Authors of speculative fiction often joke of “Worldbuilder’s Disease.” One spends so much time working on their setting that they neglect the project they’re creating it for. About six months ago, I experienced a similar affliction but with plotting. I try to accomplish three things before I start writing a first draft. I begin with … Continue reading Outliner’s Disease
writing advice
Living by Heinlein’s Rules
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to improve my work ethic. I envy authors like Robert Silverberg and Brian Keene who put out quality work consistently and prolifically while balancing multiple other projects. While I’m nowhere close to them, I’ve found a set of rules that I think will help me achieve my resolution. … Continue reading Living by Heinlein’s Rules
My Short Story Method + Writing Update
After much trial and error, I think I’ve finally found the writing method that works the best for me. At least, for short stories. It blends elements of both pantsing and plotting, providing structure and freedom at the same time. It's not wholly original, but rather an amalgam of different advice I've been given over … Continue reading My Short Story Method + Writing Update
Training for a Novel (Writing Update)
Recently, I've been putting in 5 to 7 hours of reading and writing a day. I’m in training. Like any athlete, I need to condition, to push myself, to master the skills of the game. This may seem excessive, but Stephen King recommends at least 4 to 6 hours daily and Dean Koontz is known … Continue reading Training for a Novel (Writing Update)
Too Many Notebooks
Some of the myriad notebooks crammed into my study There are very few things I love more than the crisp, white pages of a new notebook. The massive stack on my shelves (as well as in storage) attests to that. Ever since I became semi-literate, I’ve recorded anything and everything. As a child, it was … Continue reading Too Many Notebooks
Zé Burns | Blog 