Archive for the ‘The SFWA Blog’ Category

Plotting Asleep

by Luna Corbden

I’ve heard that insomnia is a common problem among writers. At least, it is for me.

I also frequently get stuck on “what happens next?” in my stories, which leads to me staring at the blank page, which leads to me opening Twitter, after which my writing session is shot. I might get stuck on that problem for weeks and weeks, my mind completely unwilling to focus on solving it when there’s nothing but a boring white page in my visual range.

What if there was a way to (partially) solve both problems at once?

The Space Law of Sabotage on the ISS

by Matthew Reardon

The first thing we can hope is that there haven’t been criminal acts, sabotage or other, committed on the ISS. Because the relevant space law is a bit of a mess currently, and without any precedent, it could turn into a muddle that would hinder our expansion into space for a long time.

Odyssey Writing Workshop 2019 Announced

News from Odyssey Writing Workshop: Now in its 24th year, the Odyssey Writing Workshop is widely considered one of the top programs in the world for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Acclaimed authors, editors and agents serve as guest lecturers, and 59% of graduates have gone on to be professionally published.  Among Odyssey’s graduates are New […]

Automation and Worldbuilding, Part One

by Kevin L. O’Brien

Automation is defined as technology that performs work with little or no human assistance; automatic machines are known as automatons. It actually predates the Middle Ages, in that the Greeks knew about and used automated systems as early as 300 BC: examples include Hero of Alexandria’s automatic doors and fountain, and Ctesibius’s robot owl.

Writing Amputees

by  Diane Morrison

“Hey, I’m looking for advice. My character lost a limb in the last fight.  Does anyone know about writing amputees?”

You’re Invited to the NYC Premiere of “Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin”

News from  DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival: You’re invited to the NYC PREMIERE of WORLDS OF URSULA K. LE GUIN. When? This Saturday, Nov 10, 2018, 11:45 AM Where? SVA Theatre How? BUY TICKETS.  (Note: SFWA members are eligible for a discount.  See the SFWA Bulletin Board for details.) Expected to Attend: Director Arwen Curry; animator Molly Schwartz Despite her […]