Today I have a post up at Adventures in Writing about having a room of one’s own to write in.

A while back I mentioned in a post that the majority of my POV characters tend to be male. And so it is with my two most recent stories. I don’t know why this is, other than to say that the character whose point of view I use is simply the one that seems right for the story.

Anyway, a new question arises. Are there gender differences in writing? I realize that that men and women often choose to read different types of books (not all the time, I know).  Do they write differently as well? The stereotypical answer would that, with respect to sf and fantasy, in general, males like to write about technology, tough characters and lots of action, while women prefer to write about personal and relational experiences.

I don’t know, though, whether this holds true, even as a gross generalization. Are there differences, do you think? Can you describe them?

I’m wondering about the value of writing a story which I find personally compelling, but which (based on my experience trying to sell such stoires in the past) I suspect is not marketable.

I do think that for someone who is focused on publication, writing time (scarce to begin with, and filled with interruptions) needs to be carefully used writing stories that are most likely going to sell. Anything else, for a truly  focused person, is a waste of time.

Most times I think I can determine which stories fit which category before even writing them, so that – yes – I can choose to write only stories that I think will be of interest to editors. But I am so weak! I continue to spend valuable time writing stories that I like, that are personally meaningful, but that are ultimately a waste of time. I must focus more on goals, and less on frivolous self-amusement, as I’ve come to see it.

In the summer, I have more time for writing, and I’m far more productive. So. My goal for the summer is to write: (a) only stories that are fit for publication, in my view; (b) the novel, whether publishable or not, because I need the experience.

“In a single fluid motion”

This is a phrase which I’ve encountered in several novels by different authors. I think it’s a good phrase, and in each case where I’ve seen it, it is an apt description of the action taking place. But I wonder how it is that so many different writers come to use it.

Are some writers deliberately stealing phrases from others? Is it even stealing, since it’s only five words? Are writers unconsciously influenced by what they read, so that they do not even realize when they are doing this? Do I do this, as well? Or is there a guide to approved phrases that I don’t know about?

A variation on this is “in one fluid motion.”

I posted a discussion about websites and their necessity for writers, particularly novelists, over at Adventures in Writing. If you’re a writer, or a reader who likes to visit authors’ websites, please stop over and give us your opinion.

Ken Kiser has a new – and very professional – website to promote his five-book fantasy series The Kreggorian.

Usually, after reading a good book, my own imagination is revved up and I am motivated to write.

But sometimes, after reading an especially good book, one that I know I could not have written myself, I feel discouraged.

Anyway, that is how my favorite writers make me feel – awed as a reader, humbled as a writer.

I know a lot of writers like to get the story down first, and so they write quickly, and then go back and revise. I assume this is what NaNoWriMo is all about – tapping creativity while it’s flowing molten-hot, and while the writer still has a lot of enthusiasm for the story. This isn’t my style at all, though I think I should experiment with it a little more than I have.

I tend to write slowly, conscious of language and style as I go along. This slows down my first draft, but it helps me visualise the events  and the emotions and motives of the characters more clearly, and so I think it the long run it’s a good thing. I still need to revise my drafts, though.

How about you? Fast or slow?

Okay, quick, what do you think of when I say…   science-fiction fan?

We all know the stereotpyes: a socially awkward but very smart nerd, with pocket protector, high waters, a fast computer, but no girlfriend; an unemployed 30-year-old playing video games in his parents’ basement; nutty 40-year-olds who show up at conventions dressed as Klingons. Certainly, nobody cool.

Most women I know read mainstream, or chick lit, or mystery, but decidedly not science fiction. Or fantasy either, for that matter. So, what’s a woman sf fan to do? Keep it under wraps? You bet. Call it by another name? That too. Live a lie? Yes! Because, you see, we are supposed to be interested in other things. You know: shoe shopping, going out with the girls, having complicated relationships. The peer pressure is terrible! 

All of this brings me to a story. My daughter works in a restaurant. An older waitress said that her husband, former English major that he is, has been writing a book for ten years. The book is literary fiction, and it’s all about his experiences growing up. The waitress thinks this is a boring subject – who wants to read about that? she says.

To which Daughter says: My mom’s writing a book, too.

Oh? says Waitress. What’s your mother writing about?

And Daughter says, Killer satellites.

Ahem.

Yep, it seems I am a female nerd. Okay, so I’ll own the name, and with good humor.

But only when it slips. Otherwise, I’m just a regular woman. 

And in case you’re wondering, the answer is no; you won’t find find a pair of Spock ears anywhere in my house.

Adventures in Writing

A new multi-author blog dealing with various aspects of writing, which I feel honored to have been invited to take part in.

Douglas L. Perry has his first post up there now, and you can expect to see introductory posts from each of the blog’s authors over the coming week. Discussions on the writing life will start up in earnest shortly thereafter. You’ll find interesting and varied topics every day, as we have an interesting and varied cast of writers. It’s going to be a real adventure!