I’ve recently come across a couple of writing podcasts that are worth checking out for any aspiring sci-fi or fantasy authors.
The first is On Writing With Brandon Sanderson. Sanderson is a bestselling epic fantasy author with a number of major series under his belt, not the least of which was completing Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series after Jordan died. Sanderson was a major long time anchor on one of my favorite podcasts, Writing Excuses. And while I still listen to that podcast, it hasn’t been the same since he left.
On Writing is mostly recordings of lectures Sanderson is giving to a class, although there are some web exclusives mixed in. It’s a chance to get insights on the approach used by one of the most successful fantasy authors out there. Sanderson also posts video versions on his Youtube channel, if that’s more your preferred mode.
The other podcast is SFF Addicts, a podcast that includes interviews of sci-fi and fantasy authors, as well as conference panels, all discussing writing techniques like plotting, character development, and worldbuilding. I discovered this one when John Scalzi posted a link to his interview on it. But they also talk to people like Adrian Tchaikovsky, Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck (of James S. A. Corey fame), Richard K. Morgan, and many others.
One thing I like about this podcast is it isn’t just focused on traditional publishing. There’s a lot of discussion with indie / self published authors, including on the business of what needs to be done to make it work.
I’m still working my way through the archives on this one. I won’t say all the episodes are winners. And a warning for anyone sensitive; there’s a fair amount of swearing in the discussions. But on balance it seems like an amazing resource.
I’m always on the lookout for additional advice in this space, but philosopher Eric Schwitzgebel recently did a post that contained advice I needed to hear. Schwitzgebel is a successful sci-fi short story writer, having his stories published in Clarkesworld and other major magazines. His advice is aimed at his fellow academics. But it seems relevant for any aspiring fiction writer.
The part that is really giving me something to think about is on cherishing and protecting the joy of writing. Schwitzgebel advises against being too instrumentalist, too business-like in our approach. He notes that taking joy in it means we’re more willing to work on writing we might have to eventually discard, helps in developing our own unique voice, and helps with the fact that most of us, even if successful, will never make a living at this, much less a fortune.
This advice reminds me of something Isaac Asimov wrote in his autobiography.
The question is: How does one become a really prolific writer?
It is a matter to which I have given much thought and it seems to me that the very first requirement is that a person have a passion for the process of writing. I don’t mean that he must enjoy imagining he is writing a book or enjoy dreaming up plots. I don’t mean that he must enjoy holding a finished book in his hands and waving it triumphantly at people. I mean he must have a passion for what goes on between the thinking of a book and its completion.
He must love the actual operation of writing, the scratching of a pen across a blank piece of paper, the pounding of typewriter keys, the watching of words appear on the word-processor screen. It doesn’t matter what technique is used as long as he loves the process.
Asimov, Isaac. I, Asimov: A Memoir (p. 201). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Asimov goes on to note that you don’t have to enjoy the act of writing to be a writer, or even a great one. But it sure helps with productivity. (It’s worth noting that Asimov probably took this to an unhealthy extreme, seldom leaving his apartment or doing exercise, which may have contributed to his health problems later in life. So we shouldn’t despair if we don’t have his particular level of passion and productivity.)
My overall takeaway is I’ve probably been way too instrumentalist in my attitudes toward this in the last decade or so. I probably need to take Schwitzgebel’s advice and do some throwaway writing, or at least not be too concerned if what I produce ends up being thrown.
That’s what I’ve been coming across. Any writing resources you’ve seen recently worth sharing? Or other sources of tips and inspiration?
SelfAwarePatterns 
Thanks for these links–I’ll check them out! For my part, I have been thinking over recent months that maybe I haven’t been instrumentalist *enough.* I so enjoy the process of drafting and revising and workshopping, and I so dislike the business of querying and submitting and cold-calling bookstores and setting up readings, that I write a lot that probably only a handful of people are ever going to see. I could use a little more self-discipline where the business of writing is concerned. I hope you are writing as much as you want–or at least that you are writing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like you’re doing pretty well. I just read your Nomenclator of the Revolution. Very nice! But I’m with you on having no enthusiasm for querying and submitting. It’s why I’ll probably just default to the self pub path.
But of course first I have to write something I’m comfortable putting out there. My writing has been pretty scattershot due to job pressures. That may change this year for various reasons. But honestly, I just need to spend some time writing just to do it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the good word! I self-pubbed my first novel. It was a wonderful experience overall: there is something liberating in having all of the responsibilities for putting something out there. I wish you the best on that mystical journey!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I watched all of Sanderson’s BYU videos, worth it. Will checkout the other.
So, you gonna get serious about fiction? I’ll beta for you, if needs arise.
I’ve quit caring, so, no more writing for me.
What I will advise, based upon my scant learnings, is that narrative should flow like poetry. Every line, every paragraph should be composed, not just brain-dumped. Every word should “fit”. Focus on that and what you produce, no matter how grand or granular, will make you smile when you read it, years later.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m hoping to get more serious. We’ll see what actually happens. But thanks for the beta offer. Will definitely keep in mind.
Sorry to hear you’ve stopped. I know it’s hard with having to work a real job. That’s been my obstacle (or at least excuse) in recent years.
On flowing like poetry, yeah, never been my talent. I’m more in the Asimov camp in the sense he described in the Nemesis preface.
But of course there’s room for all types. Or at least I hope there is.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not like poetry, per se. But cohesive like good poetry is, purposely constructed, a Tetris of words. Any sharp edge, gap or protuberance can render the art… less in your own eyes, the only eyes that matter.
LikeLiked by 2 people
There is art in being clear, as well. Writing doesn’t have to be literary to be elegant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having read my share over the decades, I do have a sense of flow, and when I’m achieving it or failing. Although it never reaches the level I see in the best writing. My approach is to try for a conversational style, mostly because it’s what I know how to do.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That Schwitzgebel piece was gold! I’ll be sure to check out the podcasts you mentioned, too. I feel like things have taken a sudden turn for the better in my writing life recently, and I want to keep that going.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very much agreed on Schwitzgebel’s advice. Glad to hear about your turn!
Unfortunately I’m still trying to get there. The world isn’t cooperating right now. (I know that’s an excuse, but the world really is making it hard at the moment.)
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know what you mean. There were a few times in the last year or so where I felt inspired and ready to write, and then stuff happened. It’s an excuse, but it’s not a totally unjustified excuse. Real life really does get in the way sometimes.
LikeLiked by 2 people