Note to Authors: Keep your Character Ambivalence Tight

Note to Authors: Keep your Character Ambivalence Tight

It’s usually a bad idea to show internal conflict by jumping from “A” to “Not A” and back again in repeated succession. That doesn’t make your character feel any more ambivalent than just doing it once. But it makes your thrust unclear, it feels like needless padding, and it undermines the “meta” sense of your narrative authority (i.e. I’m questionin’ your skillz, yo).

Here’s a template that keeps things tight – First, gather up the “Not A” points and give us those. Second, add a point of doubt or transition (“then again,” “on the other hand,” etc). Third, give us the “A” points (the position the character finally takes, the thrust of your narrative intent). Finally, if the character is still ambivalent or the situation is still unclear, then add a sentence that simply says so.

TL/DR: We only need to see the character do the waffle once to understand that waffling is a circular process.

* Disclaimer: This is a general stylistic guideline, and as such, it is subject to breakage under certain conditions (if you’re good enough).

UbiquiCity Book 2 – Now Available!

UbiquiCity Book 2 – Now Available!

UbiquiCity Book 2 “Undercurrents” has arrived. Return to the Fractopian Future! Stories by Irene Bassett, Brad Cole, D.M. Dore, Jens Durke, S.L. Koch, G. Dean Manuel, Adrian McCauley and Rick Rosenkranz paint a collaborative picture of our augmented future that is alternately chilling and inspiring.
(more…)

Book 2 Cover Reveal!

Book 2 Cover Reveal!

UbiquiCity Book 2: “Undercurrents” is in layup after a misstep with the original artist (the piece used some unlicensed content which I was unable to procure permissions for). So I commissioned a new cover from KHIUS (the artist who did the cover of the first book), and I’m SO HAPPY to reveal it to you now!

“Undercurrents” includes stories by Irene Bassett, Brad Cole, Deirdre Dore, Jens Durke, Shawn Koch, G. Dean Manuel, Adrian McCauley and Rick Rosenkranz.

Coming soon! #ubiquicity #amediting #fractopia #sciencefiction