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A blog for authors and readers by publishers. By Wordsmack - a South African speculative science fiction publisher. Wordsmack accepts short stories, novellas and novels on a year-long submissions basis.
10 Questions for the New Face of Science Fiction
As our editors are working on the second instalment in the unique sci-fi short story series, Idea War, we had author Abi Godsell answer 10 questions on why she writes science fiction and where her inspiration lies:
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| Abi Godsell, author of Idea War: Volume 1. Fresh faced indeed. |
Why do you write in the sci-fi genre?
Well, I'd classify myself as a Speculative Fiction girl mostly. Sci-fi is one of the genres I do a lot of work in at the moment, mostly I think because it combines story and science, future and fiction. It gives the distance that we need to say the things that are too painful and close, but never-the-less need to be talked about. It's also fun!
You have very interesting female characters in your books. Are they inspired by real-life people?
Absolutely. Not directly, but, bits and pieces are borrowed and extrapolated from the incredible girls and women I grew up with. I had the good fortune to be in monastic schooling, so got to see girls playing a lot of the roles that stories and media often relegate to the male realm. It took me a while to learn to write boys, though!
What was the book that inspired you to become a writer?
Sabriel by Garth Nix. It wasn't the first book I fell in love with, or my favourite book of all time, but it came at a time when I was verging on wanting to tell my own stories. It had everything, spooky setting with solid, chunky, believeable magic, a cross-over into a world much like our own, a strong and complex and very relatable female protagonist, military themes, and delicately handled romance. Part of it was also set at an all-girls' school. It was the first text that made me say, not just, 'This is so cool!' but 'This is cool ... I wonder how something like this would go down here?' And that was it, I was sold, and staring out of the window during a boring economics class was never quite the same again.
What is your favourite character of all time?
Wooo. Tough call. It changes, of course, every day, sometimes more than once a day, depending on I don't know, mood, weather, how annoyed I am by traffic. But there are staples, characters I like and respect and relax into reading about, like putting on a familiarly worn jersey. Merriman Lyon from Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising. The Maid, from William Morris' Wood Beyond the World. Karl from FreakAngels, Vol. 1 by Warren Ellis and Paul Duffield. Coraline and The Sandman from Neil Gaiman's book and comic of the same names respectively.
Steampunk or dieselpunk. Why?
Neither! I'm a Junkpunk fan. Junkpunk out of Phillip Gross's Psylicon Beach. I guess that would mean I lean more towards the dieselpunk in that I like noise and mess and rust and oil. That great towering cement factory that you see coming along the N3 into Joburg, that's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. But, to be serious, it depends on the execution, and the story itself. With so much variety, so many voices and so many views coming into genre fiction lately, because the internet is a wonderful, wonderful thing, its hard to talk about homogenous genres, especially ones that are already so close.
How do you envision Johannesburg in 30 years' time?Greener, quieter, good public transport. In 30 years time I hope we'll have solved the fragmentation along economic, and, still, racial lines that is this parting gift to this city from the Apartheid Government. We have some wonderful talent and passion in our local government and planning departments. So I envision good and exciting things.
If you could make one change to Johannesburg, what would it be?
Just one? Another tough call. Actually not as tough. Free, high-speed internet access city wide. First step along a difficult and slow road that ends with all of us being able to see and talk to each other.
Do you think South Africans should read sci-fi, why?
Absolutely. We are governed, in a small way, by a truly exquisite piece of science fiction: The poem that is the pre-amble to the National Development Plan. It talks about a hopeful, accessible vision of our country in 2030. We spend quite a bit of time talking about what isn't working in the country, which is required, yes, but maybe it's also time to start dreaming of a future that does. We are a country in the process of re-writing our own future. I think sci-fi is essential.
Why did you include a map of the future Johannesburg in your book?
I like to work with very specific locations when I write, ones that I can visit and draw, map and study. Not so I know them, but to try and capture a little of the richness that is living in Johannesburg, and weave it into my work. I liked the idea that maybe, someone would look at the map and say, 'Hey! That's my house, there in the middle of this disaster zone!' or 'I know this road on which this firefight is taking place, I drive it to work everyday.'
