Wakeless River Blog

Welcome to the Wakeless River Blog.

Here you’ll find my thoughts about books, writing, and navigating a literary life.

Or maybe they’ll find you.

  • The End is Only the Beginning

    The End is Only the Beginning

    When you’re writing your novel, story, or screenplay, the end of your story may seem like an eternity away. It might even seem like the easiest part of the process to ignore, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your ending doesn’t have to be epic or grandiose; it just needs to wrap up…

  • A Tale of Three Genres

    A Tale of Three Genres

    Sci-fi, fantasy, and sci-fantasy are three of the most popular genres out there in books, movies, and video games. But what makes them different? And what makes them similar? Are they all just sci-fi with different names, or do they each have distinct differences? There are plenty of stories that mix and mingle the elements…

  • The Story Your Bookshelf Tells

    The Story Your Bookshelf Tells

    Your bookshelf tells a story all its own. If you’re like me, yours is probably stuffed with books that don’t fit on it anymore because you can’t bear to part with them — even if they have no practical use in your life anymore. If your bookshelf could talk, it would tell the story of…

Latest Posts

  • The End is Only the Beginning
    When you’re writing your novel, story, or screenplay, the end of your story may seem like an eternity away. It might even seem like the easiest part of the process to ignore, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your ending doesn’t have to be epic or grandiose; it just needs to wrap up… Read more: The End is Only the Beginning
  • A Tale of Three Genres
    Sci-fi, fantasy, and sci-fantasy are three of the most popular genres out there in books, movies, and video games. But what makes them different? And what makes them similar? Are they all just sci-fi with different names, or do they each have distinct differences? There are plenty of stories that mix and mingle the elements… Read more: A Tale of Three Genres
  • The Story Your Bookshelf Tells
    Your bookshelf tells a story all its own. If you’re like me, yours is probably stuffed with books that don’t fit on it anymore because you can’t bear to part with them — even if they have no practical use in your life anymore. If your bookshelf could talk, it would tell the story of… Read more: The Story Your Bookshelf Tells
  • Poetry, Songs, and Lore
    Creating worlds and crafting stories can be an enjoyable and rewarding process. However, crafting your world down to the smallest detail can take time and energy, and sometimes it’s hard to figure out how everything fits together in your universe. This is where lore comes in. It’s a great way to add depth and weight… Read more: Poetry, Songs, and Lore
  • Bring On The Backstories!
    What makes a character seem real? Why do we empathize with some characters and not others? Backstory. Every character has one, even if we don’t know it (we’ll come back to this later). It’s what gives them depth and makes them relatable (or not). A well-rounded character needs a backstory. Why are they the way… Read more: Bring On The Backstories!
  • The Black Hole on the Blank Page
    If you have ever tried to write without starting from something tangible, you know it isn’t easy to do so. You might even spend more time deciding on what to write than actually writing it. So why do we keep saying never start with a blank page? There are many reasons. One of them is… Read more: The Black Hole on the Blank Page
  • The Nine Notes of a Well Sung Story
    Every song starts somewhere. We don’t think of it as ‘starting,’ unless we expect to sing the song. Birthday parties, concerts, even alone in our cars, we know the beginning of a song. We know, too, when it gets good, when the pitch changes, and when the singer hits that note. The one we probably… Read more: The Nine Notes of a Well Sung Story
  • Stunning Stories in Summer Settings
    Hey, now! It’s finally summer! And what better way to spend this glorious season than by immersing yourself in the world of some of your favorite authors? Summertime and the reading’s easy. Whether you’re in the mood to read on the beach or just lounging by the pool, summer offers plenty of options for escaping… Read more: Stunning Stories in Summer Settings
  • Change: Why It’s Good for Writers
    Changes are rarely easy, whether you’re the one making them or experiencing them secondhand. Change, though, can be an opportunity to grow in ways that may not have been possible before the change began occurring. I’ve been lucky enough to experience both sides of this equation over the past few years, and I’m here to… Read more: Change: Why It’s Good for Writers
  • The Many Benefits of Co-Authoring
    Co-written books can be exciting and fun to write, if you’re with the right partner. They can also be a challenging and rewarding experience, as long as you follow some basic co-authoring guidelines. With writing, some people prefer to work alone, while others would rather get in the same room with other authors and start… Read more: The Many Benefits of Co-Authoring

  • The Madness of Method Writing

    The Madness of Method Writing

    What’s the hardest part of the writing process? Figuring out what happens next, right? Every time you sit down to write, the voice in your head nags at you with that ever-so-familiar refrain, but what happens next? To find the answer to that question, you need to immerse yourself fully in your world, so you can truly understand what’s happening around your characters and with them—and why they react in certain ways. And that’s where method writing comes in!

    What is Method Writing

    Foremost, method writing isn’t just a writing technique. It’s an all-encompassing way of living that helps writers get into character, develop a story and go to places they never thought possible. With method writing, what you do is as important as what you write—but don’t worry, we won’t expect you to put your life on hold while you work on your next bestseller. We’re not asking for days without sleep or nights with 10 hours of work. Instead, think about ways that you can relax yourself into a mindset that allows for creativity in such a way that allows for productivity and rest.

    The trick to finding success through method writing is balance. It’s okay if you need more time for research than others, but be careful not to spend so much time immersed in your environment that you forget why you are there. Remember: You are there to create art, so make sure that nothing impedes your end goal!

    But, what is Method Writing?

    In simple terms, method writing is a writer’s attempt to immerse themselves in their environment before sitting down at their desk to work. The premise behind method writing goes something like this: If you want to understand how people feel when they’re experiencing certain emotions, try putting yourself in those situations before developing characters and plot points around them.

    Why Should I Use Method Writing?

    Reading about someone else’s experiences doesn’t give you insight into their mindsets. We often have trouble empathizing with characters who are unlike us—which makes them harder to write about.

    Method Examples

    The first use of method writing was most likely by an unnamed ancient Greek playwright who began living out his stories to bring them more authenticity. His plays are some of the earliest works of Western literature. While other notable writers, like Jane Austen and Leo Tolstoy, followed suit, it wasn’t until later that method writing became a more widely used practice in creative writing circles.

    In the early 20th century, American author Jack London lived in the wilderness for months at a time to write books such as The Call of the Wild and White Fang. Around that same time, Irish writer James Joyce spent years researching Dublin’s life before he wrote Ulysses. And in recent decades, several famous authors have taken on method writing projects: Salman Rushdie based his novel Midnight’s Children on his own experiences growing up in India; Bret Easton Ellis immersed himself in Los Angeles’ seedy underworld to write Less Than Zero; and Michael Chabon even studied neuroscience at Columbia University to prepare for writing The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.

    How do you make your writing feel real?

    One way is method writing. It’s a combination of story immersion and character immersion. Story immersion is when you immerse yourself in every aspect of your story, from characters to setting to atmosphere—basically everything that makes up your story. We can do this through extensive research or reading; consuming as much information about your story as possible gives you a better sense for what you are building with it.

    Character immersion is similar, but instead of immersing yourself in your story, you immerse yourself in your characters. You become them: their mannerisms, their speech patterns, and even their physical appearance. By doing so, you understand them on a deeper level and understand how they would react to situations around them (which then helps create more realistic dialogue).

