This is why nobody ever asks me for writing advice

[mariness]

Some time ago, Shimmer interviewed me regarding my story, "A Cellar of Terrible Things," which will be appearing in their upcoming issue 15. (Which not at all incidentally is available for preorder here and will be available for real order on Friday! So, upcoming soon!)

During the course of the interview, they made the mistake of asking me for

Comments

[fbhjr]

It seems like good advice to me.

But, I am worried to find out that dragons eat teddy bears.

[mariness]

I feel it's necessary to warn people.

[selidor]

As Margaret Mahy said, if there's a lion in the meadow, bring out the dragon in the matchbox. Of course, this means you end up with a lion trying to hide inside complaining about the dragon in the meadow. But as you document, it works well.

[mariness]

....as long as a cat isn't sitting on your keyboard....

[figgyscott]

I loved your interview comments. I already have a dragon (like this one - http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/419hj9veHaL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) so I am really lacking in excuses to write. I even downloaded the "Write or Die" program but have yet to brave starting it up.

[mariness]

Hee. I should really remember to pick one of those things up on the next Epcot visit.

Those sorts of programs never seemed to help me, but I think everyone varies.

[time_shark]

Looks sound to me! :-D

[mariness]

You may not be the most fair judge of the writing assistance of dragons, though. Plus, Anita can just create one for you....

[silviamg]

That's better than the answer I gave this week when someone asked what to study to become a writer.

My answer: Study a STEM career!

The poor high schooler was then subjected to a 10 minute explanation of what the diet of a working writer looks like: beans, beans and...oh, Kraft Mac and Cheese with the explanation that writers who eat tend to have the necessary strength to write.

[selidor]

I do like that answer.
Though that does add the slight difficulty that when studying one's STEM career, diet can be similar.

[mariness]

Also, oatmeal!

Although, to be fair, I really like oatmeal, so as writing deprivations go, this isn't much.

[silviamg]

I call it the Lovecraft principle: do I want to die in my fifties suffering from malnutrition?

If the answer is no, consider these other attractive career options...

(though I do enjoy oatmeal)