In this episode I chat with Science Fiction & Fantasy author Aliette de Bodard. Aliette de Bodard is an award-winning author who writes everything from big, epic Fantasy down to short stories and flash fiction, with some novellas in the middle. We talk about how she trained herself with flash fiction challenges, her early attempts at novels and what they taught her, and the art of writing characters whose ethics and methods you don't agree with. In particular we chat about her new novel, THE HOUSE OF SUNDERING FLAMES, characters who write themselves, and plots that really, really don't. This is a great episode to listen to if you want to know: - how can I train myself to be less perfectionist? - how do I know if something's gone wrong with my story plan? - how can I write morally-questionable characters but still keep the reader reading? Here are some of Aliette's books we talk about. If you enjoy this episode please support her by treating yourself to one: THE HOUSE OF SUNDERING FLAMES: https://wordery.com/the-house-of-sundering-flames-aliette-de-bodard-9781473223400#oid=1908_1 THE HOUSE OF BINDING THORNS: https://wordery.com/the-house-of-binding-thorns-aliette-de-bodard-9781473212619#oid=1908_1 THE HOUSE OF SHATTERED WINGS: https://www.amazon.co.uk/House-Shattered-Wings-Dominion-Fallen-ebook/dp/B00WERXESW THE TEA MASTER AND THE DETECTIVE: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tea-Master-Detective-Aliette-Bodard-ebook/dp/B07C8LW271 If you'd like to support me, it'd be ace if you picked up a copy of my novels, THE HONOURS, & the new sequel THE ICE HOUSE. THE ICE HOUSE links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-ice-house-tim-clare-9781786894816#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-ice-house/ Forbidden Planet: https://forbiddenplanet.com/272064-the-ice-house-hardcover/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786894815/ THE HONOURS links: Wordery: https://wordery.com/the-honours-tim-clare-9781782114765#oid=1908_1 Mr B’s Emporium: https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/books/the-honours/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1782114769/ Ko-fi page: www.ko-fi.com/timclare