Ask the Author: Brian Sigmon
Answered Questions (8)
Brian Sigmon
I had the seeds of the idea for this book something like 20 years ago. Actually it was more like 22 or 23 years. I loved Dragonball Z and Star Wars, and played around with story ideas that would essentially combine elements of both those worlds in a story set in our solar system, about 1,000 years in the future. I had some big-picture ideas for the world and a handful of characters, plus some key scenes. I'd never considered fiction writing, and actually first envisioned my story as an anime series which of course was never going to happen (I'm definitely no artist!). Then in 2020, I decided to sit down and give a fiction book based on the story a try.
The final result of Archimedes is much different than what I originally envisioned, but I love the story and the heart and soul of it are very much in keeping with the story and world I thought about as a teenager. I can't wait to see where the series goes next as I write the sequel!
The final result of Archimedes is much different than what I originally envisioned, but I love the story and the heart and soul of it are very much in keeping with the story and world I thought about as a teenager. I can't wait to see where the series goes next as I write the sequel!
Brian Sigmon
I'm currently working on 2 projects. One, which I plan to complete first, is a sequel to my debut novel, Archimedes. The second is a humorous time travel novel called Greatest of All Time. If all goes well I plan to publish both of them in 2023. We shall see!
Brian Sigmon
To be a writer, all you have to do is write. That's it. Just write. You're a writer!
Everything else is about getting better or getting paid.
Everything else is about getting better or getting paid.
Brian Sigmon
I always need a creative outlet, so for me the best part of being a writer is just using my imagination, making up my own worlds and stories. It's like playing pretend as a kid or building with Lego. So often as adults we don't have the opportunity to engage in that kind of childlike play. Writing is one avenue where I get to do that.
Brian Sigmon
Usually I do one of two things.
1) Focus on a different scene or section of my book for a while. I'm an outliner, so it's very rare that I won't have a good sense of an overall story before I start writing. If one part of the story is giving me trouble, I'll switch to another part that feels easier. That gives me confidence, which is huge for getting past writer's block. It also can help me see the story better, so I have a better sense of what the characters would do, or what's needed for the plot, in the scene I'm struggling with. That way, when I come back to it, maybe I've already made some progress.
2) Sometimes I can just power through it. Brainstorm, make a list, and try to tackle it like a problem to be solved. For instance, if it's a series of chapters that I'm struggling with, I will say, "At the end of these chapters, where do we need to be? What needs to happen to set up the rest of the story?" Knowing that, I can write a very bad version of it. A terrible draft that I just know is going to need heavy revision later. But that gets the ideas out, and usually when I come back to the material later it's pretty clear what's wrong or missing.
"You can always delete or change it later" is a huge comfort for me. Knowing that in the writing process, nothing is permanent, gives me the freedom to play and experiment. I think that helps overcome writer's block.
1) Focus on a different scene or section of my book for a while. I'm an outliner, so it's very rare that I won't have a good sense of an overall story before I start writing. If one part of the story is giving me trouble, I'll switch to another part that feels easier. That gives me confidence, which is huge for getting past writer's block. It also can help me see the story better, so I have a better sense of what the characters would do, or what's needed for the plot, in the scene I'm struggling with. That way, when I come back to it, maybe I've already made some progress.
2) Sometimes I can just power through it. Brainstorm, make a list, and try to tackle it like a problem to be solved. For instance, if it's a series of chapters that I'm struggling with, I will say, "At the end of these chapters, where do we need to be? What needs to happen to set up the rest of the story?" Knowing that, I can write a very bad version of it. A terrible draft that I just know is going to need heavy revision later. But that gets the ideas out, and usually when I come back to the material later it's pretty clear what's wrong or missing.
"You can always delete or change it later" is a huge comfort for me. Knowing that in the writing process, nothing is permanent, gives me the freedom to play and experiment. I think that helps overcome writer's block.
Brian Sigmon
Your three-year-old is too quiet. There's a sharpie cap on the carpet, but no marker to be found.
Brian Sigmon
Maybe the most predictable answer possible for a sci-fi author, but I'd love to visit the Star Wars universe. A world like that, where space travel is as routine as a drive on the Interstate, has always captivated me. And the whole series of movies, plus the EU, has shown such rich diversity in the worlds and cultures.
Brian Sigmon
I'm always reading sci-fi and fantasy. I recently started Exiles, by Ashley and Leslie Saunders. I'll also probably continue Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force series.
But specifically for summer reads, I love crime novels, procedurals, and thrillers. I recently discovered Debra Webb via her latest novel, The Last Lie Told. I'll be reading more of her books--so captivating and quick reads.
But specifically for summer reads, I love crime novels, procedurals, and thrillers. I recently discovered Debra Webb via her latest novel, The Last Lie Told. I'll be reading more of her books--so captivating and quick reads.
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