sffwrtcht: Welcome to Science Fiction Fantasy Writer’s Chat. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:01:24 +0000 2011)
BryanThomasS: Welcome to Science Fiction Fantasy Writer’s Chat. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:01:24 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Our goal is to talk w/ writers, editors, & others abt the craft of writing, specifically related to writing speculative fiction. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:01:34 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Our format is round table discussion. Please restrict ?s to writing craft, business of writing & the specific works of the guest. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:01:42 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Please wait until your question gets answered to ask another & use the hashtag #sffwrtcht for all questions and comments. (Thu Jul 21 01:01:51 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: It’s up to the guest whether the question time will run longer than our allotted hour slot. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:02:05 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Upcoming guests: Next Wednesday 7/27 @howardandrewjon(es) 8/3/ @splashdown books 8/10/11 @TimAkers and 8/17 @pattyjansen #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:02:15 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: A former Baptist preacher and song leader, a government worker by day, and a new father of twins #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:02:30 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Our next guest’s stories have appeared in Talebones, Realms of Fantasy, andTOR.com amongst others. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:02:38 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Three of five novels in his epic fantasy-science fiction mixed series Psalms of Isak have released from TOR Books. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:02:46 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: With the next book coming in 2012, Requiem, and I can’t wait. I love this series. And Ken is a dear friend of mine. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:02:59 +0000 2011)
sffwrtcht: But he’s also travelling tonight and having wifi issues so as soon as he can resolve that, he’ll be on #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:03:15 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: In the meantime, let’s talk about something Ken does very well in his series: mixing genres, specifically SF and epic fantasy #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:03:52 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: What are some good examples and bad examples you’ve all seen? #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:04:08 +0000 2011)
john_zeleznik: Wheel of Time has some elements that mixes those genres. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:04:48 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @pattyjansen Yes indeed. A good example in some aspects but not so much scientifically perhaps #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:05:01 +0000 2011)
pattyjansen: @BryanThomasS there’s not much science in Star Wars. It’s fantasy. In space #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:05:23 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @john_zeleznik Interesting. In later books? I only read the first. #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:05:26 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: By the way, everyone who participates in this discussion tonight has a chance to win 1 of 2 autographed books by Ken #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:06:18 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: There is a lot of implication of greater tech in previous ages, especially in later books and how it works today. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:06:35 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @pattyjansen Yes it is. But very solid story telling with compelling characters and plotting. So that’s a positive #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:06:51 +0000 2011)pattyjansen: @BryanThomasS I wasn’t saying it was good or bad, just that it mixes genres #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:08:16 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: In his series, Ken mixes metal men with an epic fantasy setting, some tropes like magic but also has a scientific humanist sect #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:08:37 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @pattyjansen I know but I asked for examples of good and bad so I added commentary #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:08:56 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: NOt that I’ve read it but King’s The Dark Tower. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:09:33 +0000 2011)pattyjansen: @BryanThomasS OK, but I have always wondered what’s up with swords when you can shoot lasers. Logic doesn’t compute 
#sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:10:00 +0000 2011)
shadowflame1974: @john_zeleznik oh yes. definitely Kings Dark tower series. Magic and technology. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:10:15 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @pattyjansen kind of the same argument on why use guns with bullets? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:10:56 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @pattyjansen Swords deflect the lasers from the guns so they can be valid. But Jedi were referred to as ancient in the story #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:11:11 +0000 2011)pattyjansen: @shadowflame1974 do they? haven’t noticed that #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:11:14 +0000 2011)
kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I am barely here and trying to sort this out without Tweetdeck.(Thu Jul 21 01:11:27 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes You’ve already had an adventure tonight. Sorry about that. #sffwrtcht Thanks for working hard to be with us! (Thu Jul 21 01:12:05 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Ken, we’re just talking about examples of good and bad mixing of epic fantasy with SF. #sffwrtcht @kenscholes (Thu Jul 21 01:12:35 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @pattyjansen couple of books I read a while back a character had a gun when others had blasters #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:12:36 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @shadowflame1974 Had that in Firefly actually #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:12:59 +0000 2011)pattyjansen: @shadowflame1974 the logic of guns with bullets in space *really* defies me #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:13:11 +0000 2011)
shaunfarrell: Come chat with Ken Scholes! RT @BryanThomasS: Welcom @kenscholes to #sffwrtcht!!! (Thu Jul 21 01:13:21 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @BryanThomasS Haven’t seen it *hides in corner* #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:13:21 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @pattyjansen lol well it would work on planet side. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:14:03 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Poor Ken. We had this all rehearsed with Tweetdeck, now he’s using two Twitter windows. Bear with us please. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:14:21 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: When I read Lamentation (like 3 years ago) all I was thinking about was a recovering Bender from Futurama. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:15:20 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @john_zeleznik Really. That book was an amazing read. Didn’t know what to expect with that title #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:15:43 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Ken is having wifi issues again. He’s trying to get back on. Sorry, folks. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:16:01 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @BryanThomasS yes I know *hangs head in shame* #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:16:29 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: How many have read one of Ken’s books? #sffwrtcht or more than one? (Thu Jul 21 01:16:30 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @shaunfarrell Bet you’re glad seeing this that you prerecord LOL #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:16:42 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @john_zeleznik Did you read all three so far? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:17:21 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: @BryanThomasS Enjoyed it. I meant it as a compliment. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:17:39 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Apparently Olympia, Washington is a bad spot for wifi #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:17:56 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: Read the first. Books 2 & 3 fell off the radar and kept moving down the TBR list. 
#sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:18:20 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @john_zeleznik Oh wow. It gets really interesting with all the twists and turns, particularly in book 3 #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:18:40 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Ken’s story is about a metal man who carries a scroll which destroyed a capital city and library with a nuclear bomb #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:19:12 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: And about survivors who try and use him or protect him. Also about political manuevering for power in that world. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:19:38 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: I loved the premise of the story and enjoyed the book a lot. #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:20:03 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: A world which is already postapocalyptic with many secrets in its past. #sffwrtcht The keepers of knowledge are religious humanists of sorts (Thu Jul 21 01:20:18 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Yea Ken! @kenscholes #sffwrtcht Was trying to give a plot summary for the Psalms. (Thu Jul 21 01:20:34 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I’m still trying to figure out the tweetdeck. (Thu Jul 21 01:20:39 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Glad you at least have tweet deck. Just open a column for the hashtag and you’ll be fine #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:21:05 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: @kenscholes I love Tweetdeck. Easier to participate in multi-chats like tonight. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:21:18 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes I will give the first question when you’re ready #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:21:44 +0000 2011)
AISFPpodcast: @kenscholes is fantastic. Love his short stories, too. And a Writers of the Future winner! #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:22:12 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Let’s start with the basics: How do you define epic fantasy? And what are its key elements in your mind? #sffwrtcht @kenscholes (Thu Jul 21 01:22:17 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I’m ready when you are, bryan. Apologies for the delay. The folks @orcabooks worked hard but ultimately I had to relocate (Thu Jul 21 01:22:27 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Sorry for all the challenges. Thanks for sticking it out. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:22:47 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes There’s your first question on defining epic fantasy & its key elements. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:23:20 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht — I don’t really have a definition that I particularly work with. I know the basics. Secondary world, young hero, etc. (Thu Jul 21 01:24:22 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: @shadowflame1974 Good thing the early days of #sffwrtcht got us so used to technical difficulties or I’d be stressed. LOL (Thu Jul 21 01:24:27 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @sffwrtcht yep now it is business as usual 
#sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:24:52 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @kenscholes what do you define as basics for Epic fantasy #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:25:15 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I’d classify it probably as postapocalyptic SF, but even that is tricky. I didn’t write it with a genre in mind…just story. (Thu Jul 21 01:25:53 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Interesting. I feel like it has an epic fantasy setting and some tropes but mixed with SF and def. postapoc. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:26:25 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Where did your interest in SF and fantasy come from? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:26:33 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I’m definitely playing with the fantasy tropes (orphan boy, dashing prince, deadly courtesan, hidden king). (Thu Jul 21 01:27:31 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I was first brought into SF/F through TV. Then books and comic books. Bradbury was a huge early influence. (Thu Jul 21 01:28:22 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: When did you start writing seriously and how long until your first sale? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:28:40 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht shows like Land of the GIants, Time TUnnel, Speed Race, etc. (Thu Jul 21 01:28:53 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Who were some of your biggest inspirations/influences besides Bradbury? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:29:12 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I started writing seriously in 1997, first story came out in Talebones in 2000 after about 75 rejections. (Thu Jul 21 01:29:20 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Ah yes, Speed Racer, Loved that. Early anime. GForce also. #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:29:31 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Thanks for making me feel better. 75 rejections. WOW #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:29:47 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht Robert E Howard, Phillip K Dick, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Michael Moorcock, Fritz Leiber, Robert Heinlein, Tolkien, Brooks, (Thu Jul 21 01:30:11 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Did you study creative writing at all in school? How’d you learn your craft? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:30:36 +0000 2011)pattyjansen: @BryanThomasS rejections? I got 132 …. just last year #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:30:45 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I did count them at one point…I don’t anymore. And ultimately, all our mileage may vary. (Thu Jul 21 01:31:18 +0000 2011)
