I’m editing the Zoastra Affair, again. The book took me two years to write. It’s not like one of my contemporaries, which don’t get me wrong, I love writing and reading. But I know this world and how to keep myself going. I don’t have to imagine what a beach looks like. I know what that looks like and how the sand helps the bottom of your feet.
Growing up in Boston also gave me insight in how to drive in winter, and how much I hate shoveling.
But in a space adventure, I am not fast paced about it. It’s harder because it’s a whole new world.
So in the middle of rereading my novel, getting the cover, making silly youtube videos that make me laugh because it’s jarring, all helps motivate me. But when someone says something like ‘I don’t know how you write, you can never sit still.’ I get upset.
I do have lots of energy. And lots to say. I’m not the complete introvert in public, but it doesn’t mean I’m not one. It means when I’m alone, I’m still doing something. Once I realized that writing wasn’t just a release for me, and that I could write for others, I opened up a whole new experience for myself. I wish I knew this was my path so much sooner in life. I have law loans for school that I wish I didn’t have to pay.
But life is about learning our lessons and figuring out our next move. I’m certainly not perfect. But I do have ethics that I hold myself up. One is always treat people kindly. Even if the person says something silly and stupid. Sometimes, to me, that’s being defensive and when we’re defensive and say the wrong thing, walking away isn’t necessary. Most of the time, people settle down when they realize you mean them no harm. However, this can lead me into trouble too, because I cannot stand clingers. It will make me bolt in the other direction in search of my own freedom. Or this can lead to be taken for a sucker, but this is much easier to deal with because, honestly, if someone values themselves, what others think doesn’t matter at all.
Anyhow I’m going back to work on this manuscript fix. Hope everyone has an awesome day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you stay motivated when editing a long manuscript you’ve already spent years writing?
To stay motivated while editing a lengthy manuscript, re-reading the novel, finalizing cover art, and creating fun promotional content like YouTube videos can all help reignite enthusiasm. Mixing creative tasks with the editorial grind keeps energy levels up. Reminding yourself why you write — including the possibility of connecting with readers — also provides a meaningful reason to push through.
What makes writing science fiction or space adventure harder than writing contemporary fiction?
Writing science fiction or space adventure is harder than contemporary fiction because the author must build an entirely new world from scratch. With contemporary fiction, writers can draw on lived experiences — like knowing what beach sand feels like underfoot or how to drive in winter — whereas a space adventure requires imagining environments and rules that have no real-world equivalent to reference.
Is it better to walk away from someone who says something offensive or try to stay calm and respond?
Rather than immediately walking away when someone says something offensive or silly, staying calm and showing you mean no harm often allows the other person to settle down on their own. Walking away isn’t always necessary. However, this approach has limits — being overly accommodating can attract clingy people or leave you open to being taken advantage of, so personal boundaries still matter.
