Sci-Fi/ Fantasy Writers Unite!

I walked into my dealership’s auto shop being met with friendly greetings and large smiles. As always, I saw my advisor handed over my car keys and made my way to the waiting area. I picked a seat off to myself where I could remove my mask and enjoy my slightly cold breakfast sandwich and coffee.

I was probably going to be there for a few hours so to take up some time I pulled out what I call my writing crack; “Heroic Fantasy Short Stories” by Elizabeth Ticknor. Whenever I need a smooth hit of inspiration, this book never fails to deliver.

I was well into the middle of an extremely satisfying plot when a man dressed in a wool trench coat, luxury running shoes and an immaculately pressed collar shirt approached me and asked what I was reading. He didn’t seem to have the sleazy car salesman aura but an old school “When you’re finished with that coffee come talk to me about your next vehicle” appeal. This struck a chord of remembrance as I realized this was the man that had sold my mother her Cadillac three years ago.

After I told him the title of the book his face scrunched up unapprovingly.

“I have to get this chapter read for inspirational purposes, I’m up against a deadline.” I said trying to prohibit a segue into any sales talk. I remember his approach from the deal he had struck with my Mother, he was good.

“You’re a writer huh?” he responded with curiosity. “Yes sir.” I answered in short.

I’m from Texas so “Yes sir” and “No Sir” is conversation etiquette. (It's a Southern thing).

Next, came THE QUESTION that I have come to dread answering. "What's your genre?" After a second of silence I answered, “science fiction.” The face scrunch made a stronger reappearance. I could see it coming, his opinion against all the genre stood for and he definitely let me have it.

“See, I never understood science fiction,” he started “I’m a writer too and prefer to write about real things and reality.” His Southern accent added to the swagger of his tactful delivery.

When I came into the knowing of what my first love would be in creative writing it was like meeting my first love. The meet-cute was subtle yet invigorating. It was during a hot Texas summer in the early 2000’s, I was visiting my aunts house who had one of the largest televisions I’d seen still to this day. It was perfect for movie binges with my little sister. The Matrix was on pay-per-view and my Uncle obliged after a few minutes of begging him to order it for us.

The movie itself was mind blowing but after Neo’ s gravity defying lunge up the windows of a city skyscraper just before the credits rolled, I was hooked for life.

I remember my creativity shooting off in ways I had never experienced. No longer was reality enough for me, I needed whatever this feeling was for the rest of my life. I credit this moment as my origin story. After that day, I knew I wanted to become a science fiction writer.

Along my journey I would soon learn just how painfully niche this genre was. For the longest time I couldn’t understand how anyone wouldn't want to read a story that allowed you to get lost in an entire world. The imagery, the creative nature of every plot and character. It was the purest form of the craft, surely.

But I digress…

The salesman went on to explain in depth why he preferred to write about “real things” and how it truly touches readers. He was also a gifted poet which was no surprise given his amazing success in his current profession. The way he communicated with people had its way of making you feel at home and before you knew it you'd be asking him to take your money.

He gave an excerpt from a poem he’d written about the love between man and their creator and admittedly, after hearing this poem I was moved. I could feel the connection he wanted to convey to his audience and was even left with the same feeling of warmth I feel after reading one of my favorite scriptures.

After I gave him his well-deserved praise he surprisingly responded with, “Now don’t get me wrong, I love selling cars and I’m extremely good at it, no, I’m great at. It’s my calling. But writing, that is where I can express another part of myself that people wouldn’t normally get to see.” I shook my head in agreement smiling slightly at the thought of how kindred we were. Writing also allowed me to share pieces of myself including my beliefs.

We shared a few more words and true to form, the segue happened.

Somehow, we ended up talking about the interest rate of my current auto loan and how he could get me into a newer car with a better deal. As I said, this man was GOOD. After I assured him that I was fine with my cute little SUV and 8% APR we ended the conversation with his business card in my hand, a pat on the shoulder and encouraging words about keeping up with my writing. Although he stood unmoved on my genre of choice, he revered that he got the chance to share space with another creative mind and thanked me for it.

A Few moments later I received a text from my technician that my car was ready for pick up. I packed my book into my bag and headed towards the receptionist desk. When I finally received my keys it dawned on me that all I could think about was getting back home to write something and how the salesman didn’t deter me with his adversity but energized me. The same way I felt about writing in my genre was the same way he felt about the necessaries of writing in his.

Writing Spirisophetry as he coined it, (spiritual & philosophical poetry) gave an old car salesman with 4 vehicles, 2 homes & a 6 figure salary the opportunity to express himself in ways he otherwise felt impossible.

In a world full of realist, pessimist, and optimist I nominate artist to be included as a fourth category in this regard. We have our own way of thinking, viewing, and experiencing life. Especially us sci-fi fantasy loving types. On that note, for my fellow brethren and writers of the unreal, unconventional and the purely imagined. Enjoy my short but sweet list on how to stay satiated, steadfast and most importantly uplifted as a science fiction writer.

1. Science Fiction is worth writing and is needed. It provides one of the most satisfying coping mechanisms, escapism. Just look at Reality T.V ratings we all love a bit of unrealistic drama and story plots.

2. Finish that novel and publish it! If you’re sitting on maybe 1 or 2 unfinished stories and someone or even yourself talked you out of pursuing them shake it off. Your art needs to see its finish line.

3. Don’t become overwhelmed with a necessary storyline rewrite. Some ideas develop themselves into new stories as you, the creator begin to dream them up differently. No matter how large your story might be, tuck in and start over.

4. Keep supporting the genre and other works within it. Authors showing love to other authors is the best kind of love.

5. Say it loud, I'm a science fiction writer and I'm proud! We don't need to explain ourselves to anyone let your work do the talking.

I hope that your courage is strengthened, and your pen/keyboard wears down from the sci-fi/fantasy art you’ve put into this world. Our little niche community needs it.