Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.
Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.
The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:
1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.
So how do you wow your readers with your writing? You must write very well. This is true of all writing. There was a time when a second rate writer could write science fiction and have the possibility of being published. That isn't true today. There are too many good authors writing science fiction. The problem today is there are few science fiction writers who have any knowledge of science. The lack of science in science fiction makes an opening for science trained people who want to write science fiction. All you need to do is write well.
Well, there is a little more than writing well--that is, if you don't include creativity in the concept of writing well. I've been trying to point out how to produce powerful science fiction themes, characters, and plots. There is more than one concept in writing well. You can write technically perfect drivel, it might get you an "A+" in a writing class, but no one will publish it. On the other hand, you can write very creatively so poorly that no one could stomach to read it. For science fiction, you need powerfully unique and creative writing that is technically strong that includes science.
Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.
For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com
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