Science Fiction & Reproductive Rights

I believe strongly in reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. Many of these beliefs were encouraged through the science fiction & … More

Let Me Tell You About The Very Alien: They Are Different From You and Me

Whether you’re writing from a cat’s perspective or a being from Chiron Beta Prime, it’s easy to fall into the trap of giving the non-human very human motivations.

What is “alien”, what considerations do you need to create a well-rounded species, and what authors do it well?

Decolonizing SFF

While most of us know the bloody tales of how the European powers colonized much of the globe, fewer are … More

Fairytales & Folklore in Urban Fantasy

As humans, we look for patterns everywhere. So, when we see a new story, draped in the shape of a well-known fairytale, the vibrant mix of the familiar with the new and strange can be irresistible to many of us as readers.

Sustainable Series Strategies

For those of us who like to write genre fiction — the cozy mysteries, the thrillers, the science fiction horror, the fantasy — our books often have the funny habit of turning into series.

Trilogies, and longer series, seem to dominate the market regardless of genre. From a craft perspective, how do you set up a successful series from the start, with characters that continue to be interesting five books in, and plots that are sustainable across hundreds of thousands of words? At what point in your career does it make sense to pitch a series? What are readers hoping to get out of series work, and how long will they wait between installments? Series writers share tips and tricks gained from going through the process.

Another Weekend, Another Convention to Panel

As September turned into October, I drove around the Beltway and attended my first CapClave — where reading is not extinct. I got to speak on 4 panels, attend 5 others, and talk shop with some great people.

We’re #2, So We Try Harder

Backups, Sidekicks, & Henchfolk Heroes and villains step aside: We’re here to talk about your lieutenants, your seconds in command, … More

Publishing As Collaboration

If you want to be a published author, a little professionalism goes a long way.

Bookshelves are packed with volumes about how to properly submit your manuscripts, but how does professionalism function in real-world publishing relationships? Moreover, what defines professionalism from culture to culture? Agents and editors share their best examples of what works best, and how to get back on track if your interactions go off the rails.

Is a Writer’s Workshop Right For Me?

Whether you’ve been writing for a while or dreaming of getting away and actually having time to write, many of … More