Recent content by Ben Scotton

Netflix definitely counts as research. 😏

I'm with you, OutsidersEyes. Having at least a basic map is so helpful. It gets you grappling with questions about the world you're building. "Who lives there?" "What technology/magic do they use to overcome difficulties cause by geographical features?" For some crazy reason I always draw mine...

Hmmm... would be interesting to play a mini-game where points are awarded for the best story in as few words as possible (how you would determine "best" I don't know). 500 words anyone?

Some words of wisdom and experience there! I've learned from painful experience that the best way to get inspired is to get writing. Amazed by all of you who can get busy writing at night after full days. That shows a lot of grit and love for the craft.

Thanks Babayaga. Been offline for a few days so only just seen your message. Great to hear there are other scribes in Derbados. I'd love to know more about your current projects. Do you have a Wordpress page? I couldn't see a link to one for you when I checked my notifications just now?

Hi Gemma, good to meet you. Looking forward to the ideas and experience you'll bring to our discussions too.

Nice! Sounds like there's some interesting symbolism in there.

Realise this post is from a while ago, but I've been looking for a list like this for ages. Massive thank you, Joe! Got some reading to do.

Depends on the bloke I suppose. Speaking for myself, I am slowly learning to listen, affirm and give simpathy - not simply search for a solution and then say, "sorted - that'll work. Can we stop talking now and get on with it?" That'll give you frostbite! ;) I suppose the challenge of seeing...

Yes, I suppose it might be described as a YA. But I've not set out to write for any particular age group. It's really about the whole expedition team and how they have to learn to work together and see past their differences when put in serious harm's way. Funnily enough, there is actually a...

"Oh my darling knight! How I've missed you so!"

Fair enough - each to their own. I personally find discussing and sharing my work with my friends as I go along to be one of the big motivations to writing. As you say, you've definitely got to be asking questions like, "what's this person's motivation? Why did they chose to do that?" Who's...

Been thinking this through a little bit more. Couple of points: Does "good" Fantasy have to be intellectual? Surely there's a sense in which a work of art which is fun is its own justification - just like a work of art which is perceived as a thing of beauty? How can you give a story depth...

Hi LadyMysterio, welcome! Have you got a story you're currently working on?

Yes. In my current story, The Treasure of Everlight, the main character is called Elizabeth-Alicia Veronica Postagestamp... there's in-world logic for the name, promise. She's a high school student who signs up for summer work experience with her older brother, Jake who is a professional...