Organic

I am thinking about going organic for my next book and writing it start to finish without an outline.  

Just thinking mind you...

Just thinking....

Disscussion on humorous sf writers

I took part in an online discussion of The Funniest Writers in the History of SF / F. It was part of the SF Signal Mind Meld.

Pretty much the conversation has to have a lot of Douglas Adams in it, but other names do pop up.

It was nice to be asked to be in the conversation.

Book off

Well the Sapphire Haired Sirens has now been delivered to Daw. Now I wait for them to give me their feedback and suggested edits.

It's always an interesting time when you finish a book. On one hand you feel relieved, you did it. You had this story inside of you and you told it in a orderly and entertaining fashion. It's done. It's out the door. It belong to the world now.

On the other hand, you feel like a parent who has just sent their child off to school. You can't help wondering, have I done enough? Is he ready? Maybe I should prepare him more?

Of course you can't coddle them forever (as much as you would like to) so you have to send them off.

Edits

Just reading over my first editor's edits. Book to be delivered to Daw on Monday. I have to say, I like this book which I believe is a good sign that others will too.

Sure it's just bubble gum for the brain but it's what I do.

Oh speaking of brain gum I am also on twitter now. http://twitter.com/johnzakour

Book in editing

The Sapphire Sirens is now being edited.  I like to hire a private editor before I send my version of to Daw.  I try to make things as easy as possible for my publisher.  

One of the first laws of writing is: be nice to do those who give you money.

This isn't quite as important as: have a spouse or significant other with a good day job.  (But it's up there.)

It's kind of a relief having the book out of my hands.  I believe one famous writer once said something like, "finishing a book is like taking a baby out in the yard and shooting it..."  To me, finishing a book is more like seeing your baby walk off to college for the first time.