Ask the Author: William Altmann
Answered Questions (8)
William Altmann
I've dug out several political history books, and I plan to read online some backgrounders. Everything from unexpected Presidents, to the Electoral College (in the Federalist Papers), to what politics and leadership should really be about.
I'm a big proponent of adding more history and civics to high school. Yeah, you know: the subjects you probably hated as much as I dd. But we all can vote. We can't all be engineers and doctors and such. So what's up with all that math and science required?
I'm a big proponent of adding more history and civics to high school. Yeah, you know: the subjects you probably hated as much as I dd. But we all can vote. We can't all be engineers and doctors and such. So what's up with all that math and science required?
William Altmann
Thought about this for a few seconds... Although I'm writing mostly fiction, I read mostly non-fiction (history, travel). But how about this:
Barsoom.
I even have a T-shirt with a picture of Barsoom and it reads "Take me home to Barsoom". I've had a fascination with E.R. Burroughs since college. I've read everything he wrote. I'm not keen on the African jungle, but Mars seems great!
Barsoom.
I even have a T-shirt with a picture of Barsoom and it reads "Take me home to Barsoom". I've had a fascination with E.R. Burroughs since college. I've read everything he wrote. I'm not keen on the African jungle, but Mars seems great!
William Altmann
For some books, the plots and characters come from incidents in everyday life: my mother in her apartment complex; the current election; the country;s outlook...
For others, for example my upcoming first sci-fi novel, straight out of my imagination (together with some engineering smarts).
For the short stories, they're vignettes from growing up or moving or events in my past. Seems encouraging to share them, as others will have had simiar experiences. What about you?
For others, for example my upcoming first sci-fi novel, straight out of my imagination (together with some engineering smarts).
For the short stories, they're vignettes from growing up or moving or events in my past. Seems encouraging to share them, as others will have had simiar experiences. What about you?
William Altmann
Start another book and leave the blocked one aside.
Come back to it when you're unblocked.
(Keep track of your plot lines and characters, though, so you don't mix them up!)
Come back to it when you're unblocked.
(Keep track of your plot lines and characters, though, so you don't mix them up!)
William Altmann
Getting that first ISBN number!
William Altmann
1. Sit down.
2. Open your favorite word processor.
3. Start typing.
4. Eventually stop and type "THE END".
5. Give it to friends and family to review and give you feedback.
6. Don't worry if you don't sell a lot: write for the fun, the release.
2. Open your favorite word processor.
3. Start typing.
4. Eventually stop and type "THE END".
5. Give it to friends and family to review and give you feedback.
6. Don't worry if you don't sell a lot: write for the fun, the release.
William Altmann
I am working on the third and final volume of the "Merimnae" science-fiction trilogy. I just published volumes 1 and 2 a couple of weeks ago. And beyond those, I have not run out of ideas...
William Altmann
The "Mary Jane Gang" series sprang (or sprung?) from my forehead like Athena from Zeus! I was inspired by chats with my mother in a senior apartment living center. Sprinkled in with the overall plot lines are incidents which, admittedly, will engender laughter (giggle, groans or guffaws) only from my own family members. But I have tried, in the series of presently 6 books to consider the themes of life as a very senior citizen.
We'll all get there someday. Might as well read about it now! Enjoy.
For the "Merimnae" science-fiction series, I started on a challenge with a fellow writer. We pulled a topic out of a hat and agreed to write hard sci-fi on that topic: 'memory'. I've had fun doing background reading and I'm almost done with Volume 3.
We'll all get there someday. Might as well read about it now! Enjoy.
For the "Merimnae" science-fiction series, I started on a challenge with a fellow writer. We pulled a topic out of a hat and agreed to write hard sci-fi on that topic: 'memory'. I've had fun doing background reading and I'm almost done with Volume 3.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more