#sffwrtcht (pattyjansen: @BryanThomasS have to agree with @kenscholes that you stop counting once you make a few decent sales #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:32:17 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: So when did you invent the Named Lands. Tell us how that came about? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:32:45 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I didn’t study in college beyond basic writing classes. But I read a LOT. And I read a lot of writing books. (Thu Jul 21 01:33:01 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht also went to some young author conference/workshop things in HS (80s) and then cons in the 90s. (Thu Jul 21 01:33:29 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: #sffwrtcht Ken and I had an interesting discussion about writing workshops Sunday. Share your opinion on that, if you will. (Thu Jul 21 01:33:43 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: #sffwrtcht So you learned through observation and trial and error mostly it seems, correct? (Thu Jul 21 01:34:34 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I can’t remember the conversation but I’m not big on crit groups. I use beta readers. (Thu Jul 21 01:34:35 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: Was there ONE thing, one spark, that led to the story that eventually became Lamentation. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:34:54 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes You told me you recommend workshops starting out then saving money for cons because once you know your weaknesses #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:34:59 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @kenscholes how do you pick your beta readers? any qualifications? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:35:07 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes workshops tend to not be as much help. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:35:08 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht and a lot of writers trying to break in spend far too much time and money on workshops and not enough time just writing. (Thu Jul 21 01:35:24 +0000 2011)pattyjansen: @BryanThomasS agree that workshops are helpful at the start. Not so much later #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:35:34 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht and a lot of writers spend too much time rewriting old stuff instead of learning on new stuff. (Thu Jul 21 01:35:46 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes How much of a role do beta readers play now that you have a publisher? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:35:57 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht and yes, workshops are great to start with but at some point, you gotta just write write write write write. (Thu Jul 21 01:36:12 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Ah yes that’s right. Workshops encouraging reworking old stuff a lot. Yes. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:36:17 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Where did Named Lands come from? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:36:40 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht that world and the series all sprang to life out of a short story, “Of Metal Men. and Scarlet (Thu Jul 21 01:37:01 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: When did you decide to write a series of books featuring the characters and world? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:37:10 +0000 2011)
Wyld_Dandelyon: Yeah, when I hit a time crunch and realized I was spending all of my writing time on critiquing, I quit the group. Still miss it. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:37:11 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: How long did you spend writing the first book before you sold it? #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:37:43 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht and scarlet thread and dancing with the sunrise.” I wrote it in 2005 for Lennox Ave’s Mechanical Oddities issue. (Thu Jul 21 01:37:49 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes I remember something about Realms of Fantasy and them saying go write a book? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:38:39 +0000 2011)pattyjansen: @Wyld_Dandelyon critique groups can be great for developing relationships which will last through your writing career #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:38:41 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht but they closed for subs before I finished so I sent it over to RoF. They bought it and the art they bought for it did the rest (Thu Jul 21 01:39:00 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @Wyld_Dandelyon My problem with critique groups is the time frame they function in by necessity. I need flexibility #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:39:11 +0000 2011)
MadHatterReview: Oh, @kenscholes is doing a #sffwrtcht. Click the hashtag to follow along. (Thu Jul 21 01:39:57 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht the art inspired me and I decided it must be FOUR short stories instead of one, wrote the 2nd and then it was rejected (Thu Jul 21 01:40:06 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht but shawna put a note on the MS saying “Go write a novel with these characters and this world” and then Jay and Jen dared me . (Thu Jul 21 01:40:32 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes And gave you time to write or something right? #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:40:51 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht so I took the dare – 8 weeks to write first draft, then Jay would introduce me around to editors and agents at Austin WFC. (Thu Jul 21 01:41:13 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @kenscholes wow that was an awesome bet! #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:41:40 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes And how long til you got Jennifer Jackson on board? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:41:44 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht won the dare, and then it all just happened kinda fast. From start of the novel to 5 book deal = 13 months. (Thu Jul 21 01:41:59 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Amazing! Do you start with characters sketches or outlines or just let it unfold as it comes? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:42:15 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht met Jenn at WFC Austin, sent her the book when I finished the revisions in Dec, she took me on in Feb. (Thu Jul 21 01:42:42 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes LOL The selling was the easy part. You still had 4 books to write. LOL #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:43:26 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Had you plotted out the entire series before writing? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:43:37 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I rarely outline or take any notes. I tend to be organic. Though I’m trying to outline now. And did one for canticle. (Thu Jul 21 01:43:56 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I had not plotted it out much…I knew the key moments around the four short stories. (Thu Jul 21 01:44:26 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Ken is writing book 4, Requiem, right now in fact. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:44:37 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: The setting is postapocalyptic. How much of the back story have you thought through? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:44:46 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht first was Rudolfo finding metal man, second was the trial of Sethbert, third was an explosion in the new library. (Thu Jul 21 01:45:19 +0000 2011)
writerrat: @kenscholes I can’t follow the #sffwrtcht at the moment, but I’ll read it later. Good stuff I’m sure. 
