Viable Fantasy and Science Fiction
Jan. 1st, 2008 02:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
prusikI finally read the Doyle and Macdonald story in the February 2008 F&SF. (It arrived last week, I think.)
Needless to say, their story is terrific. I loved the fast pace and all of their inventive twists. I still have one story left to go, but, so far, it's easily the best story in the issue. The issue's definitely worth picking up. (Actually, F&SF consistently publishes good work, IMHO. But the Doyle and Macdonald story really is good...)
It's really cool reading something, in a pro publication, by people I know. I've had wonderful conversations, and meals with them. If nothing else, it drives home the truth that stories don't appear on F&SF's pages from nowhere. Talented writers, like Dr. Doyle and Uncle Jim, actually write these stories and send them in.
I first met them at Viable Paradise in 2006. I don't think anyone reads this blog whom I don't personally know, but just in case...
Viable Paradise is an intense, week long science fiction and fantasy writing workshop held every year on Martha's Vineyard. Staffed by professionals at the top of their game, it is a great opportunity to learn what works about your writing, what doesn't work, and what to do to improve the work. (It's also a great opportunity to meet your peers.)
For me, VP was alternately an exhilarating and exhausting experience. It's been over a year and I'm still assimilating the lessons the instructors have taught me. One day, a comment Uncle Jim tossed off suddenly made sense literally as I was locking my house's front door. ("Oh, that's what he means when the story just has to imply the rest of the world!")
Writing is a tough business. There's no sure path to publication. But I'm definitely a better writer for having done VP.
Not coincidentally, the submission period for Viable Paradise XII starts today (and ends June 30, 2008). They suggest that applying early improves your chances of acceptance.
VP, itself, is September 21st to 26th, 2008. It is totally worth it for anyone who wants to become a better writer.
Needless to say, their story is terrific. I loved the fast pace and all of their inventive twists. I still have one story left to go, but, so far, it's easily the best story in the issue. The issue's definitely worth picking up. (Actually, F&SF consistently publishes good work, IMHO. But the Doyle and Macdonald story really is good...)
It's really cool reading something, in a pro publication, by people I know. I've had wonderful conversations, and meals with them. If nothing else, it drives home the truth that stories don't appear on F&SF's pages from nowhere. Talented writers, like Dr. Doyle and Uncle Jim, actually write these stories and send them in.
I first met them at Viable Paradise in 2006. I don't think anyone reads this blog whom I don't personally know, but just in case...
Viable Paradise is an intense, week long science fiction and fantasy writing workshop held every year on Martha's Vineyard. Staffed by professionals at the top of their game, it is a great opportunity to learn what works about your writing, what doesn't work, and what to do to improve the work. (It's also a great opportunity to meet your peers.)
For me, VP was alternately an exhilarating and exhausting experience. It's been over a year and I'm still assimilating the lessons the instructors have taught me. One day, a comment Uncle Jim tossed off suddenly made sense literally as I was locking my house's front door. ("Oh, that's what he means when the story just has to imply the rest of the world!")
Writing is a tough business. There's no sure path to publication. But I'm definitely a better writer for having done VP.
Not coincidentally, the submission period for Viable Paradise XII starts today (and ends June 30, 2008). They suggest that applying early improves your chances of acceptance.
VP, itself, is September 21st to 26th, 2008. It is totally worth it for anyone who wants to become a better writer.
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no subject
Date: 2008-01-01 07:51 pm (UTC)And you probably know this already, but I really do view attending VP as a life-changing experience. If there's anyone out there who wants to apply, they should.