Ask the Author: Alastair Mayer
Answered Questions (4)
Alastair Mayer
The most recent, due out soon, is "Kakuloa: A Rising Tide". The original idea behind that came from a casual line by the bad guy, Stephens, in my Analog magazine short story "Stone Age" (which expanded into the book "The Chara Talisman"). The line starts "Look what at happened to Kakuloa," following by a two-line summary of Kakuloa's economic rise and fall as it relates to the squidberry industry.
The book also spends time with a biologist investigating the Kakuloan tree squids (which are actually octopus, not squid). That was partly inspired by my daughter (who is a biologist), her interest in cephalopods, and her work at the Denver Aquarium. And by my own background as a scuba diver.
The book also spends time with a biologist investigating the Kakuloan tree squids (which are actually octopus, not squid). That was partly inspired by my daughter (who is a biologist), her interest in cephalopods, and her work at the Denver Aquarium. And by my own background as a scuba diver.
Alastair Mayer
Simple: read, and write. Also see Heinlein's Rules for Writers, but don't confuse rule 3 and rule 2.
Rule 2 is "you must finish what you write", which means more than just typing "the end". You need to smooth off the rough edges, too.
Rule 3 is "you must refrain from rewriting, except to editorial order". That does not mean "be happy with the first draft", it means don't endlessly tinker with a story -- unless someone has offered you money to change something. And then, as Harlan Ellison reminds us, only if you agree with the change.
But mostly, just write. And read.
Rule 2 is "you must finish what you write", which means more than just typing "the end". You need to smooth off the rough edges, too.
Rule 3 is "you must refrain from rewriting, except to editorial order". That does not mean "be happy with the first draft", it means don't endlessly tinker with a story -- unless someone has offered you money to change something. And then, as Harlan Ellison reminds us, only if you agree with the change.
But mostly, just write. And read.
Alastair Mayer
I work on a different writing project. I usually have two books (in different series, although probably set in the same universe) in progress at any given time, so if I'm stuck on one I can work on the other.
Alastair Mayer
"Kakuloa: A Rising Tide". This is a sequel to the Alpha Centauri trilogy, following the settlement of Kakuloa, the rise of its squidberry and tourist industries. While a few characters from the previous trilogy show up here, most of the focus is on new characters and situations. This is the first of a new trilogy, although each volume will be more standalone than the First Landing, Sawyer's World, The Return set. This one is in final editing stages. (The next volume will be "Kakuloa: The Downhill Slide".)
"The Pavonis Insurgence". Sequel to "The Eridani Convergence". More archeological adventure and interstellar intrigue with Carson and Roberts. It's about half written.
"The Pavonis Insurgence". Sequel to "The Eridani Convergence". More archeological adventure and interstellar intrigue with Carson and Roberts. It's about half written.
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