Ask the Author: Martin McConnell
Answered Questions (6)
Martin McConnell
Sorry I was late responding to this, it's been a busy month.
I don't think I'm defined by a genre, but at the same time there are certain things I stay away from. I don't generally write "romance" or "women's fiction." That's not to say I'm anti romance in my stories, but I don't center stories around those.
I generally stick to speculative fiction, and put some kind of speculative twist on just about everything I write, regardless of genre. I like giving readers something to think about when they are done. My favorite area is near-future sci fi, that could simply be my inner nerd talking.
I like writing horror stories and adding horror elements because they are powerful. If writing was food, horror would be hot peppers. I have some dystopian fiction in draft, so that might be releasing in the near future, and I'm also plotting a realistic space military sci-fi. I want to explore how interplanetary combat might really be handled in 50-150 years when space exploration really starts to ramp up, from ship design to detection and evasion, etc. It's proving to be a very tricky subject matter, but lucky for me, I have some friends who are experts.
That was a long answer, huh? At the end of the day, I'll write just about anything that strikes my fancy, and over time my "genre pool" is getting wider and deeper.
I don't think I'm defined by a genre, but at the same time there are certain things I stay away from. I don't generally write "romance" or "women's fiction." That's not to say I'm anti romance in my stories, but I don't center stories around those.
I generally stick to speculative fiction, and put some kind of speculative twist on just about everything I write, regardless of genre. I like giving readers something to think about when they are done. My favorite area is near-future sci fi, that could simply be my inner nerd talking.
I like writing horror stories and adding horror elements because they are powerful. If writing was food, horror would be hot peppers. I have some dystopian fiction in draft, so that might be releasing in the near future, and I'm also plotting a realistic space military sci-fi. I want to explore how interplanetary combat might really be handled in 50-150 years when space exploration really starts to ramp up, from ship design to detection and evasion, etc. It's proving to be a very tricky subject matter, but lucky for me, I have some friends who are experts.
That was a long answer, huh? At the end of the day, I'll write just about anything that strikes my fancy, and over time my "genre pool" is getting wider and deeper.
Martin McConnell
I just put out my first short horror novel in an online form to try and find beta reviewers and early readers, who can give me feedback for a final revision before I start pitching it to agents. You can get your free PDF copy here: http://eepurl.com/cCHkub
I'm also working on a sort of writing bootcamp project, turning writers into authors. It's called "Finish the Damn Book," and I'll be revising the initial work in March for an early release at the end of the month. The first draft is still available on my website. Just click "downloads" from the menu and scroll to the bottom. Looking for people to help with the project: http://www.writefarmlive.com
I'm also working on a sort of writing bootcamp project, turning writers into authors. It's called "Finish the Damn Book," and I'll be revising the initial work in March for an early release at the end of the month. The first draft is still available on my website. Just click "downloads" from the menu and scroll to the bottom. Looking for people to help with the project: http://www.writefarmlive.com
Martin McConnell
I beat it back with sugar, coffee, a change of writing venue, a little pep talk in my head, and perhaps scribbling some notes with my fountain pen. The most effective method, though, I find, is sitting my butt in a chair and start punching keys.
Martin McConnell
Don't quit, ever.
Don't stop at one book. Once you have a first draft, stuff it on a shelf and start on your next book. Come back to it a month later.
Treat writing as a job.
I could go on forever, but my blog is usually where I post that kind of stuff, on writefarmlive.com
Don't stop at one book. Once you have a first draft, stuff it on a shelf and start on your next book. Come back to it a month later.
Treat writing as a job.
I could go on forever, but my blog is usually where I post that kind of stuff, on writefarmlive.com
Martin McConnell
I keep a muse locked in my basement-- Just kidding, I don't have a basement.
But seriously, the best inspiration for me is plopping in front of the computer and start hammering keys until it starts to flow. I try to set deadlines and daily goals, which also helps. Sometimes I tell myself that I'm not allowed to eat until I reach x,000 words or so many pages/chapters edited.
I also consume massive amounts of caffeine and sugar.
But seriously, the best inspiration for me is plopping in front of the computer and start hammering keys until it starts to flow. I try to set deadlines and daily goals, which also helps. Sometimes I tell myself that I'm not allowed to eat until I reach x,000 words or so many pages/chapters edited.
I also consume massive amounts of caffeine and sugar.
Martin McConnell
The original short story that spawned the Viral Series was a memorable "What if." I was on my way to an oil rig to report. It was late. I was tired of driving and had several hours to go. I stopped in at a Wendy's, ordered some food, filled out my journal.
In the car prior to getting there, I was thinking about expansion methods that big-box stores might consider in the future. What if they added another story for apartments where the employees could live for cheap rent and little to no commute? What if they grew their own food on the roof? What if they never had to leave?
Pretty much where the viral series started.
In the car prior to getting there, I was thinking about expansion methods that big-box stores might consider in the future. What if they added another story for apartments where the employees could live for cheap rent and little to no commute? What if they grew their own food on the roof? What if they never had to leave?
Pretty much where the viral series started.
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