In fiction, flashbacks are scenes that take place in the past (i.e. not current/running story time) and some readers (supposedly) hate them so much they skip them. Here’s a great “flashback” from L. Jagi Lamplighter Wright, on “…the constant struggle between the efforts to entertain and the efforts to spread a message.” Even if you’re the kind ofContinue reading “More on serving the needs of drama”
Author Archives: m2foster
Double standards – a “Strong Female Character” retelling of Star Wars
The first Star Wars movie (now called “A New Hope”) opens with a poor farm boy who wants to be a pilot. Luke embarks on what’s known as “the hero’s journey” complete with an initial refusal of “the call” to be a hero, and a mentor. Classic stuff. I’m a fan of the original version.Continue reading “Double standards – a “Strong Female Character” retelling of Star Wars”
Seeing the light on romance
I have to admit, the last person I thought I’d see with an essay in Ardeur: 14 Writers on the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series was L. Jagi Lamplighter. I’d read several of the books in the Anita Blake series after a co-worker got me hooked. I did not stay a devotee of the series. I honestlyContinue reading “Seeing the light on romance”
Turn yourself into a lab rat… For science!
I got the following email today. If you recall, a year ago I put up a scientific survey for an actual scientist friend of mine. (I’ve toured his lab, he is doing some crazy Matrix brain stuff in there). He is doing some fantastic work though, which has the potential to help millions of people.… viaContinue reading “Turn yourself into a lab rat… For science!”
The Hard SF vs. Soft SF Debate
Originally posted on Cirsova:
This really struck a chord with me. Cirsova View original post
When words don’t add up
I understand word count limitations. I really do. After administering a contest, how could I not? First, you have to be able to do an apples-to-apples comparison, and second, there are still–despite numerous sacrificial offerings consisting of REM cycles, fluffy cotton sheets, and clock parts–only 24 hours in a day. So here I am, happilyContinue reading “When words don’t add up”
I should go to Vegas more often.
While we were in Lost Wages–I mean, Las Vegas–last week, I got a publication offer. I signed the contract today AND I’m putting the finishing touches on an urban fantasy short story. It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, aimed at UF tropes, and courtesy of a few half-days stuck in a hotel room.
The importance of structure
K.M. Weiland’s website has been so useful to me as a writer that I decided to make my own little contribution to her Story Structure Database with my favorite Christmas movie, Die Hard. Her book on structure has been invaluable for diagnosing story problems.
Poor little rich girl
An excellent piece on the state of writing. “Why won’t they love me?!” It’s said that schadenfreude is an unworthy sentiment. But after reading this tearful piece, I must confess that my schadenboner is prodigious. Fe… Source: Poor little rich girl
The color of the Sun
This is one of those things that everybody knows, right? You’ve known since kindergarten. White sheet of paper. Yellow crayon. No problem. I know it’s so because I’ve lost count of the number of times that I’ve read about “Earth’s yellow star.” It’s one of those things we take for granted or that we takeContinue reading “The color of the Sun”