Three books you suggest everyone to read?
Something your kids are reading, for school or otherwise. Something that someone your grandmother's age talks about fondly, and something, anything on a subject that you didn't even know existed before!
About Idea War: Volume 1
Sixteen-year-old Callie Baxter refuses to just sit tight and accept the invaders who have occupied her city. Underneath the new Government’s façade of order and fairness lies the ugly reason for its being here, and it’s up to Callie’s group of underground rebels to expose its brutal objective.
She’s worked hard to keep her fledgling group of passionate rebels alive, but as the Government’s hit squads narrow in on them, she realises she has only just begun to understand the pain of loss, and the true cost of growing up.
Abi Godsell uses the groundbreaking new format of a short story science fiction series for a highly entertaining and smart read. In the first instalment of the Idea War series, we’re introduced to the characters behind the resistance to the Chinese occupation of Johannesburg, South Africa. Through the perspectives of various characters, it soon becomes clear that the new government’s first priority is far removed from the one they propagate on the blimps that dot the city’s skyline.
The city represents a shining example of recovery to the outside world, but can a small group of determined teenagers overcome the decay that has taken root at its core?
She’s worked hard to keep her fledgling group of passionate rebels alive, but as the Government’s hit squads narrow in on them, she realises she has only just begun to understand the pain of loss, and the true cost of growing up.
Abi Godsell uses the groundbreaking new format of a short story science fiction series for a highly entertaining and smart read. In the first instalment of the Idea War series, we’re introduced to the characters behind the resistance to the Chinese occupation of Johannesburg, South Africa. Through the perspectives of various characters, it soon becomes clear that the new government’s first priority is far removed from the one they propagate on the blimps that dot the city’s skyline.
The city represents a shining example of recovery to the outside world, but can a small group of determined teenagers overcome the decay that has taken root at its core?
Buy the book here:
Idea War: Volume 1 About Abi Godsell:
Abi Godsell has been writing sci-fi, horror and urban magic short stories since 2006. She has had several stories published in Something Wicked and in 2011 she won the South African Science Fiction and Fantasy's South African division of the Nova Short Story contest for her sci-fi piece "Taal". She also moonlights as an Urban Planning student.
She's dreaming of free public transport and internet access and musty basement libraries full of books and books and books. Creating new worlds is her speciality, and she set her first novel, Idea War, in a dystopian future Johannesburg, where the recovery is cautious, hesitant.
She has a thing for steampunk themes, engines and science fiction that includes strong female characters.
She has a blog, is on twitter and can also be liked on Facebook. Just click on the links.
She's dreaming of free public transport and internet access and musty basement libraries full of books and books and books. Creating new worlds is her speciality, and she set her first novel, Idea War, in a dystopian future Johannesburg, where the recovery is cautious, hesitant.
She has a thing for steampunk themes, engines and science fiction that includes strong female characters.
She has a blog, is on twitter and can also be liked on Facebook. Just click on the links.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane: A Novel
I'm not quite sure what to make of this book. I enjoyed it - as with all Gaiman books - but it seemed to be lackign something. I'm not sure whether it is because it's supposed to be a novel, but it's written as a children's book most of the time, or whether the characters just aren't that well developed. The story itself seems to lag sometimes. But then I read it in two days and it intrigued me too, so... Basically I'm a bit underwhelmed, but would recommend it to Gaiman fans.
Brilliant! I read the first one and enjoyed it, but this one is simply astounding. It's completely different, dark and original. It is set in a fantastical world that you just want to know more about. The writing style is beautiful and keeps you captivated throughout. I will recommend reading the first one as it is also really good and you need it to read this one. As mentioned in some of the other reviews, I would definitely classify it as older than YA though.
Free: Comprehension and language worksheet and content
Attention teachers looking for some local content: You can download the free Idea War: Volume 1 Comprehension and language worksheet for Grade 9's here. The worksheet is CAPS-compliant and the story is relatable as it is set in Johannesburg.
