Help me write my next story!

[davidlevine]

I'm going to try to write another story before I leave for Wiscon. I want this to be a real challenge, something that stretches my talents, something that maybe goes places I'm scared of. This time out, I want to risk failure.

You, my readers, may have a better view than I do of where my strengths and weaknesses lie. What kind of story would you like to see me tackle?

Comments

[upstart-crow.livejournal.com]

Hmmm..... can we make suggestions that are outside of genre, or do you want us to stay within SF/F/H, generally speaking?

[davidlevine]

I'd like to stay within the SF/F genres. Thanks for asking!

[upstart-crow.livejournal.com]

Sure!

OK then. How would you feel about writing a truly high fantasy/sword and sorcery type story, except one that doesn't use a European/generic Medieval magic system or culture? As in, a high fantasy story set in, say, the American West?

In fact, I think that's it. David, I challenge you to write a fantastic Western. :)

[davidlevine]

Thanks! We'll see what else comes in.

I did write a story in college about a rogue telepath in the old West. Despite the title, which was the inspiration for the story, it was a serious story. The title? "Esperado."

[dd-b.livejournal.com]

I can sure see how that title would be irresistible.

The following is not intended as an argument either for or against your writing such a story. I really don't know if you'd be competing against what I'm about to mention, or snowballing with it (and presumably other things), or if there's enough overlap to make it relevant in the first place.

Emma Bull's Territories is "contemporary" fantasy in the old West, and includes Chinese as well as other magic.

[shsilver.livejournal.com]

I'd love to see a Stanley Weinbaumesque alien-abundant planet story from you with a strong nostalgic bent, but written sor modern sensibilities and understanding of the solar system.

[davidlevine]

But that's what I always do! :-)

[shsilver.livejournal.com]

I guess that means I like you to be predictable. :)

[bjcooper.livejournal.com]

How about a serious near-future story (say 15 years out) that deals with a world changed by global warming, become more totalitarian etc. In other words, a grand old sfnal bit designed to poke fun at the current powers-that-be. Like a modern day Fahreheit 451 or Brave New World. And yes, I want to write some of those too (I'm getting quite ticked by the rising difference between rich and poor, the nasty media consolidation, and the attempts to fight network neutrality). I suspect we wouldn't write anything close to the same story.

[magentamn.livejournal.com]

Maybe you could write a story that contains no puns, double entendres or humor. But it might not be as much fun to read (or write)

Have you even written anything from a female point of view? Might be a good exercise before Wiscon...

[nebula5.livejournal.com]

Something that might inspire a masquerade presentation.

[csinman.livejournal.com]

Use an unreliable narrator. Mostly because I love them, but also because I always trust your obvious knowledge of sciency stuff and it lulls me into believing whatever you say. Trick me!

Or...

[csinman.livejournal.com]

P.S. Combine the last three suggestions!

[voidampersand.livejournal.com]

The scariest thing I can think of: write a self-involved semi-autobiographical lit-fi story that appropriates one (0x01) SF genre trope.

[davidlevine]

:-)

[cscole.livejournal.com]

Scary huh? Risk failure? How about an over-sheltered, oddly 'home schooled' young man who, after breaking away from the only life he knew, comes to believe he has invented everything science fiction?

[safewrite.livejournal.com]

Something involving a sex change, perhaps?

[kateyule.livejournal.com]

Well, he has done the one about (http://www.infinityplus.co.uk/stories/paws.htm) the guy whose father decides to become a dog. Hormones, operation, the whole shebang.

[allanh.livejournal.com]

As far as I'm concerned, there's too big an emphasis on SERIOUS in much of today's SF and not enough FUNNY.

Something funny would be nice. Think Esther Freisner tribute-ish.

Better yet, try writing in the comedic SF&F styles of not just Esther Freisner, but also William Tenn, John Varley, and RAH. Think of Tenn's "On Venus, Have We Got a Rabbi" as an example.