    In order to immerse yourself fully in either of these processes, you must take time away from everyday life. If you want to learn about your world, go out into it. If you want to learn about your characters, spend time with them. The best part about both methods is that there is no wrong way of going about them! As long as you’re learning and understanding, that’s all that matters.

    Getting Started

    What Are You Waiting For?

    To get started, write a list of questions that need answers. From those questions, write additional questions and keep going until you have enough knowledge to fill your page. For example: How old is my main character? leads to How did he grow up? which leads to What kind of neighborhood did he grow up in? which leads to Did he have any siblings? which leads… well, you get it. Once you’ve got enough material written on paper, start looking at places where you can find answers.

    The more effort you put into finding answers, the more effective your immersion will be. If you ever feel like there’s something missing, just go back through your notes and re-center yourself on what it means to be the character. There might be something else that needs answering before you move forward with writing. Don’t forget to take notes of the realizations that you come to. It’s important to remember everything so that when it comes time to sit down and actually write, everything will make sense.

    How To Do It Right

    The first step in method writing is being honest with yourself. What sort of setting are you looking to immerse yourself in? If you’re writing a historical piece, visiting an old-fashioned farm or plantation could help you learn more about what life was like back then. Or, if you’re writing a fantasy novel with magic and swords, heading down to your local dojo or meeting up with people who take part in SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) will let you see how sword fighting really works. Keep in mind that it’s all about immersion—the more time and effort you put into your research, the better your story will be.

    When done right, method writing can make your characters feel real because they’re based on truly lived experiences. Even when writing fiction, it’s important to stay grounded in reality.

    Better Method Writing

    As you probably know, everyone has different methods to their madness. Sometimes, it might feel like there’s no right or wrong way to go about things, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some tips and tricks you can use to improve your own method writing.

    Method writing is simply the practice of immersing yourself in an environment that mimics the setting that you are writing about. If you’re working on a story set in feudal Japan, you might keep yourself immersed in traditional Japanese clothing, set up your home and office with as much Japanese-style furniture as possible, and try to speak only Japanese.

    This can help you get in touch with the world that you’re creating, to discover details about it that might otherwise escape your notice, and to enrich your characters so they feel more alive and realistic.

    1) Don’t Let Your Characters Define You:

    One of my favorite pieces of advice for writers is from author Neil Gaiman: I think if you have an idea for a story, and someone says ‘well why don’t you do it like so-and-so did,’ then don’t do it like so-and-so did. Do what feels right to you. If something feels off, don’t be afraid to break from tradition—there’s always room for improvement!

    2) Get into Character:

    This one is pretty self explanatory: put yourself in character’s shoes. How would they act? What would they say? How would they react? By getting inside their head, you’ll find that it helps build stronger characters.

    3) Read Books About It:

    There are tons of books out there on how to write better characters (I’ve read several), and many of them focus on method writing specifically. Even if you’re not planning on reading them cover-to-cover, flipping through will give you plenty of ideas for improving your process.

    4) Listen to Other Writers Talk About Their Process:

    Check out videos online where other authors talk about their process. It’s a great way to get inspiration, as well as new ideas for improving your own process.

    5) Put Yourself in Scary Situations:

    A great exercise for becoming more comfortable writing horror is actually putting yourself in scary situations—even if just for fun! Practice going up to strangers, looking people directly in the eye when talking to them, going somewhere new alone—it all makes you more comfortable with those actions when writing them down later on.

    Immersion Methods

    Environmental immersion is a simple way to get into character.

    This method involves surrounding yourself with an environment that matches or mimics your setting, character and/or subject. For example, if you’re writing about a castle in medieval England, you might dress as if you were actually living there. If your setting takes place in an English pub or tavern, donning a period costume and purchasing some local ales will set your mind right for creating vivid characters and dramatic scenes. And be sure to note sounds—talking loud to create noise around you can help with inspiration! However, keep these things brief—the goal here is not to distract from writing but to get inspired by it.

    Linguistic immersion is another great tool for getting into character.

    It’s also quite simple—all you have to do is start speaking like your characters would speak! Instead of saying he went outside, try saying he exited his domicile. Or instead of saying she said something, try substituting she vocalized. You may find that taking on a different dialect or accent helps you write more vividly and realistically. The key here is practice—you may feel silly at first but stick with it until it feels natural enough to implement during your work sessions.

    Mood alteration is trickier than other methods listed here, but many writers swear by its effectiveness.

    There are several ways to go about mood alteration—some people prefer changing their clothing, while others prefer listening to music or eating certain foods. But whatever route you choose, make sure it works for you! After all, mood alteration isn’t effective unless it helps put you in the mindset of your characters and/or settings.

    Physical immersion (also known as sensory deprivation) is perhaps one of most well-known methods used by writers.

    By cutting off your senses, you eliminate distractions and focus solely on what’s going on inside your head. Some writers use blindfolds, while others use earplugs—and still others prefer sitting in complete silence. Be careful when using physical immersion though, as it’s easy to become too focused on what’s happening inside your head with no external stimuli to balance things out. Make sure you’re ready for such a challenge before trying out physical immersion!

    Creating a Method Outline

    When you are trying to figure out how to write a story, there is no shortcut or surefire way to ensure that you don’t hit any bumps in your story later on. However, making a method outline can help you see where you might get stuck later and helps prevent you from losing sight of character arcs or plot points.

    The process for creating a method outline can be as easy as writing your character arc in bullet points and numbering them according to their importance. You can also use any visual organizer that works for you: mindmaps, tree diagrams, flow charts—whatever will help you look at things from several angles. The important thing is to have something concrete and visual that you can refer to when it comes time to write your story.

    Character Methodology

    A Method Writer is an artist who has mastered the art of submerging themselves into their current environment by speaking the vernacular of characters, dressing for the setting and changing their environments to suit the world that they are building in order to write more authentically about it, without the hindrance of having to research or ask questions from people living in that world, that could alter the story being told.

    It’s a methodical way of documenting your story and getting in touch with your character. The writer must become their characters in order to write them accurately and develop them believably. Some will say that if you can’t understand how your characters feel, then there’s no reason for anyone else to either.

    Method writing isn’t for everyone, but it helps writers get inside their characters’ heads better than any other tool I’ve ever used before. And really, isn’t that what we want? To write believable characters who draw our readers into their world? If so, give method writing a try. You might find it works for you too.

    Just remember, once you put these processes into action, don’t forget to have fun. A good book isn’t written by numbers and neither is a good character. Remember to breathe life into your creations and let them live within your pages! Then, sit back and watch them take on lives of their own.

    -R.E.

  • Breaking Through Writer’s Block

    Breaking Through Writer’s Block

    Getting writer’s block isn’t a sign of failure—it’s just another part of being human. Creativity ebbs and flows, so don’t stress about it. Instead, try not to stress about it. If you find yourself stuck on a project, take a break from it. Go for a walk. Read something else entirely—something that won’t remind you of your current problem or make you feel bad about what you can’t do now (I recommend fiction).When you come back with fresh eyes, focus on just one sentence at a time; sometimes doing even one thing well is enough motivation to keep going until it feels right again. And if these tips don’t work out? That’s okay too. It’s all part of creating, which means there will be moments when things don’t go as planned. That’s how we learn!

