So You Want to Write? One Author's Perspective

What does it take to get started as an author? Science fiction author David Brin (The Postman, Startide Rising) offers advice to aspiring writers. Storytelling is the only verified form of magic; the ability to form incantations in the listerner's mind, to have them envision imaginary worlds, to feel profound emotions.

Brin tells you the key aspect of the relationship between a writer and the readers -- a sadomasochistic one! You want your readers to be so engaged with the text that they are unable to put the book down...even at the risk of being late for work or missing a class.

The only way to gauge your progress is to seek criticism from readers. This is hard to do, but you must distribute your manuscript widely (beyond friends and family members) to see where people were bored or confused; to find where they found your characters' actions inconsistent or implausible. Getting feedback is the surest way to improve your work.

For more information about David Brin, visit his website: http://www.davidbrin.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidBrin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AUTHORDAVIDBRIN

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[jcbs]

Thanks! GREAT ADVICE! The person below me doesn't have the storyteller gene. I'm going to write a better story because of this.

[Neocutey24]

"Finding out where people are able to put the book down." I like that. You're always looking for the basic things, what people didn't understand, where your story didn't flow. But making your book so good that people jump out of the window after it? I loved it. Especially the part about the sultry voice and the "Humuna, humuna..."

[Ametcitra]

I like to give let my friends read my stories first. My only problem is that one of my friends is awfully mean in her critiques (she doesn't tell you what's good, only what's bad and uses words like awful, horrible etc.) and I don't feel that she's helping me to progress in any way. Does anyone know if I'm supposed to accept her comments (that never seem to change, no matter how hard I try) or should I just stop letting her critique my stuff? Maybe I'm just very bad at writing?

[jdfraed123]

is this a sign language course or a reading course?

just playing of course...good advice from a successful author. all points taken, thank you sir.

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[Cassandros de Lilac]

Thank you.

[charlatanbaby]

very introspective! now spank me mr sadist!

[Zttbm]

I'd rather have one person say to me "I related to your story."

[EveMaestro]

sorry I can't here you over the sound of how awesome I am.