Advice from Ellen Datlow... KEEP WRITING!!

[GrinReaper]

From my feature on Ellen Datlow...  http://www.abc.net.au/news/arts/articulate/200605/s1649418.htm

"One thing writers must do is keep sending out stories, you can't sit and wait, you can't send one story out and wait and see what the response is," she said.

"Keep writing, keep producing, write many stories - send them out and then write another.

"Also, read everything. Don't just read in the genre you're interested in, you have to read everything. You have to be aware of what else is out there.

"You should read non-fiction material. Most of the best science fiction writers are not scientists but they do their research. Reading and when possible talking to the experts knowledgable in the scientific or technological area the writer plans to write in. If you want to write excellent horror don't just read the last 10 years of horror, get a background from earlier writers - from the classics. And read in other genres, don't just read in the one genre you're interested in. It's important to see what else is out there in the world of literature. Finally, be aware of what's going on in the world and use it. Everything is material for your writing.

"Develop your own voice - I think a lot of young writers think they're doing something new but there aren't that many new ideas. It's the way the idea is approached. That's much more important than a new idea, whether in science fiction, fantasy or horror."

[Ed]

Interesting article, Grin   Did you manage to slip one of your own short stories under her nose for perusal and critique?  It would be nice to get a few specific pointers from an editor of her stature, wouldn't it?

[GrinReaper]

No, but she did 'edit' my feature!! I would have loved to slip her a story but they keep us on a short leash here at the ABC.  'conflict of interest' and all that!