    Write Anyway

    There’s no escaping it: Writing is hard. Any day, you could stare at a blank screen and struggle to find something worthwhile to say. If you really have something worth saying, then it’s critical that you commit yourself and do whatever it takes to get it out of your head and onto paper. It’s better than being held back by writer’s block. If one tactic doesn’t work for you, try another — and keep trying until something sticks. You know what they say about how practice makes perfect? It’s not just a platitude; writing every day makes you a better writer.

    Change The Way You Work

    Finding a writer’s routine that works for you can help you beat writer’s block. It’s important to figure out what time of day you work best and then stick with it. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, afternoon, or evening, make sure you schedule your writing around these peak times. If possible, get outside for inspiration or sit near a window and look at plants, water fountains or people to help boost your creativity. In addition, leave yourself plenty of time to write without feeling rushed so that if one idea doesn’t work out well, you have another one waiting in line behind it, ready to go.

    Consider taking notes on paper but also consider storing them digitally so you never lose an idea again! Keep a digital notepad on your phone wherever you are to capture thoughts quickly when they come to mind. Also, learn how to take notes effectively so that you easily recalled your ideas when needed. Write about projects you care about: This might sound obvious, but we often forget why we wanted to do something in the first place until we write about it!

    Immerse Yourself In An Atmosphere of Creativity

    You are your most creative when you’re surrounded by creativity. In order to overcome writer’s block, create an atmosphere of creativity where you work. If you have limited space at home or work, consider having a small space that is solely for creative pursuits. This doesn’t mean it has to be a large room with paints and brushes lying around—but it means that you need some area dedicated only for artistic creation so that you can immerse yourself in a creative environment more easily.

    Focus On Your Environment:

    When you surround yourself with disorganized, cluttered, and distracting items, it can be harder for you to focus on being creative. Clean up your desk and workspace. Get rid of anything you don’t use regularly (such as old newspapers) and organize everything else in a way that draws your attention toward your workspace.

    Plan Out What You Want To Accomplish:

    Before you work on something new, figure out exactly what you want to accomplish. Don’t just say I want to write or I want to paint. Figure out exactly what you want to do before diving into whatever project you’re working on next. Be specific about what you want to do. There’s no reason creating something should feel like a chore.

    Get Some Sleep

    If you’re having trouble getting started, it might be a lack of sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can be just as detrimental to mental functioning as not getting enough sleep on a one-off basis. Instead of staying up late, try going to bed early or at least getting 7–8 hours of sleep every night. If it feels impossible, talk with your doctor about potential solutions. Your physician can recommend over-the-counter sleeping aids that are safe for regular use. Writing is hard work, so make sure you’re getting enough rest. Sleep when you’re tired and writing will come easier. You’ll also have more energy throughout the day to tackle other projects as well.

    Everyone knows that sleep helps us focus, but most of us don’t get enough of it. You have a deadline; your alarm goes off too early and then you reach for your smartphone—it’s going to be a long day. To stave off exhaustion, try going to bed 15 minutes earlier than normal. A good night’s sleep will help you beat writer’s block by keeping you sharp on even your most draining days. We need all our cognitive abilities when we’re writing. You can’t do your best work if you’re tired.

    It might sound simple, but setting aside time to go over what you’ve written (and slept on) can also be an effective way to get through writer’s block. If you find yourself blocked, read over what you’ve already written and tweak things as needed until they flow better. Don’t pressure yourself into finishing everything in one sitting; sometimes quality is more important than quantity. Forcing yourself to complete something subpar will solve nothing—in fact, it’ll just make matters worse. Letting go of expectations is easier said than done, though!

    Build Writing Into Your Routine

    If you struggle with writer’s block, one of your biggest tools is making writing part of your routine. Because it’s part of a daily schedule, you won’t let yourself get away with not having something to write. It also helps if you plan out what you want to do each day and stick with that schedule—so even when inspiration is lacking, productivity isn’t.

    One thing I like about writers like Ernest Hemingway or Anne Lamott is they set aside specific hours for writing—and they stick with those hours even when they have something else planned (like writing letters). That way, there are no excuses for not having time because you already made time for it. Some people swear by writing first thing in the morning, so try setting aside an hour before work to make sure you can at least get started on your piece. In fact, some would argue getting started is all that matters—because once you start writing, everything else will fall into place. As Hemingway said:

    “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”

    Sometimes all it takes to overcome writer’s block is breaking down big goals into smaller pieces. So if you feel stuck and have been staring at a blank page for days trying to figure out how to begin your story/essay/blog post/etc., start small. One sentence.

    Take Breaks

    The most common cause of writer’s block is getting stuck on one particular idea, or part of an idea. If you feel you’re only getting half-way through a project before you have no more ideas, stop and take a break. Get up and walk around for a while. Get some fresh air. Once your mind has had time to rest, it will feel much more refreshed when you come back to work on your project. Taking a break also allows you to step back from whatever issue is causing your block and look at it with fresh eyes, which can help give birth to new ideas!

    Another great way to overcome writer’s block is by working on something else entirely. Go do something fun, exciting or unusual that takes your mind off what you were working on previously. Then come back to it feeling invigorated and ready to go! You might find that as soon as you start again, all those blocked thoughts just fall into place.

    Stepping back can also give you time to get feedback on your project. You might not hear criticism very well if you’re in a rut, but often other people can point out flaws in our thinking we don’t see because we’re too close to our own projects. Ask someone who knows nothing about your subject or how it’s supposed to turn out. They may tell you things about your writing style or structure that would never occur to you otherwise.

    Remember not to share any draft that isn’t completely finished.

    Remember Why You Started Writing in the First Place

    When you’re stuck, it’s hard to remember why you started writing. Maybe your first few posts or chapters didn’t go as well as planned, or maybe life just got busy and you found yourself unable to stick with your goals. Whatever happened, try reminding yourself of what made you pick up a pen (or a keyboard). Perhaps it was because you had an interesting story to tell. Maybe it was because of something that inspired you personally. If nothing else works, try just picking up where you left off and see how far you get before your mind wanders again. You might surprise yourself.

    Set Goals That Are Easily Reachable

    Setting a goal that is easily attainable can help you take action towards your goal. If your goals are too far away, or unattainable, it may cause you to feel discouraged and give up on working towards your goals. To overcome writer’s block, set small goals for yourself, such as getting out of bed earlier in order to write for half an hour before work. Reach for something you can accomplish with ease so that you can build on your success and keep going. Reaching goals will motivate and inspire you to keep going. It is important that when setting these small achievable goals, they should pertain directly to whatever you are trying to accomplish in order for them to be effective.

    When writing down these smaller goals, use positive language and state what you are going to do instead of what you will not do. This will help eliminate any negativity from creeping into your mindset about achieving your goal. Once you have created a list of easy achievable goals for yourself, create deadlines for each one. Having deadlines helps hold you accountable for reaching each goal and also keeps things realistic by helping avoid procrastination by giving you specific dates/times when each task needs to be completed by.

    Start Writing

    It might be difficult, but you’ve got to start writing. Anything. And if you can’t think of anything, write about why you’re struggling with that. Just get something on paper (or in digital). It’s OK if it makes little sense at first or flows like a ramble. Once you have some words down, edit them into something better later. But don’t stop until you feel you’ve gotten your thoughts out. The worst thing you can do is spend too much time sitting around thinking about what to say and never actually saying anything. Get those thoughts out so they can become actionable items for your brainstorming session.

