Lex Out Loud - Worldbuilding for Science Fiction

Today I discuss some of how independently publishing works and compare and contrast to the discussion on traditional publishing from the last episode. I share why I think independently publishing these days is almost a no-brainer.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I've started a few different novels, and I've hit some snags. I've had a couple new novel ideas as well. I share the ideas with you, my progress, and my thoughts about which of these books I'm going to write next. I also share some musings on the future trajectory of our society and how it's affecting my worldbuilding. Finally I consider whether courier ships in space make sense.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I've started a few different novels, and I've hit some snags. I've had a couple new novel ideas as well. I share the ideas with you, my progress, and my thoughts about which of these books I'm going to write next. I also share some musings on the future trajectory of our society and how it's affecting my worldbuilding. Finally I consider whether courier ships in space make sense.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

Today I return to the show after being completely demoralized by my experience hiring a “professional” editor for my novel Critical Balance. It was a terrible experience. I got conned, lost a lot of money, and have nothing to show for it except hard lessons learned. I share the red flags I ignored or overlooked and the mistakes I made in the hopes you can avoid having to go through an experience like this yourself.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I talk about a science-fiction writing club I'm starting in my home town. I also talk a bit about the ongoing revision process for Critical Balance and a couple story ideas I'm working on for my next novel.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I share a method I've come up with to help me write every day that I'm calling a story sketch. It's also a great way to practice as a writer, experiment, and try out new techniques. I also talk a bit about how writing longhand is very different than typing when writing and some distinct advantages it has. Even though it's not how I would want to write most stories, it's perfect for the story sketch. Finally, I share how the story sketch will help with improvisation in writing and why that's important no matter what kind of writer you are.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I discuss the differences between writing and storytelling. If you're like me, you may have spent a lot of time and energy focusing on your writing while giving little thought to the art of telling a good story. I illustrate how point-of-view violations are anathema to good storytelling. Finally I explain how whichever path you're taking—traditional publishing or independent publishing—good storytelling is far more important to your success than good writing.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Wired for Story by Lisa CronStory Genius by Lisa CronSave the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica BrodyWriting Excuses episode on The Hollywood Formula with Lou AndersThe Girl on the Train by Paula HawkinsThe Echo Wife by Sarah GaileyThe Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky ChambersSupport the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I catch you up to what I've been doing writing-wise. I discuss protagonist flaws and problems. I also explore the limitations I've found in the misbelief concept. I think these limitations are overcome by realizing a misbelief is just a type of flaw.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Wired for Story by Lisa CronStory Genius by Lisa CronSave the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica BrodyWriting Excuses episode on The Hollywood Formula with Lou AndersSupport the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I share some of what I learned at a local writing conference I attended recently. I also share some decent writing craft books I've discovered that I'll likely be talking some more about in future episodes.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Wired for Story by Lisa CronStory Genius by Lisa CronSave the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica BrodyWonderbook by Jeff VandermeerWriting Excuses episode on The Hollywood Formula with Lou AndersSupport the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I share some of what I've learned about independent publishing compared to traditional publishing. I also give some of my thoughts on The Wheel of Time TV show thus far.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Wired for Story by Lisa CronWonderbook by Jeff VandermeerSupport the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I discuss my thoughts on Starlink, Starship, and the colonization of Mars. Will we really use chemical rockets to get to Mars? Will we ever have cities on the surface of Mars?LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.QueryTrackerqtCritiqueRotating Detonation Rocket EnginesNuclear Fission Rocket EnginesProject Orion & Fusion Pulse PropulsionDirect Fusion DriveMore on Direct Fusion DriveSupport the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I discuss what I've learned about how the creative process works in the human brain and how I've used this to revise and improve my daily writing goal. I also talk a bit about the nested cylinders of Union City and growing trees in space.LinksLex Out Loud is now on Spotify.Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Big Picture Science episode on The Creative Brain.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I talk about why I've decided to put my space Odyssey idea on the backburner and return to writing a sequel to Critical Balance.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I explain why the novel I'm writing is allowed to suck. I also talk a bit about why it's best to focus on a genre & subgenre in the beginning of your writing career.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I share an example of how not to receive a critique.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391Episode on Receiving Negative Reviews.Episode on How to Receive a Critique.Episode on Writing Groups.

Today I talk about why I now think writing Critical Balance for mainstream readers was a mistake. I also talk a bit about beginning the first draft of my new novel.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391Episode on Making Writing a Habit.Episode on Setting the Right Writing Goal for You.

