2008 Woodie Awards
First intergalactic summit meeting
Sci-Fi writer Edmund Schubert shares his knowledge
Cynthia Marts
Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Last's week discussion on the writing and publishing of science fantasy fiction brought a smattering of students and visitors to hear Edmund Schubert share his experience and advice.
On Wednesday, writer and editor Edmund Schubert led a talk on his views on science fiction writing and how writers in the genre can get published. While the Wachovia Lecture Hall wasn't jammed full with interested listeners, those who were there listened attentively and asked questions eagerly about Schubert's ideas and experiences.
Schubert is currently the editor for local writer Orson Scott Card's science fiction magazine "Intergalactic Medicine Show". During his writing career he has had over 30 short stories published in various small Sci-Fi magazines, and edited two different business magazines. He was also once president of the Writers Group of the Triad, a writers group in Greensboro.
Schubert came to UNCG to lead a discussion on a topic he feels is under-represented in colleges.
"I think anything you can do for the next generation of writers is important," said Schubert. "And frankly I think science fiction and fantasy are areas that generally don't get a lot of recognition. I mean, academically speaking, it's definitely the red-headed stepchild. But I think, especially in colleges, there are a lot of people who are interested in this, so I give Mark [Smith-Soto, director of the Center for Creative Writing in the Arts] a lot of credit for stepping outside of traditional thinking and bringing something I do think a lot of people are interested in."
Hunter Janes, a sophomore who attended the talk, heard about it through the UNCG website and decided to attend.
"I hadn't heard of him before," said Janes. "But I looked him up as soon as I found out about it. He edits Orson Scott Cards magazine, and I'm a huge Orson Scott Card fan, so I figured it'd be worth going."
Schubert's talk focused on the idea of treating writing like it is a business. Treating your writing as "your baby" while you're writing it, but then treating it like a product once it's finished. Topics included tips on how to find an agent or publisher, how to avoid scams, what to do and not do when it comes to publishing, how to submit stories, and how to read and follow publisher's guidelines, which Schubert says is one of the most important things to do when trying to get published.
"Don't give them a reason to reject you," said Schubert.
For hopeful writers, Schubert suggests two basic things.
"The first is to write like crazy all the time," he explained very seriously. "I believe it's very true that nothing teaches you better how to write than doing it."
"Secondly," continued Schubert. "Find a critique group where you can get input from other people. I've heard it said over and over by other people that you will learn more from critiquing other peoples work then you will from critiquing your own. Frankly, I'm learning a lot from the editing process. I've read so many peoples stories that I'm finding patterns and I'm learning from doing this. So getting into a critique group is very helpful, both for the feedback that you get for your own stories, and what you learn by critiquing other peoples stuff."
On Wednesday, writer and editor Edmund Schubert led a talk on his views on science fiction writing and how writers in the genre can get published. While the Wachovia Lecture Hall wasn't jammed full with interested listeners, those who were there listened attentively and asked questions eagerly about Schubert's ideas and experiences.
Schubert is currently the editor for local writer Orson Scott Card's science fiction magazine "Intergalactic Medicine Show". During his writing career he has had over 30 short stories published in various small Sci-Fi magazines, and edited two different business magazines. He was also once president of the Writers Group of the Triad, a writers group in Greensboro.
Schubert came to UNCG to lead a discussion on a topic he feels is under-represented in colleges.
"I think anything you can do for the next generation of writers is important," said Schubert. "And frankly I think science fiction and fantasy are areas that generally don't get a lot of recognition. I mean, academically speaking, it's definitely the red-headed stepchild. But I think, especially in colleges, there are a lot of people who are interested in this, so I give Mark [Smith-Soto, director of the Center for Creative Writing in the Arts] a lot of credit for stepping outside of traditional thinking and bringing something I do think a lot of people are interested in."
Hunter Janes, a sophomore who attended the talk, heard about it through the UNCG website and decided to attend.
"I hadn't heard of him before," said Janes. "But I looked him up as soon as I found out about it. He edits Orson Scott Cards magazine, and I'm a huge Orson Scott Card fan, so I figured it'd be worth going."
Schubert's talk focused on the idea of treating writing like it is a business. Treating your writing as "your baby" while you're writing it, but then treating it like a product once it's finished. Topics included tips on how to find an agent or publisher, how to avoid scams, what to do and not do when it comes to publishing, how to submit stories, and how to read and follow publisher's guidelines, which Schubert says is one of the most important things to do when trying to get published.
"Don't give them a reason to reject you," said Schubert.
For hopeful writers, Schubert suggests two basic things.
"The first is to write like crazy all the time," he explained very seriously. "I believe it's very true that nothing teaches you better how to write than doing it."
"Secondly," continued Schubert. "Find a critique group where you can get input from other people. I've heard it said over and over by other people that you will learn more from critiquing other peoples work then you will from critiquing your own. Frankly, I'm learning a lot from the editing process. I've read so many peoples stories that I'm finding patterns and I'm learning from doing this. So getting into a critique group is very helpful, both for the feedback that you get for your own stories, and what you learn by critiquing other peoples stuff."
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