    The more often you force yourself to sit down and put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), the easier it will become over time and eventually it will become second nature. You’ll look forward to getting back into your project when other tasks try distracting you from working on your next big idea. So start writing, even if it’s something as simple as:

    I’m not sure what to write about.

    or

    I don’t know where to start.

    Just get something out there. And once you do, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

    For some, writer’s block happens so often they feel like it’s an inevitable part of the writing process. For others, they’re surprised by it time and time again when they’re doing something as simple as journaling or planning out an email to a friend. If you struggle with this common writing challenge, use these tried-and-true ways to overcome writer’s block and get back to writing.

    -R.E.

  • The Importance of Filling Plot Holes

    The Importance of Filling Plot Holes

    In any story, it’s important to tie up any loose ends that might have been left hanging. As writers, we call these plot holes because they are holes in the story that need to be filled in by the writer. When your readers think something makes little sense, you risk losing them, so it’s important to fill those plot holes with answers or explanations before someone else does it for you. Luckily, these tips can help you out with everything from basic dialogue to character actions and settings.

    A Hole Issue

    A plot hole is a gap or inconsistency in a storyline that goes against logic or narrative sense. Typically, it refers to missing information, events, actions, character traits, and motivations that are required to understand what has happened within a fictional story. It can also refer to conflicts within an otherwise solid plotline when aspects do not fit together as they should. In short, a plot hole is any piece of information that disrupts continuity.

    A story with plot holes comes across as confusing and often seems to contradict itself. Because most people will give up on watching or reading something they find confusing, it’s important to catch these plot holes before you publish your book. Knowing how to find them is just as critical as knowing how to fix them. It’s surprising how many writers, who are meticulous about their characters, settings and descriptions, don’t pay attention to what happens in their stories once they write dialogue or plotting out action scenes.

    A Bad Ride

    It’s like driving down a road with constant potholes in the pavement; eventually you’ll either fall into one or your car will break down because it can’t handle the wear and tear. A plot hole could cause huge issues with continuity and can break a reader’s sense of immersion in your story if not addressed quickly. If you’ve spotted any plot holes, address them right away before they affect your readers’ perception of your work. If you don’t want to fix them yourself, consider having another person proofread for errors and holes in your narrative structure.

    You may also hire someone who specializes in copy editing or developmental editing. Publishing companies often provided these services, but there are many freelance editors available online who can help you out for much less money than a traditional publisher would charge. You might even know someone who has an eye for detail—and doesn’t mind reading through your entire manuscript—who would help on spec (for free).

    Of course, hiring an editor isn’t necessary if you’re self-publishing, but it is highly recommended. After all, no matter how hard you try to make your book perfect, there will always be mistakes that slip past everyone’s notice. Even big publishers have their fair share of embarrassing typos! Don’t let these mistakes turn off potential readers before they ever have time to enjoy your writing. Fixing plot holes is important if you want people to keep reading and enjoying your book(s) long after publication day.

    Something’s Not Right

    Loose ends need to be tied, plot holes need to be filled. Often, a character will say or do something with no previous explanation.

    -A heroic passerby will know the exact location of the weapon secreted away pages earlier.

    -A worried friend will simply fail to call and check on the person they show concern for.

    -The antagonist prepares a trap in a specific location that is never revisited.

    -An object goes missing from a scene, but the characters don’t seem to notice.

    There’s a chance that your readers are feeling similarly frustrated when these plot holes arise—they want answers, too! It’s important to remember that not every piece of information needs to be specified. However, if you create a gap in your story, it is your responsibility as an author to fill it.

    Get Your Shovel

    Your plot has holes in it, don’t you have to fix them? Sometimes plot holes are noticed right away and other times they don’t pop until several drafts down the road. The good news is that they can be fixed. The easiest way to fill plot holes is by either editing your work or explaining more clearly how things happen. However, sometimes fixing plot holes requires a little extra effort and can get confusing really quickly. In cases like these, writers have several options at their disposal.

    Try writing all of your current plot points in chronological order. Once you’ve done that, look at them critically. Ask yourself how each event leads into another one. Look for situations where characters’ actions make no sense within their personalities or backstories. And finally, ask yourself whether everything makes logical sense. You want to see if everything fits together smoothly. If it doesn’t, then you have a plot hole on your hands.

    Ask yourself what caused your plot hole? Then write three solutions for fixing that problem. If you discover a new plot hole later on, take note so you can add it to your list of story issues to address. Keep track of any workable solutions while they’re fresh in your mind because they’ll come in handy later on when it comes time to fill those holes!

    Tie Off Those Ends

    As you go through revision, make sure that each solution leads to a satisfying conclusion. If not, throw it out and try another option. Don’t be afraid to change your plot as much as needed until it’s seamless and complete. It’s a good idea to have a few backup plans in case you can’t think of anything. Even if you do, it’s nice to know that you have other options if your first idea doesn’t work out.

    If there are multiple problems with your story and/or multiple holes, then start by fixing what seems like it will be easiest first. Make sure that whatever solution you choose addresses every issue before moving onto other ones! If not, then go back and try again until everything is resolved.

    If your plot holes are difficult to fix, ask for help from an editor or trusted friend. Sometimes, just having someone else look at your work can make all the difference. A fresh set of eyes can often point out issues that would otherwise be overlooked. The important thing is not getting frustrated and never giving up! Remember: no matter how big or small they may seem, plot holes are just another part of writing that needs to be addressed.

    How Did This Happen?

    1.) Poor planning–It may seem obvious, but plotting out your novel before writing it will help keep all those loose ends tied together from beginning to end. It also gives you something tangible (the plan) by which to monitor your progress as you go along writing, so nothing gets left behind. Think about how much easier things would be if writing were just like following directions!

    2.) Losing focus–Another common reason for plot holes is that we get too focused on one aspect of our story, leaving other areas in shambles. Perhaps we spend all our time developing one character arc instead of another or begin building an entire subplot before cutting it off because we think it has no relevance later on. Focus is essential when drafting and revising but know when enough is enough so that you can fully develop each important thread sacrificing no others in its place.

    3.) Being unclear about what’s happening–There are two kinds of writers: those who outline and those who don’t. We see both methods have their pros and cons, yet those who outline often say they never have a problem with plot holes.

    Either you haven’t put enough detail into your story, or you don’t know what information to reveal next. If you do not know how to fix these plot holes, try being more organized during the initial drafting process and outlining everything before moving onto chapter two. Also consider working with an editor, who can help point out where your book may lack details and offer suggestions on how to fill it all in properly.

    Watch the Road

    Keep notes on where you’re going: Even though plotting involves planning, things change during development. Jot down ideas as they come up, so you have reference points later on when questions arise, and you need clarification. Don’t be afraid to change things while remembering where they came from originally—this way, your idea isn’t lost but stays true to its original intent. Be flexible and remember that we set no idea in stone until it’s written into a story!

    Going back over past writing sessions can also help jog your memory if you start to feel you’re missing something. A writer is nothing without their notes, after all. But what happens if you’ve never taken any? Make sure to keep an organized folder for your work, with folders for each story or novel you’re working on inside. You’ll find these particularly helpful when developing characters or world-building details. This system may seem intimidating at first, but once you get used to using it, you’ll realize how helpful it really is for organizing your thoughts and keeping track of important plot points.

