Dean Foster
Dean Foster
book character amusement
In one book, CACHALOT, just for my own amusement, every character is based directly on someone I have known.
emptiness apex
An apex is always surrounded only by emptiness
writing trying trends
Don't try to write to the trend of the moment.
writing
I've been writing full-time since 1978.
children revenge games
Getting inside the mind of a terrorist wasn't difficult at all. Even as children, human beings fabricate elaborate revenge fantasies. We're not a particular species. Check out popular video games.
basketball character years
I enjoy listening to classical music and heavy metal. I play basketball and try to go diving at least once a year. I don't really have hobbies in the traditional sense... I engage in too many activities already through the actions of my characters.
stories research fantasy
How much research I have to do depends on the nature of the story. For fantasy, none at all.
art philosophy band
There is nothing in art, in philosophy, or in politics to match the fervor of mutual cooperation among discordant bands of fanatics.
writing symphony notes
I hear entire symphonies, oratorios, in my head, but I can't write a note.
writing perfect important
Keep writing. Try to do a little bit every day, even if the result looks like crap. Getting from page four to page five is more important than spending three weeks getting page four perfect.
challenges trying
I try to challenge myself as much as possible, as often as possible.
mean writing matter
There's certainly more new SF available than when I started writing. That means there's also more bad SF available. Whether there is also more good is a matter for future historians of the field.
diversity fields triumph
The overwhelming triumph of the international multimedia conglomerate has resulted in less diversity within the field and has made it much harder for newer writers not only to break in, but to make any kind of a living while doing so.
motivation mistake character
Besides the mistakes that are pointed out, I love the way readers become involved with the characters. When readers start asking about character motivations instead of concentrating on the special effects, it means you're connecting with them on a personal level.