(Thu Jul 21 01:46:08 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht a lot of the backstory has written itself as I write the series. I’ve expanded some in “A Weeping Czar Beholds the Fallen Moon” (Thu Jul 21 01:46:21 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: What was the rationale behind the titles. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:46:26 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes “Weeping Czar” is a great short story. Very enjoyable. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:46:40 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht and I’m discovering that bits of the backstory are in threads going deep back into older stories. (Thu Jul 21 01:46:44 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: I would do more YA in my class, but books are expensive. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:47:01 +0000 2011)
Octavio_Aragao: I think I know them untill they show who they are RT @BryanThomasS Do y start w characters sketches or let it unfold as it c…? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:47:13 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @Octavio_Aragao Interesting point. Yes, me too, very much so #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:47:37 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht titles come from a line in Lamentation “And he saw how a lamentation could become a hymn and understood his part in it.” (Thu Jul 21 01:47:42 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: What’s your writing process like? Specific time set aside to write? Grab it when you can? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:47:50 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht each title is lifted from sacred music terms – as is the series title – which is an interesting play on the theme. (Thu Jul 21 01:48:42 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes I mentioned the religious understones but they’re more secular humanists in the order, right? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:49:10 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht there was an earlier question about message — I don’t have a message so to speak as much as an exploration of how humans behave (Thu Jul 21 01:49:17 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: I love title motifs. THink they are important. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:49:18 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht the androfrances are secular humanists but anyone reading past canticle has started meeting my non secular humanists…. (Thu Jul 21 01:50:05 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes No don’t spoil. LOL tell me privately later. just kidding #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:51:07 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: What role do beta readers play for you in the process now that you have a publisher? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:51:26 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht process….I’m reinventing that right now as I work my way out of this block. I prefer early morning — 3:30ish, ideally 2k/day. (Thu Jul 21 01:51:40 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht but I’ve definitely done the seat of my pants find time where I can approach. (Thu Jul 21 01:52:07 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @kenscholes you write at 3:30 in the morning? O.o #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:52:21 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Do you use special software? Music? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:52:22 +0000 2011)
followthelede: Interested to hear.RT @sffwrtcht: What role do beta readers play for you in the process now that you have a publisher? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:52:22 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I use headphones and a long, long playlist. With toddlers I pretty much HAVE to in order to block out the noise if they’re near (Thu Jul 21 01:53:06 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Guys, what else do you want to know about. Feel free to jump in with questions. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:53:17 +0000 2011)
talekyn: @shadowflame1974 @kenscholes 3:30am is one of the few hours of the day I’m guaranteed to be asleep… #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:53:28 +0000 2011)Wyld_Dandelyon: I write well at 3:30 in the morning…so long as I don’t have to get up at 7 to go to a day job. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:53:45 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht And yep, 3-3:30, I ride my bike for 5 miles and drink copious amounts of coffee. My day job starts at 7. (Thu Jul 21 01:53:58 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Next question was the role betas play now that you have a publisher #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:54:19 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @kenscholes you are a brave brave soul to battle the sleep demons that early #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:54:42 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I use beta readers (JA Pitts, Jerry, Jen, sometimes Jay) but my editor (‘ (Thu Jul 21 01:55:16 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: This is why he’s known as @kenscholes the guy with the perpetual yawn. Just kidding. #sffwrtcht Maybe (Thu Jul 21 01:55:35 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: I write in free moments between moments of insanity with the 3yo! #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:55:40 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht (Beth) and my agent (Jenn) also read and give feedback. Then we have the copyedits, etc. (Thu Jul 21 01:55:43 +0000 2011)followthelede: So you write in middle of family hubbub? RT @kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I … With toddlers I pretty much HAVE to … #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:55:44 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: What kind of responses have you gotten from readers/reviewers? #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:56:00 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht sometimes…but to be honest, I’ve not written a ton since they showed up. I got hit with a LOT of stuff in a short time. (Thu Jul 21 01:56:20 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Yes you have and I so relate. #sffwrtcht. (Thu Jul 21 01:56:36 +0000 2011)Octavio_Aragao: Usually. But I never know what it is until the very end RT @BryanThomasS Is there message to this story? A lesson? