As a fiction writer, my world is a series of ‘what if” moments. Actually, I’m a speculative fiction writer, which includes any fiction that departs from strict realism, such as sci/fi, fantasy, horror, or alternate history.
It’s a chance for a writer to think outside the box and consider possibilities. And for the reader, a chance to leave reality for a bit and experience other people encountering other ‘what ifs’, seeing those characters’ actions and consequences, their dreams, their emotions. Maybe they will even be changed themselves by what they read.
What do you like in a book? How far will you let the speculation take you?
Draft Novels - My plan is to re-read each draft first, before deciding which to pick to finish and publish. Criteria would be how much I like it, how much work to finish it, and how marketable it might be. I’m enough of a realist to know there’s little chance of fame or fortune in this, so I will ignore the last point. Comments welcome on my drafts too, here.
Status so far:
Agnes of God - A few glitches stood out, but it has a pretty good structure, so it’s reasonably close to completion. I still like the story, especially this band of characters, and can develop them even more. Fairy Tale crossovers not as popular, but who cares?
Ghost in the Machine - A good story, but some gaps. And since I did this in 2013, AI on phones and in data clouds has evolved, so this needs to be modernized, but that’s easily doable. A wide range of characters, again. Some quite funny ;-)
Been meaning to read your previous e-mail, and answer it, but life just got in the way. Still planning to.