On Writing

With the pace of technological, political and social change rapidly increasing, it's little wonder more writers are exploring forms of speculative fiction. We talked to Michael Pryor ahead of his upcoming Science Fiction and Steampunk workshop about Sci Fi's turn towards history, and what he looks for in new speculative fiction stories.

Writers often dream of being published and getting their work ‘out there’. I am no exception. My second novel has just been published, but it’s been a long road to publication. This manuscript has had at least three reincarnations with a change of title each time. Each version has its own merit and has taught me something valuable about the craft of writing. The novel, ‘Something Missing’ began life as ‘Hens Lay, People Lie’: my artefact for my PhD at Swinburne University. 

Join a writing group. It’s one of the most common pieces of advice writers hear. And with justification: writing groups can provide support, advice and feedback. They are a sounding board for ideas, a chance to meet other writers in your geographical or authorial area, or simply an opportunity to write without the distractions of everyday life. Discussions might focus on critiquing, craft or industry gossip. No writing group is the same. The trick is finding the group that’s right for you.

I am rooted in failure. As an emerging author, I am often engaged in the business of promoting successes – I was shortlisted here, I have an article in this, an essay, a poem, and so on – but what isn’t discussed as much is failing. I’m not talking about rejection on the road to publication, I’m talking about the flaws inherent in these successes.