BryanThomasS: 2012 Upcoming guests: 1/04 @jamietr 1/11 @crossedgenres 1/18 @ghostfinder 1/25 @johnfultz 2/1 @saladinahmed 2/8 @MykeCole #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 01:58:29 +0000 2011)
sffwrtcht: Welcome to Science Fiction Fantasy Writer´s Chat. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:00:03 +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 Dec 29 02:00:12 +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 Dec 29 02:00:22 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Please wait until your question gets answered to ask another & use the hashtag #sffwrtcht for all questions and comments. (Thu Dec 29 02:00:31 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: We may hold questions at times to allow our guest to answer and catch up. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:00:42 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: It´s up to the guest whether the question time will run longer than our allotted hour slot. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:00:52 +0000 2011)
sffwrtcht: Tonight´s guest is one of the creators of the Pathfinder role playing game, based on D&D, 3rd edition. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:01:03 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: He lives in the Pacific Northwest and writes and editsRPGs, tie-in novels, while working for Paizo. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:01:12 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: His stories have appeared in Dungeon Magazine, Dragon Magazine and anthologies like Human Tales and Beast Within 2. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:01:19 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: In addition to editing the Pathfinder Tales novel line, he also edits anthologies of Pathfinder and classic pulp stories. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:01:40 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: His debut novel, Death´s Heretic, a Pathfinder Tales novel, just ranked number 3 on B&N Book Club´s Best Fantasy Releases of 2011 #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:01:49 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: So obviously he´s turning down publicity left and right now and we´re lucky to have him. Welcome to #sffwrtcht, @jameslsutter! (Thu Dec 29 02:02:00 +0000 2011)
Wyld_Dandelyon: @jameslsutter Hi! and (on demand) “Welcome!” #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:03:08 +0000 2011)
jameslsutter: I’m going to be taking questions live at hashtag #sffwrtcht for the next hour! Come hang out! (Thu Dec 29 02:03:15 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Congrats on the praise for your novel from B&N. Where´d your interest in SFF come from? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:04:17 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Hi everybody! Bear with me–there may be some lag on the channel … #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:04:32 +0000 2011)Wyld_Dandelyon: @BryanThomasS I think you need to ask a question, Bryan. #sffwrtcht(Thu Dec 29 02:04:38 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter LOL I assumed you were just captivated by your laundry chore. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:04:50 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @Wyld_Dandelyon It was the greeting cue I was referring to, and I did 
#sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:05:07 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: By the way, you can follow #sffwrtcht tonight live on Twitter or athttp://t.co/wTkAeDWt. (Thu Dec 29 02:06:03 +0000 2011)
PrinceJvstin: Hi, @jameslsutter How did your work as an editor and as a game creator influence and inform the writing of your novel? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:06:08 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I’ve been interested in SFF for a loong time. One of the first books I remember buying was Richard Knaak’s The Crystal Dragon. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:06:11 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter NICE! Who were some of your favorite authors/books growing up? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:06:40 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Besides anything with a shiny cover… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:06:49 +0000 2011)
frabjousdave: Who are some of the authors whose work inspired you to write fantasy? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:06:57 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @frabjousdave ha ha. Great minds! Good to have you, Dave! Hope to get you on here next year! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:07:17 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Fantasy and science fiction have always been my favorite genres. Worlds other than our own–what’s not to love? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:07:45 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @frabjousdave ha ha. Great minds! Good to have you, Dave! Hope to get you on here next year! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:07:17 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Fantasy and science fiction have always been my favorite genres. Worlds other than our own–what’s not to love? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:07:45 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: My favorite authors growing up included Joel Rosenberg, Richard Knaak, Michael Crichton, Dan Simmons, Patricia C. Wrede… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:08:35 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Many of those are still my favorites, honestly! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:08:51 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Worlds other than our own what’s not to love? Are we disenfranchised with our world? 
#sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:09:11 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Were you involved with cons and fandom? Cosplay? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:09:19 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Working as a game designer had an enormous influence on Death’s Heretic, as it’s a gaming tie-in novel. It’s a world I’ve been… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:09:38 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …living in and helping to create for the last 5 years as a developer and editor at Paizo, so I had a lot of advantages over… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:10:22 +0000 2011)PrinceJvstin: @jameslsutter Given your work at Paizo, not surprised to see Joel Rosenberg as an influence! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:10:43 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …someone who was coming to the world for the first time. Writing in a shared world is like historical fiction–lots of research #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:10:46 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: But I think you can also see in the novel that world design is one of my favorite parts of SF… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:11:25 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @Wyld_Dandelyon Good evening, by the way, Deidre. Good to see you. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:11:47 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …I like books that take me on a tour of a world, and wanted to make sure to hit some interesting locales! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:11:51 +0000 2011)Wyld_Dandelyon: So true! —-> RT @jameslsutter Writing in a shared world is like historical fiction–lots of research #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:12:53 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I actually never went to a con until I was a developer at Paizo. It was quite a shock, and a lot of fun! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:13:22 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter You seem to have almost gone off the map in a sense…or under it #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:13:26 +0000 2011)Wyld_Dandelyon: @BryanThomasS Good evening! Good to be here. I have to stop teasing for a bit–my gluten-free pizza is out of the oven. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:13:59 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Definitely never did any cosplay, at least not at a convention. I’m not above crazy public art, though! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:14:03 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter When did you decide to start writing? How did you begin? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:15:10 +0000 2011)
Torn_World: RT @Wyld_Dandelyon: So true! —-> RT @jameslsutter Writing in a shared world is like historical fiction–lots of research #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:15:13 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: @princeJvstin–yeah, Joel’s characters always react to the other worlds in ways I can relate to! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:15:15 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @Wyld_Dandelyon heh. Are you filling in for @followthelede? #sffwrtcht(Thu Dec 29 02:15:25 +0000 2011)
RussellWorking: RT @stevelaubeagent: Publishing News is out! http://t.co/kRXVSV2d (Thu Dec 29 02:16:16 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: As soon as I realized I could write about the Outer Planes, I knew I had to go there. Everything else was justification. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:16:52 +0000 2011)PrinceJvstin: RT @Wyld_Dandelyon: So true! —-> RT @jameslsutter Writing in a shared world is like historical fiction–lots of research #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:16:55 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @Wyld_Dandelyon Ironically, half the time I spend cleaning up transcripts for column is eliminating my own snark. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:16:59 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: RT @frabjousdave: @jameslsutter Paizo just made a movie deal for Death’s Heretic& you get to cast the major roles. Who do u pick? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:17:59 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: If they made a Death’s Heretic movie, Salim would be the guy who played Sayyid from LOST. He was in my head the whole time. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:18:08 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I’ve been writing all my life–some of my earliest memories are of my parents’ typewriter, writing 10-page “novels.” #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:19:50 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Did you study writing in college? How did you learn your craft? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:20:34 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: In college, I published some short stories and studied creative writing, and helped start an undergraduate erotica zine. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:20:41 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter ha ha 10 page novels. Wow. That probably seemed really long back then. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:21:08 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: It was called “Penitalia: Collegiate Erotica at the University of Washington”–it was filled with frustrated undergrads. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:21:17 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: It was my first glimpse into the editorial process–at the time, most of my paid writing was journalism. I was good at gonzo. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:22:01 +0000 2011)
jolantru: @jameslsutter I also wrote on my parents’ typewriter. 
#sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:22:26 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter So you learned more than on type of craft on that then? j/k can’t resist. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:22:57 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Later I started working at Paizo, and RPG design dominated my writing for several years. These days it’s a fiction-gaming balance #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:23:00 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Fiction has always been my first and greatest love, but I learned a LOT about being a professional writer from working in gaming! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:23:48 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: How long did you write until your first sale? What was that? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:24:21 +0000 2011)Wyld_Dandelyon: @jameslsutter Care to elaborate on what you learned from gaming? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:24:46 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Where did your involvement with/interest in RPGs come from? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:24:53 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Heh! I learned all SORTS of stuff with Penitalia… we sold out our first print run in a day, hand selling at a card table. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:25:07 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Wow. Quite the lag tonight. #sffwrtcht. Sorry for rushing questions. Not used to them taking so long to pop up on the feed. (Thu Dec 29 02:25:43 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: From gaming, I learned about building worlds, and about making sure that your story focuses on the characters… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:25:56 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …it’s easy to get bogged down in your world’s history, but if it doesn’t affect the plot/protagonist, the reader doesn’t care. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:26:20 +0000 2011)
jamietr: RT @sffwrtcht: 2012 Upcoming guests: 1/04 @jamietr 1/11 @crossedgenres 1/18 @ghostfinder 1/25 @johnfultz 2/1 @saladinahmed 2/8 @MykeCol … (Thu Dec 29 02:26:22 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I also learned writing habits (good and bad) from my coworkers, many of whom have been doing this longer than I have. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:26:50 +0000 2011)
Vignirsson: Gaming is a good way to get into the world building mindset, but it is a tough nut to crack to get recognized #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:27:23 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: They taught me to outline, how to be creative on command, and most importantly how to just churn out the words. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:27:37 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter & I think that’s the details that so oftn bog novels dn. Unrelated worldbuilding backstory writers R in luv w/ #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:28:02 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: The hardest part of writing is starting, and watching other pros made it seem so much more reasonable and methodical. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:28:08 +0000 2011)Wyld_Dandelyon: RT @jameslsutter …its easy to get bogged down in your world, but if it doesn’t affect the plot/protagonist, readers don’t care. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:28:11 +0000 2011)PrinceJvstin: #sffwrtcht @jameslsutter How would you elevator pitch Pathfinder to someone who has played zero or few RPGs and is curious about it? (Thu Dec 29 02:28:58 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: A lot of folks idolize writers to the point that they have trouble writing themselves. You gotta break through that. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:29:01 +0000 2011)
DavidalBarron: RT @jameslsutter: The hardest part of writing is starting, and watching other pros made it seem so much more reasonable and methodical. … (Thu Dec 29 02:29:16 +0000 2011)jolantru: RT @jameslsutter: …it’s easy to get bogged down in your world’s history, but if it doesn’t affect the plot/protagonist, the reader doe … (Thu Dec 29 02:29:29 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: When did you start writing RPG stuff? Was it just as a fan first or did you wait until they´d pay you? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:30:15 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: My first fiction publication came after my first year at college–no money, but a decent little literary zine called Hobart Pulp #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:31:06 +0000 2011)jolantru: I like the link between worldbuilding and RPG. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:31:15 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: My creative writing prof had recommended it, and it was accepted immediately–that first spark of encouragement was huge… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:31:40 +0000 2011)
Jaleta_Clegg: RT @jameslsutter: …it’s easy to get bogged down in your world’s history, but if it doesn’t affect the plot/protagonist, the reader doe … (Thu Dec 29 02:31:58 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …and made it much easier to slog through the many dry spells to follow. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:32:04 +0000 2011)jolantru: RT @jameslsutter: A lot of folks idolize writers to the point that they have trouble writing themselves. You gotta break through that. # … (Thu Dec 29 02:33:18 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Very cool. What was your story about for Hobart Pulp? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:33:20 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: My first paid publication was an SF story called Dreamcatching in Aberrant Dreams in 2007, four years later. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:33:27 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Ah ok. For some reason I thought it was one in Dungeon magazine. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:34:34 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Probably because that’s where your website biblio stops. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:34:58 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: That first story was called “The Weight of Wings”–magical realism about a world where everyone suddenly wakes up with wings… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:35:12 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …but is so focused on their day-to-day that they don’t take advantage of them, just go to work, etc. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:35:40 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: A little heavy-handed, but I still enjoy the concept. The moral remains worthwhile. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:36:03 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: How´d you wind up working at Paizo? Is that a dream job come true? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:36:53 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Ah no, Dungeon was my first *gaming* publication–an adventure about a creepy old lady house cowritten with Wes Schneider. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:37:29 +0000 2011)
