How does a writer get to that moment when he or she realises that they now have their own style, a unique way of saying something?
No idea. I imagine some never do, some start out with a recognisably unique style from the off, and the rest of us gradually sort ourselves out over time. I suspect it's one of those objective judgements that the writer concerned is probably least qualified to make.
Have there been particular positive and/or negative results for the publishing industry – and writers – in the current financial climate?
I don't know. Not so far, personally. I guess that might change when my agent comes to negotiate the next book deal...
What makes the SF genre such an appealing market for you as a writer?
I get to let my imagination off the leash and I'm able to control all story parameters, including the laws of physics. License and power! Both major forms of indulgence! Huzzah!
Do you have a specific writing routine that you follow religiously?
Us atheists aren't allowed to do things religiously. However, in theory I write eight hours a day and five days a week (to keep in synch with my pals, who have normal jobs, like teaching and so on). In practice I know not to try to get back to sleep if I wake up at 4am and I'm thinking about the book; instead I commute downstairs and start writing. The target is 10 or 15 thousand words a week, depending on how strict I'm being with myself. I'm a very generous employer, mind; I'm always giving myself days off if the weather's decent and there are hills to walked.
Read any good books lately you'd like to mention?
Just finished The Gods That Failed by Larry Elliot and Dan Atkinson, which was interesting and salutary, if not very well copy-edited.
If you could invite any three authors (living or dead) to a dinner party, who would they be? What would you ask them?
Alan Moore and two more of his choice. It'd be fascinating, I'm sure.
If you could write any story or book, and not have to worry about whether it would sell well or create some form of backlash, what would the tale be about?
That's my career you've just described!
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Practice. In a way, writing is just like everything else; the more you do it, the better you get. And get to the end. Don't waste time getting the first paragraph utterly flawless before proceeding. Finish the story and then - no matter how rough the first draft is - it's all there to be worked on. Much less daunting than aiming for perfection on a first pass.
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Lynne Jamneck - Lynne Jamneck lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Short listed for the Sir Julius Vogel and Lambda Awards, she has published short fiction in ...
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