Nothing stands for content-free corporate bullshit quite like PowerPoint. And that's just scratching the surface.
Charles StrossMy agent is based in New York. And due to a historic accident, my publishing track is primarily American - I'm sold into the UK almost as a foreign import! So I'm quite out of touch with what's going on in UK publishing.
Charles StrossI like lassic British spy thrillers. Seriously. If the cold war was still on, that's something I'd be writing.
Charles StrossUnfortunately it's also true to say that good management is a bit like oxygen - it's invisible and you don't notice its presence until it's gone, and then you're sorry.
Charles StrossFor someone who is starting out on developing their critical skills, just being aware of its existence is great: it can make the difference between trying to write a story around a cliche or an original idea, and better still, studying it can eventually clue you in on how to breathe new life into tired tropes.
Charles Stross