    -R.E.

  • The Fantastic Foresight of Sci-fi Writers

    The Fantastic Foresight of Sci-fi Writers

    Ray Bradbury

    Embed from Getty Images

    Bradbury’s work predicted a lot of things that never happened, like an invasion by Martians. But Bradbury also got a few big things right. He correctly predicted we would live in a world with flat screen televisions and smartphones. His stories were so popular at one point NASA considered using them as textbooks for astronauts who had been in space too long. The hope was they’d want to go home because they’d miss Earth as much as most humans do.

    Like many sci-fi authors, Bradbury also correctly predicted that we would use TV as something more than entertainment. We might not all have live feeds into our homes today (yet), but think of how often you check your Twitter feed, watch Facebook videos on your phone or post videos to Instagram on your laptop at home instead of watching it on your television. Bradbury’s classic novel Fahrenheit 451 tells us a lot about what reading will look like in the year 2049, and it’s not good news for traditional books. The world is rife with screens, e-readers and audiobooks everywhere, including floating above people’s heads via drones! A dystopia if there ever was one, but could you imagine now life without ebooks?

    H.G. Wells

    Embed from Getty Images

    In 1914, after seeing men walk on stilts in a circus and watching World War I unfold from his home in London, Wells released Men Like Gods—about another world with seven sexes of peaceful humans who live for hundreds of years because of their perfect climate. This novel would inspire Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and George Orwell’s 1984. In 1946’s The Shape of Things to Come: A Forecast of Things to Come, Wells predicted a future divided into three parts: an atomic-bomb-devastated 20th century that would end with humanity moving underground, a utopia based on equality and sharing above ground, and then finally another horrible war that left most of humanity dead before a new era could begin.

    Later published as The Time Machine, that story described man devolving into ape-like creatures living underground while others evolved into more enlightened beings living above ground—shades of modern scientists predicting the discovery of humanoid aliens someday. No one realized then how uncannily accurate Wells’s predictions were until 2002, when astronomers found two planets orbiting around each other 150 light years away from Earth that circled their star at an exactly 55 degree angle—not a degree off what Wells had first described in 1895!

    Mary Shelley

    Embed from Getty Images

    Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1818, and we consider it to be one of the first science fiction novels ever written. The novel tells a story about Victor Frankenstein, who creates a man out of dead human body parts. The man comes to life but has lost his ability to reason. He ends up killing his creator’s wife, which causes him much grief and he can never feel happiness again after that. It turns out that even though many years had passed from when she wrote her famous novel; she got some things right about how modern humans would live their lives decades later. There are some new technologies since her time, such as artificial intelligence and robots.

    Perhaps being able to see into the future wasn’t so fictional after all. One thing she correctly predicted was how people could communicate instantly with each other around the world as long as they have access to technology; she described how Forbes was busy at his writing table, drawing up an agreement… sent off through the air…and deposited in a bank.

    Another thing Ms. Shelley got right was how scientific experiments would play out; Dr. Frankenstein created a monster (in every sense of the word) which cost everyone involved their jobs, friendships, and social reputation. This happens often today in real-life scenarios. A scientist will come up with an idea for something new or exciting and create such a monster that others are horrified by what he or she did—they lose everything over it!

    Kurt Vonnegut

    Embed from Getty Images

    As author Kurt Vonnegut once put it, science fiction writers are just looking around corners. While it’s doubtful that these sci-fi writers were truly clairvoyant, many of them had a few eerily accurate predictions. In fact, some people have called science fiction a self-fulfilling prophecy—we’re drawn to stories about space travel and time travel because they inspire us to invent such things in real life.

    In Vonnegut’s classic novel Cat’s Cradle, he explored a near-future that featured a new element called Ice-Nine. In essence, Ice-Nine is water that is frozen at room temperature and when it comes into contact with liquid water, it crystallizes and turns everything to ice. While Vonnegut was not describing an entirely new element as such—Ice-9 has since been discovered in reality—he was notifying readers of what could happen if scientists could manipulate elements in ways we can only begin to fathom today.

    Over 70 years ago, Vonnegut recognized that when it comes to science fiction writers accurately predicting future events, context is key: everyone seems to listen whenever Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks on astrophysics, but nobody really cares about your neighbor who knows just enough about chemistry to spout off about cold fusion. The lesson here? Just because a concept or product does not seem farfetched does not mean you should disregard claims made by science fiction writers who are trying their best to prepare us for tomorrow.

    William Gibson

    Embed from Getty Images

    In 1984, William Gibson’s novel Neuromancer made several predictions about life in the 2020s. This was remarkable because science fiction writers are rarely correct with predicting specific future technology. For example, Arthur C. Clarke accurately predicted that we would have satellite television in his work 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry correctly expected global communications through videophones on Star Trek. However, these ideas were far from unique. Instead, they were logical extrapolations based on existing technology in their time (computers and space exploration). What sets Gibson apart is that he predicted phenomena that did not yet exist—or at least hadn’t been imagined yet by anyone else.

    Gibson thought of himself as primarily a writer of speculative fiction rather than science fiction, but there’s no doubt his stories had an incredible predictive power. His novels foresaw technological breakthroughs such as GPS, Bluetooth headsets and automated stock trading before even those technologies had been invented themselves (all which appear in Neuromancer); he predicted credit card details might be stolen using other electronic devices back when many people still wrote down their security information; and perhaps most famously he foresaw online communities forming around identity theft before Facebook or MySpace even existed.

    In the 2003 novel Pattern Recognition, he accurately describes both Google Glass and in-store advertising (now known as pulse marketing) eight years before they became real. His story also paints a picture of celebrity culture that is eerily similar to what we experience today. (Spoiler: One character says she wants to be famous on my own terms, not someone else’s long before reality TV.)

    As fans of The Terminator and Blade Runner will know, some of Gibson’s visions don’t always turn out positively for humanity. However, his true value lies not so much in seeing what could happen–but imagining what could happen. People with knowledge of computer science may have known all along that computers would someday become capable enough to beat humans at chess and control our cars’ steering systems without driver input – without having to read Cyberpunk literature. Now that computers can do both things – does it change anything? Are our streets any safer? Do we live in a more Orwellian society?

    Isaac Asimov

    Embed from Getty Images

    Asimov is best known for his science fiction work, which included dozens of short stories and more than 50 novels, including I, Robot, Asimov’s most popular work. Along with his work on science fiction, Asimov contributed to knowledge of biology as well; he wrote several nonfiction books about robotics and evolution as well.

    One such book was entitled The Sensuous Dirty Old Man (published in 1967) and made several correct predictions about human sexuality in it; among them were that by 2014 there would be video phones, virtual reality sex available through email attachments and time dilation machines for quick vacations. Some of these predictions might not be as titillating now, but it’s still worth mentioning them, given how strange they sound when compared to current day realities.

    In his 1941 short story, Reason, Asimov predicted that a computer could defeat a chess champion. In 1997, IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer defeated Garry Kasparov in game six of their chess match. More impressively, in 1989, Asimov also predicted more accurate weather forecasts and earthquakes with less than 1-point margin of error from actual seismic activity. The Foundation series, written in 1942 and published in 1951, is set when humans have colonized a large swath of space. It’s also written at a time before we had computers, much less internet. In fact, one of Asimov’s characters actually references something he calls an electronic brain, which isn’t any sort of networked computer but just a mainframe.