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:56:53 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes In fact, you went to treatment for PTSD which you said has turned things around a lot. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:57:03 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht book deal, mom’s death, nephew’s death, dad’s death, twins all in 2 years time. It hit my health hard. (Thu Jul 21 01:57:06 +0000 2011)john_zeleznik: @kenscholes Toddlers are a handful. I can get some stuff done sometimes. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:57:09 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @kenscholes I bet twins are a lot to handle at one time! #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 01:57:23 +0000 2011)followthelede: I write in my kitchen with everyone around. (I wouldn’t see them otherwise.) Good 2 know not only one. RT @kenscholes: #sffwrtcht #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:57:47 +0000 2011)
jobswritingtips: @kenscholes Get Paid To $100 Write article bit.ly/ng3NHB: #sffwrtcht and a lot of writers trying to break in spend far too much time… (Thu Jul 21 01:57:49 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht Yes, the ptsd treatment settled the symptoms down to nothing, but all that stuff still had to be processed. (Thu Jul 21 01:58:11 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht we pushed hard through antiphon before the wheels fell off. But I’m 30k into Requiem. (Thu Jul 21 01:58:43 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: um wow that is a new one. spam in the middle of a chat session! #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:58:50 +0000 2011)followthelede: Yikes. RT @kenscholes: #sffwrtcht book deal, moms death, nephews death, dads death, twins all in 2 years time. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:59:15 +0000 2011)Octavio_Aragao: @BryanThomasS About religion undertones, I love them. I think christianism is great source for characters and plots #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:59:24 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes LOL And how long are you shooting for word count wise with that? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:59:28 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @kenscholes Glad that you got help and are on the road to recovery. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 01:59:49 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I definitely pull from my varied background as a former Xianist and current humanist. (Thu Jul 21 01:59:55 +0000 2011)followthelede: Join me for a #sffwrtcht TweetChat at: tweetchat.com/room/sffwrtcht#sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:00:03 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Ah ok. How are readers and reviewers responding? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:00:49 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht it’ll go fast once I’m fully operational…2k per day, need 120k roughly…we’re talking a few months. (Thu Jul 21 02:01:22 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Whatever I can do to help you tell me, dang it. I need to read that book! #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:01:43 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht well, it’s mostly overwhelmingly positive. Won an ALA award and France’s Prix Imaginales for Lamentation (Thu Jul 21 02:01:49 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Congratulations! Well deserved. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:02:01 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: What projects are you working on for the future that we can look forward to? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:02:17 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I get notes from people all over the world telling me that they love the series. And thanks. I’m seeing a lot of crossovers. (Thu Jul 21 02:02:18 +0000 2011)talekyn: Everything @kenscholes got hit with in a 2 year period, and he’s still writing! My problems are far fewer & I barely write. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:02:25 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht folks who don’t normally read SF/F who love the series. (Thu Jul 21 02:02:29 +0000 2011)followthelede: RT @BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Congratulations! Well deserved. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:02:31 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Guys, Ken still has to drive a couple of hours tonight, so I’m going to cut this off in just a few. Any last questions? #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:03:06 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht and I’m also always happy to take questions on my FB wall. (Thu Jul 21 02:03:25 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Find Ken online at www.kenscholes.com and also on Facebook and Twitter. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:04:08 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I have all of the bones of the story in my head and a lot of the meat and muscle is there too. Some will evolve as I write. (Thu Jul 21 02:04:14 +0000 2011)followthelede: Why do you think that is? (other than general excellence RT @kenscholes: folks who dont normally read SF/F love the series. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:04:29 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: #sffwrtcht Do you know what series or book you will write next after Hymn?