Last updated by Chrome Oxide on 08/03/2026
Under the pen name of Chrome Oxide I write humorous science fiction and fantasy. However, I've been accused of writing murder mysteries since I murder the English language and it's a mystery how I get published.
When people ask why I write what I do, I explain that my reality check bounced.
As authors we write what we know, so writing science fiction makes me a space cadet.
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August 3, 2026 - The Costs of Writing
The cost of writing can be minimal. Find something to write with, something to write on, and someplace to write. That doesn't sound like it has to be expensive. It can be done with a pen and paper. That can be enough to get started.
RESEARCH - TALK TO EXPERTS:
What if your fiction references real-world people, items, events, or acts?
Not all fiction requires research, but sometimes
speaking with an expert can help the writer avoid mistakes
that can break the reader's immersion.
Do you want to write the character who shoots twenty-eight people with a revolver without reloading?
I'm claiming that is why I attended the Surf Guitar 101 Surf Music Festival, July 31, - August 2, 2026.
I'm currently working on a novel about a band traveling across the country. It shouldn't matter that it doesn't take place in modern times, in the country where I live, or that the musicians aren't even human. What matters is that a drunken audience listening to musicians is likely to act the same way no matter what the other circumstances are.
While at the show, I spoke with three musicians who promised to contact me after they recover from this weekend to talk about their expertise. I have lined up a guitarist, bassist, and drummer.
I still need to recover from the show. :-)
MARKET RESEARCH - TALK TO AUDIENCE:
While at the show, I conducted a statistically insignificant sampling
of music fans, tapers, vendors, and musicians.
Depending on their reaction, I limited myself to showing them the book
cover. Some I also gave my elevator pitch.
When there was interest, I provided my author introduction and spoke
about my short story collection and my
Joke of the Weak Week.
The response varied from "that's nice for you"
to "where can I buy the audio or print book?"
I found out that some of the people I spoke with don't spend much time reading.
CONCLUSION:
A writer should consider out-of-the-box thinking when
preparing for and writing.
In my case, in-the-box, or in-the-venue thinking can be useful as well. :-)
END OF DOCUMENT
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