    Written as part of a universe later called The Foundation Trilogy, these books deal with psychohistory, social science, political science and mathematics. Psychohistory deals with predictions within historical trends, while social sciences deal with predicting human behavior based on aggregate social interaction at various levels. While other works dealing with such material had been written previously, none had approached psychohistory like those found in Foundation. This came partially out of necessity because of technology being unavailable at the time – computers simply weren’t capable enough yet – though technological advances led directly into greater capabilities here too.

    There are many reasons so many scientists and science writers cite him as one of their biggest influences today, especially considering how much prescience Asimov showed throughout his career. Besides Foundation, he also predicted stargates long before any credible person gave credence to that concept; even better, he did so without treating it like fantasy or magic, instead providing careful details on how hyperspace travel worked in theory while hinting at just what kinds of consequences going near light speed could bring if proper caution wasn’t used.

    Ursula Le Guin

    Embed from Getty Images

    No science fiction writer has written more thought-provoking works about complex topics than Ursula Le Guin. Her novel The Left Hand of Darkness is one of her most well-known and celebrated books. In it, she explores themes like gender identity, language barriers, and society’s relationship with technology. Published in 1969, many predicted that Le Guin’s vision of a future without gender would never come to pass; they were wrong. One of her characters even mentions how our sex doesn’t matter. Today we’re still working toward an understanding that gender shouldn’t dictate our lives or actions—no matter what planet we live on!

    In her sci-fi classic, Le Guin imagined a futuristic society where everyone is androgynous. Gender-neutral bathrooms are already common in some places—and not just in theory. The University of California, Davis has nine single-occupancy restrooms (out of 1,500 on campus) that anyone can use regardless of gender or appearance. Some districts have adopted similar policies for all their schools, ensuring that transgender students have access to proper facilities. Other locations aren’t as progressive. This year alone, lawmakers across at least five states have introduced bills that would restrict restroom usage to one’s birth sex as opposed to how one identifies. At least eight states currently allow discrimination against trans people based on religious grounds.

    The Left Hand of Darkness was just one example: Le Guin predicted lots of things long before they happened! Her book Planet of Exile described glass windows that could be used as touchscreens, while City of Illusions predicted mobile phones through idintelevisors. There’s no question Le Guin influenced other writers and helped pave the way for other science fiction authors who came after her. That being said, she also predicted multiple aspects of modern life—when so many other futuristic authors couldn’t do so at all! It’s probably because she spent a lot of time looking at real-world issues critically and objectively.

    If you want your sci-fi stories to have lasting value beyond entertainment purposes, then you might benefit from doing that same thing. Think carefully about who gets left out of dystopian narratives today — those people will be crucial for building up better worlds tomorrow.

    Arthur C. Clarke

    Embed from Getty Images

    In a paper written by Arthur C. Clarke for Daedalus, published in 1972, he wrote: As early as 1976, people will communicate with each other from anywhere on Earth via satellite. In actuality, we had that capability decades before then; when Clarke made his prediction it was already possible to connect through commercial services via trans-Atlantic calls. But by 1992, global coverage had made it possible for anyone to communicate with anyone else on Earth—and in real time. It’s important to note that while many sci-fi writers make bold and fantastical predictions, sometimes they get incredibly mundane things right as well!

    Stanley Kubrick’s depiction of an orbital office complex in his 1968 science fiction epic 2001: A Space Odyssey looks uncannily like modern offices that people work in today. Both have desks lining walls, people sitting and working at them, and other similar features. The film was based on a book by Clarke that similarly featured office buildings outside of Earth’s atmosphere where people telecommuted. In both cases, these are set up as long-term solutions to humanity’s need for space settlement and industry; getting humans off our own planet would help combat overpopulation issues as well as provide us with more room to expand out into space.

    Clarke also predicts that humanity would achieve super-intelligence by having computers implanted in our brains—which has not happened (yet!) However, advances in neuroscience have shown that it is possible to create electronic interfaces between people and computers. Recently, an amputee controlled a robotic arm with just her thoughts; researchers say that implantable electrodes could make more advanced prosthetic limbs as well as allow paralyzed people to control robot surrogates with their thoughts. These are steps toward Clark’s vision of humans controlling machines with our minds.

    Keep Looking Forward

    Science fiction writers have always been fascinated by the future and how technology and human interaction might evolve, leading many to make various predictions about what we might expect to see in years to come. Some of these predictions were far-fetched, while others were surprisingly accurate, but either way they’re fun to look back on today and consider which ones actually came true.

    Given that sci-fi writers are technically futurists, their predictions are fairly easy to assess. There’s not always a high hit rate (though there is often enough to fuel our collective sense of wonder), but it’s pretty clear that science fiction writers have and will continue to have strange insight into our future. So, when you’re watching Futurama or reading 1984, remember that many of its predictions have already come true—and keep your eyes out for more odd realizations in upcoming works from some of history’s greatest speculative minds.

    -R.E.

  • Brevity is the Soul of Wit

    Brevity is the Soul of Wit

    Writing, in Brief

    Brevity is the soul of wit, according to William Shakespeare. This famous quote, from Hamlet, emphasizes the importance of efficient writing – and most times, that can mean cutting unnecessary words out of your copy. That’s easier said than done, though; how do you tell when your words are superfluous? It might seem as if all words belong in every piece of writing… but it’s not true! You just need to know how to recognize and remove the empty words from your text and allow your story to shine through even more clearly than before.

    The Importance of every Word

    As writers, we all know that editing can often feel like painful and unnecessary pruning. That said, it’s almost always necessary if you want to tell a compelling story in as few words as possible. There are infinite ways to express an idea; use them sparingly. Each word must earn its place in your book by adding something necessary for readers to appreciate your story fully.

    Ultimately, removing words from a manuscript makes it more effective at what it does: tell an engaging tale that makes readers laugh, cry or think differently about their lives and experiences. An outstanding book should bring readers back again and again, each time discovering additional details they may have missed before.

    When you edit your work relentlessly, it forces you to examine every sentence carefully before allowing it onto paper. There will be sentences worth keeping; most will need to go. Spend hours looking for areas where there’s room for improvement—dozens of places, even—and trust yourself when deciding which parts deserve another draft. You’ll end up with a much better final product overall if you do so. Edit first, then write second – not the other way around!

    Smaller Novels with Huge Impacts

    It may surprise some people to learn that popular books such as Anna Karenina, Wuthering Heights, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are all shorter than 100,000 words. Even Moby Dick comes in under 100,000 words. Size doesn’t always matter—but it also makes it difficult to pin down exactly what does.

    To ensure brevity, we recommend having a solid outline for your book or story and writing until you reach its natural conclusion. Think about some of history’s greatest works: Great Expectations (49,590 words), A Tale of Two Cities (48,787), War and Peace (56,298), Pride and Prejudice (44,823). In each case, we can see that stories can pack an emotional punch without overstaying their welcome. So how do you trim away anything unnecessary?

    Shrink Your Sentences

    Long sentences are a serious no-no in fiction writing because they make readers uncomfortable. The key to creating effective sentences is to keep it simple. Simple, not short. Brevity refers to a sentence’s structure and word choice, which should be crisp and direct—not its length. An easy way to test your sentence’s brevity is by asking yourself if you could remove any words from it without changing its meaning or tone. If you can, cross those words out and re-read your sentence (or paragraph).