(Thu Jul 21 02:04:41 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht thanks for having me on, Bryan. Sorry for the delay but glad I got on. (Thu Jul 21 02:04:48 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Next week we meet fantasy author @HowardAndrewJon(es) talking about his new novel, swords & sorcery, fantasy and more. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:04:54 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Next week we meet fantasy author @HowardAndrewJon(es) talking about his new novel, swords & sorcery, fantasy and more. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:04:55 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I think I’m going to take a break after this one, write some stand alone pieces that might start new series. (Thu Jul 21 02:05:19 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Thanks for being here. Let’s do a giveaway after. I’ll email you for numbers and I’ll notify winners. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:05:20 +0000 2011)talekyn: @kenscholes Sorry I came into #sffwrtcht so late tonight. Dang changing time zones! Glad I did though. Now I’m interested in reading you! (Thu Jul 21 02:05:22 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht I also have some series in mind in the P of I universe as well as some more traditional fantasy…and mainstream, too. (Thu Jul 21 02:05:43 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Everyone who participated tonight please DM me a number between 1 and 30 and I’ll let Ken pick later. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:05:50 +0000 2011)followthelede: Me 2. RT @talekyn: @kenscholes Sorry I came into #sffwrtcht so late tonight. Glad I did though. Now Im interested in reading you! #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:05:59 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: He’s giving away autographed paperbacks of ANTIPHON and CANTICLE, books 2 and 3 #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:06:10 +0000 2011)Wyld_Dandelyon: We can only dm you if you are following us. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:06:57 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Please ‘Like’ our Facebook group: on.fb.me/hlxBMT #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:07:04 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Please ‘Like’ our Facebook group: on.fb.me/hlxBMT #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:07:04 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @Wyld_Dandelyon I follow you. Let me check that #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:07:13 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @kenscholes Great. Ken. I’ll email you to pick numbers later. Thanks so much for going thru so much to be with us! #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:07:30 +0000 2011)shadowflame1974: @Wyld_Dandelyon @BryanThomasS sometimes twitter is quirky. unfollow then follow again #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:07:44 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht Ithanks bryan and thanks everyone…come find me on FB for more questions and chat whenever you like! (Thu Jul 21 02:08:01 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht and buy my books: my daughters are going to need TONS of therapy. (Thu Jul 21 02:08:16 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: We have all the transcripts, extra interviews, giveaways, and more at:bryanthomasschmidt.net/sffwrtcht/ #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:08:29 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: We have all the transcripts, extra interviews, giveaways, and more at:bryanthomasschmidt.net/sffwrtcht/ #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:08:30 +0000 2011)followthelede: Ditto. RT @Wyld_Dandelyon: We can only dm you if you are following us. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:08:32 +0000 2011)kenscholes: #sffwrtcht next step: Ocean Crest Resort for Cascade Writers Workshop in Moclips WA. (Thu Jul 21 02:08:52 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: A transcript of tonight’s chat will be up on the blog shortly. Thanks for joining us! #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:09:45 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: A transcript of tonight’s chat will be up on the blog shortly. Thanks for joining us! #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:09:45 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Howard Andrew Jones will give away signed copies of his novel “Desert Of Souls” next week as well. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:10:04 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Howard Andrew Jones will give away signed copies of his novel “Desert Of Souls” next week as well. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:10:04 +0000 2011)
taylorkv: RT @sffwrtcht: We have all the transcripts, extra interviews, giveaways, and more at: bryanthomasschmidt.net/sffwrtcht/ #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:10:10 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: We’re also partnering with @AISFPpodcast all of September. Info on the blog. #sffwrtcht. Thanks for joining us! (Thu Jul 21 02:10:27 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: We’re also partnering with @AISFPpodcast all of September. Info on the blog. #sffwrtcht. Thanks for joining us! (Thu Jul 21 02:10:27 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @shadowflame1974 So glad to get him on here. Sorry we had to cut it short though. #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:11:43 +0000 2011)Wyld_Dandelyon: Better for him to get home safe and chat again later, though. #sffwrtcht(Thu Jul 21 02:12:23 +0000 2011)followthelede: RT @sffwrtcht: all the transcripts, extra interviews, giveaways, and more at: bryanthomasschmidt.net/sffwrtcht/ #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:14:23 +0000 2011)Octavio_Aragao: Glad to take (a small) part on it RT @sffwrtcht Transcript of tonight’s chat will be up on the blog shortly. Tks for joining us! #sffwrtcht (Thu Jul 21 02:14:42 +0000 2011)Participants
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