Like a lot writers, I keep a file of story ideas. Actually, I keep two–one for SF and fantasy ideas, and one for interesting nonspeculative storylines/scenarios that might serve as the scaffolding for a SF or fantasy idea. Even if I write until I’m 100, I won’t have time to turn them all into stories or novels. Each time I start something new, I have to make choices, and one of the choice points is, do I write what I want to write most, or do I write what I think is likely to be popular? It’s never quite that straightforward, and often if you’re excited about an idea, readers are likely to respond enthusiastically as well. But, feet to the fire, if I have to lean one way or the other? Easy. I write what I think is likely to be popular.
There are unflattering words we sometimes ascribe to writers who make the choice to write based on what they think will sell, but let me elaborate on my thinking.
Over the years I’ve often heard or read this piece of advice: write what you love. The thing is, some of the things I love most are things most readers wouldn’t find all that interesting. For example, I am fascinated by collecting, and would love to write something that centers around collecting. I’m an avid collector. Original comic art is first and foremost, as might be evident by my new novel Hitchers, but at one time or another I’ve collected autographs, baseball cards, movie posters, first edition SF books and more. Over time I’ve learned that unless you’re talking to another collector, never, ever talk about collecting. Only other collectors find collecting interesting; everyone else’s eyes glaze over in a hurry if you bring up collecting. Now, I’m sure it’s possible to write a stunning novel that centers around collecting (there may even be some are out there), but it would be an uphill battle.
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The title for this piece comes from one of my favorite movies, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. It’s in the scene where the junior Dr. Frankenstein (played by the great Gene Wilder) discovers his infamous grandfather’s secret book, which holds the key to reanimating the dead. The title of that ominously dusty tome is so literal it’s funny: HOW I DID IT.
Once upon a time a creative writing teacher told me that all stories had to have outlines. As a result, I thought I couldn’t be a writer because I have a very difficult time working with outlines. My brain simply doesn’t work that way. Years and years passed before I discovered that writers work in all sorts of different ways, and they’re all valid. (If someone tells you there’s only one way to write — run, don’t walk to the exit.) Also? I’ve written six novels so far, and every novel is a bit different from the last one. (Some are more different than others.) You’re working with your subconscious, and your subconscious sometimes can get a bit tricksy with you because… well… everyone has their insecurities. (Get used to it. You’ll be facing them every time you look at a blank page or computer screen.)
The way I see it, creating a book from inspiration means you’re a writer. Creating a book from calculation means you’re an author…sooner or later.
I feel like I’m full of soup. Possibly also something else beginning with S, but definitely soup. It sloshes around inside me when I walk. It’s made up of bits of everything I am. All the memories and relationships, all the music and reading and experiences and obsessions and loves and hates and hopes, that I’ve known. Then, like the arm of a jukebox when a coin is inserted, something reaches down into that soup and plucks out a combination of bits to make a book. Is the combination random or deliberate? And is the coin Inspiration? And is this becoming a clumsy mixed metaphor or what?
Inspiration is a tricky thing, and unfortunately I can’t write without it. What hooks me as a writer – and hopefully hooks my readers when I’m done – is a character. Perhaps that comes from roleplaying a person I’m not every Friday night; perhaps it’s how I’m wired. But I need to be struck by a character and his or her situation, to want to explore that, before I can write anything interesting.