This week I discuss some of the interesting things I've learned about the Saturn system in my research and how I'll be using them in the novel. I also share some thoughts and revelations I've had recently about writing in first person perspective.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

Today I talk about the importance of the first page and the first chapter in a book. I also share a recent realization I've had as to differentiating the great and not-so-great books I read. I've realized all my favorite books all have a key element in common.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I talk about theoretical propulsion systems and travel times through the solar system. I also talk about how I've recently changed my mind about writing down ideas. I am now an idea collector and an idea curator.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

The rejections have been piling up, so this week I talk about dealing with disappointment and avoiding discouragement. I also talk a bit about the new Orbit Works imprint.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Orbit WorksSupport the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I've come up with a completely new and different idea for my next novel, and I'm really excited to share it with you today. I discuss how the first idea you have is often far from the best idea, and how this has been true for this book I'm working on. I also talk a bit about new discoveries about the geysers on Enceladus.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey.The Odyssey of Homer.How to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

Today I update you on my progress and talk about I finally found a succinct definition of the difference between science-fiction and fantasy that's simple, easy to remember & understand, and is accurate in most situations. I've also received some insight into why sci-fi is so popular in TV and movies, but when it comes to books, not so much. Finally, I discuss how I'm rethinking my approach to my next novel.LinksLinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Join my Book Club.Check out Carla Ra's blog.How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary Wolfe. (Use my referral code for a free trial of Audible.)Locus MagazineAnalog MagazineHow to get free ebooks & audiobooks from your library.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

Today I update you on my progress and talk about how I'm building a reading list to stay apprised on the latest & greatest sci-fi novels being published. I also talk a bit about how, for me at least, social media is largely a waste of time.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Follow me on Mastodon!Join my Book Club.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391Come watch Star Trek with me on my Discord server! Fridays at 6pm Pacific.

I finally broke down and wrote a two-page synopsis of my novel, and guess what? It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be! I know, you're shocked. Things not being as bad as we think seems to be a recurring theme on this show, doesn't it? I also give my rankings of the various Star Trek shows and movies.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Follow me on Mastodon!Join my Book Club.Article on Writing a Novel SynopsisSupport the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I talk about my experiences querying agents so far, and I've got some good news for you! It's not nearly as bad as a lot of people make it sound. You've got this!LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in Word.Follow me on Mastodon!Query Shark blog.QueryTracker online tool.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I've received my first form rejection from a literary agent! This is an important milestone in my journey as a writer. I ponder its importance, and I also talk a bit why short sentences are an important tool in your writer's toolbox.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in WordFollow me on Mastodon!Join my Book Club.Query Shark blog.QueryTracker online tool.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I kick off season 4 with a discussion of using simple sentences in writing. I also talk about my experiences so far querying agents and give an update on my novels.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in WordFollow me on Mastodon!Join my Book Club.Query Shark blog.SFWA article on Writing Queries & Summaries.QueryTracker online tool.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

Today I wrap up 2022 and season 3 of the show with ponderings on the writer's voice. I also muse on the various phases in creating a novel.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in WordFollow me on Mastodon!Join my Book Club.New York Times article on Voice.Query Shark blog.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

A couple companies that scam writers are being promoted by NaNoWriMo. I take this opportunity to discuss how, as writers, we need to be wary of con artists and others looking to exploit our hard work for their own ends.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games.Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in WordFollow me on Mastodon!Join my Book Club.Episode on Finding the Right Writing Goal for You.Episode on Why NaNoWriMo Isn't a Good Fit for Many Writers.Writer Beware.Article on New Degree Press.Article on Inkitt.Rachel Sharp's article on her experience when she tried to warn other NaNoWriMo “winners” about Inkitt.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