joelynalexandra: RT @jameslsutter: A lot of folks idolize writers to the point that they have trouble writing themselves. You gotta break through that. # … (Thu Dec 29 02:37:33 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: For RPGs, I had played a lot as a kid, but hadn’t played in years when I started at Paizo. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:38:40 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Ahhhh ok. Jane Austen meets Jack the Ripper it says. LOL #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:39:18 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I actually sold my first D&D adventure before I bought the D&D 3.5 rulebooks (with that same paycheck). Little chicken/egg action #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:39:46 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: But I loved RPGs ever since my 5th-grade teacher taught us to play D&D. I would invent them all the time, up through high school. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:40:41 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Then I started playing in bands and dating, and gaming took a back seat for a while. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:41:26 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Nice. But obviously that story wasn’t 3.5 set. How did you break into editing? What kind of training did you have? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:41:41 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I started at Paizo when I was 20. I was fresh out of college, working newspaper jobs, and determining that I wasn’t made for…. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:43:06 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …reporting. I loved writing articles, but I hated *facts*. In college, I had done a lot of gonzo journalism–I’d do a thing… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:43:50 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …then write about it. I’d go on crazy blind dates, or on-set at a lesbian porn shoot, or audition for Wheel of Fortune, etc. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:45:02 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Turns out, aside from a little work at alternative papers, the real world doesn’t really want to pay you to do that so much. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:45:33 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: So I was looking for magazine jobs, found Paizo (Dragon, Dungeon, Amazing Stories), and contacted them with my resume. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:46:11 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: They didn’t have any editorial openings, so I started at the bottom, populating their web store with images at a nickel a jpeg. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:46:45 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: After a while of interning, I impressed them enough to get on staff, and I’ve been working there since. I’ve worn a lot of hats. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:47:25 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Sounds like it. Nickel a jpeg. Wow. That was big money. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:47:43 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Nowadays I still do a fair bit of world development and editing, but I’m primarily the head of the Pathfinder Tales fiction line. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:48:08 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: But in terms of formal training, what I had was a creative writing BA and a lot of newspaper articles and short story credits. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:49:01 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: How do you approach working with authors as an editor? Has being an author yourself changed your approach to authors any? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:49:29 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: In this business, I think a portfolio–proof of what you can do–is WAY more important than formal education. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:49:31 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: RT @jameslsutter: In this business, I think a portfolio–proof of what you can do–is WAY more important than formal education. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:49:56 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: RT @jameslsutter: In this business, I think a portfolio–proof of what you can do–is WAY more important than formal education. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:49:56 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: The best way to learn to write and edit is to write and edit. Gain experience and resume credits. Everyone was an English major. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:49:58 +0000 2011)jolantru: RT @jameslsutter: In this business, I think a portfolio–proof of what you can do–is WAY more important than formal education. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:51:14 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: As a tie-in editor, I really try to support authors, to help them be the best they can be and to take creative ownership… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:51:52 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Death´s Heretic is about an atheist named Salim who has a debt to the goddess Pharasma & serves her as an investigator. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:51:57 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Besides the B&N notice, you´ve gotten a lot of attention for dealing with Atheism in a fantasy setting, which is not common. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:52:05 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Where´d the idea for Death´s Heretic come from? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:52:16 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …yet I also expect them to understand that, as tie-in writers, they’re providing a service, not just being artists. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:52:26 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Being an editor has made me a much better author, not just in terms of the prose, but in how I conduct myself professionally. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:52:57 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I know what pressure and editor’s under, and I understand that if I can make an editor’s life easier, she’ll love me forever. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:53:25 +0000 2011)
CLK_Shortcake: RT @jameslsutter: In this business, I think a portfolio–proof of what you can do–is WAY more important than formal education. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:53:35 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: The authors that get gigs aren’t the best artists–they’re the ones that are easiest to work with, who take advice, hit deadlines #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:54:09 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: One of my first editors said “You’re an amazing author–you’re always on time and wordcount!” The prose? “That’s nice too!” #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:54:49 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter LOL A nice compliment in a way. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:55:17 +0000 2011)
followthelede: Ain’t that the truth. MT @jameslsutter: I know what pressure editrs under I can make an editrs life easier, shell love me forevr. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:55:28 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I’ve been fascinated with the idea of atheism in fantasy for a while now, and got to explore that some in Death’s Heretic. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:56:09 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Was the Athiest sect, the Pure Legion, already a part of the Inner Sea world or did you invent them for the book? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:56:24 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I actually wrote a previous story about abortion in a fantasy setting, which Black Gate bought (not yet released), and I’m… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:56:55 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter That comes out in 2012 from Black Gate though, right? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:57:12 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …fascinated by the idea of our modern theological debates in a fantasy setting where gods are objectively real. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:57:42 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @followthelede Well well well. Look who’s here #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:57:47 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Still no release date on the Black Gate story yet, but I have hopes for 2012. John’s a busy guy. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:58:37 +0000 2011)followthelede: I’ve been lurking since about 9:30. RT @BryanThomasS Well well well. Look whos here #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:58:38 +0000 2011)
