One of the most thrilling moments in a writer’s life is receiving that long-awaited yes—an acceptance letter after dozens, maybe hundreds, of rejections. It’s the kind of moment that’s meant to be savored, a bright spark of validation in a career often defined by perseverance and uncertainty. But sometimes, even that joy can curdle. Recently,ContinueContinue reading “When an Acceptance Turns Sour”
Tag Archives: business
Why Rejection Doesn’t Mean Your Story Is Bad
As a slush reader for various speculative fiction magazines, I’ve learned one fundamental truth: taste is messy. It’s subjective, inconsistent, and often deeply personal. If you’ve ever submitted a story and been rejected in the first round, you’re in good company—and you might be surprised to know how many of those rejections have less toContinueContinue reading “Why Rejection Doesn’t Mean Your Story Is Bad”
The Myth of the ‘One Piece of Advice’
To be succesful at writing, I’ve come to believe that its more your ability to juggle, than anything else that will help you. But there’s a peculiar myth that runs through popular culture—the idea that success boils down to one secret, one golden rule, one repeatable habit that will unlock greatness. Ask a Hollywood starContinueContinue reading “The Myth of the ‘One Piece of Advice’”
Keep the Habit: Why Writers Must Keep Writing (Even in the Gaps)
One of the biggest dangers for a writer isn’t failure—it’s silence. Life has a way of crowding out creativity. Maybe it’s a high-pressure job, a move, a tough parenting stretch, or the illusion that you’ll “get back to it when things calm down.” But here’s the truth: if you stop writing, the skills begin toContinueContinue reading “Keep the Habit: Why Writers Must Keep Writing (Even in the Gaps)”
How to Pitch Non-Fiction to SFWA, BSFA Focus Magazine, and Other Speculative Fiction Venues
A couple of people have asked me to write up some advice on this, so I thought ‘Why not!’…. When we think about writing for the speculative fiction community, we often think of short stories, novels, and poetry — the imaginative worlds that readers escape into. But non-fiction is just as vital to the field,ContinueContinue reading “How to Pitch Non-Fiction to SFWA, BSFA Focus Magazine, and Other Speculative Fiction Venues”
SFWA Guest Blog: “Successfully Talking to the Press About Your Art: Plot It, Don’t Pants It!”
I have been fortunate to write guest blog posts before for SFWA on writing realistic science in science fiction, and then another one on using the psychological science utilized in video games to help you meet your writing goals. I just published another piece with SFWA, this time on talking to the press. The linkContinueContinue reading “SFWA Guest Blog: “Successfully Talking to the Press About Your Art: Plot It, Don’t Pants It!””
View From the Other Side of the Slush Pile
So I slush read for two spec fiction magazines and have done so prior for one other. Without divulging anything sensitive or non-public, I thought it might be interesting to people to hear at least a little about what being a slush reader is like. Slush piles are different. Editors are different. Processes are different.ContinueContinue reading “View From the Other Side of the Slush Pile”
Personal Reflections on ReaderCon 33
I attended ReaderCon again this year and, other than a few missteps with the registration/online check-in process the con appeared to go smoothly this year. I thought I would give a few of my lasting thoughts from it here. I started off attending a workshop on writing physical action. I think the main take awayContinueContinue reading “Personal Reflections on ReaderCon 33”
Navigating Writing Conferences as an Introvert
As I prepare to go to Readercon next week, this topic is heavily on my mind. Speaking personally, as an introvert, attending writing conferences can be both exhilarating and exhausting. They offer invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and gaining insights into the publishing world. Here are strategies to make the most of a writing conferenceContinueContinue reading “Navigating Writing Conferences as an Introvert”
The Writer’s Journey: Crafting a Personal Roadmap to Writing Success
There is no official road map to becoming a successful writer (if I am mistaken on this point, and just no one told me about it – please share it now!). As a result, we are faced with a hundred different approaches and no guidance on which to take. Do we focus on building aContinueContinue reading “The Writer’s Journey: Crafting a Personal Roadmap to Writing Success”
Gideon P. Smith 