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Expertise

I am a writer, specializing in novels (fantasy, science fiction and others) and poetry. While I may be able to answer questions on non-fiction, my specialty is fiction. Please keep that in mind when asking questions.

Experience in the area

For four years, I taught a series of fiction writing classes in Sacramento, CA. I've written literally hundreds of essays that are online. My latest novel, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, won BEST FICTION in Fresh Voices 2006, BEST FICTION and BEST YA FICTION in the NCPA Book Awards, and placed as a finalist in BEST BOOKS 2005 (losing to Amy Tan's newest). In 2002, my novel WISH YOU WERE HERE won awards for Best Fantasy and Best Fiction/Drama in the 8th Annual SPA Awards.

What do you like about this subject?

Writing is as natural to me as breathing. I love the joy of creating, and of course, knowing that others have enjoyed my creations.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Only to become better and better. Well, okay... wider recognition for my books would be nice, too.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

I honestly feel that writing well is a skill that anyone can learn. There's less "talent" needed than people might think.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

I always try to incorporate controversial and provocative topics into my novels. Challenging peoples' conventions is great!


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    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    P = Politeness
UserDateKCPComments
Dominic12/25/11101010Thanks so much for the prompt and .....
Demetrius11/16/11101010Mr. Wales explanation was clear and knowllegable .....
Roxy10/29/11101010Thanks for your reply. I know I .....
Roxy10/29/11101010Thanks again for sharing your insight.
Roxy10/28/11101010Thank you for your prompt reply and .....

Recent Answers from Vincent M. Wales

2012-01-06 agents:

You're right... it's difficult to know exactly what they handle.  But there are two guides I can recommend.    One is Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents.  It's published

2011-12-23 Creating characters who are individuals:

Dominic:    Writing humor when it doesn't come naturally to you would be, I imagine, quite difficult.  Especially when you want the sense of humor to be, as you put it, distinctive.  You could always study

2011-11-12 fantasy:

Hi,Demetrius.    Urban fantasy is certainly hot right now and any agent who represents other types of fantasy should also want to represent urban fantasy.  However, that doesn't mean they do.  Always best

2011-11-11 I am a boy of thirteen and I need some help please.:

Magnus:    With such a polite request, how can I refuse?  However, I can only offer a little help, not a lot.    A couple minor corrections:  In your sentence beginning with "Julie," it should be "Julie

2011-10-13 bio in query:

Definitely include the publication.  When mentioning the MA, do what you just did: emphasize that you have the ability to publicize.  That should be a significant consideration for a publisher, since publicity

 

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