Metafrantic: RT @BryanThomasS: 2012 Upcoming guests: 1/04 @jamietr 1/11 @crossedgenres 1/18 @ghostfinder 1/25 @johnfultz 2/1 @saladinahmed 2/8 @Myke … (Thu Dec 29 02:58:44 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: But the Pure Legion–the militant atheists in Golarion’s nation of Rahadoum–wasn’t my invention. It was already there… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:59:04 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …I’m just the Paizo staffer most interested in the issue, and other such controversial topics (like alignment and morality). #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:59:29 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: At the same time, the ending seems to make a compelling argument for faith which I found an interesting contrast. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:59:35 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: To Salim, atheism isn’t about denying the gods’ existence, it’s about refusing to worship them, to maintain independence. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 02:59:58 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Why forego more traditional, familiar settings for these fantastical realms? Solely because of the religious themes? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:00:10 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Sure, gods are powerful, but so are kings and merchant lords. You may fear or obey, but you don’t WORSHIP them. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:00:25 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: @jameslsutter I know the Outer Planes are part of the world, but probably not as often explored. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:00:35 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: To him, faith is indentured servitude–a few powers and promises in return for your soul. Naturally, this isn’t a popular view. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:00:57 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: @jameslsutter Not to assume anything: You’re an Atheist? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:01:08 +0000 2011)followthelede: Love it when writers spk D&D MT @jameslsutter: …Im just the Paizo staffer most interested in… alignment and morality. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:01:08 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: RT @DirtyCarrie: @jameslsutter A former GM described it as like a soldier not believing in bullets. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:01:47 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Actually, I’m not an atheist, though many of my closest friends are. I’m a staunch hands-in-the-air agnostic. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:02:29 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Salim was featured in short stories before, correct? With Heretic, did you start with characters or plot? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:02:35 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Ah ok. Just thought it would be interesting to know where you come from. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:02:49 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Given your fascination with the topic. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:02:58 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I’ve seen too much I can’t explain to say definitively that there isn’t a god. But I’m probably a lot like Salim in that… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:03:02 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …the idea of worshiping in an organized sense makes me uncomfortable. I’m all about personal divine revelation… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:03:42 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter We’re running over but still have a few questions. Are you ok to hang out a little longer? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:04:38 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: It’s a valid question, though! I’ve actually been very curious to find out what religious and atheist folks think about the book. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:04:54 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter LOL We can have a discussion. And I’m sure will. #sffwrtcht(Thu Dec 29 03:05:15 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Because I think that SF which tackles contemporary social issues is really valuable. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:05:26 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: RT @jameslsutter: Because I think that SF which tackles contemporary social issues is really valuable. #sffwrtcht / I agree & did it with WP (Thu Dec 29 03:05:50 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Bryan, you said that you interpreted the ending as a compelling argument for faith–I’d love to hear more about that sometime. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:05:53 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I’m happy to hang out for a while if others will as well! The party’s just getting started (thanks in part to my net lag) #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:06:28 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Well, the way the goddess describes her compassion and why she sent Salim rather than just end the antagonist was #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:06:49 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Ok so Salim was in short stories first right? Did Heretic start with character or plot? or both? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:07:17 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter You actually articulate in Pharasma’s faith speech a central belief of Christianity re: redemption. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:07:54 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Salim is, in many ways, the epitome of both faith as a prison and faith as free choice… plus, ya know, some zombie ass-kicking. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:09:28 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter haha. Never thought it of it like that but yeah he is kind of a D&D zombie fighter. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:10:23 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I tried to make Pharasma’s faith feel as realistic as I could. I didn’t intend to write the candle speech, it just happened. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:11:54 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Any plans to follow this up with other Salim stories or Pathfinder books? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:12:03 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Salim was actually created for Death’s Heretic–the short story Faithful Servants came later http://t.co/qAT5tXSg #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:12:59 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: (That last link was the whole short story, illustrated, for free. There’s also a podcast version on Starship Sofa.) #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:13:31 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: As if Eric Mona would let you avoid writing another with the recognition you’re getting #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:13:43 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Do you start with character or plot? Pantser or outliner? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:14:03 +0000 2011)followthelede: RT @jameslsutter: Because I think that SF which tackles contemporary social issues is really valuable. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:14:06 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: For Death’s Heretic, I started with the character and the epilogue scene, plus a travel itinerary, and worked from there. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:14:22 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Well normally your writers have to turn in an outline, but since you’re head editor of the line, did you? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:14:49 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: (Also, I seem to be missing some questions, so if I don’t answer one, hit me with it again!) #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:15:58 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter No problem. What´s your writing time look like? Planned time? Grab it when you can? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:16:13 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I actually put myself through all the same rigors my authors go through, but publisher Erik Mona played my usual role. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:16:41 +0000 2011)jolantru: @yeloson Yes. Was lurking on #sffwrtcht. Also pondering on worldbuilding on my YA sff universe – a bit like RPG. I draw maps! (Thu Dec 29 03:16:58 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I pitched, and did a full chapter-by-chapter outline, and incorporated his advice… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:17:02 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: And actually had to jump through some extra hoops, just to be sure. But fortunately, he liked what I came up with! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:17:36 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: He and fellow editor @cpcarey were the main editors on my book, though lots of folks provided assistance here and there. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:18:01 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I’m a big fan of writing on a schedule–if you wait for inspiration, you’re toast… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:19:12 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter So you set a daily word count then? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:19:28 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I write two to three mornings a week, before work, when I’m fresh and not stressed/worn out yet, and the house is quiet. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:19:36 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter And it just takes however long it takes? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:19:37 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter With 5 people sharing house, is it ever quiet? #sffwrtcht(Thu Dec 29 03:19:55 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: On a reasonably good day, I can get 1000 words that way, and that steady plod really adds up. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:20:07 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Do you use any special software or music playlist? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:20:25 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Right after college, while unemployed, I wrote a new story every day (for the 4 days until I was no longer unemployed)… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:20:48 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Do you have any plans yet to follow this up with other Salim stories or Pathfinder books? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:21:04 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …All of those were eventually published. I’m a proponent of the idea that if you make yourself write, SOMETHING will result. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:21:27 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Interesting solution for writer’s block… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:22:01 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: The starting is always the hardest part for me–once I’m actually writing, it’s easy to carry that momentum. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:22:05 +0000 2011)followthelede: Are you more naturally a short or long form writer? @jameslsutter #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:22:47 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: The only quiet times are when the 4 roommates are at work. And I don’t have a word count–just write until I’m late for work! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:22:58 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I always thought I was a short story writer, since I was terrified of the commitment of a whole novel, but having written one… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:23:36 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …novels are WAY easier. You can just keep rolling, not have to think up a new premise and characters every 5000 words! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:24:08 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter What role do beta readers play, if any, in your process as a professional author? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:24:30 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: (Not that either are easy, but that 100,000 words of short story is harder than 100,000 words of novel.) #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:24:43 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: At the moment, I can’t say for sure, but it seems likely Salim may show up again in a future book (if this one sells!) #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:25:16 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter You wrote a 100k short story? Uh, might want to recategorize that… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:25:20 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: And I don’t use any special software, though Google Docs is useful, and I listen to ambient techno while writing. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:25:57 +0000 2011)followthelede: Character driven or plot driven or varying combination of the 2? @jameslsutter #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:26:08 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Death’s Heretic was written to Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada on constant loop. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:26:24 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @followthelede Already asked a form of that. LOL #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:26:46 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter I’m writing my s and s novel to LOTR and Pirates of the Caribbean soundtracks LOL #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:27:11 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I actually don’t use beta readers these days. I think writer’s groups are really useful, but when dealing with deadlines… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:27:23 +0000 2011)followthelede: Sorry. Thought I had caught up on all the ?s. RT @BryanThomasS: @followthelede Already asked a form of that. LOL #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:27:47 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …they aren’t always convenient. An author flying solo needs to be careful, though… #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:27:57 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Tell us about writing RPGs. How much originates with you? How much is a team effort? #sffwrtcht (2 questions after this) (Thu Dec 29 03:28:00 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @followthelede No problem. Lag is making a mess of things tonight. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:28:10 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: …you have to be very honest with yourself. If something isn’t working, don’t gloss over it or assume it’s okay. Trust your gut. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:28:25 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: That’s true in general–don’t expect your editor or beta readers to catch things. If you think something might be broken, fix it. