Ask the Author: Phil Giunta
Answered Questions (5)
Phil Giunta
Where to begin? I have the opportunity to create my own characters and worlds and I'm leaving something behind that will outlive me and be enjoyed by readers long after I'm dust.
I also enjoy the creative process and give-and-take of working with critique partner and editors to improve my stories before publication.
Of course, I get a thrill from reader feedback, which has been mostly positive and even effusive in many cases.
I also enjoy the creative process and give-and-take of working with critique partner and editors to improve my stories before publication.
Of course, I get a thrill from reader feedback, which has been mostly positive and even effusive in many cases.
Phil Giunta
Once I have an idea, I usually jot down my initial thoughts and either file it away or flesh it out immediately (time permitting) and see if it'll go the distance. For me, that means writing a story treatment or synopsis which includes creating the characters. If it seems like a feasible story, I then flesh out the characters a bit more and write an outline of the plot.
However, an outline is merely a road map, and like any map, there are usually three or four ways to reach your destination. Writing is organic and often experimental. Characters never fail to take on lives of their own as I write, so I remain flexible and will explore different avenues and better ideas than what I'd originally outlined. When a great idea strikes, that inspires me even more!
However, an outline is merely a road map, and like any map, there are usually three or four ways to reach your destination. Writing is organic and often experimental. Characters never fail to take on lives of their own as I write, so I remain flexible and will explore different avenues and better ideas than what I'd originally outlined. When a great idea strikes, that inspires me even more!
Phil Giunta
First...READ. Read books both in and out of your favorite genres and when you do so, read critically. Take note of how the writer introduces characters and breathes life into them, of how the story is structured, the rhythm and pacing of the prose.
Read books on the craft of writing, plotting, story structure. Take classes on creative writing and/or attend writers conferences as you can afford to do so and, of course, practice. Write as often as you can to hone your skills.
Consider joining a local writers group. Most will allow you to attend regular meetings as a visitor a few times before asking you to join. Writers groups can be a remarkable source of information and support. Many also offer critique group meetings to help you improve your work.
When you reach a point where you are ready to publish, become educated on the best publishing path for yourself. Should you self-publish? Submit query letters to agents to get published traditionally? What about small presses?
Be aware of publishing scams and vanity presses that drain your finances with promises that sound too good to be true.
Read books on the craft of writing, plotting, story structure. Take classes on creative writing and/or attend writers conferences as you can afford to do so and, of course, practice. Write as often as you can to hone your skills.
Consider joining a local writers group. Most will allow you to attend regular meetings as a visitor a few times before asking you to join. Writers groups can be a remarkable source of information and support. Many also offer critique group meetings to help you improve your work.
When you reach a point where you are ready to publish, become educated on the best publishing path for yourself. Should you self-publish? Submit query letters to agents to get published traditionally? What about small presses?
Be aware of publishing scams and vanity presses that drain your finances with promises that sound too good to be true.
Phil Giunta
I'm currently editing a non-fiction book about the history of SF/F fandom in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area as told through interviews and anecdotes by many longtime organizers, guests, and attendees of conventions such as Balticon, Farpoint, Shore Leave, Vulkon, and many others. The book is due out in July 2019.
It took three years, but I finally finished the first draft of a science fiction novel. When a planetary scientist comes into possession of alien technology that could send humanity to the stars in search of a new home, she is eventually forced to surrender the device to a congresswoman who betrays her by turning the device into a political weapon. I hope to finish the second draft this year.
Later in 2019, I'm releasing volume three in the Middle of Eternity anthology series for Firebringer Press. These speculative fiction collections gather stories from the fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal genres. For many of the contributors, these anthologies mark their debut as published authors. In addition to myself, returning writers include Steven H. Wilson, April Welles, Lance Woods, Michael Critzer, Daniel Patrick Corcoran, Stuart S. Roth, and Susanna Reilly. Joining us for book three are Bart Palamaro, Christopher D. Ochs, Julie Fedon, and Peter Ong.
It took three years, but I finally finished the first draft of a science fiction novel. When a planetary scientist comes into possession of alien technology that could send humanity to the stars in search of a new home, she is eventually forced to surrender the device to a congresswoman who betrays her by turning the device into a political weapon. I hope to finish the second draft this year.
Later in 2019, I'm releasing volume three in the Middle of Eternity anthology series for Firebringer Press. These speculative fiction collections gather stories from the fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal genres. For many of the contributors, these anthologies mark their debut as published authors. In addition to myself, returning writers include Steven H. Wilson, April Welles, Lance Woods, Michael Critzer, Daniel Patrick Corcoran, Stuart S. Roth, and Susanna Reilly. Joining us for book three are Bart Palamaro, Christopher D. Ochs, Julie Fedon, and Peter Ong.
Phil Giunta
Fortunately, I don't encounter writer's block too often, but when I do, I either attempt to push through it or, failing that, step away from the project and distract myself with another activity. That could be as short term as a walk around the neighborhood, a workout, a fishing trip, movie, etc.
Since I always have multiple plates spinning, I might turn my attention to another writing or editing project, a home renovation, or an upcoming writers conference, or SF convention.
Of course, I'm occasionally pulled away from a novel or short story by other priorities, but I always return to the project with a fresh perspective, which can lead to better ideas for the story even if writer's block never came into play.
Since I always have multiple plates spinning, I might turn my attention to another writing or editing project, a home renovation, or an upcoming writers conference, or SF convention.
Of course, I'm occasionally pulled away from a novel or short story by other priorities, but I always return to the project with a fresh perspective, which can lead to better ideas for the story even if writer's block never came into play.
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