Issue: April 2005

Writing Realistic Dialogue

Many stories are made or broken by their dialogue. Realistic dialogue is sloppy, informal, and often uninformative – the opposite of the way we are taught to write.

Still Seeking Chloe and Olivia: How to Write Strong Female Characters

Decades after feminism became mainstream, the most common female character is still the girlfriend in peril. Why does this bias exist, and what can writers do to overcome it? If you don’t believe there is still a problem with how women are portrayed in genre fiction, this article will open your eyes.

Shadow of the Giant by Orson Scott

Romie Stott continues her monthly book reviews with a review of Orson Scott Card’s Shadow of the Giant, fourth in a new series that parallels Card’s legendary Ender Quartet.

Damien Almie

- ‘Dupre’ written on the matte back of a photograph.
- Imaginings of an idle American South.
- The vibrance and shape of fanciful language.
- Gone with the Wind and Steel Magnolias [...]

Someplace to Be Flying: An Interview with Charles de Lint

Charles De Lint is one of the biggest names in contemporary fantasy. In this interview with Michael McCarty, he discusses his Newford chronicles, his work with illustrator Charles Vess, his friendship with author Dean Koontz, his book reviews for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and alternative approaches to fantasy.

Speak to Me: Dialogue in Fiction

Many stories are made or broken by their dialogue. Realistic dialogue is sloppy, informal, and often uninformative – the opposite of the way we are taught to write.

My Uncle Told Me A Story

I reckon I was about twelve or thirteen when my uncle told me this story, and it’s something that stuck with me all these years. You see, he used to [...]

Promoting Your Work & Yourself

Getting a book published is only half the battle – now you have to convince people to read it. Novelist Steven Manchester provides a checklist of steps you can take to promote yourself and your work, whether it’s self-published or backed by a major imprint.