Today I discuss what I find difficult and easy about drafting and revising. I find there are aspects to each that I love, and aspects of each that are more challenging. I also talk a little about journaling my journey as a writer.LinksGet 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games.Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Manuscript Format Blog Post.Become a Beta Reader!Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in WordQuery Shark blogFollow me on Mastodon!Join my Book Club.Episode on Finding the Right Writing Goal for You.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I've finished the 4th and 5th drafts of Critical Balance. I talk about my struggles and journey with these two drafts, and I share some of the changes I made. I also discuss my thoughts about, and struggles with, my word count through the revision process. Finally I wonder about the odds of getting published that are often floated around. There are many commonly-made mistakes that are actually easy to avoid. How much does avoiding those mistakes improve your chances?LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Manuscript Format Blog Post.Become a Beta Reader!Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in WordQuery Shark blogFollow me on Mastodon!Join my Book Club.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I give an update on my progress and talk a bit about how managing the flow of information to the reader may be the most challenging aspect of writing a novel.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Manuscript Format Blog Post.Become a Beta Reader!Check out my Guide to Novel Formatting in WordQuery Shark blogSupport the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I talk a bit about a new hobby of mine—crossword puzzles. I think solving crosswords on the regular has quite a few benefits for writers. I also give some tips for getting started in this hobby.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Manuscript Format Blog Post.Become a Beta Reader!Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I give an update on my progress with version 4 of Critical Balance. I also share some struggles I've been having that have been impacting my productivity. Finally, an unexpected bonus: an example of why you really don't want to screw up the ending of a story.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Manuscript Format Blog Post.Become a Beta Reader!Andy Weir discusses The Martian.Andy Weir Discusses The Martian and ArtemisRecent interview with Andy Weir (sorry, it's on Facebook).Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I discuss how a fundamentally important element of my setting is barely mentioned in the novel that takes place in that setting. I also give an update on my writing life and talk a bit about why so many trees are grown in Union City.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Manuscript Format Blog Post.Become a Beta Reader!Check out the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope!An article by the Planetary Society (which I'm a proud member of) with more background on the JWST images.Andy Weir discusses The Martian.Andy Weir Discusses The Martian and ArtemisRecent interview with Andy Weir (sorry, it's on Facebook).Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

Today I talk about how naming your chapters can help you when it comes time to summarize your novel for an agent or editor.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Manuscript Format Blog Post.Become a Beta Reader!Stephen King's Reading List for Writers.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I share 15 writing tips from Stephen King's book, On Writing. I discuss my experiences and how these tips have helped me as a writer.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Episode on Alpha & Beta Readers.Episode on Setting the Right Writing Goal for You.Stephen King's Reading List for Writers.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I share some thoughts on novel pacing and the common approaches to pacing I often see in the novels I really like. I also discuss some of the things I like and dislike about thrillers and relate them to the pacing discussion. Also included is a discussion of how I rank the importance of character, setting, and plot in a story. I talk about a couple books I've enjoyed recently, as well as a great sci-fi TV show and a wonderful documentary.I'm Looking for Beta ReadersInterested in being a beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.My episode discussing how our primary job as writers is to communicate.Later by Stephen KingAncillary Justice by Ann LeckieThe Wonderful: Stories from the Space StationSupport the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I share an important lesson I learned from being wrong about the serial comma. I go over the big three style guides used for writing in American English, including the one most important to we novelists—The Chicago Manual of Style. Before that, I share some frustrations I have as a creator on YouTube. I also talk about the merits of appendices in some novels, the singular they, and whether Pluto is a planet.I'm Looking for Beta ReadersInterested in being a beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information.LinksMy episode discussing how our primary job as writers is to communicate.Chicago Manual of Style online.Chicago Manual of Style print version.The Elements of Style.Get a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I answer a variety of questions submitted by listener Matt Yancik. I cover a variety of writing-related topics including comparing writing and game mastering, comparing discovery writing and outlining, and the kinds of appendices I'd like to put in my book.I'm Looking for Alpha & Beta ReadersInterested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information.LinksInterview with Matt YancikGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

This week I discuss how being a successful writer requires a careful balance of self-confidence and humility. I also consider the downside of ignoring negative and/or nasty reviews and give a more productive alternative. I'm Looking for Alpha & Beta ReadersInterested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

Sometimes I get the impression people think commercial is a bad word—commercial as in commercial fiction. It's not, and today I'll tell you why.I'm Looking for Alpha & Beta ReadersInterested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

Today I bring you up to date on what I've been working on. I talk a bit about how if you don't use it, you lose it and how I'm really loving crosswords to keep my vocabulary sharp. Finally, I discuss receiving my first alpha feedback, titling the book, and how I'm adjusting my strategy going forward.I'm Looking for Alpha & Beta ReadersInterested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

Whether you're doing research for your novel or looking for information of the craft of writing, it's always a good idea to look into where the information is coming from. Does the information come from a reputable and reliable source, or not?I'm Looking for Alpha & Beta ReadersInterested in being an alpha or beta reader for my novel? Head here for more information.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Big Picture Science podcast episode: Do Your Own Research.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391

I have finished the second draft of my novel! Today I talk a bit on how I'm approaching my revisions and what I'm focusing on with each draft.LinksGet a free 30 day trial of Audible with my affiliate link.Support the show.Join my Discord server.Call My Voicemail: 951-465-5391