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Ted Chiang is the reason I started writing fiction. A few months ago I got the chance to meet him and have him critique one of my stories, as well as pick his b

Ted Chiang is the reason I started writing fiction. A few months ago I got the chance to meet him and have him critique one of my stories, as well as pick his brain on his process. I wrote about it here for those that are curious: https://tinyletter.com/jamesyu/letters/meeting-ted-chiang-and-slow-writing https://tinyletter.com/jamesyu/letters/meeting-ted-chiang-an...

llbowers 7y ago
I'm always impressed by those who follow their more creative side. Best of luck to you in your endeavors.
hestipod 7y ago
Do you still enjoy it and how do you keep your love for it? I took up writing for a bit years ago because I love stories and reading, but I quickly found out I hated actually writing. I enjoyed ideas, intros, getting started...but none of the rest of it and it felt like work and a bother. I stick to reading now and wonder how common it is to have fun ruined by work when you aren't realistic about what its like on the other side. Like people who love taking photos...then learn to hate cameras as they struggle to earn shooting weddings and instagram models. I love Chiang and wish he had more and longer stuff. Quality over quantity I guess.
- gchamonlive 7y ago
  do you jump right into writing? Do you write long or short stories? Do you scribble stuff just for fun? writing is a continuous process as well as a developed skill. You should write stuff just for fun, just for picking up your own language and structure. Then write short stories that are easy to manage. For larger books you have to create a solid structure first. Characters traits, genealogy and interactions, world lore for fantasy, timeline flowcharts, anyway all the backstage setup so you don't get lost or contradict yourself. It is a lot of effort, but is just a natural continuation of the first two exercises (writing for the fun of it and writing short pieces).
  - jamesjyu 7y ago
    Agreed here. You must love the material/story or you’ll never write it. Also writing is revision, and revision is hard, even for professionals. But it’s the process of going through the hard parts that make the story good. Staying passionate can be a challenge, especially if you’re writing long form like a novel. And sometimes, even for short stories. The thing to remember is that writing is rarely a linear process. If you’re trying to force a story out, it won’t work. The readers will also sense this immediately. You need to take breaks from the material and come back with fresh eyes, especially when you’ve lost the spark.
  - andrewflnr 7y ago
    There are lots of successful authors who just jump into longer works and make it up as they go. Building background can help, but is not mandatory. There are very few absolutes in writing. That said, writing for an audience beyond yourself is work, just like anything worthwhile.
    - gchamonlive 7y ago
      sure, but I wrote that in the context of someone jumping in and feeling overwhelmed
mrfusion 7y ago
Do you have a recommended reading list and order for ted chiang?
- jamesjyu 7y ago
  Just get his two anthologies: Story of Your Life and Others, and Exhalation. They’re not long, but you’ll find that his stories are worth rereading. I’d recommend starting with Tower of Babylon or Understand, then jumping into Story of Your Life.

llbowers 7y ago

I'm always impressed by those who follow their more creative side. Best of luck to you in your endeavors.

hestipod 7y ago

Do you still enjoy it and how do you keep your love for it? I took up writing for a bit years ago because I love stories and reading, but I quickly found out I hated actually writing. I enjoyed ideas, intros, getting started...but none of the rest of it and it felt like work and a bother. I stick to reading now and wonder how common it is to have fun ruined by work when you aren't realistic about what its like on the other side. Like people who love taking photos...then learn to hate cameras as they struggle to earn shooting weddings and instagram models. I love Chiang and wish he had more and longer stuff. Quality over quantity I guess.

gchamonlive 7y ago
do you jump right into writing? Do you write long or short stories? Do you scribble stuff just for fun? writing is a continuous process as well as a developed skill. You should write stuff just for fun, just for picking up your own language and structure. Then write short stories that are easy to manage. For larger books you have to create a solid structure first. Characters traits, genealogy and interactions, world lore for fantasy, timeline flowcharts, anyway all the backstage setup so you don't get lost or contradict yourself. It is a lot of effort, but is just a natural continuation of the first two exercises (writing for the fun of it and writing short pieces).
- jamesjyu 7y ago
  Agreed here. You must love the material/story or you’ll never write it. Also writing is revision, and revision is hard, even for professionals. But it’s the process of going through the hard parts that make the story good. Staying passionate can be a challenge, especially if you’re writing long form like a novel. And sometimes, even for short stories. The thing to remember is that writing is rarely a linear process. If you’re trying to force a story out, it won’t work. The readers will also sense this immediately. You need to take breaks from the material and come back with fresh eyes, especially when you’ve lost the spark.
- andrewflnr 7y ago
  There are lots of successful authors who just jump into longer works and make it up as they go. Building background can help, but is not mandatory. There are very few absolutes in writing. That said, writing for an audience beyond yourself is work, just like anything worthwhile.
  - gchamonlive 7y ago
    sure, but I wrote that in the context of someone jumping in and feeling overwhelmed

mrfusion 7y ago

Do you have a recommended reading list and order for ted chiang?

jamesjyu 7y ago
Just get his two anthologies: Story of Your Life and Others, and Exhalation. They’re not long, but you’ll find that his stories are worth rereading. I’d recommend starting with Tower of Babylon or Understand, then jumping into Story of Your Life.