The link takes you to Abi Godsell's blog, sorry for the redirect, but Wordpress can host pdfs.
Looking for Alaska
It's good, it's great, but it is quite self-indulgent (even for a YA book) and I think the second half could really have been better. For a debut novel though, it is very good and I think it should be read by teenagers as it deals with various issues they often face.
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My top books of 2013 according to Goodreads and Booklikes
Wordsmack is back from holiday! And this year we will be bringing you some amazing books. In the meantime though, if you're looking for recommendations, you can go to my Goodreads profile. I am now the 11th top reviewer on Goodreads in SA.
In 2013 I fell just shy of my target of 50 books with 47 books. Here are my five-star books:
And some local favourites I enjoyed this year (I'm only including one of our own):
To see the full list, click here.
The Other Side of Dawn (The Tomorrow Series #7)
As with the others, a lot of fun, a lot of action and teenage angst. I like the premise for these books, but it's a bit repetitive. However, they keep you reading and it feels a bit more real and dark than some other YA books.
The Night is for Hunting (The Tomorrow Series #6)
As with the others, a lot of fun, a lot of action and teenage angst. I like the premise for these books, but it's a bit repetitive. However, they keep you reading and it feels a bit more real and dark than some other YA books.
Burning for Revenge (The Tomorrow Series #5)
As with the others, a lot of fun, a lot of action and teenage angst. I like the premise for these books, but it's a bit repetitive. However, they keep you reading and it feels a bit more real and dark than some other YA books.
Darkness Be My Friend (The Tomorrow Series #4)
As with all the others: highly enjoyable, gave me nightmares, full of action, tension and teenage angst, not brilliantly proofread. I enjoy the series because I really think it's original and I love how fast I get through them. I just wish Ellie would be slightly less repetitive.
The Affair (Jack Reacher 16)
It is fun to go back and see how Jack became the famous Jack Reacher we all know and love. However, as with most of his books, there is just too much nothing in the middle and it's really starting to annoy me. The main reason I keep reading is because we listen to the books in the car and it definitely makes the road trip a lot more fun.
Apocalypse Now Now
This horror, fantasy is definitely original and a lot of fun. It was great reading a local story by an author that I'm sure will go places. The horror was a bit much for me - a bit too visual and definitely meant for boys - but it was a lot of fun too. For a much better worded review go here: http://cyanseagulls.wordpress.com/2013/11/20/review-charlie-humans-apocalypse-now-now/
Your Pregnancy Week by Week
A good guide to your body and your growing baby in bite size chunks. A bit too much information though.
When the Sea is Rising Red
I really enjoyed this original fantasy: the strong female protagonist, the world the author created (with quite funny Afrikaans words thrown in to build the world), the darkness and the adventure. I look forward to reading the next one.
Authors: Get More Eyeballs on Your Books
Authors, especially those who are self-publishing, need to be aware of the huge, untapped market that the tech industry is frothing at the mouth for: the mobile phone consumer.
The juicy information below shows that from the commuter in London to the infrastructure-poor teen in South Africa everyone is using mobile phones more and more for accessing the internet – sharing, browsing and reading. From buying life insurance to banking to watching videos, cellphones are becoming relevant in a big way, especially on a continent where the middle class market is expected to grow and the ratio of phones to people is so high. (In SA there are 45m active cell phones for a population of 49m).
This is why you can find our books on Bookly, a mobile phone reader app on the South African based Mxit. Now, this is more than just being able to read your books on your smartphone. Apps like Bookly allow non-smartphones to buy and consume books on this one platform (Amazon apps, for example, don’t allow buying).
So how do I get onto a mobile platform?
Step 1: Start with the smartphone market and make sure that your book is available as an eBook on platforms like Kobo and Amazon. Android and iOS users can download reader apps for free and read their books this way on their cellphones when they’re commuting or waiting in line somewhere.
Step 2: Build your reputation among the under-served market. Find a platform like we did with Bookly that speaks to your genre. Worldreader is focused on getting books out to underprivileged learners, and keen to make contact with book donors.
Get into contact with the spokesperson for the platform. Often these technologies are still relatively new and the creators are keen on adding content to showcase all the features and abilities of their apps.
