writing

In fact, many characters in literary fiction are so unusual as to be nonexistent — the author just dreamed up a guy who seemed kind of interesting. The best literary authors are typically incredibly skilled at making up fascinating fantasy people.

But this skill is extremely dangerous, because it can give the reader a false impression of what human... See more

The key to working with your timid scribe is understanding its strengths and limitations. My experience with AI so far has shown me that AI is brilliant at:

1. Pulling out ideas I didn't know I had (by asking me smart questions)


2. Creating structure from my scattered thoughts


3. Remembering all the context and examples I've shared


4. Generating options when

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We might think of structure as simply: an organic scheme that allows the story to answer a question it has caused its reader to ask...

Basically, my theory of fiction is that it’s all some form of exotic travel writing. Whether you’re telling the story of a bitter rich man trying to get his ex-girlfriend back, or a World War 2 bombardier growing tired of war, or a dragon-riding queen battling an army of zombies, or a boy genius waging war against insectoid aliens, the appeal of a... See more

It doesn’t really matter what; the essence is just that you can’t be apologetic when you’re pursuing joy. You have to want it, then go for it with total abandon like a shoplifter of intangibles.