Star Maker, by Olaf Stapledon, Reviewed.

Is this the precursor of much of today’s science fiction? The themes, ideas, stories he covers in this long work are multitude. I’ve read developments of these ideas in so many other works. First published in 1937, it is definitely a work of its time. The style, a narrative without dialogue, is dated and I suspect many new readers would find it difficult. But it is well worth the effort of reading the whole work.

The voyage, unexplained in terms of the ‘how?’, is more concerned with the ‘why?’ and deals with this question very well. Multiple imagined worlds are brought alive on the page, alien life is explored and many diverse creatures described.

The author examines the big themes: war, man’s self-destructive nature, religion, relationships, the natural world, and many more. He looks at potential mental development and attempts to get inside the minds of creatures with greater experience, higher intelligence, different moral stances than our own. There is an undercurrent of analogy to the world in which the book was written; a reflection of the concerns and worries engendered by the burgeoning aggression that would ultimately be World War II.

This is a massive work of intellect and imagination. Yes, there are limitations on the science posed by the lack of knowledge at the time of its writing, but there are also surprising references to ideas we still hold dear.

Those who enjoy science fiction for its ability to examine serious themes, to go beyond the guns and rockets and lasers of the gamers and star warriors, will find a lot to enjoy within these pages. Those who thrive on battling superships and military space academicians will be less excited. But this is a work that may well have been seminal for writers who followed. Within its pages are the seeds of many later stories by other writers, and I wonder how many of those seeds began to grow in the fertile brains of developing talent as they read this book.

I enjoyed it and happily recommend it to those who enjoy science fiction with something to say beyond the obvious.

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Author, William Horwood, Interviewed.

 Hello William, please tell us about you, as a writer.

67 years old, 5’11”, 18 novels published since 1980

Your latest book AWAKENING is an adult fantasy novel. Perhaps you’d you give us some             insight into it in a few sentences?

Awakening, adult fantasy fiction. This is the second in a quartet of books about the Hyddenworld, a parallel universe of little people The overall story arc is how some hydden and human heroes combine to save the universe from destruction caused by human abuse of the Earth. (SA – This was published by PanMacmillan on 5^th August 2011)

How did you come to write this particular book?

I had the idea a decade ago while driving along a motorway and imagining that little people (hydden) lived on the verges. I sold it to PanMacmillan.

Do you have a favourite character from the book? If so, who and why this particular one?

Yes, Bedwyn Stort, a scholarly hydden. He’s a true hero, meaning he doesn’t know he is.

Where can people buy your books?

In book-stores or as an e-book. 

(SA, see William's author page on Amazon UK – or in USA )

What qualities does a writer need to be successful?

Persistence, a reading habit, abilty to work alone.

What’s your working method?

2000 words a day, then revise previous words. I rarely achieve it, but that target means that the books get written.

What’s the single biggest mistake made by beginner writers?

Two connected ones: crazy belief that what they’re doing is REALLY important and an inability to ruthlessly self edit. The quickest cure is to read what you’ve written aloud into a tape recorder, and listen to it. Trust me, you’ll soon hear the errors of your ways and appreciate you are not Shakespeare or Chekhov.

To what extent are grammar and spelling important in writing?

Important. Especially now books are so badly copy-edited by publishers.

How much do you revise your MS before sending it off?

Hugely.

As a writer of fantasy fiction to what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?

The only thing useful in the publishing world is what gives readers pleasure and sells well enough to be worth repeating.

Many authors see marketing as a bind. What's your opinion on this, and how do you deal with it?

Marketing is vital. Study it. Even more so now that self marketing is possible via the internet. We are less in the hands of the publishers than we were so it’s gotten easier.

What sort of displacement activities keep you from writing?

Everything you can think of and more. When, during the writing day, I get a sudden conviction that I MUST do something other than writing, I know it’s displacement. Too often I do it anyway.

What support, if any, do you receive from family and friends, writing group, or dedicated professionals?

A lot from a very, very few. The rest simply do not understand.

Is presentation of the MS as important as agents and publishers suggest?

Yes.

How long does it take you to write a novel?

About 14 months. Quickest was 31 days; longest 4 years.

Who or what inspires your writing?

Many other novelists, films and a desire to share my vision with others.

If there’s a single aspect of writing you find frustrating, what is it?

Wish I could work faster.

Is there a particular feature of writing that you really enjoy?

Field research and writing the last chapters of a book.

Do you believe creative writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?

Both. People with no talent get published and make money; people with loads often never do.

What are you writing now?

The third novel in the Hyddenworld Quartet.

Do you have a website or blog where readers can visit?

http://www.williamhorwood.co.uk/index.php

Given unlimited resources, where would you do your writing?

In an airy, summery room with instant access to a hamam, swimming pool, boule ground, my partner, a great kitchen, wonderful ingredients, a top restaurant, and a deserted beach.

Where do you actually write?

In my living room.