Chapter Titles | LOL 060

Chapter Titles | LOL 060

Author: Lex Starwalker July 11, 2022 Duration: 49:00
Today I talk about how naming your chapters can help you when it comes time to summarize your novel for an agent or editor.

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes as a science fiction novel comes to life? Lex Out Loud: Writing Science Fiction pulls back the curtain, offering a raw, ongoing audio diary from author Lex Starwalker. Currently deep in the process of crafting a third novel, Lex invites you into the workshop to witness the triumphs, frustrations, and daily decisions that shape a work of speculative fiction. This isn't a polished lecture series; it's a companionable, real-time exploration of the craft. You'll hear Lex think through plot tangles, wrestle with character motivations, and dissect the balance between scientific plausibility and compelling narrative. The discussions naturally extend beyond just writing novels, touching on world-building applicable to game masters and the broader joys and challenges found within the genre. Each episode of this podcast feels like a conversation with a fellow creator, sharing hard-won insights as they are discovered. If you've ever been curious about how stories are built from the ground up, or if you're looking for a thoughtful companion for your own creative endeavors, this is a space where process is celebrated over product. Tune in to follow the journey, episode by episode, as the book-and the writer-evolve.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Lex Out Loud: Writing Science Fiction
Podcast Episodes
Technology of The Culture | LOL 101 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:43
Today we explore the technology of the Culture, especially its sentient AIs. We examine the reasons true AI might not be possible and decide whether those ideas seem likely to be true. We also look at how humanity will b…
Economics of The Culture | LOL 100 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:08
I return to my discussion of The Culture setting and explore the Culture’s economic systems. This leads to a discussion of our current day economics systems and government corruption. How do we move our current corrupt s…
The Culture's Origins & Government | LOL 099 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:21
I return to my discussion of The Culture setting and explore the Culture’s origins and its structure of government, such as it is. I also touch on why galactic empires are impractical, unlikely, and probably a silly idea…
AI Characters & Their Role in Science Fiction | LOL 098 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:52
This week I share an amazing lecture Martha Wells gave on AI characters in science fiction stories. Quite often these stories involve the enslavement of sentient beings. She gives us a lot of food for thought and shares…
A New Voyage Begins | LOL 097 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
This week I talk a bit about the Foundation and Murderbot TV adaptations. I give a quick update on my novel, Critical Balance, which is coming out. I also explain why I haven’t been able to share the beautiful cover art…
Publishing Your Novel on Amazon with Kindle Direct | LOL 096 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:10
Today I discuss why I decided to publish my book on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing. I share how the whole process works and what I’ve learned so far. I also talk about why I finally decided to do a paperback and…
Self-Publishing Your Novel | LOL 095 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:45
Today I discuss some of how independently publishing works and compare and contrast to the discussion on traditional publishing from the last episode. I share why I think independently publishing these days is almost a n…
Independent Versus Traditional Publishing | LOL 094 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:42
I’ve started a few different novels, and I’ve hit some snags. I’ve had a couple new novel ideas as well. I share the ideas with you, my progress, and my thoughts about which of these books I’m going to write next. I also…
Juggling Novel Ideas | LOL 093 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:56
I’ve started a few different novels, and I’ve hit some snags. I’ve had a couple new novel ideas as well. I share the ideas with you, my progress, and my thoughts about which of these books I’m going to write next. I also…
Hiring an Editor | LOL 092 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:22
Today I return to the show after being completely demoralized by my experience hiring a “professional” editor for my novel Critical Balance. It was a terrible experience. I got conned, lost a lot of money, and have nothi…