For my final project, I plan to turn "To Be an Emulator" into a complete SF story, incorporating some of the suggestions from the class workshop. In it I hope to explore further the question of the extent to which a person can seem to emulate another's thoughts and feelings based on that other's visible behavior. I expect to have a complete draft by Wednesday, November 21, which I will then be able to print out, get copied, and bring to a genre workshop in New Jersey on Sunday, November 25, after which I will probably do at least one more revision before submitting it for publication. As I have generally advised others who ask me, I will submit it to the SF magazine where I would most like to see it (probably Fantasy & Science Fiction), followed by the next, etc., until I hope to see it accepted somewhere before the end of 2008.
Comments (5)
Hi, Lucy. I would like to see your final story when it is done. I think it's a good strategy to write for publication. It helps me to focus, and I see you've got the same idea. What is your genre group? Is that some sort of informal writer's group that you attend? I am thinking about going that route instead of applying for an MFA program--the goal being to jump start my fiction writing. I would have to find a group close to home, though(Queens, Brooklyn or Manhattan). Any ideas?
Posted by Maryellen | November 19, 2007 8:28 PM
Posted on November 19, 2007 20:28
Hi Lucy. I agree with Maryellen that it's a good strategy to write for publication. It sets real-world limits on the piece and helps you focus.
You're well on your way with this, so there's not much to say yet.
I'm curious, though, to know whether Zunshine's ideas about theory of mind ended up having an influence on your "emulator" idea. Along these lines, you might also read Ann Jurecic's article "Neurodiverity," about autism and writing (on Blackboard). It also contains some interesting insights about theory of mind and offers an overview of the debates on the subject.
Posted by Jason Tougaw | November 23, 2007 9:24 AM
Posted on November 23, 2007 09:24
It sounds like you have a great plan! You appear to be a very creative and motivated person, and i'm sure everything will be finished, and revised. by the deadline. =)
Posted by Jessica | November 23, 2007 5:16 PM
Posted on November 23, 2007 17:16
That sounds great Lucy. There were aspects of your prose that were very strong and stood well when we looked at it in workshop. Incorporating them will be helpful. Do you have any specific questions for our group you would like feedback on? I'm sure as we all move forward, this may be the case. I sure it will be for me!
thanks
JCurrie
Posted by john | November 26, 2007 10:31 AM
Posted on November 26, 2007 10:31
Hi Lucy,
Your plan for your story sounds well thought out. I think the idea behind your story is really interesting-- the idea of emulating others' thoughts and feelings. I look forward to seeing another draft, because I remember in the workshop piece we did not hear too much about the emulating specifically, so I am very interested in hearing more about that.
Other than that, it seems like you are on a good track!
Jenna
Posted by Jenna | November 26, 2007 2:43 PM
Posted on November 26, 2007 14:43