    There should be little effort in reading each passage, even if they are long. Each sentence should contain only one who, what, where, or when. This will help cut down on unnecessary verbiage and ensure clarity in your narrative. Readers are smart, but they’re busy too. Make their lives easier by keeping your prose tight!

    Too many sentences in a paragraph can also become distracting. Using shorter sentences for each paragraph will make your work appear more professional, and it will make it easier to read. There’s no formula for how many words should go into a sentence or whether longer sentences are better than shorter ones. Cutting fluff from your writing and keeping your paragraphs short will improve its overall quality.

    Keep in mind that you don’t have to remove all unnecessary passages from your work if doing so would destroy its meaning. Try cutting unnecessary adjectives and adverbs wherever possible. The best way to do that is by reading over your work in full before editing it word-by-word.

    Remove Adverbs and Clichéd Phrases

    It’s a common mistake for writers to add in unnecessary words such as very, extremely, and incredibly. While these adverbs make your story appear more interesting on paper, they don’t actually give readers any more information about what you are describing. In fact, using ‘very’ at all really reduces its impact. If you have something worth saying, use short sentences. Wordiness makes your point duller; less wordy versions make it clearer.

    Instead of describing an event with words like ‘suddenly’ or ‘quickly,’ try to set a more vivid scene. If something isn’t happening on its own accord, eliminate passive language. For example, when two characters kiss for the first time, your reader doesn’t need to read

    The girl kissed the boy.

    Instead, we just get straight to action:

    They kissed.

    And be sure not to fall into another common trap while editing—letting metaphors run amok! A few metaphors here and there might be worthwhile (even enjoyable) but more than a couple in one paragraph can make things seem forced. Be careful with wordy adjectives as well. Find one impactful word instead of several similar ones for maximum effect. Let prose strike like lightning rather than splashing around like water from a hose—if it strikes nothing at all, so be it!

    What Does This Add?

    Scenes, sentences, and words can all have an aesthetically pleasing quality when used well, but are they adding anything else? While editing, ask yourself: Is what I’m writing important to my story? Can I leave it out without losing meaning or changing tone or style too much? If you cannot answer yes to both questions, consider cutting it.

    If a sentence doesn’t aid in character development or scene building or plot-driving, if its only purpose is to add length and page count, then that sentence isn’t doing anyone any good. Avoid unnecessary embellishments that don’t further your goal as a writer: telling a fantastic story.

    A common thing to add and then forget about are references to pop culture or current events. A clever reader might chuckle when they see a reference you intended, but otherwise it’s likely distracting. Sometimes it’s better to leave out modern references altogether than risk adding them without knowing if they add anything worthwhile to your story.

    You can always use an older phrase in its place that conveys nearly as much meaning in a more natural manner (while still including some levity). This approach serves two purposes: It gets rid of any unnecessary present-day allusions, and it also prevents dated references from hindering your future success.

    Talk The Talk

    Another brilliant strategy for making your writing more succinct is to take out unnecessary descriptions, actions, or dialogue. Sentence count should never dictate the length of a story or chapter. Use dialogue sparingly, and make sure every line adds something important to your plot. If a character needs to go somewhere or do something, show it through their actions instead of having them tell another character about it. If a character needs to talk about something, see if there’s a better way for them to communicate that idea than through an indirect conversation with another person.

    People are so much more interesting when they’re doing things! Characters are active participants in action stories, not passive objects who stand around describing everything around them. As writers, we must learn to watch our characters (and ourselves) as they move throughout scenes—wielding swords or solving equations—and then describe that action using only as many words as needed.

    Try Reading to Yourself

    The best way to go about editing is by doing it on your own first. As you work on getting your first draft finished, don’t worry about anything being perfect or putting things into chronological order; simply focus on getting down whatever comes to mind. Once you’ve done that—whether it takes an hour or two days—then take some time away from it (one day isn’t long enough).

    When you sit down to edit what you wrote, pay attention to where there’s a lot of commas within sentences or where there are long run-on sentences (or even paragraphs). Try breaking up those bigger chunks into smaller parts and adding either commas between phrases or periods at the end of each sentence. This will help with flow!

    «You don’t edit because things are wrong…you edit because something isn’t working. »

    –Jane Friedman

    If you’re an experienced writer, you may edit your work quickly. But if you’re new to writing, make sure you read your work out loud. It will help catch typos and awkward phrasing that you might otherwise miss when reading in your head. Editing by reading out loud can also help improve your cadence and avoid repetition, both useful skills for a writer to have.

    You can also tell when you’re using a word that’s overused, or a phrase that makes little sense. Speaking to yourself helps reinforce your understanding, as well—when you read something aloud and feel like it sounds awkward, then read it again to find out why, instead of assuming you just forgot a few words or letters. It’s amazing how often we misplace just one little thing.

    Reading to yourself is helpful because you can experience your own writing exactly as readers will. You’ll notice minor details. It’s also good practice—even professional writers often read their work out loud before they send it off. Reading aloud forces you to slow down and think about how your reader would perceive certain sentences. Not only does slowing down make it easier for you to find flaws in your writing, but it also allows you space and time to consider each word choice and paragraph structure so that your meaning comes across clearly.

    Length vs. Depth

    Just as there’s no right word count for every novel or story out there, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to storytelling. You can have a short novel packed with depth; you can have a longer work filled with padding. Readers will make it clear which they prefer.

    If people want depth, tell them what they need to know—just do it in fewer words. Allow other characters to take over some narrative control so that your protagonist isn’t always narrating. Experiment! Find your own ideal balance between length and depth. That’s how you’ll get optimal results to engage readers. Just as not all stories require 50k words to be told well, not all writers would benefit from writing 10-hour novels. Find your niche, give yourself space within it—and let the reader come on board when they feel ready. Remember: Brevity does not mean lack of depth; lack of space does not lead to lack of quality; brevity goes both ways.

    Sometimes Writing Isn’t

    Brevity is desirable in many genres and styles of fiction. Your job is simply to find those best practices and apply them wisely. The story may require a certain number of words, but it does not need pages upon pages upon pages. Lean prose is an asset, not every detail needs to be spelled out, and writers should learn how much they can say with less.

    When you sit down at your desk each day, go back over your previous drafts and write notes on what you cut and what you keep. How much are you spending on scene-setting? What do you want readers to know about a character—and what do they already know? What details belong in dialogue instead of exposition? Save these notes so you have a running list of effective ways to streamline your writing. And then use these techniques again and again until brevity becomes part of your natural voice as a writer.

    -R.E.

  • The Moon is a Harsh Mistress: A Science Fiction Masterpiece

    The Moon is a Harsh Mistress: A Science Fiction Masterpiece

    The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein stands as one of the most influential science fiction novels ever written. Its anti-hero, a supercomputer who revolts against his human captors, leads an uprising. It puts forth an argument about how to run society that has resonated with readers for decades. For science fiction, few novels can compete with its genius.

