XIX: Characterizing Rational Fiction w/ Alexander Wales

The week we were joined by prolific author of rational fiction Alexander Wales. We of course discuss his works, particularly Worth the Candle, This Used to be About Dungeons, and The Metropolitan Man, but also talk about time travel, writing under a pseudonym, crafting believable characters, and more.Thanks for Listening!TIMESTAMPS:0:12 - Introduction0:55 - What are the characteristics of Rational Fiction?6:11 - Discussing Worth the Candle7:14 - Using a pseudonym releases pressure as an author10:32 - How much of Worth the Candle is taken from D&D campaigns you ran?13:41 - Does being a DM prepare you for being a fiction writer?16:18 - Being a web serial author you can't go back and change your work18:19 - Continuously tinkering with a book for ages is overrated20:00 - Unlike webcomics web serials actually finish sometimes24:09 - Do web fiction authors ever use Pseudonyms to write something other than the main fic they are known for?27:37 - Writing under a pseudonym can give you a more authentic reaction29:06 - Discussing This Used To Be About Dungeons32:16 - It was cool to have characters who were believably unlikeable in ways36:35 - Not all conflict should come from misunderstandings40:11 - Chrononauts in This Used To Be About Dungeons and time travel as a trope44:36 - It's hard to do everything exactly the same as you did in the past45:36 - Time loops are like speedrunning47:04 - Time Travel Story Recommendations* Palimpsest by Charles Stross* Primer (rewatch with commentary from Sam Hughes/qntm)* The Time Traveler’s Wife (only the book)49:59 - Discussing The Metropolitan Man51:20 - Is it more interesting to write fanfiction focused on more mundane characters?55:04 - Lois Lane is an interesting character in The Metropolitan Man58:34 - The Metropolitan Man owes its biggest inspiration to Superman: Red Son1:02:09 - Your fanfiction has some high quality footnotes1:05:03 - Discussing the cthuluraejepsen pseudonym1:06:37 - Conclusion + Short Fiction Recommendation of Eager Readers in Your Area1:08:45 - Start of Synthesized Sunsets Backstage1:10:49 - It was cool to talk about Metropolitan Man directly after reading1:12:43 - Discussing Kevin’s article Golden Age Science Fiction is Being Reborn... in China?1:15:34 - Sci-fi has lost optimism and reverence for science and technology in general1:19:49 - University Sci-fi clubs have died off in the U.S1:21:10 - There are a lot more outlets for being nerdy than there used to be1:23:11 - Discussing our review article Hugo Awards Review #2: Alien Clay + Service Model1:23:25 - Kevin really liked Alien Clay1:26:04 - Gordon really wanted to like Alien Clay1:27:40 - Alien Clay sort of spoils its own climax1:29:48 - Alien Clay has some really interesting characters1:31:55 - Kevin and Gordon are in agreement that Service Model was very okay1:32:20 - Service Model was too long and took itself too seriously1:34:43 - Kevin suggests an alternate version of this book where The Wonk is a figment of Uncharles's imagination1:37:14 - Service Model was very reliant on its settings being captivating1:39:39 - It’s hard to rate reading experience too heavily because it is influenced by factors other than the quality of the book1:41:33 - Conclusion + Short Story Recommendation Human Resources (prequel to Service Model) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit synthesizedsunsets.substack.com/subscribe