The Paradox of Sci-Fi

On March 24, 2016March 24, 2016 By John d'AndrioleIn The Breakdown, Writing2 Comments

A recent post shared on Patty Jansen’s excellent blog “Must Use Bigger Elephants” via the recent Weekend Redirect via got me thinking…

Great Sci-Fi is about the present. Whether addressing general inequality, sexuality, norms, political conflict, terrorism, the nature of power, or whatever other bees angrily circle out bonnets, it places contemporary problems in the future. There, characters can hash it out using fantastic technologies and hide behind applicability or metaphor.

Because of this Sci-Fi authors and audiences tend to be dreamers. Many have suffered from some kind of persecution themselves, or at the very least feel like square pegs. There is something egalitarian about Sci-Fi… something that lauds the individual.

So why is there so much sexism and racism in the Sci-Fi genre?

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Can Everyone Write a YA Novel?

On March 12, 2016March 12, 2016 By John d'AndrioleIn The Weekend Redirect

In this redirect, Ryan Lanz asks if just anyone can write a Young Adult novel. He uses Sarah Dessen as an example in asking his question.

For my part, I REALLY agree with his notion that romance must be the hardest fiction to write. You really have a lot of pitfalls to navigate to make sure the story is entertaining and fresh.

Check out the article at “CAN EVERYONE WRITE A YA NOVEL?”

And check out his blog at ryanlanz.com.

P.S. Editor’s note: Nicholas Sparks… blech.

Cussing – The Sublime Art!

On February 24, 2016 By John d'AndrioleIn Writer's Advice, Writing

Note: Due to the possible reading audience of more sensitive types (like the Pope), I am substituting the many curse words in this article with the names of fruits.

And thanks for the visit, your holiness.

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Eeeeeeeee-vil!

On February 19, 2016 By John d'AndrioleIn Writer's Advice, Writing

Okay, let’s start here:

You live in a volcano. But it’s not just some random volcano. It’s a paradise island with a volcano in the center. And this isn’t just a garden-variety volcano. Oh, no.

It has all the amenities! Media centers, living quarters for hundreds, elevators, brushed metal finishes EVERYWHERE, all of the modern amenities, a fleet of weaponized helicopters, yachts with secret speed boats carried inside of them like a mother and child, and advanced scientific equipment.

Unrealistic? Okay.

Suppose you are the supernatural personification of evil. You have the horns, the giant bat wings, the fire licking out of your eye sockets, and the attitude. You can pose as a beautiful human when you want to, and often do to lead people astray. But your all-consuming anger doesn’t keep you from enjoying your sardonic view of life and your charming ways.

People like you and want to be like you. You can charm people when you want to, but even when your evil plans are revealed, you have a plan B, C, D, and so on through YYY. Only a deus ex machina can stop you.