#WordWeavers 29/3: How big is your cast of characters?
Across the series so far, there are 11 POV characters, and Book 8 will introduce 3 more. Other major characters more than double this tally, and there are literally hundreds of lesser, but named, characters.
#books #writing #writersofmastodon

#writersCoffeeClub 29/3: Share one of your writing milestones.
Why just one?
1984: first piece I ever got paid for, even though the book it was supposed to appear in was never published;
1987: first paid and published article;
2000: first book with my name on the cover (as photographer);
2002: first book I also wrote.
#books #writing #writersofmastodon

#WordWeavers 28/3: When was the last time your MC got excited? Why?
There’s a scene in the latest book where Jerya’s invited to an audience with the Prince of Sessapont. Last time they met it didn’t go well, so this occasion starts out daunting, but when she discovers what he actually wants, it’s quite exciting—perhaps even more so for his daughter.
#books #writing #writersofmastodon

#WritersCoffeeClub 28/3: Do you ever sacrifice blunt clarity for prose that flows well?
I think flow and clarity are complementary, not opposed. Ugly or lumpen prose is hard to read, certainly for any length of time. And I’d generally rather be sharp than blunt.
#books #writing #writersofmastodon

Ansel Adams said, "You don’t take a photograph, you make it." Latest Substack Post tells the story of the making of one particular image-; and maybe, I hope, sheds a little light on why making things matters.
https://open.substack.com/pub/theshatteredmoon/p/the-story-of-a-photograph

#WordWeavers 27/3: Which character would be the most fun to be around?
Depends on your idea of fun, doesn’t it? I’d go for a good walk and a nice pub meal with any of the MCs, but I’d be more interested in getting to know them better than in the facile entertainment that seems to be implied by ‘fun’.
#books #writing #writersofmastodon

#WritersCoffeeClub 27/3: If you had to pick one, would you say writing is a more exciting or cathartic process for you?
Long question, short answer: exciting.
#books #writing #writersofmastodon

Continuing this serialised novel of murky goings-on in the great outdoors.
Free to read.
https://open.substack.com/pub/theshatteredmoon/p/the-kanchenjunga-manifestochapter-0e3

#WritersCoffeeClub 26/3: How much of a break or hiatus do you take between works?
A negative one—well, what else can you call it when things overlap?
#books #writing #writersofmastodon

#WordWeavers 26/3: SC POV: What’s your favourite smell?
Railu: as a doctor and a surgeon, work doesn’t always fit around regular mealtimes. Sometimes I come across from the hospital and I just need food really quickly. And fortunately there are few things better than butter melting onto well-browned toast, seconds after taking it from the grill.
#books #writing #writersofmastodon