in general. Finally, Lex shares some resources and inspirations he’s found invaluable.
This week Lex discusses how he approaches starting a novel and takes you through his progress on his current project so far. He also talks a bit about some of the subgenres of science fiction and how and why one should avoid the dreaded “worldbuilder’s disease”. Finally, Lex discusses why the chef would probably be one of the more important people on a spaceship.
Lex Out Loud is a podcast for writers, readers and all lovers of speculative fiction. Lex Starwalker is beginning work on his third novel, and he’s taking you along for the journey. Whether you’re wanting to write a novel or screenplay yourself, or you’re a game master wanting to write an adventure or campaign, or you’re just curious about the creative writing process, this show is for you! In this first season, Lex will explore worldbuilding in depth. The setting is the stage where the story takes place, so it’s a natural place to start.
In this first episode, Lex introduces himself and his reading and writing experience. He also shares his plans for the show.