ninth sense

Audience

As an avid reader of science fiction/fantasy I have a natural tendency to remain within that genre. My narrator takes the audience on a journey. Throughout the Master of Arts (Writing) we had discussed the audience and how to appeal to their tastes. I believe if we write the things we like to read, and that have been published, we will reach a similar audience. I also believe there is danger of losing the creative edge if too concerned with the audience in the first draft stage. As a writer I take myself on the journey, at times getting lost but often reaching the end with an element of satisfaction. My characters take control and dictate to me where it is they want to go. It is at the editing stage I remove myself from the journey and refine the work keeping in mind the audience. Even during several edits or rewrites the characters have more say in what goes on than what I do.

Methodology

Writing has been relatively easy for me. Ideas spring to mind and I record them. It is important for me when developing an idea to write regularly and equally as important to incubate an idea or ideas within the story. A good routine will see me up early in the morning, writing and researching. If I find a lull in my creativity I switch to writing a timeline, writing possible scenarios, playing scenarios in my head whilst listening to music, drawing pictures, building character profiles or simply have a break. I also find it useful to research extensively even though the results won’t be seen in my work. Research provides structure for the story, gives the work substance and may lead my mind into new creative loops. I’m careful not to ‘show’ how much I’ve researched unless it complements the story. There is such a thing as too much ‘useful’ information which may interrupt the reader’s journey.

Theoretical frame of reference

Most of my work, whether artwork or written work, has a foundation in Eco-criticism. I’m interested in the relationship between people and their environment and explore new ways to place my characters in cultures where views on ecological balances are important. Even my website reflects my efforts to bond the literary world with the environment. In addition Bioregionalism is another frame of reference for most of my work. I believe that humans, animals and plant life share a place in space and time and when I build my fantasy worlds I try to combine aspects of sustainability, politics and self-sufficiency.

In The Praeda Chronicles however, my exegesis would reflect conflict theory, a predominant psychoanalytic theory. While races raised in and for warfare and conflict may seek alternative means to resolve differences, and that such alternative means may ultimately be more satisfying and successful, the characters who make up the Praeda team find that when it comes to resolving issues sometimes the only way is the warlike way.

Bibliography of books that have influenced my writing

While I cannot say if these books are the same theoretical frame of reference as mine most contain elements of conflict theory and raise issues of natural resources and contain political/power intrigue.

Recent: C. J. Samson - all books Previous works:

The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien The Lord of the Rings J.R. Tolkien Mary Gentle - Grunts!, Golden Witchbreed and other novels in the series Anne McCaffrey - The Ship Who Sang and most of her novels Frank Herbert - Dune series Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson - Prelude to Dune and other Dune series David Gemmell – entire collection Elizabeth Moon – The Serrano Legacy Stephen Donaldson – The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant Raymond Feist – Magician and most of his other novels Julian May – Saga of the Exiles Robert Silverberg – Lord Valentine’s Castle and other similar novels Brian Aldiss – Helliconia Trilogy