#WritersCoffeeClub 14/3: Do you think readers want new experiences in structure or narrative, or do they prefer what's familiar?
I'm sure readers want both of those things. But I like to read things that are creative and original - from which I can experience a different perspective and learn something new. Please. And since I am the most prolific reader of my books by a massive margin, I lean in that direction when writing.
#WritersCoffeeClub Do you think readers want new experiences in structure or narrative, or do they prefer what's familiar?
Readers want familiar. But there’s a risk the writer becomes a slave to commercialism by keeping their creativity inline with what sells rather than what truly reflects themselves. This is a trap many creatives fall into because it’s hard to make a living as a creator.
I think alternative styles may prove popular in the future as artists can innovate, when AI only imitates
#WritersCoffeeClub 14/3: Do you think readers want new experiences in structure or narrative, or do they prefer what's familiar?
Well, ‘new experiences in structure or narrative’ sounds like the sort of experimental writing that turns most readers off. Star Trek might seek out new life and new civilisations, but it tells the stories of those encounters in highly traditional ways. Storytelling is as old as humanity, and is a big part of what makes us human.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Mar. 13: Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
For a short story about a dentist, I asked my cousin (who is an actual dentist) about how she deals with difficult patients.
#WritersCoffeeClub Mar. 13: Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
Very lucky to have a friend group with a wide array of professions including a forensic pathologist, two research biologists, artists in different mediums, dancers, tech workers etc. I have twice emailed folks in far flung fields—easel painting conservation, art crime, and saint veneration in English folk practice—and found people are happy to talk about their area of expertise.
#WritersCoffeeClub 13 Mar: Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
I wrote a paper on how the Bible is erroneous and full of plot holes, then I consulted a doctor of theology with it.
It was a good conversation. Not fruitful, but enlightening.
#WritersCoffeeClub Mar. 13: Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
I wanted to do a scene with a tarot reading in it, and I have no experience in that, but I have a friend who does--so I told her what I wanted the reading to mean, and she laid out the proper cards, etc.
#WritersCoffeeClub Mar. 13: Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
For #ZackJackson 2, I wrote the Hayden Planetarium and asked specific questions about unprotected exposure to the vacuum of space. I never received a response. :/
#WritersCoffeeClub 3/13: Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
Happens regularly!
Back in 2014 I was writing "The Nightmare Stacks" and wanted a Eurofighter Typhoon v. Dragon Rider dogfight over the Yorkshire dales (NB: not-exactly dragons ridden by elven sorcerers with basilisk weapons for visual-range engagement). Consulted a friend who had just retired from the RAF as a squadron leader. The dynamics of fast jet vs. helicopter gunship combat fit well …
#WritersCoffeeClub March 13. Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
I've never done this. I do plenty of research on my stories but I've never consulted an actual person. I'll read a book or an article instead.
#WritersCoffeeClub 13Mar—Talk about an experience where you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
I...don't think I've directly consulted an expert.
I've been getting massages for 20 years (chronic migraines), and used that experience to develop a character in book 3. That's less consulting and more relying on my own interpretations.
Aside from that, though, I can't think of anything.
#writersCoffeeClub 13 Mar: Talk about an experience where you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
Let me see. When I first started writing about Laz, I talked to a friend who is a veteran with PTSD. She graciously read some of his sections and gave me feedback. When I wrote LHftW, I had a neurologist friend take a look at some sections. And I'm always asking people who are experts in various languages for translation assistance.
#WritersCoffeeClub 13/3: Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
For clear examples of direct consultation, I turn to my non-fiction career. When writing a piece about mountain bikes and erosion, for example, I not only spoke to/emailed people like Fix the Fells, I spent a day at a footpath conference in the Lake District. I almost felt like a proper journalist.
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#WritersCoffeeClub 3/13. Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
I haven't felt brave enough yet. I write as a hobby and don't want to waste other people's time with silly questions.
#WritersCoffeeClub 3/13. Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
It may not be obvious but while I may be bi, I'm not a lesbian. 😆
So when I decided to write a romantasy featuring a lesbian MC I enlisted the help of a (very successful) lesbian writer.
Her only comment: "Moooaaar romance."
Dear reader, I did not include more romance.
Much earlier I wrote the Maliha Anderson books, Maliha is Anglo-Indian and consulted a friend writer who lives in India. Apart from suggesting changing a name (for regional reasons), apparently I got that right too.
People are always people.
#WritersCoffeeClub 13/3: Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
When I was writing Rum I went to an open day at a local medieval windmill (Pitstone Windmill at Ivinghoe) to find out how it worked. There was a guy explaining and lots of that got into the book because two of the main characters are millers. How the mill worked ended up being part of the story. I can't say I consult experts overmuch tho - mostly I just look stuff up online or in actual books.
#WritersCoffeeClub 13/3: Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing
I had a scene that referenced gender experiences I have not had, so I consulted a friend closer to those experiences for a vibe check.
#WritersCoffeeClub March 12 2026:
Does your work reflect your morals? How so?
Oh hell yes. I write the world the way I want it to be - so women are valued as full people AND have partners who love them fully rather than this Patriarchal hellscape crap. I have #LGBTQIA folks who have full rights and when they're hated for loving each other, the haters are imprisoned. Love is love, Women's rights are human rights, and I write #romance
Writers’ Coffee Club for 13th March 2026
13. Talk about an experience when you consulted an expert for a piece of writing.
Well, I do this all the time for work, but I don’t think I’ve done it for my recent fiction efforts. I’ve looked up things a few times to check information, and much of the material I refer to is written or prepared by experts, but I haven’t consulted anyone in person (or via email or phone or whatever).
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#WritersCoffeeClub March 12. How do you “stress test” your work?
The stress is mostly me spiraling about “is this just dreck?” Or “do I even know what I’m doing?” Or “maybe all those other books were flukes and I definitely have no idea what I’m doing?” The test part is me sending a manuscript to my editor and then going through that same spiral all over again. I’m certain there are less neurotic writers than me and I envy them.
I finally got around to removing my one and only book, The Other Euclid, from Amazon. It's a sci-fi comedy about an alien stranded on earth since the late 1500s.
I don't have anywhere to download it from but if you want to read it for free (epub only), while I work out what to do with it, please DM me an email address and I'll send you a copy (all emails will be binned straight after - I'm not collecting mailing lists).
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#WritersCoffeeClub Mar 12 - How do you "stress test" your work?
I'm not sure I know what that means? I usually get lots of people to read it and give feedback before I do much with it.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12/3: How do you "stress test" your work?
I read a completed draft:
1. In my writing software on my phone or tablet
2. Again on the laptop
3. As a formatted .epub on my phone, with a paper notebook to write down errors
With breaks in between so my eyes are fresher (cover time!).
#writersCoffeeClub 12 March: How do you "stress test" your work?
It tests me, by causing me stress.
I have a complex system of friends who read as alpha/beta readers, sometimes I have a developmental editor, I have a writing group, and then my editor does combined line/copy edits. Errors that make it through all of that (and they do) maybe deserve to stay.
#WritersCoffeeClub Mar. 12: How do you "stress test" your work?
I have a gang of test readers. Then it goes to my editor of first resort—my agent (who used to be a Big Six editor before changing career)—for edits. Then it goes to my acquiring editors at the publishers (US and UK) who edit it. And so on. By the time it finally trickles into print I've been over it so many times I can't bear to see it again.
