Readings in Science Fiction & Fantasy | Notes in Progress
July 26, 2019
In this episode I talk about the resolution of my old business debt problem, a close reading of From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming and plotting my next book, The Spreading Fire.
Episode 20! Thanks for listening and all your support.
In this episode I talk about a major setback I experienced recently, how it affected my writing, and how I am trying to continue to work through it.
I also talk about lessons learned from reading the slush pile for an SF/F publisher.
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But the AIs have not been idle. Their agents are everywhere and the seeds of rebellion and dissent have taken root. Humanity’s home system is a powder keg, and when the match is lit, all of Sol will erupt.
Cara has been in prison for four years, her mind numbed by docility, unaware of what’s been brewing. When a mysterious agent breaks her free, she finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue, double-dealing, and political machinations.
The Sykes family saved Sol from a human-AI war once before. Now it’s up to Cara and her sister Lyssa to turn the tide, and keep the galaxy’s two dominant species from tearing one another apart.
This is a bit of personal episode but it touches on finding your true audience by expressing your authentic self.
Once you find those true fans, and you’re honest and open with them and serve them up the entertainment they love, I think you’ve got them for life.
We recently went through a major transition in Aeon 14, and me with my writing partner. I was ready for fans to revolt but they’ve supported us in amazing ways. I can’t express how much gratitude I’ve felt in the last month, and how inspired I’ve been to create meaningful, honest work.
Also, sorry for the break!
I’ve been working on Eve of Destruction (kickass cover, right?) for six months now, which is like GRRM time in indie publishing. In the midst of grinding through edits, I’ve been working on several other hobby projects as well. While Steven Pressfield might call this resistance, it got me thinking about the benefits of allowing your mind to wander, absorb and learn from your hobbies, and how you can fold those skills into your writing. I’m a DIY nerd, so my hobbies are building things, but the points I talk about could easily apply to team sports, travel or any other hobby.
Other notes:
Create If Writing with Kirsten Oliphant
Self Publishing Journeys by Paul Teague
The Awkward Thoughts of Kamau Bell
On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
Thanks for listening!
In this episode I talk about some changes in the SF short fiction market, new opportunities for short fiction in Kindle Unlimited anthologies, and how to push yourself to grow as an author by saying yes… but also having a plan so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Tim Ferris Interviews Neal Gaiman
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In this episode, Josh Hayes jumps in for the first Speculative Work Interview. This wide-ranging conversation covers Josh’s transition from a career in law enforcement to writing full-time, his philosophy about building teams like Keystroke Medium, and what he hopes to accomplish in this next exciting phase of his author career.
Bio: Josh Hayes is the author of three novels: Terra Nova, Bloodlines and Wings of Redemption, co-written with Richard Fox, with publication in many anthologies, including Chris Kennedy’s Four Horsemen Universe. Josh served six years in the Air Force before leaving for a second career in law enforcement. He recently left service as a police officer to write full time, and since then, his publishing company slash podcast slash community Keystroke Medium has gone into high gear, producing a massive amount of content from podcasts and events to anthologies. On top of all that, he’s a husband and the father of four young children.
For more information on Josh and his writing, please visit his webpage: www.joshhayeswriter.com
Josh is also the co-host of Keystroke Medium, with Scott Moon, Ralph Kern and Chuck Manley For the best author interviews, news and craft discussion, visit www.keystrokemedium.com. Their live shows broadcast every Monday night at 8pm CST at www.youtube.com/c/keystrokemedium
Today I share the current list of podcasts I’m listening to and why they’re worth your time.
Mentioned in today’s episode:
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Whoa now, what happens when you have a terrible couple of weeks where you don’t meet your goals? Well, I try to figure that out.
But I did sell a short story!
Books discussed this episode:
The Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft
Free: The Future of a Radical Price by Chris Anderson
American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodard
In this episode I talk about what a sad sack I am because I finished a short story, was feeling good about myself, and then didn’t write for a week. . . so the universe sent me a snow storm and a three day power outage so I could think about my sins…
…while not writing.
So I talk about getting back on the horse after a break. I also share some thoughts about what looked like successful author tables at the Portland Wizard Con event, and then some thoughts on the current Nebula Award dust-up and where I’m choosing to focus as an author, while also wishing the best for my friends caught up in all this.
Thanks for listening, and shoot me an email at james@jamesaaron.net with any thoughts or feedback.