Comments on: Interview with Ellen Datlow, Award-Winning Editor

By: Ellen Datlow

Ellen Datlow — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 21:45:38 +0000

Hi LaShawn,
Glad you liked the interview. I’ve been away for two weeks so just have checked over here again for the first time since the 14th.

There is no general percentage for any anthology I edit, original or reprint. I just buy the stories I love. It so happens that for the forthcoming YBFH #20 there are fewer big names than usual.

By: Tehani Wessely

Tehani Wessely — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 09:56:12 +0000

Wondering if you are interesting in submitting this (or any other) interviews with people in the speculative fiction arena to us for a non fiction publication? We are a paying market. Submission guidelines on the website. Would love to see this (or something equally as well done) come through the slush!

By: LaShawn

LaShawn — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:23:17 +0000

Wonderful interview! I’ve always been impressed by the stories Ms. Datlow collects for the Year’s Best anthologies (along with Kelly Link and Gavin Grant). I’ve been curious–what percentage of new authors are chosen for the anthologies? In the 2006 collection, I didn’t see that many ‘big-name’ authors.

Thanks again!

By: Ellen Datlow

Ellen Datlow — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 16:10:40 +0000

Carl V,
Thanks.

When I just got into publishing I took a “publishing course” at Columbia University. It turns out that a lot of what was talked about I learned on the job, but the teacher did bring in a person from each department: marketing, editorial, production, sales, etc, and that was very interesting. In book publishing, it’s crucial to know what each department does.

In magazine publishing, it’s not quite the same.

By: Carl V.

Carl V. — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:01:40 +0000

Fascinating interview. Great questions with wonderful answers. I so appreciate Ms. Datlow taking the time. I’m not sure if all people who read books are this way or not, but I frequently wonder about all aspects of the book business: publishing, editing, the art department, marketing, etc. and having someone as knowledgeable as Ms. Datlow providing a glimpse into the editorial end is wonderful. Thank you so much!

By: Ellen Datlow

Ellen Datlow — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 01:57:03 +0000

There are no plots that can’t be freshened up. That’s why I’ll never say that vampire stories are overdone, that “adam and eve” stories are predictable. A fresh voice and a fresh approach -with fascinating characters –can make any “cliche” new.

By: Nicole Hellene

Nicole Hellene — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:10:53 +0000

Hi Ellen, I agree it was indeed a great interview. I have a question about Fantasy/Sci Fi writing. What is the most annoying aspect of a plot you come acrossed in futuristic story-lines? Is writing about the downfall of civilzation or “dooms day” type scenarios cliche and annoying in your opinion?

By: Matt Cardin

Matt Cardin — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:57:28 +0000

Great interview, Ellen. I truly enjoyed reading your thoughts and advice.

By: Kurt Dinan

Kurt Dinan — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:31:01 +0000

Thanks, Ellen, that makes perfect sense.

As a beginning writer, these are things I try to be aware of as I write. There are so many elements that go into a great story I sometimes feel as if I’ve been given a five-hundred piece puzzle where all of pieces are painted black, but if I can arrange them correctly, I’ll have done something special. No one said it would be easy, right?

Thanks again.

By: Ellen Datlow

Ellen Datlow — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:14:27 +0000

Kurt, you’re very welcome.

Let’s see if I can articulate this: When I read a story I read first for entertainment and for plot. I want to know what happens in the story. But under that plot, are motivation of the characters, an authorial point of view (does the author approve or disapprove of the characters’ behavior? Does that indeed matter to the story?), what is the story really about? Is it saying something political? About how we see the world. I guess I’m talking about depth. Everything that makes a story readable more than once. Why do we go back to the great classic stories–in and out of genre? Because there is more to them than “just” a series of events as related by the author.

Does that make sense to you?