Lex Out Loud: Writing Science Fiction

Today I talk about the importance of the first page and the first chapter in a book. I also share a recent realization I’ve had as to differentiating the great and not-so-great books I read. I’ve realized all my favorite books all have a key element in common. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How t...

This week I talk about theoretical propulsion systems and travel times through the solar system. I also talk about how I’ve recently changed my mind about writing down ideas. I am now an idea collector and an idea curator. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks fro...

The rejections have been piling up, so this week I talk about dealing with disappointment and avoiding discouragement. I also talk a bit about the new Orbit Works imprint. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Join my Book Club . How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library. Orbit Works Support the show . Join...

I’ve come up with a completely new and different idea for my next novel, and I’m really excited to share it with you today. I discuss how the first idea you have is often far from the best idea, and how this has been true for this book I’m working on. I also talk a bit about new discoveries about the geysers on Enceladus. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out m...

Today I update you on my progress and talk about I finally found a succinct definition of the difference between science-fiction and fantasy that’s simple, easy to remember & understand, and is accurate in most situations. I’ve also received some insight into why sci-fi is so popular in TV and movies, but when it comes to books, not so much. Finally, I discuss how I’m rethinking my approach to...

Today I update you on my progress and talk about how I’m building a reading list to stay apprised on the latest & greatest sci-fi novels being published. I also talk a bit about how, for me at least, social media is largely a waste of time. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club...

I finally broke down and wrote a two-page synopsis of my novel, and guess what? It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be! I know, you’re shocked. Things not being as bad as we think seems to be a recurring theme on this show, doesn’t it? I also give my rankings of the various Star Trek shows and movies. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to...

This week I talk about my experiences querying agents so far, and I’ve got some good news for you! It’s not nearly as bad as a lot of people make it sound. You’ve got this! Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word . Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club . Query Shark blog. QueryTracker online tool. Support the show . Join m...

I’ve received my first form rejection from a literary agent! This is an important milestone in my journey as a writer. I ponder its importance, and I also talk a bit why short sentences are an important tool in your writer’s toolbox. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Wor...

I kick off season 4 with a discussion of using simple sentences in writing. I also talk about my experiences so far querying agents and give an update on my novels. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club . Query Shark blog. SFWA...

Today I wrap up 2022 and season 3 of the show with ponderings on the writer’s voice. I also muse on the various phases in creating a novel. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Follow me on Mastodon ! Join my Book Club . New York Times article on Voice . Query Shark bl...

A couple companies that scam writers are being promoted by NaNoWriMo. I take this opportunity to discuss how, as writers, we need to be wary of con artists and others looking to exploit our hard work for their own ends. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games . Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Follow me on...

Today I discuss what I find difficult and easy about drafting and revising. I find there are aspects to each that I love, and aspects of each that are more challenging. I also talk a little about journaling my journey as a writer. Links Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games . Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reade...

I’ve finished the 4th and 5th drafts of Critical Balance . I talk about my struggles and journey with these two drafts, and I share some of the changes I made. I also discuss my thoughts about, and struggles with, my word count through the revision process. Finally I wonder about the odds of getting published that are often floated around. There are many commonly-made mistakes that are actually ea...

This week I give an update on my progress and talk a bit about how managing the flow of information to the reader may be the most challenging aspect of writing a novel. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reader ! Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word Query Shark blog Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call M...

I talk a bit about a new hobby of mine—crossword puzzles. I think solving crosswords on the regular has quite a few benefits for writers. I also give some tips for getting started in this hobby. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reader ! Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I give an update on my progress with version 4 of Critical Balance . I also share some struggles I’ve been having that have been impacting my productivity. Finally, an unexpected bonus: an example of why you really don’t want to screw up the ending of a story. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reader ! Andy Weir discusses Th...

I discuss how a fundamentally important element of my setting is barely mentioned in the novel that takes place in that setting. I also give an update on my writing life and talk a bit about why so many trees are grown in Union City. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reader ! Check out the first images from the James Webb Sp...

Today I talk about how naming your chapters can help you when it comes time to summarize your novel for an agent or editor. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Manuscript Format Blog Post. Become a Beta Reader ! Stephen King’s Reading List for Writers . Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I share 15 writing tips from Stephen King’s book, On Writing . I discuss my experiences and how these tips have helped me as a writer. Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Episode on Alpha & Beta Readers . Episode on Setting the Right Writing Goal for You . Stephen King’s Reading List for Writers . Support the show . Join my Discord server . Call My Voicemail: 951-4...

I share some thoughts on novel pacing and the common approaches to pacing I often see in the novels I really like. I also discuss some of the things I like and dislike about thrillers and relate them to the pacing discussion. Also included is a discussion of how I rank the importance of character, setting, and plot in a story. I talk about a couple books I’ve enjoyed recently, as well as a great s...

This week I share an important lesson I learned from being wrong about the serial comma. I go over the big three style guides used for writing in American English, including the one most important to we novelists— The Chicago Manual of Style . Before that, I share some frustrations I have as a creator on YouTube. I also talk about the merits of appendices in some novels, the singular they, and whe...

This week I answer a variety of questions submitted by listener Matt Yancik. I cover a variety of writing-related topics including comparing writing and game mastering, comparing discovery writing and outlining, and the kinds of appendices I’d like to put in my book. I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers Interested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information ....

This week I discuss how being a successful writer requires a careful balance of self-confidence and humility. I also consider the downside of ignoring negative and/or nasty reviews and give a more productive alternative. I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers Interested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information . Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with m...

Sometimes I get the impression people think commercial is a bad word—commercial as in commercial fiction. It’s not, and today I’ll tell you why. I’m Looking for Alpha & Beta Readers Interested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information . Links Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link. Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research...