This is the wrap-up episode for Season 3 of Fictitious. My previous episode, with author Megan E. O’Keefe, was the last interview of this season. I’ll be taking a short summer break to catch up on some reading, do some traveling, and work on a few projects, including updates to the show’s website. Fictitious will return on Monday, July 22nd with celebrated science fiction screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski.
Straczynski is the creator of the classic sci-fi TV series Babylon 5, co-creator of the ground-breaking Netflix series Sense8, and has a long and storied career across film, animation, and comics. And while I know he’s a bit of a departure from my usual prose writers, this is a guy with a deep understanding of story and the science fiction genre. We spend a lot of that conversation on writing craft, fixing story problems, and constructing character arcs that feel true and satisfying. We’ll also be talking about his memoir, Becoming Superman, which I think is compelling reading for anyone living the writer life, or interesting in people with fascinating — if often horrifying — backstories. Be ready to take some notes during this one.
Looking back on Season 3, I’m just so excited about the authors I’ve spoken with so far this year. I had a number of outstanding debut novelists, as well as several prolific and experienced pros, and they’ve all had so much wisdom to contribute. Their excitement for the work and pleasure of writing is contagious, and I hope you have all felt that energy as a direct kick to the productivity ass like I have.
My favorite read of 2019 so far has definitely been Jordanna Max Brodsky’s The Wolf in the Whale. It’s such an evocative tale and a piece of master craftsmanship. I’ve recommended it so many times in the months since I read it, and I think my interview with Jordanna is one of the standouts of Season 3.
I also absolutely loved Shaun Barger’s Mage Against The Machine, Caitlin Starling’s The Luminous Dead, and Dan Stout’s Titanshade. All 3 are debut novelists, but you wouldn’t know they were first novels because they are so well executed. I’m super excited for their next books and to return to their worlds.
Fictitious Panel at San Diego Comic Con
In mid-July, I’m headed back to San Diego Comic Con International. I’ll be hosting two panels at the show, which will feature some awesome writers, including a couple of authors you’ve heard this season on the show.
On Thursday, July 18th, I will moderate “Care and Nurturing of Someone Else’s Universe”, presented by Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore. All the info here.
Friday, July 19th, I will host the fan-favorite “10 Points to Slytherin: Why Good Fans Love Evil Characters” panel. The speaker line-up for this panel is awesome and it’s going to be SO much fun. If you’ll be at SDCC, don’t miss it. Complete details here.
If you’re an author, book blogger, publishing professional, or fan of the show who will also be at Comic Con, send me a message on social media or my website. I’d love to meet you!
As always, I deeply appreciate you listening to this show, and the feedback I get online or in person at conventions. This podcast is a labor of love, as well as a privilege to speak to these fantastic writers. I hope you find it all as helpful and motivating as I do. If so, please help me spread the word about Fictitious. Tell your friends. Tell your social followers. Tell your favorite book store. Heck, tell your favorite authors that they should be on the show! Your word of mouth is the most effective and valuable advertising there is. If you love it, then I hope you’ll share that love.
I’ll still be active on social during the season hiatus, so be sure to follow the show as @FictitiousPod on Twitter and Instagram. I’m always happy to geek out about books, writing, and pop culture, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Again, I hope you enjoyed Season 3, and keep an ear out for the start of Season 4 on July 22nd. Until then, enjoy your summer, and good luck with your writing projects and your probably enormous to-be-read piles.