And you’re in a better, more flexible position than many of the slow-moving publishing houses to quickly send over your work. However, let’s not make promises here that you’ll get in there quickly. Sometimes persistence counts, but chances are indie publishing houses already on these platforms are looking for tailor-made content and contacting them would be easier.
Contact: tick. Now for getting people to read your stuff.
By now you should’ve read quite a bit about writing great blurbs and good cover design.
However, on cellphones you have even less space and attention span to work with. So your blurb needs to be shorter and punchier. We’ve found blurbs in the first person do better than others. Make sense? No, but we’re working on figuring out why.
As for the cover design – it needs to be digitally friendly. Look how striking the black and white of Brett Bruton’s Birth One is on this screen shot, and it pays off in the number of times read.
Striking the right balance for blurbs and design takes some experimentation. However, if you’ve found a good platform and have a good relationship with the content editors, it’s easy to make changes and see how they impact your figures. We like that we can see how many people have read our books and how many have liked or disliked them. This immediate feedback allows us to make more accurate decisions regarding the length, type of content, the blurbs and the look of the books we publish. Power to the people, hey?
Then there’s the content. We find our shorter stories do much better than the longer ones. We’re talking 3000 words here. So you don’t want to dump your entire novel onto this platform, rather, perhaps, a short story using the same characters and world, but a different plot. Use it as a way to build your reputation so that when your novel is launched, there are more people who can recognise you and what your work is about. Author Fiona Snyckers chose Bookly to launch her novel Team Trinity to an audience of 7.3m monthly active users, three weeks before the real-world launch in bookstores.
Promoting yourself:
The problem with mobile platforms, is that some aren’t linked to your social media accounts or have different ways of connecting to the Internet – so you can’t link your book site to your Twitter account or find all your friends from Facebook. Some platforms are also very age-specific, so you’ll most likely be oldest person on the platform, and asking 16-year-olds to follow you is kinda creepy. These platforms are still very isolated from the rest of the online world. It’s still early days, but for now consider that the platform that you’re using can send messages to all the readers of your previous books, can tell how far they read your books and how long they spent on your work. They can also send out messages directly to a cellphone to alert users of giveaways, new releases and other newsworthy items. For now, that’s all I’ve got, but it sounds pretty good to me.
Show me the money! Please? Oh ok.
However, as with most of these new endeavours, you’ll probably be paid a pittance, if at all. So you’re back to being a poor writer. BUT, we live in hope. Which is why mobile is so interesting – it could mean more eyeballs for your work, which means more clout in terms of social networking and readers of your other books, all of which you can take to a publisher and say “Look, Look at these crazy numbers – there are so many people reading me, you should have signed me years ago, but I’ll forgive you … for a fee. And a footrub.”
Some tidbits of info getting the techies excited:
The Internet Access in South Africa 2012 study, conducted by World Wide Worx and backed by the howzit MSN online portal:
- A total of 7,9m South Africans access the Internet on their cell phones. Of these, 2,48m access it only on their cellphones, and do not have access on the computers. The remaining 6,02m users access the Internet on computers, laptops and tablet computers. However, 90% of this number – 5,42m – also access it on their cellphones. This means that almost 8m South Africans sometimes or regularly access the Internet on their phones
The numbers according to the The Mobility 2014 research study, conducted by World Wide Worx with the backing of First National Bank:
- The 19 to 24 age group – representing students and entrants into the workforce – is abandoning voice faster than any other segment. Only 56% of this group’s mobile budget is now spent on voice, down from 66% in mid-2012. Data spend, on the other hand, has increased from 17% to 24%.
- Voice spend has dropped from 73% of mobile budget to 65%, while data has increased from 12% to 16%. At the beginning of 2010, voice stood at 77% and data at 8%.
Check out the World Wide Worx site for more info on cellphone usage and internet penetration in Africa.
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Six of the best with Abi Godsell
Nerine Dorman Dorman interviews Abi Godsell with six quick questions about #IdeaWar - the new #YA dystopian #scifi series
