The WDN Interview: David D. Levine

I first learned of David Levine while researching markets for short science fiction. While perusing the April 2007 edition of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, I came across his short story, Titanium Mike Saves The Day. I was enthralled by the title, enticed by the story's reversed timeline, and, in the end, very appreciative of the work that had gone into the story. It's quite good. Come to find out, David has won numerous awards for his work and has a novel curently under consideration. After emailing David and checking out his home on the Internet, I invited him to participate in the Write Damn Now interview. Even with his tight schedule, he agreed. Thanks a bunch, David!

The following is quoted from Wikipedia: "David D. Levine (born February 21, 1961 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is an American science fiction writer who won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 2006. He has primarily written short fiction and his first sale came in 1996. He also co-edits a fanzine with his wife, Kate Yule. Although he has a long interest in writing science fiction he began as a writer of technical articles. His short story "Ukaliq and the Great Hunt" appeared in The Phobos Science Fiction Anthology Volume 2 (2003)."

Here is how David responded to the WDN Interview questions:


1. Why do you write fiction?

I love to make things.

2. When did you start writing?

1998. First published 2001.

3. How would you describe your fiction?

All kinds of SF/Fantasy.

4. Where has your work been published?

Asimov's, F&SF, anthologies, online.

5. When is your "fiction writing time?"

Last thing before bedtime.

6. What is your fiction's average daily word count?

Lately 1000, usually 250-500.

7. Describe your "writing space."

Living room, comfy chair, laptop.

8. What kind of journal do you use?

LiveJournal.

9. How do you plan a story or novel?

Idea, then ending, then characters.

10. Who do you write for?

Old-fashioned plot-focused readers.

11. What is your favorite verb?

"To be" and its variants.

12. What is your least favorite adverb?

"Very." Adds nothing.

13. If you could not write fiction, how else would you spend that time?

Probably reading LiveJournal.

14. What fiction are you currently reading?

Steven Brust's "Jhereg" (neighborhood book club).

15. What is your favorite book?

Just one? "Consider Phlebas."

16. What is your least favorite book?

"Under the Glacier" (book club).

17. What is the worst mistake any author can make?

Slacking off. Persistence is key.

18. What is the worst piece of writing advice you've ever heard?

Self-publish.

19. What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Keep writing, keep submitting. Persist.





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