Simon asks: Is it better for writers to stick to characters that are like them? Are the costs of trying to write something outside of your own experience too high? Resources: Adventures of Huck Finn by Mark TwainStarship Troopers by Robert A HeinleinThe Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel HawthorneThe Foundation by Isaac …
Ed asks: How can a writer oppose the moral panic du jour without being consumed by it? Resources MentionedAdventures of Huck Finn by Mark TwainStarship Troopers by Robert A HeinleinThe Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel HawthorneEvery Day Novelist Success Stories: Mel ToddMel Todd on KDP Select Archivos
Charles has feedback on mid-life crises and writing. Resources Mentioned: Watership Down by Richard AdamsLittle House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls WilderBill and Ted’s Excellent AdventureQuarter Share by Nathan LowellPure Heat, by ML Buchman
Simon has feedback on ways to experiment with genres to see what you’re good at or enjoy writing. Resources Mentioned Clarke Lantham MysteriesFeedback: Short Cuts to Identifying Your GenreFeedback: Knowing What You’re Good AtFeedback: More on Knowing What You’re Good At My Luck, by Mel Todd
Nichole asks: How can I get rid of the passive voice words while still conveying past tense? Resources Mentioned: King James Version BibleDeadwoodThe Complete Works of Shakespeare Open Vistas Anthology: Swords In Space!
Dawn: How do connect my story (plot, theme, or characters) to current events without it being obvious? Resources Mentioned: Star Wars original trilogyStar Wars prequel trilogyLord of the Rings by JRR TolkienThe Zero EffectA Scandal in Bohemia
Robert Asks: How do the differences between an Everyman protagonist and an expert affect the start of novels? Jurassic Park by Michael CrichtonPatriot Games by Tom ClancyTakenDeath WishSilence of the Lambs by Thomas HarrisRed Dragon by Thomas HarrisThe Short Happy Life of the Brown Oxford and Other Short Stories Philip …
Robert asks: Most sci-fi brush over the issue of different day lengths on different planets. What might change with the structure of days if we became an interstellar species? Babylon 5: Day of the DeadBabylon 5 : By Any Means Necessary Swords In Space!
Nichole asks: What do you think of subscription writing groups?Any advice on them or how to find a good one?
Simon has feedback on DC, Marvel, and franchises losing their shine as time go on. Resources Mentioned: Batman vs. SupermanRogue OneThe Oldest Honorable Profession (blog post at jdsawyer.net)Isaac Arthur’s Youtube channel
