Lex Out Loud: Writing Science Fiction Lex Starwalker

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?