The website of Michael McCollum, 
Science Fiction Novelist

Version 3.0

Writer's Workshop

Welcome to the Writer's Workshop. Each month we publish articles dealing with matters of concern to writers, with an emphasis on the technical problems specific to science fiction writing. No matter what sort of a writer you are or wish to be, you will find something of interest here.

The Art of Writing

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This Month's Article

Writing About Race: Part 2

How does one write realistically about race? To a professional writer, the answer to that question should be obvious.  But that answer does not take into account the power of the new fascism​​.  This month we explore the touchy subject of writing about race, and offer some suggestions for walking through the minefield without getting your foot blown off.   

Previous Month's Article​s

Writing About Race: Part 1

Point of View

The Art of Science Fiction

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This Month's Article

The Physiology of Telepathy

In a lot of science fiction novels, the beautiful mindreader heroine senses the villain's thoughts and alerts the Space Patrol in time to stop his nefarious plot.  That she can read minds is obvious.  The explanation of how she manages it is less obvious.  Just exactly what sort of signal does the human brain emit that other human brains can detect?  This month we look at the scientific basis for telepathy, telekinesis, and other paranormal abilities.   

Previous Month's Article​s

The Sky is Falling: Part 3

 Sky is Falling: Part ​2