    First published in 1966, this seminal science fiction novel is one of the genre’s greatest and most influential works of all time, proving Heinlein’s place as one of science fiction’s heavyweights. With its combination of fantastic plot and wonderful characterization, it’s no wonder that The Moon is a Harsh Mistress has withstood the test of time and remained relevant in so many ways. Here’s a look at why this classic novel has stood the test of time and continues to influence generations of writers and readers alike.

    Writing Style used in The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

    The style that Heinlein employs in The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is his own blend of formal and informal writing. He writes informally yet uses extremely formal words. This may seem confusing at first, but it makes sense once you read more of his work. This combination gives readers a feeling of sophistication when reading his work. He also makes complex topics simple and easy to understand, making sure that everyone can understand what he’s trying to say. A fair dinkum writing style, to be sure.

    Heinlein uses his varied language and colorful descriptions to bring Luna (and many other locales) to life. The tone and cadence are also spot-on, feeling like a collection of letters penned by would-be revolutionary Mannie—rather than through mere exposition by an omniscient narrator. Even more impressive than his story craft is Heinlein’s timeless theme of liberty as exemplified by Mannie and Mike. He creates two lovable characters that represent opposing sides of a then-prominent debate on individual rights vs. community good; it doesn’t matter which you side with, because either way it’s a powerful statement about democracy and equality that transcends any issue or time period.

    Subject Matter

    Published as part of his Future History series, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress uses science fiction as an allegory to describe and explore existentialist philosophy. The plot primarily revolves around what it means to be human; its themes center on liberty, individualism and freedom from oppression through revolution. In particular, some characters ask whether humans are made to live under authority or with complete freedom.

    Heinlein skillfully combines classic literature with themes that would later form into modern science fiction tropes such as artificial intelligence and libertarian ideology. Through one character’s constant refrain, the author clarifies that there is no place in society for violence, murder, or forceful enslavement of people. In effect, he encourages readers to analyze our own potential use of force against other people when exploring these questions about individualism and freedom. Throughout his work, Heinlein masterfully weaves technology into everyday life while simultaneously highlighting social progress in both modern medicine and women’s rights. While many stories relied on gender roles and stereotypes, Heinlein instead created strong female characters who challenge society’s traditional views of gender norms.

    At its core, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress encourages us to question our understanding of self-determination and how far humanity can advance without losing our capacity for moral decisions. With each new generation comes new philosophies and influences, but how well do they stand up over time? And how will history judge them? Overlooked by many since its initial publication 50 years ago, Robert A. Heinlein has crafted a story that perfectly explores notions surrounding morality and existence, leaving room for discussion long after you close your copy.

    Literary Importance

    Written in 1966, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress offers readers an interesting look at how science fiction was viewed when it was written. This is true not only because of its age but also because it was written by Robert Heinlein, one of science fiction’s most influential authors. While there are many books that are more current and feature more advanced technology, few books can compare to The Moon is a Harsh Mistress in literary importance. This novel deals with many controversial subjects including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, genetic engineering, cybernetics, eugenics and more—topics that were very much in vogue during Heinlein’s lifetime but have since become outdated.

    Reading such a classic might seem like a chore for someone who has grown up on shows like Star Trek and Star Wars or books like Ender’s Game or even works by Orson Scott Card, but anyone who views science fiction as nothing more than action adventure must read The Moon is a Harsh Mistress to gain some perspective on where we started. Besides providing historical value, Heinlein writes beautifully. His attention to detail allows readers to experience his setting rather than simply imagine it, which makes for highly immersive reading despite some potentially dry subject matter.

    Because of its relative obscurity, learning about The Moon is a Harsh Mistress may come as something of a shock. If you are already familiar with Robert Heinlein, however, then you will be delighted to find one of his best-written works on a list of lesser-known novels. I encourage you to look at his work if you haven’t already. If that means buying an old used copy, then do so without hesitation!

    Books That Take Inspiration from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

    There are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of books that have been written over the years. Many authors cite Heinlein’s novel as one of their biggest influences in science fiction. I mean, just look at how many major award-winning novels were influenced by The Moon is a Harsh Mistress: Dune; Blindsight; Saga; Altered Carbon. It’s also influenced TV shows and movies such as Futurama and Doctor Who. If you want to write in any genre or medium and haven’t read Heinlein yet, then start with his most famous book—it will give you an appreciation for classic sci-fi while also showing you what’s possible with a little imagination!

    There are several science fiction books that take inspiration from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Some, like Robert Charles Wilson’s Spin, Larry Niven’s The Integral Trees, and even Alan Moore’s comic book V for Vendetta, contain plots that have some similarities to Heinlein’s work. Others bear more subtle similarities; Iain M. Banks’ Culture series mirrors closely Heinlein’s post-scarcity society based on general abundance provided by technology. Perhaps most interesting of all is Brian K. Vaughn’s Saga, which has direct reference to The Moon is a Harsh Mistress in dialogue within its first issue.

    That being said, Heinlein’s masterpiece isn’t as influential as it once was—that crown now belongs to George Orwell’s 1984. You’ll find many modern references to his work throughout literature even so—including Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game and William Gibson’s Neuromancer.

    Lasting Legacy

    While readers have noted that there are dated aspects to Heinlein’s writing (such as his use of some racist language), many feel that The Moon is a Harsh Mistress can still be appreciated as one of science fiction’s most significant novels. Today, many consider it not only an important work in the genre but also one of his best.

    Though there are some elements which wouldn’t fly if included today; there are some tropes common in older science fiction which were subverted here instead. The point-of-view characters we see things through aren’t often protagonists; they’re what could be called secondary characters and I think he makes them sympathetic without making them passive — again, rare for writers at any time period. These are people who matter even if their roles aren’t central to story and any conflict takes place around them rather than with them directly involved.

    There’s nothing wrong with either approach, just pointing out how far outside normal conventions (for both mainstream literature or sci-fi) Heinlein was willing to go. He was willing to take risks within his craft, and he knew when those risks would pay off. That doesn’t mean The Moon is a Harsh Mistress doesn’t get bogged down sometimes. Some sections drag on for too long before getting back on track, but it’s worth reading by anyone interested in classic works of American literature or well-written science fiction stories.

    Predictions

    As with any writer, it’s the work that leaves the legacy. For science fiction writers, the predictions that come true often mark that legacy. Even in his time, we knew Heinlein for his accurate visions of futuristic technology. The lunar rovers and space stations he depicted so accurately in Stranger in a Strange Land still amaze today and stand as testament to Heinlein’s literary ability and creative genius.

    In The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, we see Heinlein playing to his strengths yet again—predicting technological advances centuries before we realize them. What’s most impressive about Heinlein’s portrayal of lunar society is how realistic and full-bodied he makes it seem—as if such a society would not only be possible but likely given enough time. His characters and their predicaments don’t seem outlandish because of a future backdrop; instead, they are genuine people facing actual problems within an entirely realistic society.

    This well-rounded portrait of life on our satellite gives us insight into ourselves even while taking us far into humanity’s future. From politics to family relations to economics, there is no area Heinlein fails to touch upon in The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, making it one of his strongest books from both critical and commercial points of view. This certainly holds true today; perhaps more than ever before. Years after its initial publication, readers can continue finding inspiration for survival in one of literature’s finest works.

    Certainly deserved recognition as one of Robert A. Heinlein’s greatest novels, as well as a classic example of hard science fiction and commentary on government, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress proves itself worthy of close study for countless generations to come.

    -R.E.