How to Take Criticism

How to Take Criticism

Writers tend to be introverts. Most of us also crave external validation. Add in the fact that naturally shy authors seek approval by submitting deeply personal works for public consumption, and it's no mystery why many authors--and creative people of all kinds--are averse to criticism. This aversion to criticism amounts…
August 19, 2015
Transhuman and Subhuman Part X:The Golden Compass Points in No Direction

Transhuman and Subhuman Part X:The Golden Compass Points in No Direction

John C. Wright's criticism of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy hinges not on the books' atheist message (Wright was an atheist himself when he first read, and found serious defects in, the series), but on the sloppy and arbitrary handling of their plot. "This book should have been an atheist…
June 16, 2015
Transhuman and Subhuman Part VIII: Gene Wolfe, Genre Work, and Literary Duty

Transhuman and Subhuman Part VIII: Gene Wolfe, Genre Work, and Literary Duty

The eighth essay in John C. Wright's Transhuman and Subhuman collection is a meditation on the merits of speculative fiction occasioned by SFWA making Gene Wolfe a Grand Master. "He is the greatest living author writing in the English language today," Wright declares, "and I do not confine that remark to…
June 1, 2015

The Life Cycle of a Manuscript

On a recent episode of Geek Gab, a listener asked me an excellent question: when is a manuscript ready for an editor? That questions got me thinking about my own writing and editing process, because to my knowledge no two writers follow exactly the same steps. Honestly, my approach to…
February 3, 2015
Servile Art vs. Liberal Art

Servile Art vs. Liberal Art

First, I want to thank Daddy Warpig, Remi, and Dorrinal from Geek Gab. They made co-hosting the show one of the most entertaining and rewarding experiences of my fledgling literary career. My hat's off to their listeners for keeping me on my toes with thought-provoking questions. On to the main…
December 22, 20142 Comments
We Don’t Need No Education

We Don’t Need No Education

I've come across a number of articles by professional authors that deal in part with how much, if any, formal education is required to write professionally. (Specifically, should aspiring authors take creative writing classes, pursue English degrees, attend writers' workshops, etc.?) The consensus seems to be: "Get educated enough to…
December 1, 2014
Sci Phi Journal

Sci Phi Journal

When this age of instantaneous global information exchange began, it seemed inevitable that every fandom should have its needs served. For years science fiction and philosophy enthusiasts like myself were the sole exception. At long last, Sci Phi Journal has brought our intellectual famine to an end! Helmed by a…
November 24, 2014
From Contemplation to Emotion: The Decline of the Novel

From Contemplation to Emotion: The Decline of the Novel

Let me preface this post by referring you to this outstanding essay by Mike Flynn. It covers the transitions in thought, art, culture, politics, and more that occurred between the Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Post-Modern ages. All six parts are worth your time, but Part 5, dealing with the rise…
September 30, 2014