Ask the Author: C.E. Aylett
Answered Questions (7)
C.E. Aylett
I've just started Ian M Banks The Algebraist, and next after that is Half of a Yellow Sun, but most of my reading this summer will be for researching my novel, which is set in early 1990s London around the rave scene -- pirate radio stations, criminal law, police practices, as well as a few lessons in how to mix vinyl. As for fiction, the majority of my reading centres around short stories these days, for the magazine where I am an assoc. ed. (The Colored Lens).
C.E. Aylett
- Take time to learn your craft -- techniques, 'rules', storytelling, syntax.
- Condition yourself to take criticism -- don't flounce if you hear something you don't like.
- Giving critiques is just as important as receiving them for the purpose of learning to analyse and edit.
- Don't think that because the 'greats' did something, you can get away with it. Many of the greats were named so because they were the first of their kind and broke new ground. Doesn't mean they would survive in modern day publishing. (Read the beginning to War and Peace and you'll get me.)
- Cultivate a regular writing *habit*, don't wait for inspiration to hit.
- Be prepared that becoming a published writer takes a long time to nurture, and likely won't happen with your first book, unless you self-publish. Begin farming out short stories to mags and journals earlier rather than later. The rejections will grow you that thick skin you'll need and maybe you'll hit lucky early on. Publishing credits are hard to accumulate. But be warned, not all publishing credits are equal, and particularly avoid publications that are poorly edited.
- Do it for the love, not the money.
- finally, HAVE FUN!! Otherwise, what's the point?
- Condition yourself to take criticism -- don't flounce if you hear something you don't like.
- Giving critiques is just as important as receiving them for the purpose of learning to analyse and edit.
- Don't think that because the 'greats' did something, you can get away with it. Many of the greats were named so because they were the first of their kind and broke new ground. Doesn't mean they would survive in modern day publishing. (Read the beginning to War and Peace and you'll get me.)
- Cultivate a regular writing *habit*, don't wait for inspiration to hit.
- Be prepared that becoming a published writer takes a long time to nurture, and likely won't happen with your first book, unless you self-publish. Begin farming out short stories to mags and journals earlier rather than later. The rejections will grow you that thick skin you'll need and maybe you'll hit lucky early on. Publishing credits are hard to accumulate. But be warned, not all publishing credits are equal, and particularly avoid publications that are poorly edited.
- Do it for the love, not the money.
- finally, HAVE FUN!! Otherwise, what's the point?
C.E. Aylett
For the one I'm editing right now, I had a dream that lingered with me so strongly it soon became an avalanche of ideas.
C.E. Aylett
I have a daily routine, so I am compelled to write every day. I don't wait for inspiration, but a good prompt is always handy when you feel things are turning a little stale and you want to inject a new angle into a book or a scene.
C.E. Aylett
Several short stories and a novel set in 1990s UK London rave scene.
C.E. Aylett
I can legitimately work in bed! :D
C.E. Aylett
Mostly bum in seat, but if I'm really struggling I work on something else -- editing, book covers, website, blog. Maybe I'll take the laptop outside, if weather permits, or listen to Ozric Tentacles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c22qR...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c22qR...
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