Interview with Mike Resnick

Rated Number One on the list of most awarded SF authors Mike Resnick is writer and publisher with over 40 years of experience. What made me big fan of Mike’s writing is his humor, which is often even in his most serious writings. Yes, my puny attempt to do the same is inspired by the works of this great author and immensely funny and dear person always open and friendly with fans. Mike Resnick will be Guest of Honor of “Chicon7”, 2012 Worldcon in Chicago.
Teagan: How did you start writing, what inspired you to write your first book?
Resnick: I’ve always been a writer. I sold my first article at 15, my first short story at 17. Writing my first novel was just a natural progression and I knew from the checks I got for articles and short stories that if I wanted to make a living as a writer I’d have to write novels.
Teagan: What is first for you, character or the outline of the story? How personal is your writing?
Resnick: Usually the theme that I want to address comes first. After that, it’s a toss-up between character and plot. My short stories are much more personal than my novels.
Teagan: How do you bridge the gap between realistically possible and pure sci fi when you write?
Resnick: I always lean on the side of telling a human story. “Science fiction” is just a marketing term. I may use all of time and space when telling my stories, but -none- of them depend on the science.
Teagan: How do you deal with writers’ block? What do you use to get ‘reinspired’?
Resnick: Never had it. I think it visits writers who haven’t done their preparation, who sit down and stare at a blank screen or page and wait for inspiration.
Teagan: Because of its connection with Ron L. Hubbard (founder of Church of Scientology), “Writers of the Future” contest is often watched with mistrust and by many avoided with fear. What can you tell us about your experience as judge and how would you present it to new and aspiring writers?
Resnick: I’ve judged it twice now, and in the 8 or 10 days I’ve spent out there the word “Scientology” has literally never been mentioned. There’s no question that the contest has turned out some excellent writers: among the winners are Kevin J. Anderson, Tobias S. Buckell, Eric Flint, Patrick Rothfuss, and others of that quality. You can’t argue with their results, which I think are fully comparable to Clarion’s. I have collaborated with two of the 2010 winners, Laurie Tom and Brad Torgersen, and I guarantee you’ll be hearing more from both.
Teagan: If you could have a dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Resnick: Theodore Roosevelt, who was the most accomplished American in history. Writer, politician, soldier, cowboy, ornithologist, taxidermist, hunter, historian, you name it.
Teagan: What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Resnick: Published writers sit down and write. Those who will be publisher rarely or never spend an inordinate amount of time talking about writing.
Teagan: Anything you want to add?
Resnick: Just that I wouldn’t trade jobs with anyone. Royalty statements, maybe, but not jobs.
Thank you Mr. Resnick for your words of wisdom, it was great honor.
Thanks also go to questions contributors and Commander Miles Unum of Embassy Duronis II/Thunder for help with Interview preparations.