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:29:16 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Actually, many of my short stories are setting-driven at their heart–asking “what if’s” about the world. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:30:00 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: I know you have some short stories due out. What future projects are you working on that we can look forward to? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:30:28 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Character driven would be best, and plot driven almost as good, but I am what I am. World-builders unite! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:30:31 +0000 2011)followthelede: Does the reading aloud thing work, do you think? MT @jameslsutter: If something isnt working, dont gloss over it #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:30:39 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Next week we meet @jamietr, Golden Age adventurer, blogger, and short story artist to discuss the Golden Age & more. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:30:46 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Next week we meet @jamietr, Golden Age adventurer, blogger, and short story artist to discuss the Golden Age & more. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:30:46 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Find James online at http://t.co/BN97ykeU and also on Facebookhttp://t.co/iWHfysXV and here at Twitter! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:31:02 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Find James online at http://t.co/53d01Hhu and also on Facebookhttp://t.co/YG13Syy0 and here at Twitter! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:31:02 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Please `Like´ our Facebook group: http://t.co/CeHHv4UT (Thu Dec 29 03:31:18 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: We have all the transcripts, extra interviews, giveaways, and more at:http://t.co/ZucVb9XP #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:31:29 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: We have all the transcripts, extra interviews, giveaways, and more at:http://t.co/PfNZqPIw #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:31:29 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: For RPG adventures and sourcebooks, Paizo commissions everything from authors and gives them outlines for what we want. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:31:36 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Since I work there, I generally get approval for a topic and then have free rein to outline and write about it until it’s done. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:32:01 +0000 2011)followthelede: Hmm. Sounding kinda UF RT@jameslsutter Actually, many of my short stories are setting-driven at their heart #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:32:42 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: That’s how my favorite books–City of Strangers, Distant Worlds–were written. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:32:45 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I think reading aloud can definitely help! I should do more of it… it helps keep your sentences short and snappy. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:33:27 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: @jameslsutter Last question: You write RPGs, but do you still regularly play the games? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:34:34 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: New stuff I have coming out in fiction includes a podcast version of “Overclocking” at Escape Pod in February #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:34:47 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: New game stuff includes Distant Worlds, a guide to the Pathfinder solar system, and an adventure in the Shattered Star AP #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:35:26 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I indeed still game! It’s a weird thing in the RPG industry that more time writing means less time playing, but it’s important. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:36:24 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Pathfinder solar system??? How very cool! Got Inner Sea World Guide, Core Rulebook and 2 faith supplements for xmas #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:36:27 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Do you ever role play a scene you want to write or a story scenario? #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:36:46 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I’ve been in one Pathfinder campaign or another with my coworkers for years now. They’re fabulously entertaining. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:37:04 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter Very cool. To get to play together. I’m sure it helps inspire the work. Thanks for spending so much time with us! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:37:40 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Yeah, I got to design the solar system pretty much by myself, and it’s a chance to indulge my science fiction tendencies. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:37:41 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter I can’t wait to check that out. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:37:52 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I actually keep my gaming and my writing pretty separate–too much of a control freak, I guess! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:38:09 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter ha ha. I hear you. Well, thanks for putting aside the laundry to chat. You’ve really been great. And congrats agn #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:38:37 +0000 2011)followthelede: U obviously hv the right coworkers MT @jameslsutter: Ive been in 1Pathfinder campaign or another with my coworkers for yrs now #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:38:43 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter on Death’s Heretics accolades and all else1 #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:38:48 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: Thanks for hanging out, everybody! This has been great! And please do check out http://t.co/xwGFs8lk if you’re interested! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:39:07 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @followthelede Well since they all work on pathfinder, that helps #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:39:13 +0000 2011)followthelede: Rpt accolades 4 those of us who joined late… RT @BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter on Deaths Heretics accolades and all else1 #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:39:44 +0000 2011)sffwrtcht: Thanks! @jameslsutter Definitely. A transcript of this chat will be up on the blog in 4 minutes. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:39:46 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: Thanks! @jameslsutter Definitely. A transcript of this chat will be up on the blog in 4 minutes. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:39:46 +0000 2011)jameslsutter: I’m also always available on Twitter if anyone wants to talk writing. Don’t be a stranger! #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:40:00 +0000 2011)followthelede: TY 4 answering our ?s MT @jameslsutter: Thanks for hanging out, everybody! And please do check out http://t.co/i1fHvvyt #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:40:34 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @followthelede Barnes & Noble Book club’s Years Best Fantasy 2011, 3rd ranked #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:41:25 +0000 2011)BryanThomasS: @jameslsutter I’ll hit you up soon to talk about DH in more depth if you’d like. #sffwrtcht (Thu Dec 29 03:41:46 +0000 2011)Participants
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