447: Flying by the Seat of Your Pants: Writing without an Outline — Interview

Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Monte Schultz. We'll be talking about his book Metropolis, and the intricacies of writing alternative history. Monte Schulz received his M.A. in American Studies from University of California, Santa Barbara. He published his first novel, Down by the River, in 1990, and spent the next twelve years writing a novel about the Jazz Age. Monte is also a composer, songwriter, and producer whose most recent album is titled "Seraphonium." In 2010, he became the owner of the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. Monte is endlessly curious and well versed in world history and theology. He is fascinated by the style and use of innovative language, and can be caught engaging in provocative, philosophical conversations about big, far-reaching, imaginative ideas and worldly perspectives. His father is the late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. He lives in Santa Barbara, CA. You can find him on his website or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.   In this episode Monte Schultz and I discuss: How real world events seeded his fictional world. The effects of history's weight: heavy topics creating ennui in a society and applying that to backstory. That reading widely, from both commercial and literary works, are key, along with a list of suggested authors. Plus, his #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: diymfa.com/447